The American Homoeopathic Review

[A selection of articles, with annotations.]

www.homeopathy.net

Article list

INTRODUCTION by the Editor

Aegidi; a Case of Diabetes Mellitus

Aegidi; High Potencies

AHomeo01; Another Cure for Consumption

AHomeo01; Book Notice; Hirschel; Study of Pharmacodynamics

AHomeo01; Book-Notices 03

AHomeo01; Book-Notices 06

AHomeo01; Book-Notices 12

AHomeo01; Book-Notices

AHomeo01; Communication from C. von Boenninghausen (1858)

AHomeo01; Coxitis

AHomeo01; Dispensary and Hospital reports

AHomeo01; Dr. Trinks on high dilutions

AHomeo01; Epilepsy

AHomeo01; Fragmenta by Analectes

AHomeo01; Fragmenta II by Analectes

AHomeo01; Geography, Chorography and Periodicity

AHomeo01; Gonorrhea

AHomeo01; Introductory

AHomeo01; Letter from Dr Bacmeister

AHomeo01; Lunacy

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 01

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 02

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 03

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 04

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 05

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 06

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 07

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 08

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 09

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 10

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 11

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 12

AHomeo01; Paralysis

AHomeo01; Present Position of Medical Science (1858)

AHomeo01; Symptoms

AHomeo01; Tinea Capitis

AHomeo02; Book Notices 12

AHomeo02; Books Received 08

AHomeo02; Establishment of Hahnemann Medical College Chicago

AHomeo02; Homoeopathic Medical College of The State of New York

AHomeo02; Miscellaneous 01

AHomeo02; Miscellaneous 02

AHomeo02; Miscellaneous 04

AHomeo02; Miscellaneous 09

AHomeo02; on Reporting Cases

AHomeo03; Book Notices 07

AHomeo03; Book Notices 08

AHomeo03; Book Notices 10

AHomeo03; Central Union of The Homoeopathic Physicians of Germany

AHomeo03; Drosera in Tuberculosis

AHomeo03; Hahnemann Academy of Medicine

AHomeo03; Homeopathy in Michigan State Prison

AHomeo03; Homoeopathic Physicians of The Rhine and Westphalia

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 01

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 03

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 04

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 05

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 10

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 11

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous

AHomeo04; Book Notices 09

AHomeo04; Book Notices

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 01

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 03

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 04

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 05

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 06

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 07

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 11

AHomeo04; Provings of Kali Cyanuretum

AHomeo04; Rheumatism Cured by a Bee-sting

AHomeo05; Book Notice 03

AHomeo05; Clinical Remarks on Cancer

AHomeo05; Hahnemann's Organon

AHomeo05; Hahnemann's Will

AHomeo05; Miscellaneous 01

AHomeo06; American Homoeopathic Periodicals

AHomeo06; Book Notices 06

AHomeo06; Homoeopathy and the Board of Health

AHomeo06; Miscellaneous 03

AHomeo06; Valedictory

AInstHom; The Fifteenth Annual Session (1858)

Ainsthom; The Seventeenth Annual Session (1860-06-06)

AInstHom; The Sixteenth Annual Session (1859)

Allen TF; Allium Cepa

Allen TF; Cases of Epilepsy

Allen TF; Clinical Observations on Lachesis

Allen TF; Gelsemium Sempervirens vs Gelseminum Nitidum

Allen TF; Provings of Aloes

Allen TF; The Physiology and Pathology of The Nasal Passages

Alley JT; Clinical notes on Amenorrhea

Alley JT; Teachings of Pathology in relation to Homeopathy

Alley JT; Teachings of Physiology in relation to Homeopathy

Aprovunion; Transactions 1859-12-08

Aprovunion; Transactions 1860-01-12 1860-02-09

Bahm; Transactions 1859-11-28

Baird WP; Drug Provings

Battman; Clinical Remarks on High Potencies

Bayard E; Inflammation of the Caput Coli

Bayard E; The Remedial and Pathogenetic effect of Dulcamara on the Horse

Bayard; Bowers; Paine; Provings of Rumex Crispus

Bayes W; Question on Doses Reply to Dr Lippe

Bayes; Cholera As Treated by Dr Rubini

Bell JB; Clinical Cases

Bell JB; Scabies

Boenninghausen C; Anamnesis of Sycosis

Boenninghausen C; Hahnemann's Three Precautions

Boenninghausen C; Hooping Cough

Boenninghausen C; Jenichen's High Potencies

Boenninghausen C; Kreasotum

Boenninghausen C; Motion and Rest

Boenninghausen C; on The Relative Worth of Symptoms; With Some Remarks on Borax

Boenninghausen C; Tabes Dorsalis and Aluminium metallicum

Boenninghausen C; The Advantages of The High Potencies

Boenninghausen C; The Choice of the Remedy

Boenninghausen C; Thuja As An Intercurrent Remedy

Boenninghausen C; Toothache

Bojanus; Warts

BostonAHM; Transactions 01

Bowers BF; Life and Character of Dr Joslin

Boyce CW; Arsenicum and Dysentery

Boyce CW; Catarrh

Boyce CW; Lachesis in Bronchial Catarrh

Boyce CW; Observations on Spigelia

Boyce CW; Poisoning by a Wasp

Boyce CW; Purpura Haemorrhagica

Boyce CW; Uterine Catarrh

Brewster AJ; Clinical Cases

Buckland; Poisoning by Cobra

Burritt F; Hamamelis Virginiana

Capper; Case of Severe and Complicated Pneumonia

Cate HJ; a Case of Acute Albuminuria

Clary L; Proving of Rhus Vernix

Coe MD; Alternation

Colby I; Bigelow, Exposition of Rational Medicine

Collum MMc; Chronic Gastritis

Comstock TG; Good Samaritan Hospital Saint Louis 1859 Report

Coxe JR; Alternation of Remedies

Coxe JR; Book Review; Hempel J; Manual

Cushing AM; Whooping Cough

Cushing MD; Case of Convulsions

Dake M; Medical Education

Davison JM; Clinical Observations on Hamamelis

Dunham C; Administration of High Potencies

Dunham C; Aloes in Dysentery

Dunham C; Alternation of Remedies 02

Dunham C; Alternation of Remedies

Dunham C; Climate

Dunham C; Clinical Contribution

Dunham C; Datura Stramonium

Dunham C; Deafness cured by Mezereum

Dunham C; Deodorizing agents

Dunham C; Dr C von Boenninghausen

Dunham C; Fungi and Measles

Dunham C; Homoeopathy in Cuba

Dunham C; Homoeopathy The Science of Therapeutics

Dunham C; Chlorine and Spasmus Glottidis

Dunham C; Chlorine in Spasm of The Glottis

Dunham C; Chronic Diarrhea Cured by a Single Dose of a High Potency

Dunham C; Mend Or End

Dunham C; Mezereum

Dunham C; Murex Purpurea

Dunham C; Observations on Aconite

Dunham C; Observations on Bryonia

Dunham C; Observations on Colchicum

Dunham C; Observations on Eupatorium

Dunham C; Observations on Lachesis

Dunham C; Observations on Materia Medica

Dunham C; Observations on Opium

Dunham C; Observations on Rhus

Dunham C; on The Elimination Theory

Dunham C; Pterygium Crassum Cured by a Single Remedy in a High Potency

Dunham C; Relation of Pathology to Therapeutics

Dunham C; Remarks on Aloes

Dunham C; Remarks on Scabies

Dunham C; Retrospect 02

Dunham C; Retrospect

Dunham C; Rhees MJ; Joslin BF; Wells PP; Observations on Rumex Crispus

Dunham C; Specific Results

Dunham C; The Appeal to The People 01

Dunham C; The Appeal to The People 02

Dunham C; The Appeal to The People 03

Dunham C; The Basis of Treatment

Dunham C; The Dose in Drug-proving

Dunham C; The Question of The Dose

Dunham C; The Use of High Potencies in The Treatment of The Sick

Dunham C; Value of Unproved Remedies

Dunham C;; Mutato Nomine

Eidherr M; Cyclamen Europaeum

Epps J; Constipation

Fanning TC; Case of Dysmenorrhea

Fanning TC; Coffea in Toothache

Fanning TC; Lithium Carbonicum

Feller M; Apis in Bright's Disease Following Scarlatina

Fellger Ad; Clinical Case

Fellows HB; Enlargement of The Materia Medica

Fellows HB; Lachesis

Fincke B; Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 01

Fincke B; Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 02

Fincke B; Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 03

Fincke B; Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 04

Fincke B; Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 05

Fincke B; Homoeopathic Tocology

Fincke B; Hydrocele

Fincke B; New Proving of Spongia Tosta

Fincke B; New Provings of Galvanismus

Fowler EP; Letter from Dr Fowler

Frost JHP; Notes on Lachesis

Frost JHP; Post Scarlatina Dropsy

Frost JHP; The Sympathetic and Spinal Systems in Relation to Psora

Gabalda F; Metrorrhaghia

Gallupe W; Clinical Contributions

Gallupe Wm; Clinical Contributions

Gardiner R; Cannabis Indica

Gardiner R; Dignity of The Medical Character

Goallon H; Are Homoeopathic Doses Nothing Or Something

Gonzalez Dr; Case of Cinchona-poisoning

Gonzalez PA; Case of Lead Colic

Gorton DA; Clinical Contribution

Gorton DA; Tabes Mesenterica

Goullon H; How Do Homoeopathic Medicines Act

Goullon H; Medicinal Matter and Force

Gregg RR; Clinical Contributions

Guenther SG; Cure and conversion of an allopath

Hale EM; Clinical Observations on Terebinth

Hale EM; Coffea in Toothache

Hale EM; Copavia Balsamum in Blenorrhagia

Hale EM; Glycerine for external applications

Hallock L; Lactation

Hawley WA; Alternation of Remedies

Hawley WA; Alternation

Hawley WA; Case of Phthisis Pulmonalis

Heath ER; Poisoning by Phosphorus

Helmuth WmT; Apis in Surgical Diseases

Helmuth WmT; Homoeopathic Medicine in Surgery

Helmuth WmT; Stomatitis

Hencke; Nux Vomica

Hering C; Apis Mellifica

Hering C; Cases of Diphtheria

Hering C; Digitalis According to The Monographs of Baehr and Black

Hering C; Introductory Lecture

Hering C; Our Materia Medica

Hering C; Proposal to Publish a Standard Work on Materia Medica

Hering C; Proving of Lithium Carbonicum

Hering C; Sifting The Drug Symptoms

Hering C; Tellurium

Hering C; The British Repertory

Hering C; The Morbid Fear of Hydrophobia

Hermel; Teucrium Marum Verum

Holcombe WmH; Acalipha Indica in Pulmonary Haemorrhage

Hoppe J; Characteristic Symptoms

Hoppe J; Intercostal Neuralgia With Spasms

Houghton MG; Diphtheria

Hunt FV; Causes of Malarious Fever

Hunt FV; Follicular Enteritis

Hunt FV; Physical properties and Character of Malaria

Hunt FW; Practical Uses and Abuses of Stimulants

Chase HL; Belladonna as a Prophylactic in Scarlatina

ChicagoHMS; Transactions (1858) 02

ChicagoHMS; Transactions (1858) 03

ChicagoHMS; Transactions (1858)

ChicagoHMS; Transactions (1859) 03

ChicagoHMS; Transactions (1859)

Jackson MB; Broken Breast

Jackson MB; Mechanical Means in Misplacements of The Uterus

Jackson MB; Pulsatilla in Malpresentation

Jahr GHG; Collection of Clinical Observations and Studies of the MM

Jenner AJB; Kerosene a Homoeopathic Remedy For Burns

Joslin BF Jr; Clinical Contributions

Joslin BF Jr; Dropsy After Scarlet Fever

Joslin BF Jr; Chlorine in Spasmus Glottidis

Joslin BF Jr; Insanity Treate at Home of the Patient

Joslin BF Jr; Intermittent fever

Joslin BF Jr; Report of a Case of Abscess of The Liver

Joslin BF Jr; Singular Case of Spasmodic Stricture of The Oesophagus

Joslin BF Jr; Vaccination and Revaccination

Joslin BF; Apis in Cases of Albuminuria

Joslin BF; Five Points House of Industry Report

Joslin BF; Homeopathic practice and provings

Joslin BF; Impurities of an attenuating liquid

Joslin BF; Nature of Ozone

Joslin BF; On the Advancement of Medical Science

Joslin BF; Polygonum Hydropiper - fragmentary provings

Joslin BF; Potencies in Connection with Crudities

Joslin BF; Rhus radicans - first proving

Joslin BF; Rumex crispus - verified symptoms

Joslin BF; Second Proving of Rhus Radicans

Kellogg EM; Palpebral Neuralgia

Kenton LM; Clinical Observation of Kalmia Latifolia

Kenyon LM; Case Fragment

Kenyon LM; Croup

Kenyon LM; Curative Effect of Hamamelis

Kenyon LM; Lachesis

King OR; Hooping Cough

King OR; Poisoning by Cyanide of Potassium

Lazarus ME; Purulent Ophthalmia

Lippe Ad; a Letter to the Editor 01

Lippe Ad; a Letter to the Editor 02

Lippe Ad; a Question on Characteristic Indications Addressed to Dr Bayes

Lippe Ad; Arum Triphyllum in Scarlet Fever

Lippe Ad; Clinical Observations 05

Lippe Ad; Clinical Observations 06

Lippe Ad; Clinical Observations 08

Lippe Ad; Doses

Lippe Ad; Dr Von Boenninghausen

Lippe Ad; Dysentery

Lippe Ad; Importance of a Single Symptom

Lippe Ad; Intermittent Fever

Lippe Ad; Lachesis

Lippe Ad; Lachnanthes Tinctoria

Lippe Ad; Pathological Conditions No Indication of Treatment

Lippe Ad; Reply to Dr Bayes' Answer

Lippe Ad; The Allopathic Practice Not Progressive in 1862

Lippe Ad; The Alternation of Aconite and Belladonna

Lippe Ad; The Diseases of The Prostate Gland and Their Treatment

Lippe Ad; The Homoeopathician

Lippe Ad; The Materia Medica

Lippe Ad; The Question of The Dose

Lippe Ad; Who Is a Homoeopathician (reply to Mr Pope)

Lippe Ad; Who Is a Homoeopathician 02 (final reply to Mr Pope)

Lippe Ad; Who Is a Homoeopathist

Lippe C; Clinical Contribution

Lmonhomeo; Importance of Symptomatology

Lmonhomeo; London Life Assurance Office Converted to Homoeopathy by The Evidence of Statistics

Lmonhomeo; Medical fees

Lmonhomeo; The Formula of Homoeopathy

Lmonhomeo; What Allopathic Practitioners Think of Homoeopathy

Ludlam R; Review; Apis mellifica; Wolf CW

Ludlam R; Stomatitis Materna

Macy BC; Kalmia Latifolia in Brights Disease

Mason CH; Trismus

Maumene ME; Action of fluorides on animal

Meyer V; The Action of Glonoine

Minnichreiter F; Rheumatism of The Arm and Rheumatic Coccygodynia Cured by Apis

Morgan AR; Case of Malformation of The Heart

Morgan AR; Fidelity

Morgan AR; Lachesis

Morgan AR; Medical Report of The Onondaga County Orphan Asylum

Morgan AR; Professional Trials and Dangers

Mouremans J; Case of Double Cataract

Nankivell H; Glonoine in Nervous Affections

Nankivell JH; Apis Mellifica in Scarlatina Maligna

Navarro JJ; Notes on Guao

Oehme FG; Dysentery

Paine HD; Diphtheria

Paine HM; Aesculus Hippocastanum

Paine HM; State Homoeopathic Medical Society

Payne JH; Chronic Tetanus of Seven Years Standing

Payne JH; Syphilis

Payne NM; Toxicological effects of Rhus Toxicodendron

Payne WME; Proving of Gelseminum Sempervirus

Pearson C; Lachesis As a Remedy

Perkins RG; Remedies

Perkins RG; Theory of Cure

Perkins RG; Theory of Disease

Perkins RG; Theory of Life

Peters JC; Yellow Fever at Staten Island (1858)

Plundell; The Australian Red Gum Or Kino

Pomeroy TF; Clinical Contribution

Pomeroy TF; Eruption Upon The Scalp Cured by a Single Remedy

Pope AC; The Cattle Plague

Pope AC; Who Is a Homoeopathician 02 (reply to Dr Lippe)

Pope AC; Who Is a Homoeopathician

Pretsch C; American Remedies

Pretsch C; Potencies or Dilutions; Second Article

Pretsch C; Potencies or Dilutions

Raue CG; Diagnostic Indications of The Face

Raue CG; Diagnostic Indications of The Tongue

Ray W; Case of Scarlet Fever

Raymond JC; Diphtheria

Rhees MJ; Asclepias Tuberosa

Rhees MJ; Cases of Mineral Poisoning

Rhees MJ; Provings of Rumex Crispus

Rhees MJ; Value of Clinical Reports

Robinson H; a Case of Phlebitis

Robinson H; Case of Ascites

Rowley WM; Specifics

Rubini R; Proving of Cactus Grandiflorus

Ruhfus; Chronic Cerebro-spinal Disease

Shipman E; Are we inclining to Allopathy

Schaefer C; Clinical Contribution

Schaefer C; Dysentery

Smith HM; Report of An Anomalous Case

Springsteed D; Case of Trismus

Stern L; Some Remarks on The Homoeopathic Treatment of Intermittent Fever

Stokes; Fragmentary provings

Swift CE; Diseases of Children

Temple JT; Case of Hydatids

Vanderburgh F; Congestion

Vanderburgh F; Respiration

Wade JL; Anthemis Nobilis

Wade JL; Case of Yellow Fever

Warner NH; Pathogenetic Effects of Belladonna

Wells DF; Clinical Contributions

Wells PP; Aloes

Wells PP; Apis Mellifica

Wells PP; Cannabis Indica

Wells PP; Colchicum

Wells PP; Croup

Wells PP; Diarrhea

Wells PP; Drug Proving

Wells PP; Dysentery

Wells PP; Gelseminum

Wells PP; Lachesis

Wells PP; Pneumonia

Wells PP; Practice cases

Wells PP; Rheumatism

Wells PP; Scarlet Fever 02

Wells PP; Scarlet Fever 03

Wells PP; Scarlet Fever

Wells PP; The Dose

Wells PP; The Microscope

Wells PP; Typhoid Fever

Wesselhoeft C; Clinical Observations on Lachesis

Wesselhoeft C; Diseases During Lactation

Wesselhoeft C; Popular Literature on Homoeopathy

Wood N; Minute Doses

The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW.

[A selection of articles, with annotations.]

INTRODUCTION.

In the spring of 1858, there was dissatisfaction expressed by a large number of homeopathic physicians in the US that the North American Journal of Homoeopathy (the only professional homeopathic periodical at the time, in the US) was approving and publishing contributions which were not in line with the idea of homeopathy as taught by Hahnemann. The situation was remedied by foundation of the American Homeopathic Review whose editors proposed to "issuing one that should advocate a strict adherence to the homoeopathic law, although acknowledging the right or every physician to prescribe the remedies in such quantities as his experience or judgment dictated."

In October 1858 the first number of the Review appeared under the auspices of R. G. Perkins and H. M. Smith as editors and proprietors. Themselves unknown to the homoeopathic profession, the editors sought and received the literary assistance of the more noted of homeopathic physicians, as E. Bayard, J. P. Dake, C. Dunham, B. Fincke, L. Hallock, C. Hering, B. F. Joslin, B. F. Joslin, Jr., E. M. Kellogg, A. Lippe, R. Ludlam, E. E. Marcy, H. D. Paine, M. J. Rhees, G. Shipman, F. Vanderburgh, P. P. Wells and others. Also included were translations of the important articles by C. von Boenninghausen and other selected articles appearing in the German homeopathic journal Allgemeine Homoeopatische Zeitung.

Almost all of the articles from all the issued numbers were included in this selection, with the exception of most of the "Transactions of homeopathic societies" which were generally omitted (usually containing information like "Dr. XY presented a paper on this and that" with no particulars provided), unless containing some useful information for reader of our times. All the articles contain annotations indicating the author (if known), the exact source in the original AHR journal, the description and other information useful for locating articles dealing with certain topics, remedies, by specific authors etc.

The articles in the original journal were often published in several parts, sometimes spanning through several numbers of the journal – these parts were joined into a single article. The articles were then subjected to proofreading, with the aim of correcting both the errors introduced during the OCR process and those present in the original texts. To improve the search, certain words were edited into their more modern form e.g. "diarrhea" in place "diarrhoea", "headache" instead of "head-ache" etc.

The quality of the articles is generally very high and the overall tone of the periodical intends to promote strict adherence to the homeopathic law as taught by Hahnemann. The articles cover all kinds of topics – homeopathic philosophy, original provings, clinical cases, various debates on then-and-now-current topics such as alternation of the remedies, use of high/low potencies, prescription strategies, book reviews and other interesting subjects. We feel that modern homeopathy has been cut off from its roots and this selection of articles aims to provide means of reconnecting these severed threads.

A summary of what is included:

- contains all six volumes of The American Homoeopathic Review (all numbers)

- more than 4000 standard pages of text

- over 400 selected articles with annotations

- true Hahnemannian classical homeopathy – homeopathic philosophy, original provings, clinical cases, debates, book reviews

Peter Bezemek

Editor

October 2011

These articles are also available as a Materia Medica Pack for Mercurius homeopathic software, see www.homeopathy.net

A CASE OF DIABETES MELLITUS. *[From the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 67, 155.]

BY DR. AEGIDI.

The patient, of whose malady I here give a sketch, is a freeholder, aged 43 years, married, the father of two children. His disease began in April, 1861, after taking cold in consequence of getting wet through, with a rheumatic fever, two months after which the first signs of the present chronic disease made their appearance, from which time they have steadily increased in severity. For seven months he was treated by four allopathic physicians with a variety of remedial mixtures and by a Homoeopathist with Sulphur, Calcar., Phos. acid, Mercur. oxyd. rubr., Phosphorus, Ars., Silicea, Magnes mur., in low potencies and repeated doses without the least benefit being derived.

In February, 1862, the patient came under my treatment, his condition being as follows: the patient is of medium size, normal growth, with light hair and grey eyes. He is dreadfully emaciated, the laces sunken, the chest flat, the ribs projecting, the muscles of the extremities lax and soft, he is hardly any thing but skin and bone. The tongue and gums are a deep red, the latter lax and separated from the teeth. The epigastrium distended and very sensitive, the liver hypertrophic, the bowels constipated and the feces of a grey color. The skin was flabby; on the chest it was covered with an erythema. Dull pain in the region of the right kidney, when pressure is made in that region. The urinary secretion enormously increased, the quantity of late amounting to about sixteen or eighteen pounds. The urine is pale, almost like water, at the same time somewhat milky, sticky, frothy after having been passed, of a sour reaction, its specific gravity 1.103, the proportion of sugar contained in it about 5 1/2 percent. Appetite and thirst enormous. The sleep is disturbed by frequent urination, the spirits depressed, harassed and care-laden in the highest degree, the intellect blunted, the thoughts cloudy.

The patient feels greatly fatigued, powerless, walking and all bodily movements are difficult for him. Pains in the ankle joints, heaviness of the feet. In the morning, after sleeping, lassitude and powerlessness. All the symptoms are aggravated during repose. Thirst is most violent the whole forenoon, with inward chilliness, confusion of the head, pressive pain in the forehead especially after each meal, roaring in the ears, sometimes vertigo with subsequent nausea and difficult deglutition.

In anamnestic relations it may be mentioned that up to his 26th year, the patient had enjoyed good health and bodily vigor. To the question whether he had ever had itch, he replied in the negative. But he admitted that, in his 19th year, he had, during an illicit intercourse, contracted gonorrhea which lasted nearly a year in spite of remedies and injections. Being subjected, after this statement, to a careful examination, he gave the following information:

For a long while after the gonorrhea was subdued, he had experienced a troublesome itching in the hairy portions of the genital organs, which was especially increased by the warmth of the bed. After vigorously scratching the parts which itched, an operation to which he was compelled to resort for the purpose of gaining relief, he had observed a moist eruption appear on those parts, which, after a few days became covered with small, blackish scabs; this made him fear that he had contracted lice; careful examination by experts, however, relieved him of this fear. Subsequently, after this troublesome affection had spontaneously disappeared, he observed upon the scrotum a quantity of small indurations in the form of yellowish-white bodies as large as a grain of barley, which, however, gave him no inconvenience and gradually vanished without leaving any mark. Not long afterwards, however, there appeared on the inner side of the lips and on the margin of the tongue, sore spots from the size of the head of a nail to that of a penny, which were covered with a pellicle resembling mother of pearl and which made mastication difficult. He had used for these Borax with honey of roses, which, indeed, gave him relief for the moment but did not prevent the return of this painful affection. At last, it disappeared entirely and his condition for two years had been in every respect satisfactory. Having taken a violent cold, after dancing the whole of a winter night, he then contracted a severe rheumatism, which confined him to his bed six weeks, but which finally yielded to the remedies applied, leaving behind it a painless weakness of the leg. Even up to the present time he feels a kind of paralysis of the leg. He has also observed an osseous enlargement at the articulation of the right clavicle, which has been painful from time to time and is even yet perceptible. Until the commencement of his present malady he has had nothing else to complain of.

After hearing all these facts, there could remain no doubt that the patient was affected in a high degree with the Gonorrheal Cachexy (as G. H. Ritter has so faithfully depicted its character and course in his celebrated work), and that the Diabetes Mellitus stood in causal connection with this cachexy. For this reason and because the patient partook of a hydrogenoid constitution of body, I had no hesitation in prescribing for him Glauber salt and Thuja, which also were indicated by the similarity of the symptoms. Rendered cautious by the frequent warnings, both written and oral, of my friend, Dr. Wolf, to give Thuja in only a single dose and not to repeat it, I gave this patient, once for all, a couple of globules of Thuja 30, and eight days thereafter allowed him to take the third centesimal potency of Natrum sulphuricum, five drops four times every day, each dose accompanied by a cup of hot water.*[I have observed that Glauber salt, taken with hot water, acts with the greater energy; just as at the Carlsbad Warm Springs, the degree of temperature of the water, modifies the effect.]

I refrain from describing the course of the disease with its changes of symptoms, and merely state that the result of this treatment was surprisingly favorable. After the patient had taken the Glauber salt in the way above stated, for four months without interruption, he was fully recovered from his apparently hopeless and dangerous malady. Since this period more than a year has elapsed and this man who, when he came to me was given up to die, would now hardly be recognized. He feels strong, healthy and able to work, is lively in spirits, his muscles are powerful, he has increased in bulk, his countenance is expressive of comfortable health and even his paralytic leg gives him less trouble.

The indulgent reader, will, I anticipate, not suspect me of recommending Thuja, and especially not Glauber salt as a specific remedy for Diabetes Mellitus. By no means! Every single case of disease is a peculiar characteristic case and requires its own individual remedy.

This principle was confirmed by the history of a second case of Diabetes Mellitus, which came under my treatment, after having been given up by allopathic physicians. Neither Thuja or Glauber salt were of the slightest service to this patient. After many fruitless experiments, however, I succeeded in completely curing this patient also and that by means of a remedy of surprising action, but which however I may not make known until further experiments shall have given me greater certainty respecting its efficacy.

[May Dr. Aegidi long enjoy his newly recovered health, for the proposed experiments and the publication of their results, and for the proving of Natrum sulphuricum in which he invites his colleagues to engage. — Ed.]

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 08, 1864, page 356-360]

[Description: a Case of Diabetes Mellitus.]

[Remedies: Thuja occidentalis, Natrium sulphuricum]

[Author: Aegidi]

[Year: 1864]

HIGH POTENCIES. *[From Allg. Hom. Zeit., Vol. LXVI, 7.]

BY DR. AEGIDI.

Dr. von Grauvogl at the meeting of the Central Union of Homoeopathic Physicians, last year, expressed himself as follows: "The efficiency of the high potencies is every day becoming more manifest; hence all scepticism must gradually give way."

From this we may reasonably expect that a man of learning and of true and earnest devotion to science and to whose scientific researches we are already indebted for most valuable results, will not rest satisfied with this simple expression of opinion but will proceed by careful, experiments of his own, to establish, on a basis of certainty, the value or the inutility of the high potencies.

If the men who are "without faith" would only consent to prosecute such experiment circumspectly and with perseverance, the "iron logic of facts" would assuredly bring its weight to bear on their scepticism and would express itself in favor of the high potencies. But they do not devote themselves to this labor which indeed seems to them altogether supererogatory, but which could not fail, in any event, to increase their stores of knowledge.

Acting on the repeated advice of my experienced old friend von Boenninghausen, I resolved, in 1853, to institute, in my practice, experiments with Lehrmann's High Potencies (200th). With the closest attention to every requisite condition, I administered them first in chronic cases; after deriving very favorable results from them in these, I began to treat acute cases also with them, and I observed, even in the most formidable and difficult cases, not only a decided, but often also a most unexpectedly rapid curative effect. I obtained however the fullest conviction of the value of these preparations by testing them upon myself during my long and severe illness two years ago, and in which they accomplished what lower potencies and triturations were wholly unable to effect.

A detailed report, which I had proposed to make last year, of the results of my use of the Lehrmann's High Potencies (the number of patients treated with them amounts already to more than 4,800) I have, in consequence of my illness, been unable to complete. It shall appear, however, if better health permit the arduous labor which the task requires.

And yet I do not belong to the number of those who use nothing but the high potencies, who affirm that they always attain their end with these exclusively and declare that all other preparations are superfluous. In many cases, the lower potencies and triturations are indispensable; in those, for example, in which there is lacking a susceptibility to the action of the high potencies. The entire scale of potencies must therefore be at the command of the homoeopathic physician.

In scientific investigations, there is no question respecting "faith" there is no need of faith where the question is one concerning "knowledge". The hunter, blind from amaurosis, who, after a three months' treatment with the high potencies, joyfully assures me, that he can already recognize the hare as it runs past his station, a thing which he had been unable to do for the last two years — who now reads to me, although but slowly, a paper held before his eyes and which, four weeks ago, he was utterly unable to decipher — this man certainly contributed nothing to the strengthening of my faith; but through these facts I acquire a knowledge that the patient's malady has been ameliorated, and what cause lies at the bottom of the curative process.

The high potencies belong just now to the category of things of the possible active efficiency of which the wisdom of the schools has no conception. All the ridicule and contempt, however, which may be cast upon it, brings no detriment to truth; for this is indestructible.

The Editor of the Zeitschrift fur Homoeopathische Klinik complains that the number of the forces that are laboring in behalf of Homoeopathy in his immediate neighborhood, has seriously diminished and this "in so progressive a fashion that the prospects for the future are very disquieting."

Where lies the blame for this?

If we look around in the world, we shall find that wherever Homoeopathy can point to numerous cures, she can also celebrate great triumphs, this number of her adherents and patrons increases and her field is ever growing wider. But we shall also find that homoeopathic physicians who, in widely extended spheres of action, have spread abroad the good name of Homoeopathy by numerous cures of serious maladies, do not belong in the ranks of the so-called "specifikers" who deal with nothing but the first three dilutions and triturations and who overload their patients even with these! Sapienti sat.

In No. 13 of the same volume of the Zeitung, Dr. Battman publishes an article on the High Potencies, the substance of a part of which we append:

He states that, in his experience the effects of the two-hundredth potency of Acon., Spong. and Hepar sulph. in Croup far surpass those of the lower dilutions of these remedies in this disease. He has treated within the past year or two a large number of cases of Croup, one of which was exceedingly severe, and in which a well defined membranous exudation was discharged from the trachea. Of all of these cases, about forty in number, including mild, medium and grave cases, he has not lost a single one — a fortunate result, such as he had never before obtained. He states distinctly that he never repeated a dose at a shorter interval than two hours, that he used no auxiliary treatment, and that his remedies were those prepared by Lehrmann in Schounigen. His usual method has been to give the first, second or third doses of Aconite, then Spongia until the cough became loose and then, when it was required, Hepar.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 11, 1863, pages 512-514]

[Description: High Potencies.]

[Author: Aegidi]

[Year: 1863]

ANOTHER CURE FOR CONSUMPTION.

WE see it stated, in various journals, that Dr. Churchill, of Paris, has discovered another certain cure for consumption; and the announcement has excited a good deal of interest in the minds of several consumptives of our acquaintance. The doctor supposes that the deposit of tubercle is owing to a deficiency in the quantity of free phosphorus in the system, and he therefore proposes to cure the disease by the exhibition of large doses of hypophosphite of lime, or of soda

It does not seem to have occurred to Dr. Churchill-or, at least, to those who endorse his claims-that, if there is a deficiency of phosphorus in, the system, it must be in consequence of a lack of power to assimilate that element – as it will not be denied that thousands remain free from consumption who have enjoyed no larger supply of phosphorus than have those who suffer from the disease. And, certainly, if the organism refuses to assimilate the phosphorus presented in the food, it must be of vast benefit to present a larger amount!

However, as cod-liver oil is now fast following in the track of tar water, tar beer, naphtha, digitalis, and iodide of potassium, we shall not be at all surprised to see this new nostrum take its turn, and become the universal rage, for a longer or shorter period.

When will it be understood that we must direct our efforts to the vital powers, and enable the system to retain and make a proper use of the quantity (however small) of any element which Nature has provided in our food, before any benefit can be derived from an increased supply.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 14-15]

[Description: Another "cure" for consumption.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

BOOK-NOTICES.

HIRSCHEL'S RULES AND EXAMPLES FOR THE STUDY OF PHARMACODYNAMICS.

Translated by THOMAS HAYLE, M. D., 8vo., pp. 213, Manchester, Turner

It was in the year 1841 that Dr. Hirschel, not yet convinced of the truth of Homoeopathy, wrote critical letters upon the system in Hacker's Medical Argos. Having after a time assured himself of the general correctness of the theories of Hahnemann, he betook himself to a careful study of the Materia Medica. The book before us is an expose of the method he employed to acquire a knowledge of the many facts embraced in this vast field. The work attracts our attention, as the sustained effort of a mature mind, in downright earnestness, to accomplish a certain desirable result, in the shortest and most perfect manner.

Dr. Hirschel, in the plan adopted, had the benefit of the experience and written directions of our own Hering, published in 1837, at Allentown, Penn., and at Leipzig, in his work entitled "Wirkungen Schlangengiftes."The plan proposed by Dr. Hering, is somewhat different from that followed by Dr. Hirschel. We shall take pains to point out the differences between the two methods; and shall recommend a system founded upon both.

The plan proposed by Dr. Hering, and which, as being prior to that of Dr. Hirschel, we shall first consider, is somewhat as follows: – The student is to take, for instance, some one of the polychrests, and read its list of symptoms over attentively a number of times, with a special and particular object at each perusal. At the first reading, he is to pay especial regard to the organs which are the favorite bases for the manifestation of the pathogenetic effects of the drug. At the second reading, the character of the symptoms is to be particularly noticed, the first reading being but a preparation, so to speak, for this one. The third reading is made with particular attention to the conditions under which the symptoms take place, and at the fourth, we have to notice the combinations of the symptoms, observing what symptoms follow each other, or occur simultaneously. Going through all the organs, in this way, upon which the remedy seems to have a particular action, we shall, by and by, attain a pretty good knowledge or one drug, which we shall be very likely to retain. Now, then, comes in comparison with other drugs; upon which Dr. Hering depends for the element of association, with which he hopes to bind the memory to the whole phenomena. A second remedy is studied in the same manner, and for the sake of convenience, we select the one which seems nearest the first in its similar action.

The drug thus selected will of course have distinct correspondential relations to the same class of organs, as has the drug first studied, and is chosen for the second study on that account. The organ upon which the pathogenesis of the first drug is principally manifest, now has the symptoms of the second drug added to, and compared with, those already received; and so, in the ratio of their illustrative importance, have the rest of the organs. To demonstrate the plan, we may suppose a series of parallel columns, at the head of which stand the names of the different organs, the symptoms occurring in which, with the name of the drug which produces them, following down the list in the order of their importance.

By this plan, the Medical Disease, with the causative drug agent, which may affect an individual organ, is discovered; but, and here is the great trouble, the totality of the medical disease of any individual drug is lost sight of. As we proceed in our studies, the organ possesses a long list of remedies, having particular relations to it, and as a natural consequence, the individuality of the organ, so to speak, with its long train of symptoms, will assert itself superior in the memory to the individuality of the drug, i. e. we shall be more apt to remember what drugs affect a given organ, than what symptoms belong to a given drug.

Now a knowledge of pathogenesis, as connected with and classified by organs is by no means so serviceable in the treatment of disease, as is that obtained in other ways; for the reason that in this case, but small correspondential relation exists between the picture of the disease and that of the remedy. Disease does not show itself, in actual practice, as attached to any particular organ or set of organs; but as something evidently pervading the totality-the entire personality of the man.

There are two methods suggested by Dr. Hirschel, in the book under review, the Analytico-Synthetic, which he illustrates by a study of Bryonia, and the Synthetico-Analytic, which is illustrated by Rhus. By the first plan, a knowledge of the essential properties of the drug is obtained by a process similar to that of Dr. Hering, in so far as the individualization of organs is concerned, although there is no effort at comparison. Beginning with the Head and Scalp, the symptoms are arranged in three parallel columns, the first of which contains the character, the second the locality, and the third the condition of the morbid manifestations. Then follow "conclusions from the foregoing;" a general view is taken of the symptoms thus far evolved, and the bearing of the drug upon diseases affecting the head and scalp is set forth. We then pass to the face, the symptoms of which are divided, (analyzed,) in a similar manner, and clinical inferences drawn in conclusion. This plan is followed through all the organs, and at the end of 115 pages, we have the final result-in the "General characteristics of Bryonia."

The leading points in this general summing up are of sufficient importance to be cited here,

A. PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTER.

The essential part of all the actions of Bryonia is excitement of the vaso-motory actions.

(2.) This appears predominant in the course of the venous system, and in the sphere of the capillary system, and more especially in its venous portion.

(3.) This excitement of the vascular activity goes hand in hand in Bryonia with excitement of the nerves of sensation.

(4.) The increase of the circulatory movement appears as the first degree of the excitement of the vaso-motory activity; the hyperaemia and congestion of the vessels, especially the venous, as the second; the action on the blood itself in inflammation, or in other metamorphic changes, as the third.

II. From this fundamental property the character of the reaction of Bryonia is explainable.

(1.) It is adapted specially for intermediate states and transition formations partly as regards the participation of the nervous and vascular systems, partly as regards the transition from states of excitement to different forms of deposition. It is consequently suitable for erethistic states, in which a certain mobility of the blood (exalted irritability) with increased sensibility of the nervous system (exalted sensibility) is present; for such as are intermediate between synochal and venous states, or in the course of the disease for the period, at which a move pronounced synochal or erethistic character is passing into a nervous, connected with decomposition of blood.

(2.) Since we find these wavering states of excitability, also at the period of childhood, in the female sex in general, and quite specially during pregnancy and the puerperal state, in the melancholic and choleric temperament, in nervous bilious constitutions, states likewise closely connected with the venosity every where predominant, these individual physico-psychical states quite specially answer to Bryonia.

III. On these fundamental relations a special light is thrown by (a) the pains which Bryonia calls out, (b) the peculiar conditions under which aggravation occurs.

Proceeding in our extracts we come to Division B of the "Final Result," where we find under the term ANTIOLOGY,

All circumstances which excite the circulation will produce phenomena similar to those of Bryonia, as vexation, anger, excessive exertions, &c., &c.

Farther on we have Division C, involving the LOCAL RELATIONS OF THE BRYONIA DISEASE.

Here we find Bryonia related to (1.) the venom and capillary system, and to the matt of the blood itself; (2.) to the peripheral, but also central nervous system (brain, spinal marrow, spinal nerves, nervous trigeminus ganglia): (3.) to the serous membranes (pleura, peritonoeum, cerebral meninges); (4.) to the muscles and fibrous membranes, tendons, ligaments, neurilema, periosteum, especially the articular apparatus); (5.) to the mucous membranes, (mouth, stomach and intestinal canal, eyes, nose, ears, larynx, trachea, &c, & c); (6.) to the lymphatic system and glandular apparatus; (7.) to the biliary apparatus (liver, gall-bladder,); (8.) to the skin, and (9.) to the cellular membrane.

Division D. FORMS OR DISEASE. From the physiological fundamental relation, (A) together with the Aetiological (B) and Anatomical (C) character of Bryonia, result several pathological states which are most intimately connected together.

The names of the corresponding diseases are arranged in topographical order in Division E. Among them we find-Typhus, Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Catarrh, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Hydrothorax, Pericarditis, Peritonitis, Hepatitis, Spinal Irritation, Purpura, Morbilli, and Intermittent, inflammatory, cattarrhal, gastric, exanthematic, rheumatic and gouty fevers.

It will be observed that the foregoing conclusions have been arrived at from an analysis of the symptoms of the Materia Medica Pura. A general view o Bryonia is gained from the individualized symptoms, aggregated in the manner exhibited. The opposite plan, of proceeding from generals to particulars rather than from particulars to generals, is exemplified by a study of Rhus.

From a knowledge of the "general symptoms" of Rhus, an idea is formed of the general characteristics of the Rhus action; and this general idea is proved, (in the course of the study) by reference to individual symptoms bearing upon it.

Both the studies of Bryonia and Rhus are very valuable contributions to Homoeopathic literature. We sincerely hope that the polemic spirit at present abroad in Germany, between the two schools of Reformed Medicine, and which we see has somewhat affected our author, will not draw him from these, his more useful pursuits.

The practitioner, whose clinical experience enables him to understand the conclusions of Dr. Hirschel, as cited above, in connection with the studies of Bryonia and Rhus, will receive the greatest benefit, from the work before us. Students, however, who have no personal knowledge of "erethistic" states, "states of transition," and states in which a "pronounced synochal is passing into a nervous, connected with decomposition of blood," and who can hardly make out what is meant by such technicalities at "a certain mobility of the blood," will not fully appreciate the praiseworthy endeavors of the author. The fact is, these "Rules" are most needed by the very people who are likely to use them least, viz: physicians in good practice, whose experience has made them familiar with the rations forms of disease, and who can see the relation between the evolved characteristics of the drug, and those of a given and well known morbid manifestation.

This learning the Materia Medica from recorded provings, with a written description of the disease for which the drug is to be prescribed, is as if a pupil of Kensett, in landscape painting, should spend his time in the study of painting materials and written descriptions of Conway or Newport, with never a sight of the canvas he is to employ in the practice of his art.

The law of Retention, under which the memory acts, is undoubtedly dependent upon association, and no one, who has treated a case with Bryonia, in which that remedy was indicated, will fail to remember both the reasons for its prescription, and the concomitant surroundings which influenced its use. We venture to say that a single use of Bryonia in any given case, when conjoined with the study attendant on the selection of the drug, will do more towards teaching the true qualities and therapeutic value of the drug, than ten essays, even if composed with the skill which is evident in the studies of Dr. Hirschel.

In view of this fact, the best plan, as it seems to us, for the acquirement of the Materia Medica, is as follows: – Let the student, be he a tyro, or an old-school practitioner seeking a knowledge of Homoeopathy, take a given case of acute disease-for chronic diseases belong to the higher mathematics of our art-and turning to Jahr's Repertory, notice the drugs in common use in that form of disease. Let him decide which of the drugs named is the proper one for the individual case, influenced in his choice by the directions found under the "specific indications"-Then administer the remedy-and forthwith commence the study of the drug administered, in connection with the disease and the drug symptoms evolved in the case, whether they be curative or pathogenetic. We are well satisfied this will impress on the memory the peculiar characteristics of the remedy more rapidly and more lastingly, than will any other plan. Of this our own experience assures us.

This course of clinical self-instruction, at the end of a few months, or perhaps a year, will certainly make a good practitioner. In the higher walks of pathogenetic knowledge, such studies as these of Dr. Hirschel, are excellent guides; but each one must make these studies for himself, in the quiet and retirement of his own study, and not undertake them, until having become a good practitioner.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 80-83]

[Description: Book Notice; Hirschel; Study of Pharmacodynamics]

[Remedies: Bryonia alba]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

BOOK-NOTICES.

AN ANALYSIS OF LAGERBIER; its Medicinal and Dietetic Qualities; BY HENRY ANDERS, M. D., New York.

From the earliest ages to the present time, among all nations and in all climates, men have been addicted to the use of stimulants. The causes of the existence of a fact so widely spread cannot lie upon the surface. They must be sought for either in the nature, or the surroundings of man; and can not be removed either by moral suasion, or by legal represion. And while we make no question that the entire and total abstinence from any use of stimulants is by far the best, for any man in purely healthful conditions, we cannot reasonably hope for such abstinence, on the part of those who are so poorly supplied with physical and social comforts as are the masses at present.

Under such circumstances, and in view of the consequences of intoxication which meet us on every hand, we look with satisfaction upon the introduction of such a beverage as Lager Bier. The percentage of alcohol is so small (in specimens from six breweries, analysed by Wachenroder, averaging only 3.794.) that we can readily understand that a man may drink the enormous quantities testified to in several recent trials, without producing what is ordinarily called intoxication. The percentage in brandy, as given by Brande, is 53.39, in rum, 53.68, Irish whiskey, 53 90, Scotch whiskey, 54.32, and gin, 57.60. Burton ale contains 8.88 percent, or more than three times the quantity in Lager Bier. Still, that Lager Bier is sufficiently exhilarating to satisfy the appetites, of those who would otherwise use more concentrated forms of alcohol, is shown by its large and constantly increasing consumption; and by the great inroads it is making upon the use of other drinks.

Lager Bier, moreover, seems, in an especial manner, adapted to the wants of our American people. It has been asserted that the race in America is degenerating in physique; and we all know that the peculiar sharp features, which now constitute the typical American countenance, did not belong to our European ancestors. Whether the feverish activity, which we see everywhere prevailing, is owing to our peculiar atmospheric and meteorological conditions, as is thought by many, or to the increased anxiety occasioned by our novel social and political surroundings, or to a union of both these causes, we need not inquire; but it seems to be well settled, that this almost morbid activity and earnestness prevents the deposit of adipose tissue; and the wonderful progress we have made in the line of material wealth is dearly paid, for, by the loss of that robust health, which is so characteristic of the slower and graver Englishman.

Setting aside for the present, the question of the directly nutritive qualities of Lager Bier, it seems perfectly clear, since the quantity of lupulin and other similar substances so far exceeds that of alcohol, that the effects, although as we have shown, slightly exhilarating, are on the whole, more sedative than stimulating, and thus beautifully fitted to aid in the development of adipose tissue, by allaying that excessive nervous activity to which we have referred.

Indeed we frequently hear the use of Bier objected to, on the ground that it causes an unnatural deposit of fat, and that it occasions a lethargic and torpid condition. That such results may follow its excessive use, we fully realize; but with our conviction of the too rapid course of our American life, and of our too great devotion to the production and accumulation of material wealth, we think this but a small evil. The character of the injury, said to result from its excessive use, plainly indicates the benefits of its moderate employment. And, of course, it is only of a moderate use, that our remarks are applicable; in view however, of the ordinary forms of alcoholic drinks, we gladly hail its advent among us, even with the possibilities of its being used to excess.

Our position is not one of theory alone, but is abundantly confirmed by experience. Who that has visited any of our great German festivals, either of the Singing Clubs, or of the Turnverein, can have failed to observe the quiet order and good humor that prevailed, after copious libations of Lager Bier?

Even if these were accompanied with some heaviness of the eye, and slowness of motion, he must be gratified at the contrast when he called to mind the savage ruffianism that too often manifests itself at our own out-door gatherings when brandy, whiskey and rum furnish the principal excitement. The same difference may be seen, between the appearance and demeanour of the company, in the Lager Bier saloons of our cities, and in the ordinary bar-rooms for the sale of distilled liquors. Nor can these differences be charged wholly to the greater quiet and soberness of our German brethren; for the same thing may be observed among the quicker and more excitable Irish and Americans.

We are glad to learn that many of our population are adopting Bier in place of the strong drinks to which they have been so unfortunately addicted. For instance, among the men employed in the upper part of this city, in opening streets, and similar work, who are mostly Irish, it is now very frequent, when they are paid off for the week, for parties who formerly spent the evening in whiskey shops, to club their money together and buy a cask of Lager Bier, instead. The result is what might be expected, and instead of fights and drunken rows, ending with going home to beat and abuse their wives or families, they pass the evening in jovial relaxation, and go peaceably and quietly home. We are informed by a physician residing near Yorkville, who sees much practice among these workmen, that sickness of all kinds, and especially delirium tremens, has rapidly diminished among them, as a direct consequence of the introduction of Lager Bier. He finds also that when cases of disease occur, in the persons of those who now drink Bier, they yield much more readily to the action of medicines, than they formerly did in the same individuals, while using whiskey and rum.

In what has thus far been said, our reference has been to Lager Bier, as beverage. The subject is unfinished however, without allusion to the elements of nutrition contained within it, which render it useful in connection with its tonic properties, as an article of diet, for patients whose constitutions are below par, and whose powers of assimilation require frequent stimulants. There are beyond doubt many patients whose digestion is slow and imperfect, when unassisted by piquant sauces, highly seasoned food, or something else of this character. It is much to be regretted that such is the case, but the fact remains.

The habit, common to our city people, of working the brain immediately after filling the stomach, has the effect of drawing the blood from the stomach, where it properly should be during the process of digestion, to the cerebrum; and unless some article of diet, rather more stimulating than ordinary plain food is taken before, during, or after a meal, assimilation is slow and deficient. Stimulating sauces, pickles, &c, are certainly injurious. They ultimately aggravate the very conditions which at first they suppress. The complexions of those who use them to any great extent become clouded, the skin thick and coarse, and the digestion more than ever enfeebled, and more than ever requiring their aid.

Now Lager Bier has in many instances proved of great service as a substitute for these condiments. We are now speaking of clinical results occurring under our own and our friends' observation. The appetite for sauces like Worcestershire and walnut catsup has, to our own knowledge, gradually disappeared entirely, in one case whose enormous and increasing consumption of the powerful condiments above named had become a matter of some anxiety, and what seemed to be a chronic disease of the stomach disappeared, with no actual medication, unless such is implied in the use of Lager Bier.

The weak and nervous women who abound in our cities, would find in Lager Bier, an excellent article of diet. Instead of the strong preponderance of the nervous element in their systems as at present witnessed, we should find more composure of manner, with an increased deposit of adipose tissue, and less of that look of fixed anxiety and continual worry, which make the thin, haggard faces of those who have passed thirty. The beauty of American -women is proverbial, but short-lived; it seldom exists beyond the birth of the fist child. The nervous tension found in our women, is a concomitant, if not a cause, of this rapid destruction of all fullness and embonpoint, and we are well assured that Lager Bier will greatly lower this nervous excitability, and must therefore be of service in the preservation of beauty and health.

________________

SYSTEM OF HUMAN ANATOMY-General and Special. By ERASMUS WILSON, M.D., F. R. S. Edited by WILLIAM H. GOBRECHT, M. D. New and improved American from an enlarged London Edition, 8vo., pp. 616. Philadelphia, Blanchard & Lea. – 1858.

The very learned and doubtless very distinguished author of the late Report against the introduction of Homoeopathy into Bellevue Hospital asks, somewhere in his highly imaginative production,-"If Homoeopathy be a true Science of medicine why have we not an Homoeopathic Anatomy, Obstetrics, Physiology, etc?" thus giving the Governors of the Alms House to understand that there is such a thing as Allopathic Anatomy. Whether the authors, for we understand it required several allopathic magnates to produce the remarkable Report above referred to, intended to deceive the board of Governors in thus leaving them to infer that all the books on Anatomy were on Allopathic Anatomy only; or whether they accidently betrayed in this, as in other instances, their own lamentable ignorance; we are of course unable to state

Certain it is however that in the whole course of our medical reading we have not as yet stumbled upon either an Allopathic Anatomy, Physiology, or even Chemistry. These being individual Sciences in their own right belong neither to the Allopathic nor Homoeopathic School exclusively, but are in fact the joint property of both. When therefore the Medical luminaries who wrote the ridiculous Report against Homoeopathy, set up the silly claim to an exclusive Anatomy, and call upon Homoeopaths to get up one of their own. they must pass with most men, as exceedingly stupid or as eminently, and satirically funny. The ordinary text books on Anatomy being thus works in which Homoeopathists have a certain moral right to be interested, as a legitimate consequence of the partnership with the other School in the full possession of this Science as the foundation of medical art, we desire to call attention to a new Edition of Wilson's Anatomy recently published by Blanchard & Lea.

For our own part we have always considered Wilson's as the best and most convenient book on this subject, and with the recent additions in the way of cuts and letter press, it is certainly superior to all others of which we know anything. It is particularly recommended to Students as being eminently practical, correct, and carefully written. To the older practitioners who now and then desire to rub up their anatomical knowledge, Wilson's Anatomy will perhaps prove more useful than any other, as most of the others are either too bulky and diffuse, or are too much condensed and curtailed.

______________

THE HOMOEOPATHIST'S VISITING LIST; Book of Engagements and Pocket Repertory for 1859. Compiled and arranged by HENRY MINTON, M. D. Brooklyn, N. Y., J. T. P. Smith.

Mr. J. T. P. Smith, the Homoeopathic pharmaceutist of Brooklyn, has sent us advanced sheets of this admirable "vade mecum." The book is intended to supply a want long felt by many practicing physicians and is really of much more value than would appear from its small size and humble pretentions. In addition to the blank pages intended to be filled with the "Visiting list," after the manner originated by Blanchard & Lea; and which has saved so many of us a world of trouble, there is a condensed Repertory. The preparation of this epitome, which is of course a compilation from the larger Repertories, seems to us an exceedingly happy hit. There is certainly, both among physicians and laymen, a prejudice against taking a repertory into the bed-room of the patient; and though some of the best Homoeopathic practitioners in the country are in the constant habit of turning over the leaves of their books in the presence of the sick, we have not yet been able to overcome our repugnance to such a proceeding. We cannot help thinking the habit is calculated to lessen the confidence of the patient and thus indirectly to bring our School into disrepute.

We are fully aware that the habit has arisen, with those who possess it, in a full and deep conscientiousness. This determines them to leave no pains untried and no care neglected, which shall aid in securing the benefit of the invalid, through the accurate selection of a drug perfectly homoeopathic to .the case. We can hut admire the genuine honesty of purpose, thus exhibited, in spite of its "bad appearance," and if any way can be suggested, whereby the same careful consideration of the remedy can be entered upon without attracting the attention and perhaps exciting the distrust of the patient, it seems a plain duty to adopt it. This way seems to lie through this admirable little abridgement which, because attached to the "visiting list," is easily consulted without attracting notice; and must always be found of much assistance.

It is perhaps, the opinion of some, that physicians should be always so "au fait" in a knowledge of the materia medica, as to grasp the remedy at once, without reference to their books. In many cases this is easy enough. We have certain common types of disease for which we have no hesitation in prescribing certain remedies, and almost always do so prescribe without very much thought. But there are also cases of daily occurrence which arc somewhat obscure, and in finding a proper remedy for these a pocket Repertory is no mean assistance. The fact that, from the disjointed and unconnected arrangement of the symptomatology, no man can possibly carry the pathogenesis of the different remedies in his head, unless he excludes therefrom every thing else-which God forbid!-is reason sufficient for the employment of one of these aids. The less conspicuous its use the better-of course-and this little physician's diary fills all the indications, and will doubtless come into very general use. As to size, it is a little thicker, otherwise the same, as those usually sold by Blanchard & Lea. Dr. Minton of Brooklyn is the compiler of the Repertory, and has done his work well.

________________

MAJORITY AND MINORITY REPORTS OF THE TEN GOVERNORS, In reference to introducing Homoeopathy into Bellevue Hospital. 3d Edition, pp. 28. Brooklyn, Republished by J. T. P. SMITH.

We have already noticed this pamphlet in a previous number of the REVIEW. We are glad another edition has been issued, as the previous one was exhausted within a few weeks after its publication.

The amount of Homoeopathic statistics here published is nowhere else to be found, and it thus affords one of the best tracts a Homoeopathic Physician can place in the hands of his patients.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 03, 1858, pages 129-133]

[Description: Book-notices; AN ANALYSIS OF LAGERBIER its Medicinal and Dietetic Qualities BY HENRY ANDERS; SYSTEM OF HUMAN ANATOMY-General and Special By ERASMUS WILSON; THE HOMOEOPATHIST'S VISITING LIST – Book of Engagements and Pocket Repertory for 1859; MAJORITY AND MINORITY REPORTS OF THE TEN GOVERNORS, In reference to introducing Homoeopathy into Bellevue Hospital.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

BOOK-NOTICES.

THE HISTORY OF PROSTITUTION, its extent, and effects throughout the world.

Being an official report to the Board of Alms-House Governors of the city of New York. By WILLIAM W. SANGER, M. D; pp. 686. New York. Harper & Brothers-1858.

Dr. Sanger's book is one which must originate a train of thought, the character of which will depend entirely upon the individuality of the reader.

The fact that prostitution is as old as the history of the world, is brought forward with a perspicuity as irresistible as it is striking.

That men will be men, in spite of all the so called refinements of society; in fact, that the refinements of society are in themselves calculated to increase the sexual propensity, is abundantly proved. This fact demonstrated, Dr. Sanger goes on to show the evils of prostitution with which we are all familiar.

The great human passion of sexual instinct is a virtue, which like all others, carried to excess becomes a vice. Not only must those be the sufferers who, through ignorance or willfulness, are its votaries; but society generally and particularly the offspring, consequent on the gratification of such passion, must and does suffer.

Circumstances must of course enter into the list of considerations which influence our feelings toward those unfortunate persons, whether male or female, who are the perverters of Natural Law; and these circumstances are set forth in Dr. Sanger's book with a distinctness which is alike creditable to his head and heart.

In his endeavor to give us a correct history he has gone back to the earliest period of the world, of which we have record. He speaks of it as it existed in Egypt, Syria and Asia Minor, Greece, Rome, and among the ancients generally; of the position kept women occupied, of the influence they wielded, the control they exerted over public affairs, and how the greatest and most learned men yielded to their powers. Many of the prostitutes were famous in their day as wits, and many an author, whose writings are handed down to us, has chosen them and their charms as a theme.

From the facts given in the work, one would not suppose the laws governing prostitution were very strict, yet such was the fact, that although tolerating it, the regulations were rigidly observed. Among the Barbarous nations, geographical position has much to do with their morals. Some are described as dissolute and profligate in the extreme and characterized by their indecency and lewdness. Others, especially the pastoral and more ferocious, are more given to husbandry and arms than debauch. Among these nations natural affections are very weak. Mothers abandon their children to avoid the trouble of rearing them, and husbands drag their sickly wives into the woods and there leave them to perish. The marriage relation is not regarded as sacred and we have polygamy rather than prostitution. Among many of these nations adultery is severely punished.

Among civilized nations it is shown that prostitution, when regulated by law, does not affect the public morals as much as when stringent laws are enacted to suppress it.

Dr. Sanger gives a large amount of statistics regarding the present state of prostitution in Europe, and France especially, together with the regulations of the different countries.

We cite the following facts in relation to its existence in Paris: The present number of prostitutes is estimated at 4500 or thereabouts, which gives one prostitute, to every two hundred and fifty of the total population. The city itself, of course, furnishing a large proportion, more than one third. The most of these are children of operatives and mechanics. Of 828 fathers, 16 only were professional men. Most of the prostitutes are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two. Of the causes which led to this mode of life, the author gives the following: want, 1441; expulsion from home, or desertion of parents, 1255; desire to support old and infirm parents, 37; desire to support younger brothers and sisters, 29; widows with families to support, 23; girls from the country to support themselves, 280; girls brought to Paris by soldiers, clerks, students, &c, 404; servants seduced by masters and abandoned, 289; concubines abandoned by their lovers, 1425.

In reference to New York, we have the following as some of the facts he has collected. There are 6000 public prostitutes in this city, the majority of whom are from fifteen to twenty-five year old; not quite one-half were born in the United States; one-fifth are married women. The average duration of a prostitute's life is only four years. The ratio of mortality among children of prostitutes is four times greater than the ordinary ratio among other children. The capital invested in the business is nearly four millions of dollars. The annual expenditure is more than seven millions of dollars.

Of the causes which lead to it we have, of 2000 cases questioned, the followings inclination, 513; destitution, 525; seduced and abandoned, 258; drink and the desire to drink, 181; ill treatment of parents, relatives or husbands. 164; as an easy life, 124; bad company, 84; persuaded by prostitutes, 71; too idle to work, 29; violated, 27; seduced on board emigrant ships, 16; seduced in emigrant boarding houses, 8.

We think the book well calculated to do a great amount of good, and heartily wish it a large circulation, as it is only by exposing these – vices that we can hope to eradicate or prevent them.

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ADDITIONS TO THE HOMOEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA. Collected and arranged by HENRY THOMAS, M. D.; pp. 104. Manchester. Henry Turner & Co., 1858. This little work is a sort of Index in regard to the new medicines, of which we have as yet no regular provings, and which are not included in the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, but to which the attention of the profession has been called from time to time during the last few years, in the journals of our school. It comprises more than two hundred remedies, arranged in alphabetical order; and gives for each the authorities, book and page, so that much time will be saved the practitioner, who wishes to refer to, and study, any of our new remedies. Of course, it is not complete, and a cursory glance through it, suggested to us several omissions: but that is evidently no fault of the compiler, who has bestowed great pains upon his work, and has succeeded in giving the progressionists of our school a useful auxiliary. It is quite flattering to the pride of us Americans, (a share of which article our English friends are the last to deny us) to see how large a part of this work is drawn from American journals and authors. We smiled when we read that the Ailanthus Glandulosa "blooms in Rhode Island in July, and for a fortnight sends out upon every breeze the most sickening and disgusting odor imaginable." We should hardly feel justified in using such strong expressions in regard to this shade tree which is to be found from one end of the Union to the other, though we agree that its odor is decidedly unpleasant; and in our own case we have found that it extended its influence not so much "upon the stomach and entire alimentary canal," as upon the respiratory organs, occasioning in us, at certain times, asthmatic symptoms.

Under the head of Apis mellifica, we find no mention of Dr. Wolff's monograph on that remedy; and so of several other omissions; but on the other hand we find many things that we never knew before, and trust that the appeal in the preface to the Homoeopaths of America will not be disregarded, and we are sure that with us, "this fragment of fragments" will prove very useful as a convenient reference and index. KELLOGG.

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIFTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY. Held is Brooklyn, June 2, 1858, pp. 208. Dr. W. E. PAYNE, Bath.

The proceedings of the fifteenth Annual meeting of the American Institute of Homoeopathy have come to hand. The report is before the members at an earlier period this year than usual, thanks to the diligence of Dr. Payne, the Secretary. If our present purpose holds, we shall in a future number notice some of the papers read before the Institute, and published in the official pamphlet. At present we have a word or two to say in regard to the use and abuse of Medical Societies, generally, with no particular reference to either the Institute or its Report.

It is really a question of some considerable doubt-whether Medical Societies are of sufficient service to our science to compensate for the time, money, and trouble necessary to carry them on. Their ostensible purpose is the interchange of mutual experiences; and in the course of this interchange, every member is not only allowed but oftentimes solicited to speak. All the men must "have their say" on any and every subject which comes up. Now, as out in the world, so in a Society; there are many ignorant, many stupid, many conceited, many ambitious, and many jealous persons, whom to listen to, on any subject, much more on a subject in which one is deeply interested, is as tiresome as useless; and these as a general thing, are the very men who always talk most. Even supposing they all talk to the point, and are relating their own experience in the treatment of a particular disease; and supposing them, also, uninfluenced by the very natural desire to appear better and more learned, and more successful than they really are; we ask, in the name of Heaven, of what earthly value can be the experience of such men, necessarily component 'parts, of every Medical Society? It is taken for granted that descriptions of morbid phenomena, are very difficult; that the sequence of effect as distinctly connected with any particular cause, when that cause is to be followed through all .the mazes of the intricate vital actions, is to many minds entirely impossible: and that even a plain statement of actual results may some times be hampered with prejudice in favor of a particular theory. In view of all these circumstances how can we expect any thing of real value from the "gathering of ourselves together" unless holding elections, becoming irritated, and forming cliques for mutual admiration, be counted of service?

If Dr. A. B. C. wishes to ventilate his views, and experience in measles, or even in seven diseases at once, as was attempted on a certain occasion; let him read his paper to his wife, and if she approves, send it to the printer. To speak plainly, though a member of several Medical Societies, we are decidedly of the opinion that the day when Medical Societies were of any essential use, has gone by. They were founded originally for mutual instruction, because of the rarity and expense of medical books and periodicals. The members hoped to gain, by word of mouth, those facts which they had no other means of obtaining; but which are now to be had, at a very small monthly expense, through monographs and periodicals. It is true that those who are the best society men; are as a general thing the best supporters of literature. They are indeed eager for knowledge and take every means to obtain it; but we warrant the best of them are with us in our opinion of the inutility of medical gatherings unless for social purposes. PERKINS.

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SCIENCE AND ART, OR THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, BY J. C. PETERS, M. D. New York, 1859.

We have received the first number of this new work, a pamphlet of ninety-six pages, large octavo.

We do not purpose to review the work now; but, waiting until several numbers shall have appeared, that we may the better judge of its merits, we merely desire at this time to notice its publication.

The number before us is filled with some very interesting introductory remarks, and short histories of the various systems of medicine with sketches of their founders. The author has commenced in the present number, a life of Hahnemann which will be continued, and will probably be the most complete one ever published of him.

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THE GREAT REPUBLIC MONTHLY, Devoted to the best interests of American Literature. New York, Oaksmith & Co.

This new Monthly is one of the many new periodicals just commenced. Among its list of contributors we recognize the names of many well known to the literary world. Two numbers have been published. In the second we find a very correct sketch of the life of Hahnemann. This is the first account of him we remember to have seen in a secular journal and indicates the popularity of our mode of cure.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06, 1859, pages 275-277]

[Description: Book-notices; THE HISTORY OF PROSTITUTION, its extent, and effects throughout the world; ADDITIONS TO THE HOMOEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA – Collected and arranged by HENRY THOMAS, MD; PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIFTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY; SCIENCE AND ART, OR THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, BY J. C. PETERS; THE GREAT REPUBLIC MONTHLY]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

BOOK-NOTICES.

A CONTRIBUTION TO MEDICAL LITERATURE, By J. RUTHERFORD RUSSELL, M.D.; London, J. Leath.

The present volume is a republication of essays originally contributed to the British Journal of Homoeopathy, with which the author was for many years connected editorially. All matter of a merely controversial character has been omitted in this selection, except, in so far as the whole spirit and philosophy of the new school is, in its practical and theoretical tendencies, opposed to the old. The antagonism is implied and latent; it is of that kind which demonstrates the truth, not by showing some particular proposition to be false, but by establishing a true generalization, whose scope is instantly seen to annihilate all previous errors. Negative and destructive criticism leave nothing but chaff in the sieve of the controversialist. He gets for his pains the diseased and useless member he amputated; his faith and his science, are but the residuary side of a dilemma. The way in which a tree gets rid of its old leaves is the right method of philosophy: building up new ones underneath them; refusing its principle of life to the old, they cannot live long on the air and the gun alone. So an effected system cannot long hold its place with nothing but outward custom and conservative instinct for its support.

So much for the general method of Dr. Russell's discussion of topics, which we have been drawn into noticing rather in anticipation of any remarks on the table of contents.

Before going farther we cannot help speaking of the excellent paper and printing of this volume. The paper is of the substantial English quality, a very clear white, of very fine fibre, on which the large distinct type stands out in bold relief. An unmistakably English book. The eye runs along the lines of the page as easily as it scans the trees of a well-set orchard. As your eye rests upon them you seem almost able to read the whole page with one sweeping glance. It is a book therefore to be commended to the weak-eyed-an excellent collyrium, soothing and agreeable to the eye, at the same time a stimulating tonic for the mind.

The volume is divided into fourteen chapters with a wide range of subjects: Young Physic, Water-Cure, Pneumonia, Affections of the Nervous System, Mesmerism, Cholera, Medical Novels, &c, &c

The able author shows a large fund of general knowledge and observation, quite beyond the merely professional and technical. He is not unaware of the illustrations which may be drawn from every branch of science, and even morals and metaphysics, for the elucidation of the problems of medicine. Of the great primary law of Homoeopathy he affirms that it "presents many striking and interesting analogies with some of the most important doctrines that have recently been advanced by the greatest writers in the various fields of physics, ethics, and psychology." His recognition of the increasing demands upon the profession incline him to the most catholic and generous views of all other systems. No man can rest content with the meagre results of a bigoted empiricism, but he most equip himself with the noblest theories and the most comprehensive study.

"Medicine," says Goethe "employs the whole man, for it occupies itself with the whole man."

And the physician has an ever-inviting, ever-enlarging field of study and observation in each new patient. "The objects of his endeavors are the most obvious to the senses, and at the same time the highest, the most simple and the most complicated." As the law of Hahnemann is more and more seen to be coincident with certain laws of nature in many other departments, its developments, its application and its relations, become more and more interesting subjects of investigation.

Here is the novel "Counterparts" just now exciting so much attention, whose whole philosophy is established on a kindred law. This great principle which Hahnemann applied to Therapeutics seems in its various manifestations to be almost as universal as gravity. One can scarcely cast an eye into literature or science without discovering its track. So that the intelligent and observing layman is in possession of enough information of this kind to make the laws and the practice of Homoeopathy welcome to him.

From its broad and elegant treatment of subjects, this collection of essays would be interesting and instructive reading for the general public; especially the chapters on Diet, Mesmerism, and Sir H. Hollands 'Medical Notes and Reflections.' The closing chapter, a notice to that wonderful man, Samuel Brown, who died in his prime, will be read with new interest. It shows perhaps better than anywhere else the literary capacity of Dr. Russell. And in this connection we cannot forbear remarking with what clear, condensed power of statement he is gifted. Take this simple example; "Habits may be said to represent for the individual the maximum of attainment with the minimum of effort."

The first article of the volume; "Young Physic," is one that has probably excited the most remark, and been most generally read. It is a thorough and masterly review of Dr., now Sir, John Forbe's article, 'Homoeopathy, Allopathy and Young Physic," since published in a book form with the title of "Nature and Art in Disease." He shows that what medicine stood in need of was not a Bacon, but a Newton. And such was Hahnemann. He shows the prevailing scepticism in the old schools of medicine, so that its professors, like the old Roman priests, can scarcely look each other in the face without laughing, or worse, cannot meet their patients without a "constant exercise of hypocrisy, and a constant sacrifice of principle." In short that the whole tendency of the prevalent and fashionable system of medicine is loading its disciples to this sad and impotent result. The greater their experience the more positive their conviction that they can do nothing.

We heartily recommend the work to all professional and non-professional readers, as one from the perusal of which they cannot but derive much good. In a future number of the REVIEW we may make some extracts from the article on Pneumonia comparing it with other essays on the same subject.

The publishers announce at the close of the volume, a 'Life of Hahnemann' by the same accomplished author. This, as we learn, is to be extended into a "History of Medicine." Should the perspicuity, erudition and careful research which mark the present volume be continued in the forthcoming work, it will be highly valuable to every physician of whatever school.

I. T. TALBOT, M.D. Boston.

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CONSUMPTION, ITS NATURE, PREVENTION AND HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT.

By WILLIAM HITCHMAN, M. D. F.L.S. 8vo. pp. 184-Phil.; Radde-1859. The writer of this Essay has for the last fifteen years, given close attention to this fatal disease and the reader will bear witness to the fact.

It would be impossible in a short notice of this book to enter largely into the nature of phthisis, and the peculiar character of tubercular deposition. We purpose to call attention to the plans he suggests for the prevention of this destroying and subtle enemy, preventing the blasting of parental hopes, and endeavoring to promote the perfect blossoming of promise and of joy.

He refers the causes of Phthisis to two distinct heads "the remote and exciting, or those which excite and induce the constitutional predisposition. and those which determine the local deposition of tuberculous matter after such predisposition is established".

Here we have the grand total, which if fully understood and appreciated, and acted on by the public, will vanish from our lists of mortality, the large figures which weekly stand opposite the name of Consumption.

Society as it now exists, and life as now enjoyed, act as means to increase this malady: he hints at more judicious marriages and less commercial ones.

"The principal causes which induce consumption are hereditary transmit lion, improper diet, both as regards quantity and quality, deficiency of pure air, exercise, clothing and cleanliness, excessive labor and affections of the mind."

How boldly these facts stare us in the face, in our daily walks, the impart air of badly ventilated rooms, the languid frame of oar fashionable belles lolling in ease on cushioned sofas, ordering the carriage to ride to the corner of the block, instead of the quick elastic walk, the jaded and anxious faces of our merchants, as they gaze hourly, day after day on the pages of the ledger and day-book, these exhaust the nervous force, and deprive the system of that power by which its orderly functions are maintained. Much might be said on this head, but space will not allow.

A word in reference to the prevention of consumption as regards parents, he says "it is not at all necessary that parents should be the subjects of consumptive disease, in order to transmit the consumptive constitution to their children. it must be remembered that a deranged state of the health from depressed nervous power in the parents, will render offspring predisposed to the disease before us."

The rules of management and conduct which it is absolutely necessary for every prudent mother to pursue during pregnancy is also of great weight and hinted at in this work; and here allow us to call attention to a work by A L Fouteret- (Hygiene physique et morale de l'ouvrier dans les grandes villes on general, et dans la ville de Lyon on particulier) his remarks on marriage and excessive Sexual indulgence and gratification, bear directly on the subject of depressed and exhausted nervous power, on which the author of this work on consumption lays much stress

Our cities are the theaters of this excessive indulgence, and alas! how true it is that,

"With pliant limbs the ripened maid,

Now joys to learn: the wanton tread

Of dance Ionic, and to prove

The pleasures of forbidden love."

This it is which lays the foundation for Scrofula,' and thus our fashionable society and so called civilized country, nourish this viper, which gnaws at the core of life; fair outside but blasted within.

Dr Hitchman's remarks in regard to the prevention of consumption in children are good; the sublime platform of Hygienic treatment is worthy of profound attention, allowing the innocent child to breathe the fresh air of heaven, bathing his young frame in the airy sea, good generous diet, regularity in all things, and this aided by proper homoeopathic dynamics, thus we strike at the point and blast in the bud the fatal seed, and instead of a scrofulous. and feeble child, we have a vitality strong and vigorous.

The doctors views of "Nursery Treatment, Dress, Bathing, air &c. are commendable and should be adopted-our sleeping rooms should be large and well ventilated &c.

The remarks on education on page 78 are so full of interest and of practical use, that the whole should be quoted, but space will allow ns only to hint at a few points.

"Well ventilated school-rooms, plenty of exercise, good diet, and not over taxing the mental organization to gain a gewgaw or Bubble called a Prize," he says, "the parading of a ladies boarding school in pairs, resembles a funeral procession; and all the requisites for the production of consumption may be found in a large proportion of ladies boarding schools, a girl of a fine and delicate organization cannot under such a regimen for a lengthened period escape consumption," "a good warm bath should form a necessary appendage to every boarding school and every girl should enjoy the benefit of occasionally conjoining; with it her habitual practice of cold sponging."

A large room, well ventilated should be set apart for Kinesipathic Exercises, when the weather is so inclement as to prevent it in the open air."

Physical exercise is of the utmost importance, and here one fact should be commended, and urged upon our young men, the necessity of out door exercise, the game of base-ball affords fine sport and healthy action of the whole system; and we rejoice to see so many entering into this National game; in the physical exercise recommended to females, "tight lacing and all tight dressing is utterly incompatible, and of course must be discarded." a perfectly healthy female requires no stays as a means of support, this practice which is productive of much evil and frequent deformity, especially at that unfortunate era, when the girl is taken up to be manufactured into a lady."

"If girls were properly, exercised in the open air and strengthened by the various hygienic means which are within the reach of all, and which nature points to us as best, stays would not be necessary before the body is fully matured, and would even then be scarcely wanted, except to satisfy an imaginary requirement." Such remarks abound in this work and should lead parents and guardians to profit by their perusal:

Under the head of General Treatment he is profoundly impressed with the great "therapeutical law in the universe of physic"-in homoeopathy is that great truth, that quantity does not cure, but the correspondence of drug action with morbid phenomena in the organization, that causes the molecule to become a powerful dynamic remedial agent.

He says "I regard homoeopathy, in its absolute, fundamental, deathless principal, as the sublime and veritable exponent of a true and philosophical natural relationship, subsisting between the pathogenetic effects of each medical substance upon the healthy organization, and its beneficial or curative influence upon the sick, when these morbid phenomena arise from idiopathic or other causes."

Our author closes with a note on the Rationale of the action of homoeopathic medicines. "a dynamic theory, one which regards homoeopathic remedial agents as forces acting upon nervous matter, or nerve globules and blood-globules, in obedience to a general law of natural affinity.'

"One touch of likeness, makes the small dose cure."

The work is small, but is worthy of credit, and the physician may peruse it with advantage, both to himself and patients.

J. L. WADE, M. D.

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A NEW AND COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. Arranged upon a Physiologic Pathological Basis, for the use of Practitioners and Students of Medicine. BY CHARLES J. HEMPEL, M. D. 8vo. pp. 1202. Philadelphia and New York. Radde, 1859.

In his present work Dr. Hempel has published the lectures on Materia Medica, given by him in the Homoeopathic College of Philadelphia, which, since his connection with that institution, have been so deservedly popular, and, as we have heard many students remark, instructive.

It was with no little pleasure, therefore, that we hailed the advent of this addition to our literature, and, supposing the Professor to be "up with the times," we expected on opening the book, to find in the long list of remedies the names of those recently proven and now coming into general use; but the author, while he speaks of those whose pathogenesis is but little known, entirely ignores others that have repeatedly been proven, and whose pathogenetic action has been confirmed by their curative effect. The first five lectures are devoted to his " Introductory," in which he gives a sketch of Homoeopathy and its founder, dividing his remarks under several heads, "The Fossil, the Transition, and Prophetic Period of Homoeopathy." He avows his hostility to the deluge of symptoms with which our Materia Medica is flooded; speaks of the "abominable absurdities which are taught" in the North American Journal; takes occasion to express, to the students, his views of the above mentioned periodical; dabbles a little into theology; indulges in a few personalities, always out of place in a scientific work; and concludes his introductory remarks by speaking of the preparation and administration of medicines.

Eight lectures are devoted to the consideration of Aconite, the author's hobby, which, from the prominence given it, might almost be considered a specific for every disease or every symptom.

Entirely discarding the symptomatical arrangement of former writers, Dr. Hempel has followed more the arrangement of Pereria and other old school authors. For instance; when speaking of Aconite, he gives a number of cases of poisoning thereby; then, in form of a synopsis, he gives us the toxicological effects, which he follows by a list of symptoms obtained by provings on the healthy. He next states when the remedy is indicated in what he calls the "Inflammatory," Cerebro-Spinal," Orbital, "Auricular," "Facial," "Pharyngeal," "Chylo-Poietic," "Pulmonary," "Urinary," "Sexual," and other "groups."

The author has endeavored by this plan to render our Materia Medica more comprehensible to the student than the old system of arrangement by symptoms. The success of his plan is attested to by the many students of the college. This arrangement will answer very well for persons commencing practice to gain an insight into the history and use of our medicines; but we think it will prove of but little benefit to the practitioner as a reference in ascertaining the action of a remedy on any particular part.

We do not purpose in this article to criticise the work, but merely state its object and plan, leaving it to others, who disagree with the doctor's views, to state their objections.

As a book of reference the work is not well arranged, having as the running title the number of the lecture, rather than the remedy treated of in the pages.

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HINTS TOWARD PHYSICAL PERFECTION: – or, The Philosophy of Human Beauty; showing how to acquire and retain Bodily Symmetry and Vigor; secure Long Life; and avoid the Infirmities. and Deformities of Age. By D. A. Jaques. pp. 244: New York-Fowler & Wells. – 1859.

This is one of the many eminently practical and useful works issued by these publishers. The author presents no principles or facts hitherto unknown, but endeavors rather to show more clearly the practical application of those already established by scientific investigations; thereby rendering them more inviting to the many, and hastening the day when the belief in the possibility of the moral, intellectual and physical salvation of the race, shall be a part of the living faith of humanity. The author treats under the various heads -Structure of the Human Body, Temperaments, Laws of Human Configuration, Embryology, Childhood, Effects of Mental Culture, Social Conditions and Occupations, direct Physical Culture, Practical Hygiene, Womanhood, Secret of Longevity, External Indications of Figure. &c. &c.

THE HOMOEOPATHIC DOMESTIC PHYSICIAN AND TRAVELLERS' MEDICAL COMPANION. By Dr. FRED. GUSTAVE OEHME-Concord; Edson C. Eastman-1859.

Dr. Oehme has not aspired to a large work for "families and medical students; but has aimed to be as brief and concise as possible, avoiding all technical terms. He commences his book by a short sketch of Hahnemann, followed by a short dissertation on the Homoeopathic Law of Cure, the administration of medicines, diet, &c.

As all our domestic works, and in fact all our works on practice, are compilations, an author of any new book is not supposed to give merely his own experience, but to cull from all reliable sources.

Every housewife has some family medicine, something for almost every ailment likely to occur in a family, something which has been repeatedly given without being known to fail, a knowledge of which has been handed down from mother to daughter, and as Homoeopathy has not yet become traditionary we think these family works, large or small, intended to do good, provided they do not profess, in their small compass, to teach the whole art and science of medicine, whereby any one can fearlessly combat any and every disease.

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THE HOMOEOPATHIST. Devoted to Homoeopathy, Hygiene, Physiology, Surgery, and the Law of Health. 8vo. pp. 16, Nos. I & II.

A popular journal with the above title has just been commenced at Springfield, Mass., under the editorial charge of J. M. Bussell, M. D., and D. White, M. D. The former gentleman is proprietor of the "Surgical Hospital" at Springfield, and has charge of the Department of Surgery. Dr. White, formerly of St. Louis, edits the Medical Department.

The two numbers before us are well got up, and if they are a criterion by which we may judge of the future conduct of the journal, we think it will prove of service in disseminating, among the laity and others, facts concerning Homoeopathy and the other subjects on which it treats.

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE ILLINOIS STATE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AT ITS FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING. 8vo. pp. 96-Dubuque, 1859.

A pamphlet with the above title has been received from Dr. E. A. Guilbert. As a notice of the proceedings has already been published in a former number of the REVIEW, we shall make no further mention of them here, but pass on to what appears under the title of "Appendix," at the back part of the book. Here let us enquire of the Secretaries or those who have charge of the printing of these pamphlets, why the papers read before the Society, Scientific Reports, &c., composing in fact the Transactions, are always published in the back of the book instead of the front? The transactions are of interest to the profession and should form the bulk of the work, while the mere record of what was done, what committees reported and what did not, who were elected officers, and the order of procedure possesses but local interest, the proper place for which is at the end.

The first paper published is the Annual Address of Dr. John T. Temple, in which he gives a sketch of his twenty-five years experience in the West, the advancement of Homoeopathy there, and his firm belief in the universality of our therapeutic law. The report of Dr. A. R. Bartlett, on "Medical Education and Organization," is a short but interesting article, urging the formation of Medical Associations where the members can meet and exchange views. Dr. R. Ludlam reports on the "Endemic and Epidemic Diseases of Illinois," a Subject on which he has already written and published much. The Committee endeavored to obtain a history of the sanitary condition of the State of Illinois daring the past year, and publish not a very successful result. Dr. A. E. Small reports on "Physiology and Pathology." Dr. E. A. Guilbert reports in favor of topical applications, and in his report on that subject gives several cases where topical medication has proved efficacious. Dr. Guilbert also publishes a report on "Anaesthesia."

We wish the example of our Western friends would be followed by those here, and instead of having meetings where little or nothing is done to benefit the members or advance the cause, we could have such evidence of the utility of meeting together as is shown in the pamphlet before us. Although the list of contributors is not large, the few that have written have given to the profession some very valuable essays.

____________

TRANSACTIONS OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, for the year 1858. Albany: Van Benthuysen, printer to the legislature.

The reports of the dignified bodies known as State societies are received by the masses beyond all suspicion;-scientific in the true sense of the word-and therefore communicating reliable information; there are however so many assumptions of science by ignorant and unscrupulous men that it will be well to examine even these high authorities, to watch their movements, who though licensed to practice medicine may occasionally venture upon practices of an illicit character prompted by the prestige of high recognition, being in name the Medical Society of the State.

Our remarks are justified by an examination of the document, whose title we copy above, and to which we shall content ourselves by a brief reference in the hope that the facts presented by our friend in calling attention to a gross Allopathic misrepresentation may prompt a watchfulness on the part of Homoeopathic Physicians for these stiletto-stabs and the exposure of each detection.

At pages 147 to 153 are reports of a case of fracture of the cervical vertebrae &c. and of Statistics of obstetric practice &c. &c. with remarks by A. VanDyek, Oswego N. Y. and one of the remarks made is thus:

"One of these two cases (of craniotomy) I found a homoeopathic physician in attendance, an impacted head and convulsions. The labor had continued twenty four hours; The patient was apoplectic, and died a few hours after the delivery."

The impression is here given that a homoeopathic physician had continued for twenty-four hours an ineffectual attendant upon the case and in despair recourse was had to an allopath. The facts in the case are mis-stated both in form and substance. The homoeopath was called as a friend of the family about an hour before the allopath, who was the family physician and lost a previous wife of this woman's husband. On his examination he pronounced labor not commenced and not until about four hours after could he discover dilatation; chloroform was administered and the woman was bled several times, from the depletion there was no recovery of vital force, the use of forceps being deemed impracticable the allopath asked the homoeopath if craniotomy was not the only resource left, and in this answer the homoeopath gave his only advice in any manner effecting the case. The first call was made at four in the morning the homoeopath was sick and unable to attend the case and the allopath was called and arrived about an hour after-the case was not even examined by the homoeopath-the travail was apparent at about 9 or 10 A. M. and the woman was dead by 9 P. M. less than 12 instead of 24 hours, the homoeopath was in the house but had no part in the case whatever-thus the time, the circumstance and cause of death are all mis-stated and in such form as to cast the charge of death on homoeopathy. There is a curious case of Nigrities reported at page 289 presenting a good illustration of the grope-in-the-dark operation of allopathic practice concluded with a wild stare of astonishment at the result of doses of camphor, opium and calomel stimulated by brandy-sling, administered to a patient whose pulse was too frequent to be counted, and barely perceptible-cold surface and sore abdomen-this death however was "duly licensed"

The Vice-President's address is a strange instance of contradictory symptoms in a physician on the one hand, by elaborate statistics of practice showing his abilities, and on the other his neglect of those abilities in the disregard of the more healthy statistics of the world's progress which had he examined them would have saved him the humiliating assertion that Homoeopathy is rapidly sinking into neglect. H. L. D.

__________

MYSTIC HOURS; or Spiritual Experiences-By G.A. REDMAN, M.D. – 12mo pp. 384. New York, Charles Partridge-1859.

In the work before us, Dr. George A. Redman, a graduate of one of our Homoeopathic Colleges, narrates what he calls a collection of facts, which have occurred during his experience as a medium. He prefaces his remarks with a short sketch of his earlier history. Born at Boston in 1835, at the age of 14 years he removed to the western part of this state, about the time the phenomena, known as the "Rochester Knockings," were first made known to the world. Having previously heard the raps and experienced curious sensations, he became very much interested in these phenomena as something very wonderful, and was told at one of these sceances that he would become a medium, and was much delighted and surprised to find a short time afterwards that in his presence, tables and other artistes of furniture would go through performances similar to those witnessed in the presence of professed mediums. From this he goes on to state many instances, records of which he has always made at the time, and now after an experience of ten years, when his wonderful power has about left him, and the cares of practice are becoming great, he publishes these to the world.

These phenomena are but a repetition of what we hear every day, and to answer the numerous enquiries by saying humbug, is too much like applying that epithet in former times to Homoeopathy and the facts daily recorded in reference to its success. Dr. R. has made no attempt to explain the wonderful things, he states; but leaves them as they occurred for others to draw their inference.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 12, 1859, pages 565-574]

[Description: Book-notices; A CONTRIBUTION TO MEDICAL LITERATURE, By J. RUTHERFORD RUSSELL; CONSUMPTION, ITS NATURE, PREVENTION AND HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT, by WILLIAM HITCHMAN; A NEW AND COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS, Arranged upon a Physiologic Pathological Basis, for the use of Practitioners and Students of Medicine, BY CHARLES J. HEMPEL; HINTS TOWARD PHYSICAL PERFECTION by D. A. Jaques; THE HOMOEOPATHIC DOMESTIC PHYSICIAN AND TRAVELLERS' MEDICAL COMPANION By Dr. FRED. GUSTAVE OEHME; THE HOMOEOPATHIST; PROCEEDINGS OF THE ILLINOIS STATE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AT ITS FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING; TRANSACTIONS OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, for the year 1858; MYSTIC HOURS or Spiritual Experiences By G.A. REDMAN]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

BOOK-NOTICES.

1. REASONS FOR ADOPTING THE RATIONAL SYSTEM OF MEDICINE: A Letter to the Governors of the Hall General Infirmary; by FEWSTER ROBEBT HORNER, M. D., London, 1858.

2. HOMOEOPATHY TESTED BY FACTS: Cases illustrative of the Homoeopathic Action of Remedial Agents; by JAMES P. HARPER, M. D., Edinburgh, 1858.

3. OUR SCHOOLS OF MEDICINE AND THE COMING; MEDICAL STRUGGLE: BY AN ALLOPATHIC PRACTITIONER. Edinburgh, 1858.

4. MAJORITY AND MINORITY REPORTS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF TEN GOVERNORS, to whom was referred the subject of introducing Homoeopathy into Bellevue Hospital. New-York, 1858.

At the Annual Meeting of the British Medical and Surgical Association, held at Brighton, Eng., on the 14th of Aug., 1851, the following Resolutions were unanimously adopted:

"1. That it is the opinion of this Association that Homoeopathy, as propounded by Hahnemann and practiced by his followers, is so utterly opposed to science and common sense, as well as so completely at variance with the experience of the medical profession, that it ought to be in no way or degree practiced or countenanced by any regularly-educated medical practitioner.

"2. That Homoeopathic practitioners, through the press, the platform and the pulpit, have endeavored to heap contempt upon the practice of medicine and surgery as followed by members of this Association and by the profession at large.

"3. That, for these reasons, it is derogatory to the honor of members of this Association to hold any kind of professional intercourse with Homoeopathic practitioners.

"4. That there are three classes of practitioners who ought not to be members of this Association, namely: First, real Homoeopathic practitioners; Second. those who practice Homoeopathy in combination with other systems of treatment; and, Third, those who, under various pretenses, meet in consultation or hold professional intercourse with those who practice Homoeopathy.

"6. That the thanks of the Association are eminently due, and are hereby given, to the Presidents and Fellows of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of Edinburgh for their determined stand against Homoeopathic delusions and impostures.

"7. That the thanks of the Association are also due, and are hereby given, to the Universities of Edinburgh and St. Andrews for their resolution to refuse their diplomas to practitioners of Homoeopathy; but the Association feels imperatively called on to express its disapproval of any school of medicine which retains among its teachers any one who holds Homoeopathic opinions."

The presiding officer at that meeting was the president of the Association- Dr. F. R. Horner, the author of the work which heads our article.

On the 23d of April, 1857, Dr. Horner addressed a letter to the managers of the Hull Infirmary, requesting that two wards should be granted to him. where he could prescribe Homoeopathic remedies. Of course his request was not granted. He was led to search after truth, "by the unsatisfactory and ever-varying systems of the old school of physic. and by the conviction that positive evil is inseparable from the old method of cure."

"Impressed with this startling and well-ascertained fact-that drugs, administered to a patient, permeate every part of the human body, and then lodge for indefinite periods of time-I felt as others have felt, that this was, indeed, a subject for most serious and painful thought."

As an additional motive for investigating, he felt that something must be done to stay the rapid spread of Homoeopathy. He found that it was extending "not amongst the credulous and uneducated, but the enlightened and higher classes of society were daily becoming its firmest adherents and determined supporters. Nor was this onward progress restricted to any town or district; but throughout England, Ireland and Scotland; and yet, for more, throughout America, Germany and France, and throughout all the States of Europe was it adopted and cherished."

He soon saw it was not to be arrested by raillery, abuse and misrepresentation. He made many experiments with Homoeopathic remedies, both on members of his own family and persons who had been discharged from the Infirmary as cured or else incurable, and with great success. Ho afterwards administered the remedies to his patients, unknown to them, who marveled at the cure so suddenly effected after other medicines had failed. He then mentions a number of cases healed and the beneficial results be experienced.

Dr. Harper was taught to regard all practitioners of Homoeopathy as rogues or fools; but the testimony of persons whose opinions on other subjects would have been listened to as the opinions of wise men, was not to be rejected without some investigation. Although determined to make a fair trial of the merits of the new school, he hoped to prove it false.

"Medicines were gotten in secrecy and given in disguise. Books were bought secretly, and in secret they were studied. If, at any time, an Allopathic foot trod my lobby, the heretical volumes were hastily thrust into an obscure corner, and the inquirer after medical truth had to bow a welcome to his friend suspected of medical error. Why is it that obstacles all but insuperable are thrown in the way of those who, dissatisfied with the present state of practical medicine, seek to investigate, with fairness and honesty of purpose, a law of cure believed in by hundreds of medical men of whose integrity and moral worth there is no reason to entertain a doubt! If the system is false, it will not bear investigation; if true, it deserves it. Why, then, is the detection of falsehood or the discovery of truth in Homoeopathy dreaded?"

He reports a number of successful cases, consisting of Laryngitis, Pneumonia, Pleurisy, Bronchitis, Hooping-Cough, Dysentery, Cholera, Scarlatina, Dropsy, Acute Rheumatism, Ozena, Condylomata and others, and is satisfied that the recoveries were, in point of time and completeness, superior to the ordinary run of such cases under the old treatment.

He asks,

"To what, then, are these results to be attributed? Imagination must be excluded as an element in the calculation; for. in no instance, was the patient aware that he received other than orthodox medicine. Besides, many of the best recoveries were among infants and very young children. Diet and regimen had no share in the favorable results; for, with the exception of the cases of diarrhea and dysentery, where the instructions were of the most general nature, no directions were given whatever."

He will not allow that nature alone effected the cures. As in several cases nature had a good chance to make a cure, but no results were witnessed until after the administration of the remedy, when an abatement of the symptoms was at once discernable.

We publish a case of Ozena of four years standing:

"Grace S -----, Act. 16, June 23, 1857. – A dwarf with large head, tumid joints, long bones curved, of high strumous parents; her father died of phthisis pulmonalis. Ever since childhood, has had a discharge of matter from the mouth during the night, which was recognized in the morning as having stained the pillow-case yellow. About four years ago, a discharge from the nose commenced, and has since continued without intermission. At intervals it is more copious than at other times; but it never ceases. It runs from the nose over the upper lip, and has every now and then to be wiped away. In color it varies; it is sometimes yellow, sometimes greenish. It is so acrid that it excoriates the upper lip. Its smell is most offensive, and occasionally so bad, that no one can go near her. During the whole course of the disease, she has used the average of twenty-five handkerchiefs a week; the mucous lining of the nose is red and inflamed in appearance. Her general health is tolerably good, but she often complains of pain referred to the occiput. One remarkable symptom has been steady during the whole course of this affection; namely, 'dreadful perspiration' every night, from the middle of the body downwards; so extreme as to require 'frequent wiping.' Aurum 3, twice a day.

"June 28. – The discharge is slightly less, and not so offensive. Continue Aurum.

"July 3. – Discharge somewhat less. Continue Aurum.

"July 17. – Very much better. Her mother says she has not been so well for three years, and that the discharge has never been so small. The offensive smell is scarcely felt; and, in place of using twenty-five handkerchiefs, has only used two during the last week. The occipital pain is not nearly so intense or frequent, and the nocturnal perspiration has entirely ceased. Continue medicine.

"July 19. – Continues better; discharge comparatively slight. Two days ago there was a small discharge of blood from the nose, the first she has seen. For six days only two cloths have been used, and the second is scarcely soiled. The inflammatory redness of the mucous lining of the nose has disappeared, and the membrane presents its natural appearance. Continue Aurum once daily.

"July 27. – Scarcely so well; during the past week has used four handkerchiefs. The discharge more free, and with some offensive smell. Continue Aurum twice a day.

"August 1. – Better; has only used two cloths since last report. Omit Aurum. Merc. sol. 3d dec., twice a day.

"August 9. – Not so well; has used more cloths; discharge greater. Omit Merc. Resume Aurum 3.

"August 17. – Much better; has only used one cloth during the last eight days.

"September 1. – Continues better. Continue Aurum.

"October 6. – Continues better; the discharge has lost its purulent character, and is now principally of thick, greenish mucous. The average number of handkerchiefs used each week has been three. Omit Aurum. Kali bichrom, 1st dec. twice a day.

"November 8. – Since last report she has continued better. Her state is this: She has perhaps rather an excess of discharge of mucous from the nose, and uses four or five handkerchiefs in the course of fourteen days, instead of fifty, as formerly. There is no purulent discharge; no smell is perceptible, unless after taking cold; her general health is excellent, and she has not been so; well, her friends say, for four years."

In answer to the assertion that the number of cases is too small, and his experience too scanty to warrant his conversion, the author remarks:

"That the actual time afforded to the study, has been more than quadruple that which the medical faculty of Edinburgh deemed necessary for gaining the therapeutic knowledge qualifying for their degree."

The name of the author of the third work is not given, and we entered on its perusal with no previous conception of its character. The writer, whoever he may be, has done injustice to the old school, and has failed to do justice to the new. The stand point from which he views both is not one which we have ever occupied, nor do we think it either a philosophical or desirable one.

The pamphlet seems to be the emanation of discontented and disappointed ambition; discontented and disappointed, not with the science of medicine as at present taught, so much as with its. teachers.

There will always be a disagreeable sensation connected with the sight of a youth, who, having come into the possession of an estate, toward the accumulation of which he has contributed nothing, curses those from whom he derives his inheritance, because the amount falls a few cents short of that which he supposed it to be. It is generally considered much better to. increase by one's own exertions, than to find fault with the meagerness of the sum received. Attacks upon one's alma mater are as unnatural, from a psychical point of view, as is abuse of her who bore us, from an instinctive one. Shall any of us justify ourselves for violence toward our parent, because the milk received from her in infancy failed to make giants of us in manhood ?

Indeed we have no sympathy with those who attack the science of medicine and those who have studied and practiced it through the ages, with the unreasonable and one-sided views which are prominent in the book before us. It is too much the custom to consider Allopathy as the same to day as it was an hundred years ago. There can be no greater mistake. All the shafts, therefore, aimed at Allopathy, as in this or other polemic productions, fall far short of the mark, being met as they are with the stereotyped reply: "This which you condemn is not our practice; we are Allopaths, but give us no such doses-bleed in no such manner-puke to no such degree, etc."

Now the position, as it seems to us, which practitioners of Homoeopathy should assume, is one neither of hostility or defense. Our duty seems simply to study and to quietly cure as many as we can of those who come under our charge. Perfectly satisfied of the unexceptionable nature and the absolute truth of the law which lies at the foundation of therapeutic science, we are also sure of the equal value which contributions other than therapeutical, made by physicians before Hahnemann, possess for all practitioners of the healing art. The author of the book under criticism is wilfully mistaken in the assertion, that the profession owe to outsiders the best of their armament. In speaking of Harvey and Jenner, and the professional opposition which they received, he loses sight of the fact that they were both physicians, and that the results of their labors are professional as well as scientific inheritances.

From what has been said, it is evident that injustice has been done to the old school, and now we may easily see how .the author has failed to do justice to the new. He has failed, because "for the work of expounding or advocating the new school, he does not find in himself either inclination or qualification as yet." This being true enough, we must regret the impulse which hurried the author into print so early. To have made as complete a thing as his subject demanded, he should have had materials ready for the erection of a new system, before calling "outsiders" to see how well he knew the weak parts and the open chinks in the old one. If our author is not too old-and there is a very fiery youthfulness in his attacks upon poor Sir John Forbes-he will, beyond question, write a book by-and-by in which will be given the particulars of his conversion to Homoeopathy. It is to be hoped that at that time he will have sufficiently informed himself as to its merits, to take some other stand in regard to it, than that occupied by him at present, i.e., one which asks for Hahnemann a fair trial, while, by his own showing, this is the very thing he himself has not yet given him.

The Homoeopathic profession is greatly indebted to Dr. E. M. Kellogg, of this city, for the laborious collection and arrangement of the mass of statistics embodied in the Minority Report, which fully sustains Gov. Pinckney, in the following conclusions, with which he sums up.

"I. – That Homoeopathy has ceased to be an experiment, and is on established system of medicine."

"II. – That as compared with Allopathy, the expense of Homoeopathic treatment is much less."

"III. – That the duration of disease under Homoeopathic treatment is much less."

"IV. – That the mortality under Homoeopathic treatment is much less."

We give as full a statement, of the results of Dr. Kellogg's tables as our space will permit, premising that the authorities cited, arc such as will not be questioned.

In 21 Allopathic Hospitals, during periods ranging from 1814 to 1855, the average percent, of mortality was from 11 to 12.

In 15 Homoeopathic Hospitals, during periods ranging from 1829 to 1856, the average percent, was 5'.7

In the Hospital at Gyongos, in Hungary, which was alternately under each system, the results were as follows: –

5 years of Allopathy, 622 cases, 98 deaths, percent. 15.

11 " " Homoeopathy, 1,538 " 143 " " 9.3

In the London Homoeopathic Hospital there were during the years 1850 to 1856, 1,062 Cases, 48 Deaths, Percent. 4 1/2

In St. George's (Allopathic) Hospital, London, there were during the years 1854 and 1855, 5,413 Cases, 1,018 Deaths, Percent. 18.

The Convent of Refuge, at Marseilles, was under Allopathic treatment from its foundation in 1841 up to 1848; the results were as follows: – 1,851 Cases, 102 Deaths, Percent. 5 .5

From 1850 to 1854, the same Institution was under Homoeopathic care, with the following result, 1,662 Cases. 49 Deaths, Percent. 2 9.

Two wards in the Hospital of Ste. Marguerite, in Paris, were under the Homoeopathic treatment of Dr. Tessier, from 1849 to 1851, ride by side with two other wards under Allopathic treatment. Their published reports show the average of 3 years treatment: –

Allopathic, 3,724 Cases, 411 Deaths, Percent. 11

Homoeopathic, 4,655 " 399 " " " 6.6

From Dr. Routh's "Fallacies of Homoeopathy," we have the following summary

PERCENT OF DEATHS.

Disease. Homoeopathic. Allopathic.

Pneumonia, 5.7 24

Pleuritis 3 13

Peritonities, 4 13

Dysentery, 3 22

Typhus, (abdominal,) 15 19

All diseases, 4.4 8.5

We pass on to the statistics of particular diseases, and find the General Board of Health of Edinburgh and Leath, report the total number of cases of Cholera treated from October 4, 1848, to February 1, 1849, as follows,

Homoeopathic, 234 Cases, 57 Deaths, Percent. 24.

Allopathic, 581 " 489 " " " 84.

In 6 Homoeopathic Hospitals, with 1,248 cases of Cholera, there were 336 deaths, making 27 percent.

In 9 Allopathic Hospitals, with 3899 cases of Cholera, there were 2,089 deaths, the percent, being 54.

Under the head of Pneumonia, or Inflammation of the Lungs, we have the following recapitulation,

Homoeopathic treatment, mortality 5 to 6 percent.

Allopathic "" 14 " 24 "

Expectant " " 7 " 8 "

The statistics of Typhus Fever, give us another comparative view :

I. Allopathic.

In the Vienna General Hospital, 2,482 Cases, 536 Deaths, Per Cent. 21 .6

II. Expectant.

In the 2d Division of Prague Hospital, 228 Cases, 40 Deaths, Per Cent. 17.5.

III Homoeopathic.

In Homoeopathic Vienna Hospital, 282 Cases, 30 Deaths, Percent. 10 .6

Of the 7 Orphan Asylums in the city of New York, 6 are under the Allopathic care, and the result of 12 years treatment is 1 death in 41, or 2. 5 percent; while the Protestant Half-Orphan Asylum, under Homoeopathic treatment, shows but 1 death in 146. or 6 .8 of percent

The Nursery at Randall's Island, under Allopathic treatment, gives the four years, from 1853 to 1856, a mortality of 1 in 17, while the House for the Friendless, under Homoeopathic treatment, shows only 1 in 40.

Notwithstanding the overwhelming testimony thus adduced in support of Homoeopathic treatment, the majority of the Committee report against its introduction into Bellevue Hospital, and although the subject lies upon the table, waiting for final action, we can hardly hope for a favorable decision, at present, and those who are so unfortunate as to become subjects for Hospital treatment, in this great city, must still continue to undergo all the horrors of Allopathy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 34-39]

[Description: Book-Notices.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

C. VON BOENNINGHAUSEN.

WE are happy to be able to inform our readers that the Editors of the Review have received a communication from this distinguished Homoeopath. Ever anxious for the progress of our school, he took time from among his many duties to send across the Atlantic his promises of interest and cooperation in our undertaking. He has recently published an article, in the "Allgemeine Homoeopatische Zeitung" on Tabes Dorsalis, which, when given to our readers in the translation now preparing, will be sure to start new trains of thought in regard to the long action of single doses of the highest potencies.

The reputation of Dr. B. at this moment is as enviable as that of any physician in Europe. It is well understood that his cases are studied with the greatest pains and his remedies administered with the nicest accuracy. He always uses the very highest potencies-seldom or never going below the 200th; and his success sometimes approaches the marvelous. Dr. B. is somewhat of an enthusiast, and is one with reason. Such splendid successes justify almost any extravagance. The most perfect confidence may be placed in his statements, and he is at present considered as occupying the first place in the ranks of the pure Hahnemann school. We hope to be able to give a short biographical sketch of this illustrious gentleman in one of the next numbers.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, page 33]

[Description: Communication from C. von Boenninghausen.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

COXITIS.

(Translated from the Allgemeine Homoeopatische Zeitung.)

The following case, though not presenting a very rapid cure, nevertheless shows the superiority of our system over the old school, which considers the above named disease, if not absolutely incurable, yet eminently lingering, and hardly accessible to the influence of medicines.

Maria Massia, 26 years of age, had always enjoyed good health, until about seven weeks before entering our Hospital, on the twenty-first of June. Her trouble commenced with pain in the hip, for which she applied to an Allopathic practitioner; but as she derived no relief from his treatment, she came here. The pain, at first confined to the hip joint, now extended to the whole extremity down to the ankle, increasing in severity towards evening to such a degree that she cannot refrain from moaning and crying, and is unable to go to sleep. She is altogether unable to move the limb, and the slightest touch upon the painful parts causes such an excitement that she trembles all over, and is sometimes thrown into fits. The temperature of the skin, not only on the affected parts, but over the whole body, was high; appetite wanting; intense thirst; stools, retarded; menses, regular.

The medicines, which have proved so efficacious in other cases of this disease, in this instance failed entirely. Bryon., Coloc., Merc. sol.,-all of the 15th potency-and Tart. stib.2, were successively employed with little effect; they, indeed, lulled the pain for a short time, but exerted no lasting influence. I determined, therefore, to apply those remedies which penetrate, as physiological experiments teach us, more deeply and powerfully into the organism, and administered Mezereum 15, and Aur. mur.15, which soon produced a decided improvement; but after a few days, the pain returned as intense as before. I then prescribed Silicea 30, and under its continued use, steadily, although slowly did the pain abate, until the patient was discharged from the Hospital, cured.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06, 1859, page 274]

[Description: Coxitis.]

[Remedies: Silicea terra]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

DISPENSARY AND HOSPITAL REPORTS.

In publishing their Fourth Annual Report, the Trustees of the Central Homoeopathic Dispensary, have discontinued their tabular statements: as they believe that the result of dispensary practice, cannot be arrived at with sufficient accuracy to make its statistics of any value.

The information that fifty cases of croup, for instance, have been cured out of fifty cases treated, can be but of very little value unless this statement is accompanied with the details of the symptoms in the various cases. The elemental constituents of a case of this disease, evidently differ as the characters and medical experience of those who make the record. The stage of the disease at which treatment is commenced, the constitution of the patient, the intensity of the inflammation, and various other circumstances, must modify the result. From this instance, an idea may be formed of the small value of most tabular statistics.

During the year, 1467 cases have been treated, 6 deaths have occurred. There have been dispensed, 3914 prescriptions at a cost, including rent, fuel, etc., of $282.75. The receipts amounted to $259, leaving a deficiency of $23.75.

In the Third Annual Report of the Bond Street Homoeopathic Dispensary, the Manager publishes a long tabular statement, showing a totality of 1808 cases treated, 1083 cured, 130 relieved, 240 results unknown, 5 deaths and 173 remaining under treatment. The yearly expenses amounted to $677.50; the subscriptions, $685; leaving a balance of $7.50.

The Physicians of the Northern Homoeopathic Dispensary publish their First Annual Report, with the following summary: – 1384 cases, of which, 1047 were cored, 73 relieved, 46 results unknown, 5 death and 68 remaining under treatment. The expenditures amounted to $161.25, while the receipts were but $118, showing a deficiency of $43.25.

From the Secretary's Report of the Homoeopathic Medical Dispensary of Boston, we make the following extract: –

"Number of cases 195; cured 18; relieved 44; called once 66; results unknown 22; remaining under treatment 44; not relieved 1.

"It will be noticed that the number of cases coming under the head of 'cured' is comparatively small. But it should be remembered that in institutions of this nature, it is always extremely difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a full report of the results of the treatment. If a patient recovers, he generally does not take the trouble to return to the Dispensary and report the fact; if he is discouraged, and seeks other treatment, he is still less likely to be heard from. Still, judging from the nature of many of the diseases which have been treated, and the improved condition of many of the patients at their last visit, it may be fairly inferred that many of the cases coming under the head of "relieved," 'called once,' and 'results unknown' were in reality cured by the treatment they had undergone."

From Dr. A. R. Shaw, Physician to the Homoeopathic Dispensary, Philadelphia, we have received a short sketch of the institution, with which he is connected, and regret that our limited space forbids our publishing his letter. From it we learn that during the four months ending July 31st, 1858 the total number of cases amounted to nearly 2600. In April the number was 672; in May 702; in June 607; in July 587. These were exclusive of out door patients. The doctor states they are laboring under difficulties similar to those mentioned in the above extract.

In addition to the relief afforded to those unable to pay for medical advice, and the benefit resulting to our cause from the success thereof, Dispensaries and Hospitals are invaluable to the homoeopathic student, as the variety of cases he sees there is but seldom met with in private practice, thus affording opportunities unsurpassed for clinical study. We wonder that in all of our principal cities, dispensaries have not been established, if only for the benefit young practitioners can derive therefrom.

CITY HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO.

On the 14th of March 1837, a petition, numerously signed by many of the most intelligent and respectable citizens of Chicago was presented to the Common Council of that city, asking that a portion of the new hospital, then in course of erection, might be assigned to the treatment of patients under the homoeopathic theory.

The petition was granted and on the 9th of July following the Board of Health appointed a homoeopathic and allopathic board of physicians and surgeons composed of the following gentlemen.

HOMOEOPATHIC BOARD. – Consulting Physicians-A. E. Small, M. D., A. Pitney, M. D.

Physicians and Surgeons- H K. W. Boardman, M. D., D. A. Colton, M. D., N. F. Cook, M. D., R. Ludlam, M. D., S. Seymour, M. D., and G. B. Shipman, M. D.

ALLOPATHIC BOARD. – Consulting Physicians-Drs. N. Davis and J. K. Amerman.

Physicians and Surgeons- R. N. Isham, M. D., D. Miller, M. D., J. P. Boss, M. D., J. Craig, M. D., W. Wagner, M. D. and G. D. Schloetser, M. D.

To the latter of these boards, three-fourths of the Hospital was to be granted, and to the other, one-fourth, each to be independent in its own sphere.

The Hospital is finished; but has not yet been opened for patients owing, we understand, to financial difficulties.

PROTESTANT HOSPITAL OF ST. LOUIS.

This institution was established by Mr. L. E. Nollan, a German clergyman, assisted by many of the citizens of St. Louis.

It was commenced in a small way without any funds or endowments. A five dollar gold piece was presented to Mr. N. as a New Years gift, January 1857. A friend added five dollars more; a book seller, from whom a blank book was asked for keeping accounts, presented the book and ten dollars more; another friend gave a lounge and ten dollars in money, besides other furniture.

Mr. N. borrowed $2025 upon his own account, to purchase a building with, and on the 10th of February 1857 it was opened for patients. They now have twenty-four beds and all the necessary furniture.

During the year 1857 the whole number of patients admitted and treated was 101.

The receipts amounted to $l,293.93, while the expenditures were $2,187.36 leafing a deficiency of $893 43.

It is intended to apply to the Legislature for a charter, and have the Hospital placed under a regular Board of Trustees.

Drs T. G. Comstock and E. A. Fellerer are the attending physicians.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 93-95]

[Description: Dispensary and Hospital reports]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

DR. TRINCKS ON HIGH DILUTIONS.

Some unfortunate high dilution Homoeopathist has evidently been treading upon the venerable toes of the distinguished Dr. Trincks. The Central Homoeopathic Society in Germany have been favored with a letter from the indignant old gentleman, in which those who employ the higher potencies are denounced with all the fretfulness of a man, whose prejudices are opposed, and who feels his influence is waning. There is but little good temper and less logic in Dr. Trincks letter, or we should publish it in full. It is at best a diatribe against those who really and conscientiously believe in the Dynamizations; accusing them of inferior intelligence, and incapacity to distinguish cause and effect. He adduces his own experience as a negative proof of the value of the high dilutions. On the other hand hundreds of well educated and capable physicians are ready to give their positive testimony in favor of their efficacy. Dr. Trincks may continue to record and publish his failures to cure with the high attenuations till the crack of doom; but he cannot by this means convince those whose personal experience is one of daily success in their employment. If one man swears with the greatest earnestness he did not see another man commit a certain murder while ten other men may swear they did see him, a jury even of wrong headed old-school physicians would be very likely to bring in the accused as guilty. Dr. Trincks may never have seen any good come from the administration of high potencies: we have, and so also have hundreds of others. Good logic will not allow his "negative proof" to prevail against the "positive proof" on the other side.

Every one knows it is just as easy to give low dilutions as it is to give high; and it is certainly reasonable to suppose that unless a man is a fool he will administer those remedies which his experience has taught him are the most likely to effect a cure.

The patients whom Dr. Trincks is unable to cure with attenuations, perhaps Dr. Boenninghausen may. "Ay, there's the rub"-perhaps Boenninghausen has cured some of Trincks incurables. "Hinc illae lachrymae!"

In all soberness, to one who from the hospital practice of the old school has by gradual process of experiment, become slowly convinced of the power of the higher dilutions, nothing but chagrin, disappointment and regret can come, at the perusal of the letter above referred to. It is plainly intended as a personal attack on one whose risen star already out-shines that of the Nestor of Homoeopathy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 03, 1858, pages 127-128]

[Description: Dr. Trinks on high dilutions.]

[Author: AHomeo01.]

[Year: 1858]

II. EPILEPSY.

A soldier serving in the United States Army during the year 1842, while stationed in Florida, had a severe attack of the congestive fever of that climate, for which he was treated with large doses of Calomel and Quinine. His convalescence was slow and imperfect. From the year 1845 to 1847 he was affected with a nervous irritability, and an extreme sensitiveness to cold or heat, and to moral emotions. This nervous irritability slowly but surely increased upon him to the extent of wholly changing his manner, disposition and temper. He became restless, suffered from spasmodic twitchings of the muscles, startings in sleep, headache, ringing and buzzing in the ears, great lowness of spirits, and occasional vertigo. These disagreeable symptoms gradually increased, and during the year 1852 and '53 he became subject to attacks of severe nervous paroxysms which were not epilepsy, inasmuch as patient was always conscious of his surroundings during their occurrence. During the year 1854 however, real epilepsy made its appearance, the fits coming on with great regularity at the full of the moon, accompanied with loss of consciousness, and following each other in quick succession, sometimes lasting for two or three hours. During 1855 the epilepsy increased in intensity, and patient was on one occasion unconscious for six hours, during which time he was bled (leeched and cupped), purged and blistered. Soon after the attack in which he was bled, another, still more violent and prolonged, came on. The old soldier was given up to die, and the family sent for a priest. The name of the ecclesiastic was not mentioned but, whoever he may have been, he did a good deed when, before resorting to extreme unction, he put some homoeopathic globules on the tongue of the unconscious and apparently dying man. The good priest, if we are right in our suspicions, always carries a little case of medicine in the pocket opposite the one holding his prayer book; the prayer book being nearest his honest heart, while the medicines are next his loving hand. Under the influence of the seven little globules which the good father rolled from his little bottle on the tongue of the soldier, the patient revived, and the priest saved his lozenge at the price of his sugar plums.

As soon as might be after this attack, the patient hastened to place himself under regular Homoeopathic treatment. He came under the care of my friends Drs. Joslin and Kellogg, and they had him under treatment a year. During this year he was much better. His nervousness was decidedly less and he was able to work at his trade during a good part of that period. He soon after left the city, and was no more seen or heard from till Sept. 12, 1857, when he came to me. He stated that during the summer just passed he had had twentyfour attacks of epilepsy, occurring at irregular intervals, preceded by the usual premonitory symptoms; described by him as a rush of blood to the head, twitching of the muscles, vertigo, falling, etc. He had just recovered from two paroxysms which had left him weak, and in a state of nervous restlessness, with buzzing in the ears, vertigo on stooping, and an intermittent twitching of the facial muscles. One dose of Bell. 200 was administered, followed by Sac. Lac.

Sept. 30. Has had no fit since here. Has had no premonitory symptoms. Sac. Lac.

Nov. 4. Has had neither the premonitory symptoms nor the epileptic paroxysms since. Complains of an internal soreness in the back of the head. Has some symptoms of angina. Is better of his nervous symptoms. Feels much better in every respect. Bel 200, one dose.

May 22, 1858. Has had no fit since-is in every respect better.

Dec. 13, 1858. Up to this date patient has had no other fit nor has he taken any drug, other than the doses mentioned, except one dose of Sulphur 200, which was given in July. Since July he has wandered far from home in pursuit of employment, and on some private business. He was exposed during the travels, from which he has but recently returned, to manifold vexations, trials and exposures, but he has had no return of the Epilepsy.

REMARKS: – My object in reporting this case has been to give an illustration of the value of the higher potencies, administered at long intervals, in certain forms of disease. It will be observed, the patient has been free from the epileptic paroxysms for more than a year. It is quite possible the fits may return: but even if they should, the fact remains they were stopped for more than a year by high homoeopathic potencies. It is certain the fits were proving steadily worse at the time of the first homoeopathic dose; administered by the good priest (which was probably a dose of Bell.) and that since that time they have, after becoming much less severe, finally ceased for the present under a course of homoeopathic treatment.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 04, 1859, pages 168-171]

[Description: Epilepsy.]

[Remedies: Belladonna]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

FRAGMENTA.

I

BY ANALECTES

RELICS of dark-aged philosophy still retain an influence over human investigations and conclusions, which a first glance would hardly prepare us to acknowledge.

It is now less than three hundred years since this dot in creation-our globe-was held by all its inhabitants to be the centre and major part of the universe. Its surface was supposed to be the main theater of all cosmic events, and the course of all other celestial bodies was thought to have special reference to it.

This, Galileo and the host of brilliant men who have followed in his path have proven to be the very opposite from true; and thus we behold all old philosophy in defect, from the reason that the most important elements to a solution were unrecognized.

The magical growth of astronomical science is just in the infancy of its most glorious mission-that of expanding and purifying the mind of man, and of compelling us more clearly and truly to comprehend the laws of our existence and relations, by demonstrating to us that our world is governed by a fragment of the great law that permeates and circumvents all infinity; and thus our relations are with all space, all matter and all time.

Instead of being a contemptible integer, we are elevated into an important fragment of a magnificent and inconceivably great structure.

An extract from one of Professor Mitchell's lectures cannot fail to impress us most forcibly with this sentiment. He says:

"There is no limit to the stars. Do they go on, the one behind the other, without end? I answer, No. Then, do you mean to say there is a limit to Creation? I answer, No. I mean to say that the stars are grouped together in mighty clusters of millions and millions, as distant from our clusters as is our sun from their suns.

"Herschel it was that solved this problem. He commences his investigations by examining the most brilliant part of the Milky Way. He takes a telescope and finds that this soft spot yields to him one hundred beautiful stars, in the distance appearing the size of hazle-nuts. He takes a greater telescope; four new stars are brought up, and the others grow brighter and more beautiful. He takes his forty-feet telescope, and he sees all clear, the stars shining like great diamonds, and in the shade beyond all is blank. This at once settles the question. There are no more stars beyond that limit, and, no matter how great the depths, he has reached them all. But, do we stop here? I answer, No. When we have reached the utmost limits of our own mighty clusters, then it is that we begin an investigation of a far different kind. We pass the confines of our own Universe, and sweep on through space, millions of miles, till, looking behind, we see the stars that compose our own system lying in one vast cluster; but before, all is blank. Is there nothing there hid in the dark, unfathomable realms? There are some dim, hazy spots looming up in the distance. Bring to our aid the telescope-Lo! there burst into view tens of thousands, suns and stars! Here is another universe burst in upon us, and there is not only one; they are scattered by hundreds and thousands through space Let any one look out at night and count the stars. You can do it. It has been done. And no eye has ever been able to count above the horizon, at one time, over fifteen hundred stars. How close do they appear to be one to another, and how numerous their hosts. Yet there are more of these mighty universes scattered through space than there are stars in our system. There is one in the constellation of Hercules, which examined with a telescope of low power, presents the appearance of a milky spot, but with the mighty instrument we use, it is discovered to contain one thousand stars, occupying so small a point in space, that it would seem you might almost group them in your hand. Yet they are so far separated, that light, which travels twelve millions of miles in a minute, require ten thousand years to cross the diameter of its orbit.

These facts are startling; yet we must receive them, for the evidence is so strong that it becomes perfectly irresistible."

Bearing in mind that we thus swing in illimitable space, surrounded by countless myriads of worlds and stellar systems, from all of which we must necessarily receive more or less degrees of influence, every thing in Nature wears a new aspect. We have opened to us a new field of causes, and are enabled more fully to comprehend the phenomena of nature, and to discover their unity.

All this has intimate relation with the vocation of the physician. The great result struggled for, directly or indirectly, consciously or unconsciously, by the human kind, is to prolong life and to promote happiness; and in proportion as we become intimate with universal laws, in precisely that ratio will we be enabled to control those conditions which ultimate in either health or disease. To ascertain what drug will cure an aliment at present existing, is certainly of much use; but in reality, when compared with the grand question of prevention, it holds but a subaltern office, for not a week may pass before inappreciable influences may so modify the nature of the disease, that the remedy becomes wholly inert. And indeed, permitting the above idea a little latitude, it can hardly but be deemed more than probable that Pathology, like all other things connected with human unfoldment, is submitted to a succession of forms, consistent with the different strata or ages of society.

Of infinitely greater value is the discovery of causes than the discovery of endemic application of drugs. What the disciples of Medicine require, and without which they cannot retrieve their calling from the not altogether undeserved stigma of empiricism and quackery; is that which will enable them, by the aid of a well recognized general law, to defend their vocation as a positive science. Let us not then, after the manner of the Alchymists, by the monotonous and soporific glimmer of an imprisoned lamp, but as men of broad facts, expanded minds and worthy inhabitants of our age, seek in wide nature and in open air the elixer vitae.

We most fully believe too that the time is not far remote, when the laws of life and health will, by being revealed, declare medicine a science, as demonstrable as is Chemistry, and will place it upon such a footing that the indolent, ignorant knave cannot – as he now can-pursue it with as much eclat, and sometimes success, as one who is its industrious and thorough student.

Geologists have their maps; there are Geological, Baro metrical, Hyetal, Isothermal and a host of kindred charts: – even the sea and winds are discovering to us their mysteries, and the powers that immediately govern them are in their true and connected relations rapidly expanding to our senses. We cannot restrain the human instinct of pride, when we contrast Pliny's philosophy of the winds with that of our Maury. Instead of the malignant inhabitants of Darkness, from whence-infuriated by some human deed-they rush out to devastate the face of the earth, we find that they are the children of the golden sunlight and the cool, quiet night; and to them we are indebted for the most of our enjoyment, our health, and in fact our very life.

In all our labors connected with natural laws, perhaps it were well for us to consider them as possessing two sources. It is probably true; and at least, convenient. The one source, terrene, emanating from our own planet, and the other extraterrene, or the influences which other heavenly bodies impart to our globe.

For the investigation of terrene causes, as connected with the laws governing health and disease, we venture to suggest the following imperfect idea of a table as a mode of induction.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 70-73]

[Description: Fragmenta by Analectes.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

FRAGMENTA, NUMBER TWO.

BY ANALECTES.

RECURRENCE (1.) [The author of this article takes pleasure in commencing it with an acknowledgement of indebtedness to a valuable thesis upon this subject, written y W. J. Baner, M. D., of this city, whose kindness permitted him the use of it ] -All motion, change, or life, seem to transpire only through the act of an universal law of periodicity; that is, by revolutions, the orbit being defined by completion, such completion being recognized by the commencement of a repetition. View Nature as we will, in detail, or in its larger and more complex relations, still Periodicity would seem to be the organon of the universal economy of Action. Be never so minute the fragment which we study, yet is ever preserved the perfect though miniatured image of this Method:

"Even as a broken mirror, which the glass

In every fragment multiplies; and makes

A thousand images of one that was,

The same, and still the more, the more it breaks."

Turn in whatever direction you may, this-Nature's solid law-obtains: action and reaction; day and night, again day and night, and so on forevermore. It appears as regular and inflexible, except as a species it be encroached upon by a generic law, as is the rhythm of the heart.

The planetary satellites have their recurrence of days and seasons; the same in serial order, though of greater magnitude, have the planets, and observation goes far to prove that each of the numberless suns of our sidereal cluster sustain stated relative recurrences, even though human history may embrace but a scarcely appreciable segment of one such cycle. (1.) [It was Sir Wm. Herschel who, in 1783, evolved the idea that our whole solar system had a proper unitary movement, and that the point in the heavens towards which it at present seemed moving, was in the constellation Herculis. His observations upon this subject were immediately succeeded by these of M. Argelander, M. Luhndahl, M. Otto Struve and others, since which it has become a subject of much interest to all astronomers.

The mode of arriving at this fact may be ascertained be reference to Sir John F. N. Herschel's Outlines of Astronomy; pub. Lon. 1851, paragraph 854, et seq.

According to calculation by M. Otto Struve, sen., (vide cp cit. parag. 858), our Solar System moves through space with a velocity of 422.000 miles per diem.

It is not improbable that as the Moon revolves around the Earth, the Earth around the Sun, so also the Sun, with its planets, may describe an orbit around some greater centre, and this greater centre with its retinue may in turn be a portion of a grand system, embracing the whole of our cluster, ( Via Lactea), and this may again hold similar relations with other clusters in the universe, and so on, extending beyond the pale of human conception.

That our Solar System may revolve around another and larger one, is an idea not originating in fancy, for such phenomena are constantly visible in the heavens.

There have been discovered over 5,000 double stars, or stars which revolve about each other; and it may be that our Sun like some of the other stars, may have a motion around some remote centre, the location of which can only be approximated after many ages of observation. Though accepting the first supposition, that we revolve around a larger star, our period of revolution may yet be so extended that thousands of years of observation might be necessary to any definite clue of the whereabouts of our centre. There are evidences that the stars Mizar and Alcor (Ursae Majoris) revolve the one around the other, and the period occupied in the completion of one revolution is about 200,000 years ( Vide "Stellar Universe," by J. P. Nichols, L. L. D., part II, ch. 5.)] Moreover, in respect to time, there seems to be a serial infinity of recurrence, from the major periods that embrace incomprehensible spaces of time, down to those that are completed within its most minute degree.

This prevails throughout nature in total and in minutia; not only in the physical universe, but also the mental. And not only is natural and human history marked with extraordinary tidal epochs of rise and fall, of bloom, summer flush, maturity and winter-time; but so in each individual biography.

Periodicity is the result of that great element, Momentum, which is the parent of all change in the universe, and which, in the vegetable and animal we term Life, in the mineral, chrystalism; and in the relation that one heavenly body bears towards another, Gravity. Constantly it stares us in the face-in astronomy, in geology, in the rise and fall of the human race, in the history of nations and of forms of government, in religion, in individual experience, in the lamina of the tree or the bone-all, in the very nature of their being proclaim that so soon as recurrence ceases, the object has no longer an individual existence, but, decaying, its elements again traverse space and are appropriated to the formation of other bodies.

Such being the fact would justify the deduction that animal life and all pertaining thereto are under the same regency. In philosophical researches however, the constant temptation to surrender one's self to dazzling theories must always be contended against, and by patient but hard labor, a foundation of facts must be elaborated. Nor do analogies, as read by human understanding, always lead to safe inductions.

We will first then proceed to a consideration of some demonstrated data, and afterwards discuss the admissible induction.

In treating of this subject it perhaps will be of service to separate the phenomena into two classes : Generic and Idiocratic; the first embracing all such periodical events as transpire without being much under the control of the will; and the second, such as may be established by individual volition or by accidental circumstances.

We will first direct .attention to these facts which are most palpable and frequent of occurrence, as indicative that animal . life is a series of rhythmical changes.

As a type of Generic periodicity in animal life, possibly the most happy and the least variable illustration is presented in the mysterious phenomenon of sleep. Why, and how it is that this strange similutude of death should have been chosen to afford the condition most favorable to the process of life, of reparation, is, of course, not within human ken. We know however, that its demands are, of all habits in animal life, the most imperative; that for every infringement of its mandates, the transgressor must suffer the immutable penalty.

But why does sleep periodically belong to night? Ah! says the physiologist, it is because Light, the great stimulant of vegetable and animal life is withdrawn. Very true: and so far as vegetable and animal life are concerned, it is not impossible, nor to my mind improbable that this alternation of day and night may serve as a conduit for enacting the ultimati which are thus reached down from the great law which propels universality. As we proceed, perhaps we shall learn that this law permeates and gives character to every minutia of life.

Humboldt has proven by experiment that there are barometrical and thermometrical atmospheric tides of a double quotidian type, and of regular sequence; and such being the fact, it cannot but extend the influence of its different states to all life belonging to its domains.

In a measure disconnected, however, from the more general or external law, (Generic) there seems to be a nisus of individual or idiocratic periodicity imparted to each instance of life, in such degree that voluntary habit may soon establish an instance of periodicity, that tho' at first an act of volition, may secondarily become an involuntary recurrence of regular consecution as related to an individual, but not necessarily synchronous with the great pulsations of the more Generic periods. We observe this in the readiness with which we, by a few repetitions acquire the habit of dropping to sleep and of waking at certain given times: – in the involuntary sensations of hunger, occurring at such hours as we have been accustomed to partake of food, which sensation subsides after the usual hour has passed, even though no food may have been taken.

Habit will also establish a periodic demand for exfecation: in verity the knowledge of this kind of facts is so universal and the opportunity of witnessing them so frequent, that it is almost superfluous to more than mention it.

Another illustration, however, of Generic periodicity, less subject to idiocratic influence, is the menses of the female. That this naturally occurs at periods of about 28 days, is a fact, the reason of which has elicited much speculation, with no very satisfactory scientific solution. Whether the period of its recurrence is determined, or implanted by the synodical, the siderial, or the solar month, is a question of dispute, and by some they are denied any connection whatever. For my own part I strongly incline to the opinion that the radix of this phenomena, is from the combined influences of the synodical and siderial months-that these furnish the nisus, and that the ultimates, of which the menses is but a myriad, are under the regulation of a law more or less nearly approaching the idiocratic order: thus the menstrual period may naturally belong to the order of lunar recurrences, and may confirm the relationship by a correspondence in frequency; but the date of its occurrence may not be synchronous with any given lunar change, because of the intervention of this idiocratic law, which serves to sustain order at the same time that it grants greater freedom in choice of period.

Mr. W. H. B. Webster of the British navy, has recently (1857) made public a work of nearly three hundred pages, entitled, "Recurring Atmospheric Periods"-in which he adduces much proof to sustain, what he says is a fact, that there are meteorological registers of a monthly recurrence of atmospherical states, and these also, (a point somewhat perplexing to Mr. Webster,) he finds are not coincident with any given portion of a zodiacal sign.

In connection with this subject of monthly periodicity, I had chance to observe in one of my patients, a curious and exceedingly interesting case of monthly recurrence in one who was, and still is laboring under pulmonary phthisis, and who at the monthly crises has been subject to pulmonary hemorrhages.

The patient, Mr. S. R. M-----, had his first attack of bleeding upon the morning of July 8th, 1857. The hemorrhage was quite severe, but being arrested, he rapidly rallied and grew daily stronger until August 6th, (28 days) when he had a second severe bleeding which continued at intervals until the 12th, when it again ceased, and, as in the month previous he went on rapidly mending. On the 4th of Sept. (29 days,) there was an evidently strong attempt at recurrence, which was doubtless prevented by some quinine that had been given on the 2nd and 3rd.

Oct. 8th (28 days and seven,) there were threatenings of hemorrhage which did occur on the tenth and continued at intervals until the 31st. From this time he did very well until Nov. 27 (27 days from Oct. 31st) when there were premonitory symptoms and nothing more until Dec. 28th (31 days,) when he was attacked with a severe chill and slight bleeding. On Jan. 6th, 1858, he had another slight chill with a trace of hemorrhage, being just six 28 days, plus six days from the cessation of his bleeding on July 11th, 1857.

Here are seven critical periods all occurring at intervals of about 28 days; one period falling one day short, and three periods somewhat exceeding 28 days. The last period would however, seem irregular until upon equation of the aggregate it is found to correspond periodically (assuming 28 days as the period;) with the first attack, except that there is a gain of six days, which, perhaps, may be owing to another element-that of Repair.

At this juncture, my patient left New York for Florida and by my request kept a daily record of his health, which record, to July 27th 1858, I have in possession. I have just stated that Jan. 6, 1858 he suffered an attack of bleeding and this lasted until the 13th when there followed a remission until Feb. 11th (29 days) when he had another bleeding, and no more until March 11th, (29 days) when the hemorrhage .again recurred and again ceasing until April 25th (30 days.) From overexertion (1.) [The accidental production of a periodical occurrence out of its regular order of time, may result in the establishing of a new time table; the periods accepting the accidental occurrence as a new point from which to reckon: and, in illustration, it will be observed that the succeeding periods in the case above cited, exhibit order relatively to this irregular one of May 11th.

On the other hand, the transpiration of a periodical event may seem hastened and out of order when it is not so in fact: especially when the periods, through agency of what we above termed Repair, have been gradually exceeding the normal term of that order of periodicity by which they are governed, for there is an inherent disposition to observe that order which would have been maintained had there been no interference from the element, Repair.

Thus we see that the bleeding which occurred in the case under consideration, on the 6th Jan., 9 days from proceeding period, was irregular as connected with its predecessor, but not as related to the commencement of these periods, July 8th and so the next apparently irregular period, May 14th, 19 days from the previous one, was 11 28 day periods, plus 3 days, from the first one of July 8th.] in getting from Savannah to Aikin (S. C.) a hemorrhage was induced on the 14th May; (19 days) this ceased, but left him more poorly, and upon June 11th (28 days) again bled, and continued bleeding more or less until the 29th, when there was an interval to July 27th (28 days.)

We have then a complete register of twelve months, and the intervals in sequence are as follows: – 28-29-35-27-31-9-29-29-30-19-28-28; or, not paying attention to sequence, they may be stated thus;-35-31-30-29-29- 29-28-28-28-27-19-9.

It is a fact full of significance, that the longer intervals were always at such times as the patient was decidedly gaining, and that they became shortened whenever the general conditions became lowered.

Now, that these should be circumstances of chance is mathematically preposterous. When thirteen occurrences maintain so nearly a given order of recurrence against millions of equal chances, that mind is indeed blinded that does not suspect a law of order and period, and perceive the misnomer in the term chance;at all events as related to such occurrences. In fact, it seems highly unphilosophical to entertain a belief in the existence of mere chance, and is totally incompatible with belief in the Deity, or in cause and effect.

Guided by our present degree of knowledge, it would seem that the monthly-28 days-recurrence is the parentstock of many of the periods connected with animal economy.

In the next number we shall proceed with a more practical examination of this subject.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 07, 1859, pages 289-295]

[Description: Fragmenta II by Analectes.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

GEOGRAPHY,

(General knowledge of the world entire.)

CHOROGRAPHY,

(Acquaintance with regions-may be sub-divided.)

1. GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. – Longitude-Latitude-Altitude.

2. GEOGRAPHICAL PECULIARITES-Area of Lakes, Rivers, Prairies: wooded and cleared lands, cultivated lands, and general features of the land surface.

3. ORGANICS-Characteristic habits of the people-Botanical characteristics -Zoological characteristics-Quality of water and food.

4. METEOROGRAPHY. – Barometrical and Thermometrical yearly mean-

" " " " extremes-

" " " diurnal mean-

" " " " extremes-

Atmospherical curves, diurnal and annual-Currents, diurnal and annual -Relative Isothermy-Variations of Magnetic needle, diurnal and annual-Declination of Magnetic needle, diurnal and annual-Electrical displays, thunder storms &c. – Hyetal and Cloud register.

Consonant with this should also be preserved a relation of all events seeming to result in producing a deviation from health, and also the peculiarities of such deviation.

The extra-terrene causative sources might perhaps be appreciated by some, such tables as the following: –

I. SUN. – In Aphelion-in Perihelion-in Conjunction-lunar-Spots on disc-Angle of rays, &c, &c.

II. MOON. – In all its different relative positions, solar conjunctions, &c., &c.

III. Planets and other Celestial Bodies.

It hardly need be added that this table is sketched in haste and with little care, but for the reason that it is intended only as suggestive of something more complete. It is hoped, however, that this is sufficient to convey the idea.

It would seem that the more proper mode of attaining such results, is to follow, with but incidental deviations, the plan pursued by our predecessors and colaborers in other branches of science. Let us institute a careful, minute Geopathometrical (if we may be permitted to construct a term) register, comprehending the greatest possible area of the earth's surface. This carried on for a few years, and dilligently studied and generalized in conjunction with the chartographies of other departments, might, and probably would, eventuate in the elimination of tabular results, which would go very far towards revealing some principles which would place Medicine somewhat above illy understood Art.

This could best be accomplished by government; we were about to add, by causing such records to be gathered in connection with the census: but this would allow too numerous sources of imperfection.

Perhaps a better plan would be to found a College of Statistics, composed, in the United States, of one member from each country-there are some sixteen hundred odd counties- to be chosen by ballot or otherwise as may be deemed most expedient, who shall be under bonds to government to prepare within a specified length of time a written treatise, containing the substance, of which we hare intimated an imperfect outline. This being accomplished, the next step might be that of appointing a corps of Reviewers, to make a digest of the county treatise. As an additional stimulus, if such seemed desirable a prize and honorary degree might be awarded to the author of the most complete production from each state.

But possibly these speculations are rather premature. As a private enterprise, the expense would be millions of dollars. To government, however, the outlay would be comparatively trifling; and to the archives of the country that first institutes such records, they will be an unsurpassed and everlasting use and honor.

In the foregoing brief, we have endeavored simply to direct attention to a vast field, which as yet remains mostly unsurveyed.

Having employed many odd hours in the contemplation of these subjects, perhaps we may be justified in recording some of our observations thereon. One of the several topics which has occupied our mind in this connection, is that of the CAUSE OF PERIODICITY; of which, next. –

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 73-75]

[Description: Geography, Chorography and Periodicity.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

GONORRHEA.

The frequency, maltreatment and duration of this disease, renders it of sufficient importance to receive the attention given it in the following article. It is extremely common in all classes of society in this city, and its sequelae are often found complicating the symptoms of other morbid influences. Its treatment at the hands of Allopathic physicians is, by confession, an opprobrium medicandi. The disease is seldom cured by old-school doctors; and our own investigation of reported cures either in hospitals or in private practice, as well as the testimony of hundreds of patients, who have formerly suffered from clap, justifies us in the remark, that a prompt, thorough and radical cure of genuine gonorrhea, is very uncommon.

We have asked very many patients who confess to have had clap, how long the disease existed, or rather how long the running continued. The answer is seldom, "less than a year," oftener "more than eighteen months." The common course is to take capsules, and injections. The injections are of Zinc, Silver, Bal. Copaiva, Acet. of Lead, and so on, down to Oak bark decoction, Tannin, and Tea. We remember what large quantities of cheap claret were used as injections a few years ago in this city, when some returned student of Ricord told us of his practice. Now even if these injections remove the discharge, which by the way I have never known them to do entirely, the disease is still in the system, and will some day show itself in some way. It is indeed a strange thing that in the face of so many risks and of so many failures, this practice of injections should be continued. It is certainly not a pleasant operation; it is even sometimes painful, but the old-school, and, we are sorry to say, some of ourselves, still continue to employ it. There may be a stage, at the very commencement of the disease, before in fact the clap discharge has fairly set in, and therefore before it is possible to say certainly if the disease be clap or not, when a cleansing injection of water with a very weak solution of Zinc or Silver will seem to arrest it. We are always suspicious of such cures, though we are not disposed to deny them. When however the discharge is fully established, and has become purulent, when moreover there is extreme pain on urinating and very troublesome Chordees,-the employment of injections is always productive of injury, either directly or indirectly; and when the discharge has become gleety, thin and chronic, the employment of injections is utterly useless.

At whichever of the three stages we inject the inflamed urethra, the great danger is lest we wash back into the lower portions of the tube a part of the morbid secretion, and by this means communicate the infection to the whole length of the canal. In this case, the diseased secretion, vehicle as it is of a specific contagion, is very likely to become entangled in the mouths of the seminal ducts. An inflammation in that part ensues, as a matter of course, and a chronic seminal weakness – a continuous prostatic discharge – a debilitating gleet, is the result. Nor yet is this all, a chronic inflammation of the basement membrane of the urethra is set up, with effusions of coagulable lymph into the interstitial substance surrounding the tube; and a stricture occurs. On the other hand the inflammation started in the lower parts of the urinary ducts by medicated injections, and the presence of the specific poison washed down from the mouth of the penis, may extend down the lining of the seminal ducts into the epididymis and the testicle itself, producing orchitis with its train of manifold troubles. These are the dangers to be apprehended from the use of injections. Excellent carefulness may perhaps succeed, by compressing the urethra half way its length, in preventing the passage of the injected fluid below the point of pressure: as this point is of course above the membranous portion, it would perhaps seem that no danger is to be feared. But even when the injected fluid does not pass below the middle of the penis, serious results may follow – as instance a case.

Some two years since, I was called during the evening to see a patient whom I found suffering with the most violent and painful orchitis. He had been troubled for some time with a clap, which he had determined to suppress at once by means of Zinc injections. He was sufficiently conversant with the anatomy of the parts to understand the necessity of preventing the passage of the injection below half way the penis, and therefore held the organ, firmly pressing the inner surfaces of the tube together. The injection was so thorough that the discharge seemed to be arrested at once. On the evening of the day on the morning of which this had taken place, the orchitis above alluded to came on; and the torture to which the poor fellow found himself subject can be better imagined than described. Pulsatilla relieved him after a few hours; but the gleet discharge returned, and was only gotten rid of by means of high dilutions of Sulphur given at long intervals.

It is thus seen that washing back the infection into the lower part of the urethra is not the only way in which disastrous consequences may be induced from injections; but the sudden suppression of the discharge may sympathetically affect the testicle. If the testicle may be thus sympathetically affected, the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, and the bladder, perhaps even the kidneys themselves, may in like manner suffer. And this is indeed a cardinal point; the morbid influence is thus seen to remain unneutralized by the remedial agents employed: it has still force and may run riot in the system showing itself in a variety of ways. The poison of gonorrhea, if allowed to remain in the system, will be very apt to light up the latent psora, and then the weakest organ will show most morbid results. Phthisis, chronic pharyngitis, rheumatism, old miasmatic influences which may still be hanging about the patient from previous intermittent fevers, whilom suppressed with large doses of Quinine; all these, with multiform neuralgias and dyspepsias will rear their heads, and the patient perhaps be an invalid for life; while his children are weak and puny, scabby, croupy, cross and stupid.

Such are the effects of suppressed and maltreated gonorrhea; and we see them extending to third and fourth generations.

We have also to protest against the enormous doses of Bals. Copaiva, which are frequently crammed down the throat of patients. Such large doses of this drug have pathogenetic effects. Some of the most prominent of those are a chronic inflammation of the posterior nares and fauces, a weakness of the kidneys, and a derangement of the stomach. The brain also is dragged into the general category of suffering; and the mind moves slowly and dull, while the memory is confused, and the reflection and judgment visibly impaired.

Let it not be thought by our readers that this picture of the results of badly treated, uncured gonorrhea is over drawn. It has been our fate to deal largely in the treatment of this disease both in and out of Hospitals, and after the methods of both the schools; our experience teaches us the truth of the above statements.

It is now time to speak of the proper means to be employed in the management of this affection. In the inflammatory stages Aconite, Cannabis, Cantharides, and Mercury, are the well known and generally sufficient remedies. These are very properly administered in low dilutions, but usually the 3rd potency – when the inflammation is somewhat less, Sulphur Nitras Argenti; Nitric Acid and Copaiva, are very efficient. Under this treatment, at the end of about the third week, or perhaps not until the middle of the fourth, the pain on micturition has entirely ceased, the chordee exists no longer, and the discharge is from four to six drops per diem, thin and watery, or perhaps about the consistency of cream. The patient is now to be treated with potencies. Antipsorics are to be preferred to other remedies, if the totality of the symptoms admits their exhibition: Sulphur, Nat Mur. and Sepia, are our favorites. The patient is kept on Sac Lactis mainly, taking only two or three doses of medicine (perhaps only one) per week. The length of this stage of the treatment varies with the constitution of the patient. If the man is essentially psoric, its duration will of course be much greater than if he be free from dyscrasia. As it happens, our last case, is perfectly well and has been so for ten days or more, after a treatment of less than two months. We have the extreme satisfaction of knowing that the general health of this patient is better now, than it has been for years. He is heavier, brighter, happier and altogether better, than at any time since our acquaintance. When his present condition, free from all sequelae, is contrasted with the hang-dog look, the dingy complexion, and the slowly moving step, of most allopathic patients who have had a two months clap, our decision is much in his favor.

We confess ourselves perfectly satisfied with such a result as this; at the same time however, it must be allowed there is little brilliancy in a case which requires two months for its completion. But we are convinced that very few genuine gonorrheas are cured in less time.

Patients having become tired of Doctors, and Doctors of patients, at the third stage of the disease, generally cease attention to the slight gleet which stains the linen, and the Doctor calls the case cured; while the patient goes his way, with an incipient stricture, or an impending impotence.

It is the number of such cases, which fall into our hands which has prompted us to publish these remarks. Old gleet, stricture, and chronic enlargement of the testicle, the result of badly treated gonorrhea, very frequently present themselves for homoeopathic treatment. Time and high dilutions will certainly cure them.

We cannot in justice to the subject lay aside the pen without particular reference to Condylomata. These tubercles are the result of mis-managed, suppressed or ill-cured gonorrhea. They are dependent on the specific virus of that disease for their origin, and will remain about the patient until that specific virus is antidoted or removed. The oldschool plan of treatment is to cut off, burn off or tear off these troublesome appendages. By this means the morbid manifestation is prevented; while the morbid element, the disease itself is not interfered with. It soon reasserts itself in some other; perhaps in the same direction. The condylomata are burned off again and again; and they return as often as they are removed, unless constitutional treatment is resorted to.

It has been said that Homoeopathists can not cure clap; and that there is a necessity to resort to Allopathic means. This is utterly false. The Homoeopathic is, in fact, the only safe and sure plan of treatment, and taking all the cases together it requires less time for a perfect cure than does any other.

We all understand that clap patients are exceedingly restive. They must always be urging a rapid cure; and are quite apt to speak of the very remarkable recovery of some friend, which is very likely to be no recovery at all. The wonderful promises made by quacks, and the fact that many laymen think themselves able to prescribe for this seemingly simple disease, contribute to render the patient dissatisfied, unless he sees a daily improvement. It seems however to be our duty to encourage him; and to protect him against his own foolish experiments; holding before him the promise of ultimate radical recovery, and at the same time, the fearful results which may follow any other than a purely homoeopathic treatment.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 04, 1859, pages 173-178]

[Description: Gonorrhea.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

INTRODUCTORY.

THE Editors of the AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW introduce their periodical to the profession and the public, with a profound sense of the responsibility they have assumed, and with a full appreciation of the time and labor necessary to success. As standard-bearers of a new truth, they anticipate the criticisms of its enemies, but hope to escape the fault finding of its friends. Fully aware of the differences existing among Homoeopathists, they are nevertheless certain that the doctrine of "similia similibus curantur" is a common ground upon which all can meet-and upon this principle the Review takes its stand.

A belief in this law characterizes the homoeopathic physician, and the quantum of the dose of the similimum has, within certain limits, no necessary relation to the abstract principle involved.

The editors of the Review consider the homoeopathic law unexceptionable, and look upon it as the foundation of all science in medication. The uncertainty of experiment attaching to the therapeutics of other schools is nearly absent under this dogma. If the drug is similar in its pathogenesis to the totality of the symptoms in any given curable case, that drug is certain to cure in some one or other of its potencies. If a drug fails to cure, it is generally because the practitioner has failed to find the true similimum or its appropriate preparation. The field for experiment in the homoeopathic practice is therefore extremely narrow, and the chances of failure are correspondingly small.

Though the editors are in favor of "attenuations" high, low, or medium, believing them preferable in a large majority of cases, yet, considering the Review as an organ of the Homoeopathic School, they will not feel at liberty to reject well-written articles not repugnant in principle to the great Hahnemannian law, nor to criticise those admitted, however different from the individual preferences of the editors, as to the potencies to be employed. The writers, whose names will always appear, are to be held responsible for the teachings of their articles-the editors, for their publication only.

It is hoped to retain the support of those who have so earnestly come forward, in favor of the undertaking; and through the means thus afforded, to conduct a Review creditable to the cause of Rational Medicine.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 01-02]

[Description: Introduction of a new homeopathic magazine The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

LETTER FROM DR. BACMEISTER.

TOULON, Nov. 9th, 1858.

EDS. OF HOM. REVIEW,

GENTLEMEN: – On page 95 of the last REVIEW, I noticed a case illustrating the injurious effects of external applications in treating Tinea Capitis. The following I think is conclusive on this point:

In the early part of March, 1857, I was called to see a little patient, aged 18 months, which I found laboring under a meningitis. Entering into the history of the case I was told there had been a very bad eruption on the child's scalp for some time back, which, however, the mother had cured very quickly only a few days before she called me, by applying some patent ointment, and that the present disease came on just as the head was getting well.

When I told the parents what their so-called cure amounted to, they seemed perfectly astounded, and begged me to do all that could be done for the little sufferer (their only child.)

I saw the case for 4 days, during which time there seemed but little change, on the 5th, some improvement was apparent. When I called on the 6th day the mother met me in the door-way, her countenance beaming with joy. She said the child was so much better, and that nasty eruption had come out again as bad as ever. And true enough it had come out; the meningitis was gone and in six weeks more the tinea capitis was gone, and the child has kept well to this day.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 03, 1858, page 140]

[Description: Letter from Dr. Bacmeister; Dangerous consequences of a suppression of eruption;]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

III. LUNACY.

The case of a goldbeater, aged 16 years, born in the State of N.Y., is one of considerable interest; first as being one of pure lunacy, and second as having been cured with two doses of the 30th attenuation of Sulphur. Lunar aggravations may occur in the progress of almost any chronic ailment, but cases in which the diseased manifestations are present only during the period of new or full moon are seldom met with. They constitute a pure lunacy, and are of course correspondential in their relations to those remedial agents which have been proved to act most strongly during those lunar periods.

The mother and grandmother of this boy have been subject for years to monthly headaches, which come on at the time of the new moon, and which after growing continuously worse for two days usually produce mental derangement on the third, followed by a long sleep on the fourth, and extreme physical prostration on the fifth. Both mother and grandmother seem perfectly well except during these monthly paroxysms. These headaches do not seem to be connected with the menstrual discharge. The father of the boy has been for years intemperate, and the boy is one of two children who alone survive from a family of thirteen. His brothers and sisters who have died, suffered from the various forms of Scrofulous dyscrasia, Tabes mesenterica, Hydrocephalus, Cholera Infantum, Phthisis, &c, &c. The temperament of the boy is sympathetic and nervous. He has light hair, blue eyes, and thin skin. He is tall for his age, having run up very rapidly. His disposition is very amiable, and his moral and religious feelings are unusually profound. He has always been troubled with worms, and often passes large quantities of the ascarides, with a temporary amelioration of the usual itching in the anus. The boy has also piles which sometimes bleed.

This patient was first seen on the 12th June, 1857, For the twelve years previous to that time, there had never passed a change in the moon, i.e., there had been no new moon, without the occurrence of "his spells."The paroxysms begin with disturbed sleep, frightful dreams, startings, and general nervous agitation. He soon springs from the bed, talking wildly and incoherently, sometimes fearful and often violent. It is with difficulty he is controlled during the first few hours; afterwards he is more silent and morose; though sometimes inclined to "folie." The attack generally continues three days. During this period he has a constant, dry hacking cough, and is at no time natural in manner or thought. At the end of this time his usual health seems to return, and he resumes work. He remains well until the next new moon, when the same thing recurs. During the interval there is no cough, no particular nervousness, and with the exception of the ascarides and piles he has no symptoms. The cough which, until this last month, has always gone off with the Lunacy, has continued since the last attack. He has pain in the side, and feels weak. I prescribed Sulph. 30, two doses.

June 21. Cough is much better. Pain in the side is gone. His piles cause him some annoyance. S. L.

June 28. Cough still improving. No trouble from the piles since. Has passed worms twice since last visit. Has itching in the anus, worse at night. Appetite and sleep are good. S. L.

July 14. Is free from all symptoms of disease. Had no attack of lunacy the last new moon. Looks bright and happy; works regularly, and says he never felt so well.

Aug. 24. Has not been so well during the last week. The remedy was repeated; Sulph. 30, two doses. After this the disease never returned.

Dec. 17, 1858. It is now more than eighteen months since this patient has had any indications of disease. He has been entirely well ever since the last date and has worked very steadily.

REMARKS : – I was able to prognosticate a cure in this case, for the reason that Sulphur was so homoeopathic to the totality of the symptoms. Had the symptoms persisted under the 30th dilution, I should have employed another potency of the same drug, higher or lower, according to the circumstances. Of course the most interesting symptom in this case was found in its lunar periodicity. It is somewhat the fashion to doubt the influence of the moon upon disease, but the fact remains however, and the more extended are the observation in this direction, the more certain will it appear. Sulph. acts strongest during the time of the new moon, and as the other symptoms were such as indicated the drug, a cure was effected by its means. P.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 04, 1859, pages 171-173]

[Description: Lunacy.]

[Remedies: Sulphur]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

MISCELLANEOUS

We have received, from Dr. J. L. Stoddard, of Glenn's Falls, N. Y., a small pamphlet, of 48 pages, containing an account, by the Rev. A. D. Milne, of Mrs. Simeon Hays, the woman who is reported to live without eating.

She has been visitrd by many physicians, clergymen, justices of the peace, and others, who testify to the facts as published.

Elizabeth Hays is the daughter of Joseph and Lydia Carpenter, of Chester, Warren co., N. Y. She is now about 28 years of age, was married to Simeon Hays in January, 1846, and has had four children, the youngest born in July, 1853. In November, 1854, while getting from her bed to a chair, she had a fall, which confined her in bed until July, 1855, when she was taken with spasms. These would frequently last three or four days.

During the first year of her strange illness, she partook of no nourishment, with the exception of a little fruit and broth. Since the 20th of February, 1857, she has not taken any food or drink, and has not had a passage from her bowels since June, 1856, and no passage of water since February, 1857.

Persons who have watched her, day and night, for several weeks, testify that, during that time, she took no nourishment.

Being in an almost continuous spasm of her whole body, deglutition is impossible. The mere smell of food causes violent retching. Dr. Stoddard informs us that he secretly approached her bedside, after simply handling bread, and it caused her to heave violently. He goes on to say-

"I tested it in various ways, until I was satisfied that even the presence of food in the room would produce spasmodic retching, which would render deglutition impossible. As well might you talk of a person taking food while under the operation of an emetic, as for this woman to take food in the condition she is in."

Cases arc reported where persons have lived thirty or forty days without food, but the above is the most remarkable case we have heard of. The woman is living at Chester, Warren co., N. Y., where any one so disposed can visit her, and judge for himself of the truth of the above.

______________

....Poisoning from Glanders. -Madame Palesikoff left Paris but a short time ago on a summer tour to Germany. While stepping from the door of the Opera House at Berlin to gain her carriage, she let fall one of her bracelets close to to the pavement. Stooping to pick it up, she noticed at the time, laughingly, that one of the horses, belonging to a carriage standing at hand, had dipped his head so close to her face that he had touched her, and left a moist kiss upon her cheek. In a few days, the unfortunate lady was taken ill with that most horrible disease, glanders, and in a few days more breathed her last, in spite of the attendance of the first physicians of Berlin, and every resource to be obtained by. wealth, or by the ceaseless vigilance of friends. – Court Journal.

A few months ago, a gentleman told us of the death of a friend of his from glanders, which he contracted from riding in a Hansom. The horse was glandered, and tossing his head, some of the poisoned spray from his nostrils reached the gentleman's face, who sickened and died miserably in a few days. –

Monthly Homoeopathic Review.

We publish the following extract from a letter received from Dr. George Wyld at London: –

"The latest news of importance to our cause is the passing of a Bill (by our Legislature) to Register legally qualified Medical Men, in which bill there is a clause threatening certain penalties against any licensing body that declines to grant Degrees on the score of medical heresy. This clause was introduced at the instigation of our body. The University of Aberdeen having last month refused to admit to examination a gentleman, unless he would first sign a paper pledging himself on no occasion to practice Homoeopathy!"

The gentleman referred to was a Mr. Harvey, a surgeon in Lancashire, who was told by Dr. Macrobin, the Professor of the Practice of Medicine, that unless he would do as stated above, his diploma would be refused to him.

______________

We have received from Ralph Buchan, Esq., Hon. Secretary of the London Homoeopathic Hospital, the reports of that institution from the commencement. They were not received, however, till too late for us to notice them at length in this number.

_______________

Since our article on Yellow Fever was written, the Hospital Buildings at Quarantine have been burned.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Dr. J R. C, jr., Philadelphia. Your Review has been received, not in time, however, for this number.

Dr. R. L., Chicago. The Transactions are at hand. We will endeavor to to give a sketch of them in our next.

BOOKS RECEIVED.

Northwestern Journal of Homoeopathy. Conducted by an ASSOCIATION of HOMOEOPATHIC PHYSICIANS, pp. 174. Chicago, Cowell & Halsey. May, 1858.

Manual of Homoeopathic Theory and Practice. By C. J. HEMPLE, M.D., and J. BEAKELY, M. D., pp. 1088. New York and Philadelphia, Radde. 1858.

Valedictory Address to the Graduating Class of the Western Homoeopathic College.

By E. A. GUILBERT, M. D., pp. 20. Dubuque, 1858

Homoeopathy tested by Facts. By JAMES P. HARPER, M. D., pp. 40. Edinburgh, 1858.

Organization and Proceedings of the Livingston County Homoeopathic Medical Society. From C. M, Dark, M. D., pp. 44. Geneseo, 1858.

Homoeopathy, and its principles, explained. By E. M. HALE, M. D., pp. 8. Jonesville 1858.

The Principle. A monthly periodical devoted to the exposition of spiritualism. Edited by J. B. CONKLIN, pp. 8. New York, September, 1858.

Constipation, its Theory and Cure By JOHN EPPS. M. D., pp. 440. London, Piper Stevenson & Spence, 1858.

Rules and examples for the study of Pharmacodynamics. By Dr. Hirshel. Edited by THOMAS HAYLE, M. D., pp. 214. Manchester, Turner, 1857.

First Annual Report of the Protestant Hospital of St. Louis, From Dr. T. G. COMSTOCK. St. Louis, 1858.

Monthly Homoeopathic Review. Edited by JOHN RYAN, M. D. London, September, 1858.

College Journal of Medical Science. Conducted by THE FACULTY OF THE ECLECTIC COLLEGE OF MEDICINE. Cincinnati, August, 1858.

Popular Guide to HOMOEOPATHY. By GEORGE L. MOORE, pp. 159. Manchester Turner, 1858.

The British Workman's Family Guide, pp. 156. Manchester, John Heywood 1858.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 47-48]

[Description: A woman who is reported to live without eating. Poisoning from Glanders. Books received.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

MISCELLANEOUS.

The University of London have received a new charter, which will exert a considerable influence on medical education. Candidates for degrees will not for the future be called upon for certificates as to where or how they have acquired their knowledge. They will merely have to produce testimonials of age and good character to entitle them to examination, and the examination passed, the degree must be conferred. This is a great step in advance. The day may come when the same principle will be recognized in medical education, and teachers will then be stimulated to attract students by the value of their lectures, not by the facility with which they grant certificates of attendance en lectures students are compelled to attend before they are admitted to examination. – Med. Times and Gazette.

The Illinois State Homoeopathic Medical Association will hold its Annual Meeting at Chicago, on the 1st of December, and will probably be in session for two days. Dr John T. Temple of St. Louis, will deliver the Annual Address.

BOOKS RECEIVED.

System of Human Anatomy, General and Special. By ERASMUS WILSON, F. R. S. Edited by WILLIAM H. GOBRECHT, M. D. New and improved American from an enlarged London Edition, 8vo pp. 616, Philadalphia, Blanchard & Lea, New York; Wiley & Halsted, 1858.

Medical News and Library, Philadelphia, October 1858.

College Journal of Medical Science, Cincinnati, October 1858.

Homoeopathic Review, London, October 1858.

Druggists Circular, New York, October 1858.

Le Practicien Homoeopathic, Edited by Dr. L. CABOCRE, New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1858.

Fourth Annual Report of the Central Homoeopathic Dispensary, New York, 1858.

Third Annual Report of the Bond Street Homoeopathic Dispensary, New York, 1858.

First Annual Report of the Northern Homoeopathic Dispensary, New York, 1858.

The Homoeopath. Edited by Dr. CHAS. E. BLUMENTHAL; New York, CHARLES T. HURLBURT, October 15, 1858.

OBITUARY.

DIED. – Dr. WILLIAM WESSELHOEFT, at Boston, on the 1st day of September 1858, aged 64 years Dr. Wesselhoeft was a native of Germany, where he was educated and graduated as M. D. His great love for republican institutions induced him to emigrate to the United States. He located himself at Bath, Northampton Co., Pennsylvania, where he obtained a merited reputation as a successful physician. About 1825 he received from his father, then a bookseller in Jena, Germany, the first works on Homoeopathy and some homoeopathic medicines. After fully investigating the new system, as a theory, and after making some experiments with the medicines, he became fully convinced of the correctness of the theory and its beneficial applicability in diseases; he embraced the new system with enthusiasm and remained, up to his death, folly convinced of the superiority of his teachings.

In 1836 Dr. Wesselhoeft removed from Bath to Allentown, Leigh Co., Pennsylvania, and took charge of the Homoeopathic College which had been established there by Dr. C. Hering, who had taught there successfully for some years. In 1839 Dr. W. removed to Boston, where he enjoyed a well deserved and large practice, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.

The profession loses in him a bright ornament, a profound scholar, one of the few true disciples of the great master, a man of unflinching honesty, a conscientious physician Who was scrupulously exact in his prescriptions, a true friend to all true men. Requiescat in pace. A. LIPPE.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 95-96]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

MISCELLANEOUS.

......A most amusing article on the Cure of Consumption appeared in the New York Daily Tribune of the 15th ult. It seems that a layman in the State of Ohio claims to have preceded Dr. Churchill in the use of the hypo-phosphites in Phthisis; and he writes a letter to the Tribune to that effect. A copy of the Western Lancet of August 1854 is (for all we know) lying upon the table of the Tribune, in which this magnificent "discovery" was first given to the world.

Now we are of those who hope for a Medical Millenium. It is not at all improbable that at some period in the distant future, the number of professional physicians will be infinitesimally small, while that of non-professional Doctors will be multitudinously great. In short 'it is quite possible, that by-and-by every man will be possessed of sufficient physiological and therapeutical knowledge to prescribe for his own minor ailments. The more grave and chronic diseases may perhaps always require the more extended experience of those who have made medicine their special study. They of course will reside in the large cities, charge enormous fees, and cure every case that comes to hand. This delightful state of things, however, is not yet present with us; and until the "novus ordo seculorum" is fully inaugurated, we must fain content ourselves with the good which medicine in its present state, can furnish to suffering humanity. Eager, however, to hurry the approach of the happy period referred to, and implicitly believing in the truth of the Horatian maxim, (the expression of which we slightly modify,) "DOCTOR nascitur, non fit," we read with avidity the theory and claims of this Mr. Guilford, of Ohio.

Conceive our chagrin, when we discovered that Mr. Layman Guilford, of Ohio, had fallen upon a more magnificent mare's-nest, than that which Doctor Churchill, of Paris, has more lately disclosed to an admiring world.

Voila! Mr. Layman Guilford, of Ohio, has discovered that Consumption is "caused by a deficiency of the hemato-globulin of the blood," and he proposes to remedy this unfortunate condition of things by the administration of Sulphur, Iron and Phosphorus, these being the constituent elements of the hematoglobulin aforesaid.

Now, granting the fact claimed by Layman Guilford, of Ohio, and Doctor Churchill, of Paris, that there is really a deficiency of Phosphorus, Iron and Sulphur in the blood of consumptives, the question naturally occurs, how does it happen that two men, eating at the same table, and partaking of the same food, should, the one, assimilate a sufficiency of the above ingredients, and the other, not? How does it happen, we ask, that while for a majority of mankind there is sufficient Phosphorus, Iron and Sulphur, in their daily food, for the minority there is not enough? Do some men require a larger amount of these elements than others? Are, for instance, such active brains as those of laymen Guilford so consumptive of Phosphorus, as to require the huge doses of supply found in ten solid grains, three times a day? and are their respective lungs so weak, as to become incontinently tuberculous, unless the ten grains are spread, three times a day, upon their bread and butter? Verily we cannot believe it.

The simple facts of the case are these: – In cases of Consumption, a morbid element in the system, (which, like all morbid taints, is attached to the vitality of the individual,) so tortures the vital functions from their proper and usual processes, as to prevent the absorption and assimilation of the Phosphorus, Iron and Sulphur, as presented in the daily food, and tuberculosis may perhaps be the result. The proper remedy, under these circumstances, is manifestly any thing which will so change, or influence, the vitality of the patient, that it shall appropriate to itself all those elements in the daily food, which are required for the proper nutriment and support of the system.

Homoeopathists fully understand that Phosphorus, Iron and Sulphur are often indicated by the totality of the symptoms in cases of Consumption. They also know very well that these remedies act best in attenuations, in which form their chemical action is quite out of the question. Their curative action is simply a consequence of their specific effect on the vitality. Perhaps no drug has been more frequently used in Consumption, since the time of Hahnemann, than Phosphorus, unless it be Sulphur; and if Phosphorus, in the hands of Messrs. Churchill and Guilford, has ever been of any lasting service in well marked, and accurately defined cases of Consumption, it is because that drug was homoeopathically indicated by the totality of the symptoms, and the constitutions of the patients were sufficiently vigorous to resist the violent effects of their tremendous doses.

There have four cases come under our personal observation, after taking the Guilford-Churchill doses of the Phosphites. One of these patients was under the personal care and supervision of Dr. Churchill himself, in Paris. He went abroad for the special purpose of placing himself under Dr. C.'s care, with the intention of following his directions implicitly. The first intelligence received from him was of a remarkable change for the better; the next news was that he had been compelled to discontinue the treatment on account of profuse pulmonary hemorrhages, induced by the medicine. He returned to the United States as ill as ever, and is now spending the winter at the South.

The second case was that of a policeman, who came to our office almost suffocated with the blood which filled his lungs, and which had been oozing into them from Friday morning till the Sunday evening when we saw him. This patient died the following Wednesday. He had taken Phosphorus but three weeks.

The third patient, who had been very much benefited by the use of Sulphur. Phosphorus, and afterwards Lycopodium and Pulsatilla, and in which there had been a severe complication of colliquative diarrhea, (relieved and comparatively removed by the Pulsatilla,) took the hypophosphite for a week, with very little effect upon anything but hid appetite; if we except a certain temporary exaltation of the nervous energy, and a burning sensation in the stomach immediately after taking the drug. The condition of the mucous membrane of the stomach and alimentary canal, as indicated by the previous diarrhea, was doubtless such as to prevent the absorption of the large masses of Phosphorus thus set free in the bowels; and inasmuch as the drug was not dynamized, it had little effect through any affinities with the vital currents. We have very little doubt that had the phosphite been really digested and assimilated, instead of passing through the intestinal canal without change, the patient would have had a different account to give of his experiment.

The fourth case to which we have referred is one in which the first dose produced such a feeling of fullness and congestion of the lungs, and so aggravated the cough that the drug was not repeated.

Consumption – tuberculosis – is curable, and has been frequently cured by the proper administration of homoeopathic remedies. Phthisis, in the first stages, is cured every day by practitioners of our School, and we need no assistance from the crude drug system. We need nothing but favorable surroundings and a strict adherence to the plan of treatment indicated by the symptoms.

_____________

MEDICAL ACT. – A leading article in the last No. of the "British Journal of Homoeopathy," defines the true nature of the "Medical Act" recently passed by the English parliament. The Act is published in full and from a thorough reading of it we rise with a feeling of profound satisfaction.

This, which was intended as a final coup de main for the Homoeopathists, has not only fallen lightly upon them, but must serve as a sure protection to them and all other well educated medical men. The act provides for the registration of all those who possess a diploma or degree from one of the existing, or from one of the future Examining bodies or faculties; this registration being considered proof of proper qualifications and enabling a practitioner to collect his fees and to hold certain medical appointments within the gift of the general or local government.

When the bill was first presented, and before any amendments were made to it, there was in it a clause, whereby any otherwise qualified person proven guilty of "irregular practice" was to have his name struck off the register; and if after that he persisted in practising, certain penalties were to be enforced against him.

Of course by "irregular practice" was meant homoeopathy, and had this clause been allowed to stand, the English branch of our School would have had much trouble. The friends of homoeopathy very quietly procured the expurgation of this offensive clause, and inserted-"provided always, that the name of no person shall be erased from the register on the ground of his having adopted any theory of medicine or surgery." "Thus it happened, thanks to our parliamentary friends, and their powerful influence, that all the fangs of this serpent that threatened death and destruction to homoeopathy in England have been effectually drawn."

We had previously received from Dr. George Wyld, of London, a notice of the passage of this "Act." From the triumphant tone of his note our readers had doubtless formed some idea of the magnificent success which has thus crowned the efforts of the Reformed School.

______________

DR. DUNHAM. – We regret to inform our readers of the very serious illness of our distinguished contributor CARROLL DUNHAM, M.D., of Newburgh N. Y. He is suffering from a slow nervous fever which has assumed a typhoid type. The last intelligence was rather more favorable, and he seemed to be gradually gaining. It is to be hoped the pulmonary weakness which compelled him to leave a large and lucrative practice in Brooklyn, may not complicate the course of the fever. Dr. Dunham is beyond all question one of the most learned and successful physicians in our ranks. Even this temporary suspension of his usefulness is severely felt by all who know him.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Dr. A. L., Philadelphia. – Your review was not received in time for publication in this number.

J. P. S., Cincinnati. – There will be no new edition of Smiths' Homoeopathic Directory published this year. The last edition was published in January, 1857, and was the first compilation of Homoeopathic Physicians in this country.

We purpose at some future time issuing another edition, and shall be glad to receive the names of all practitioners of Homoeopathy, provided they are either graduates or licentiates.

H. D., Chicago. – The extracted juice of the plant is combined immediately with granulated sugar of milk in various proportions, from the 1-10 to 1-4. These preparations are preferred by many as being more convenient than tinctures, not evaporating. Many of our extracted juices arc now combined in this way, as the triturations thus prepared are thought, by many to be preferable to those made from the dried plant.

J. T., Albany. – Your enquiry in regard to Natrum muriaticum and Coffea, will be answered in a future number of the REVIEW.

We consider the manifest change which occurs in these drugs by dynamization, as proved by their undoubted effects on the system, as perhaps the grandest proof of the correctness of the theory of potencies.

BOOKS RECEIVED

North American Journal of Homoeopathy, New York, November, 1858.

British Journal of Homoeopathy, London, October, 1858.

Homoeopathic Review, London, November, 1858.

Le Practicien Homoeopathic, New Orleans, November, 1858.

The Homoeopath, New York, November, 1858.

Proceedings of the Fifteenth Annual Meeting of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, Held in Brooklyn, June 2, 1858, pp. 208. From Dr. W. E. PAYNE, Bath.

An Examination of the Question of Anesthesia; arising on the memorial of Chas. Thomas Wells-Presented to the United States Senate. Prepared by Hon. TRUMAN SMITH, pp. 136. New York, JOHN F. GRAY, 1858.

Medical News and Library, Philadelphia, November, 1858.

Druggists Circular, New York, November, 1858.

The Peninsular and Independent Medical Journal, Detroit, November, 1858.

Hall's Journal of Health, New York, November, 1858.

The Homoeopathist's Visiting List, Book of Engagements, and Pocket Repertory for 1859. Compiled by HENRY MINTON, M. D. Brooklyn, J. T. P. Smith. Majority and Minority Reports of the Select Committee to the Board of Ten Governors in reference to introducing Homoeopathy into Bellevue Hospital; 3d. edition pp. 28. Brooklyn, Republished by J. T. P. Smith, 1858.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 03, 1858, pages 141-144]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Dr. B. C. W., Woodville Miss. – Your article is received and will probably appear in our next.

Dr. C. A. J., Elgin III. – The articles you speak of will be very acceptable.

BOOKS RECEIVED

The History of Prostitution, its extent, and effects throughout the world. Being an official report to the Board of Alms-House Governors of the city of New York. By WILLIAM W. SANGER, M. D.; pp. 686. New York, Harper & Brothers-1858.

Relations of General Pathology to Homoeopathic Therapeutics. By R. LUDLAM, M. D.; pp. 18. New York-1858.

The Homoeopath, New York, December, 1858.

American Medical Monthly, New York, December, 1858.

American Medical Gazette, New York, December, 1858.

Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London, December, 1858.

Druggists Circular. New York, December, 1858.

The Great Republic Monthly, New York; Oaksmith & Co., January, 1859.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 04, 1859, page 192]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

MISCELLANEOUS.

HAHNEMANN MEDICAL COLLEGE.

The following act of incorporation of the above Institution, has passed the Assembly, reported favorably to the Senate, and ordered to a third reading. It will probably pass.

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE HAHNEMANN MEDICAL COLLEGE. The People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact at follow:

SECTION 1. William Armstrong, John Henderson, James Munroe, Henry Forsyth, John Thomas, Edgar Ludlam, Richard Thompson, Wm. E. Horton, James Miles, William Watkins, and their associates and successors in office, are hereby created a body politic and corporate, capable of suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, defending and being defended in any of the courts in this state.

§ 2. The said corporation shall have a. common seal which they may alter or renew at pleasure, and they shall be authorized to receive by gift, grant or devise, and to purchase, hold and dispose of property, real and personal, or mixed, in their corporate capacity, under the name and style of the "Hahnemann Medical College of the city of New York;" provided that the capital stock of said college shall not exceed the sum of fifty thousand dollars, Which shall be divided into shares of twenty dollars each.

§ 3. The board of trustees shall consist of not less than eleven nor more than fifteen members, a majority of whom shall constitute a quorum for doing business.

§ 4. The members composing said board of trustees shall be chosen by the stockholders annually, on the first Monday in February, a majority of the votes cast being requisite to a choice, and in casting these votes each stockholder shall have one vote for every share of stock held by him up to the number of twenty-five shares, and one vote for every five shares which may be holden beyond that number. Provided, said trustees may hold their office and exercise the duties thereof until their successors are elected and qualified.

§ 5. The officers of the board shall be a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, to be chosen by said board out of their own number.

§ 6. The board of trustees shall appoint a faculty which shall consist of at least five professors, who shall be competent to deliver lectures, for the purpose of instructing students in the various departments of medical science, which shall include anatomy, physiology, pathology, materia medica, chemistry, obstetrics, medical .jurisprudence, principles and practice of homoeopathy and surgery.

§ 7. The medical faculty of this college, together with the board of trustees, shall be authorized to confer the degree of doctor of medicine upon such persons and for such purposes as this degree is conferred by medical colleges generally throughout the United States, and shall have power to make such by-laws, rules, and regulations as may be deemed necessary for the government of such an institution. Provided, that nothing herein contained shall be inconsistent with the constitution and laws of the United States and of the state of New York

§ 8. No student shall be allowed to present himself as a candidate for graduation in this institution until he shall present to the faculty thereof satisfactory testimonials of the following qualifications:

1. That he is twenty-one years of age.

2. That he is of good moral character.

3. That he has been regularly engaged in the study of physic and surgery with some respectable practitioner or practitioners for the term of three years, and that he has attended two full course of lectures on medicine, in some legally incorporated medical college, the last of which shall have been attended in this college.

But it is hereby provided that any individual who may have been for four years next proceeding, engaged in constant and reputable practice of medicine, and shall have attended one full course of medical lectures in this college, shall be permitted to present himself as a candidate for graduation before the faculty and board thereof.

§ 9. The faculty and board of this college shall not be permitted to grant a diploma to any applicant until such applicant shall have passed a thorough, critical, and impartial examination, which examination shall be made by the said faculty, and shall include the various departments of medical science enumerated in the sixth section of this act.

§ 10. The board of trustees appointed by the first section of this act, shall have power to perform all the duties which the said board is hereby authorized to perform, until their successors shall have been chosen and qualified.

§ 11. All vacancies which may occur in the board of trustees may be filled by a majority of the remaining members of said board.

§ 12. Each and every stockholder shall be liable in his individual capacity for debts contracted by the corporation, while he may be, or shall have been, a stockholder in the same.

§ 13. This corporation shall not possess banking powers or any other power not herein specially delegated.

________________

.... THE JUVENILE HOUSE OF INDUSTRY of Brooklyn is under the care of DR. JOHN TURNER, a Homoeopathic physician. In his Annual Report he says that out of 245 children admitted daring the year, 197 have been under treatment. There have no deaths occurred, although there have been many serious cases. He attributes much of the sickness to the filthy condition of the children when admitted, and to the location of the Institution in a malarious district.

.... We have received from Mr. F. E. Boericke, Homoeopathic Pharmaceutist Philadelphia, a neatly printed card containing the names, address and office hours of the Homoeopathic physicians of that city: similar to the one published yearly in Now York and Brooklyn by Smith & Son.

We find the number in Philadelphia, as elsewhere, increasing, and so fast that Mr. Boericke has found it necessary, in meeting the wants of physicians, to open a new pharmacy in Spring Garden Street, still retaining his old stand in South Seventh Street.

.... Our readers will be pleased to learn that Dr. Caroll Dunham, of whose illness we spoke in a previous number, is so much better that he will shortly sail for the West Indies, where he intends spending the rest of the winter.

.... Dr. Thomas J. Pomeroy, formerly of Utica, has removed to Detroit, Mich. Dr. S. Bailey, of Watertown, has taken his practice in Utica.

.... Dr. B. C. Macy, for many years residing in Brooklyn, has lately settled at Dobbs Ferry, in this state: a change he was compelled to make on account of the ill-health of his wife.

.... Dr. Lewis Dodge has left Cleveland and is now located in Buffalo, N. Y

.... Dr. T. P. Knapp has removed from St. Andrews, N. Y., to St. Thomas, C. W.

BOOKS RECEIVED

Additions to the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, collected and arranged by HENRY THOMAS, M. D.; pp. 104. Manchester, Henry Turner & Co., 1858.

Narcotic Stimulants: A lecture delivered to the students of the Western Homoeopathic College. By J. BRAINERD, M, D.; pp. 18. Cleveland, from Dr. Davis.

Monthly Homoeopathic Review; London, January, 1859

The Homoeopath; New York, January, 1859.

American Medical Monthly; New York, January, 1859.

New York Journal of Medicine; New York, January, 1859.

The Peninsular and Independent Medical Journal; Detroit, January, 1859.

Maine Medical and Surgical Reporter; Portland, January, 1859.

British and Foreign Med. Chir. Review.

Tiffany's Monthly; New York, January, 1859.

Historical Magazine; New York, January, 1859.

The Great Republic; New York, February, 1859.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 05, 1859, pages 238-240]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

MISCELLANEOUS.

WITHDRAWAL OF DR. PERKINS.

We regret to announce to our readers that the ill health of the Senior Editor, Dr. Roger G. Perkins, has compelled his withdrawal from the REVIEW. He has suffered for some months past from a troublesome cough, to which, the demands of his large public and private practice, and his editorial duties have prevented that attention, which its importance requires.

He has entirely suspended business for the present, and will shortly leave the city for a more genial climate.

Our readers will miss the productions of his brilliant and philosophical pen. The Theory of "Life," of "Disease," and of "Cure" are sufficient evidence of the loss Homoeopathic Literature will sustain in case Dr. Perkins' ill health should continue. It is to be hoped however, he will speedily recover and resume his interest in our periodical. S.

___________

BOOKS RECEIVED.

The North American Journal of Homoeopathy. New York, February, 1859.

The British Journal of Homoeopathy. London, January, 1859.

The Science and Art or the Principles and Practice of Medicine; By J. C. PETERS M. D. Vol. 1, No. 1.; pp. 96. New York, Radde-1859.

Epitome of the Homoeopathic Healing Art -Designed for the use of families, for travellers, and as a pocket companion for the physician-By B. L. HILL, M. D. pp. 160; Cleveland, John Hall; Chicago, Halsey & King-1859.

Monthly Homoeopathic Review; London, February, 1859.

The Homoeopath; New York, February, 1859.

Allgemeine Homoeopatische Zeitung; Leipzig. Vol. 58, Nos. 1 to 5.

British and Foreign Med. Chir. Review. New York, January, 1859

American Druggist's Circular New York, February, 1859.

The Peninsular and Independent Medical Journal; Detroit, February, 1859. American Medical Monthly; New York, February, 1859.

College Journal of Medical Science. Cincinnati, February, 1859.

Hall's Journal of Health. New York, March, 1859.

Historical Magazine; New York, February, 1859.

Tiffany's Monthly; New York, February, 1859.

Young Men's Magazine. New York, January and February, 1859.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06, 1859, page 288]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

MISCELLANEOUS.

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA. – The Eleventh Annual Commencement of this Institution was held in Philadelphia on Thursday evening, March 3rd.

The Valedictory Address was delivered by PROF. JOHN REDMANN COXE, Jr., after which the degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred on the following gentlemen: –

Bell, J. Bachelder, Burr, Charles H., Burdick, Joseph A.,

Butler, Chas. F., Church, William Irwin, Davis, Joseph Dressor,

Downing, John C. Clark, Edwards, Thos. Geo., Ehrman, Louis P.,

Foster, George S., Hill, C. Judson, Jones. John Aten,

King, Barrington S., Lear, J. T., Mason, C. H.

McPherson, Wm. H. Moore, Volney L., Peterson, O. W.,

Rawson, Edward, Scherzer, William, Sellen, Theodore B.,

Taber, John Duncan, Teague, Jas. P.

A Special Degree was conferred on H. M. Cleckley, Columbus, Ga., R. C. Clark, Philadelphia, Pa. and P. J. d'Torres, Cuba.

The next course of lectures will begin on the second Monday in October. Prof. J. Beakley is President of the faculty, from whom any information can be obtained by addressing him, cor. 11th and Cherry streets, Philadelphia.

_______________

WESTERN HOMOEOPATHIC COLLEGE. – The Ninth Annual Commencement of this College was held in Cleveland on Wednesday evening, March 2nd. A prayer was made by Rev. J. C. White, pastor of the church in which the exercises were conducted, after which PROF. EDWARD A. GUILBERT delivered the Valedictory Address, choosing for his subject the "Hero as a Physician." The Docter pointed to Hahnemann as being the most perfect illustration of the Hero-Physician, in whatever position we view him, whether it be as a student, struggling to master the more abstruse branches of medicine, and by deep research and profound investigation, extracting from the mines of Science those gems which should shine with perpetual lustre to render his fame immortal; or as a practitioner at the bedside of his patients, minutely observing every manifestation of disease, and applying all the resources of study, experience and observation which an original and well cultivated mind is capable of interpreting disease and effectually remeding it. The lecturer very touchingly referred to the sacrifices of our heroic Hahnemann, his noble poverty and his generous spirit, his character as an exemplary father, a devoted husband, a scholastic genius; finally after enduring great persecution and misrepresentation by the profession, became the accomplished and courted of Parisien medical circles and the now immortal founder of the most liberal and scientific school of medicine.

At the close of the address President Wheeler made a few remarks to the graduating class, and Presented Diplomas to the following students: – D. H. Gregory, O.; Edward P. Scales, N. H.; Sarah M. Ellis, Mich.; Arphax Farnsworth, N. Y.; Thomas Cremlish, Pa.; Llewellyn Oliver, Ca.; Janet C. McLean Ga.; Benjamin G. Keyes, N. Y.; John M. Backer, III.; Cady Stevenson, Ca.; Frances Burritt, La.; Orrin Fowle, Mich.; Andrew B. Spinney, N. Y.; Virginia C. Wallace, Pa.; Frederick A. Lathrop, Wis.; Chester Smith, Mich.; Geo. Pyburn, Ca.; Douglas S. Low, Tenn.; Maria M. Gross, O.; Jerome B. Frasier, N. T.; Anna M. Gatchell, O.; JonathanK. Hamilton, Me.; John Davies, Wis. An honorary degree was conferred upon Alexander H. Burrit, La.

At the conclusion of the exercises the faculty and graduates, with their friends, proceeded to the Weddell House, where a bountiful supper awaited them, at which the usual amount of toasts were given and responded to. J. D.

___________

....BOSTON HOMOEOPATHIC FAIR. – The Bostonians following the good example of the Homoeopathists of London, have had a fair for the benefit of their Homoeopathic Dispensary. We take the following account from the Saturday Evening Gazette.

This demonstration of the disciples of the new system of medicine, which has verified in its progress the prophecy of Scripture, that a little one should become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation, commenced on Tuesday, at the Music Hall. There was an unfavorable manifestation of the weather, which was decidedly hydropathic in its tendency, but the most summerish feeling prevailed within, among the fair saleswomen and the masters of ceremonies, who availed themselves of the opportunity afforded them of completing arrangements, which a great crowd at the opening would have prevented.

From the moment of the opening, the hall presented an animated scene, and for a merely denominational gathering – a family party so to speak-the occasion was in all its details of matter and manner, perhaps as successful as any that ever transpired in Boston. There was more than allopathic redundance in the variety and quantity of articles exhibited and sold, the hearts of the contributors having warmed with a benevolence in keeping with that which inspired the great founder of Homoeopathy, in seeking for its truth, and which led to so important a revolution in materia medica. The saleswomen seemed imbued with unwonted enthusiasm, as though the great German were indeed present, in spirit, to inspire and cheer them in the effort they were making for the promulgation of his faith And the enthusiasm was enkindled by a grateful sense of benefits received. The mothers who participated had seen their children restored by the salutary operations of Homoeopathy, while the younger people acknowledged its claim because a brother or sister had been benefited through its agency.

The arrangement of the decorations had been entrusted to the care of R. M. Yale, who was assisted in his labors by the general committee having the fair in charge, and some very fine effects were produced through-their combined tastes.

On the front of the platform, a bronze bust of Hahnemann was an object of attraction. The massive forehead, the care depicted on the face in whose deep lines one could read the straggles that had tried his soul, the stooped head expressive of reflection, rendered it a most interesting study. Hahnemann must be regarded as a great man by all who recognize fidelity to principle as a test of greatness. His fidelity was maintained at a immense sacrifice. His trials were of the kind that try men the severest. His foes were those of his own household, as well as of the world, and it was literally in the depth of on agony of soul like that which fell upon the Master in Gethsemane, that the light broke upon him. It was an answer to a prayer as fervent as ever went up to Heaven from a human heart.

The names that we find in our note-book-comprising, as near as we could learn, all who took part in the sales-we have placed according to their numbers, with such specific allusion to their respective tables as the subsequent days' minutes suggest:

No. 4. – (Newburyport)-Mrs. Wm. Ashby, Mrs. Geo. Lyford, Misses Elizabeth and Annie Ashby.

This stand, under charge of Ladies of Newburyport, contained many tasty and elegant articles. Of the most beautiful of these, were paintings of autumn leaves and flowers, respectively by Mrs. Professor Emerson, Miss Curson and Miss Ashby, that were greatly admired. Besides these, were some tiny baskets of wax fruit and flowers, of admirable fidelity to nature.

No. 5. – (Chelsea)-Mrs. Horatio Jenkins, Mrs. S. B. Haskell, Mrs. R. S. Frost, Mrs. Wm. L. Libby, Mrs. J. H. Osgood, Mrs. V. B. Mansfield, Mrs. J. C. Hubbard, Miss Nelly Gibson, Miss Lizzie Peirce, Mrs. Frank B. Fay and Miss Lizzie May. Connected with this department was a museum of foreign curiosities, under charge of Mrs. Fanny Carlton, assisted by Miss Emma Miller and Miss Mary A. Lane.

The Museum, connected with this department, deserves more than a merely careless notice. Herein were gathered "scores o' auld nick nackets." Of these was a basin in which five Presidents, including Washington, had washed their hands, a goblet that once was Washington's, a cup and saucer authentically his, and a pair of black satin small clothes that were worn by A. Bishop, of Medford, in 1783, at a levee in honor of Washington, a pot, waiter and andirons from the Mayflower, a bit of the rock on which Capt. Cook was killed, water from the pool of Siloam, books of the dates of 1667 and 1629, old shoe buckles, a shoe worn by a bride a hundred years ago, and hundreds of other things that we havn't room to mention.

No. 11. – Miss W. May.

A Memorial of the late Dr. Wesselhoeft was for sale at this table and found many buyers. More attention was here paid to useful articles than to those of an ornamental character.

No. 13. – Mrs. A. W. Farrar, Mrs. J. M. Wright, Mrs. Elisha Atkins, Miss S. Maria Freeman, Miss Carrie Freeman, Miss Emily Cobb.

This table was filled with a fine assortment of goods. Among the many things sold was a fine view of Lake Winnipiseogee, by Bradford Freeman.

No. 15. – Mrs. E. V. Gregory, Miss Kate B. Perkins, Miss Kate B. Jones, Miss A. Snow.

This table was ornamented by a fine bronze bust of Hahnemann. Much zeal was here displayed by the young homoeopathists, who proved their ability to trade in a marked degree.

No. 20. – Mrs. Dr. L. Macfarland, Mrs. Geo. Harrington, Mrs. A. A. Foster, Mrs. F. A. Hall, Miss Sarah Tinkham, Miss Teresa Tileston, Miss Julia C. Crane, Miss Caroline Southard.

Here Mrs. Macfarland's taste, skill, industry and tact had collected a small world of pretty things, and her enthusiasm regarding the fair and its objects knew no bounds. Her table was wide spread. She had assistants in many directions. "Whose table is this?" we asked, where humming birds were hopping like life in the branches of beautiful trees; "Mrs. Macfarland's," was the reply. Whose is this? we asked of two beautiful ladies who were in charge of sixty pounds of cake with four real gold rings in it; " Mrs. Macfarland's," was the reply. Mrs. Macfarland was a busy and a cheerful spirit in the fair. No. 22. – Mrs. W. W. Clapp, Jr., Mrs. W. W. Baker, Miss Sophie T. Dennie, Miss Josophine H. Ellis, Mrs. P. S. Fiske.

There were many evidences at this table of the skillful handiwork of the ladies, but the leading article was a beautiful gold watch, presented by the Waltham Watch Manufactory, one of the best specimens of their work and fully equal to any foreign importation. Its beauty attracted many to become subscribers and a hundred dollars was thus obtained by dollar contributions. A sunset scene at Newport, R. I., by Joseph Ames, the well known artist, and an original sketch of Sheep, by C. A. Barry, were much admired. The "blue and gold series," donated by Messrs. Ticknor & Fields found ready purchasers, and many little people were convinced that the "grab bag" was not a sham.

No. 25. – (Cambridge)-Mrs. Dr. H. L. Chase, Mrs. John J. Stevens, Mrs. Thos. Mickell, Mrs. Frank Russell, Mrs. Dr. Chas. Farnsworth, Miss Emma Bird, Miss Kate Manson, Miss Hattie Dean, Miss Maria Farnsworth.

There were exceedingly fine things at the Cambridge table, prominent among which were two landscapes from J. W. A. Scott, as fine a painter as ever tried a brush with our native scenery, and an Alpine scene by Mrs. Theophilus Parsons, a very fine production. Some plates were for sale at this stand, made for the fair in New York, ornamented with views of several Boston and Cambridge localities.

Flower Stand-Mrs. N. P. Banks, Mrs. A. H. Rice, Miss L. M. Appleton. The flower bower was decorated in a very appropriate manner, with evergreen and its rich vases, epergnes and stands, were filled with the choicest' flowers which were rapidly disposed of by the ladies who had it in charge. That they brought to their duty the most willing attention we have assurance in the result of their labors, and to the interest evinced by the worthy lady of our Governor, and her accomplished assistants, the fair was indebted for one of its chief attractions.

The profile cutter was present, using his scissors with a skill which is at once noticeable and remunerative. He volunteered in the cause contributing by no means a homoeopathic portion of his receipts. His tongue is quite as sharp as his scissors, and those who endeavor to ascertain the exact time he commenced his apprenticeship obtain but little information. We suspect he is an English Earl in disguise, and is now waiting the result of a suit in chancery to restore him to his carriage and four, and his opera box and seat in the House of Lords.

The Committee of Arrangements who have been at work for many weeks in preparing for this fair, merit the congratulations of all who wish well to the practice of homoeopathy. They have been most assiduous in their labors, and have done much towards accomplishing the glorious result which so many willing hands have assisted in. Joseph Story, Esq.'s large experience was of most material benefit, and in Dr. Talbot, Dr. Macfarland and Dr. Thayer, he found most able backers. 8. O. Cheever, Esq., held the laboring oar with the zeal of an enthusiast. Judge Russell superintended the lower hall, and upon Geo. F. Emery, Esq. the important office of Treasurer devolved-and it was fortunate that a cool, clear headed gentleman accepted the responsibility. They triumphed over all minor difficulties and may rest from the labors of the month -with the assurance that not merely the Homoeopathic Dispensary, but Homoeopathy as a practice, has received an impetus from their noble exertions.

On the platform in the rear of the Post-Office and Flower Stand, were planted the Sewing Machines, the gifts of their several manufacturers. The skill which those who tended them shew in their management, induced many to aspire to like facility in their employment. The splendid seven-octave pianoforte donated by Messrs. Hallet and Cumston attracted the attention of all. It is a superb instrument, rich and full-toned, and of exquisite workmanship. It was disposed of at raffle, and brought five hundred dollars.

On the floor was the richly carved table with marble top, presented by Messrs. Lawrence, Wilde & Co., successors to Doe, Hazelton & Co.

Above the sound of voices, and adding materially to the cheerfulness of the scene, was the sound of singing birds, in cages about the hall, who song made pleasant music. Apropos of music, we would mention that Gilmore's Serenade Band attended throughout the evenings of the fair, and greatly enhanced the interest of the occasion by their truly admirable performance.

To provide an interesting variety in the entertainment for those visiting the fair, the lower hall was secured for intellectual exercises, and on each evening large audiences attended upon such exhibitions as the committee hid selected for them. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings the comedy of the "Rent Day" was performed by the Forrest Dramatic Association; and on the latter evening Miss Susie Cluer gave several poetical recitations in a manner that elicited the warmest approval. On Thursday evening, Mrs. Barrow gave a series of readings in her usual excellent manner. On Friday evening the programme comprised a melange of vocal and elocutionary performances, in which the Orpheus Glee Club, Mrs. Harwood, Mrs. E. A. Wentworth and Miss Susie C. Cluer took The attractions in the upper hall, however, seriously interfered with a proper appreciation of this meritorious performance.

The more costly articles were disposed of at raffle, and many persons for a slight compensation obtained articles of value. We have noticed the more prominent donations thus distributed. The schemes were drawn by Mr. Bigelow. who discharged his duty with marked politeness. The Marshals were very attentive and contributed very materially to the success of the fair.

The scene this evening was lively in the extreme and the crowd as large as ever. There were many distinguished persons present, including Governor Banks, Hon. Anson Burlingame and others.

At 9½ o'clock this evening Mr. Story rang the bell (which has repeatedly been sounded during the fire days to call the attention of parents to their lost children, or to return articles found) for the last time, announcing the close of the Fair, and returning thanks to those who had participated. His request that the audience would leave the hall as speedily as possible in order that the booths might be removed was consented to, and Gilmore's Serenade Band played "Home, Sweet Home" to speed the guests to their own households.

The receipts will not fall short of fourteen thousand dollars, and the TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS which it was hoped would be realized, are secure and probably a thousand surplus. The goods unsold will be placed in a room and disposed of at private sale.

It were impossible, without giving our paper entirely up to their description, to mention a hundredth or a thousandth part of the beautiful things that w.ere seen in every direction. We conclude as we began by commending the fair as a whole, and pronouncing it, as all whom we saw admitted that it was, the most successful of any that was ever held in Boston.

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Personal. -Dr. Samuel S. Guy being' about to leave Brooklyn for a residence in Virginia, is desirous of opening a correspondence with a good Homoeopathic physician with a view to introducing him to his friends and patrons as a proper man to fill his place.

Any such physician desiring this location may learn particulars by addressing Dr. Guy at Brooklyn, N. Y.

BOOKS RECEIVED.

A Repertory or systematic arrangement of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica.

Parts I and II; By DRS. DRYSDALE, ATKIN, DUDGEON and STOKES, pp. 168, Manchester Eng.; Henry Turner-1859.

Valedictory Address, delivered at the Eleventh Annual Commencement of the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, By J. REDMAN COXE, JR, M. D. pp. 18, March, 1859.

Monthly Homeopathic Review; London, March, 1859.

The Homoeopath; New York, March, 1859.

American Medical Monthly; New York, March, 1859.

American Druggists' Circular; New York, March. 1859.

The New York Journal of Medicine; Mew York, March, 1859.

Medical News and Library; Philadelphia. March, 1859.

College Journal of Medical Science; Cincinnati, March, 1859.

Maine Medical and Surgical Reporter; Portland, March, 1859.

The American Journal of Pharmacy; Philadelphia, March, 1859.

Louisville Medical Gazette; Louisville, Ky., March, 1859.

The Peninsular and Independent Medical Journal; Detroit, March, 1859.

Allgemeine Homoeopatische Zeitung; Leipzig. Vol. 58, Nos. 6 to 11.

Neue Zeitschrift fur Homoeopatische Klinik; Dresden. Vol. IV, Nos. 1 to 3.

Historical Magazine; New York, March, 1859.

Tiffany's Monthly; New York, March, 1859.

Young Men' Magazine. New York, March, 1859.

Zweiter Bericht uber den Fortgang des Evang. Krankenhauses, unter dem nachgesuchten Charter " Barmherzige Samariter Hospital" benannt in St Louis Mo. From Dr. T. G. Comstock. pp. 20-St. Louis, 1859.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 07, 1859, page 331-336]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

MISCELLANEOUS.

CELEBRATION OF HAHNEMANN'S BIRTHDAY-Dinner by the New-York County Homoeopathic Medical Society.

The one hundred and fourth anniversary of the birthday of Hahnemann was celebrated on the 11th ult., under the auspices of the New York Homoeopathic Medical Society, by a dinner at the Lafarge House. About forty practitioners of the school participated in the festivities, among whom were many of the most distinguished in the city. The table was loaded with all the delicacies which the market afforded, prepared in a manner highly creditable to the taste of the caterers of the Lafarge House. Allopathic doses were taken, high potencies not being required for this occasion. Dr. D. D. SMITH presided.

When the cloth had been removed, the Chairman delivered a brief eulogy on Hahnemann, after which he announced the regular toasts, as follows:

1. The Memory of Hahnemann, the Father of homoeopathy the most illustrious of Medical Reformer.

Drank in silence and standing.

2 .The Day we Celebrate and those who honor it.

DR. EDWARD BAYARD responded. He alluded in eloquent terms to the grandeur of the discovery of the law of cure, and the perseverance and logical thought which was required to evolve it.

"If the astronomer who, among the world of stars, discovers a new planet is hailed by the world of science with unanimous plaudits; how great should be our praise and reverence for him whose birth day we have met to honor- though the discoverer of no single star, the founder of a grand principle, the discoverer of the great law of cure for the ills of his brother man. Dr. Bayard's remarks were extremely happy, and called forth much applause.

3. The pioneers of Homoeopathy in America-May they continue among us to a ripe old age, exemplifying in their persons the benefits of the system they practice

DR. L. HALLOCK, in response, referred to the early history of Homoeopathy in America-the sneers which had met it, and its final achievement of a point where its practitioners were being recognized by the members of the old school of practice, as successful practitioners, as well as honest men.

"Everybody knows," said the doctor, "how we, who were the first to come out from the old school were persecuted and defamed. The younger practitioners of our system can scarcely understand the many trials and sacrifices necessary to Homoeopaths, in the times of our first beginnings. Those whom we had been accustomed to regard as philosophers, and lovers of truth, and to whom we went with news of this great and unchanging law of cure, in the firm expectation they would at least consider, even if they would not at once receive it, were turned at once from affectionate friends to unreasonable and vindictive enemies-and many a conscientious practitioner of homoeopathy was compelled to struggle against the calumnies of those who had but a short time before, professed to be his warmest admirers."

Dr. H.'s remarks though not lengthy were exceedingly well timed and met with a favorable reception.

4. The Authors of our Homoeopathic Literature-May the light of their good works shine before all men, and guide them into the path of sound medical doctrine.

DR. S. R. KIRBY recalled memories of Dr. Gramm, who introduced Homoeopathy in America. His remarks were replete with points of humor and happy illustrations of his theme. He referred also to the gradual change of practice by Allopathic physicians, and contended that it was the influence of Homoeopathy which had caused it.

Dr. Kirby continued speaking for three-quarters of an hour, and held the closest attention of his gratified audience during the whole of that period. This was perhaps the speech of the evening.

5. Our Sister Society, the Hahnemann Academy of Medicine-While it cultivates fraternal regard among its members, may it ever advance the cause of true medical science.

Dr. S. Barlow, President of the Academy, responded as follows:

Mr. Chairman: In the name and behalf of the Fellows of the Hahnemann Academy of Medicine, permit me to offer a fraternal response to the implied honor embodied in the sentiment just offered.

In the course of his speech, Dr. Barlow made the following allusion to his well known, early struggles with the Medical Society of an adjoining County.

Mr. Chairman: Sir, you have seen, if not, many of my confreres now present have seen, how, for twenty years past I have labored and striven for the maintenance of a pure Homoeopathy. If Paul for the faith of the Gospel which was in him, "fought with wild beasts at Ephesus," so also, for the faith of this Gospel of Healing, which is in me, fought I with wild beasts at Goshen, (laughter) when Orange County contained not another Homoeopathist but myself, and when Homoeopathy in this great State was scarcely known beyond the confines of this city; and how, in derogation of all my efforts and strivings in the past, do we here, in this presence, behold this amalgamation of the pure principles of our Heaven-born Science, with the Allopathic doses of all good things set before us, and I myself an actor promoting the impure connection.

6. The Art and Science of Medicine-A profession that knows no race or section, but labors wherever man suffers, drawing its aids and materials from every land and every clime.

Dr. PETERS, who was expected to answer the above toast, being unavoidably detained there were no remarks in response.

7. The Relative Merits of Homoeopathy and Allopathy-We have tested them both in the school of experience; formerly we prescribed drugs according to a changing fashion, but now we administer them according to a fixed law.

Dr. A.S. BALL responded. He referred briefly to the merits of the two systems; giving an account of his earlier experiences and experiments. He was listened to with much interest.

8. Our Brethren of the Old School-Their prejudices and intolerance are yielding to the arguments of our success; and, having appropriated part of our thunder, may they soon arm themselves with it all.

DR. GEORGE E. BELCHER responded. He paid a tribute to the honesty and integrity of the Allopathic school and to their devotion to their calling. The success of Homoeopathy had led them now to become skeptics, which he regarded as a transition step toward recognizing the true law of cure. This was a very happy effort, and evinced a frank manly spirit toward our opponents. –

9."Similia similibus curantur"-The medical gospel, which delivers us from the bondage of routine and empiricism, and guides us by the indications of a perfect law.

DR. J. T. ALLEY read a poem in response.

10. The Public Institution under Homoeopathic Treatment-May they continue to increase in number and influence till all the sick poor can freely partake of their healing waters.

Dr. B. F. BOWERS, the Physician of the Protestant Half-Orphan Asylum, responded. He gave a history of the introduction of Homoeopathy into the institution, and the success which had attended it in the treatment of cutaneous diseases, opthalmic, &c, contrasting the- same with the results in the institution when it was under the treatment of Allopaths. He read the statistics, a resume of which will be found in Dr. Kellogg's able ''Minority Report to the Governors of the New York Alms House," in which the facts of homoeopathic success are set forth in figures.

11. The Rising Generation of Homoeopathic Practitioner!-May they continue the good work so nobly begun by their seniors, and carry on our materia medica to its full development.

DR. ROGER G. PERKINS made an eloquent response. He accepted the tribute paid to the young practitioners, and predicted that with their integrity, enthusiasm and energy, they would be found worthy to wear the mantle of their seniors. Turning toward the older practitioners he said:

'' To you gentlemen, who have taught us young men the Science and Art we practice: – who, in the beginning of this medical reformation, suffered professional martyrdom-who have borne the real burden and heat of the day, and who have by your success obtained for us younger men the attention and professional regard, which should have been your own long ago, but which you now possess in all its fullness-to you I say, we young men must and ever shall be grateful. You smoothed our pathway for us while you made it plain. As the mantle of Elijah as the prophet departed, fell upon the shoulders of his younger friend and follower, so may it be with us. May we inherit your skill when Heaven assigns us your labors."Turning to the young men, he concluded.

"For ourselves, gentlemen, we who are especially complimented by this toast, it is for us to remember we are the heirs of the medical wealth of all the ages. This last possession, however, this Homoeopathia, which has come down to us from the very recent past, being the fairest, richest, greatest jewel of them all must receive the noblest setting-its place is in our hearts, there let it rest at once assuring and enobling us.

12. The future New-York Homoeopathic Hospital-May all physicians and laymen cordially unite in raising a monument that shall tell deeds, louder than words, of the superiority of our system.

DR. MARTIN FRELIGH responded. He paid a high compliment to the young members of the profession for the energy they had shown in forwarding the movement for a Hospital. He attacked the honesty of the old school physicians in resisting this movement while, at the same time, he alleged that they were daily forsaking their own principles and administering remedies in accordance with the maxim of similia similibus curantur, and that, too, in small doses.

13.Woman-The last, best work of God; the chief support of the doctor and the enthusiastic friend of Homoeopathy.

This toast met with numerous responses, as befitted so gallant and chivalrous a company. The most noticeable was that of the chairman, who after a glowing tribute to the sex, closed with proposing the health of DR. GRAY, the president of the Society, who was detained from the festive board by the illness of Dr. HULL.

Several volunteer toasts were then given, among which was one to our German Brethren, responded to by Drs. REISIG and FULLGRAFF, and one to the Pharmaceutists, to which Messrs. RADDE and SMITH made happy replies.

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INFLUENCES OF DIET. – The last number of the British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review contains a very interesting paper on the "Food of the People." The writer cites various countries to show the effects of food upon the characters of a people. The New York Courier and Enquirer has a synopsis of the article published. We copy the following extracts:

The inhabitants of India, who live entirely upon vegetables, a diet of a low sustaining power, are not a progressive people. They are low in science, low in mental and bodily vigor, and subject to great occasional suffering from the sometimes failure of the crops. The Chinese again who reject no article in the way of food, but eat all things clean or unclean, are little advanced in the arts or sciences, and are stationary as regards civilization. Though robust in body, they are deficient in the higher mental faculties. If we look at the mass of the French peasantry, we find them inferior in vigor of body, in longevity, and the ratio of increase to the common people of England. The first subsist principally on bread; and where a people are dependent mainly on one crop, and are not a commercial people, they are subject to years of scarcity, and it is a well established fact that an impoverished diet lowers not only the bodily tone but the mental strength. In Belgium, where the peasantry live in a similar manner to those of France, the large numerical amount of insane persons has been attributed to a poor and deficient diet.

Statistics show that in England the classes that possess sufficient means to enable them to live independent of labor, either of head or hand, and to enjoy the comforts and luxuries of life, generally enjoy vigorous health. Their diet is a mixed one, in which animal food of the best kind largely enters. Their term of life is long, their powers of mind and body high. The diseases they are subject to are of the acute kind. The peasantry who labor hard, when well fed, with a diet consisting of a mixed kind, in which vegetables largely predominate, are generally strong and healthy. In those counties in which they are under fed, the duration of life is less than that of the gentry. They are less healthy, are subject to rheumatism and dyspepsia, and are liable to any prevailing endemic or epidemic disease.

The recent investigations in England in regard to the food of the army, have proved of how much importance is a wholesome diet. The term of the soldier's life as compared with the civilian's was found far inferior. It was also shorter than that of the seaman. In the Royal Navy science has regulated the diet. The rations of the men are of a mixed kind, and on long voyages consist of salt meats and biscuit, flour, peas, rasins, sugar, tea, and coffee. When in harbor or within reach of frequent supplies, the ration consist of fresh meat and soft bread with other additions. By this course those diseases which were formerly so fatal in the royal fleets, have disappeared. During the Crimean war the troops that were well fed were enabled to endure the exposure to the rigors of the climate-those who were under-fed fell victims to disease.

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A CURIOSITY. Sulphur, triturated in the human stomach, dissolved in the blood, percolated through the skin, yet further diluted in the atmosphere and taken by inhalation, as a remedy for consumption.

For the benefit of our readers, in the old school, and all such as may have imagined Hahnemann alone in the recommendation of small doses, we offer the following, from the London Medical and Physical Journal, vol. I., p. 195. – 1799.

"Mr. Kaufer, a respectable surgeon of Naugardt, in Pomerania, having observed that tubercles of the lungs generally arose from arthritic matter, and that sulphurated waters have frequently been administered with remarkable success in the gout, has lately made the following ingenious proposal.

He advises consumptive patients, whose lungs are supposed to be affected with tubercles, constantly to breathe the atmosphere of such rooms, particularly in hospitals, as are inhabited by no other but psoric patients; or those who use Sulphur internally; so that the vapors arising from the decomposition of that substance in the animal body may have immediate access to the lungs. We sincerely wish, that this apparently well-founded conjecture may not be lost to the medical world; as Sulphur cannot be given to phthisical patients with safety, by the organs of digestion."

Personal. -It affords us great pleasure to announce that Dr. Perkins' health has been very much improved by his short absence from the city and professional cares. He will probably in a short time be able to continue his series of essays commenced in the REVIEW.

Dr. Dunham's health also has been so much improved by his Winter's residence at the West Indies, that he has returned to the States and, we understand, will shortly resume his practice and we hope also his pen.

______________

BOOKS RECEIVED.

Monthly Homoeopathic Review; London, April, 1859.

The Homoeopath; New York, April, 1859.

American Medical Monthly; New York, April, 1859.

American Druggists' Circular; New York, April. 1859.

Medical News and Library; Philadelphia, April, 1859.

The Peninsular and Independent Medical Journal; Detroit, April, 1859.

College Journal of Medical Science; Cincinnati, April, 1859.

Semi Monthly Medical News; Louisville, Ky., April, 1859.

Maine Medical and Surgical Reporter; Portland, April, 1859.

The Eclectic Medical Journal; Philadelphia, April, 1859.

Fifth Annual Report of the Central Homoeopathic Dispensary; New York.

Fourth Annual Report of the Bond Street Homoeopathic Dispensary; New York.

Allgemeine Homoeopatische Zeitung; Leipzig.Vol. 58, Nos. 12 to 15.

Tiffany's Monthly; New York, April, 1859.

Historical Magazine; New York, April, 1859.

Young Men's Magazine; New York, April, 1859.

_______________

OBITUARY.

DIED. – At his residence in this city, April 25th, of Phlegmonous Erysipelas, A. GERALD HULL, M. D., in the 49th year of his age.

This sad intelligence of the death of one of the pioneers of Homoeopathy in this country, reaches us as we are going to press.

We are unable, in the small space left in this number, to pay a sufficient tribute to the memory of one so well known and so universally loved as was he, and therefore reserve for a future number a biographical sketch, prepared by one of his most intimate friends.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 08, 1859, page 379-384]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

MISCELLANEOUS.

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE COUNTRY OF KINGS. – At the Annual Meeting of this Society, held in Brooklyn, May 9th, 1859 the following gentlemen were elected Officers for the ensuing year: – President, A. COOKE HULL, M. D.; Vice-President, WILLIAM WRIGHT, M. D.; Recording Secretary, R. C. MOFFAT, M. D.; Corresponding Secretary, H. E. MORRIL, M. D.; Treas. J. B. ELLIOT, M. D., Censors, A. WRIGHT, M. D., W. H. HANFORD, M. D., P. P. WELLS, M. D.

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HOMOEOPATHY IN CANADA. – We have received the report of the select committee of the Canadian Parliament, to whom was referred a petition asking for the passage of an Act, granting to Homoeopathic practitioners the same rights and privileges as those enjoyed by the old school. The petitioners state as some of their grievances:

That being debarred by the law from legally recovering any remuneration for their professional attendance, advantage is in many instances taken by dishonest persons, to evade paying for services from which they have derived benefit.

Homoeopathic Physicians are precluded, by their position as unlicensed practitioners, from many legitimate sources of emolument which are open to those now licensed. Such as:

From granting certificates of exemption from attendance as jurors or witnesses or from Militia service, to such of their patients as may require them; From signing certificates of insanity, to obtain the admission of any of their patients into the Lunatic Asylum; From giving evidence and receiving the fees allowed by law to the licensed practitioners for attending at coroner's inquests; &c.

These disabilities, however, do not press on the Homoeopathic practitioners alone, but a very large and influential part of the community, who confide in, and employ them, are likewise the sufferers.

For example: – A gentlemen falls sick, and having, from bitter experience, a dread of the nauseous remedies and formidable appliances of the regularly licensed practitioner, and having, on the other hand, full confidence in the superior efficacy of the Homoeopathic mode of treatment, sends for a physician of that school. During his illness, he is summoned to attend Court, either as a juror or as a witness. To escape being fined, he must procure a certificate of his inability to attend. How is he to obtain it? His Homoeopathic physician is unable to grant one of any validity; he is compelled therefore at great additional expense to send for one, who, however incompetent to cure him, is nevertheless qualified by law to certify that he is sick! and it may very possibly happen, that from the antagonism likely to arise under such circumstances, the regularly licensed practitioner may raise futile and vexatious objections to granting any certificate at all.

Cases may occur in which the testimony of the attending physician may be all-important to prove the competency of an individual to execute a Deed, or a Will, and the welfare of a whole family may be compromised, in the event of this physician's evidence being received as that of a layman only, which would be the case if he were an unlicensed Homoeopathic Physician, under the law as it now exists.

It is a grievance to which the poorer class of the community, who may believe in Homoeopathy, are subjected, that they should when sick, be either altogether deprived of the advantages afforded by the public Hospitals or be compelled to submit to a mode of treatment which they hold in fear and abhorrence. But if Homoeopathic Physicians were duly recognized by law, the Trustees of public Hospitals would have it in their power to appropriate a ward for the reception of such patients as might desire to be under the care of physicians of that school.

This report in favor of the petition aroused considerable opposition among the old school; but an Act was passed, some of the clauses of which we publish.

1. Until other persons are appointed, as hereinafter provided, Duncan Campbell, of the City of Toronto, II. D.; Joseph J. Lancaster, of the Town of Galt, M. D.; Alexander Thomson Bull, of the City of London, M. D.; William A. Greenleaf, of the City of Hamilton, M. D., and John Hall, of the City of Toronto, M. D., shall be a Board (of whom three shall be a quorum) to examine all persons who may desire a license to practise medicine, according to the doctrines and teachings of Homoeopathy, within this Province.

5. Every person who desires to be examined by the said Board, touching his qualifications to practise Physic, Surgery and Midwifery, or either of them, according to the doctrines and teachings of Homoeopathy, shall give at least one month's notice in writing to the Secretary of the Board; and must show that he is not less than twenty-one years of age, that he has followed medical study uninterrupted for not less than four years under the care of one or more duly qualified Medical Practitioners, and that he has attended at some University or Incorporated School of Medicine not less than two six month's courses of Anatomy, Physiology, Surgery, Theory and Practice of Medicine, Midwifery, Chemistry, Materia Medica and Therapeutics, respectively, and not less than one six months' course of Clinical Medicine and Medical Jurisprudence respectively.

6. If the Board be satisfied by such examination that the person is duly qualified to practise either or all the said branches of Medicine, as they are understood and practised by Homoeopathists, they shall certify the same under the hands and seals of two or more of such Board.

7. The Governor, on the receipt of such certificate, may, if satisfied of the loyalty, integrity and good morals of the applicant, grant to him a license to practise Physic, Surgery and Midwifery, or either of them, in Upper Canada, conformably to the certificate.

8. The Governor may, without any special certificate, grant the Provincial License to practise to such of the above named members of the Board as have not yet obtained it.

_________

THE LONDON LANCET ON HOMOEOPATHY. – In the Feb. number of the London Lancet an extraordinary effort is made against Homoeopathy. Extraordinary, we say, not because we are unused to such efforts, on the part of our opponents, but, because a Journal so generally elevated in its character, has so far forgotten all logic and all fairness as to make such serious charges upon most flimsy pretexts.

Having no knowledge of the case, set forth by the Lancet, except that obtained from its own columns, we make no defence for the physician over whose back the blows are aimed at Homoeopathy; nor shall we at all question the facts stated in reference to his treatment.

Let us look at the premises given, or order that we may more clearly see the monstrous character of the conclusions.

The Lancet says, a Dr. G., calling himself a Homoeopathist, and practicing at Toronta, Canada, had a case of inguinal hernia, in which he failed to discover the presence of a rupture; that he prescribed simply for the pain, vomiting, &c.; and that a surgeon was called in, who detected the real nature of the disease, but too late to save the life of the patient; that a coroners inquest was held after the death and this verdict brought in by the jury,-"that the deceased died from mortification of the bowels, which T. C. G., a homoeopathic surgeon, through ignorance and mal-practice, failed to discover." The Lancet further says, that Dr. G. confessed he had no "license."

Upon these premises the Lancet opens its article thus: –

"Once more we have to record a death in the name of Homoeopathy," and concludes solemnly-"No human knowledge can compass the hidden details of the thousand secret catastrophies which have been thus wrought since the introduction of Homoeopathic quackery."

We know not whether most to pity the ignorance or to laugh at the assumption and folly of the Old Lancet.

Can it be possible that he has never read the rules laid down by Hahnemann, for the guidance of the practitioner in examining his patients? Does he not know that an examination conducted under those rules would never allow such a rupture to pass undiscovered? Has he never read the requirements made, of those applying for membership, in every Homoeopathic Society? Does he not know that a man is never admitted into them without either a Diploma or a License?

If he does not know these facts he is more culpably ignorant than is reputable to his position; and if he does know them, he is too fearfully dishonest to bear well his present responsibilities. How many practitioners, graduates too, of renowned old school colleges, have been convicted of mal-practice? and how many more of them deserve conviction? Yet we do not charge all their blunders, sins of omission and commission, upon their Alma Maters, nor upon the Societies to which they belong, and more especially, not upon the entire school of medicine in which they have been ranked.

This violation of logic, this gross absurdity, we leave for those to perpetrate, who are sadly wanting both in facts and arguments wherewith to oppose what they affect to despise, yet greatly fear.

_________

BOOKS RECEIVED.

The Homoeopathic Domestic Physician and Travellers Medical Companion; By DR. FERD.GUSTAV OEHME. 12 mo., pp. 165-Concord, Edson C. Eastman- 1859.

Hints toward Physical Perfection, or the Philosophy of Human Beauty; By D. H. JAQUES. 12 mo., pp. 244-New York, Fowler & Wells-1859.

N. A. Journal of Homoeopathy; New York, May, 1859. From DR. PETERS.

British Journal of Homoeopathy; London, April, 1859.

Monthly Homeopathic Review; London, May, 1859.

The Homoeopath; New York, May, 1859.

Allgemeine Homoeopatische Zeitung; Leipzig. Vol. 68, Nos. 16 and 17.

New Zeitschrift fur Homoeopatische Klinik; Dresden. Vol. IV, Nos. 7 and 8.

New York Journal of Medicine; New York, May, 1859.

The American Druggists' Circular; New York, April, 1859.

Medical News and Library; Philadelphia, May, 1859.

American Medical Monthly; New York, May, 1859.

Semi Monthly Medical Newt; Louisville, Ky., May, 1859.

Maine Medical and Surgical Reporter; Portland, May, 1859.

British and Foreign Med. Chir. Review; New York, April, 1859.

College Journal of Medical Science; Cincinnati, May, 1859.

The Eclectic Medical Journal; Philadelphia, May, 1859.

Historical Magazine; New York, May, 1859.

Tiffany's Monthly; New York, May, 1859.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 09, 1859, page 429-432]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

MISCELLANEOUS.

HOMOEOPATHIC CELEBRATION IN BOSTON. – After the adjournment of the Sixtenteenth Annual Session of the American Institute, Thursday, June 2d, its members were entertained with a banquet and levee by the Massachussetts Homoeopathic Medical Society, and the Boston Academy of Homoeopathy.

The company assembled in Fancuil Hall, about 4 o'clock, and at 4.30 P. M. proceeded to the upper hall, where seats had been arranged for about two hundred guests. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion. A profusion of flags were displayed in various parts. Upon the walls were tri-colored bunting arranged in festoons, interspersed with shields, bearing the names of the several States of the Union. Below were magnificient mirrors which added greatly to the brilliancy of the occasion.

Dr. Charles Wilde of Brookline, President of the Mass. Hom. Medical Society presided, and on either side of him were distinguished guests of the bar, press and pulpit.

At the close of the feast, about 6 o'clock, the President called the company to order, and opened the intellectual festivities.

SPEECH OF DR. WILDE. – I feel somewhat reluctant to interrupt the pleasant conversations that seem to prevail around the table; but as they seem too limited for our present purpose, and we have pretty faithfully regarded ourselves and immediate neighbors, I propose that we extend the sphere of our attentions to the whole assembly. Accordingly I hasten to acquit myself of the duty in behalf of the members of Massachussetts Homoeopathic Medical Society and the Boston Academy of Homoeopathic Medicine, of tendering a cordial welcome to our Homoeopathic brethren from other States to the metropolis of our old Commonwealth.

When we remember that but few years since the arbitrary power of the old school of medicine, enlisting in its behalf the political authorities, rendered it in Germany a penal offence to pursue the truths we have espoused, but which proved to be irrepressible even by European tyranny, we may congratulate ourselves that in this land of universal liberty we have had to contend only with the prestige of the elevated character and position, and the well-earned scientific reputation, of our opponents, rather than with any popular prejudice in favor of their medical opinions or practice; and we concede that, considering the magnitude of our encroachments upon their cherished fancies and pursuits, they have submitted with a much more commendable grace and patience than might have been reasonably anticipated.

We meet here today under circumstances peculiarly favorable to social enjoyment. Without an unkind feeling toward any of our fellow-men, but animated by an intense desire to prolong human life and promote human happiness; fortified internally by conscious honesty of purpose; sustained externally by the ever ready aid of the most enlightened portion of society; and encouraged by a progress confessedly as rapid as is consistent with stability; there appears to be no reason why we may not make this a season of unalloyed conviviality.

Dr. J. H. Woodbury, president of the Boston Academy of Homoeopathy, as toast-master, read the first regular sentiment.

"The American Institute of Homoeopathy-The first National Medical Association – As it takes the precedence in age, go may it ever in the pursuit of Truth, Science and Wisdom."

Responded to by Dr. P. P. Wells of Brooklyn, N. Y., chairman of the Institute, who was welcomed with hearty applause. He spoke of the origin of the Institute in 1844, in a small chamber. Since then it had held sixteen annual sessions in different parts of the Union, issued various volumes of its proceedings, and been the means of promoting the interests of Homoeopathists everywhere, and the interests of science. Its original membership was forty or fifty; its present membership between four hundred and five hundred; and the number of homoeopathic physicians in the United States was now between 2500 and 3000. Thus it would be seen that it was prospering greatly. He returned thanks on behalf of the members of the Institute for the generous hospitalities of the physicians of Massachusetts.

The second regular sentiment was: –

"America-Her Law is Progress; her government vindicates those who dare to seek truth in untried ways."

In the absence of Hon. Henry Wilson the band responded with a stirring air.

The third regular sentiment was: –

"Massachusetts-Foremost among Commonwealths in defending Liberty, in fostering Education, in sustaining Science, and in relieving distress; she welcomes every effort to find a more excellent way to confer blessings on the world."

In the absence of Gov. Banks this toast was responded to by the Hon. Jacob Sleeper.

The fourth regular toast was: –

"The Legislature-Though not altogether free from the prejudices of the schools, yet ready to foster all intelligent efforts to develop truth, and improve existing institutions."

Hon. Charles B. Hall responded.

The next regular toast was: –

"Boston – A city where free inquiry always meets the largest encouragement, and truth wins hosts of disciples; our cause could not fail to prosper in such an atmosphere."

Mayor Lincoln responded.

The sixth regular sentiment, to which Judge Thos. H. Russell was called to respond was: –

"The Judiciary-The Doctors of the Law; the only doctors whose prescriptions must be swallowed, and whose bills must be paid. The world will need them as long as it does M. D's and D. D's-that is as long as men will transgress the laws of Nature and of Heaven."

Judge Russell was exceedingly happy in his remarks, and his witticisms brought forth frequent peals of laughter.

The following was the next sentiment: –

"Homoeopathy and Poesy-The praises of our whole science should be sung in verse, as well as declared by advocates in prose."

To this George W. Pettes, Esq., responded in a very appropriate poem, which was warmly applauded.

The next regular sentiment was: –

"Galen and Hahnemann-The Mysian, a star in a dark age: The German adds brightness to an age of light."

To this Dr. W. E. Payne of Bath, Me., was expected to respond, but he had left the hall.

Gen. William Schouler and Mr. Frothingham were called to respond to the next toast, but neither was present.

"The Press-The greatest of all human agencies for the improvement of mankind, the overthrow of error, and the vindication of truth."

The ninth regular sentiment was: –

"The Clergy-Our fellow laborers in ministering to suffering humanity; if their ministrations are more welcome and successful than ours we rejoice in it, since the need is greater, and we will not attempt to restrict their method or prescribe for them a school of practice."

Responded to by the Rev. T. Starr King, who opened his address with some humorous remarks-said that one reason why he came here was curiosity to see how the tables were set. He did not know but that he would be treated to mosquito a-la fourchette, or see humming bird for six.

The following regular sentiment was read: –

"The Nestor of Homoeopathy in New England-He adopted the Homoeopathic theory and practice twenty-one years ago. Being now of age, he can speak for himself."

Dr. Samuel Gregg of Boston was called to respond, and heartily applauded. He spoke thus: –

Gentlemen. – The story of Nestor tells us, that he was preserved from destruction by Hercules on account of his "tender age." It is also said of him, that he particularly distinguished himself by his eloquence and wisdom, all of which cannot apply to your respondent. As to my age, sir, it is well known how lads rejoice to "get out of their teens," and why should I not rejoice to be surrounded, at this day, with such a host of compeers? In my tyrancinium, I had a hard and lonely time of it. For nearly a year after I commenced the practice of Homoeopathy, there was no professional advocate of the system in all New England, with whom I could consult on the subject.

At that time, the only homoeopathic literature in English translation, was "Hahnemann's Organon," an early and very small edition of "Hering's domestic practice," and the text of "Jahr's Materia Mcdica," the Repertory to which was then in press.

Such, sir, were my beginnings, and why should I not, at this day of my "majority," feel happy, to be thus surrounded by the hoary heads of wisdom, and the vivacity of youth and enterprise?

To the next sentiment Dr. Winslow Lewis, physician to the Massachusetts State Hospital, was announced to reply, and welcomed enthusiastically: –

"Our Allopathic Brethren-In discussing our differences with them, we reverse our practice, and will try to give them in exchange for their small pellets of error large doses of truth."

Dr. Lewis in the outset alluded to the somewhat embarrassing position in which he was here placed, and playfully referred to the gentlemen who had wandered from the paths which he had led them by when students. Yet he had never been one of those who had interpreted the science of homoeopathy. In fact he did not know any thing of it, more shame for him, as he said. But he knew that the results of that science had revolutionized therapeutic agents. Still he was not here to decry allopathy. It had been honored by too beneficent a history and too many great names. He had arrived at a period of life when he was too old to go into new investigations.

He was probably the only allopathic physician present, but he would not feel at all afraid, even if all the physicians present attacked him with their whole materia medica. If one of these homoeopaths stood in a company of allopaths, however, would he not succumb to boluses and pills, and say that his therapeutics were no great shakes in comparison.

The succeeding toast was read: –

"Homoeopathy-Let it be judged by its merits and tried by its success, for only so will it consent to wear the laurels it may win."

Prof. C. J. Hempel of the Pennsylvania Homoeopathic College responded. He spoke of the emotions which almost overwhelmed him as he entered Faneuil Hall. It was especially incumbent on Homoeopathic physicians to battle for freedom-freedom from prejudice, from superstition, from dogmas, from creeds; it should be the rule of every one of them to place man above mere institutions, and this rule should be lived up to by every one in its practice.

The last regular sentiment was: –

"The Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. – Pleased with its past success, proud of its present position, we have the highest assurances for its future."

To this Professor Wm. A. Reed of Philadelphia responded. The doctor returned thanks in behalf of the College for the highly complimentary manner in which it had been named. If they could not say they deserved the commendation, they could say they were grateful for it. He claimed that the college was surpassed by none in its medical education.

The following sentiment was received from William C. Bryant of New York, but was not read for want of time: –

"The Medical Profession-The human race has a heavy account against it; but there are also large and growing credits in its favor. The time has not yet arrived for striking the balance."

At about 8 o'clock the very interesting proceedings were brought to a close, in consequence of the necessity for preparing the hall for the levee and supper, and the guests accordingly retired for a time.

The levee took place in the main hall at 9 o'clock, and was given, not only in compliment to the Institute, but to the ladies whose exertions at the Music Hall rendered the late fair for the benefit of the Dispensary so great a success.

The scene in the hall was a brilliant one. There were about two thousand ladies and gentlemen present in full dress, presenting an array of beauty and fashion not equaled in this city.

Between ten and eleven o'clock supper was announced above, in the great armory hall, and the hall and all its numerous ante-rooms were speedily crowded. The provision made by the caterer was abundant in the extreme. After an hour thus spent many of the company retired, and left just enough to occupy the hall more comfortably, and at midnight sets were being formed for a quadrille.

Thus ended an affair which throughout reflects high honor on our Boston friends, always noted for their hospitality; on the committee and the societies concerned, for the manner in which it was carried through, and the courtesy and good breeding which characterized all its arrangements – a fitting and most agreeable sequel to the Ladies Fair, and the sessions of the American Institute of Homoeopathy.

WAR AMONG THE REGULARS. – It seems to be time for us to give a brief account of the late contest among the members of the Allopathic "Connecticut State Medical Society," which has resulted in the expulsion of Dr. J. S. Curtis of Hartford from ihat body; a contest over which, as a contest, we must naturally feel sad, but in the results of which we see some gleams of comforting compensation.

Dr. Curtis, (to begin at the beginning), had, as is almost a matter of necessity under the existing monopoly of the Conn. State Medical Society, become a member of that body, also of the Medical Societies of the county and of the city of Hartford. In the course of time, being called to attend in consultation with two of the Homoeopathic physicians of Hartford, Drs. Taft and Green, he did so attend in several cases, without insisting that those gentlemen should be first ejected from the premises.

This made trouble; for although these two Homoeopathic physicians were "regular," so far as the proper, thorough medical education, and the possession of the degree and diploma of M. D. could make them, they were not "regular" as these three Medical Societies, city, county and state, choose to construe the term; i.e., they did not practice just as they (the members of said societies) did. Orthodoxy, in other words, was their doxy; heterodoxy, any other man's doxy.

The beginning of sorrows was in the City Medical Society. Here attempts were made to obtain a promise from Dr. Curtis that he would not do so any more. But he answered that he should do as he thought right. Then certain members of this Society, making themselves interested, cast about for a rule which Dr. Curtis could be shown to have violated, that they might expel him under the same. In this they failed; but after long investigation they took up a clause in the preamble of their Constitution, and under this expelled him in his absence and without his knowledge; a very shrewd and convenient proceeding, but liable to the imputation of unfairness.

Then came the County Society, in which these busy purifiers of the profession prepared a charge with six specifications, and had Dr. Curtis cited to take a regular trial, which he proposed to do, but relying upon information derived from three of them, attended too late, and found that-owing to the uncommon speed with which business had been transacted-he had been expelled again in his absence and without an opportunity to defend himself.

Still, there was no great reason for apprehension. Dr. Curtis had all along foreseen that his case would come before the State Society, and preferred to make his defence before that body, and was also referred to it by several of his opponents; Dr. Knight of New Haven., in particular, expressly assuring him by letter that in making up their decission, the members of that Society would be free from personal feelings. Upon a fair hearing, Dr. Curtis felt sure of justice, therefore; or at least, secure from injustice.

But when he attended the meeting of the State Society, and at the proper time rose to read his defence, he was as promptly and effectually gagged as was ever a traveller by a couple of Thugs. Not one word might he say or read; and before he could have said "Jack Robinson," even if they would have let him repeat that mysterious formula, his head was cleverly off. He had-such is the parliamentary skill of the Connecticut M. D.'s-been now three times expelled, and the inconvenient ceremonies of testimony, defence and trial, had been all the time entirely avoided. What a lesson to our judiciary! If our people were only "regular" enough, we are by no means sure that by the appointment of a few Connecticut Allopaths to revise our state and national codes, and (if no gentlemen would serve on the bench) to administer them, we might jet recover those inestimable privileges, the Inquisition and the Council of Three, and get entirely rid of the "irregular" dogma that persons on trial may confront and answer their accusers, and of that clumsy impediment to execution, the trial by jury!

Dr. Curtis is now, therefore, thoroughly "irregular," and, having been decapitated, should be dead. But it is confidently stated that notwithstanding, he is still alive; and that the almost unanimous opinion of the people of Hartford, that he is in the right, shows itself in the substantial form of increased patronage; a sour pill to his persecutors, who accuse him of getting himself persecuted so as to make money. But how is it that such shrewd parliamentarians did not foresee this, and stop persecuting? In saying this, they confess themselves foolish. z.

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HOMOEOPATHY IN NEW YORK AND BROOKLYN. – There are in these cities 151 homoeopathic practitioners, 106 in New York and 45 in Brooklyn, as we learn from the list of "Homoeopathic Physicians in the Cities of New York and Brooklyn," published annually by Messrs. J. T. S. Smith & Sons, this year's edition of which is just issued. The homoeopathic physicians, increasing as they are every year, now number among their patients the majority of the learning, respectability and wealth of this city. Here as elsewhere we find among the most intelligent clases that Homoeopathy is rapidly gaining ground.

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THE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -The first of a series of meetings for the purpose of organizing a Homoeopathic Medical Society, to be composed of the homoeopathic physicians of the city of Philadelphia, was held at the office of Dr. Richard Gardiner on the evening of the 10th of February, 1859; the following named gentlemen being present, viz: Richard Gardiner, M.D., J. Redman Coxe Jr., M.D., John G. Houard, M.D., C. Everett Toothaker, M.D., John K. Lee, M.D., George R. Starkey, M.D., David Cowley, M.D., C. B. Compton, M.D., and George Wolfe, M.D.

A Constitution and By-Laws were adopted March 17th, 1859.

Other members of the profession having enrolled themselves among its members the first "Annual Meeting" for the selection of officers &c, was held in the College Building in Filbert Street, April 13th, 1859.

The result of the balloting was as follows: –

For President-RICHARD GARDINER, M.D.; Vice-president-JOHN K. LEE, M.D.; Treasurer-THOMAS MOORE, M.D.; Secretary-ADOLPHUS H. ASHTON ,M.D.; Scribe-GEORGE WOLFE, M.D.

For Censors -CHARLES JULIUS HEMPEL, M. D., JACOB BEAKLEY, M. D., WILLIAM A. REED, M.D.

For Committee on Provings- J. REDMAN COXE Jr. M.D., DAVID COWLEY M.D.

BROOKLYN ORPHAN ASYLUM. – At the Annual Meeting of this Institution, held on Wednesday. June 15, it was determined to place it under the care of homoeopathic physicians for the ensuing year. Drs. J. B. Elliott and J. Talmage were appointed attending physicians, and Dr. A. C. Hull consulting physician.

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TO CORRESPONDENTS.

F. B., M. D., Your article has been received and is very acceptable. It will appear in a future number.

Dr. W. A. M. C. We shall be glad to receive and publish any articles that contain matter interesting to the profession and advance the cause of Homoeopathy.

We are in receipt of a number of reports of cases which have not been treated homoeopathically; and as the object of the REVIEW is not to record the core of all cases, but only such as are effected in accordance with our law, (without regard to the potency), we have invariably declined publishing them.

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BOOKS RECEIVED

A New and comprehensive system of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, arranged upon a physiologico-pathological basis; By CHARLES J. HEMPEL, M.D. 8 vo. pp. 1202. Philadelphia and New York, Radde-1859.

Consumption; its nature, prevention and homoeopathic treatment; By WILLIAM

HITCHMAN, M.D., F. L. S. 8vo. pp. 182. Philadelphia, Wm. Radde-1859. Procedings of the Illinois State Homoeopathic Medical Association, at the Fourth Annual Meeting. 8vo. pp. 96; Dubuque. From Dr. E. A GUILBERT-1859.

The Homoeopath; New York, June, 1859.

The Homoeopathist; Edited by J. M. BUZZELL, M. D., and D. WHITE, M.D., 8vo. pp. 16. Springfield, Mass. – June, 1859.

Notes of a New Truth; Edited by an association of Homoeopathic Physicians- London. Feb. to June, 1859.

Monthly Homoeopathic Review; London, June, 1859.

Neue Zeitschrift fur Homoeopatische Klinik; Dresden. Vol. IV, Nos. 9.

L'Homoion; Organe de la Doctrina Hahnemanniene. DERIGE PAR LE DR. TAXIL., New Orleans. Vol. I, Nos. 1 and 2.

Mystic Hours; or Spiritual Experiences. By G. A. REDMAN. M.D., 12mo. pp. 384. New York, Charles Partridge-1859.

Second Annual Report of the Northern Homoeopathic Dispensary. New York, June, 1859.

British and Foreign Med. Chir. Review; New York, May, 1859.

College Journal of Medical Science; Cincinnati, June, 1859.

Peninsular and Independent Medical Journal; Detroit-June, 1859.

Maine Medical and Surgical Reporter; Portland, April, 1859.

Semi Monthly Medical News; Louisville, Ky., June, 1859.

The New York Medical and Pathological Journal; New York-June, 1859.

Medical News and Library; Philadelphia, June, 1859.

The American Druggists' Circular; New York, June, 1859.

American Medical Monthly; New York, June, 1859.

The Eclectic Medical Journal; Philadelphia, June, 1859.

Tiffany's Monthly; New York, June, 1859.

Masonic Signet and Journal, Atlanta Ga. May and June, 1859.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 10, 1859, page 474-480]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

MISCELLANEOUS.

THE DRESS OF THE PEOPLE. – From an article with the above title in The British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review, for April 1859, we make the following extract: –

That the quality of radiation is not an indifferent one in relation to dress cannot be questioned. As a rule, it is well known that the worst conductors of heat are the best radiators. Were it otherwise the uses of both classes would be diminished: the polished silver teapot would deservedly fall into discredit, and the flannel dress might even become oppressively heating. Those who have not made the trial would probably hardly believe that a polished metallic vessel, filled with hot water, will be accelerated in cooling by giving it a covering of flannel. This radiating power of flannel, in addition to its bad conducting quality and power of absorbing hygrometrical moisture, with evolution of heat, renders it, we may remark, admirably fitted as an article of clothing, not paradoxically, as at the same time warming and cooling, but as a moderator and regulator of temperature.

The different degrees of inflammability of the common materials of dress are easily shown by one or two simple experiments-we allude to silk, wool, flax and cotton. If a slip of each, in a woven state, is placed on a support of platinum foil and held over the flame of a candle, the silk and wool will become charred without inflaming, whilst the cotton and linen will take fire and consume with flame; but of the two latter, the cotton more readily and rapidly than the linen. Further, if slips of each be wound round a copper wire of one-fifth of an inch in diameter (we particularize because H is on experiment) and used as a taper, the cotton brought to the lighted candle, will inflame readily, and held perpendicular will burn to the bottom, leaving only the trace of a white ash; tne linen will do the same, but slower, leaving a similar ash; but not so the wollen and silk-these hardly break into flame; the flame, when it occurs, lasts only for a moment, and leaves a coal, which burns with difficulty and soon goes out. The application of such results as these to dress, especially to women's dress, entailing so much danger of person from fire, are so obvious as to require no comment. It would be well were the subject brought forward and illustrated by experiments before popular audiences. The demonstration through the eye would probably be more impressive than any words, even if uttered by the most persuasive of orators.

As to fitness of the materials for washing it may be sufficient to remark, that in point of degree there is but little difference between them, with the exception of wool, which from the structure of its fibre, not smooth like that of silk, cotton, and flax, but having minute processes or offshoots, is subject to entanglement or felting, giving rise to a shrinking of superficies with increase of thickness; but which fortunately can to a considerable extent, be prevented by peculiar modes of washing and drying well known to the skilful laundry, maid. Here we would offer a passing remark on a laundry practice much to be deprecated-the use and abuse of starch, sacrificing thereby a great amount of valuable food; and at the same time by its hardening, stiffening effect when applied to articles of dress, rendering them colder and less agreeable to the feel. Even oar towels and pocket handkerchief cannot escape the addition, as may be proved by testing them with iodine.

Another property, the last we shall advert to, as influencing the materials of dress is color. Its influence is most strikingly witnessed in the heating effects of the sun's rays. From the experiments which have been made, all of them of a simple and conclusive kind, it would appear that, ceteris paribus, darkcolored bodies become soonest and most heated on exposure to the sun, varying with the degree of intensity of color, the extremes of the scale being black and white. It also appears to be proved that when the sun's rays are absorbed by a dark surface, the heat evolved ceases to be radiant in a great measure, and loses, consequently, its peculiar powers, one of which is that of exciting inflammation, as witnessed in sun-burn. These are facts applicable to dress especially in a hot climate. They tend to show that, for protection s sake, the two colors should be used at the same time, white in the outer garments exposed to the sun's rays, black in the inner clothing to prevent these rays from acting injuriously on the skin. In the African, with a black skin, there is a strong taste for white clothing; in the instance of the Arab horse, of purest breed, the hair is white the skin black; and, universally, as regards the effects of the sun's rays, whilst they conduce to the bleaching of the hair, they equally contribute to the darkening of the skin. This is well witnessed in the cotter's child left to his own enjoyment in fine weather, sub dio, bare-headed and barefooted, in the darkening to nut-brown of his complexion, and the lightening, often to whiteness, of his hair. We remember how we once gained a little credit with a friend, peculiarly sensitive to the sun's rays, and suffering from them, by suggesting an umbrella constructed on the above principle. He had the courage to spread his protector with its contrast of colors-white outside, black inside-and he assured us with the most satisfactory result as to his comfort. Confirmation is readily obtained experimentally. We shall give an example: Four vials, of the same form and size, were charged with a prepared mixture consisting of weak mucilage and a little nitrate of silver and exposed to the sun's rays; one (No. 1) was left uncovered; one (No. 2) was covered with white silk; one (No. 3) with black silk; one (No. 4) with white silk over black silk; and one (No. 5) with tinfoil. Examined after three hours, the fluid in No. 1 had become almost black, its temperature 75Â°; No. 2, dark brown, temperature 68Â°; No. 3, only just perceptibly colored, temperature 75Â°; No. 4, just perceptibly colored, temperature 69Â°; No. 5, just perceptibly colored (the foil had some minute holes, allowing the passage of some rays), its temperature was 71Â°. The air at the time was 61Â°; water in a vial, without the addition of mucilage and nitrate of silver, was 64Â°.

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ALLOPATHIC MISREPRESENTATION. – We have received for publication, the following statement from Drs. Wells and Bailey of Utica. In the report alluded to, the authors states that during the prevailence of acute Pharyngitis, "Homoeopathy and Eclectism professed wonders in the treatment of this disease, giving it the cognomen of Scarlatina, they boasted of their cures without a death," and cite several cases treated homoeopathically. The report is to an allopathic society, and our correspondents say the treatment is greatly misrepresented.

"In the lost vol. of the Transactions of the N. Y. State Medical Society, is what purports to be a Sanitary Report of Brookfield, Madison Co., by Dr. A. L. Saunders, in which is made a covert and discourteous attack upon Homoeopathy in a garbled and false statement of the condition of the cases referred to, as well as the treatment adopted. But for the authority this paper attains in being published in the Transactions, no attention would be given it. But it is due to the honorable members of that Society, as well as to the homoeopathic system of medicine, that a truthful exposure should be made. We give the following reasons why the report referred to is entirely worthless for any useful or honorable purpose:

1st. The confirmed habit of plagiarism which the reporter is known to indulge, would throw a suspicion of untruthfulness upon whatever he might present to the public. In proof of which we have received a letter from the venerable Dr. E. S. Bailey, who is the homoeopathic physician referred to in Dr. S's report.

2nd. It is apparent on the face of the report itself that Dr. S. knew nothing of the cases which he reports as treated homoeopathically, except what he obtained from neighborhood gossip. And Dr. B. writes us that "in view of the importance of the cases, I invited him to visit them with me which he declined and he never saw them to my knowledge."

No case could be of much practical value when reported from the memory of the attending physician alone, and certainly no honorable mind would attempt to report cases under the care of a competitor, from information only obtained from rumor.

3rd. This report is not. only very imperfect but glaringly untrue. They were all sudden and violent attacks of brain fever, and with the exception of Mr. M. running into a typhoid type. G. K. had a happy and perfect recovery; Mrs. G. was apparently doing well till moved by her friends four miles, against the wishes of the patient and advice of her physician. That there should be a fatal termination under these circumstances was not singular, which the Dr. left entirely out of the account.

Dr. Bailey writes us that with reference to the case of G. H. K.: – "It is seldom that I see so many errors couched in so few words. It is a complete tissue of misrepresentations." We have also in our possession a statement from Mrs. K., who was the wife of one and the mother of another of the patients agreeing with Dr. B. in his statements, and denying positively and feelingly the truthfulness of Dr. S's report of the cases in her family.

It is only necessary further to state in order to a proper expose of the matter, that Dr. Bailey who had the care of the cases treated homoeopathically, is a physician of good reputation and large experience, both as an allopathist and a homoeopathist, having practiced the former over 30 years and the latter 7 or 8 and only practicing the latter now from his love and confidence in our beautiful system His age and position would have excused him from such honorous labors years ago, and should have excused him from the covert attack of one who might learn wisdom from his councils.

It is much to be regretted by all honorable and high minded members of the profession, of whatever school, that there are persons to be found in it who seek to maintain a position by misrepresentation and fraud, which they are not capable of doing by fair and honorable means."

___________

PROPHYLACTIC PROPERTIES OF BELLADONNA. – I have several times noticed remarks in the REVIEW, in regard to the prophylactic properties of Belladonna -allow me to add a tribute. During the Spring of 1858, the Scarlet Fever broke out among the students of Newbury Seminary and Female Collegiate Institute. There being 300 students, it caused considerable alarm, and many were preparing to leave. My brother (Rev. C. W. Cushinng of Albany) had then commenced his last term as Principal, and wishing to retire with unbroken ranks, applied to me for means, by which to stay its progress. In order to convince myself, I cheerfully volunteered to furnish a preventive remedy. More through fear than faith, they rushed to my brother's room for the sugar pills, and I am happy to say, there was not another case of Scarlatina in the school during the term although it extended around it. I gave Belladonna 3d. two doses a day. A. M. CUSHING, M.D., Bradford, Vt.,

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REVACCINATION OF THE PRUSSIAN ARMY. – The following statement has been published by the Prussian Government, in continuation of those made public annually by it since 1833. During 1858 there were 46,521 soldiers vaccinated or revaccinated, 39.669 exhibiting distinct scars from former vaccination, 4,708 having them indistinctly, and 2,144 having no cicatrices. The result was regular in 29,390, irregular in 5,748, failed in 11,383; total 46,521. On a repetition of the vaccination in the 11,383, in whom no effect had been produced, it succeeded in 3089 of the number. Of the soldiers successfully revaccinated in this or former years 5 were attacked during 1858 with varicella and 11 with varioloid, but no case of true variola appeared among them. During the year, variola prevailed much among the civil population in almost all parts of the monarchy; and the army exhibited also more cases than usual, small in number though these were. Altogether in the whole army there occurred 64 cases of the different forms. Of these 30, viz: 7 cases of varicella, 19 of varioloid, and 4 of true variola, occurred in subjects who had not been revaccinated; 18 cases, viz: 6 of varicella, and 12 of varioloid in those who had been revaccinated but without effect; and 16 cases, viz. 5 of varicella and 11 of varioloid in soldiers who had been successfully revaccinated. The great bulk of the cases were observed in new recruits. No death from variola took place in the entire army during 1858. – Med. Times and Gazette May, 1859.

LONDON HOMOEOPATHIC HOSPITAL. – We learn from the Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London, that the ceremony of opening the new Hospital building in Great Ormond Street, took place some time in May. The building, which was originally three stone dwellings, has been arranged so as to present a fine front and furnishing ample internal accommodations.

It is estimated that the building will cost about £11,840 of which £9,905 is already subscribed, leaving a small balance of £1,435 to be raised.

During the last year, in consequence of the preparation of the new building, the operations had been confined to the treatment of out-door patients. At the close of the year 1857, 464 out-door patients were under treatment, and during the year ending December 31st, 1858, 1809 cases were registered. Of these 664 were cured; 374 relieved; 6 died, 764 result unknown, or remaining under treatment. During the year ending December 31st, 1858, the total receipts amounted to Â£3982 5s.3d.

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WESTERN HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE, ST. LOUIS. – In a previous number we published a short sketch of this institution.

The Board of Trustees have published their First Annual Announcement. From it we learn that the course of lectures will commence on the fourth Monday in October next and will continue until about the first of March ensuing. The faculty is composed of John T. Temple, M.D., of St. Souis, Professor of Materia Medica; R. E. W. Adams, M.D., of Springfield, III., Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine; B. L. Hill, M.D., of Cleveland, Professor of the Institutes and Practice of Surgery; J. Brainerd, M.D., of Cleveland, Professor of Chemistry and Botany; A. B. Bartlett, M.D., St. Louis, Professor of Physiology and General Pathology; E. A. Guilbert, M.D., of Dubuque, Iowa, Professor of Obstetrics and diseases of Women and Children; Wm. Tod Helmuth, M.D., of St. Louis, Professor of Anatomy.

Four of these gentlemen, Drs. Hill, Brainerd, Bartlett and Guilbert, have been professors in the Western Homoeopathic College at Cleveland; and Dr. Helmuth, for sometime, occupied the chair of Anatomy in the Homoeopathic College at Philadelphia.

There is now in operation in St. Louis, the "Good Samaritan Hospital' under the care of Dr. T. G. Comstock, which will probably be open to students and be of great advantage to them.

The following are the fees:

Amount of fees for a full course of lectures (invariably cash), $70 00

Matriculation fee (paid only once), 5 00

Practical Anatomy, 10 00

Graduation fee, 30 00

Fee for students who have attended two full courses in other medical

colleges, 35 00

Graduates of other Medical Colleges, 30 00

In order to offer facilities to students who are unable, to pay the full amount of fees for a. full course of lectures, five beneficiary students will be received, and entitled to a full course of lectures, by paying forty dollars each. The application for admission to be made to the Faculty previous to the first of Sept. in each year, and to be endorsed by at least two repayable Homoeopathic physicians, testifying to the good moral character and worthiness of the candidate for such favor, and his inability to pay. Dr. J. T Temple is Dean of the Faculty, letters of enquiry maybe addressed to him or Dr. W. T. Helmuth, Register.

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HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY FOR THE COUNTY OF RENSSELAER. – We learn from Dr. S. A. Cook that this Society has lately been organized, in accordance with the requirements of an act of the Legislature, authorizing the formation of Homoeopathic Medical Societies. At the first Regular Meeting, held' in Troy, N. Y., June 9th, 1859, the following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year: – Dr. R. S. Bryan President; Dr. J. Mosher Vice President; Dr. S. A. Cooke Secretary and Treasurer; Drs. H. E. Fuller, R. D. Bloss and J. Searle, Censors; Dr. R. S. Bryan delegate to the State Society. The next meeting of the Society is to be held in Troy, October 6th, 1859.

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NORTHERN HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY-New York. – The Second Annual Report of this Institution has just been published. The whole number of patients treated within the year was 1399, and the whole number of prescriptions given 3185. Number known to have been cured, 1022; relieved, 114; result unknown, 196; remaining under treatment, 60; died, 4. Of the four fatal cases, three died from cholera infantum, and the fourth from general anasarca, originating in disease of the heart. The receipts and expenses for the year amounted to $89,50. The expenses being for rent, $25; stationary, $3; printing first annual report, $28,50; medicines, $33.

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NEWARK HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY. – Mr. Baker, pharmaceutist of Newark, sends us an account of this dispensary. It was opened Nov. 1st, 1857, by Drs. Lafon and Richards, and is now attended daily, Sundays excepted, by Drs. Annin, Lafon and Richards.

The number of patients treated since the commencement has been few, only about 800. The Institution has been wholly sustained by private contributions; application for pecuniary assistance having been made to the Common Council but refused, although it was not until the establishment of this dispensary and its results becoming known, that any public charity of this kind was organized. There is now an allopathic dispensary supported by the city.

NORTHERN HOME FOR FRIENDLESS CHILDREN-Philadelphia. – We have received from Dr. Adolphus Lippe of Philadelphia, the Annual Report of this Institution for the year ending April 20th, 1859. We have not room to publish the long tabular statement, but give the following summary: Number of cases treated 328; cured 315; relieved 12; died 1. Drs. D. James and Chas. C. Raue are the attending physicians, and Drs. C. Hering and A. Lippe consulting physicians. Dr Thomas Moore, surgeon to the Home, reports 38 surgical cases in addition to those given above. 35 were cured and I relieved.

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HOMOEOPATHY IN SIAM. – A correspondent of the N. Y. Tribune writing from Siam, says: –

"All the missionaries now have good houses, to which, in conjunction with the use of homoeopathic remedies, they attribute their present good health. It is a great contrast to the old times of damp houses and allopathic poisons. The missionaries tell me (and two were educated as doctors) that they were compelled to give up allopathy, owing to the hot climate, as they could not contend against both the heat and the poisons."

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BOOKS RECEIVED.

Semi Monthly Medical News; Louisville, Ky., July, 1859.

Medical News and Library; Philadelphia. July, 1859.

L'Homoion; Organe de la Doctrina Hahnemanniene. DERIGE PAR LE DR. TAXIL., New Orleans. Vol. I, No. 3.

Peninsular and Independent Medical Journal; Detroit, July, 1859.

American Journal of Pharmacy; Philadelphia, July, 1859.

The American Druggists Circular; New York, July, 1859.

Neue Zeitschrift fur Homoeopatische Klinik; Dresden. Vol. IV, Nos. 10 11.

N. E. Historico Geneological Register; Boston, July, 1859.

College Journal of Medical Science; Cincinnati, July, 1859.

American Medical Monthly; New York, July, 1859.

The Eclectic Medical Journal; Philadelphia, July, 1859.

Monthly Homoeopathic Review; London, July, 1859.

The New York Medical and Pathological Journal; New York, July, 1859.

Notes of a New Truth; Edited by an association of Homoeopathic Physicians London. July, 1859.

The North American Medical Reporter; New York, May, 1859.

Masonic Signet and Journal, Atlanta Ga. July, 1859.

Tiffany's Monthly; New York, July, 1859.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 11, 1859, page 522-528]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

MISCELLANEOUS.

REPORTS OF THE CENTRAL BUREAU.* [Presented to the American Institute of Homoeopathy at its Sixteenth Annual Meeting]

MAJORITY REPORT.

The undersigned, members of the Central Bureau of Materia Medica, respectfully report:

That, in view of the importance of more extended efforts for the improvement and augmentation of the Materia Medica, which is the only object for the advancement of which they are appointed, they consider it advisable for the American Institute of Homoeopathia to amend the Ninth By-Law by making the following addition to it:

And it shall be the duty of each member of this Bureau to select a certain medicine which he will prove, and the symptoms of which he will arrange, indicating the number of provers by which each is verified."

They therefore, respectfully recommend the adoption of this or a similar amendment. And for the purpose of assisting the members of the Bureau in the performance of this duty, they would advise the passage of a standing resolution, requesting all members of the Institute to send to the members of the Bureau any provings they may have of the medicines under consideration.

Although the subject of provings has been so ably reported upon by a former member of this Bureau, it is very much to be regretted that many of the reported provings are so imperfect as to be nearly useless. They exhibit great carelessness in describing and locating symptoms, and there is very frequently no effort to note attending circumstances. Such "provings" prove nothing more conclusively than ignorance of the teachings of Hahnemann and the suggestions of his followers in relation to provings, or an entire disregard of those teachings and an absence of that faculty of close observation which is indispensable to the correct proving and successful use of medicines.

We would urge upon all those who undertake to prove any medicine, a careful perusal of Hahnemann's directions as to the manner of making such experiments they may be found is the Organon in paragraphs 121 to 142 inclusive.

We consider it desirable, that the age, sex, temperament and individual peculiarities of the prover should be mentioned.

The name of the medicine, the potency, the dose, the mode of taking it, whether dry or in water, and the time of day at which it is taken, should be clearly stated.

It's very important,

That each symptom be written down carefully at, or as near as possible to, the time, and in the order, of its occurrence and the time at which it occurs noted:

That the location of each symptom be given with precision, and that the symptom be described with minuteness, in every respect:

That each symptom with all its attending circumstances and concomitants be written in a separate paragraph and numbered, that it may be more easily referred to in studying the character of the medicine and in arranging the symptoms systematically.

If the prover feels doubtful whether any symptom is the effect of the medicine, he should affix to it a note of interrogation within brackets, thus: (?).

The reasons for these directions are obvious, and it is not necessary to occupy the time of the Institute with a more minute consideration of them.

We would advise in conclusion, that each prover who makes use of potencies in proving, should make the trial with high potencies, afterwards, if necessary in his particular case, proceeding to the lower dilutions and triturations, and even taking the crude substance or tincture, if satisfactory results are not obtained with the attenuations.

B. F. JOSLIN, M.D., Chairman

EDWARD BAYARD, M.D.

WM. E. PAYNE, M.D.

M.J. RHEES, M.D

MINORITY REPORT

Dr. Hempel agrees with the report of the Committee except in the matter of proving drugs with the attenuated substance. Dr. Hempel has never been able to elicit any reliable symptoms by means of the middle or higher potencies, unless the organism had been previously saturated with massive doses of the original drug. Dr. Hempel admits that in exceptional cases, by organisms endowed with peculiar idiosyncratic susceptibilities to medicinal action, symptoms may be elicited by the higher potencies; but he considers it unreliable to commence the proving with these potencies. All the splendid provings of the original provers of the Materia Medica and of the Austrian Provers' Union, of the Provers' Society of Prague and of any other proven Society whose provings are accepted with universal acclaim and confidence, have been instituted with massive doses of the strongest preparations of the drug; the higher or middle potencies were invariably tried after the former. Dr. Hempel deeply regrets that the proving with high potencies is to be made a normal standard for provers. If there is to be any legislation on the subject, he would propose that all such provings be rejected rather than encouraged; he is convinced in his deepest soul that it is owing to the incorporation of such provings in our Materia Medica that all the confusion and uncertainties with which it is now tainted, are presenting immense and almost insufferable difficulties to the inexperienced student of our Science.

CHARLES J. HEMPEL, M.D.

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MEDICAL REPORT OF THE HALF OPHAN ASYLUM-Now-York. – For many years the number of deaths in this Asylum has been comparatively very small. It was not to be expected that this state of things would continue without occasional exceptions. During the past year there have been five deaths here, and one child died of consumption a few weeks after leaving the Asylum. This number of deaths, out of three hundred and fifty children under care, is a return, for the present year, to about the average rate of mortality in other asylums.

Of the deaths here, there was from Congestion of the Brain. 1: Marasmus, 1; Gangrene of the Mouth, 1; Pneumonia, 1; Dysentery, 1.

The following are among the cases treated:

Abscesses of various kinds. 21; Chilblains, 59 at one time, a great many of the children suffering in cold weather; Convulsions, 2; Croup, 1; Diarrhea, 20: Dysentery, 5; Erysipelas of the Face, 2; Fever, 13; Inflammation of the Ear. 3; Jaundice, 3; Mumps, 12; Ophthalmia. 173; Paralysis, 1; Pleurisy, 3; Pneumonia, 4; Prolapsus Ani, 2; Sore Mouth, 8; Quincy, 2; St. Vitus' Dance, 1: Varloloid, 2; Eruptions of various kinds, I think not less than the cases of Ophthalmia, as they frequently go together or follow each other, 173

One child admitted with Hip Disease was returned to her friends, and one partially paralyzed and having St. Vitus' Dance, was cured of the latter disease, and very much relieved of the Palsy, while here.

There were but few cases of Ophthalmia until July, when it spread rapidly. On the 10th of July, there were 72 cases; on the 17th, 121 cases. But on the 2d of August, they were reduced to 80 cases.

Hitherto I have been able to say, that not one eye has been lost. Let us hope and pray that the mild means which have heretofore proved so efficacious, may still be effectual in averting blindness.

The treatment has been exclusively Homoeopathic.

B. F. BOWERS, M.D. Physician to the Asylum.

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PERSONAL. – A correction. – Dr. Thomas Moore, Surgeon to the Northern Home for Friendless Children, Philadelphia; desires us to state that Dr. Bushrod W, James is the attending physician at the "Home" and not. Dr. D. James as we stated in our last number. The latter gentleman is one of the consulting physicians.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 12, 1859, page 574-576]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

NERVOUS DISEASE.

I. PARALYSIS.

On the 25th of May, 1855, a young lady, who subsequently became my patient, while passing down stairs, was suddenly seized with a loss of consciousness, and fell the length of the flight. She remembers a sensation of vertigo, but has no recollection of any thing afterwards, until the lapse of half an hour when her consciousness was restored by the means usually employed. The sound of her fall had attracted those of her family within hearing, who found her lying at the foot of the staircase wholly unconscious, and breathing heavily. At the end of a week after the accident, its immediate effects seemed to pass away, leaving only a slight stiffness in the muscles of the nape of the neck.

At the period of this mishap the age of the young lady was 17. She had an appearance of excellent health; was well formed, and generally in high spirits. Up to this time however, she had menstruated but once, and that twenty-two months before. This fact however had caused no uneasiness, as her cheeks were rosy, her strength, appetite, and sleep, all normal and she seemed quite as well as any of the family. Exactly one month after the fall, i.e. on the 25th of June, the menses appeared, and continued profusely for the usual length of time. The morning after the cessation of the flow, patient rose from bed with the stiffness in the nape of the neck much increased and very painful; with a racking headache; and with what she called a sore throat, which rendered deglutition difficult. The stiffness of the neck became gradually worse, and at the end of a few days it had involved the sterno cleido-mastoid muscle of the right side in a permanent contraction, the effect of which was to draw the head downward and sideways toward the left. The headache which continued for months afterwards, as did also the contraction of the muscles of the neck, was highly congestive in character; the cheeks were deeply flushed; the eyes bright and sparkling; and there was much heat about the brow, vertex, and temples. Notwithstanding the various means resorted to for her relief, the patient remained in much the same condition during the rest of the summer and all the fall of the year 1855. If there was any change in her state, it was a gradual increase in the violence of the headache and in the straining pain in the muscles of the neck which were still contracted. Patient had suffered more during the latter part of December preceding New Year's night, 1856; and on that night while in bed, having felt chilly for the whole day previous, she had a severe chill which lasted nearly till morning. This chill was preceded by a singular feeling of numbness over her whole person; Patient was for five minutes unable to move even so much as hand or foot. Toward morning the chill seemed to abate, through the influence of hot drinks, leaving behind it however a decided numbness in two fingers of the left hand, and a weakness in the lower extremities, which showed itself by a fall on the street two days after, when on her way to the house of her physician.

Her case was diagnosticated by the very eminent surgeon, with whom the family physician consulted, to be one of softening of the Spinal Marrow, resulting from chronic inflammation of the meninges of the cord. He prescribed counter irritation by means of intermittent blisters along the course of the spine; which were continued two months. Electricity was also recommended, and applied by the family physician, and drugs administered which left a metallic taste in the mouth. This was the treatment till the tenth of March when the condition of the patient had grown so desperate as to cause the abandonment of all hope on the part of the friends, and the most discouraging prognosis was given by the medical attendant. Her condition at this time was somewhat as follows: The numbness in the fingers had steadily increased, and the left arm had so thoroughly lost its power that nothing could be held in the hand. The hand itself was sometimes very cold, and then suddenly would become burning with heat and congestion of blood, remaining however numb, or with very slight tactile sensibility. The weakness in the lower extremities was manifestly on the increase. The headache, while remaining the same in character, had increased in intensity, and this was a most distressing symptom. The stiffness of the cervical muscles remained, and symptoms of paralysis of the right arm and leg were slowly making their appearance.

The attending physician being now discharged, various measures were resorted to, in the hope of alleviating the intensity of her suffering, and among the rest, a Homoeopathic physician was called in; but as his treatment was followed by no immediate relief, he also was discharged, and the disease continued to increase in severity. Three months after this I was called in, when her symptoms were as follows: – The headache, as it had been from the beginning of her trouble, was continuous, pressive, full, and accompanied with a sensation of heat. There was ringing in the ears, and a little dullness in the hearing. There seemed to be some trouble about the throat which patient described as a "soreness" which interfered at times with deglutition. There was however no evident congestion of the fauces. Her face was constantly flushed, nostrils dry, and eyes bright with unhealthy moisture. The spasmodic contraction of the cervical muscles remained, as above described, and the paralysis of both the right and left hand and arm was nearly complete. She could raise neither to her head, and when making the attempt the hands would fall drooping downward as in "lead palsy." There was hardly any sensibility in them, and but little in the arms even as high up as the shoulders. The left hand was at this time the best of the two, though it had been the first one to become affected. The lower limbs were also involved in the paralysis; when seated, patient had great difficulty in rising; and when up, walked with great effort, without raising the feet from the floor, scuffing along, stumbling and often falling. Patient had grown fat and gross from want of air and exercise; was extremely costive; had piles with occasional prolapsus ani; appetite was variable, with now and then nausea and vomiting. There was also a symptom about the chest which should be brought into prominence as assisting the diagnosis, viz; the sensation of a contracting cord around the thorax accompanied with shooting pains. No one can for a moment find any fault with the diagnosis or prognosis of the distinguished surgeon who called this a case of inflammation and softening of the spinal cord.

Patient was taking Iron and Quinine, with hebdominal purges. She had not menstruated since the previous June. The case was not a hopeful one, but as the family had determined to employ a Homoeopathist and were not anticipating any thing in the way of a cure, I was very glad to undertake its management.

The treatment was commenced about the middle of June, 1856. The headache was at that time so distressing as to demand immediate relief, and Belladonna, in the 3rd, 12th, and 30th potencies, was prescribed in solution. Each potency was taken three times a day for a week in the order named. For three succeeding weeks afterward, patient took one dose of Sulphur 30, and at the end of the six weeks thus employed, the headache though still occasionally present was less severe and she was some times entirely free from it for two or three days together. The pupils of the eyes were largely dilated, and there was a neuralgic pain through the left orbit, with flashes and sparks before the organ. These, which were new symptoms, were assigned to the medicinal action of the Bell., and thus a recurrence to the drug was not had, though at first intended. The left hand and arm had much improved. The right hand and both legs seemed unchanged. The most encouraging feature was in the fact of the gradually decreasing numbness of the hands and arms; and though both were very heavy, and although there was much pain between the shoulder blades, and the sensation of a contracting cord around the chest was still present-there seemed to be ground for hope. Pains in the bowels somewhat similar to that in the chest, prolapsus ani, piles and constipation seemed to indicate Nux, which was administered with but slow effect. At the end of a few weeks however these symptoms abated and returned no more. A frequent desire to urinate which should have been mentioned above, disappeared about the same time.

At the end of about three months, almost all the worst concomitant symptoms of the palsy had become greatly improved, and several had disappeared entirely. The difficulty in walking, however, seemed about as great as ever, and the strength in the left arm and hand was very limited while that in the right was still less. Neither hand could be raised more than half way to the head. Patient still rose from her chair with great difficulty and was in constant danger of falling as she tottered about the room. Nine doses of the 30th of Rhus Tox. were administered: one every twelve hours. At the end of a week the most remarkable improvement had taken place. The limbs were all evidently stronger-one hand, the left, could be raised to the head, and the other was much improved. The walking was better, and the step higher and stronger. While sitting in her chair patient was able to raise the foot several inches from the floor. All the sensation of numbness had left the extremities, and patient was able to turn over the leaves of a book and to feed herself which she had not before been able to do for months. The action of the Rhus was allowed to continue without interference for a month with an improvement which showed itself more or less at every visit. About this time the stiffness in the nape of the neck was attended with a great increase in the painful tension which had before caused so much trouble. This became so great at night as to cause sleeplessness; and so distressing in bad weather as to be almost unbearable. Considering this an effect of the Rhus 30, I administered Rhus 100, one dose. Under the influence of this one dose of the 100th Rhus, my Patient entirely recovered. At the end of two months she was able to busy herself about the house, to sew, and to walk out for short distances when accompanied. Four months after this last dose, the young lady walked nearly the whole length of Broadway to the Battery. She was able to accomplish all her ordinary household duties, and was to all appearance entirely well. Headache, stiff neck, paralysis, all disappeared; her menses came on with regularity, and she complained of no disease. The patient left the city a few months after her recovery. I was in correspondence with the family for some six months afterward and was assured of the continued good health of my former patient. I have every reason to suppose had a relapse occurred I should have been informed of the fact, and consulted as to the treatment

REMARKS. – The question now naturally suggests itself, what was the true nature of this girl's disease? Are we to consider the diagnosis of the distinguished surgeon and physician who saw and treated the case for months, correct or not? Are the symptoms such as indicate an organic disease of the spinal cord and its membranes? Frankly speaking we, think they are. Our reasons for so thinking are derived, first from the character of the symptoms, second from the order of their sequence, and third from the general history of the case. On reference to any authority on this form of disease, we think this diagnosis will be borne out.

Nothing seems more unreasonable than considering any disease incurable, simply because it has not yet been cured. A cure of organic changes in some of the organs by promoting the removal of the diseased portion and the formation of a substitute for the destroyed tissue, is a thing of daily occurrence in the practice of all physicians. The organs of special sense, the eye and ear for instance, are frequently cured of organic affections, which have lasted for years. Who shall say there is no remedy acting on the spinal cord, when the totality of the symptoms indicate its employment, as Pulsatilla and Sulphur act upon the ear in the like case? Let the reader, if sufficiently interested in the case above narrated, consult the pathogenesis of Rhus Tox. The homoeopathicity of the drug will be very apparent as, if our recollection serves, nearly and perhaps quite every symptom occurring in the above case will be found under that remedy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 04, 1859, pages 162-168]

[Description: Paralysis.]

[Remedies: Belladonna, Sulphur, Nux vomica, Rhus toxicodendron]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

PRESENT POSITION OF MEDICAL SCIENCE.

A PERIOD so full of hope for Medical Science, as this in which we live, has never dawned upon the world. The labors of our predecessors in the fields of Anatomy, Obstetrics and Surgery, have so advanced these branches of medical learning as to leave but little to be added by future observers. Chemistry and Physiology, under the guidance of such men as Davy and Dalton, Berzelius and Gay-Lussac, Liebig and Reichenbach, have made, within the last few years, enormous strides; and Pathological Anatomy is not far behind them. The natural history of the Materia Medica, the physical diagnosis of the lesions resulting from disease, and the Laws of Diet and Hygiene, are fast becoming matters of fact; and last, though not least, the whole system of Therapeutics has undergone, and is still undergoing, radical changes, even among our Allopathic brethren; while the School of Rational Medicine has transformed that which was formerly an Art, into a Positive Science, and has brought precision and certainty out of the doubts and empiricisms of former times.

Our younger practitioners are hardly able to conceive the vast difference between the allopathic practice of this age and that which preceded it. There is, for instance, in the size of the dose, a change for the better, which would have called forth charges of the grossest heresy, an hundred years ago. We hear daily of the most distinguished allopathic practitioners administering aconite from half a tumbler of water, in which a drop of the tincture of the drug has been placed, and giving this attenuation only once in two hours. They use belladonna and ipecac in the same manner. Mercury and quinine are now most frequently given in doses of divided grains. Two drops of the tincture nux vom. are diffused through two ounces of rose-water, and a teaspoonful of the mixture given every morning. Tart. ant. is dissolved in water, and administered in doses of l-50th of a grain. A grain of the sublimate of mercury is divided between an hundred pills of liquorice. Fowler's solution of arsenic, which corresponds to our first dilution, is given in one, three or five drop doses.

In the matters, also, of purging, vomiting, blistering and bleeding, a great reform has taken place. The heroic practice is no longer in vogue with the cultivated and intelligent portion of the old school. Bleeding to syncope is now as happily rare, in the practice of the best allopathic physicians, as it was formerly lamentably common. Salivation from the use of mercury is more often accidental than intentional. Purgatives are less frequently exhibited, and emetics are very seldom employed, except in cases of acute disease.

Many new remedies have also been of late introduced, or re-inserted in the pharmacopeia. Arnica, rhus, nux, pulsatilla, and several others, occupy prominent places in the list of remedies frequently used by old school physicians.

Great progress is being made, under the expectant treatment, in the study of the natural history of disease – as to its nature, course and termination. The really great minds in the old school have pronounced themselves in favor of permitting Nature alone to cure diseases, with but little or no interference from the practitioner.

The whole allopathic world is thus on the brink of Homoeopathy. This fact is perhaps not apparent to the adherents of the old school, but it cannot fail to be evident to us, who stand on higher ground and have a correspondingly wider range of vision.

By many allopathists, the law of "like cures like," is admitted as a partial truth. The application of caustic to ulcers, and to inflamed fauces; the treatment of dysentery by rhubarb or ipecac; the administration of caustic and copper in cases of dyspepsia, as well as of nitric and muriatic acid in chronic gastritis-and hundreds of other instances-show the truth of our remark.

Mortality, for these latter reasons, has greatly diminished. Abernethy was accustomed to say, that unless a doctor had, at least, two deaths a week, he should not consider himself in good practice! A bill of mortality like this mentioned by the eccentric gentleman, would now drive a practitioner into other means of livelihood.

The progress of times and seasons has doubtless had much to do with all this. The world has always progressed, has been ever growing wiser, in many directions at once. But the influence of the system of Hahnemann, with its splendid practical results, has dome more than all else to bring Medical Science to its present improved and progressive state. To our illustrious founder belongs the honor of striking the heavy blow which scattered the confused heap of valuable facts and silly theories pertaining to the allopathic school; and to him is also due the credit of studying and carefully collecting such of the fragments as were of service to the structure erected by this skillful hands.

Homoeopathy, as a principle of Therapeutics, is older than Hahnemann. The master has himself proved its antiquity, from the writings of his predecessors, while demonstrating its value, by his own experiments. He claims no more than the elimination of a great truth from the mass of rubbish with which it was surrounded.

The world is indebted to him for this, but his great and everlasting fame rests upon the accuracy and scientific exactness to which he has reduced the application of remedial agents, by means of the system of "provings."And here, it seems to us, the immense superiority of this system must be manifest, at first sight, to every unprejudiced mind. The modified practice of the best physicians of the old school brings them very near to those of us who employ crude drugs, or tinctures, on homoeopathic principles. The main difference consists in the application of this system of provings. The Allopath gives aconite in fever, because he is told to do so by his teachers, who have found it useful to lower the pulse. The Homoeopath gives aconite in fever because he knows it to be capable of producing the phenomena which he desires to relieve.

While the Homoeopath knows the true value of an hundred old drugs, and as many new ones, without the risk of experiment upon the sick, but simply from the result of proving the remedy upon the body of the healthy-provings entered upon knowingly and voluntarily, by the subject, whose strength and vigor are sufficient to overcome any deleterious action of the dose-to the Allopath, nothing can be known, from the physical properties or from the chemical constituents of a medicine, which will be of the least value in the treatment of disease, without dangerous and unjustifiable experiment.

The language of the conscientious Allopath is – as recited to us the very day of this writing, by a patient who brought a prescription from a distinguished gentleman of the old school-"This drug may do you good-I hope it will, but cannot say positively. Try it, and let me know the result." Iod. potass., cit. mag. and comp. tinct. of gentian, were the ingredients.

In presenting an outline of the present position of Medical Science, it would be manifestly out of place to enter into the discussion of those questions in relation to which our school is divided; for, while it is generally admitted that the certainty at present attaching to reformed Therapeutics favors, or at least permits, the employment of highly attenuated doses, there is still great diversity of opinion as to the extent to which this attenuation may be carried, and as to the conditions under which the different potencies should be prescribed. We hope this Review may be instrumental, to some extent, in the discovery of that law under which we can all unite in our views of the potencies to be employed, as we already do, in our method of selecting the drug. But notwithstanding these diversities of opinion, it is certain that the discovery of the power of attenuated remedies is one of the greatest that medical science has ever witnessed. A belief in their efficacy is held by a large majority of our branch of the profession-and, indeed, in several instances, by members of the allopathic school. These latter imply their confidence in the power of the dilutions, when they impute to them the injurious effects of paralysis, neuralgias, and mental disease.

Such then, in the main, is the present position of Medical Science. Never before have we had so many facts, never such reasonable theories, never such brilliant results. In looking back upon the course of Medical History, we find, through the progress of the ages, the learning and enthusiasm, the talent and the industry, of the wisest, enlisted in our cause. The line of progress, of the leaders or soldiers, has sometimes wandered from the direct, but their course has been always upward. Even in the crudest theories there have always been gleamings of truth, and every fact, however unimportant it may seem at first sight, has proved of ultimate service. It was indeed fitting and reasonable that the science of healing should require, for its foundation, a full knowledge of the anatomy of health and disease; for its further elimination, a knowledge of the peculiar properties of the drugs employed in treatment; and, for its positive utility, the knowledge of a law under which these drugs are to be prescribed.

This, then, is the fair inheritance of the medical profession of the present day. What the past has given is ours forever. Nothing received is utterly useless. Let us not, then, in an intoxication following these deep draughts of Science, make merry, as do spendthrift heirs, over the foibles of those who heaped up our wealth. Glorying in their strength, rather than harping on their weaknesses, let us seek to imitate their honest endeavor.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 02-07]

[Description: Introduction of a new homeopathic magazine The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

SYMPTOMS.

Symptoms, being the manifestations of the presence of a disease in the system, differ in different cases, according to the character of the morbid entity which gives them birth. If there are two morbid entities within the sphere of the personality, each entity illustrating itself by characteristic symptoms, there will be a totality of phenomena inclusive of the character of both. Symptoms may be therefore, either pure or mixed, simple or compound, as they are the external manifestations of one or more morbid elements.

The former medical doctrine that no two diseases can exist at the same time, within the human system is, as usual with most theories enunciated in a positive and unqualified manner partly true and partly false. It is true so far as similar diseases are concerned, while it is false as to contraries. We shall illustrate this point in the course of the present article.

When the symptoms are illustrative of a single diseased entity; they will certainly be cured or removed by a single remedy. Perhaps even a single dose will suffice to repel the morbid element from the sphere of the personality. This single remedy, however, must be a perfect similimum. The entrance into the sphere of the personality of the simillimum will repel the morbid element to which it is similar, in accordance with the law of specific or vital affinities and antipathies which lies at the foundation of the Law of Cure, which formed the subject of an article in our last number.

As instance of pure symptoms, and also of cure by a single remedy, attention is called to the totality of morbid phenomena, which are found together under the name Small pox. When Small pox occurs in the person of a man, previously in all respects healthy, the manifestations are perfectly pure, inasmuch as all of them are directly referable to the influence of the specific disease-entity variolin, which has invaded the system, and now lies in the personality causing manifold disturbance. The simple character of the disease-entity thus betrayed by the symptoms, indicates a corresponding; simplicity in their treatment. As there is but one morbid influence to antagonize, we require but one remedial influence to accomplish the desired result. This agent, is, as we have said, the simillimum of the disease-entity: and this simillimum is vaccine. Now it is positively certain that the law of the progress and termination of Small pox is utterly abrogated, when the vaccine is administered in cases where the symptoms are purely those of variola and of nothing else. Different individuals, varying in their constitutional susceptibilities will require different doses of this simillimum; but when the appropriate dose is administered, the cure of variola is accomplished in a very short period, and the whole progress of the disease is arrested at once. This interesting fact has been long known to Homoeopathists, and it is very satisfactory to us to discover several prominent gentlemen in the old-school, publishing their own recent success with this, the most perfect of our homoeopathic remedies. Of course Homoeopathic Science and Art, receive no credit for the glorious discovery; but this is of little consequence. The administration of the first and third triturations of vaccine, in the several instances in which we have used it in Small pox, has had, in virtue of its similitude, an effect as wonderful as pleasing. Those pustules which had began to suppurate, were immediately arrested in their course, they became dry and scabby in a very short period, and left no pits, after convalescence. This is the certain and invariable result in all cases of pure Small pox. The symptoms being pure, the disease is simple. We look upon vaccine as the specific entity, of all other entities the most similar to the entity variolin; and for this reason the disease is repelled the personality by its means.

As instance of mixed symptoms, or of a totality of morbid phenomena including the characteristic of two or more disease-entities at the same time present in the individual: the same disease variola may be cited when the morbid manifestations are not only those of variola, but also of another morbid influence, perhaps previously existing in the system and perhaps introduced afterward in consequence of the changed affinities of the individual. The various dyscrasia, scrofula, gout, phthisis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and the other ten thousand, may, and generally do manifest themselves in some very prominent and offensive manner where the powers of Life which have hitherto kept things quiet,, are reduced by contention with an acute morbid element Hence we commonly have mixed symptoms, in this disease. We have those morbid phenomena directly assignable to the variola and those others which owe their existence to the dyscrasia. These two disease-entities may, and in fact generally do illustrate themselves in precisely the same portions of the organism. The variola symptomatizes itself in a pustule of a certain size, and the dyscrasia symptomatizes itself in the same pustule, making it wider and deeper, filling it to the brim with its own impurities, and rendering its cure or removal by one remedy utterly impossible. The vaccine, before so potent, when the variola symptoms were pure now is much less efficient, antidoting the variola only, and having no effect upon the dyscrasia now thoroughly roused into a state of acute action. The vaccine is not the similimum of the dyscrasia, and therefore has no remedial or repulsive effect upon it. But the dyscrasia may perhaps have its own specific simillimum, which given at the same time with the vaccine will arrest the whole train of morbid phenomena.

The totality of symptoms may be compounded in certain cases by the presence of even a third morbid agent. This last is an incident, we might perhaps call it an accidental. This third element of disease may enter the personality through a draught of cold air, and may symptomatize itself in a congestion or inflammation of the Lungs. The diseased manifestations being found to be thus triply mixed or compound, a corresponding treatment must be adopted. As for the dyscrasia we gave its similimum, so for the accidental we employ the same plan.

We may perhaps be allowed to pause in the course of this essay, long enough to say what must suggest itself in view of this introduction into the personality of these three remedies -disease producing entities-to antidote and repel the three morbid influences already occupying a lodgement there. This, of Homoeopathy, is after all an allopathic system of medicine. We most certainly do introduce into the system another disease producing influence, when we give either the Vaccine, the Sulphur, or the Aconite, in the presence of which we expect the variola, the dyscrasia and the accidental to leave the patient. It is another disease. But it is a similar one-and this is the great truthful principle which makes us Homoeopathic and Allopathic at the same time.

Returning again to the consideration of the general nature of Symptoms, we find that whether pure or mixed they are, while essentially demonstrative of a diseased condition, either curative or destructive. To assure ourselves of their occasional curative character we have but to recur again to the disease we have selected to illustrate the points we wish to make. No one can deny to the specific eruption which characterizes variola, an essential curative nature. Within the pustules there is held, ready for expulsion, and in the very process of evection, the variolin, the active principle of the disease. No more proof of this statement is required than is found in the fact of the subsidence of most of the other symptoms, upon the appearance of the cutaneous affection. The interior recesses of the personality are at once freed from the presence of the offending entity. The material side of the personality receives the disease in all its fullness, and the variola is thrown off into the surrounding atmosphere. That this is-the fact is plainly evident, as it is at this period only that communicability is possible. It is when the pustules are ripe, that the air and clothes are filled with the contagion. It is now that the disease-entity changes its position, that it leaves the organism, and is dissipated abroad.

The destructive character of certain symptoms is of course apparent enough, and we need not dwell upon this point. When we come to speak of the removal of symptoms, the propriety of the distinction here drawn between the curative and destructive manifestations will be perhaps more evident.

The value of symptoms, whether pure or mixed; curative or destructive, depends, of course, upon the knowledge they render of the specific character of the morbid influence. We very well understand that a knowledge of the specific nature of this disease-entity, is equivalent to a knowledge of the remedy. We have, of course, only to select from the materia medica, that one of all the agents therein contained, which seems the most nearly perfect similimum to the morbid influence. Symptoms therefore are of greater or less value as they illustrate or fail to indicate specific peculiarities. The totality of the symptoms should always be the ground of prescription: but close study of peculiar manifestations will very much facilitate the selection of the remedial agent. Now for instance the pathognomonic or peculiar symptoms of variola, is the peculiar character of the pustule. The other symptoms, are chills, fever, pains, etc. In a search for the similimum, if we consider the chills, fever, and pains as first in importance and to be first attended to, we are perhaps lost for a while in a labyrinth of pathogenetic record. As is well known the remedies which cause chills, fever, and pains, are innumerable. If any one of these be administered, Aconite for instance, the disease-entity will not be properly antidoted, for the simple reason, that the real similimum has not been given. The hold of the morbid influence may perhaps, so to speak, be slightly relaxed, but the disease still remains within the sphere of the individual, and will continue to manifest itself all the more vehemently perhaps through the symptoms which Aconite does not palliate. Let us suppose on the other hand that proper attention is paid to the specific or peculiar symptom of the pustule; we at once discover the similitude between it and pustule of vaccine. Our attention thus loudly called to this as a remedy, we discover on a study of its pathogenesis, that the other symptoms of variola, viz: – the fever and pains are by no means so well marked in Vaccine as in Aconite and Belladonna. Fever and pain are indeed present in a proving of Vaccine, and are perhaps often severe, but they are certainly never so important or prominent as in the remedies named and in variola. We lose sight, or seem to ignore this fact in view of the one great peculiar symptom of the specific pustule; and the result of treatment pursued when the vaccine is administered shows the wisdom of this method of prescription.

Pathognomonic symptoms are of value not only in assisting to select the proper remedy, but also by their disappearance as indicating the removal or neutralization of the morbid influence. At this point we properly come to speak of the removal of symptoms. It must first be understood that the removal of a symptom, and the cure of a disease, are two distinct things. The former should be merely incidental to the latter. It is in this very matter that the disciples of Hahnemann differ most from those of Galen.. Homoeopaths, as above shown, use symptoms as means of discovering the essential disease, which when thus betrayed is the subject of direct treatment. The followers of Galen, on the other hand, considering the totality of the symptoms as the disease proper, instead of its external manifestation, direct their remedies against them alone.

It may some times happen that in treating a symptom, the physician inadvertantly treats the essential disease. The pain of Cancer, for instance, when so severe as to require direct treatment, may be controlled by Conium in some instances, and in these cases, Conium may be the Homoeopathic specific.

In syphilitic ulcerations also, the applications of mercurial ointment, which may have the effect of removing the symptom is indirectly productive of a cure of the essential disease, by virtue of its homoeopathicity of Syphilis. Granulations of the eye lids are sometimes removed by the application of Nitrate of Silver, but they are never cured by this means, unless the specific essential disease, which is thus externally manifesting itself, finds its true similimum in the Caustic.

Several cases of granulated eye lids, which, had we continued in old-school practice, we should most certainly have cauterized with Silver, have yielded to daily doses of the 3rd trituration of Lunar Caustic, after several doses of Sulphur 30. In these cases the essential disease evidently found its similimum in the Caustic, and the symptom disappeared with the disease which caused it. A topical application to the lids might have produced the same result. It sometimes does. But these topical applications are neither philosophical or safe. The symptom may be driven away by an unhomoeopathic means while the disease which caused it still exists in the individuality, ready to break out at the first opportunity. Agan the means employed may be profoundly homoeopathic, and in virtue of that homoeopathicity, may drive off the symptom to which they are applied; and yet not be sufficiently attenuated to make a lasting impression on the refined vitality, and the disease consequently is not thoroughly neutralized. The applied remedy is not finally absorbed; and consequently is not dynamized: as all thing must be which eater the personality; through its circulation up and down the frictionizing currents of the body. The remedy is applied to the molecular sphere and becomes a part of that, but as a foreign element coming from the perifery, it is not permitted to penetrate far. The immediate vicinity of the symptom, is generally the limit of the remedial position, when the application is topical. Inasmuch as the position of the disease essence in more interior, in the personality, the real cause of the external trouble is not reached through topical means, as usually employed.

Symptom treatment is advisable under two exceptional circumstances: first, when the symptom is destructive, second, when it is unbearably painful. When a syphilitic ulceration is destroying the important tissues of the genital organs, we have no hesitation in applying such means, as experience has taught us are likely to arrest the progress of the sore. These means may be applied directly to the portion afflicted, while at the same time the internal administration of the proper homoeopathic remedy may be continued. In cases of violent flooding it is generally better to apply remedies directly astringent on the tissues concerned in the trouble, if any other than surgical means are to be employed, than to give the proper homoeopathic remedy alone. This is a system of palliation, and of course, is not pursued under the Law of Cure, except when the palliating is also an homoeopathic remedy.

Palliations may be applied not only upon the locale of the symptom, but also to the vitality itself. This is, generally speaking, more objectionable than topical palliation, but it must now and then be resorted to, under circumstances of unbearable pain. The 30th dilution of Aconite may act as an efficient palliation when repeated often enough, in many cases of neuralgic pain. In secondary syphilitic neuralgia it palliates the nocturnal pains and permits the patient to sleep. Its administration, however, is objectionable on two accounts, first, because the Aconite antidotes the curative remedy (Sulphur) which should be allowed to act uninteruptedly, and secondly, because an Aconite action is instituted which is another, but not a similar disease, to the one already in the system. The same objection of course applies with much greater force to the lower dilutions, not only of this drug but also of others. As is well understood Opium in crude mass is perhaps the oftenest employed as a palliative in painful cases, both in the new-school and the old. The effect of this drug, as is well known, is to numb the nerves of physical sensation. A condition of paralysis of course deadens the nerves to remedial sensations, and thus the influence of Opium palliatives is much to be dreaded. Nevertheless, use becomes after a time a second nature, and as we have seen, a distinct pathogenetic action, as also a curative one, result from placing on a tongue stained with tobacco, dilutions as high as the hundredth; so also we have witnessed the specific effects of drugs when prescribed for patients in the daily habit of using Opium, in excessive quantities.

The direct removal of symptoms which are neither painful nor destructive is unjustifiable in the highest degree. If there is any exception to this rule it is an eruption on the face of a young lady. Ones feelings are apt to get the better of his judgment, and the eruption on a pretty face must be driven away by topical means, We have made topical applications in one instance; in which the eruption had continued for two years; after having administered the proper internal remedies for a few weeks. We succeeded in freeing the face from pimples at the expense of the shoulders and arms. The locality of the manifestation was changed to a place more convenient: but of course the disease was unneutralized; the psora uncured.

We have already spoken in "Answers to Correspondents" of the injurious effects apt to follow the direct removal of symptoms, when illustrated upon the skin, and have already published a very interesting letter corroborating our views.

To sum up this whole matter of symptom treatment in a few words, for this article has already extended beyond the length intended, we have to say simply that the general rule is, never to treat a symptom except incidentally to the cure of the disease which caused it. The nature of symptoms is one which involves a recuperative element; and where ever the disease symptomatizes itself, thither is found rushing in eager haste to effect a cure, many times successfully brought about through them, the vitalities of the individual. The treatment of the disease itself is the limit of the function of the physician, the curer, as such. When, however, the symptoms call for direct treatment, the character of curer is lost sight of in that of the sympathizing friend who relieves suffering, and wards off impending destruction, by means which in his judgment will least interfere with the final purpose of Cure.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 05, 1859, pages 193-202]

[Description: Symptoms.]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Dr. G.C.L., Rhinebeck N.Y. – You enquire the best remedies for Tinea Capitis.

The principal remedies are Sulphur and Calcarea. Ars., Rhus, Sil., and Hepar are often employed with curative effect. Of course, there are many others, which have been known to succeed, when these have failed, but for a majority of cases the drugs named will be sufficient.

To render the cure a permanent and complete one, the remedies should be administered in the 30th dilution, and not oftener than once in 24 or 48 hours. You will very seldom find yourself able to give more than half a dozen doses of the 30th dilution of Sulph. or Cal., without causing other psoric manifestations than these already under treatment in the "tinea." On the appearance of Sulphur symptoms, if too prominent, I have generally assuaged their violence with a single dose of Nux 30, or perhaps three of Aconite 30. A dose of Psorinum, given once a week, is said to be sufficiently antidotal to the Sulph. when given for six preceding days.

The selection of the remedy for the particular case must be made in view of the temperament and disposition of the child, as well, of course, as of the totality of the physical symptoms. Knowing no other than the cutaneous symptoms, we cannot select, except in the general manner above noted.

We cannot leave this little note, without expressing ourselves very strongly, on the indiscretion of healing up Scald Head (Tinea) too rapidly. The appearance of an eruption is always indicative of a morbid taint in the system, which Nature is seeking to throw off. Here upon the skin, she has, after manifold efforts, succeeded in locating the "bad humor," which is poisoning her to death. This "humor" is like the poison which the stomach revolts at, and throws off. The local treatment of these cutaneous eruptions, by means of stimulating applications, is most disastrous. To dry up the eruption, and drive it back again into the blood, is but to conceal it from view, through its lodgement on some nobler internal organ.

Six months ago, a little child, with tinea, was brought into the Central Homoeopathic Dispensary, in this City, for treatment. We told the mother the importance of a slow cure, and directed her by no means to apply any of the washes or ointments so common among that class of people. We put the case on the long action of Sulphur, and ordered the child to be brought back once a week. At the end of four weeks, and after four doses of the 30th Sulphur, the eruption had about half disappeared. The mother was impatient, and the week after, commenced the use of a stimulating wash which healed the scalp in a fortnight. In a month more the little child was dead, with chronic inflammation of the meningies of the brain, as I believe, from the too sudden repercussation of the skin eruption.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 95-96]

[Description: Useful remedies for Tinea capitis; Dangerous consequences of a suppression of eruption;]

[Remedies: Sulphur, Calcarea carbonica, Arsenicum album, Rhus toxicodendron, Hepar sulphuris calcareum]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1858]

BOOK NOTICES.

Das HOMOEOPATHISCHE Aehnlichkeitsgesetz. Offenes Sendschreiben an Herrn Prof. DR. J. Freihere von Liebig, Etc., Etc. Von Dr. v. Grauvogl. gr. 8. pp. 162. Leipzig, Verlag von Otto Purfurst.

The Homoeopathic Law or Similarity. A Public Later to Prof. Justus

von Lirbig, Etc., Etc. By Dr. von Grauvogl. 8vo. pp. 162. Leipzig, Otto Purfurst

A year ago the homoeopathic literature was enriched by a work of Dr. von Grauvogl on The Fundamental Principles of Physiology, Pathology and Homoeopathic Therapeutics. The author of the above work has again enlarged our literature by this new publication, he gives it as a monograph and completion to his former work, in which he only elaborated the law of Simile as it became connected with other subjects. Dr. von Grauvogl considers it a duty to refute all attacks made on Homoeopathy, especially when they are made in scientific works by scientific men.

The immediate cause of this open letter was a passage in Liebig's letter on Chemistry, first volume, fourth letter, page 105, in which Liebig says: who "can contend, that the majority of well informed and educated men of our "time possess a higher degree of knowledge of nature and her powers than did "the Jatrochemists of the sixteenth century, if he knows that hundreds of physicians who have been educated in our Universities, contend for principles "which are a mockery to experience and common sense; men who believe that the "effects of medicines lay in certain powers and qualities, moved and strengthened by shaking and triturating that can be transferred upon inert substances; men who believe that a natural law admitting of no exception is not "true as regards medicinal substances, while they contend that the efficacy is "capable of increase although diluted and the active principle diminished 1 "Alas! one is induced to think that medicine, that most noble science, for the "investigation of nature and her powers stands among the inductive sciences "but on the lowest step."

Dr. Liebig is first reminded that before he can form a judgment on any subject, he must first consider in what form of judgment or category the given conceptions, and ideas concerning it, can be united into a totality of the perceptions. There are four points of this form of judgment, fundamental conceptions of mathematical natural philosophy, those of quantity, quality, relation and modality. The accusation of the belief, that the efficacy of drugs is capable of increase, although diluted, and the principle diminished, is only taken from the single moment of quantity, in the sense of the physiological school of medicine.

But all matter, consequently all drug matter, possesses the various weighable and unweighable quantities, with which it fills any space in time, according to the moment of the quantity, likewise various specific qualities or virtues. According to the moment of modality, it is further impossible for any matter to exist in this world, if it did not stand with its quantities in qualities — in some proportion, i.e., relation to other matter; and here the problem is questioned according to which the medicinal matter (drug) and its virtues shall be brought into reciprocal action with the matter and forces of the organization.

All these points require mature reflection, when an opinion is to be formed which is to decide about the relation of any matter from the outer world, therefore in the case of a medicinal substance coming in contact with our organism, otherwise this opinion will be one-sided, therefore false. This will become at once clear if I leave the theory as such for the present, and go to facts, which will confirm what I have said.

That the virtue of medicinal substances actually increases when diluted, therefore with the decrease of their active principle in weight, has been proved by two celebrated Professors of Physic.

Dr. Doppler, Professor of Physic in Prague, expresses himself in this manner: "It is in fact not to be denied that in order to judge of the greatness of a large number of effects the weight presents a very convenient and proper scale, as this is the case of all effects of substances in bulk. But it is apparent, that it would be going too far if it was supposed to be possible to reach all manners of action with the units of weights."

Already the effects of electrical contacts require to be determined by other than units of weight, not to mention many other phenomena in nature.

Before one is permitted to determine a thing to be either large or small, or on account of its presumptive smallness to send it into the region of chimera, it is, according to my judgment, necessary to first refer and justify the unit on which the opinion is founded, to define by it whether it is necessary we should use for its determination the scales or the rod.

With regard to the delusions comes a quotation from a work by Dr. Jolly, Professor of Physic in Munchen, "On the Physic of the Molecular Power." 1857. He makes the declaration of Copernicus, "that acular demonstrations are contrary to his assertions," his own; while he showed by experiment and observation "that the traction of molecules between the molecules of a dissolvent and of a dissolved body, causes an approach of the points, therefore a contraction; that an addition of the dissolvent enlarges the sphere of action of each molecule of the dissolved body."

The author farther states the experiments of the chemists Kirchhof and Bunsen who exploded half a grain of Natrum chloricum with sugar of milk in a room which contained 60c. m. of air, in a few minutes a flame at a distance showed Natron lines, this half a grain obtaining an immense surface, and in such a manner that the naked eye was able to discern with facility less than the trillionth part of a millegramme. This experiment demonstrates by diminishing and diluting an active substance an effect is produced, which until this present time has been denied by Chemistry. The author further illustrates the effect of mineral quantities by quotations of experiments; he then shows Liebig how he has contradicted himself in his own writings, and among other things quotes from Liebig, who says, "that glutin from grains is dissolved with case and rapidity by water scarcely acidulated by Muriatic acid, in a temperature equal to that of the body, but this solubility does not increase, but decreases when the quantity of Muriatic acid is increased, in such a manner that all the dissolved parts can be precipitated by middling concentrated Muriatic acid."

He continues and says "that if Liebig's accusations against Homoeopathy are true, why does not an addition of Muriatic acid better dissolve glutin than a weak one?"

He further quotes Liebig when he says that, "the manuring with Phosphoric acid earth in coarse powder, can not be compared to the effects produced by small quantities in a state of infinite division."

"Homoeopathy," he continues, "has the same experience on the human organism."

He says Liebig is not clear in his assertions about the additional power Homoeopathy claims for her medicines when diluted and deprived of their bulk (diminished in quantity), while he treats them in regard to their quantities only, he disregards their other relations.

It cannot be denied that Homoeopathy generalizes when saying that the curative virtues of medicines are increased by dilutions, and Professor Liebig only in a subverted form states the same thing. As a very good instance illustrating the position of Homoeopathy, the author says, "the Physiological School of Medicine knows nothing of Colocynthes but its cathartic effects; now and then some trials were made if it could not be used as a diuretic and emmenagogue." Homoeopathy has never contented that Colocynthes in the third dilution (the trillionth part of half a grain), only produces a local effect on the intestines, or was more cathartic than in its weighable quantity, but Homoeopathy did and still does contend that the effects of Colocynthes in the dilution assumes a reciprocal relation towards the whole organism, and that it is only on that account specifically increased in extent, but not in intensity as a cathartic; that therefore Colocynthes in the third dilution does not produce more diarrhea, but that it gains an extended sphere of action, and on that account cures a specific form of diarrhea, and also some forms of dysentery, ischias and asthma, and the verification of this assertion can daily be established on the sick bed.

The process of such a cure is analogous to those of the spectre analysis; according to the experiments and observations on the sick bed, the medicines, in the dilutions are conveyed into the interior of the organism to such an extent that if they come in contact with a pathological locality belonging to its sphere of action; similar to the Natron evaporation in a room by Bunsen and Kirchhof finding a flame, and show the effects with the same clearness as by the spectre lines here by the relief of suffering, showing itself in a short time, no matter how distant was the place of application from the place of reception.

He forcibly reminds Liebig that in the natural sciences the organic laws are super ceded by the vital power, the establishment of which determines the difference between organic and inorganic bodies. Dr. Grauvogl closes this open letter to Professor Liebig by telling him that the opposition he exhibits to Homoeopathy is a phantom, and void of all scientific foundation, that it may be reduced to an opposition made again and again by irresponsible ill informed opponents, destitute of the experiment, and only worthy of observation as coming from a man occupying such a high position among men of learning, and as it becomes evident that the opposition arises from a want of understanding, the information of homoeopathic doctrines are now submitted to his perusal. He says, "while communicating these pages to your judgment you will have either after mature reflection, to reject all the doctrines and natural laws on which Homoeopathy is based, and if so I beg for information and a refutation of all my accusations against the physiological school in a critic, based or natural law, not by a perusal of individual and indiscriminate judgments; or you will acknowledge the said doctrines and natural laws as true, and reject the allopathic, or the so-called physiological school of medicine, and if so I beg you at once to recant all accusations you have made against Homoeopathy, and to use your influence that all hindrance to the free practice of Homoeopathy may be removed."

The fundamental doctrines of Homoeopathy are now submitted to Professor Liebig on the following 125 pages:

The philosopher and thinker appears on every page: his clearness of demonstration and his universal knowledge of medical and natural sciences is just as apparent as his exemplifications are convincing.

For the sake of our cause it is much to be hoped that this as well as the former work of Dr. Von Grauvogl will find a place in the English homoeopathic literature, and that the good time is coming when the great amount of trashy and inferior literature, now forced upon the American public, will give place to a better class of authors and translators. Dr. Von Grauvogl addresses him self altogether to the learned and the scholar, and he hopes by convincing them he will further the propagation of Homoeopathy more than by popularising a science, the merit of which cannot be made fully apparent in ordinary terms, and will not be appreciated by the ordinary understanding. Dr. Grauvogl strictly adheres to Homoeopathy as introduced by Hahnemann, and demonstrates fully and satisfactorily that all discoveries and scientific developments. all recently discovered laws of nature and unknown to Hahnemann, only add lustre to his merits, as all of them only add proof to the correctness of his theories and establish the doctrines on which Homoeopathy is based. Grauvogl and Wolf on the one side theoretically, on the other side practically confirm Hahnemann's doctrines, and do so because they have followed him and comprehended him An. Lippe.

An Exposition or the Swedish Movement Cure; Together with a Summary of the Principles of General Hygiene. By George H. Taylor, A.M., M.D. 12mo., pp. 398. New-York, Fowler and Wells.

Theory and Practice of the Movement Cure, by the Swedish System of Localized Movements. By Charles Fayette Taylor, M.D. 12mo. pp. 396. Philadelphia, Lindsay and Blakiston.

As considerable has been published on the Movement Cure by the Authors of the above Works in the various homoeopathic as well as other journals, it is unnecessary for us to attempt any expose of it

The works before us contain all that has been published in the journals with considerable addition. Those who were interested in the subject as it appeared in series, will be glad to have the whole matter in one volume as convenient as the above, rather than be obliged to refer to several volumes of journals for information on the subject.

The circulation of the above works among the public will do much toward preventing the injuries often consequent upon the indiscriminate use of callisthenic exercises.

Lives or Eminent American Physicians and Surgeons of the Nineteenth Century. Edited by Samuel D. Gross, M.D. 8vo. pp. 837. Philadelphia, Lindsay and Blakiston.

This work of Dr. Gross is the third of the kind published in this country. The first was published by Dr. J. Thacher in 1828, the second by Dr. S. W. Williams in 1845. There are published the biographies of several, such as Rush and Warren, whose names are known not merely as connected with the medical profession, but who have figured considerably in our country's history, which gives to the work additional interest.

As the Author intimates that another volume may be published, we would suggest that the work would be rendered doubly interesting to the whole profession, as well as to the public, by publishing the lives of those who have, by their success in its practice, caused Homoeopathy to be so favorably regarded by the community.

---------------

THE HISTORY AND HEROES OF THE ART OF MEDICINE. BY J. RUTHERFORD RUSSELL, M.D. 8vo. pp. 479. London, John Murray.

This able and highly interesting history includes the lives of Aesculapius, Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, Dioscorides, Roger Bacon, Cardan, Paracelsus, Lord Bacon, Van Helmont, Harvey, Des Cartes, La Boe, Boyle, Sydenham, Stahl, Hoffmann, Boerhaave, Haller, Cullen, John Brown, Jenner and Hahnemann.

The distinguished founder of Homoeopathy occupies about one-fifth of the volume. We doubt whether there can any where be found a more graphic and philosophical account of the men who have principally distinguished themselves in the medical history of the world. It should be found in the library of every physician.

B. F. J.

CONSUMPTION; (PHTHISIS) Its Nature and Treatment. By JOHN EPPS, M. D. 8 vo., pp. 292, London, Sanderson, 1860.

This truly homoeopathic and valuable work gives a graphic and familiar description of the structure and uses of the lungs, the organ affected, a history of consumption and of the pathological phenomena, including extracts from ancient and modern writers, a history and explanation of the different stages of this disease, the cachectic state, lung debility, the prevalent ideas respecting the incurability of consumption, and his own views of the curative means for different stages. In regard to this last topic he gives the symptoms of different medicines adapted to its different stages, pointing out their relation to the symptoms of this malady. Next come general remarks on the treatment, auxiliary means and illustrative cases.

The plan and execution of the work is such as to render it highly valuable to the homoeopathic practitioner and in its general exemption from unnecessary technicalities, it is adapted to, intelligent laymen.

Dr. Epps has been bold and felicitous in the selection of topics in each of his two larger works. In the first he attacked the system of purgation which is undermining the health of nearly all mankind in civilized countries except to far as Homoeopathia has extended her beneficent reign; so in his last the volume under consideration, he has selected from among natural diseases, as his mark, the arch-destroyer — consumption, of all maladies that which has the most numerous victims. The general prognosis of our author slightly abbreviated is as follows:

Homoeopathy opens up the legitimately founded hope of the cure of phthisis; legitimately founded, first, because Homoeopathy presents a law by which the action of medicines on the diseased body is regulated — a law which makes it certain that if a medicine can be found which has the power of producing symptoms similar to those present in the disease, it will cure the disease so medicinally homoeopathized; secondly because Homoeopathy presents, by the vicarious sufferings of Hahnemann and his followers, a knowledge of the pure effects of medicines; and thirdly because the law being true and the knowledge of medicines being sufficiently extended to embrace those which produce pathogenetic effects that cover the special phenomena present in every special case of phthisis, the use of such medicines must be curative.

The auther throughout aims to be true to the law and the Materia Medical In the seventh chapter, the first on treatment, he points out minutely the relation between the symptoms of the different stages of phthisis and those of the most efficacious remedies for them; i. e. Calcarea, Lycopodium, Nitric acid, Sulphur and Sepia, and gives a more general statement of some features of Kali carbonicum, Causticum, Arsenicum &c.

The scientific and pains-taking method of this conscientious and benevolent physician is worthy of imitation by all who attempt to write practical homoeopathic books; and the world is greatly indebted to Dr. Epps for his judicious labors in this direction.

B. F. J.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 12, 1860, pages 571-576]

[Description: Book Notices.]

[Author: AHomeo02]

[Year: 1860]

BOOKS RECEIVED.

TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY FOR 1859.

Sixteenth Annual Meeting held in Boston, June 1st, 1859.

This Annual has increased in size from year to year, till it now consists of an octavo volume of 215 pages,' well filled with very interesting matter.

In a previous number, we published an account of the proceedings, in addition to which, in the pamphlet, we have the reports, communications, &c, made to the society, published in full.

An address on the Theory of Disease was delivered by Dr. S. S. Gut. The Central Burean reported provings of Rumex crispus and Polygonum punctatum by Drs. E. Bayard, B. F. Bowers, M. J. Rhees, H. M. Paine, B. J. Joslin and W. E. Payne.

Dr. I. Colby reports on Cold as a Therapeutic Agent, with illustrative cases of spasmodic disease, delirium tremens, tetanus, fevers, puerperal diseases, extreme cases, of scarlet fever, yellow fever, diseases of the brain, colic, spasms, periostitis, and whitlow.

An interesting but short report on Water as a Therapeutic Agent, by Dr. J. D. DAKE follows.

Dr. D. M. Dare reports favorably on the Combination of Potencies, a subject to which he has given considerable attention.

A case of Secondary Syphilis of Eight Years Duration was reported cured, by Dr. W. E. Payne. Having administered various remedies according to the indications, in different potencies, without effect, and having consulted with other homoeopathic physicians with no benefit to the patient, he finally effected ft cure with Merc. corr. and Hydrochlorate of Ammonia, first decimal trituration, administering one grain of each alternately, every six hours. The doctor does not state why he gave the latter remedies.

Dr. S. M. CATE furnishes some suggestions on one Form of Inflammation of the Stomach.

Dr. R. LUDLAM, the indefatigable secretary of the Chicago Homoeopathic Medical Society, reports the success of that organization. A Society that does exist not merely in name, as our readers will probably remember by the trans-actions which were regularly published in the last volume of the Review.

Dr. D. Thayer, of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society, gives an interesting sketch of that body. Organized in 1841, under a different name, it was not till 1856 that it was incorporated. The present number of members is seventy-six. Dr. Gregg, in 1888, was the first to introduce Homoeopathy into Massachusetts; after him came Dr. J. F. Flagg, in the autumn of the same year. Then followed Drs. C. Wild and Spooner, in 1839. In 1840, Drs. Wild, Fuller, Russell and Ingals. Dr. W. Wesselhoeft arrived in 1842. In this State the Homoeopathic Practitioners now number by hundreds. In Boston, there are twenty-six.

The Report of the Philadelphia Northern Home for Friendless Children is published next, and shows very satisfactory results. A synopsis of this report was published in the Review in July last.

Dr. H. D. Paine's instructive article on Diphtheria which was published in our September issue, follows next in order.

In the Report of the Committee on Deceased Member's are published obituary notices of A. Gerald Hull, M.D.; William Wesselhoeft, M.D.; John M. Randal, M.D.; and John D. Wood, M.D.

The Treasurer's Report, Constitution and By-Laws, and List of Members follow,

As an Appendix, is published an account of the very hospitable reception given to the Institute by the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society, and Boston Academy of Homoeopathic Medicine.

This Pamphlet is sent only to members and can net be obtained by others.

___________

THE AVOIDABLE CAUSES OF DISEASE, INSANITY AND DEFORMITY. BY JOHN ELLIS, M.D. 12mo., pp. 348; New York, published by the Author. 1860.

Dr. Ellis believes that every true lover of humanity, in the medical profession, has before him a nobler calling than that of the scavenger, who confines himself to the removal of effects, while the causes still remain and are in a measure subject to his will.

The time when the public revered the physician and followed his directions without enquiring the why and wherefore, is fast passing away, and an intelligent community will now no longer suffer the impositions of ignorant quacks. A physician who merely prescribes for existing evils and is unable to prevent their recurrence, must give way for others more learned than he.

The people must know the facts, avoid disease where possible and remove it where practicable; and there is no one more capable of teaching those foots than the intelligent physician. Knowing this, Dr. Ellis has endeavored to present in as clear a manner and as compact a form as possible, the causes which operate on the human system to bring about disease.

Many of the foots are not new, though none the less important for that, but are collated from various sources, rendering the work interesting if not instructive to the physician, while it can scarcely foil to be both to the community at large.

___________

MARRIAGE AND ITS VIOLATIONS, LICENTIOUSNESS and Vice. By John ELLIS, M.D. 12mo., pp. 48. New York, published by the Author. 1860. Under the head of "Marriage," "Divorces," "Abuses of Married Life," "Fetal Murder," "Licentiousness," and "Vice," the Author endeavors to show the evil done to present society and future generations by marriages contracted between parties unsuited to each other, morally, socially, or physically. This work, like the previous one, is intended more for the laity than the profession.

PHTHISIS PULMONALIS, shown to be the result of a perverted secretion of the mucous membrane, and its cure established by homoeopathic remedies. By Rollin R. Gregg, M.D., Canandaigua. 8vo., pp. 56.

The Author of this little monograph inherited the disease of which he treats, and thus being an interested person, has made its pathology and cure his study for several years.

Aware of the vagueness which envelopes all the treatises on this subject, Dr. Gregg commenced to investigate thoroughly this dreaded disease and the possibility of its cure by homoeopathic remedies. The success of his investigation proved to him, that the great law of similia was equally as potent in this as in other diseases. Having no theory to sustain, he commenced his labors untrammelled, and from the result of a prescription on a patient, was led to regard the fact, that boil, which have a core that leaves a deep pit in the fresh after discharging, are none other than tuberculous matter deposited in the areolar tissue which acts as a foreign body, causing supuration and discharge.

In the case mentioned, Lycopodium was the drug indicated by the symptoms, after taking which, two large boils were observed on the shoulders which, when discharging, left pits in the flesh half to three quarters of an inch in depth; on the forming of the boils, the pain and soreness, and cough entirely subsided. The appearance of boils, he found in many cases, to be the signal of relief, and then arose the question — What was the connection between the tubercles and boils? In several cases of serious disease of the lungs, to which the doctor had been called, he found, upon enquiry, that the patient had suffered severely from boils immediately previous to the appearance of disease in the lungs, and that these had been healed both with external applications made to "scatter them," and with mild cathartics in the hope of "purifying the blood."

From facts thus elucidated and from experiments, the author comes to the conclusion, that tuberculous matter is "simply a perverted secretion of the mucous membranes, which is thrown out as a consequence of an irritation or an abrasion of their surfaces, by disease for the most part, but sometimes also, by continued inhalation of fine particles of stone, iron, steel, &c."

We need not follow the Author in his argument, suffice it to say that his deductions are well grounded. He mentions several instances where cures have been effected, even in some serious cases, and when such had been pronounced incurable by other practitioners. One of these oases were cured by Lycopodium and Bryonia, and another by Merc. sol., another by Kali carb., others by Pulsatilla, Calcarea carb., Phosphorus, Stannum, Carbo. veg., Graphites, &c. Scarcely two cases received the same treatment.

Attention, of course, was paid to diet and exercise, as auxiliaries to the medical treatment.

Dr. Gregg does not wish to establish rules for the attenuations of the remedies employed or the intervals of administration, as this depends on the judgment of the practitioner. Great care should be taken not to repeat the dose until the preceding one had expended its action.

He has endeavoured to show that any routine method will surely fail, and that only with a thorough knowledge of the pathogenesy of the drug, will the practitioner succeed.

A Treatise on Medical Electricity, Theoretical and Practical: and its Use in the Treatment of Paralysis, Neuralgia and other diseases. By J. ALTHAUS, M. D. 12mo., pp. 364. Philadelphia. Lindsay and Blakiston: New York, S. S. and W. Wood. 1860.

What the uneducated sometimes learn by instinct or intuition, the learned acquire after long study and observation. Thus has it been with Electricity, Galvanism, Mesmerism, Hypnotism, and various other imponderable agents. The masses hate long felt their power and efficacy in alienating pain and, as has been declared, removing disease.

After the stigma, placed by the orthordox on all reformers, has, to a certain extent, been removed from "magnetic physicians," "electro-pathologists" and others, and the people have given their verdict in their favor, the "Regulars" are compelled to examine into the subject, and there learn that it is "all right" in accordance with a law they have long known, and thus antedate their knowledge and adoption of this valuable adjuvant.

Every Homoeopath knows the homoeopathicity of this valuable agent to many diseases, and while our allopathic brethren are discussing its "modus operandi," they are quietly availing themselves of a remedy, which the discoveries of Hahnemann enabled them to apply in the treatment of its peculiar pathogenetic symptoms.

The work before us gives descriptions of the various batteries now in use and the manner of using them in different diseases. It records the facts ascertained by different observers, derived mostly from physiological experiments.

This agent is recommended in place of the cautery; as a means of diagnosis and in some cases as having a specific action on various parts.

__________

The HOMOEOPATHIC DOMESTIC PHYSICIAN. By C. Hering, M.D. Seventh American Edition. 8vo., pp. 892. Philadelphia, F. E. Boericke. 1859. The present edition of Dr. Bering's Work contains but few additions to the previous one published two years ago. It is seldom that anything is published in this country from the pen of Dr. Hering, and many hints, useful to the physician as well as laymen, are to be found in his "Domestic Physician."

Dr. Hering's book is the oldest homoeopathic work adapted to family use in this country; the first edition having been published in 1835. Several editions issued since then were without his approval, as the person trusted with their revision had taken liberties which the author could not endorse.

The present edition, and also the previous one, has been revised by Dr. Hering himself.

ALLOPATHY AND HOMOEOPATHY CONTRASTED. Origin and Early History of Allopathy. Origin and Early History of Homoeopathy By John Williams Haywood. 8vo., pp. 40. Manchester, Eng., Turner and Co. The title of this pamphlet sufficiently well indicates its purpose as a tract for distribution among the laity. It is compiled from the best authorities, and the public thus allowed to judge between the falsity and inconsistency of the one, and the scientific basis of the other mode of practice.

This tract is the second part of one, with a similar title, received and noticed a few months since.

THE UNITED STATES JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY. Published by C. T. Hurlburt, New York.

The above is the title of a new applicant for professional fetors, the first number of which was published in February.

The new Journal will appear quarterly, and under the auspices of some fifty physicians of the Homoeopathic School, some of whom are well known as writers, while others hate published nothing by which we can judge of their ability.

The number before us is filled with articles on "Medical Philosophy," "Theory and Practice, "Miscellaneous," "Experimental Physiology and Pathology," and "Materia Medica."

Dr. J. P. DAKE furnishes an article on the "Homoeopathic Law." Drs. Leon, Clark, Culbert, Helmuth and others report a number of cases. Contributions are published from Drs. D. M. Dake, Williamson, Lilienthall, Baird, Adams and others. Dr. Lazarus furnishes a great number of Translations from the French. And Dr. Blumenthal a translation from the German.

__________

POEMS. By WILLIAM H. HOLCOMBE, M.D. 12mo., pp. 860. New York, Mason Brothers. 1860.

It is sufficient for us to announce the publication of this volume of poems from the pen of our co-laborer in the field of medicine. The reputation of the Author as a writer, as well as a successful practitioner, renders any remark from us unnecessary.

Dr. Holcombe aims to do for the homoeopathic profession what Dr. Holmes has done for the profession at large. The Author is a believer in the doctrines first enunciated by Swedenborg, and his work is pervaded with the spirit of the new church teachings.

____________

A GUIDE TO THE PRACTICAL STUDY OF DISEASES OF THE EYE. With an Outline of their Medical and Operative Treatment. By JAMES DIXON, F. R. C. S. From the Second London Edition. 12mo., pp. 420. Philadelphia, Lindsay and Blakiston; New York, Sold by S. S. and W. Wood. 1860. To direct the attention of the student to the delicate changes which the tissues of the eye present under various morbid conditions, rather than furnish a work on ophthalmic pathology, has been the object of the author of the work before us.

Having had twelve years experience as surgeon to the largest ophthalmic hospital in England, Dr. Dixon should be well qualified to write a work on this speciality. From the treatment prescribed in this book, the Homoeopathist would of course derive little benefit, but many valuable hints can be derived from the description of diseases here given.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, pages 380-384]

[Description: Books Received – Transactions of The American Institute of Homoeopathy For 1859; The Avoidable Causes of Disease, Insanity and Deformity, by John Ellis; Marriage and Its Violations, Licentiousness and Vice, by John Ellis; The Homoeopathic Domestic Physician by C. Hering; Allopathy and Homoeopathy Contrasted. Origin and Early History of Allopathy – Origin and Early History of Homoeopathy by John Williams Haywood; The United States Journal of Homoeopathy; Poems by William H. Holcombe; a Guide to The Practical Study of Diseases of The Eye, With an Outline of their Medical and Operative Treatment, by James Dixon]

[Author: AHomeo02]

[Year: 1860]

HAHNEMANN MEDICAL COLLEGE, CHICAGO.

It is well known to a majority of the friends of Homoeopathy in this country, and especially by members of the profession, that a charter contemplating the establishment of a Homoeopathic Medical College in the City of Chicago, was granted by the Legislature of Illinois in the year 1855. Since that period, the friends of the cause at home, and upon whom the initiative would necessarily devolve, have both labored and waited patiently for the removal of obstacles, which, until the present time, have delayed the undertaking. These hindrances have now been withdrawn.

The Board of Trustees of the Hahnemann Medical College have, therefore, the most sincere pleasure in being able to announce the completion of arrangements for the First Course of Lectures before that Institute.

The location selected is believed to be the most choice in the whole region of country known as North-west. The position of the City of Chicago as the centre of commerce, of correspondence, and of religious and literary influence for all this vast and promising district; the wealth of her tributaries, and her thousand facilities for business and brain-work, are but just beginning to be appreciated. Estimating these latter facts more promptly than we, perhaps, the Allopathists have already two Schools for Medical Instruction.

The Hahnemann Medical College is not designed to conflict with the interest, success, or welfare of those Homoeopathic Medical Schools which are already in existence, or which may hereafter spring from an increased popularity of this peculiar system of medicine, calling thereby for a greater number of laborers in the field of science. It is simply to supply a want of the North-west; to develop its resources; to augment its usefulness; to raise the standard of professional acquirement among its people; and to earn the admiration and approval alike of friend and foe to the system, by the exhibition of that self-respect which is the necessary condition of its bestowal from others.

The course of Lectures will be delivered daring the coming winter, to commence on the Third Monday in October next. The Faculty is composed of home talent exclusively, the different chain being occupied as follows:

A. E. Small, M.D., Professor of the Principles and Practice of Medicine.

G. E. Shipman M.D., Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics.

R. Ludlam, M.D., Professor of Physiology and Pathology.

N. F. Cooks, M.D., Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology.

H. K. W. Boardman, M.D., Professor of Surgery.

J. L. Kellogg, M.D., Professor of Obstetrics and Dis. of Women & Children.

G. D. Beebe, M.D., Professor of Anatomy.

Geo. Payne, Esq., Lecturer on Medical Jurisprudence.

The Name of the School — "Hahnemann Medical College," and the well-known character and ability of the men engaged in the enterprise, are a sufficient guaranty of its success. We wish the new College a good measure of prosperity.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, pages 377-378]

[Description: Establishment of Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago.]

[Author: AHomeo02]

[Year: 1860]

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK.

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE "THE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, in New York City."

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: —

Section 1. Hollis White, A. Oakey Hall, Daniel F. Tiemann, Cyrus W. Field, Benjamin F. Pinckney, James M. Smith, junior, Abraham B. Conger, Henry Nicoll, Horace H. Day, Francis A. Hall, Gordon W. Burnham, Charles L. Frost, David Anston, junior, William Barton, John Haggerty, Charles E. Milnor, Lot C. Clark, Frederick L. Talcott, James F. Hall, John P. Brown, J. M. Cooper, H. L. Van Wyck, P.M. Suydam, and their associates, are hereby constituted a body corporate, by the name of "The Homoeopathic Medical College of the State of New York in New York City," to be located in the City of New York, for the purpose of instruction in the various departments of medical science.

Sec. 2. The said corporation may hold and possess real and personal estate to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, and the funds or property thereof shall not be used for any other purpose than those declared in the preceding section. The said corporation may also hold such collections of books and of the productions of nature and of art, as it may be necessary for purposes of medical and clinical instruction; and it may mortgage, from time to time, its property, or any part thereof, by its bonds and mortgages, and may sell its property by its conveyances, and the same to be executed, under the common seal of said corporation, and acknowledged by the president, and may divide its property into shares of stock, transferable as personal property.

Sec. 3. The persons severally named in the first section of this act are hereby appointed trustees of the said corporation, with power to fill any vacancy in their board.

Sec. 4. The trustees, for the time being, shall have power to grant and confer the degree of doctor of medicine, upon the recommendation of the board of professors of said college; but no person shall receive a diploma conferring such degree, unless he shall be of the age of twenty-one years and upwards, and shall have pursued the study of medical science for at least three years after the age of sixteen, with some physician and surgeon, duly authorized by law to practice his profession, and shall also, after that age, have attended two complete courses of all the lectures delivered in some incorporated medical college, the last of which courses shall have been delivered by the professors of said college.

Sec. 5. The said college shall be subject to the visitation of the regents of the university, and shall annually report to them.

Sec. 6. The corporation hereby created shall possess the powers and be subject to the provisions of the eighteenth chapter of the first part of the Revised Statutes, entitled "of incorporations."

Sec. 7. The legislature may at any time alter, modify or repeal this act.

Sec. 8. This act shall take effect immediately.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, page 379]

[Description: An Act to Incorporate the Homoeopathic Medical College of The State of New York, in New York City.]

[Author: AHomeo02]

[Year: 1860]

MISCELLANEOUS.

CHICAGO CITY HOSPITAL. – The following article we have received from GEO. E. SHIPMAN, M. D., of Chicago:

In a previous number of this REVIEW, I took occasion to bring down the history of this Institution to the time of writing. An article in the last number of the Chicago Medical Journal, published in this City, by Dr. Brainard, seems to require, that this history should be still further continued, as it contains false statements which cannot pass undenied. Under the caption "Chicago City Hospital," he says:

"It is a source of no little gratification to us, to see this fine building, put at length to the use for which it was intended and so perfectly adapted. The opening of it has been effected in face of a strong opposition coming from the Homoeopathists, and a part of the medical staff of the so called Mercy Hospital, who in this matter have cooperated with a zeal and perseverance, indicating a full understanding."

Now, any one would think, from reading this, that the City of Chicago had opened its hospital, and had given it in charge of Dr. Brainard and others, to the exclusion of Homoeopathists; but the truth is, that the city of Chicago never opened the Hospital at all, simply and solely from the financial troubles of the times. The Hospital is leased at present to Dr Brainard et al, for the term of three years-he tried to get five, but could not-at the rate of one dollar per annum-the City to pay three dollars per week for all the poor patients, which it sends there, and Dr. Brainard being at liberty, to get what he can out of the paying patients. Why Dr. Brainard got the lease instead of the "medical staff of the so called Mercy Hospital," or any body else, was because he had more money to invest in that kind of risk than any body else, and because, forsooth, Rish Medical College, which is his offspring, needed the support of such an Institution. During the present year, another Medical School has been organized here, under the auspices of the Lind University, and three or four of its professors were taken from Rush College, among whom is Dr. Davis, who has had charge of Mercy Hospital-"so called" as Dr. Brainard mirthfully has it. These two gentlemen stand to each other in the attitude of the Kilkenny cats; their mutual regard is of the same character, and the two rival institutions partake of the same feeling, to a greater or less extent, while the Homoeopathists look on as impartial spectators, wondering that so much anger can dwell in "regular" minds. Hence it is apparent what an imposition it is, to call this private institution a City Hospital; equally false is it to say, that Dr. Brainard got the lease in face of a strong opposition, coming from the Homoeopathists and a part of the medical staff of the so called Mercy Hospital, &c..

The Homoeopathists did oppose leasing the building to any private citizen, alleging that, if money were to be made, the city was entitled to make it, or if to be lost, the city ought to lose it-they did oppose giving it into the hands of the Allopathists, actuated therein by the same motives, which induced Louis Napoleon to offer terms of peace to his august enemy – a desire to prevent further effusion of blood; but we had no understanding with, nor confidence in either party. In both faculties there are gentlemen and scholars, who would adorn the medical profession anywhere, and in both there are persons with whom no Homoeopathist could associate or consult, without degrading himself, but as faculties, as far as we have opportunity to know, both are alike illiberal and bigotted; we count them both as our enemies, hence when Dr. Brainard indirectly sent us overtures to induce us to stay our opposition, offering an equal footing to our students with their own, we gave them no heed.

The lease of Dr. Brainard, as I said before, has three years to run – at the expiration of that time, if the city of Chicago feels willing and able to open the Institution as a public one, the Homoeopathists will be there and have their just portion, and that without any help from the irregulars, whom Dr. Brainard gives a parting thrust in this wise

"How the physicians who are connected with it (the Mercy Hospital), and who have made every effort to defeat the opening of the City Hospital in concert with irregulars, can justify themselves, we are at a loss to conjecture."

Who the "irregulars" are, we do not exactly know Report says, that Dr. Davis was called to account by the Cook County Medical Society-the Society which parades its dead members-in consulting with an eclectic-that he excused himself, and said it should not happen again-but that it did happen again, and the probability is that the Dr. is alluded to, but if so, it is very unfair, for Dr. Davis, is the father of the American Medical Association and several other useful institutions, besides having borne the brunt of the contest between Homoeopathy and Allopathy for some time past, while Dr. Brainard was enjoying life in Paris, and astonishing the Parisian savans with his rattlesnakes-we protect against any disrespectful terms being used to Dr. Davis, especially by his allopathic brethren, regular or irregular. In bitter opposition to Homoeopathy, and in blind devotion to Regular Medicine, if any body knows what that meant, he is head and shoulder above all his compeers, and if he is eventually cast out of the Cook County Medical Society, he will be a host of himself anywhere, and quite a match for any medical body.

But, if anything were necessary to show the folly of this pretence of regularity, what could show it better then this arrangement of Dr. Davis, that pink of medical propriety, whose garments were supposed never to have been polluted by the profane touch of any irregular? A similar case has recently occurred in Connecticut, where a member in good and regular standing, was expelled from the State medical society, without a hearing, because he consulted with a Homoeopathist in some surgical case. I do not protest against such a course, for while I mourn for poor human nature, that it can be so base and degraded, so fearful of encountering the least glimmer of truth, it rejoice my heart to see our adversaries thus asinine themselves, and I hope that they will never lose an opportunity to heap the vials of their wrath upon the head. of all those who venture to think for themselves, and thus bring upon their own heads all the sooner, the retribution which has been too long delayed. When they disagree among themselves in almost every respect, how can they call upon others to agree with them? Who can define what is now the self-styled Regular School of Medicine? Call them Allopathic-they say that they do not practice by contraries-though every body knows, that in the main, they do call them the Old School, they will fly in your face, and tell you with Braithwaith that "this is a total misrepresentation," that "medicine is a progressive science, and has wonderfully improved of late; call them a new school, and they will talk to you about Hippocrates and Galen, as if they had inherited all their wisdom, and with it a proscriptive right to drug all the sons of men, for all time to come. But who among them can define the system of Regular Medicine so called, in such a way that even half of the nominal adherents of the school will subscribe to it? And if this cannot be done – if they cannot erect a standard to which they themselves conform, whence their right to arrogate to themselves the title of orthodox, and scout all others who choose to follow their own judgments. Where is the physician who never fails to cure cases which are curable – where is the physician who has nothing to learn? Now, if I have something yet to learn, who cm tell but that it may be in possession of that man whom I look upon as an outcast, because he does not "conform?" What is true of a physician is true of a school, and if the so called regular school of medicine is not in possession of all needful medical knowledge-and who has the impudence and assurance to say, that it has-who knows but what some other school has it-who knows what truth may be in the Homoeopathic system, or in the Eclectic, with one of the adherents of which Dr. Davis is said to have consulted?

But these truths may be applied to others than allopathists; there are many in our school, descended evidently from some one of Job's friends-to whom he addressed the exclamation, "Ye are the people and wisdom shall die with you"-who tell us magisterially, that the course they dictate is the only true one, and all other plans are pursued by quacks and pretenders alone. Now since our allopathic brethren have desisted from purging to so great an extent, it would be well if the Homoeopathic school would take it up, and purge itself of such pestilent fellow?. If modesty becomes any man, it is a medical man, for "who knows so little, where he should know so much"-let us rid ourselves therefore of these perts, who would stereotype what little they know, and make us all swear by it, that having parted company with them, we may have the more leisure to seize upon truth, wherever found.

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TRANSACTIONS OF SOCIETIES. – We have lately received such meagre accounts of the proceedings of societies, owing to the small attendance during the summer months, that we have not considered them of sufficient interest to publish. We hope that now as cold weather approaches and the various societies are better attended, their secretaries will not forget to furnish us with their transactions.

ILLINOIS STATE HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. – The Fifth Annual Meeting of this Society will be held at Jacksonville, Illinois, on Tuesday the 2d of November Dr. R. Ludlam of Chicago is to deliver the annual address

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OUR POSITION. – A friend has received a letter, concerning our connection with the "memorial" presented to the American Institute of Homoeopathy at its meeting held in Boston in June just, and desires to publish his reply in the REVIEW, to which we cheerfully accede, and take occasion to publish a few remark.

The existence of the paper referred to was unknown to us previous to its presentation to the "Meeting" its originators were in no way connected with the Review. many of the signers, among whom are several of our contributors, having informed us that it did not originate with them.

That any personal allusions were embodied in the memorial we much regret, believing that, far from advancing Homoeopathy, they tend to rupture the bond of fellowship among us and thus weaken our cause.

In the experience we have had in conducting a periodical, we have found that those who are the loudest in decrying the works of others, do nothing themselves to forward the cause whose best interest they profess to serve. Those who so strenuously denounce the eclectic tendencies and empirical practices ofsome members of the profession, are very apt to be those, who, in private, use the same means they condemn in others, and contribute little or nothing to the support of what they call sound principle?; while those who render the most aid in the promulgation of our therapeutic law, do it, not by indulging in personalities and tirades of abuse against those in our ranks they call eclectic and empirical. but by a firm advocacy of what they esteem the truth.

There are many physicians who, although they believe in the homoeopathic law of cure, acknowledge their ignorance of its applicability to all cases; or are not so well versed in our Materia Medica that they can depend on it in all cases, and therefore resort to other means as adjuvants. Most of our physicians have studied the Materia Medicas of the old school, and taken their diplomas from allopathic colleges, and many have for a long time practiced that method, who, when they fail to find the similimum, resort to other means of restoring health

Again there are others who so pertinaciously adhere to the symptomatology of our Materia Medica, that they consider all tainted with eclecticism who use adjuvants. Thus we see how the standard, by which eclectism is judged, varies.

It is the aim of the physician to cure, and it is an obligation he is under to the community and the patients who place themselves under his care, to use such means as in his judgment are best calculated to effect as surely and speedily as possible the desired result.

The majority in our ranks we believe to be able, from close study and careful observation, to cure all curable diseases with the remedies administered according to the homoeopathic law.

We believe in the infalibility of the law Similia Similibus Curantur: but do not recognize in every physician the skill to apply it As stated in our Introductory: "If a drug fails to cure, it is generally because the practitioner has failed to find the true similimum or its appropriate preparation," therefore failures and recourse to other means are of no benefit to the profession, and the publication of such would rather reflect on the physician than add to our knowledge of the law.

Why decry the so-called eclecticism of others, not professed Homoeopathists who state they do not believe in the universal adaptation of the law? Why fear the "injury they are doing our cause?" Instead of the violent denunciations, let us rather prove the contrary of their assertions and leave the decision with an intelligent and discriminating community.

NEW YORK, Sept. 13th, 1859.

MY DEAR SIR: –

In reply to your candid letter of the 7th inst., I beg leave to state that the movement against the North American Journal did not originate with any of the friends of the Homoeopathic Review, The memorial to the Institute was got up without their knowledge, and was not generally circulated among them.

Though I differ materially, in regard to homoeopathic doctrines and practice, from the present controlling editor of the Quarterly, our relations personally have always been friendly. I had no knowledge of the memorial, nor had our editor. The conductors of the two journals have been mutually courteous to each other.

Whilst the Institute approved of the homoeopathic views of the memorial, they tacitly ignored its main object, the establishment of a rival Quarterly. Neither Quarterly applied definitely for papers; the Monthly did, and obtained in some degree the position of organ of the Institute, and that without attacking any journal present or prospective.

For myself, I believe it important for the cause of Homoeopathy, to sustain one periodical in this country as strictly homoeopathic as the American Homoeopathic Review. This may be conducted without any unbecoming controversy with any other journal, and without any infringement of the liberty of individuals to express their own opinions through any medium with which they sympathize.

I have argued against Allopathy, never maliciously, though sometimes playfully for illustrating more fully some particular points. I have never ceased to respect that vast amount of science which both sides hold as a common inheritance. Sympathizing with your charitable feelings, I remain

Dear Sir, Truly Yours,

B. F. JOSLIN.

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NEW YORK HALF ORPHAN ASYLUM. – In our September issue we published a report of this Institution; since then we have been informed that although published this year the report was for the year ending Dec. 31, 1858. The report for this year is not yet published.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 01, 1859, pages 44-48]

[Description: Chicago City Hospital. Controversy regarding North American Journal of Homoeopathy.]

[Author: AHomeo02]

[Year: 1859]

BOOKS RECEIVED.

A MONOGRAPH UPON ACONITE: its Therapeutic and Physiological effects together with its use, and accurate statements dented from various sources of medical literature. Translated from the German of Dr. Reil by Henry B. Millard, A. M., M. D. 8vo. pp. 168. New York. Radde. 1860.

Physicians are always glad to get hold of Monographs, of treatises devoted to the discussion of special and individual subjects, and not of "glittering generalities" — and the profession owe a debt to both the compiler and translator of this volume of 168 pages, for the labor and care bestowed upon its preparation. Its size, as well as an inspection of the table of contents, will show that it was intended to exhaust the subject, as far as the present state of medical literature can throw any light upon it — for it gives first the history of Aconite, from the first mythological accounts of its origin down to the present day: then details at length its physiological effects upon men, animals and vegetables, whether ascertained accidentally or intentionally, with the result of post mortem investigations: next presents a detail of its pharmacodynamic action and of its therapeutic employment by physicians non-homoeopathic as well of homoeopathic; and sums up the whole by a chronological list of works and treatises upon this drug, extending from 1732 to 1856: among which are 16 Monographs: an alphabetical list of the diseases, (94 in number!) in which Aconite has been employed and recommended by physicians of both schools: and also an alphabetical list of the authors, 147 in number, who are quoted or whose opinions are given in this work.

Notwithstanding the large number of writers and authorities quoted, we do not find the slightest mention of Dr. Hempel in the book; nor indeed does Dr. Reil seem to have consulted our American journals and publications for any facts and cases to embody in his Monograph, although Drs. Peters and Marcy's "New Materia Medica," and Dr. Hempel's works, passim, embody many observations on this drug. We trust that this book will be so successful a contribution to our literature as to demand the issue of a second edition, and that Dr. Millard will then include in it all points and facts of interest which have been recorded by American "physicians". k.

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HOMOEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA: Being a Summary of the Curative Action of the Principal Remedial Agents Employed in the Homoeopathic Practice. Compiled from Hahnemann, Jahr, Boenninghausen, Hull, Teste, Hempel, Hering, and others. By M. FRELIGH, M. D., pp. 201. New York, Charles T. Hurlburt, 1859.

To rid our Materia Medica of many of its useless symptoms, and render it more easily comprehended and studied, has been the aim of many authors; but so far, however, but little or no improvement has been made on the voluminous works of Jahr. That this should be sifted of its worthless symptoms is certainly the wish of all. Teste and Hempel have tried their arrangements whereby they hoped to facilitate the efforts of the student in acquiring an insight, at least, into our intricate system of symptomatology. Dr. Freligh has now published what he states to be the curative action of our remedies compiled from all the homoeopathic authorities.

He treats of some hundred and sixty different remedies, none at very great length, and some are passed by with scarcely a notice. Many of the new remedies are spoken of.

As to the completeness of the compilation we do not at present judge, but leave it to those who "have become sage in medicine" to point out the symptoms which the author has failed to note; and for the especial benefit of these, we may here observe that, the publisher has interleaved copies in which physicians may record the result of their clinical experience, or omissions of the compiler. On opening this new work of Dr. Freligh's, we cannot fail to notice the excellent manner in which the book is got up. The excellent paper, the clear and distinct type, are enough almost to predispose any one in its favor.

REPLY TO DR. COE'S ESSAY ON THE MODUS OPERANDI OF CALOMEL. BY JAMES W. PRICE, M D. Atlanta, Georgia.

We have received a small pamphlet of sixteen pages with the above title, being a reply to an attack on Homoeopathy in the Atlanta Medical Journal, but which is scarcely worthy of the attention given it by the Doctor.

THE HOMOEOPATHIST'S VISITING LIST. Book of Engagements and Pocket Repertory for 1860. Compiled and arranged by HENEY MINTON, M. D. Brooklyn, published by J. T. P. Smith.

These works are indispensable to the physician, and the one before us pleases us better than any we have seen.

We have in a previous number spoken of the first edition of this very useful diary. There have been several alterations made which we think add much to the usefulness of the work. We have first a calendar; then a table of signs, some of which are new and very ingenious, which will very much assist the physician in its use; a table of poisons and their antidotes in connection with the Repertory, and then follows the Diary proper. Here the arrangement is simple an i convenient; a number of pages are devoted to daily visits, with headings for name of patient, date of visit, prescription, fee charged or collected. Then an obstetrical record with the name of the patient, age, time of expected confinement, date, no of pregnancy, presentation, sex of child, hours in labor, natural or artificial, and remarks. Vaccination engagements, with places for name and dates; address of nurses, patients and others; bills and accounts rendered, well arranged with a debit and credit column; list of things loaned and a memorandum of wants are the headings for the rest of the pages.

For those who do not wish the Repertory, the publisher has had some bound without it.

The work is very well got up, considerable improvement having been made in this respect on the one of last year. Another desirable change has been made in reducing the price, as will be seen by reference to the advertisement.

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LECTURES ON SURGICAL PATHOLOGY, Delivered at the Royal College of Surgeous of England. By JAMES PAGET, F. R. S. Second American edition, 8vo. pp. 700. Philadelphia, Lindsay & Blakiston. 1860

These Lectures of Dr. Paget deservedly rank among the first as authority in Surgical Pathology. They were first published in this country in 1854, and so popular have they been that a second edition is now called for.

The author speaks of nutrition, its nature and necessary condition; growth, hypertrophy and atrophy; reproduction, the repair of the various tissues, of fractures, &c.; phenomena of inflammation, its nature and causes; tumors, general and special; and illustrates his remarks with a number of very well executed engravings. Most of our readers are doubtless familiar with the work, and therefore, anything more than a notice of the publication of another edition is scarcely necessary in this connection.

We take pride in the addition to our medical literature of works of this character, as we do in works on anatomy, physiology, surgery, chemistry, and all others on general medical science, belonging as they do to the medical profession, to the Allopath no more than to the Homoeopath. We acknowledge our obligation to all those, who by giving us the results of their study and observation advance the healing art, and enable as to apply the therapeutic law discovered by Hahnemann to the facts ascertained by them.

ALLOPATHY AND HOMOEOPATHY CONTRASTED. Medicine: its Origin and Early History. Allopathy: what it is. Homoeopathy: what it is. By JOHN WILLIAMS HAYWARD, M. D, M. R. C. S. pp. 33. Manchester, Eng. H. Turner & Co.

In the above pamphlet we have the pleasing evidence that our trans-Atlantic brethren are engaged in spreading before the public the facts relative to our method of cure in contrast to that of the old school. We know not, from the number of tracts published in England, whether, the laity of that country are difficult to convince, or have their appetites sharpened and desire more.

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BOOKS IN PRESS.

Messrs. Blanchard & Lea, Philadelphia, announce: —

THERAPEUTICS AND MATERIA MEDICA; A Systematic Treatise on the History, Description, Actions, and Uses of Medicinal Agents. By ALFRED STILLE, M. D. In two large and handsome octavo volumes, of over 1,500 pages.

A COMPLETE PRACTICAL TREATISE ON FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS. BY FRANK H. HAMILTON, M. D. In one very handsome octavo volume, with about two hundred and fifty illustrations.

AN INTRODUCTION TO PRACTICAL PHARMACY. BY EDWARD PARRISH. Second edition, thoroughly revised and extensively enlarged and improved. In one large and handsome octavo volume, with several hundred illustrations.

A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON INFLAMMATION OF THE UTERUS, its Cervix and Appendages; and on its connection with Uterine Disease. By HENRY BENNET, M. D. New and much enlarged edition. In one octavo volume.

Messrs. S. S. & W. Wood, New York, announce: —

CLINICAL LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. BY JOHN HUGHES BENNET, M. D., F. R. S. E. 1 vol. 8vo. 1005 pages. With 500 illustrations on wood.

Mr. William Radde, New York, will shortly publish a new edition of HAHNEMANN'S ORGANON; and also HULL'S JAHR, vol. 1 or Symptomatology.

Messrs. Strong & Co., St. Louis, will publish early in January a HOMOEOPATHIC DIRECTORY OF THE UNITED STATES.

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OBITUARY.

HENRY TURNER, Manchester, England. We are pained to learn of the death of this well-known homoeopathic chemist, which occurred on the 4th of October. at Northampton, England. Mr. Turner was well known as a careful and reliable pharmaceutist; and although not personally acquainted, we have had considerable correspondence with him, and can attest to his honesty, truthfulness and fine business qualities.

He was the publisher of several works and tracts on Homoeopathy, and his loss will be felt in this country as well as in England. For some year past we believe he was the proprietor and publisher of the British Journal of Homoeopathy and also publisher of the New Repertory. He was 47 years of age.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 02, 1859, pages 93-96]

[Description: Books received- A MONOGRAPH UPON ACONITE by Reil; HOMOEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA by Freligh; Books in Press; Obituary - Henry Turner.]

[Author: AHomeo02]

[Year: 1859]

MISCELLANEOUS.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Clinical Reports. Letter from Dr. C. G. McKnight. — Sometime since we published what we considered a very practical article from the pen of one of our correspondents entitled "Value of Clinical Reports,' and on publishing the following communication from Dr. C. G. McKnight, cannot forbear prefacing it with a few remarks, which will serve as reasons why we have not published the reports of many cases sent us by our correspondents.

The majority of cases reported, are interesting only as showing the results of the administration of remedies in accordance with the homoeopathic law.

To make them of any practical value to the physician or student, the reporter should be more explicit. Little or no benefit can be derived from the fact that a certain remedy was successfully exhibited in a certain case, even if we are Informed of the potency used, and we consider this, in this connection, of little importance, or the frequency with which the dose is repeated; for if our practice were based on such knowledge, we should soon become mere routinists. We are too much inclined, even now, to treat diseases in accordance with the prescribed plan of the works on practice, and after trying in succession all the remedies therein specified, are often unsuccessful and "resort to adjuvants," as we term it. A physician should know why he administers a remedy, and in reporting the case, should state his reasons for selecting that remedy in preference to another, perhaps almost as well indicated; as many are, in the general symptoms detailed. The characteristic symptom or symptoms, if any, which aided in the selection of the drug, should be particularly noted. Having thus found, as near as possible, the similimum, the potency is of bat little consequence, as the physician will use the medicine in such a form as he may, from circumstances or experience, deem proper. Clinical reports might, therefore, be made more interesting and valuable, if, instead of a large number described in general terms, we should have fewer, and have those analyzed.

Mr. Editor: — In looking over the November number of the "Review," I was struck with the loose way in which statements were made, in regard to the administration of specific remedies; and I regret to say, that the habit is growing worse every day, and if not corrected, these reported cases, will be, practically, of no use to other Homoeopaths. It may be all-sufficient for our allopathic brethren, to be told that Calomel or Colchicum cured this or that case, but unless we know exactly what Dilution or Trituration was used, we are not, benefited by the experience of A, B, and C. To illustrate my meaning, I will give you a few specimens of the style used in the Hahnemann Academy; (and here I wish distinctly to be understood, as not wishing to be unkind or censorious, but simply to suggest a reform in reporting cases, so that others may be guided in the selection of specific remedies,) and the first I shall refer to, is malignant Erysipelas. Rhus here seems to have played a very creditable part, and no doubt it was so, but what kind of Rhus? Was it the Radicans, Vernix or Toxicodendron? or, was it the Tine, 1st, 2d, 3d, or 2000th dilution? Now for all practical purposes, outside the writer's own practice, this statement is worth just nothing at all.

Next we come to a perfect specific for all kinds of Croup: and what is it? Why Tartar Emetic — but here again we are left in the dark, and any one attempting to follow this lead, must do it blindly.

Now this is too serious a disease to experiment on with different potencies, and if Tart. Emet. is a specific (which I very much doubt) why not go a little further and say what potency produces with certainty, this most desirable result.

Another gentleman, not to be out-done, suggests "Bromium" in place of Iodine, but forgets to say what attenuation, and goes on still more mysteriously to say that a case of Spasmodic Cough of long standing, which had been unsuccessfully treated by a number of allopathic physicians, had been at once much relieved by what? Why by homoeopathic remedies!!!. Shades of Hahnemann, Jahr and Hempel! help us to find those homoeopathic remedies, for we have a case of spasmodic cough, that has not at ones been much relieved, nor does it seem inclined to be, by our homoeopathic remedies.

Now Mr. Editor I might go on and give you chapter and verse for any number of sins of omission of this character; but I forbear; but I cannot refrain from entering my protest against such a slip-shod style of reporting cases. Either they are worth reporting correctly, or they are not worth reporting at all, and to publish them with a design of communicating any practical benefit in this shops is "Love's labor lost."

I was very much pleased while reading Dr. Black's article on Diphtheria in the last "British Journal" to notice, what struck me as a somewhat peculiar coincidence: — Dr. B., after naming various remedies as suitable in the disease, adds another which he suggests ought, from its pathogenesis to be an excellent remedy "but which had not yet been employed," viz: Cantharides. Now we are happy to say that it has been employed with the most marked and happy results. Nearly or quite a year since, Dr. A. H. Okie, of this city stated before we had the disease here to any extent, that Cantharides ought to be a good remedy for it since that time Dr. Okie has treated I believe in all, fourteen cases, thirteen of which recovered. He uses Cantharides, 1st dilution, alternated with Acon. 2d, and the results obtained, ought certainly to be very satisfactory, particularly so, when in our monthly statement of deaths for October, we find six deaths from Diphtheria, under allopathic treatment.

And why may we not go still farther, and find in Cantharides as good a prophylactic against this dread disease as Belladonna is in Scarlet Fever? After reading the pathogenesis of Cantharides I am led to believe that such it the fact, and my great object in writing this article will have been attained, if physicians will, when they find this disease epidemic, try it and report the result, in regard to its prophylactic power.

And could we by its use be enabled to prevent as well as cure, a disease so fatal in its tendency, should we not furnish another reason why we should be called the benefactors of our race, and add to the debt the world already owes to our immortal founder Samuel Hahnemann?

Providence, R.I., Dec. 1859. C. G. McKnight, M.D.

N. B. — The best local application in Diphtheria, according to Dr. Okie's experience is a gargle of Claret Wine.

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Letter from Dr. Woodbury. — Diphtheria is prevailing here, and 18 or 20 cases have proved fatal, under allopathic treatment. We have seen about 40 cases to this date, and have pursued the treatment, in the main, as suggested and so successfully adopted by Dr. Henry R. Madden (see British Journal of Homoeopathy), and Dr. Henry D. Paine, Albany, N. Y. (see September number of American Homoeopathic Review) and can, with our limited experience of two months, add our humble testimony of its efficacy. We believe that the superior success of homoeopathic physicians in this grave disease, will give to Homoeopathy an increased impetus. The large percent, of fatal cases under allopathic medication has considerably alarmed the community; and the physicians of that school, in several instances, have acknowledged that their remedial means are everything but satisfactory, that "burning out" throats is disastrous, but as it is the only curative (?) remedy, it must be done.

From some cause, the allopathic physicians in this locality use more sparingly and less frequently the caustic, than at an earlier period of the epidemic. The reason we apprehend is two-fold: first, the result was very unfavorable: second, the discovery by actual experiment, that Diphtheria is not simply a local disease, and the true indications for its cure are something more than a topical treatment.

The charity of some of the old school physicians in this vicinity is not proverbial, and we fear their minds are a little prejudiced, and that they are hardly willing to concede to us integrity of purpose or the most common intelligence, because forsooth we are outside the Chinese wall of regular, but quaking, Allopathy.

They have our warmest sympathy, and we will do them good as we have opportunity. The "mild power," the "gentle simile," is more potent in curing disease than the ancient and fabulous club of Hercules. We patiently and hopefully "labor and wait." Yours, very truly,

Bristol, Pa., Dec. 1859. W. L. WOODBURY.

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MEDICAL REPORT OF THE HALF-ORPHAN ASYLUM, NEW YORK.

During the past year there have been two deaths; from Typhoid Fever, one girl, from Convulsions, in a consumptive boy, one.

The principal diseases have been, of Abscess, 7 cases; Bruises, 8; Carbuncle, 1; Dropsy of the Abdomen, 1; Eruptions, (I should think) 200; Erysipelas of the face, 3; Fracture of Fore-arm, 1; Fever, 7; Fever, Typhoid, 2; Hernia Inguinal, 2; Jaundice, 5; Ophthalmia, 150; Quinsy, 3; Colds, Coughs, Chilblains, unnumbered; Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dysentery, less than usual.

The Ophthalmia, which was assuming a threatening aspect at the last anniversary, spread in a more intense and malignant form than was ever before witnessed in this Institution.

During the year there have been about 150 cases. A few have been removed while under treatment, and for the first time since the introduction of Homoeopathia, now more than seventeen years, some cases have resulted in Staphyloma and loss of sight; hut fortunately, I believe, in every instance at least one eye was saved, so that there is no case of total blindness.

As is usual when the Ophthalmia prevails, there has also been a great prevalence of inveterate cutaneous eruptions, almost all the children having been more or less affected. These have yielded to treatment, and we are looking forward to a good time coming, when we shall have comparative exemption from the two pests of Asylums for children, Ophthalmia and Eruptions.

We are endeavoring to improve the condition of the children —

1. By careful attention to Ventilation, recommending that they be kept in school never more than an hour at a time, having short intermissions of 10 or 15 minutes, during which the school-rooms are aired by opening the windows.

2. By a liberal and more varied diet, including recently a free use of vine gar, recommended by James J. McCarter, Esq., of Charleston, S. C, from its supposed efficacy in the Asylum there, where, among 320 children, he did not see a single case of Ophthalmia.

3. By a regular course of calisthenic exercises, the importance of which has not been properly appreciated, and which I would most emphatically recommend.

While all these things are attended to, it is still true that where large numbers of children are kept together for any length of time, not only is the air vitiated, but peculiar specific miasma are often generated, which produce the diseases so prevalent in most of the Asylums.

4. We are therefore using "Raymond's Spherical Disinfecting Fluid," which has proved effectual in expelling all foul and offensive air and vapors, in the hope that it may also expel all the infectious miasms, and promote an unusual degree of purity and health.

B. F. BOWERS, M.D., Physician to Asylum.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04, 1860, pages 189-192]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Correspondence; Medical Report of The Half-orphan Asylum, New York;]

[Author: AHomeo02]

[Year: 1860]

MISCELLANEOUS.

Homoeopathy a Century Ago. — Letter from Dr. I. P. Chase, Henniker, N.H. I herewith send you a couple of leaves from the London Magazine, for Sept., 1764. I think the article embraced in them worthy of a reprint in the Gentlemen's HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW, from the fact that the proving of Colchicum by the celebrated STORCK, who by the way introduced some of our most valuable remedies to the profession, is concise and valuable, although differing essentially from the cases reported by Dr. P. P. Wells in the December number of your periodical. It is remarkable that Dr. Storck should be induced to use the drug in cases precisely similar to its toxicological effects upon himself, unless he had already grasped the great principle of Homoeopathy, afterward promulgated by Hahnemann. I hope you will print the article entire, although, perhaps, some portions of it may not exactly accord with our notions of pure Homoeopathy.

Yours truly and loyally, I. P. Chase, M.D., Henniker, N.H., Feb., 1860.

Some account of the Use and Effects of the Root of Meadow Saffron; by Dr. ANTHONY STORCK, Aulic Councellor and chief Physician to the Empress Queen.

This plant is the Colchicum Linnai foliis planis, lanceolatis, erectis; it grows chiefly in very moist grounds, puts forth three or four leaves, resembling those of the lily, in spring, and flowers in autumn; the flower is of a purplish color, and a tubular form, supported by a very small, white, transparent stalk. It has two roots, both of which are bulbous and fleshy, but one is within the other; the outer one is barren and shrivelled, the other sends forth fibres, produces the plant, and is wrapt up in a membranous covering; the taste is extremely acrid when it is green, but mealy and faint when it is dry. It has been justly ranked among poisons; its quality, as well as taste, is acrid in the highest degree, and very deleterious, but is powerfully corrected by vinegar. Dr. Storck made his first experiments with this plant upon himself. A single grain of it in full sap, produced, in little more than a quarter of an hour, a great heat in his stomach, then flushings of heat in his head, and shiverings along his back bone; in an hour he felt slight flushings of heat in his belly, which at last turned to colic pains; in two hours he was seized with a perpetual inclination to make water, with great irritation in his loins, and the urinary passages. He made a small quantity of high-colored water with great difficulty; a most painful tenesmus succeeded, and a discharge of feces in a small quantity, succeeded by a copious evacuation of a transparent mucus, and soon after a great tension in the pit of the stomach, a violent headache, and a hiccup came on; the pulse, at the same time, was in great agitation, with an intolerable thirst, and total loss of appetite. These threatening symptoms, which greatly alarmed him, were alleviated by a mixture of four ounces of lemon-juice, two ounces of syrup of diacodium, and one drachm of dulcified nitre, mixed in two quarts of spring water, of which he took three ounces every quarter of an hour, taking also every two hours a cup of barley-water. The irritation in the urinary passages, however, still remained, and he made some high-colored water every moment with great difficulty, so that he had no rest all night; this symptom continued the next day, but upon taking a strong decoction of marsh mallows, he made water freely; this water was at first reddish, then dark-colored, then greenish, with an acid smell, and, at last, pale and watery. On the fourth day, and not before, he was well.

Two drachms of this root killed a dog, with the most excruciating torment, in about 13 hours; during which time he vomited 36 times, and had 40 evacuations by stool and urine. It is also extremely remarkable, that a short time before he expired, all these evacuations stopped, and a profuse, viscid, fetid sweat broke out all over his body. It appears, therefore, that a dog has organs by which sweat may be secreted, and pores to give it vent, though according to the common economy of his nature, he never perspires.

These experiments having sufficiently ascertained the effect of the meadow saffron, on the organs for secreting and evacuating the urine, and some others having proved that its deleterious quality might be corrected by acids, he prepared the following medicated vinegar, by which he hoped such diseases as arise from a defect in the urinary secretions, or which require them to be increased, might be alleviated or cured:

Take of the fresh root of meadow saffron, full of sap, one ounce; shred it into small slips, and put it into a pint of white-wine vinegar; let them digest in a glass vessel 48 hours, over a slow fire, often shaking the glass; and then strain off the liquor for use.

This vinegar, however, he found it necessary to reduce to an oximel, by mixing it with twice its weight of honey, and boiling the mixture over a gentle fire, often stirring it with a wooden spoon till it acquired the consistence of honey.

With this oximel the doctor proceeded to make experiments upon himself as usual. Having taken a tea-spoonful of it in a cup of tea, it produced no uneasy sensation, but in about two hours he had a most pressing call to make water, and discharged freely, and without pain, a large quantity of pale urine, almost without smell; this happened thrice in about four hours, and then the symptom went off. He repeated this experiment for several days successively, and always with the same effect; he therefore concluded that this oximel, given in small doses, produces no ill effect, nor in any degree disturbs the bodily functions; that it has a powerful diuretic quality; that it might be tried with a rational hope of advantage in every distemper in which the serum stagnates or superabounds, or which requires the morbific matter to be carried off by urine; and that, consequently, there was great probability of its being beneficial in a dropsy.

He proceeded, therefore, to administer it in dropsical cases, and the success did not disappoint his expectations.

Female Education. – Letter from M. B. Jackson, M. D., Boston. – I have read with much interest Dr. Dake's article "On Medical Education" in The American Homoeopathic Review, and agree with him in believing that great good would result from the establishment of preparatory schools for persons intending to pursue the study of medicine.

By means of these schools, pupils would be so far instructed that they would be able to make the most of the lectures given by Professors during the lecture season, and instead of being obliged to refer to dictionaries to learn the meaning of medical terms used, they would understand the lecture and analyze it, and treasure what was good and true, and reject what was not so, making the valuable instruction their own and having it ready for future use. Five lectures daily cannot be examined and digested, except by one familiar with the terms used and the subjects treated of. My object in writing was not to add anything to the article of Dr Dake's, but to say what that article brought so forcibly to my mind, viz: — The duty of Homoeopathists, who are urging more thorough training for the medical student, to be consistent and progressive in all directions and to throw open their Medical Colleges to women, who are struggling for the acquisition of medical knowledge, and who will enter the profession, either poorly prepared, on account of being excluded from the only medical schools that can teach them Homoeopathy, or largely and wisely instructed by having access to them.

I feel that I have earned a right to speak on this subject, by being obliged to attend medical lectures and graduate at an allopathic college, after having served the cause of Homoeopathy sixteen years, by a large practice in Plymouth, Mass., and vicinity.

Several years ago, when Dr. W. was connected with the Philadelphia Homoeopathic College, I wrote to him in reference to this subject and desired to know whether the followers of Hahnemann, who instructed his own wife and associated with her in practice, would follow his example and open their colleges to women, and welcome them to the same privileges that they enjoyed, in preparing for the practice of medicine. I sent the letter by a friend, and the Doctor told him he would lay the subject before the faculty of the college, and inform me of the result. That is the last I have heard from it, although fire years, I think, have passed since the letter was written.

It is mortifying to me to know that those, who have entered into the labors of the great master, have so far departed from his spirit. I should hail the opening of their colleges to women as proof that the spirit of Hahnemann has not departed from his followers, but that it still animates a majority of those who call him master, to emulate his example, and recognize women as co-workers with them in this great reform, for which the intuition, the delicate perception, the nice discrimination, and the ready tact of woman, aided by her warm sympathy with suffering, and her instinctive knowledge of the wants of infancy, so eminently fit her.

I fully believe that the mortality of infancy would be greatly diminished if educated women were their medical advisers. God has appointed woman to the charge of infancy, and given her the needed qualifications to perform it well. The mother's eyes, and ears, and heart, are open to the signs of infant suffering, to a degree that man's can never attain. Custom alone makes it seem less absurd to call men to prescribe for infants, than to make child-nurses of them to the exclusion of women.

May I not hope that the College, recently chartered in New York City, will take a long step in advance of the other Colleges in the middle States, and by opening the doors to woman, secure in the end an enviable history for enlightened liberality and wise sympathy with her; and, during the course of instruction, the elevating and refining influence of her presence on the young men who listen to the lectures, will amply repay them for the sneers that coarse, ignorant and vulgar natures will throw upon her admission.

Trusting that this appeal will touch the hearts of the philantropic, magnanimous, and highly educated members of the new school of medicine, and stimulate them to remove the obstacles to women's becoming learned and useful members of a profession only second in importance and beneficence to the christian ministry; and hoping that they, who stand in the front ranks of reform in medicine, will not remain behind their old school brethren, in the spirit of the age, in opening their doors to women and welcoming them to the studies, the labors, and the rewards of the wise and faithful physician.

I remain, a sincere disciple of Hahnemann, and a humble laborer in the cause of Medical Reform, Mercy B. Jackson, M.D.

OBITUARY.

R. S. Bryan, M.D. — Doctor Bryan was born in Patterson, Putnam County, N.Y., in 1796. His father was a practicing physician of considerable influence Under his care, and with favorable opportunities for observing the rules of medicine and symptoms of disease, Richard, at a very early period of life became familiar with the profession in which he afterwards engaged, and for which he manifested a decided predilection.

After pursuing his studies in the office of an eminent physician of New York, and while attending a course of medical lectures in that city, he contracted measles, which was succeeded by the usual sequel — Bronchitis. This, with his common asthmatical habit, so much impaired his general health as to render a warmer climate necessary. He accordingly went to South America, and spent eighteen months in Pernambuco, when, after nearly regaining his health, he returned to New York, and having finished his studies and graduated, commenced the practice of medicine.

Having pursusd his profession with success for about four years, he again found it necessary to take a sea voyage on account of ill health, and accordingly sailed to Lisbon, in Portugal, where he spent a year, improving both his mind, in a knowledge of his profession, and body in health and strength. He returned to America and resumed his profession at Norwalk, Conn., which was then the residence of his father.

After spending a few years in this place, he removed again to New York and entered into partnership with Dr. Marvin, where he continued until 1833, when from ill health he was induced to try a country practice, and accordingly removed to Lansingburgh, where he resided two years, and then came to Troy where he soon built up a good practice, which he retained as long as he lived. In 1840, the writer became more particularly acquainted with Dr. Bryan, by forming a partnership with him in business, which continued about five years, and a friendship and intimacy which continued uninterruptedly until his death. In 1841, his attention was first seriously called to the subject of Homoeopathy by reading some interesting articles in the homoeopathic Examiner published in New York, and edited by A. Gerald Hull. An article particularly "On Diet,' which Dr. Bryan said "contained plain, practical, common sense," with many others on the treatment of particular diseases, which he carefully read, not for the purpose of criticising, or finding fault, as was then, and is now, too common, but for the honest purpose of sifting out and applying to use whatever might be of service to his patients.

About this time he obtained Hahnemann's Organon, and the two volumes of Hulls Jahr, which, to my knowledge, were more read in the office for the next year than all other medical books. He also obtained a supply of the principal remedies, and although nothing was said publicly on the subject, yet no time was lost in testing their efficacy.

In the summer following, Scarlatina prevailed as an epidemic in the city, which gave him abundant opportunity to compare the homoeopathic with the various other methods of treating this disease, and his success, compared with others, served to confirm him in the opinion, which he then first publicly ex pressed, of the superiority of that treatment, in that disease, over any other known, he having lost but two patients in a large practice through the whole epidemic, while some others, with no more business, had lost three or four times the number.

In the spring of 1842, we had many cases of Influenza with Pneumonia and Pleurisy, among those who were exposed to the sudden changes of that season, all of which, falling under his care, were treated homoeopathically, and with such decided success as to excite considerable interest in the public mind, especially in those engaged in the opposite practice.

In the following summer, Cholera Morbus and Dysentery were so much more easily controlled by his present than by his former prescriptions, that he became more convinced of the truth of the doctrine Similia Similibus, and consequently more eager to disseminate a knowledge of it among his friends and patrons.

About this time, in consequence of article appearing in the Troy Daily Whig, which bore hard on "infinitesimal doses," in puerperal convulsions, a newspaper controversy sprung up in the city, which was continued through the winter, and characterized by considerable bitterness, especially on one side, in which Dr. Bryan took a lively interest; and in which he showed greater anxiety to disseminate a knowledge of the principles of Homoeopathy, than to contradict or irritate his opponent, using neither sarcasm or ridicule, but simple facts and plain reason as the foundation of the principles which he advocated.

As might be expected in this early age of Homoeopathy, considering the jealousy and distrust, with which every new improvement in the science of medicine is regarded by those engaged in the healing art, the Doctor's practice and even his motives were sometimes severely criticised. It was contended that the practice could not possibly succeed in curing disease, as the effect we claim to have seen produced by the action of remedies, was altogether disproportionate to the means used, thereby destroying the prevailing opinion of the exact proportion between the cause and effect. But when suffering under the censure or ridicule of the members of the profession, of those even who never possessed one tithe of his knowledge of the subject, when his word was doubted, and he was told that his course betrayed either dishonesty or ignorance, his reply was always civil and gentlemanly, and generally of a kind which carried conviction to all, of the superiority of his medical knowledge, as well as good breeding.

In his intercourse with his medical brethren, he was kind and respectful, always willing to communicate but never assuming or officious; and as a counseling physician he had no superior; his quick and correct diagnosis, minute recollection of the pathogenesis of remedies, with his kind and rather diffident manner of giving his opinion, always rendered him acceptable and profitable as a counselor and friend.' But his peculiar qualification as a physician showed to the best advantage in his ordinary and every day practice. The aged, middle aged and young sought his presence in their affliction, sure of finding in him not only the scientific and faithful physician, but the pleasant, genial and sympathizing friend, whose presence often did as much in cheering and supporting them while laboring under the disheartening effect of disease, as could be expected from the best selected remedies.

Although never enjoying robust health, his love of his profession, and satisfaction in relieving the sick, led him to attend with faithfulness to the numerous calls on his time and services, and few, if any, of our profession were more ready to visit the sick without regard to time, place, or compensation He was rightly called the "Pioneer of Homoeopathy," having been one of the first to embrace it, as there were, to my knowledge, but two families in Troy who had tried the use of its remedies when he began to practice it, and, perhaps, there is no physician in the State, living North of the City of New York, who was prior to him in advocating its principles; his unassuming merit was duly appreciated by his associates, as he held the office of President of the State Homoeopathic Society at the time of his death.

The disease of which he died, although characterized by great obscurity, was probably a new development of the pulmonary affection, which had followed him through the most of his life. It commenced with fixed deep-seated pain in the lower part of the left lung, which confined him to his room from the 26th of November to the day of his death, which happened the 5th of March.

At times there were strong hopes of his recovery, followed by the conclusion that a fatal result was certain, as the disease gradually enveloped the glandular structure of the abdominal viscera. On Sunday, March 4th, he had but little pain and rested comfortably at night until four o'clock, Monday morning, when he was seized with excruciating pain in the left side, which threw him into convulsions, in the third of which he died.

Dr. Bryan was a man of strict unswerving integrity of character. A man to be relied upon in all he said. He had long been a consistent member of the P. E. Church, and as such, had led an unimpeachable life; was charitable and humane from nature and habit, and, although never ostentatious, was excelled by but few in those acts and habits of life, which characterize the devoted and humble christian.

A pioneer and consistent supporter of our profession has left us; may we be encouraged by his example. A good man has gone to his reward; may this example find many imitators. RICHARD BLOSS, M.D., Troy, N.Y.

__________

J. L. STODDARD. – Died at his residence, Glens Falls, NX, April 9th, 1860.

Dr. Stoddard was born in Moreau, Saratoga Co., N.Y., May 9th, 1817. He commenced the practice of Homoeopathy about the year 1848 at Glens Falls at a time when there was considerable opposition to the new practice. His succeess, however, soon won for him a good practice and many firm friends, and at the time of his death he was doing a large business.

__________

FERDINAND L. WILSEY. At his residence in Bergen, N.J., on Monday, May 11th, I860, Dr. F. L. Wilsey, departed this life.

Dr. Wilsey was born in New York, June 23rd, 1797, and was for many years engaged in mercantile pursuits. About the year 1825, we think it was, Dr. H. B. Gram arrived in this country from Sweden, poor and friendless, and being a free-mason became acquainted with Dr. Wilsey, then a master of a lodge, who received him kindly and entertained him at his house.

As our readers are aware, Dr. Gram was the first to introduce Homoeopathy into this country, and Doctor, then Mr. Wilsey, being troubled with dyspepsia was induced to place himself in his friend's care, and thus became the first patient who was treated homoeopathically in his country. The success of the treatment was such that he desired his old-school physician, Dr. John F. Gray, to investigate the new practice, which after a while he did. Not content with merely being cured himself, Mr. Wilsey applied himself assiduously to disseminating the facts of Homoeopathy, and inducing his friends, who required medical treatment, to place themselves under the care of Dr. Gram.

Mr. Wilsey, who had long had a taste for the healing art, soon began to study the homoeopathic system under Dr. Gram's direction. At the same time he attended the lectures of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was soon qualified to practice, and received the degree of M.D. He, however, practiced his profession only in private, and gratuitously among his friends.

The revulsion of 1837 caused him to relinquish his mercantile pursuits; and being somewhat reduced in his fortune, his friends procured for him a desirable situation in the Custom House, which he accepted, and still continued his private medical practice.

About the year 1846 or 1846, Dr. Wilsey joined a company for mining copper in Cuba, and sailed for that island to superintend the mining operations. The enterprise, however, proved disastrous; Dr. Wilsey's health foiled, and in less than a year he returned to New York and commenced, for the first time, the public practice of medicine. He soon became very successful, and his services were widely sought for. By the rewards of his diligent professional labors he retrieved his early fortunes, and became possessed of very considerable wealth, which he used for many good and benevolent purposes.

Some three or four years ago he underwent a severe and protracted illness, brought on, it is thought, by his excessive professional labors, operating upon a constitution always delicate. Since then, his friends have seen with regret that his health was failing. Often he has been confined to his house and his bed; but as soon as sufficient strength returned, he resumed his activity.

About two years ago, however, he relinquished the most burdensome part of his labors, and with them his house in New York, to his successor, Dr. Forbes, and removed his family to Bergen, N. J.

____________

CHARLES B. DARLING, M.D. — In Lyndon, Vt., June 10th, of consumption, Chas. B., Darling, M.D., aged 41 years, 11 months and 16 days.

The death of a good citizen is always a loss to community. But when with the good citizen is united the beloved physician and exemplary Christian, the loss is doubly great.

Such is the loss we are called to experience in the death of Dr. Darling; he was highly respected as a man, and greatly beloved as a physician. He possessed a kind and generous disposition, and was a man of great heart and public spirit.

Having graduated at Woodstock, Vt., in the spring of 1844, he commenced the practice of medicine in Lyndon, practising according to the principles of the school in which he was educated for about three years, when the doctrines promulgated by Hahnemann arrested his attention.

With the spirit and devotion of a true student and with a desire to avail himself of everything that would impart relief to suffering humanity, he examined and studied the teachings of Homoeopathy, and as a result became one of its firmest adherents.

For the last thirteen years he has had a large and continually increasing patronage.

Having been an invalid during the whole of his professional life, he knew full well how to sympathize with those to whom he ministered.

Often, when he should have been caring for his own health, has he toiled through storm and night, if perchance he might soothe the pains of some kindred sufferer.

The Homoeopathic profession has lost one of its best members, while the sad and numerous gathering that met to pay their last tribute of respect to his remains, gave evidence that many mourned his death. C. W. S.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 09, 1860, pages 425-432]

[Description: Miscellaneous.]

[Author: AHomeo02]

[Year: 1860]

ON REPORTING CASES.

I propose to offer some remarks on the reasons for and manner of reporting cases. The writer believes that every physician can and should do something to add to the common stock of knowledge. Many are deterred by want of practice in writing out cases, others by the supposition that they are not able to communicate any thing sufficiently novel or original; to both of these classes I address myself. To those who possessing ability and opportunities, are deterred simply by indolence, I have nothing to say, paper and ink would be wasted.

Various reasons may be assigned for reporting cases of disease, and the mode adopted by the writer will depend upon which of these is most prominent in his own mind.

A case of an exceedingly rare occurring disease would many times be worthy of publication. The first announcement of the occurrence of an epidemic disease in any locality, would serve as a warning to others in the vicinity. Diphtheria, for instance, has now prevailed in several places, generally within quite circumscribed limits, now a report of its progress from one place to another, and of any peculiarities which it exhibited would be important to many and instructive to all, and might in time enable us to perfect our means of prevention and cure. Any physician ought to be able to furnish an account of what is daily passing before him, and if the communication were only a few lines in length, if true, it would be valuable.

There are certain diseases the successful treatment of which by homoeopathic medicines some consider incredible, such cases may be usefully reported even in brief, if well authenticated. Certain diseases are endemic, and the physicians practising in localities where such diseases prevail, ought to write out their experience. Even the general medical character of almost any section of our widely extended country would be interesting; and as these change with the variations in population, habits and circumstances of the people, and from other causes known and unknown, no one need be prevented from writing out his experience by the fear that some one had written of the same locality. The reports of the army officers are models for this class of writing.

Such are a few of the reasons which may be adduced for reporting cases, many others may be added, but my present object is mainly to suggest the outline rather than to fill up the picture.

Next, a few words in regard to the manner of reporting cases. Brevity is always desirable, but not to the extent of withholding important facts. Almost any case, which one would meet with in every day practice, might be reported at such length as to fill up most of the pages of a number of this Review. Such a report would include the history of the patient, constitutional predisposition, occupation, and other circumstances likely to influence his health; a minute detail of the symptoms in the order of their occurrence, the remedies indicated, the reasons for selecting those drugs used and the results. All these points and many more should occur to the physician in his examination of the patient; but in the publication of cases, it would be tedious and unnecessary to include them all. A very useful work entitled "What to observe in Medical Cases," occupies upwards of two hundred pages, and will give one some idea of the space likely to be occupied by a complete report of a case.

I have mentioned one mode; the opposite method is to report merely the name of disease, duration, and remedies which seemed to cure. Such reports are of but moderate value, as cases which are known under the same general name differ very greatly in their real character; this consideration diminishes the value of tabular statements, unless they are accompanied by a synopsis of the cases. The best plan is, to avoid the extremes of being tedious from excessive length or useless by too great conciseness. The manner will depend, in each instance, very much upon the object the writer has in his own mind. The symptoms should be given sufficiently full to substantiate the diagnosis, and give a correct idea of the degree of severity and complications. It is useful many times to compare the pathogenesis of the drugs used and the symptoms of the case which were similar, but to do this, in every instance, would require too much space, and as every physician has the means at hand for doing it himself, it is by no means necessary.

The most attractive method for reader and writer, is to relate a case in narrative form from general recollection, but the most valuable reports are those founded upon records made at or about the time of prescribing. B.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, pages 361-363]

[Description: on Reporting Cases.]

[Author: AHomeo02]

[Year: 1860]

BOOK NOTICES.

A Letter to Sir Benjamin Brodie, Bart., P. R. S., in Reply to his Letter in "Frazer's Magazine" for September, 1861. By William Sharp, M. D., F. R. S. Second Edition. London, H. Turner and Co., 1861, 8vo., pp. 160.

In the summer of 1860, the singular phenomenon of the visitation of the "seventeen year locusts" occurred in the eastern part of the state of New York.

Early in the summer, myriads of these extraordinary insects were seen emerging from the ground in orchards, woods and gardens. They took possession of trees, shrubs and vines until every twig was covered with their bodies. The sharp metallic noise which they made without cessation, day and night, was almost deafening. The less experienced farmers and gardeners and those who are easily disheartened, apprehended a total destruction of vegetation, and called to mind the plague of the locusts which fell upon the Egyptians. Those whose memory could run back seventeen years took courage and believed that the damage would not of necessity be in the ratio of the noise. As autumn came on, there began to drop from the trees by scores and by hundreds what proved to be the empty shells of the locusts; and so the plague passed away. The trees and shrubs showed a dead and brown tip on the extremity of every branch and twig, but otherwise their thriftiness was in no way impaired. On the contrary the ensuing summer witnessed a vigor and productiveness in the vegetable kingdom, which had been unparalleled for years in this section of the country.

Not very unlike these visitations of the locusts, save that they lack that regularity and that beneficence of purpose which denote a Divine hand and mind presiding over and directing them, are the periodical pestilences of Letters, Essays and Expositions to which homoeopathic practitioners, every few years, are subjected at the hands of their brethren of the Old School. After a period of freedom from polemics, of quiet enjoyment of the right to think, study and practice as may best please one self and one's patients, we see emerge, one after another, from places of retirement where we had never supposed they existed, a letter from Brodie, a book by Simpson, a lecture or two by Holmes, a recantation and denunciation by Fergusson, with edicts by Royal Medical Councils, vetoes by Medical Colleges, manifestoes by Academies of Medicine, essays in ponderous Quarterlies and squibs and crackers in the daily journals, until every twig of every tree in the medical groves and orchards is loaded down with these unexpected visitors and we are at once deafened by their clatter and threatened with starvation from their apparent voracity. The younger members of our school look and listen with sad misgivings of heart, as though present destruction awaited them. The elders not without astonishment, perhaps, nevertheless pursue their avocations with unshaken confidence for they have seen such things before. The Brodie of 1861 reminds them of the Brodie of 1856 and of 1842, and they perceive that he shows the same wings and legs and makes the same noises as then, "nothing forgotten and nothing learned," and they remember that no harm came of his former chatterings and that his devastations were of no account; he was almost "vox et praeterea nihil." And surely enough; the event is as the elders predict. After a summer made unpleasant to rational mortals by this deafening, monotonous chirping, but spent by them, no doubt, in much cicadal jollification and interfolial mutual gratulations, down begin to drop the empty lifeless form of Brodie's letter, the unexecuted edicts of the councils, the derided vetoes of the Colleges, the rectified misrepresentations of Simpson, the exploded squibs of Holmes. The wholesome winter breath of unprejudiced popular judgement passes over them, and when spring comes again their dust is not discernable from other dust.

If as a sequence of the visitation a few half ripened leaves or puny twigs wither and drop this apparent loss is more than repaid by the consolidated vigorous growth which follows the incursion.

To Sir Benjamin Brodie, by reason of age, experience and official position, may perhaps be conceded the rank of Leader of the Medical Profession in Great Britain. Anything that he might have to say on a strictly medical question would carry with it a great weight of authority. This position of authority renders it incumbent on Sir Benjamin to treat any such question which he touches with all the earnestness, thoroughness and logical fitness of method which should characterize the "verba magistri," by which the profession are expected to swear. Sir Benjamin has written on Homoeopathy. In 1842, in the London Quarterly Review, he published an elaborate essay in which he pronounces Homoeopathy to be a mixture of quackery and fraud, its practitioners, at one and the same time, persons "who have very probably never studied disease at all" and "empirics," who, when they get a patient from a "regular" doctor who has erred in his diagnosis, take advantage of that error for their own profit, cure the patient and thus, "with such knowledge as they possess of these matters (of diagnosis namely) gain much credit with the public." He thus explains away a part of the success which he acknowledges attends the homoeopathic treatment to a great extent, accounts for a still farther measure of success by stating that many diseases require no active treatment at all, and therefore recover as well under Homoeopathists as under old school doctors and finally makes his only direct charge, to wit; that Homoeopaths fail to employ active treatment in some cases which. need it and that in consequence many die who might be saved. This assertion rests on Sir Benjamin Brodie's authority. It is a question of fact to be maintained by statistics. It is not a matter of opinion or of argument. Yet Sir Benjamin Brodie's adduces no facts, refers to no statistics — whereas on the contrary, Homoeopathists bring forward statistics, in numbers that preludes all possibility of error and on authority which cannot be gainsaid, to show that in the very diseases which Sir Benjamin alleges to require more active treatment than that which Homoeopathists employ — in these very diseases the ratio of cure under homoeopathy is astonishingly greater than that under allopathic treatment. — The burden of proof lies upon Sir Benjamin and his fellow letter-writers. We challenge them to it.

In 1856 Sir Benjamin Brodie published a resume of his former article, and in 1861 he published still another in the form of a letter to a friend. This appeared in Frazer's Magazine. It is remarkable that our old school friends who so earnestly deprecate the discussion of strictly scientific subjects before a popular audience or in a popular journal should yet so frequently allow themselves to seek such a means of publication when their object is to pass judgement upon Homoeopathy, or more truly, as Dr. Sharp expresses it, to "alarm and deter" the public upon the subject of homoeopathic practice. In his last letter, which is a reproduction or the first essay, "not matured by age nor moulded by experience," leaving unuttered not a single one of his former statements, nor introducing a single new one, the name of Dr. Sharp, of Rugby, is brought in. He is classed among empirics and pretenders, and his writings are pronounced puerile and illogical. It was incumbent on Dr. Sharp to notice this letter. Frazer's magazine refused to admit any reply whatever. Hence Dr. Sharp's letter in answer to Sir Benjamin takes the form of a separate publication; a fact on which we may congratulate ourselves because of the greater scope and freedom of which such a form admits, and because of the opportunity it has given Dr. Sharp to introduce arguments and matters relevant only as illustrations but yet of great value to his colleagues.

Like a man who is not afraid of his antagonist, Dr. Sharp gives Sir Benjamin fair play by reprinting his letter in an appendix to his own. His readers may therefore verify his quotations and test his construction.

With admirable temper and great clearness, he shows the absurdities and contradictions in which Brodie involves himself.

"You commence thus, 'addressing a friend, 'you desire me to give you my opinion of what is called Homoeopathy * * I have made myself sufficiently acquainted with several works, especially those of Hahnemann, the founder of the homoeopathic sect and those of Curie and Sharp. The result is, that, with all the pains I have been able to take, I have been unable to form any very distinct notion of the system which they profess to teach' This being so, I cannot help expressing surprise that you did not here close your letter. Under the conviction that it was a subject you did not yet understand, how could you feel justified in writing more? Did it not strike you that the confidence of your readers must be shaken by this acknowledgement? As in another place, you repeat the confession that you 'cannot comprehend it,' and, in still another, that 'it is wholly unintelligible;' your meaning cannot be misapprehended, and, in the minds of many, this consideration alone has disposed of your letter altogether."

Dr. Sharp shows that the question of the merits of Homoeopathy is an "experimental one," and that "no amount of mere 'reading' is 'sufficient' to qualify you to give an opinion on the matter. It is an experimental question and no one who has not repeated the experiments, however well informed he may be upon other topics, is competent to offer an opinion, much less to pronounce an adverse judgement upon it. Would a chemist be permitted to question or deny the results obtained in the laboratory of another chemist, unless he had himself repeated the experiments and could not obtain the same results? Certainly not, you will say; neither is a medical man justified in denying the experience of another who has not himself tried the same remedies in similar cases. Did you acquire your surgical experience and deserved reputation by the reading of books. And would you criticise another surgeon, whose experience differed from your own, if that experience was founded on a mode of operating which you had not yourself tried? * * * For the reason, then, that you have not made experiments or practical observations with your own hands and under your own eyes, nor even witnessed them in the hands of others — either of which if done, you were bound to record — your whole letter and whatever further you may have said on the subject, may be dismissed without injustice as of no weight."

"Suffer me to repeat, that this is not a matter which admits of a priori reasoning. It is one of experiment and observation; and until you personally try these experiments and make these observations, however much we may respect your judgment on affairs with which you are conversant, your opinion on this subject is of no value. Forgive me Sir Benjamin for speaking thus plainly; I mean it not uncourteously; I feel as John Hunter did, when he wrote to Jenner — Why think? Why not try the experiment?"

After effectually exposing in this manner the illogical nature of the objections which are made to Homoeopathy, and furthermore the contradictory and stultifying character of the explanation by which Brodie offers to account for the admitted great success of Homoeopathy in practice, Dr. Sharp very clearly and happily treats the differences between our method and that of the old school, shows them to be radical, growing out of differences in our philosophical views of the great elements of Therapeutics, viz.: the disease, the remedy and the principle of applying the latter to the former, differences so great as to amount to contrariety.

Furthermore, in his section upon state medicine he gives us a chapter of the secret history of the Medical Act passed a few years ago in Great Britain, shows how the Royal College of Physicians had slyly introduced into the Act. while in the House of Commons, a clause which would give them power to exclude all Homoeopathists from the rights and privileges of practitioners of medicine and would render their practice penal — how this was discovered by mere accident at a late period when the bill was near its final reading — how the facts being represented by himself and colleagues to the Committee of the Commons a saving clause was added, protecting Homoeopathists — how through a period of months this clause was rejected, reintroduced, rejected again, modified and brought back, accordingly as, for the moment, he or the Royal College of Physicians prevailed with the Committee and how at last, by great exertions, they procured that the bill should pass in a form which grants some measure of protection to Homoeopaths. And yet after proving this fundamental diversity of doctrine and exposing this malignity of spirit which reminds one of the silversmiths of Ephesus whose "craft was in danger," — Dr. Sharp deprecates a breach with the old school, hopes for a better spirit in them, looks forward to the possibility of fraternal union with them and virtually makes overtures for a compromise with them!

We know all about compromises on this side of the water. We have tried them to our sorrow. The agony of civil war which now convulses our land is the fruit of compromises patched up between systems, whose principles, faith and practice are directly and incompatibly opposed. But slavery and freedom are not more incapable of combination, are not more radically diverse, than are old school medicine and Homoeopathy.

But compromise implies a mutual concession. What does Dr. Sharp propose to lay on the altar of brotherly Union — What but the poor, well-banged theories of Hahnemann and that unlucky "globule." He will denounce the former and "disclaim all sympathy" with the latter, as fervently as any Allopath and thus he hopes to open the hearts of the Royal College! Alas, dear colleague. you would find that this is not the "Open Sesame!" but only a ineffectual "Open Barley!"

If rejection of the hypotheses by which honest old Hahnemann tried to make his method acceptable to the theorists of his day, would unite us to the old school, we had been at one with them long ago, for every Homoeopath who has written within thirty years has repudiated them, though almost every one for a different reason.

And, then, the "globule!" If the dose is to be divided and made small, why not avail ourselves of the globule as a means of dividing it. It is convenient and accurate. A repudiation of the globule while yet one adheres to dilution or trituration, in any form, is only to exchange the opposition of the Allopaths for their contempt, as was found by Dr. of New York, whose pretended "Renunciation" of what he had never professed nor practised, has left him in the unpleasant position of that nondescript which is neither an apostate nor a martyr nor yet a respectable fellow of any organization.

What matters it to an Allopath whether we use high dilutions or low. To them the 200th, the 3d and the 1st dilution are equally infinitesimal and equally absurd.

The dose is a direct sequence of the law of cure. The Allopaths are logically right in using large doses so long as they prescribe allopathically. We are constrained by true logic to use infinitesimal doses when we prescribe homoeopathically. The Allopaths know this and they respect us, if we are true to our principles. But if we profess to prescribe according to the homoeopathic law and yet disclaim infinitesimal doses and ask for recognition from the Allopaths on the score of this disclaimer, we shall be snubbed as we deserve and shall gain, as we shall merit, their contempt alone.

Let us not mistake our position. We do not exist, nor practice for the sake of the old school nor with reference to them. We need ask no recognition nor countenance from them. We live for the sake of the sick. We ask recognition at their hands, and we shall get it just in proportion as we show ourselves de. serving of it, by curing the sick and relieving those who suffer. To this end alone should our labors be directed. When our professional brethren who are still in darkness come to us asking light and knowledge, then, it will be proper to consider our relations to them and to open the way for a union with them. For the present we need, first, a clear view of our exalted vocation and an earnest devotion to it, and, second, as concerns our ethical relations, we need what Charles Sumner prescribed for the North — "Backbone, backbone, backbone."

The valuable remarks of Dr. Sharp on Materia Medica deserve and shall receive a separate notice. Dunham

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Die Dispensirfreiheit, oder das Recht und die Verpflichtung der homoeopathischen Aerzte, wie auch aller Aerzte, die von ihnen verordneten Arzneimittel selbst auszutheilen. Eine Denkschrift den hoben Ministerien Deutschlands ueberreicht von Prof., Dr. J. Hoppe. Leipzig, Otto Purfurst, 1861. 8vo., pp. 133.

The Liberty to Dispense Medicines, or the Right and Duty of the Homoeopathic Physicians as well as all other Physicians to Dispense the Prescribed Medicines themselves. A memorial laid before the Cabinets of the German States, by Prof. Dr. J. Hoppe. Leipzig, Otto Purfurst, 1861, 8vo., pp. 133.

Professor Dr. Hoppe, of the University of Basel, styling himself still the Non-homoeopathist. has issued a memorial of 133 pages for which not only the homoeopathic physicians but all physicians who have laid aside the gold-headed cane, and are progressively inclined owe to him their gratitude and their united thanks.

Professor Hoppe says in his preface: "It is the duty of a man to stand up for and recognize truths. In this essay, which concerns Homoeopathy so closely, I have done this with respect to all the good which this school possesses in so large a measure. I have even expressed this acknowledgement with some warmth. I hope that I shall thereby atone in part for the wrong I have helped to inflict on Homoeopathy in former times."

This very first sentence of Professor Hoppe's preface bespeaks the enquiring, unprejudiced and honest man. He confesses that in former times he has assisted in inflicting an injury, which he now acknowledges to be a "wrong;" he admits that Homoeopathy as a medical school is in a great measure possessed of good, and that his action is based on a conviction of a truth which, by his acknowledgements, must have been acquired by experiment.

Professor Hoppe continues in his preface thus: "This acknowledgement of the good in Homoeopathy I have turned to account in a plea for the liberty to dispense homoeopathic medicines. The question of this liberty to dispense medicines which at present again agitates the minds of the people has been difficult to understand like everything else appertaining to Homoeopathy. I have been compelled to decide this question in favor of Homoeopathy, by reason of arguments partly new and weighty. But the same weighty arguments have caused me to demand for all physicians the same liberty to dispense medicines. It is equally the duty of a man to retain his independence and to be progressive according to his ability. That I have tried and succeeded in fulfilling this duty the contents of this essay will prove sufficiently, although the nature of my task has forbidden me all criticism and has only permitted me passing remarks. Strongly as I am inclined to criticism I cannot encourage the hope many may entertain of beholding me engaged in a mischievous tirade over a great work. There are in Homoeopathy a series of thoughts, earnest, deep, difficult to fathom, and while pursuing a critical and inquiring study of these thoughts one no longer stands in the position in which it would be proper to seek out the unfavorable sides, the mistakes and errors, or even to accord much weight to these. That was the criticism of Homoeopathy of former days, when we were unable to attain to the thoughts which are the substance of Homoeopathy, and unable to direct our questions to Homoeopathy itself, and therefore squandered our own time and the time of others in unessential attacks upon nonessentials. We deal at first with the question of "the ideal" before we are allowed to measure its realization.

"I therefore commit no wrong on the science nor do I inflict a wrong on the reader, but I serve the truth if I simply unfold the good which I am compelled to say in favor of Homoeopathy, and I therefore beg to be followed in the representation of it."

What glad tidings this preface brings to the friends of progressive truth! — Here we find an acknowledgement "at last" of an enquiring man, that the "ideal" of Homoeopathy has not been understood and that the critics in days gone by have only dealt with unessential questions, that whatever may be the short-comings of a new system of medicine the one who is willing and capable of understanding the Ideal of Homoeopathy will find himself compelled to praise the good to be found in it. How different from the everyday common-place opposition to a new truth, an opposition based on culpable ignorance. What great hopes for the future must not all progressive men be inspired with, who follow Professor Hoppe in his representations as we now shall follow him.

Professor Hoppe gives first an introduction and then divides his memorial into five parts.

"I. The leading thought in Homoeopathy.

"II. The efficacy of Potencies.

"III. The Critics on Homoeopathy.

"IV. The reasons for the liberty of homoeopathic physicians to dispense medicine.

"V. The reasons for the right of all physicians to dispense medicines, and the claims the State should enforce on all physicians."

In the introduction Professor Hoppe says: "Two events in the course of time have, in part, already caused a mighty revulsion in the practice of medicine, and in part they are still at work creating them more and more. These two events are:

" 1. The awakening of the idea that the physician must try to find a curative medicine for each individual case.

" 2. Hahnemann's discovery that the small doses are curative."

He then dwells on the necessity of making these questions a matter of enquiry; as the truths slumbering in these two events will assist men in solving many important world-questions. In this short introduction the learned author gives full evidence of his knowledge and appreciation of Homoeopathy, of the great fundamental doctrine of individualization and his appreciation of the curative virtue of small doses. In the first division, "The Leading Thoughts in Homoeopathy," he commences thus:

" Paracelsus was the first physician who tried to give a scientific expression to the unmistakable facts of miraculous sudden cures. This philosopher's stone remained covered by crude dross, and unset, and as mankind thought themselves nearly in possession of it, it disappeared again and seemed still further — it appeared to have been but a dream. And then appeared Hahnemann who said in clear words and in very well considered language: 'The specific and the individually specific remedy must be searched for, and must be discovered for each single case of sickness, and in each single case of sickness the curative treatment is a treatment (or process) of discovery."

He says farther "that Hahnemann demanded the necessity of discovering for each case the specific medicine, and by this demand he created the first regulated medical science of discovery. The formula to his attempted discovery was 'Similia Similibus,' which, although frequently foreshadowed before his day, he caused to be largely acknowledged and promulgated. Hahnemann created a new art of healing and here we have only to do with the solution of one question, which is, whether there exists for each individual case of sickness one individually specific or at least a specific medicine, an exclusively curative medicine or at least a medicine curative in a particular degree, the one which among all other medicines is the only one proper and necessary for the cure of the patient." He further says

"That the question now arises, whether this is true or not, or whether only partially true?" And then he says "No government can settle these questions, no potentate on earth has a right to decide upon them. Neither can the Anatomist, the Physiologist, or any Scientific Committee assist the government in such a decision."

How very true! And like Homoeopathy how little understood as yet. The medical faculty without following Hahnemann, nay, without even knowing the great questions involved in this, the only regulated medical science of discovery, has condemned its truth; and even in a Republic it has so far succeeded as to prelude the possibility of practice in the army or navy. The faculty has assumed what Professor Hoppe distinctly says, they have no right to do, they decide questions of which they know nothing; in their singular spirit of persecution and intention to annihilate Homoeopathy, they have even not allowed Homoeopathists to be examined when applying for positions as Surgeons in the armies, and not satisfied with such deplorable injustice they go still further. But a few days ago the Managers of the Homoeopathic Hospital in the city of Philadelphia received official notice from the medical authorities, that, should a soldier in the service of the United States be taken into said Hospital, the Managers thereof would be held as much responsible as though they had harbored a deserter. No matter how much a sick or wounded soldier may wish to be treated homoeopathically the stern possessor of a brief authority forbids it; the homoeopathic hospital erected here by patriotic citizens cannot be opened to assist the sufferer. It must indeed be a weak cause that seeks refuge behind illiberality, ignorance and prejudice. Does this self-instituted medical committee know anything at all about Homoeopathy? Or about the principles contended for? They do not! And not knowing anything about the principles of this school, how can they judge, and of what weight is their verdict? Of no weight whatever. But let us follow the Non-homoeopathist Hoppe, who now, tells the faculty what they can do, should do, must do in order to enable themselves and the medical profession in general to examine the questions and bring them to an issue.

Professor Hoppe continues: "The teachers of science may only assist in giving a form to these questions or in particularizing them more correctly; — further, they can assist by teaching and educating in the knowledge which enables to solve them, and the government can attend and see that the external conditions necessary for the solution of these questions exist. These questions have been urged by the patient in his suffering and in his hopes of assistance and by the physician in his wish to help, and by his successful cures, therefore let practice decide upon it, and practice alone can do it."

Here we see Professor Hoppe appeal to the last, the only competent tribunal — "the experiment." The experiment will decide these pending and kindred questions; the experiment has decided — but the attempt to bring government and teachers of medicine to such a decision still continues.

Dr. Hoppe proceeds: "Truly Homoeopathy is the latest effort made to find again the religion of revelation in medicine. Does a specific remedy for every disease exist in the kingdom of nature? Does the law of God so live in every abnormal movement of life? Let the question be decided by those who feel the necessity of it, and who does not? This medical question with its histories of cures is in medicine what the question of the granting of prayer is in religion; and could religion not endure such enquiries? It appears to me worth remarking that Hahnemann was a protestant, and as a passing remark I should dike to know what proportion of members, according to statistics, existed and exist between protestants and catholics among the adherents of Homoeopathy. There is a decidedly religious question involved in Homoeopathy, a question by which the whole being of a man is penetrated who has any intimations of Homoeopathy; this question leaves him no rest and urges him incessantly to spend his life in the solution of the great truths Hahnemann has laid before the world. For this reason we ask for liberty of thought!"

"When a physician becomes a Homoeopathist, his reason is at first a religious sentiment; his second feeling a thirst for knowledge, which is more and more satisfied after embracing Homoeopathy. To follow Hahnemann in the train of thoughts which he has opened and pointed out in the endeavor to solve the truths in nature, becomes the object of his strongest desire. I call it a religious sentiment, that is a belief in certain (although not supernatural) powers in nature, and this belief involves the belief in a Creator who has ordered all things as they are; a reverance for the action of those powers and a devout admiration of their effects. These are faith and veneration, and whoever lacks both of these has never hitherto, either become a Homoeopathist a physician, or an adherent of Homoeopathy as layman, but whoever possesses both feelings is not proof against the adoption of Homoeopathy if opportunity offer, and the only reason why he has not yet become a Homoeopathist is that he has not chanced to obtain a sufficient knowledge of the facts relating to Homoeopathy or has been too entirely absorbed in other occupations."

The Professor after dwelling on these motives which coupled with the results in practice are much more satisfactory than ever before, finds the physician asking the question, "How far do these brilliant results extend?"

The Professor thus says, "Homoeopathy is the medical science of discovery, if not the only possible one, it is the only one which until now possesses proper rules, and the question which the science takes upon herself and makes her own is as follows: Is it true that there exists a specific for each case of sickness; and that an individually specific remedy is the only one to be adapted to a true cure? The solution of this question is the task Homoeopathy has undertaken."

Furthermore he also says, "Judge who may! But no one can pass a sentence, who does not first try the experiment, exactly as Homoeopathy requires it to be tried; or, secondly, who cannot open new paths and produce something still better. To bring forward anything better cannot be thought of at present, and that is what constitutes the greatness of Hahnemann's discovery. Truly if any mortal since the year 1795 had been able to produce anything even so wonderful, he would certainly have done it, and it would have been received with wild joy from the sheer pleasure of opposition. Admitting that it were possible that this method of finding the appropriate remedy was fallacious, the question has at least caused us 'to think.' We will find a depth of truth when we begin to think."

Further he says, "As to extremes, it is as well that the Homoeopathists are divided into two factions; nevertheless an accurate enquiry into the results of homoeopathic treatment show, that as far as accomplished cures are concerned the preference is due to the pure Homoeopathists, and not to the party who have chosen a narrower stand-point "

Here again the Professor shows his most valuable gift, "the art of observation." He has ere this pointed out with almost unparalelled distinctness the great question which Homoeopathy asks, and he now, by giving the results of his observations concerning the practical success of the two divisions of Homoeopathists clearly shows that as far as accomplished cures (experiment) are concerned the preferance is due to the pure Homoeopathists (Hahnemannians), and not to the party who have chosen a narrower stand-point. The professor had enquired and penetrated so truly into the true spirit of Homoeopathy that he proves himself possessed of the full knowledge of the position that Homoeopathy occupies as a science and clearly has he judged of the practical results (accomplished cures).

He beholds the pure Homoeopathist following Hahnemann and inspired with the same devotion towards the development of the new medical science of discoveries — he finds him successful. On the other hand he beholds the man who stands on a small limited and narrow platform talking of the necessity of stopping where began the great error of a great man (the theory of potentization)! He finds him contending for but one specific dose of a specific remedy for a specific disease, like a modern writer whose superior wisdom led him to proclaim that because Crotalus 30, in pellets, had many years ago cured some cases of yellow fever among the crew of a merchant ship, that now in modern days a repetition of Crotalus, low, was a specific remedy for the specific disease, "yellow fever." He hears him speak of alternate specifics for a specific disease; he finds him mixing two or three specific remedies for specific diseases; he even looks upon him about to mix all specifics and medicines and thus concoct a universal nostrum! He notices this, but to express his disapprobation of the small stand-point which they must occupy; and allowing them to remain unnoticed until they fall, he returns to the pure Homoeopathist, and we follow him now in his memorial.

The Professor concludes the first part by saying, "Thus powerfully in her first creation arose from the mind of Hahnemann the methodical medical science of discovery, a religion, a scientific and a strictly logical work of experience, not fully finished but full of good results and promising still greater rewards if more cultivated and ripened into perfection. And, if the practising faculty does not explore and investigate the developing process which is involved in Homoeopathy, it is impossible for her to make any progress. The question is not whether Homoeopathy is "to be or not to be," the question is simply one of progress in medical practice, and we will see the parties opposing and hindering each other until either Homoeopathy is conquered by reasoning, or she herself gains the victory or is used as a stepping-stone or platform for the attainment of a clearer perception of scientific light. It is a great work and one full of thought! Important in its signification to mankind and in its part in the history of progress! Therefore, if only as a developing step in medicine, give full liberty to such a work and if not able to further it, let no stumbling block be placed before it.

"Before closing this first part I again look over the writings of her adversaries to see whether I have not said too much; but I need not to take back one single word. It is necessary to study Homoeopathy conscientiously in its teachings before one may form a judgement, but then how different will the judgement be from the previous one."

Professor Hoppe, in part second, treats of the efficacy of Potencies. He begins this part by saying:

"The second event which moves the medical world is Hahnemann's discovery that medicines produce more effect in small, very small doses, far smaller than anyone anticipated, and that the medicines may be much more efficacious in very small doses than in larger ones; this discovery of Hahnemann's must be looked upon as the highest and most astonishing of his inspirations. The idea of the specific remedy which he elevated to the individually specific remedy does not originally belong to Hahnemann, but it is found in the whole previous history of medicine; his provings of medicines and his Materia Medica admit of criticisms, corrections and improvements, and their value is limited and is ascertained in a great measure only by correctness of treatment and by the results; the simile doctrine is still a mysterious problem and was stated before Hahnemann's time although not with the same clearness and distinctness. One hundred years before Hahnemann, the English Physician, Groenvelt, was tried, sentenced and imprisoned because he prescribed Cantharides according to the simile doctrine in diseases of the bladder."

Let us pause here for a moment. What Groenvelt did 100 years before Hahnemann, every enlightened physician does today. Homoeopathy teaches clearly in what diseased conditions of the bladder Cantharides is and must be the sole individually specific remedy. The imprisonment of one thinking physician could not stay the further and certain progress in medicine. The Professors in Salamanca could not understand how any large body of land could lie where now millions of men of European descent dwell; and so in medicine, the development of the medical science of discovery will go on as certainly as Columbus discovered the terra firma of this great continent, notwithstanding the tirades of the modern Professors of Salamanca against progress.

Professor Hoppe whilst admitting that like all human productions, Homoeopathy may be criticised, considers that the question of the doctrine of doses is by no means settled in its details. He says, "It is nevertheless true that potencies are more efficient than crude medicines in large doses, and very often only make the rightly selected medicine the truly curative agent; the doses frequently decide alone and the otherwise properly selected remedy may and can remain without effect if not given in the right dose."

The Professor confesses that his own experience of dilutions is very limited and that he knows nothing of the high potencies, but he admits at the same time that the small doses are indispensable.

As soon as Professor Hoppe has experimented in his progressive investigations with the higher and highest potencies he will no doubt report as favorably of them as all other investigating physicians before him have done. On the point of dilutions he wavers yet and thinks that it is only on account of the smallness and weakness of the diluted medicine that better results can be produced. Professor Hoppe has probably not yet administered Natrum mur., Sil., Lycopod., etc.; when he has, and has seen the most salutary results and unprecedently marvelous cures follow their truly homoeopathic administration, he will think differently of dilutions and perceive in them potencies. — Then he says that Homoeopathy has learned to pay attention to subjective symptoms by applying these small doses, and also by observing closely the effects of medicines. He still further calls the attention of Homoeopathy to "the state of activity in the tissues" which he has elaborately demonstrated in previous writings.

In the third division "The Critics on Homoeopathy," Professor Hoppe remarks, "It is not our intention to write here a criticism on Homoeopathy, but we have only to view it as a historical event and an event in natural science, we therefore allow ourselves to become fully embued with the spirit of Homoeopathy, compelled thereto by a regard for truth and justice, as well as by a positive pleasure for these reasons, viz.: that Homoeopathy has certainly brought to light great truths, and that the disputed questions in Homoeopathy claim certain rights. Libelous criticism on Homoeopathy abounds and even in medico-historical works Homoeopathy is either condemned or under the garb of fairness is represented as possessing but little good, or as having had some indirect salutary effect on the healing art in general. But libel is not admissible and earnest historical enpuiries into the practice of medicine do not exist (for the reason that in the medical practice and in her methods of cure the leading thought, respecting the exact and therewith the truth, is wanting), not that I mean here to write a criticism."

At the fourth section the Author writes thus: "Does there exist for each case one individually specific solely applicable remedy, taking into consideration all deviations in health and possible future changes of the individual? On that question greatly depends the existence of Homoeopathy. Homoeopathy herself asserts without hesitation that many facts lead to an affirmative reply, and the homoeopathic physician spends a life of enthusiasm devoted to the solution of this question. The nearest means for this solution is his theory of similars, and in order to apply this theory he needs the small doses. These are facts and they must follow each other. The Government has no right to place obstacles in the way of medical corporations who are desirous to solve a question by the treatment of the sick for the benefit of mankind."

Dr. Hoppe further continues, 'We have investigated in the first section the most important question in Homoeopathy, viz.: whether there exists for each individual case an individually specific remedy, in the second section we have studied the potencies and small doses, and we have found in the third no reason or right to make any comment or criticisms; considering the aim of Homoeopathy and looking at her results compared with the shortcomings of all former medical schools; we have besides shown that there exists as yet no one who could sit in judgement against her, and no one yet capable of producing anything else more satisfactory in her stead; and now we will show further that the State which has no right to prohibit Homoeopathy, is also bound to grant her the liberty of dispensing medicines."

Professor Hoppe has fully treated this subject. He demonstrates at first that the only certainty the prescribing physician has and should have that the patient has actually received the proper dose of the prescribed medicine is by his receiving the medicine from his own hands. He then alludes to the variety of preparations, even crude preparations, obtained at the various Pharmacies; the want of interest which an ordinary druggist may have in furnishing properly prepared homoeopathic medicines, next, to the impossibility of detecting maliciously, carelessly, incompetently prepared or spoiled medicines. The responsibility that the patients receives the properly prepared medicine lies with the physician and should not be transferred to the druggist. The homoeopathic physician can save the patient a great amount of expense and can relieve many poor patients who are compelled to abstain even from the effort to procure relief, as they must carry a large amount of money which they do not always possess to the druggist; and he points further to another great consideration and that is the loss of time which elapses before the prescribed medicine can be obtained from the druggist especially in the country or at night, etc.

In the fifth section, the Author claims the same privileges for all physicians, and alludes to the proposition made by other parties years ago, that the physician should not only himself dispense the medicines but dispense them gratuitously. Many physicians have done so for many years and do it still to this day. Since the introduction of Homoeopathy into the United States the physicians of that school have enjoyed the uninterrupted liberty of dispensing their own medicines, and we in the United States can therefore ardently hope that our foreign brethren may soon like us enjoy this privilege.

This memorial claiming for homoeopathic physicians and all other physicians the legal right to prescribe their own medicines, and making it a duty to the physician to do so is the opening of a new era in medical literature. The same potent reasons which the Non-Homoeopathist Hoppe holds forth for the privilege claimed, and for the right of Homoeopathy to test by practice the correctness of the questions are as potent here as in Germany and should be laid before our own Government. Professor Hoppe urges it, argues it in strong terms that no Government has a right to decide the questions Homoeopathy demands, and it is time that the Government of this vast Republic should have a memorial presented to Congress asking a relief from painful and unjust oppression now exercised over Homoeopathy by the medical authorities in the Service of the United States. What right has a State or the United States to reject an applicant for examination as Surgeon because he is a Homoeopathist? And what right has any medical officer in the United States to close a homoeopathic hospital to such suffering soldiers as prefer this treatment? Will the Republic deny to free citizens the rights enjoyed for many years by Subjects in Monarchies? Can political liberty exist where liberty in science is denied ?

The Non-Homoeopathist has appealed in this memorial to the Cabinets of the German States, and we also will unite in an appeal to the Congress of the United States. Ad. Lippe, M.D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 07, 1863, pages 320-333]

[Description: Book Notices; a Letter to Sir Benjamin Brodie, Bart., P. R. S., in Reply to his Letter in "frazer's Magazine" for September, 1861, by William Sharp; The Liberty to Dispense Medicines, or the Right and Duty of the Homoeopathic Physicians as well as all other Physicians to Dispense the Prescribed Medicines themselves – a memorial laid before the Cabinets of the German States, by Prof. Dr. J. Hoppe.]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1863]

BOOK NOTICES.

Monthly Homoeopathic Review, edited by John Ryan, M.D. London, Henry Turner & Co.

This vigorous journal which comes to us with great punctuality, each number well stored with original or selected matter of great value to the practitioner, has attained, as it deserves, a large circulation in England, where it is unquestionably exerting an influence very favorable to the spread of Homoeopathy.

In number seven of the current volume (sixth) appears the first of a series of articles by Mr. D. Wilson, of London, entitled "How far is Dr. Hempel to be trusted as a translator of Hahnemann's works,"

After showing the necessity of absolute accuracy and exactness in such labors as the translation of the provings of remedies, in which the change of a single word or even an error of punctuation may entirely alter the meaning of a symptom and cause a remedy to be used in oases which do not really call for it, or to be neglected in cases for which the practitioner would not hesitate to select it, were the proving so correctly rendered as to give him a true idea of the action of the drug — Mr. Wilson says, "Strange to say, no one, as far as I am aware, has hitherto publicly pointed out the blunders that have been perpetrated by Dr. Hempel in his voluminous translations of Hahnemann's works. His errors seem to me, however, of such magnitude, and so seriously retardative of a sound and comprehensive knowledge of Materia Medica, that, if the profession be jealously in earnest about the dissemination and ability of Hahnemann's Homoeopathy, instead of that which is spurious, our duty is plain and imperative." * * * "It seemed to me a duty to compare Dr. Hempel's translation of the Materia Medica Pura, numbering fifty-four remedies with the German of Hahnemann, a task which has extended over several years and which I have not been able to complete until very recently. The corrections may be surmised when I state that they deface nearly every page of my copy of Dr. Hempel's translation to a far greater extent than I ever remember to have seen in any first proof sheet. Those who will take the same trouble that I have taken to compare the English with the German will discover such errors and omissions in abundance, not to mention the altered punctuation from Hahnemann's text which often obscures the simplicity and force of the original. We also frequently meet with incorrect renderings. The 'feeling and handling of a part' is often translated simply by 'touching.' Nevertheless, the nice distinction between these apparently similar acts may at times help us materially in our diagnosis of the remedy; slight touch causing aggravation, while a firmer grasp gives relief. The throat-pit (halsgrube) is sometimes translated 'pit of the stomach' (herzgrube). 'Violent' is frequently rendered 'long.' The force or intensity of a symptom is often set aside entirely by omitting the degree of comparison, as 'very,' 'most' and so forth. The full expression of a symptom is often only half translated. 'The top of the head' (oberkopf) is at times translated 'forehead' (stirn). The extremities are at times confounded. The sex upon whom the symptoms of a drug proving were manifested is frequently disregarded by the substitution of an indefinite article or of some other word. Symptoms are occasionally transposed and blended with an obscure context and not unfrequently most hideously abridged Schnauben (blowing the nose) is translated by cough (as if it were hasten), etc. In fact the blunders are endless and the literature of so slovenly an author ought to be received with extreme caution."

"Dr. Hempel, subsequent to his translation of Hahnemann's Materia Medica and Chronic Diseases, issued one also of Jahr's Symptomen Codex with additions from Noack and Trinks; but I find this work is often a mere transcript with all its errors of what he sent forth as a translation of Hahnemann. The text of Jahr's Symptomen Codex is therefore frequently disregarded, so that its translation, the so-called American Jahr, of two large volumes, with a third as a very imperfect Repertory, turns out to be a rechauffe of an old incorrect and imperfect translation, rendered more faulty by an objectionable punctuation."

Mr. Wilson states that there is reason to hope for a translation of Hahnemann's Materia Medica, "with notes, preface and appendix,' by Dr. Quin, of London, a work which, if done at all, would be sure to be well done and scholarly but which, we fear, we shall never see. After paying a well deserved tribute to the labors of Dr. Drysdale in the department of Materia Medica in which, in philosophic, comprehensive thought, temperate and clear and wise expression, and patient and sagacious study, he stands clearly at the head of English-speaking Homoeopathists — Mr. Wilson proceeds in his examination:

"Facts speak for themselves. I have no other cause to serve than truth, in a matter that concerns the best and dearest interests of suffering humanity. In my examination of the fifth volume of Dr. Hempel's translation of Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases, I have endeavored to be accurate, and the effort has been attended with no small difficulty from the mode in which Dr. Hempel's translations have been punctuated and the symptoms blended,"

"In some places we find commas where there ought to be periods; and in other places translations, the original of which I have failed to discover in the German of Hahnemann. * * * The subjoined enumeration of thirteen valuable remedies will show at a glance how far the translation is 'in perfect accordance with the original:'

"Symptoms Given.

by Hahnemann

By Hempel.

Omitted.

Nitrum,

710

529

181

Petroleum,

770

730

40.

Phosphorus,

1915

1443

472

Phosphoric acid,

818

728

90

Platina,

527

469

76

Sarsaparilla,

561

330

231

Sepia,

1655

1561

94

Silicea,

1193

1082

111

Stannum,

648

591

47

Sulphur,

1969

1745

224

Sulphuric acid,

521

435

86

Zinc,

1375

1175

200

Arsenic,

1231

1104

127"

The above list is perhaps not absolutely accurate. We are led to suppose so from the fact that in a subsequent detailed translation of the symptoms which have been entirely omitted from the translation by Dr. Hempel of the proving of Sarsaparilla, Mr. Wilson gives "236" symptoms while above he states that '231' have been omitted. This is not material to the case, for the omission of even a single symptom would be sufficient to show that the translation is not as it claims to be "in perfect accordance with the original."

Mr. Wilson then quotes and translates the symptoms which Dr. Hempel has "entirely omitted" from his translation of Hahnemann's original. They are "236" in number and occupy nearly nine pages of the Monthly Homoeopathic Review.

Mr. Wilson then gives, in addition to the above, a list of the symptoms of Sarsaparilla which have, in the translation by Dr. Hempel, been partially omitted or otherwise so far inaccurately rendered as to cripple and alter their value, giving in parallel columns Dr. Hempel's translation and an accurate rendering of the original. This list occupies nearly seven pages of the Monthly Homoeopathic Review. In conclusion Mr. Wilson says:

"After the knowledge I have acquired and the recent proofs which I have given of Dr. Hempel's grave errors and omissions, I am compelled not only to express my utter distrust of him as a translator of Hahnemann's works on MATERIA MEDICA but also to denounce his FALLACIOUS and DANGEROUS expository writings on HOMOEOPATHY."

This review so very damaging in the facts which it lays before us, is yet temperate, even regretful in its language, while in its main purport it is unanswerable and disposes forever of all the claims of Dr. Hempel's translations on the confidence of the profession. It is nevertheless open to objection in one or two minor points, which as they may tend, even though in ever so slight a degree, to exculpate Dr. Hempel it is our duty to mention.

Speaking of the translations of Jahr's Symptomen Codex with additions from Noack and Trinks, "commonly called Jahr's New Manual," Mr. Wilson says:

"In the American Jahr, which is, as I have already said, almost entirely a rechauffe of Dr. Hempel's previous translations of the Materia Medica Pura and Chronic Diseases, if we examine Calcarea carb. we shall find at page 346 the following notice, '[Those symptoms which are included in brackets belong to Calc. acet.]' In verifying this notice, however, it will be found that Dr. Hempel has so characterized such symptoms '129' times only, being 91 omissions in excess of his prior translation of the same text — the Chronic diseases. He has not thought Baryta carbon. and Baryta acet. worthy of any distinctive notice whatever in the Symptomen Codex, so that practitioners who use this work may select either the Acetate or Carbonate of Baryta just as they please, regardless of all adaptation or fitness.

Now it is a fact that the original Symptomen Codex of Jahr, of which the "New Manual" professes to be a translation, makes no distinction between the symptoms of Calcar. carb. and those of Calcar. acet., nor between those of Baryta carb. and Baryta acet. We cannot in strict justice blame the translator if he adhere to his author even where the latter is careless. We might however commend him if he call attention to and correct the errors of the author whom he is translating. It seems that Dr. Hempel perceived this neglect of Jahr in regard to Calcarea and undertook to correct it. But the "slovenly" and imperfect manner in which Mr. Wilson states that he has done this deprives him of all merit and makes, in fact, his attempted correction only an additional snare to the student.

In some cases too in which a symptom is given with a significance altogether different from that of the original of Hahnemann, we find that Dr. Hempel has correctly rendered Jahr following him even in his blunders. Thus in the proving of Squil. mar. that very valuable cough remedy, in Hahnemann's Arznei-Mittellehre (Vol. III, 3d edition, 1825), we find "43. A tickling (kitzel) internally in the region of the thyroid cartilage, which provokes a cough, whereby the tickling is made still worse." "45. Frequent irritation, provoking dry, short cough, consisting of four or five coughs, induced by a tickling (kitzel) under (unter) the thyroid cartilage (schild knorpel).

Jahr in his Symptomen Codex, 1843, gives these symptoms as follows: — Cough from irritation (Reiz) in the throat-pit (halsgrubchen). Dry cough from tickling under the xyphoid cartilage (sohwerbknorpel), which becomes still worse from coughing

Dr. Hempel in the "New Manual" renders this passage of his original Jahr as follows: "Titillation in the region of the xyphoid cartilage internally, occasioning a cough, which increased the titillation. Frequent desire to cough, the cough being dry and short, occasioned by a titillation below the xyphoid cartilage."

Now it will be observed that Hahnemann in two distinct paragraphs designates the seat of the irritation which provokes the cough of Squilla. It is under the thyroid cartilage. He does not mention the xyphoid cartilage nor the pit of the throat, But Jahr changes all that, and destroys the value of this great characteristic of the cough symptoms of Squilla. And Hempel follows him in this. But should not Jahr be blamed for this rather than Dr. Hempel? One would say, yes, assuredly. And yet on referring to Dr. Hempel's translation of Hahnemann's Materia Medica Medica Pura, 1846, we find the above symptoms 43 and 45 rendered as follows:

"43. Titillation in the region of the xyphoid cartilage internally, occasioning a cough, which increased the titillation.

"45. Frequent desire to cough, the cough being dry and short, of four or five turns, occasioned by a titillation below the xyphoid cartilage."

From this we learn two things, first that the blundering substitute of "xyphoid "for" thyroid" in the New Manual is not excused by the fact that Jahr also made it in his Symptomen Codex, for Dr. Hempel had previously made it in his translation of the Materia Medica Pura of Hahnemann; second, that, in so far at these symptoms at least are concerned, the so-called "Jahr's New Manual" is probably not a strict translation of Jahr's Symptomen Codex, but as Mr. Wilson says "almost entirely a rechauffe of Dr. Hempel's previous translations of the Materia Medica Pura.

But as the "New Manual" contains "additions from Noack and Trinks," we are bound to see what is said in their manual concerning these symptoms of Squilla, we find "a tickling internally in the region of the thyroid cartilage, which provokes a cough, whereby the tickling is made still worse," the German being quoted verbatim from Hahnemann's proving. Again for symptom "45. Frequent irritation, provoking dry cough, consisting of four or five coughs, induced by a tickling under the thyroid cartilage," which is a verbatim reproduction of Hahnemann's symptom 45, with the exception of the word "short" preceding the word "cough." Thus so far as these symptoms are concerned, Noack and Trinks are faithful to the original. But Noack and Trinks have not been translated into English. The translations, which we, unhappily do possess, make such irreducible confusion of the cough symptoms of Squilla. uncommonly clear, characteristic and valuable as they are, that the poor student stands like the Light Brigade at Balaklava:

Blunders "to right of him,"

Blunders "to left of him,"

Blunders "in front of him,"

Mock and perplex him.

This notice of Mr. Wilson's essay would not be complete if we failed to quote the following passages: "If there be any who put confidence in Dr. Hempel's edition of Jahr's "New Manual "or Symptomen Codex in consequence of Dr. Bering's preface to the same, let them also remember that he, some years since saw fit, in the Allg. Hom. Zeitung to withdraw that preface."

Nor, when Mr. Wilson says "no one, so far as I am aware, has hitherto publicly pointed out the blunders that have been perpetrated by Dr. Hempel," should we fail to correct the statement and to remind him that in the Homoeopathic News, published in 1854 and 1855, in Philadelphia, under the Editor-ships of Drs. Hering and Lippe; Dr. Lippe published a series of corrections of Dr. Hempel's translations of Jahr's Symptomen Codex under the title "The First One Hundred Mistakes," this being the very first time, so far as I know, that attention was called to the demerits of the translation, and Dr. Lippe the first who did it. Dunham.

___________

Bibliotheca Homoeopathica, verzeichniss der In-und-Auslander erschienenen auf die Homoeopathie Being habenden Schriften, Dritte bis zum Jahre 1861 fortgefuhrte Auflage, bearbeitet von Dr. phil. G. O. Kleinert. Leipzig, Baurmgartner. 1862.

A List or the Foreign and Domestic Works which have been published in reference to Homoeopathy. Third edition brought down to the year 1861

In 1700 was published Hahnemann's translation of Cullen's Materia Medica, and twenty years after, in 1810, Hahnemann published his Organon During the interim he published several works preparatory to announcing his new theories and discovery in detail; such were his "Essay upon the new method of discovering the curative powers of medicines, and a criticism upon the methods previously employed," 1796; an Essay "Are the obstacles to the attainment of certainty and simplicity in the practice of medicine insurmountable," 1797; and" A new system of medicine, based upon pure experience," 1805; "An Essay on the value of the speculative systems of medicine." "Remarks on the insufficiency of the present Materia Medica; " "Upon the necessity of a reform in the practice of medicine," published in 1808; "On the signs of the times as regards the practice of medicine," and "A monograph on the only three possible methods of curing disease" 1809.

Since the publication of the Organon our homoeopathic library has been growing steadily and is not now as meagre as many suppose. In the Bibliotheca Medica Chirurgica, by Carl. J. W. Ruprecht, and in Engelmann's Bibliotheca there is published a list of over 1,300 works on Homoeopathy. This list has been alphabetically arranged by Dr. Kleinert, and the profession are indebted to him for the work which heads our article.

In looking over Dr. Kleinert's book we find errors of omission and commission, and that he may, as he promises, correct them in another edition, we shall notice some of them. Of the German works we find a few omissions. The list of American and English publications is exceedingly faulty.

The Author mentions the North American Homoeopathic Journal containing Dr Metcalfe's "American Homoeopathic Bibliography," but evidently has not seen it, as, of the one hundred and nine works spoken of therein, he has the names of but seven. Dr. Metcalfe's list was nearly complete up to the time of publication, 1850. Of nearly two hundred works published since then, Dr. K. mentions but twenty-five, making altogether thirty-two works published in this country.

Dr. Atkin's Homoeopathic Directory is left out of his list. In this was a very full Bibliographia Homoeopathica Anglica brought down to the year 1853. Of the two hundred and forty-one books spoken of there, Dr. Kleinert mentions but thirty-six, and of the books published in England since then he gives a list of sixty-eight; making a total of one hundred and four volumes.

The American authors noticed are Beakley, Curtis, Freligh, Gleiwitz, Guernsey, Guilbert, Helmuth, Hempel, Joslin, Lillie, Mabey, Marcy, Oehme, Sherrill and Small; fifteen out of one hundred and over. Joslin is mentioned as the author of an Address before the New York Homoeopathic Medical Society. The American editions of his works are not spoken of, but the English editions and a translation are mentioned. Drs. Hering, Holcombe, Hull and Pulte are noticed only in connection with English editions of their works. We were unaware that editions of either Holcombe's or Hull's works had appeared in England. The compilations of Dr. Peters are utterly ignored, his name is not given once. The names of Drs. Gray and Hull have been removed from the Examiner and Williamson's substituted.

Of errors committed, we notice "Chambers on Digestion," five of Erasmus Wilson's works, and Wood and Bache's "Dispensatory," classified as homoeopathic books. With all its inaccuracies we are glad to get it, and hope it will not be long before another edition, with the American and English lists completed, will be issued. S

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 08, 1863, pages 379-384]

[Description: Book Notices; Dunham's commentary on "how far is Dr. Hempel to be trusted as a translator of Hahnemann's works"; Bibliotheca Homoeopathica.]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1863]

BOOK NOTICES.

THERAPEUTICS OF THE DAY; In a Series of Letters. By Dr. WILHELM STENS, Sanitary Councillor of His Majesty the King of Prussia, and Physician in ordinary to H. R. H. Prince Albrecht of Prussia. Translated from the German, with the special permission of the Author, by HENRY ST. CLAIR MASSIAH. London, Printed by J Wertheimer and Co. 1863. 8vo., pp. 344. From Messrs. Turner and Co., London.

We all know that the auxiliary medical sciences have made wonderful progress within the last forty years. Physiology has been reconstructed on a firm basis. Pathology may almost be said to have come into existence as a science within this period. The same is true of Organic Chemistry.

With these great advances in the sciences which concern themselves with the healthy organism, the diseased organism and the tissues, functions, aliments and excrements of each, we should naturally look for a commensurate advance in the successful treatment of disease, in Therapeutics. To our great surprise, the men who have contributed most to the improvement and elaboration of the auxiliary medical sciences, are the first to tell us not merely that no advance has been made in the knowledge of curing diseases, but that such advance is, in the nature of things impossible — that science teaches us, it is true, how, in many cases, to prevent the occurrence of disease, how somewhat to alleviate its pangs and curtail its ravages — but as for a cure, that is impracticable and the physiologico-pathologists demonstrate this impossibility by the data and terms of their sciences. In opposition to all this, we do see indisputable cures effected under the hands of these same physicians through the use of the old specifics — Cinchona, Mercury, Opium, the mode of action of which is still a tantalizing mystery to those who employ them.

Seeing this contradiction between dominant opinions and patent facts, we must conclude that the scientific men of the reigning school of medicine have failed to make, in the region of Therapeutics, discoveries corresponding to those which they have made in Physiology, Pathology and Chemistry, simply because they have not set about the work in the right way. They have looked in vain because they have not looked in the right direction. Their reasoning has been profitless because their premises have been unsound. In a word, their philosophy of the nature of the science of Therapeutics has been absolutely wrong.

Now, to convince an intelligent non-professional person, who has a knowledge and a justly high appreciation of the recent discoveries in Physiology, Pathology and Chemistry, that while the views of the men who have made these brilliant discoveries are in the main correct on these subjects, yet on the subject of Therapeutics they are all wrong, hopelessly and completely astray — it is necessary to analyse their whole philosophy of the science of Therapeutics — to show its faulty basis and construction, its rottenness from bottom to top.

This is the labor to which Dr. Stens has brought so much learning, good tense, deep reflection and brilliant illustration, in this series of letters, addressed to the Archduke John of Austria, who has been an efficient protector and patron of Homoeopathy.

The first paragraph gives the key to the work.

"Therapeutics is the rich ripe fruit of medical science. The separate branches of this noble science only grow and bud forth as tending to its final development and maturity. They exist not for themselves, but on its account; and concentrate in it as in their acknowledged and absolute centre. He and he alone, who can apply, scientifically and conscientiously, the various branches of the art, deserves to be called a Physician. He who does not, may be a clever and distinguished investigator of nature, but he has not the slightest claim to the title of Doctor."

Reviewing the history and stating the present condition of Physiology, Pathology and Materia Medica, as taught by the dominant school, Dr. Stens shows their relation to each other and to the science of Therapeutics of which he gives an analysis of the various methods, showing their weakness and fallacies. This leads to a discussion of these sciences as they are regarded and studied and used by Homoeopathists and of the homoeopathic therapeutics, — "a fabric resting on the two solid columns of a Pathology and a Materia Medica, respectively, of subjective and objective observation"

Letters upon the dose, the history of Homoeopathy and of Hahnemann, the results of homoeopathic practice and the objections to Homoeopathy conclude this work, which is a rich treasury of fact and illustration, and should be in the hands of every practitioner and intelligent layman.

The translation is unquestionably faithful. One would surely not desire to sacrifice fidelity in rendering a foreign writer, to felicity in the style of the English version. The rendering may, however, obscure the Author's meaning by its very fidelity. Fidelity may go so far as to be faithfulness to the letter only, and the spirit of the writer may be entirely hidden by at echnical literalness. The really best translations are those in which the idiom of the foreign tongue is rendered by a corresponding idiom of the vernacular. Those who have tried to do this know its great difficulty, and will be far from passing a harsh judgment on laborers who through a conscientious faithfulness fail, as Dr. Stens' translator often has done, from a lack of confidence. A single quotation of a very unimportant sentence will illustrate our meaning. Page 290, we read:

"Jean Paul calls Hahnemann a singular double head of Philosophy and Learning, in his scattered leaves." This translation is literal, and in that sense it is faithful. But we think many readers, not devoid of intelligence, would be puzzled to guess what is meant by those "scattered leaves," in which it would appear that Hahnemann is somehow "a singular double head." Would it not be more intelligible if rendered thus, 'Jean Paul, in his Zerstreute Blaetter, 'Scattered Leaves, calls Hahnemann, etc"? D.

A MONOGRAPH UPON GELSEMINUM: Its Therapeutic and Physiological Effects together with Its Uses in Disease. By Edwin M. Hale, M.D. Detroit, Dr. Lodge, publisher. 1862. 8vo., pp. 56.

Since the commencement of the present volume of the Review, the space which we had intended to devote to book notices has been taken up with other articles. Hence it is that this little monograph, among others, although haying been before the profession for a year, has never received any previous notice in our pages.

From the title page, which we have given above, one need not feel disappointed when on perusing the work he finds no particular indication for the homoeopathic use of the remedy.

In the history of the plant the Author gives its botanical and historical description, the various preparations used, the authorities of every school, its toxicological effects, antidotes, effects upon dogs, pathological appearances and therapeutical deductions.

For the general effects, and these are principally on the nervous and vascular systems, the Author quotes writers in the homoeopathic, allopathic, and eclectic schools. The pathogenesis of the drug is exceedingly meagre. One of the best provings that has been made, that reported by Dr. Wm. E. Payne, of Bath, Me., is omitted. The provings have all been made with the mother tincture, fluid extracts, concentrated tincture, the Gelsemine and some minor preparations. The quantities used varied from one-tenth to twenty-five drops of the mother tincture, one-tenth to five drops of fluid extract or concentrated tincture, and one-tenth to one grain of the Gelsemine. From these provings we should not expect to find characteristic symptoms. No provings with the dilutions are published, as the Doctor says: "In but one case can I find that the dilutions above the first, caused any pathogenetic symptoms; nor should I consider them of much practical importance if collected."

Dr. Hale is an indefatigable worker and has probably gathered nearly all that has been written on this remedy. We hope he will continue his experiments and institute some provings with the more attenuated forms than the mother tincture or crude extract. We should of course not feel satisfied with provings made exclusively from the dilutions, neither should we rely on those effects produced by the strongest preparation.

____________

HOMOEOPATHY IN VENEREAL DISEASES. By STEPHEN YELDHAM, M.R.C.S.

London, Turner and Co. 12mo., pp. 120.

There is a void in our homoeopathic literature for well written essays on special diseases which this excellent brochure will materially assist in filling.

In our limited experience in this disease, which we have never cared to extend, the treatment has not always proved satisfactory, and if Dr. Yeldham can lead us to better results his work will be a welcome addition to our list of monographs.

In 1860 Dr. Yeldham published in pamphlet form, an octavo of some twenty pages, a lecture on Syphilis and Gonorrhea, one of a course on Surgery delivered in the London Homoeopathic Hospital. To this many additions have been made and we have in the present work the Author's personal experience in the homoeopathic treatment of the common venereal diseases.

He says in his preface that in his earlier practice of Homoeopathy he "followed the few scanty directions of Jahr, and found that the results were not so superior to those of Allopathy as he had expected, and, therefore, some modifications in the treatment were necessary, careful observation convinced him that change must be made in the doses used internally, and a freer employment of external remedies." This has been his practice with satisfactory results.

In the treatment of Gonorrhea Dr. Yeldham mentions as an interesting fact that the practitioners of the old school have arrived nearer the truth in the treatment of venereal than in any other class of disorders; that most of their remedies are specifics. Here, then, both schools occupy the same ground and the only difference is the dose. Both cure their patients, the old school no quicker with their disgusting doses than the Homoeopathists with a greater variety of remedies, including those of the old school and many of which it is ignorant. Under any system the disease will in many cases baffle the skill of the practitioner and severely tax the endurance of the patient, and here it makes considerable difference to the latter whether he is to swallow the enormous doses of Allopathy, or the powders which the Homoeopathist prescribes.

In the inflammatory stage of Gonorrhea, the doctor gives Aconite, the second or third decimal dilution, and sometimes alternates it with Merc. corr. Canth., Cannabis, Copaiva, and Thuja are mentioned and their indications, familiar to all, are given. No very decided results have been experienced from Agnus cas., Arg. nit., Cub., Petros., Puls., Rhus, Mez., and Ferr. Our author says that injections are rejected by our school as causing strictures and being unhomoeopathic; both assertions he denies. The former he says is unsupported by facts. The great objection, we consider, is that they repress the disease and give rise to serious sequelae. Those most frequently employed by Dr. Yeldham are Hydrastis canadensis and Liquor Plumbi diacetatis. Of the former he uses an infusion in the proportion of an ounce of the drug to a pint of water, of the latter half a drachm to an ounce of distilled water.

In the treatment of Gleet, the symptoms, exclusive of the discharge, are of so negative a character that it is difficult to lay down indications for a particular remedy. The selection must be made from the constitutional as well as the local symptoms. It is most commonly found associated with a depressed state of the general health, and in this ease Nux and Sulph. are of the utmost service. Canth., Mercurius, Nux, Puls, and Sulph. will comprise the list of remedies most frequently called for. Change of air, temperate and nutritious diet, local or general bathing with tepid or cold water are advised.

The complications of Gonorrhea, such as irritation of the bladder, phimosis, erysipelas of the penis, orchitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, etc., are spoken of and their general treatment given. This is no different from the usual course.

In treating primary syphilis his main dependance is on Mercurius sol.; second in importance to this is Nitric acid on the other remedies recommended for chancre he places but little reliance. As a local treatment he uses a lotion of Calendula.

In secondary syphilis he uses Mercurius and Kali hydriod, and for the tertiary form he gives the names of several remedies without any special indication, which the practitioner must ascertain for himself in each case.

___________

Braithwaite's Retrospect of Practical Medicine and Surgery. Part the Forty-Sixth. New York, W. A. Townsend. January, 1863.

Braithwaite concludes his six months labors in January and July, and to the American reprint, which reaches us about a month; later, we turn to see what, if any, advances have been made in the science of medicine. In the department of practical medicine we are not disappointed in finding nothing of very great practical importance. It is always interesting to know what is going on outside of oar school, in what direction "practical medicine," is moving. We find among other items that subcutaneous injections of Quinine are recommended as preferable to larger doses administered by the mouth; Faradization and Galvanism are receiving some attention as therapeutic agents; considerable has been published in the medical journals in favor of Rennet wine in Dyspepsia, one teaspoonful in a wine glass of water immediately after 'meals. Sarracenia is still very highly spoken of as remedy in variola notwithstanding the many reported failures.

In apoplexy attention is called to the position of the patient as important for the apparent reason that when he is supine his tongue falls back, impeding respiration and causing congestion of all the vessels of the head and neck. If the patient be turned on the side, the tongue pulled, or allowed to fall, forward the stertor ceases, the mucus drains away, the congestion disappears and the patient will generally recover. In case of suspended animation Dr. Sylvester's plan is spoken of; all obstructions to the passage of air to and from the lungs, of course, must be removed and the mouth and nostrils cleaned from all foreign matters. The body is then laid on its back on a flat surface or a plane slightly inclined upward from the feet, and the tongue drawn for- ward to project a little from the side of the mouth. Then the arms should be grasped just above the elbows, drawn upwards until they meet nearly above the head, and then at once replaced at the side. This should be followed by modererate pressure with both hands upon the lower part of the sternum. This process is to be repeated twelve or fourteen times in a minute. If there are no natural respiratory efforts, a dash of hot water (120° Fahr.) or cold water may be employed for the purpose of exciting them. The temperature of the body should be maintained by friction, warm blankets, etc., etc.

There is nothing new in operative surgery, nor, in the medical treatment of surgical oases, do we find anything of importance. Nothing in the line of military surgery published in the medical journals is referred to. We should not recommend the publication of the military blunders in the medical department of our army.

In midwifery some author recommends the use of the forceps earlier in labor, when the head has been arrested three hours in the cavity or outlet of the pelvis.

In this connection we cannot forbear mentioning an article on non-interference in natural labor, communicated to the Boston Med. and Surg. Journal of January 15, 1863. The writer gives as the result of his experience in nearly three thousand cases, that women recover at least as well after long, lingering and laborious labor, the duration of which may have been extended to some days, as after the easiest, quickest, and most natural delivery. He charges a hurried labor upon the "grasping and selfish practitioner, whose object is to hasten his case, save time, and thus add to the number of his fees and patients." In a practice of nearly thirty-five years he has found that the mortality of both parent and child has been greatly lessened by trusting more to nature and less to art. In a tabular statement which he publishes, he gives the number of arm, feet and other abnormal presentations, which have not been few, and of the three thousand cases no deaths of the mothers have occurred, except in seventeen, from independent causes, such as phthisis, dysentery, etc. He recommends the accoucheur to visit his patient frequently before and after her confinement, acquaint himself with her condition, former habits, character and peculiarities, and lay down a clear and distinct course of hygiene at every stage of pregnancy. When labor has come on he would have her in bed as seldom as possible, till the child's head is about to escape from the uterus. He insists on the mother throwing off the after birth herself, and seldom puts a finger on the placenta till it tumbles into his hands. The lochia, from this treatment, disappear in forty-eight hours, and no bad symptoms ever follow. Laceration of the perineum has not occurred in his practice for more than fifteen years. The author quotes the late Dr. Joseph Clark, who had, besides the charge of a large lying-in institution, 3,862 private cases of midwifery, out of which he never lost a mother, and he had only one forceps case, which be failed in completing. If space had permitted we would have published the article from which we have quoted, entire, but we have endeavored to give the gist of it, and return to Braithwaite.

To induce premature labor at a premeditated hour, a caoutchouc bag, made in the shape of a dumb-bell, is used. This, is introduced by means of a uterine sound, one end or ball into the cervix uteri, the other remaining in the vagina. The bag is provided with a tube, and being distended by water is prevented from either slipping into the uterus or vagina, and serves to dilate the os. Cases are given by the author, Dr. Barnes where the instrument has been used satisfactorily. It Is an improvement on that of Dr. Braun, which consisted of a single bag.

There are a variety of practical hints given in the chapter on midwifery which we cannot enumerate.

The alkaloids and resenoids of the Eclectics are fast growing into favor among the old school.

Among the many interesting articles in the miscellanies we find some notice of the hard rubber or vulcanite used by dentists for plates for artificial teeth. Several oases of poisoning attributed to it are reported.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 10, 1863, pages 470-475]

[Description: Book Notices 10; Therapeutics of The Day; in a Series of Letters, by Dr. Wilhelm Stens; a Monograph Upon Gelseminum: Its Therapeutic and Physiological Effects together with Its Uses in Disease, by Edwin M. Hale; Homoeopathy in Venereal Diseases, by Stephen Yeldham; Braithwaite's Retrospect of Practical Medicine and Surgery]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1863]

CENTRAL UNION OF THE HOMOEOPATHIC PHYSICIANS OF GERMANY.

This society held its thirty-second annual meeting on the 9th and 10th of August, 1862, in Nurnberg under the presidency of Dr. von Grauvogl.

The evening of the 9th was devoted to the transaction of business, the inauguration of new members, auditing of accounts, reports of committees appointed to receive competing essays and award prizes for the same, if deserving, and the selection of subjects for general discussion on the session of the ensuing day which was to be devoted exclusively to subjects of scientific interest. The following subjects were selected: "Tussis convulsiva, Asthma thyroicum and Epilepsy."

On the 10th of August a report was presented of the transactions of the Homoeopathic Polyclinic of Leipzig.

Dr. von Grauvogl presented an essay on the arithmetical and physical relations of the dilutions. Dr. Schneider followed in a discussion of the Physiology of disease and of cure.

The general debate on the subjects selected the evening before, was opened and maintained with warmth and great interest.

At the close of the discussion, Apothecary Markgraf distributed among the members the following drugs received by Dr. Meyer, from Brazil: Trigonocephalus jararaca, Paullinia pinnata and Dracontium polyphyllum.

This induced Dr. Kirsch to recommend experiments with Linaria leontodon (Antirrhi num luiaria?) which had in one case proved itself a remedy for Bright's disease of the kidney.

In conclusion Dr. Bohler exhibited a very good microscopic preparation of the Trichina spinalis.

The next meeting is to be held August 9th and 10th, 1863, at Mainz, under the presidency of Dr. Veisch. [Allg. Hom. Zeit., 65, 86.]

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 06, 1862, pages 284-285]

[Description: Central Union of The Homoeopathic Physicians of Germany.]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1862]

DROSERA IN TUBERCULOSIS.

Dr. Curie, of Paris, has laid before the Academy of Sciences the results of his experiments upon the physiological and therapeutic action of Drosera. Sept. 2d, 1861.

1. This substance was given for a long period to two cats, and caused in both animals the formation of tubercles in the lungs and the abnormal development of various parts of the lymphatic system (the lymphatic glands, Peyers glands, etc.)

2. Drosera was given to patients suffering under tubercles in doses of from four to twenty drops daily. It appeared to be a powerful remedy. The disease was almost uniformly healed, wherever the general condition was favorable; at the same time the truth of the homoeopathic law in Therapeutics was demonstrated in so far as this particular case is concerned. Dr. Curie's paper was referred to a commission.

Gazette des Hopitaux, 1861. — No. 106.

From Dr. Curie's essay, published in the Bulletin de la Société Homoeopathique, we make the following extracts:

"My experiments were made upon three cats. This animal was chosen because of all domestic animals it is the least subject to tubercular degeneration. Indeed some observers deny that tubercles are ever found in cats. The results of my experiments, must, therefore, be so much the more certain and convincing.

Of the three cats, I killed the first within the space of three weeks, giving her daily three grains of Drosera, triturated with sugar of milk.

The second was sacrificed within a year. Beginning with a dose of a single drop, and gradually increasing the quantity, I gave her finally 1600 drops daily of the alcoholic tincture of Drosera.

The third cat is still alive. She has been the subject of experiment for six months. Inasmuch as she presents the same symptoms as the two others, it is very probable that her autopsy will disclose identical lesions with theirs.

As functional symptoms, all three presented, in the beginning, diarrhea, and after six weeks a very decided weakness of the voice.

It is an interesting fact that, in neither of the two cats on which an autopsy was held, could any noticeable lesion of the trachea be discovered, and yet in all three the voice was altered. They could still utter sounds, but these were almost inaudible — whereas during the early periods of the experiment the cries of the animals had been quite disagreeable to the neighbors.

The first cat, which I killed at the end of six weeks, presented at the autopsy an almost jelly-like deposit surrounded by a red margin, under the pulmonary pleura. By the aid of the microscope I could quite clearly discern tubercles in this mass. Dr. Gratiolet, prosector to the Anatomical Museum, verified my observations, and he also recognised the fact that these deposits contained tuberculous matter.

In addition to these lesions of the lungs, I observed also in 'this cat a very considerable development of the mesenteric glands.

The second cat, which I killed after a year of experimenting, presented many characteristic alterations in the lungs, although they were not very extensive. The lesions consisted in small white granulations as large as a pin-head, which lay under the pulmonary pleura and were surrounded by a very red injection of the contiguous tissue. The injection penetrated into the pulmonary tissue, but was not indurated. In the pulmonary tissue itself I could find no granulations.

These grey granulations had a moderate consistence; they could be compressed between two plates of glass, and offered, under the microscope, the following characteristics. They were irregular corpuscles, granular within and without. The majority had a diameter of 1/6000 millimetre, and they were scarcely affected by acetic acid.

In addition to this I may mention, the excessive development of the submaxillary lymphatic glands; the hypertrophy of the glands of Peyer and of the cells of the colon, which were filled with a turbid fluid, which a microscopic examination proved to contain lymph-corpuscles. But I must especially mention the development of the corpuscles of the spleen. These were so much enlarged that they could be perceived even through the external tunic, and that after the spleen had been incised it appeared to be made up almost wholly of these corpuscles.

On the other hand, however, the mesenteric glands were not perceptibly enlarged in this cat.

After these results we are justified in affirming that Drosera conditions the development of pulmonary tubercles, and acts at the same time also upon the lymphatic system, and thus it confirms the analogy which has already been assumed to exist between tuberculosis and, I do not say scrofulosis, but at least the lymphatic temperament I may remark further that the hypertrophy of the lymphatic organs affected the proper constituents of these organs, and did not result from a plastic exudation.

But Drosera can not only produce tubercles, it can also cure them if the disease be not too far advanced.

In the first period of this disease it has in fact so seldom left me in the lurch that I believe that in the few cases in which it did no good, either my diagnosis was faulty, or the subjects had not patience enough to pursue the treatment. I give it in daily doses of from four to twenty drops of the tincture. The stethoscopic signs in the various cases in which it acted favorably, were as follows: More or less extensive dulness on percussion, diminished vesicular murmur, rough inspiration or expiration, prolonged expiration and bronchial respiration in the region of the scapula.

The functional symptoms were cough generally dry, oppression, hemoptysis, pains in the chest, night sweats, emaciation.

Under the use of Drosera I have seen each of these symptoms diminish and even entirely vanish if the general state of the patient was good.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 03, 1862, pages 120-123]

[Description: Drosera in Tuberculosis.]

[Remedies: Drosea rotundifolia.]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1862]

HAHNEMANN ACADEMY OF MEDICINE.

The Academy met October 1st, 1862. Pres. Hallock in the chair.

Dr. Hallock read a paper on Cholera Infantum. He said the disease seemed unknown in Europe as foreign authors had entirely ignored its existence. He questioned whether this endemic character was not occasioned by the more intense heat and more sudden transitions of temperature on this continent, for the other causes, improper food, bad air, dentition, etc., were as abundant elsewhere as here.

It is generally endemic to our cities although sporadic cases are found in the country. In the treatment much depends on careful dietetic management; without this the most judicious selection of remedies will be of no avail. No nourishment is equal to the mother's milk. This if only a partial supply of its need, will be a great comfort to the patient and will often be retained where all other liquids will be ejected. Care must be exercised however to prevent an excess in quantity from being swallowed. When from an insufficient supply of milk other nourishment must be provided, rice flour gruel or thin well boiled cracker panada, usually without milk and with but little sugar, is preferable to arrow root and gum arabic. The remedies most frequently called for are — Aconite, Cham., Ipecac., Calc. acet, Rheum, Kreos., Ars. and Verat. Calc. acet. in delicate feeble children, with slow dentition and rickety constitution, is especially valuable. When to this general condition there is added continuous dry heat of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, pale sunken face, constant thirst, frequent thin slimy, greenish or pale tenacious clayey stools, this remedy is almost indispensable to the cure of the case. Kreosot. is adopted when there are itching pustules or dry inflamed eruptions, thirst, frequent vomiting with tenderness of the epigastrium, painful pressing stools, with acrid discharges of a yellow, dark or bloody color. Ars. and Verat. are mostly required in the advanced stages of the disease, and in the commencement where the attacks are violent and exhausting in the outset. AEthusa cynapsis and Croton tig. are said to be valuable remedies in this disease, the former from its pathogenesis being particularly adopted to the full free constant vomitings, and the latter to the acrid slimy and dysenteric stools. The Doctor, however, had had no experience with them.

Dr. Ball thought the size of the dose was important in this disease. He succeeded with the high dilutions (thirtieth) where he had failed with the lower. Inquired as to the diet usually given.

Dr. Barlow restricts his patients to three articles: pure milk, cream and beef tea. Is accustomed to use also a cold plunge bath during the febrile stage. The child is stripped, plunged in all over and immediately dried and wrapped up. It refreshes them very much.

Dr. Ball has found cream an excellent article of diet in all disorders of the stomach.

Dr. H. M. Smith exhibited an interesting case of disease originating in Demarara (published in the November number of the REVIEW).

Dr. Ball reported a case of complete fistula of the anus. Inquired if such a case had ever been cured with medicine.

Dr. Hallock had cured two cases of incomplete fistula with Silicea.

Dr. Barlow had a case of incomplete fistula which was improving under the use of Silicea and Iodine tinct., alternately. Knew of one complete case that recovered entirely without any operation. The patient used a decoction of Chelidonium majus and applied externally an ointment of the same, and besides took, once a week, a dose of crude Sulphur. The case got well in six weeks.

Dr. Belchee was appointed to read a paper the next meeting.

Adjourned. J. Mc E. Wetmore, Secretary.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 06, 1862, pages 286-287]

[Description: Hahnemann Academy of Medicine.]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1862]

Homoeopathy in Michigan. — We have received from Dr. E. M. Hale, of Jonesville, Mich., the annual report of the Inspectors of the Michigan State Prison for the year 1862. In the medical report, Dr. J. B. Tuttle, the physician, says:

"It is now three years since the authorities of the prison, taking the lead of all similar institutions in the United States, adopted Homoeopathy as the treatment in the prison hospital.

"A few facts from the hospital record will show some of its fruits in the prison. During the years 1857, 1858 and 1859, under allopathic treatment, there were 39 deaths; there were over 23,000 days labor lost by sickness, and $1,678 expended for hospital stores. The average number of convicts in prison during the three years was 435.

During the years 1860, 1861 and 1862 the average number of prisoners was 544, being 109 more than that of the preceding years, and yet there were only 20 deaths. There were less than 10,000 days labor lost by sickness, and less than $500 expended for hospital stores. The amount saved to the State during these three years can be readily estimated, but the value of lives saved and the amount of suffering alleviated are inestimable."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 08, 1863, page 378]

[Description: The annual report of the Inspectors of the Michigan State Prison for the year 1862.]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1863]

HOMOEOPATHIC PHYSICIANS OF THE RHINE AND WESTPHALIA.

The annual meeting of the above was held at Dortmund, July 31st, 1862.

After an informal meeting on the afternoon of the 30th, in which an order of proceedings for the formal meeting on the next day was agreed upon, but which was chiefly devoted to the interchange of greetings among members, the physicians convened on the 31st.

An essay was presented by Dr. von Boenninghausen on the "Anamnesis of Sycosis" which was ordered to be printed as an appendix to the record of the meeting and also separately, in octavo, for the use of the members.

Dr. von Boenninghausen read also an essay upon "Motion and Best," showing how indispensable are the indications drawn from these two conditions to a proper homoeopathic prescription as well as the great variety of the symptoms which involve these conditions. It was remarked that in reports of cases, these and similar conditions are too often overlooked even by Homoeopathists of reputation.

The subject of allowing remedies to exhaust their action and of the long action of certain remedies, was discussed. Many facts were adduced showing the truth of the latter and the necessity of the former, and this, especially on the ground that the cure is really accomplished not by the primary action but by the secondary action of the drug or rather by the reaction of the vital force, and that hence every unnecessary repetition of an assault upon the vital force must necessarily at least delay the cure.

Dr. Gross, of Barmen, submitted an essay upon Lead colic, Glauber salts and Opium. Whereupon Dr. Hendricks, of Cologne, related a ease of Lead poisoning in a workman in a Coffee factory, in which the process of restoring bad and damaged coffee is carried on, by first washing it and then dyeing with red lead. By this treatment the coffee acquires a fine and quite natural color, and at the same time decidedly poisonous properties.

The fact was again mentioned and attested that the highest potencies are almost always the most efficient antidotes in cases of Cachexies produced by the same drug.

Dr. Stens, of Bonn, related the case of a child, aged nine months, which after allopathic treatment with large doses of Nitrate of silver, appeared thoroughly poisoned by that drug, but was soon completely restored by Belladonna 900. Dr. Boenninghausen then referred to a similar case in which a cerebral inflammation of a high grade in a girl of eight years, was cured by a single dose of Belladonna 2000 (Jenichen), the child having been given up as incurable by her previous attendant, and neither the thirtieth nor the two hundredth of Belladonna having proved of an service.

Dr. Roth, of Crefeld, stated that his own child lay very ill of Inflammation of the Brain and was treated ineffectually with Belladonna, but was cured by Helleborus 300. Dr. Boenninghausen remarked that this remedy was sometimes indicated and saved life, but only in the last stage, when serous exudation has already occurred; especially in cases in which there is stupor and the dominion of the mind over the body is almost suspended — with paleness of the face.

Dr. Stens referred to the dangers arising from the external treatment of cutaneous eruptions, with ointments, etc. Dr. Boenninghausen believed it necessary to add that it is also dangerous to treat such affections simultaneously, externally and internally, even with one and the same remedy, inasmuch as, first, the external treatment is altogether superfluous, and, secondly, it often leads to a false cure or an obscuration of the external and often most important symptoms.

Malignant Tinea capitis was named by several members as an affection that cannot be cured by internal remedies alone, while others affirmed the contrary and adduced facts in support of their statements. Dr. von Boenninghausen, who was among the latter party, remarked that in all local affections of this kind and which are generally poor in symptoms, the symptoms derived from the Anamnesis are deserving of especial attention and that in the affection in question one would rarely succeed or at best, only very slowly, if one neglect to give intercurrent doses of Sulphur or Thuja, or more rarely of Mercurius, according to the Anamnesis and the circumstances.

Dr. Roth stated that he had given Kali carb. with the best results in cases of Pruritus of pregnant women. Dr. von Boenninghausen had had similar good results from Sepia and Thuja; and Dr. Stens from Rhus tox. But, as was remarked, in these, as in all similar statements, everything is general, nothing of an individual character, and which could serve as a characteristic is cited, and the cases lose all value as aids to practice, for in practice, on every occasion the entire mass of symptoms must be taken into account.

Dr. Stens narrated a complete cure of an old cataract by means of Silicea alone, first in the thirtieth and subsequently in higher potencies.

Dr. Hendricks related a very rapid cure of an articular gout (with red, shining swelling), accompanied by hemorrhage of a bright red color, by means of two doses of Sabina. Dr. Baenninghausen remarked that in the few cases of true Podagra which he had treated, Sabina had proved the most efficient remedy, and this fact, coupled with the fact that Sabina produces condylomata, gives room for the suspicion that this disease so much dreaded by our forefathers may have a Sycotic Anamnesis.

Referring to the first number of the Zeiteschrift der Vereines der hom. Aerzte (Esterreichs, by Dr. Eidherr, Dr. Stens objected, and not without reason, that in the long list of one hundred and seven cases of Pneumonia treated, so few characteristic symptoms are given that it is impossible to discover why on the homoeopathic principle, the remedies administered were prescribed. From the work, therefore, on which so much labor was expended, but little is to be learned beyond the conclusion (pp. 164 and 165) drawn from numerical tables that a decided preference is to be given to the higher over the lower potencies.

Dr. Stens further remarked the increasing preference of the higher over the lower potencies, and said that although it must be admitted that the controversy was not closed, yet it could not be denied that the conviction is gaining ground that in by far the majority of cases, and where the remedy is properly selected, the higher potencies repeated only at long intervals do contribute most decidedly to the realization of the motto of Celsus — Cito, tuto et jucunde!

Dr. Petrasch, of Werl, related a case of ulceration of the left lung with sticking pains, speedily and permanently cured by the exclusive use of Lycopodium.

Dr. Hendricks spoke of the summer diarrheas, which were then frequent at Cologne. The stools occurred only in the morning, always renewed by eating fruit and drinking water, but without burning and which were quickly cured by low potencies of Arsenicum. In the practice of Dr. von Baesnninghausen several cases of the kind had occurred, likewise without burning, but preceded by violent cuttings in the abdomen and which, as in former years, were speedily cured by a single dose of Bryonia 200, and did not recur the next time the patient ate fruit.

For the bloody diarrhea of Typhus abdominalis, Dr. Stens recommended Carbo veg.

A debate upon facial Neuralgia led to a discussion of Colocynth, Mezereum, and Verbascum. The result was, first, Colocynth has pains of a cramping nature which are instantaneously diminished or removed by external pressure, but come on all the more violently as soon as the pressure is removed. Second, the Prosopalgia of Mezereum consists in a benumbing pressure in the malar bones and temples, chiefly in the right side, and is almost always connected with a boring in the upper jaw and in the teeth which have decayed on the sides. Third, Verbascum produces a prosopalgia, consisting of a benumbing compression and tension in the zygoma and temple which is renewed by every change of temperature, and especially on passing from the open air into a room.

D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 06, 1862, pages 282-284]

[Description: Homoeopathic Physicians of The Rhine and Westphalia. The annual meeting of the above was held at Dortmund, July 31st, 1862.]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1862]

MISCELLANEOUS.

HOMOEOPATHY BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE Of NEW YORK. — A bill was introduced into the Legislature of the State of New York, to incorporate the State Homoeopathic Medical Society. It was referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs. In reporting it back to the House, the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Bowen, took pains to disclaim any favorable view of Homoeopathy which he pronounced a "sublime charlatanism," and he "challenged its advocates to show that Homoeopathy had made a single improvement in medicine, hygiene or surgery."

It might be sufficient to reply that a State Medical Society is not primarily a Society for purely scientific ends; that it is a necessary part of that organization of the profession which is required by the laws of the State; that there are 300 or 400 homoeopathic practitioners in the State of New York, who are amenable to the laws regulating the practice of medicine and surgery, and who cannot avail themselves of the immunities granted by those laws nor have adequate protection from an unjust application of their restrictions or penalties, except through the operation of a duly incorporated State Medical Society, and that therefore this bill only grants them an indisputable right, a right which would be the same, even could it be clearly proved that "Homoeopathy has not made a single improvement in medicine, hygiene, or surgery."

But while thus showing the irrelevancy of this ground of opposition to the bill of incorporation, we very willingly accept the Doctor's challenge and shall proceed to show that Homoeopathy has introduced most valuable improvements, directly in medicine and indirectly in hygiene and surgery.

We consider that the most important improvement in medicine that could be introduced, would be a method of treatment which should diminish the mortality and abridge the duration of acute diseases, and should cure such chronic diseases as have been hitherto regarded as incurable. And as we shall show that Homoeopathy has done this, we claim that the introduction of Homoeopathy itself is a most valuable improvement in medicine.

What witnesses shall we call? Of the 30,000 practitioners of medicine and surgery in the United States, 3000 are Homoeopathists. Of this number, at least 2500 have studied in Allopathic Colleges and have practiced allopathically for a longer or shorter period. The very fact that these men have abandoned the old method in spite of all the restraining influences of prejudice, association, esprit de corps, and the certain temporary loss of consideration and of income, furnishes the very strongest evidence in favor of the superior claims of Homoeopathy in the cure of disease. For what other consideration could have induced these men to forsake the old method of practice?

In addition to this presumptive evidence, we have the positive statement of homoeopathic practitioners, both in hospital and private practice, to the effect that their cures are both more numerous and more speedily accomplished than in similar cases under allopathic treatment whether in hospitals or private practice. These are the homoeopathic statistics.

But with an extraordinary assumption of superior virtue on their own part, and a most indecent ascription of insincerity to the Homoeopathists, our friends, the Allopaths, refuse to admit the testimony of Homoeopathists on the subject of the efficacy of homoeopathic treatment. They reject the testimony of those alone who have had opportunities of forming a practical judgment of the merits of the method. They require what would seem to be an absurdity in terms — that an Allopathist should testify to the superior efficacy of homoeopathic treatment, the witness remaining an Allopath. Should his testimony convince him and lead him to avow himself a Homoeopathist, this avowal would at once deprive his testimony of all weight in the judgment of the old school.

But monstrous as this requirement seems to be, we are able to meet it and we shall bring allopathic witnesses of the very highest rank in the profession to testify to the efficacy of homoeopathic treatment.

The late Sir John Forbes, Physician to the Queen, so long Editor of The B.&F. Medico-Chirugical Review, speaking, in 1846, of the statistics of Fleischmann's Homoeopathic Hospital in Vienna, says, "not merely do we see thus cured — all the slighter diseases, whether acute or chronic which most men of experience know to be readily susceptible of cure under every variety of treatment and under no treatment at all, but even all the severer and more dangerous diseases, which most physicians of whatever school have been accustomed to consider as not only needing the interposition of art to assist nature in bringing them to a favorable and speedy termination, but as demanding the employment of prompt and strong measures to prevent a fatal issue in a considerable proportion of cases. * * * We cannot refuse to admit the accuracy of Dr. Fleischmann's statements as to matters of fact." Now what is the purport of Dr. Fleischmann's statistics. Mr. W. R. Wilde, of Dublin, the distinguished Oculist and Aurist; Author of a work on Aural Surgery, testifies as follows in his work on Austria: Its Literary, Scientific and Medical Institutions, &c.; Dublin, 1843. page 277: — "Whatever the opponents of this system may put forward against it, I am bound to say, and I am far from being a homoeopathic practitioner, that the cases I saw treated by it in the Vienna Hospital (Dr. Fleischmann's), were fully as acute and virulent as those which have come under my observation elsewhere; and the statistics show that the mortality is much less than in the other hospitals of that city. Knolz, the Austrian proto-medicus, has published those for 1838, which exhibit a mortality of but five or six percent, while three similar institutions on the allopathic plan, enumerated before it in the same tables, show a mortality as high as from eight to ten percent."

To these very high authorities we may add the unexceptional testimony of Dr. Routh, who in his work on The Fallacies of Homoeopathy gives the following comparative statistical table and admits its substantial correctness;

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT.

ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT.

Pneumonia — deaths percent, . . 9.7

deaths percent, . . 24.0

Pleuritis — " " . . 3.0

" " . . 13.0

Peritonitis — " " . . 4.0

" " . . 13.0

Dysentery — " " . . 3.0

" " . . 22.0

Typhus — " " . . 15.0

" " . . 19.0

All other diseases " " . . 4.4

" " . . 8.5

On the testimony of these three witnesses we might rest the case, and reasonably claim that a method of treating disease which causes a reduction of 50 percent. in the general mortality of all acute diseases, is indeed an "improvement in medicine."

But one cannot fail to ask why did not Sir John Forbes, and Dr. Wilde and Dr. Routh become Homoeopathists, convinced by their own testimony? This will be answered by a review of the modes in which they account for the admitted practical superiority of homoeopathic treatment.

Sir John Forbes affirms that these statistics do not show any absolute power of homoeopathic treatment over disease, but only a comparative power, when placed side by side with Allopathic treatment. He admits the superiority of the former, but contends that the cures are due not to homoeopathic remedies but to Nature, and affirms that if homoeopathic statistics could be compared with statistics of diseases treated by hygienic means alone, the former would show no superiority over the latter. He admits further the inevitable inference from this statement, viz.: — that the excess of mortality under allopathic treatment over that under homoeopathic treatment is directly due to the positively mischievous nature of the Allopathic methods, and he affirms that "in this respect, if in no other, the doctrine of Hahnemann will have conferred an inestimable blessing on the healing art," in that, being a system which essentially leaves diseases to the operation of nature, we must regard it as a grand experiment in therapeutics, &c., &c." In the same sense he speaks of Homoeopathy as "destined to be the remote, if not the immediate cause of more important fundamental changes in the practice of the healing art than have resulted from any promulgated since the days of Galen himself."

If this be the judgment of so eminent a man as Sir John Forbes, would it be well, Dr. Bowen, to place any Legislative obstacle in the way of this means of improvement to the medical art?

Dr. Routh likewise denies the efficiency of homoeopathic medicines, but accounts for the admitted success of the treatment by ascribing to its practitioners superior hygienic management both moral and physical. He thus concedes to Homoeopathy an improvement in hygiene, while denying that it is an advance in medicine proper — that is to say in Therapeutics. It is not, we suppose a source of distress to our patients if it be true that we do cure by superior applications of hygiene, provided only we cure them.

Why Mr. Wilde did not become a Homoeopathist after the voluntary testimony in favor of the system which we have quoted, we certainly cannot say. Far be it from us to undertake to account for the mental inconsistencies of one of that wonderfully gifted and erratic nation. Whoever has had the good fortune to attend his clinique at St. Marks, in Dublin, must have perceived how thoroughly he possesses the mental characteristic of an Irishman — the power to draw untenable conclusions from impossible premises; and we infer from his dealings with Homoeopathy, the converse is equally characteristic — the inability to draw inevitable conclusions from indisputable premises.

Improvement in medicine may be negative or positive. A negative improvement would be a demonstration of the mischievous character of methods of practice heretofore in vogue. A positive improvement would be the introduction of some method which would reduce the rate of mortality below that of former methods of both active and of expectant treatment

Sir John Forbes has testified most emphatically to the valuable negative improvement which Homoeopathy has introduced in medicine. For in addition to what has already been quoted, he says that to Homoeopathy chiefly we owe a knowledge of the fact that "in a considerable portion of diseases it would fare as well or better with patients, in the actual condition of the medical art, as now generally practiced, if all remedies, at least all active remedies especially drugs, were abandoned." Is not this negative improvement to which Sir John Forbes says medicine is indebted to Homoeopathy of sufficient value to entitle Homoeopathists to recognition at the hands of the State? How valuable Sir John Forbes thought it we may gather from the fact that he accounted by it for the difference of statistics in favor of Homoeopathy — a difference according to Dr. Routh of 50 percent.

But in addition to the general improvement in medicine which their method of applying facts not originally discovered by themselves involves, Homoeopathists claim to have made positive special improvement in medicine. The use of Belladonna in Scarlatina, of Camphor and Veratrum in Epidemic cholera, of Arsenic in sporadic cholera, of Aconite in the early stage of acute inflammation, will serve as instances most familiar to the public; and the value of these improvements is made evident by the extent to which they are borrowed and adopted without acknowledgement by Allopaths. (See discussion in the New York Academy of Medicine on Belladonna in Scarlatina, 1861.) We shall have occasion in speaking of Surgery to mention the use of Aconite and Belladonna in Erysipelas as special improvements, for which medicine is indebted to Homoeopathy.

So much for that part of Dr. Bowen's challenge, which relates to improvements in medicine.

Is medicine indebted to Homoeopathy for an improvement in Hygiene? Let it never be forgotten that Homoeopathy has, in some way or other, reduced the average mortality of acute disease, some 35 to 50 per cent. However it may be accounted for, the fact is granted. Sir John Forbes admits it; Mr. Wilde affirms it; Dr. Routh concedes it. Does it accomplish this by positively curing a greater number than the Allopaths do, or by abstaining from sundry fatal practices to which the Allopaths are given, or by mystically managing the patients by some weird magic called Hygiene and coaxing them to get well? Sir John Forbes adopts the second supposition. Dr. Routh contends for the third. The Homoeopathists are fain to plead guilty to both charges. They admit their guiltlessness of the nefarious practices of bleeding and purging, blistering and otherwise tormenting into untimely graves that luckless 50 percent of patients. They confess to a stricter and better hygienic management of their patients than their old school brethren practice; and in addition they claim no inconsiderable amount of positive cures. In reply to the challenge respecting improvements in Hygiene they refer to Dr. Routh, and Dr. Bowen may take his choice of the methods of accounting for the superior success of the homoeopathic treatment. If he ascribe it to superior medical attainments we shall be content; if, with Dr. Routh, to an enlightened hygiene, we shall strive to bear the judgment meekly, and give him our best wishes in his study of our improvements in that branch of medical science.

But what about Surgery?

Strictly speaking, Homoeopathy and Surgery have nothing in common; for the former comes within the domain of Therapeutics alone, while Surgery is a mechanical art totally distinct from Therapeutics. Practically, however, every surgical case requires more or less therapeutic management in addition to the mechanical operations of the surgeon, but in so far as the surgeon applies therapeutics he ceases to be a distinctive surgeon, and exercises the functions of a medical practitioner and can avail himself of the improvements, be they positive, negative, or hygienic, which medicine owes to Homoeopathy Among the complications in the way of disease to which surgical patients are liable, none is more common or more formidable than erysipelas. Homoeopathists have testified again and again to the efficacy of their treatment in this dreaded disease. But our candid brethren of the other way of practice have a pleasant way of ignoring our testimony. Let us remind them, as the best way of responding to Dr. Bowen's challenge on this point, of the remarks of the late Mr. Liston, whose name is second to none on the list of English surgeons. They are found in The London Lancet, Feb. 6th and 13th, and April 16th, 1836:

"Erysipelas of Head. — Mary Pecks, aged thirty-two, admitted 21st January, 1836, with severe erysipelas of head and face, under care of Mr. Liston. One grain of Belladonna in sixteen ounces of water: two table-spoonfuls every three hours. On the 24th was convalescent: In going round, Mr. Liston said, this was one of the most satisfactory and rapid cures of erysipelas he had ever seen, the disease entirely, though not suddenly, disappearing in the course of a very few days. He was inclined to attribute this to the treatment, both general and local, which had been adopted, but more particularly to the Belladonna. This, the students might be aware, was given on the homoeopathic principle, the doses only being somewhat increased. They had all probably seen the good effects of Aconite and some of the other remedies employed by the advocates of Homoeopathy. The Aconite has superseded bleeding in many cases in this hospital."

Speaking of another and similar case Mr. Liston says, "In twenty-four hours the disease had quite disappeared. Of course we cannot pretend to say positively in what way this effect is produced, but it seems to act almost by magic; however, so long as we benefit our patients by the treatment we pursue, we have no right to condemn the principles upon which this treatment is recommended and pursued. You know that this medicine is recommended by the Homoeopathists in this affection, because it produces on the skin a fiery eruption or efflorescence, accompanied by inflammatory fever. Similia similibus curantur say they. They give in cases where a good night's rest is required, those substances which generally, in healthy subjects, produce great restlessness, instead of exhibiting as others do, those medicines termed sedatives. It is like driving out one devil by sending in another. I believe in the Homoeopathic doctrines to a certain extent, but I cannot as yet, from inexperience on the subject, go the length its advocates would wish, in as far as regards the very minute doses of some of their medicines. The medicines in the above cases were certainly given in much smaller doses than have hitherto ever been prescribed. The beneficial effects, as you witnessed, are unquestionable. I have, however, seen similar good effects of the Belladonna prepared according to Homoeopathic Pharmacopeia in a case of very severe erysipelas of the head and face under the care of my friend Dr. Quin. The inflammatory symptoms and local signs disappeared with great rapidity. Without adopting the theory of this medical sect, you ought not to reject its doctrines without due examination and inquiry." And this advice which Mr. Liston thought proper to give to his students, it would be well for Dr. Bowen to heed before he reports again to the Legislature.

Sir John Forbes, Mr. Wilde, Dr. Routh and Mr. Liston testify that Homoeopathy has made important improvements in medicine, hygiene and the therapeutic department of surgery.

But the great object of all medical treatment is to shorten disease and to save life, and it chiefly concerns the public to know that the first three high authorities of the old school unite in testifying that under Homoeopathic treatment the mortality of acute diseases is diminished some 80 to 60 percent! This is a kind of improvement in medicine which every one can appreciate, and surely it constitutes a valid claim to share in all the privileges of incorporation under the laws of the State. DUNHAM.

____________

Homoeopathic Medical Society of the Stats or New York — On the 15th of May, 1850, a number of homoeopathic physicians from different parts of the State met at Albany, and organized a society entitled as above. This Society was never incorporated, and the meetings after being held semi-annually for several years were discontinued.

The Legislature of this State had, in 1806, granted a charter to a State Medical Society, to be composed of permanent members and delegates from County Societies; an act for the formation of the latter in each County of the State having passed the Legislature the same year. This State Society in a few years became, as all such are too apt to do, a mere political machine and assumed to dictate to the Legislature the passage of laws concerning the practice of medicine and surgery in the State. With the ostensible purpose of suppressing quackery, they were enabled to persecute all who differed with them in practice.

It was not many years before the Legislature repealed the obnoxious laws and homoeopathic physicians were not interfered with in their practice, although they were not recognized and had no legal organization. In 1857, however, the Legislature passed an act authorizing the formation of County Homoeopathic Medical Societies with the same rights and privileges as granted to the old school.

In the winter of 1860-1 through the indefatigable exertions of Dr. H. M. Paine, the subject of a State homoeopathic organization was brought before the Legislature, a charter drawn up and a meeting of the homoeopathic physicians held in Albany, in February, 1861. Through some informality in the bill, however, it did not pass,

As the old organization had not been kept up, a new constitution was adopted, officers elected and a voluntary informal association formed. Again last winter another application was made for a charter, and, in expectation of receiving it, a meeting was held in Albany, on the 18th of February last. Under the constitution adopted the year before, officers were elected and committees chosen for the ensuing year. This meeting also was premature for the charter, afterwards granted, which we publish below, specified the sixth day of May as the time when delegates should meet and organize. The Homoeopathic physicians in this State have now a legal status exactly the same as the old school. S.

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

The people of the State of New York represented in Senate and Assembly do enact as follows:

Section 1. It shall be lawful for each of the County Homoeopathic Medical Societies incorporated under the Session Laws of 1857, chapter 884, to elect by ballot, at their annual meeting, or at a special meeting to be held for that purpose, on fire days notice, from their members respectively, as many delegates to a State Homoeopathic Medical Society to be organized under this act, as there are members of Assembly from such county.

Sec. 2 Said delegates shall meet together for their first meeting at the city of Albany, on the sixth day of May, 1862. and being met, not less than nine in number may elect by ballot a President, three Vice-Presidents, a Secretary and Treasurer, who shall hold their office for one year, and until others shall be chosen in their places. If the said delegates should not meet and organize themselves at such time and place as aforesaid, it shall be lawful for them to meet at such other time and place as a majority of them shall think proper, and their proceedings shall be as valid as if such meeting had been held at the time and place before specified.

SEC. 3. Such delegates when met together as aforesaid, and such persons as shall be elected in like manner from time to time by said County Medical Societies in accordance with this act, shall constitute a body politic and corporate, to be known as the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York. Such Society shall be subject to all the liabilities, and entitled to all the powers and privileges of the Medical Society of the State of New York, incorporated under the act entitled "An Act to incorporate Medical Societies for the purpose of regulating the Practice of Physic and Surgery in this State," passed April 10th, 1813, and the acts amendatory of the same not inconsistent with this act, and shall also possess the powers and be subject to the provisions and liabilities of the eighteenth chapter of the first part of the Revised Statutes.

SEC. 4. This act is hereby declared to be a public act.

SEC. 5. All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act are hereby repealed.

SEC. 6. This act shall take effect immediately.

Homoeopathy in Chili. — We make the following interesting extract from a letter of Dr. Benite Harcia Fernandes, in The Bulletin de la Societe Homoeopathique (March, 1862): "In Santiago, Chili, there are two homoeopathic physicians, Dr. Cobo and Dr. Fernandez; in Valparaiso three, Dr. Bruner, a German, Dr. Guipuscoan, who was for ten years physician in the Chilian army, and Dr. Gerbeau; in Coquento, Dr. Bruner, brother of the physician of the same name in Valparaiso. Moreover the landholders and the clergy in most settlements of the republic treat the poor in their neighborhood homoeopathically. Among these practising laymen, the Bi-hop of Conception is distinguished by his seal and his intelligent devotion to the cause.

"Dr. Fernandez has, for the last ten years, in connection with his friend, Dr. Cobo, conducted a dispensary in Valparaiso, which was erected by the Government. During this period of ten years these two physicians have made 280,000 prescriptions which gives an average of 28,000 a year. * * *

"In the year 1853," says Dr. Fernandez, "the President of the Republic, with his ministers, made a tour, and he honored us with an invitation to accompany him. During the journey, my occupation consisted in giving gratuitously to the poor who consulted me, advice and medicines. The concourse was so great that I once saw in a single day from 400 to 500 patients."

Allg. Hom. Zeit., Vol.64, p. 152.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 01, 1862, pages 40-48]

[Description: Miscellaneous.]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1862]

MISCELLANEOUS.

Arsenical Paper-Hangings. — Newspapers and periodicals have frequently of late years called attention to the deleterious influence of the Arsenical emanations from Green Paper-Hangings, on the health of those who occupy apartments furnished with such wall paper. In the April number of the British Journal of Homoeopathy for the current year, Dr. Dudgeon gives the details of seven cases which have come under his personal observation. They present various forms of derangement characteristic of the action of Arsenic, and some of them are so remarkable as to warrant our quoting them.

1. "Disease began to prevail among all the members of a family, who, hitherto, had been comparatively healthy. The mother, aged 38, was affected with languor, inability to go about her usual avocations, total loss of appetite, frequent sickness and headache. The oldest daughter, her step-child, aged about 40, was much more seriously ill, she had violent attacks of cough with copious expectoration, a peculiar neuralgic pain in the left arm that took her suddenly after meals, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, frequent diarrhea, extreme debility and constant exhausting menorrhagia at the menstrual period. The other two children were subject to unaccountable. attacks of pain in the abdomen, sickness and debility. Another member of the family, who resided generally at Brighton, was always affected with abdominal pains when she stayed a day or two at her father's house in London. — Those of the family who resided in London, got immediately much better when they went for a day or two into the country.

"Visiting at the house one day, I observed that the room I was shown into had a bright green arsenical paper, and on enquiry I found that every room in the house was hung with arsenical paper. I learned also on investigation that the ill health of the family was coincident in time with the hanging of these brilliant papers in their rooms. The papers were removed at my request. The change was followed by an almost immediate cessation of the gastric and abdominal symptoms of all the family. The case of menorrhagia did not derive such palpable benefit; for though the gastric symptoms were removed, the menorrhagia recurred as violently as ever and was attended with an edematous state of the eyelids, often closing up the eyes for a day or two. I cannot say that the menorrhagia was caused by the poisonous paper-hangings, for she had been subject to it for years, but it seemed that since she had been exposed to their influence, the menorrhagia had certainly increased in intensity and was attended by the edematous symptoms which was not formerly the case."* * * * *

2. "A young lady of 19, who lived in an apartment hung with a bright Schweinfurt green paper had several very severe gastric attacks, one of which almost amounted to gastric fever. They were marked by violent burning pains in the bowels, increased to sharp pain on pressure, tongue thickly furred, anorexia, great thirst. The worst attack lasted a week. She changed her residence, but oddly enough again took up her abode in an arsenical room. She here became affected with a peculiar skin disease. The skin of her neck, bosom, and shoulders was covered with a rough, cracked-looking, dirty brownish-red eruption which burned and itched. She frequently took cold in her head, during which the itching and burning of the rash were always very much increased. After residing some months in this room, she again removed and went to the country where she speedily improved. This eruption, as well as the gastric attacks, I am disposed to attribute to the influence of the arsenical poisoning."

6. "A few weeks since I was consulted by a woman, aged 41, nurse in a family at Kingston-on-Thames. Soon after coming to live with the family where she was now, about two and a half years since, she became affected with attacks of ague, which have continued ever since. They were generally of the quotidian type, but sometimes became tertian, and she has never been a week without one. All that time she has been subject to almost constant burning in the epigastrium, frequent attacks of faintness, often nearly amounting to syncope. Diarrhea, pain in the bowels, sickness and vomiting were often present. Before coming to Kingston she had some spots of lepra on her arms; since then the eruption has very much increased and has extended to her face. The room in which she has slept all this time is covered with an arsenical paper. She has now left this room for four days, but is still faint and occasionally sick and has not yet lost her ague fits.

"She never resided in an aguish district nor knew what ague was before sleeping in this room, and Kingston is not supposed to be an aguish place. — A child belonging to the family has occasionally slept in the room with her, but each time it did so was affected with sickness, violent vomiting and fainting."

Dr. Dudgeon remarks respecting the seven cases of which he gives the details: "It will be observed that the symptoms in the above cases varied considerably, but were all truly characteristic symptoms of arsenical poisoning. In Borne it was the gastric and intestinal mucous membrane that was most affected; in others the respiratory organs suffered most, in several the skin was attacked; and the case numbered six was a most perfect specimen of ague, which,. as far as I could trace, had no other cause than the arsenical room."

We are inclined to think that the menorrhagia which was so marked a symptom in two of the seven cases, might also be ascribed either in its origin or in its marked aggravation, to the action of the arsenical exhalation at least, if we may judge this, from the great success we have met with in treating passive menorrhagia with Arsenicum, in cases which presented other characteristic symptoms of Arsenicum. Information on the subject of poisoning from Arsenical Paper-Hangings, may be found in the July number of The American Medical Journal, 1861, where Mr. Carey Lee shows that "the greater part of green wall-papers, green borders and green window shades are colored with Scheele's green or Schweinfurt green, both preparations of Arsenic. He adds, "It is a common idea that the quantity of this substance used in coloring is so small that its poisonous character is unimportant. This is a grave error." Mr. Lee obtained, by precipitating with Nitrate of silver, from two square inches of material prepared for window shades, no less than six grains of the yellow compound of Arsenious acid with silver. If we suppose this to be the salt, 3 Ag. O, As. O_3 described by Filhol: it corresponds to a quantity of arsenious acid, which, in an ordinary window shade, three feet by eight, would amount to no less than a third of a pound avoidupois! When a room is papered with paper colored with arsenic, it is safe to say that many pounds of this deleterious substance are spread over the walls.

While on the subject of unhealthy paper-hangings, it may not be improper to state that the atmosphere of a room, especially of a bed-chamber may be rendered exceedingly unwholesome by decomposition of the paste or mucilage used for the purpose of attaching the paper to the wall. The writer was called several years ago to prescribe for a lad who complained of general prostration and gastric derangement, and who presented symptoms of incipient typhoid fever. He said he always felt much worse in the morning, and when I suggested that he should abstain from exertion and should rest a good deal, he expressed a great and unaccountable aversion to his bedroom, and stated moreover that a sister who had formerly occupied it had been similarly affected with himself and had expressed a similar aversion to the room. I requested to be conducted to the apartment, and found it well situated and of good size, but was struck by a peculiarly sickening and unpleasant odor which pervaded it. Without forming any distinct theory on the subject I approached the wall and thought I perceived the odor more strongly. I then with a penknife cut away a portion of the wall-paper, when it appeared that the paste was in a state of moist putrefaction and exceedingly offensive. The paper had been applied about six months before. It was at once removed, and the wall scraped and white washed. The lad's unpleasant symptoms soon vanished and the chamber became sweet and habitable. Dunham.

Ingolee. — To the Editors of the American Homoeopathic Review, Gentlemen: I have received the following letter from the Rev. A. Abbott, who is on duty as a missionary in India. Mr. Abbott has turned Homoeopathy to good account for several years among the natives of India. His letter will speak for itself. With the letter came a vial of the stings alluded to, which are now preparing for provings. Respectfully yours, Ac, Otis Clapp.

Boston, August 12th, 1862.

Rahoore (India), March 27th, 1862.

My Dear Mr. Clapp: I have the pleasure of sending you the Stings of the Black Scorpion or "Ingolee." I am desirous that its properties should be proved.

I have made use of it prepared homoeopathically, for the Guinea Worm, with perfect success. I have treated upward of thirty cases, and so far as I know, where the remedy has been used according to directions it has always proved successful. I give it internally twice a day, and apply externally a wet bandage moistened with the solution of the same. A cure is affected in from five to twelve days. In a few instances a cure has been effected in three days — When no medicine is taken the patient is usually laid up for a month or six weeks. The allopathic doctors have no remedy for it, and the natives have a proverb "one Guinea Worm and a thousand remedies," which means one Guinea Worm a match for a thousand remedies.

The Black Scorpion differs from the Common Scorpion, and the effects of the sting last much longer. They are abundant here, and I can supply the world with them.

Perhaps some of the physicians in the city or elsewhere would ascertain its properties, and I shall feel greatly obliged if you will bring it to their notice.

If I can serve the cause by sending any other medicinal drug or plant, I shall be most happy to do so. Yours truly, A. Abbott.

We know nothing of the Guinea Worm, and give the above an insertion that we may learn something about it, and also as an evidence that Homoeopathy is not unknown in India. S.

Diseased Cattle. — Dr. Tuthill Massy communicates the following to the London Homoeopathic Review for July, 1862:

"In a report just issued by the Registrar-General of Scotland, he calls the attention of the public to the fact that ever since pleuro-pneumonia broke out among the cattle of this country a few years since, the returns of mortality have shown that carbuncle, a disease formerly very rare, has become comparatively common. Dr. Livingston observed in Africa that if the flesh of animals who die from pleuro-pneumonia is eaten it causes carbuncle in the persons who eat it, and that neither boiling nor roasting the flesh nor cooking it in any way gets rid of the poison. It is true that if such cattle are ever sold for food they are killed before they fall victims to the disease naturally, but still the poison is in them. The report suggests, as a subject for inquiry, whether the new form of disease which we term diphtheria may not be partially induced by the use of diseased flesh."

The above paragraph was taken from The Time,, where it will get no doubt a world-wide circulation; yet it may escape the eye of many whose attention to the subject would be of great moment, particularly when we remember that boils and carbuncles prevailed very much during the spread of pleuro-pneumonia' among cattle; and the conclusion at which one would thereby be likely to arrive is, that the one follows the other. I have spoken to some large farmers on this subject, and their belief is, that when the epidemic first appears among cattle, "all those taken with it ought to be instantly sent to the butcher, before the disease gets into the blood."Now I question very much the propriety of so doing; for are not the early symptoms the direct evidence of the poison in the blood?

All admit with shame that such cattle are not even fit for dogs, when the lungs become disorganized.

I have little more to say on this subject, except that an honest butcher is as essential as an "honest attorney."

Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung. — On the 1st July, 1862, appeared the first number of the sixty-fifth volume of this periodical, the oldest Homoeopathic Journal in the world. It was begun in 1832 under the editorial charge of Gross, Hartmann and Runnel, to whose successful management the present editor, Dr. Veit Meyer, in his opening number, pays an appreciative and well-deserved tribute

It is equally true that under his own care the Journal has in no respect depreciated. With the happy faculty of avoiding affiliations with cliques and parties, of preserving an elevated and courteous tone, of sinking personal considerations where science alone is the proper subject of discussion, of obtaining for the pages of his Journal expression of the views of all the working-men of our school, so as to make it what its name implies a "General Homoeopathic Journal,;' Dr. Meyer has shown himself so richly endowed as to have gained for himself and his Journal the confidence of our school in all countries, and an influence surpassing that of any other periodical. It is most earnestly hoped that a long and successful career may still lie before our esteemed Colleague in his editorial position. D.

OBITUARY.

J. P. TESSIER. — Died, in Paris, May 16, 1862, in the 52d year of his age, Dr. J. P. Tessier.

This announcement will fill the hearts of homoeopathic practitioners everywhere with keen regret. One of our most successful, most learned, most influential colleagues has been suddenly removed from our midst, in the very noonday of his career.

Dr. Tessier was regarded at the period of his graduation as one of the most able of the young physicians of Paris. As soon as he had reached the prescribed age, he competed for the position of hospital physician, and after a most brilliant "concours," and a triumphant success, he was appointed to the Hospital Ste. Marguerite, an annexe of Hotel Dieu. His colleagues in this hospital were Valliex and Jobert. At the same time he occupied the position of agrege professor of the Ecole pratique.

During his service at Ste. Marguerite Dr. Tessier's attention was attracted to the subject of Homoeopathy, and he proceeded at once to study carefully and at length the writings of Hahnemann and his pupils. Convinced by these of the essential truth of the doctrines of Homoeopathy, he submitted the method to a careful practical test The thorough and conscientious manner in which this last was accomplished may be beet exhibited in his own words.

"After the preliminary study of the writings of Hahnemann and his pupils, I read several collections of observations on the treatment of particular diseases according to this method. Having thus possessed myself of the spirit of the formula similia, similibus curantur, it remained for me now to determine the action of medicines in infinitesimal doses. I devoted six months to this clinical verification in acute and chronic cases, in which experiments of this kind could not in any way injure the patients entrusted to my care. At the end of a few days, the evidence of this action was complete. I nevertheless persevered in experimenting upon this single fact for the space of six months. It was not until after the lapse of this period that I proceeded to investigate the therapeutic value of the new method, applied as vigorously as I could apply it.... I cannot express the anguish which these first experiments caused me. [They were confined to cases of Pneumonia.] In spite of my explicit instructions (to the house physician) to have recourse to blood-letting if the condition of the patient should become aggravated; in spite of my repeated visits to my patients, I seemed to myself always on the eve of witnessing and having to deplore some terrible catastrophe. Nothing of the sort happened; the patients first submitted to the treatment all recovered, and several were very rapidly relieved of suffering. In the space of more than two years only one has died. Two other patients died, but they were received into my wards when in the death agony of a purulent pneumonia. If they figure of right in my statistics, yet they cannot enter into the discussion of therapeutics. Since this time I have employed the same treatment in a great many cases of pneumonia, and my early fears have been gradually dissipated. I desire to say no more; the facts may now speak for themselves... These facts are clinical records published just as they were furnished me by the internes who have succeeded each other in my service. They have, as such, an authenticity which I prefer to all the embellishments which an editor might impose upon them. I can say — See what young physicians, learned and conscientious, have observed under my supervision; they have, in narrating the facts, no other interests but those of truth. I will add that it was our interest rather to shut our eyes; to find the method of Hahnemann inefficacious and illusory. How many insults and injuries of all sorts had I, in that case, avoided;"*[Recherches cliniques sur le traitement de la Pneumonia et du cholera suivant la la methode de Hahnemann, &c. par le Dr. J. P. Tessier. Bailliere: Paris. 1850.]

In comparison with these experiments, which occupied several years, and were preceded by long and laborious studies of Hahnemann's writings both theoretical and practical, how contemptible were the flippant caricatures of experiments in La Pitie to which, though they were really conducted and published by his interne, M. Maxime Vernon, Andral lent the sanction of his name, and which consisted in the administration of but a single dose of a single remedy in each of 64 cases selected at random, and with regard to which we have no details to show whether the remedy given was rightly selected or not, but only enough to make it evident that in several cases at least the diagnosis was faulty†[† e. g. A case diagnosticated as "Gastritis," and for which Aconite 24 was prescribed. "Next day the small pox eruption appeared." This is recorded as one of the non-cures.] and the prescription nonsensical!

The results of Tessier's essays were made public in 1850, in a work entitled "Recherches cliniques sur la traitement de la Pneumonia et du Cholera suiv-ant la methode de Hahnemann."

It created a great sensation in Paris; for here was a heresy within the pale of the medical sanctuary — a pestilence had broken out inside the cordon sanitaire — a leper was at large among the-people. The cry was raised at once — "Unclean! unclean!" and the Executive Committee of hospital physicians was convened to consider the question of expelling Tessier from the hospital staff. The writer was in Paris at the time, in daily attendance in Tessier's wards, and well recollects the excitement. The discussion of the Committee, as briefly reported in the Gazette des Hopitoux, was stormy, and as to the denunciation of Homoeopathy, was sufficiently unanimous to indicate, the orthodoxy, of the Committee. But when it came to the practical question of expelling a physician from the hospital staff because of an innovation in practice, there arose a practical difficulty! Such a precedent in Paris would involve too sweeping a train of sequences. For who could make greater innovations or sadder ones for the patients, than Bouillaud with his bleedings "coup sur coup," or Piorry with his immense doses of Quinine, or Chomel with his eclecticism, or Louis with his "Great expectations" — and these men were all members of the Committee! The discussion was ended by the argument attributed to Chomel, substantially as follows: "Physicians are not appointed on the hospital staff until they have proved their fitness for the post, and we cannot deny our colleague's fitness. They cannot be dismissed except for bad behavior. If we decide the adoption of a novel mode of treatment to be bad behavior, we not only implicate ourselves, for we have all introduced novelties into our treatment of diseases, but we erect a barrier to all progress in medicine, and destroy the freedom of the practitioner. We cannot then, without establishing a dangerous precedent, expel a physician unless we can show that his new method has clearly and unquestionably increased the mortality of his patients beyond that of any other physicians. Unfortunately, colleagues, for of course I detest and despise Homoeopathy, the records of Dr. Tessier'e practice show a more favorable result than those of any other hospital. We cannot therefore interfere with him."

Tessier was not officially interfered with — but was given over to those delicate courtesies Of malevolent misrepresentation and detraction at which our brethren of the old school are so happy — the impotent thongs with which they lash the tide of our progress!

Having failed to crush, they concluded to ignore Tessier. His very existence and that of his hospital were denied in a New York Medical Journal in 1856, a medical correspondent sojourning in Paris asserting that, so far was the statement of the Homoeopathists respecting the practice of Homoeopathy by Tessier in Ste. Marguerite from being true, that in fact there was no such hospital as Ste. Marguerite in Paris! Candid and ingenuous correspondent! It is true there was at that time no Hospital Ste. Marguerite — because in 1854 Ste. Marguerite, which was formerly 89 Rue de Charenton, had been pulled down along with several contiguous buildings, and on their site was being constructed the new Hospital Ste. Eugenie, for sick children. But what be same of Tessier? Why, in the regular course of promotion, he had been advanced to the posittou of physician to Hopital Beaujon, 208 Rue du Faubourg St. Honore, where the sapient correspondent of the New York Medical Journal might have found him still practising Homoeopathy, and where in 1855 the writer had the pleasure of renewing his acquaintance with him, and. of again following his practice. He was subsequently advanced to the post of physician to the Hopital des Enfans Malades, which position he occupied until the development of the disease which caused his death.

Soon after the publication of his "Recherches Cliniques," Dr. Tessier founded the medical journal "L'Art Medical." in which his writings contributed much towards the establishment of Homoeopathy on a scientific basis — more perhaps than has yet been perceived even by Homoeopathists. A review of his writings and a survey and estimate of his views and modes of practice would be a most valuable contribution to our literature. But labors such as these belong to a period less filled with sorrow than that in which we first hear of his untimely death. It becomes us now rather to offer to his memory the tribute of unfeigned admiration for the honesty of purpose, the moral courage, the clearness, breadth and depth of intellectual action, the moderation and the benignity which were so conspicuous in his career. DUNHAM.

DR. CARL HAUBOLD. — We have to lament the decease of a Colleague whose name has been for many years associated with those which have been most universally honored in our school. Dr. Carl Haubold, of Leipsic, died June 8th, 1862.

He graduated with distinguished honors in the University of Leipsic in 1821, and soon attained a large and lucrative practice being assisted thereto by the prominent position of his father's family in the community. By the influence of Drs. Moritz Muller, Hartmann and Franz, he was induced to investigate Homoeopathy, and as always happens where such investigations are under taken in an honest and docile spirit, he soon became an enthusiastic adherent of the Hahnemannian system.

His abilities and acquirements gave him soon a prominent position among the Homoeopathists, and his genial disposition, his moderation and courtesy, and his strict sense of justice enabled him to preserve a middle position between the two opposing parties into which Hahnenmann's early friends most unfortunately divided, and in 1833 he was the means of effecting a reconciliation between Hahnemann and those of his pupils who had so deeply offended him. Dr. Haubold continued in the active practice of his profession until the beginning of the year 1861, when he began to feel the effects of the malady to which he finally succumbed. D.

___________

FEWSTER ROBERT HORNER, M.D. — We learn from the London Homoeopathic Review of the death of Dr. Horner, which took place at his residence in Hull, June 6th, at the age of 59 years.

For many years Dr. Horner had occupied a conspicuous position in Hull, both as a medical and public man, and had acquired considerable reputation as a Naturalist and Botanist. We copy from The Review:

"Dr. Horner had been declining for sometime. He had some obscure heart disease; but his liver and stomach suffered also; and his whole system had long been prostrate. General dropsy supervened and for several nights before he departed this life he could not lie down."

Dr. Horner was well known to the homoeopathic profession as the author of the able pamphlet entitled Reasons for Adopting the Rational System of Medicine, being a letter to the Governors of the Hull Infirmary, of which he was senior physician. S.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 03, 1862, pages 136-140]

[Description: Miscellaneous. Effects of Arsenical wall papers. Diseased Cattle. Obituary.]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1862]

Vibriones. — In his treatise on "Urinary Deposits," etc, Dr. Golding Bird remarks on these minute animalcules, that they are occasionally developed in urine so soon after passing as to lead to the idea that their germ must have existed in the urine whilst in the bladder. All the urine in which I hare found these minute creatures has been pale, neutral, of low specific gravity, and rapidly underwent the putrefactive fermentation.

"When a drop of such urine is examined under the microscope, between plates of glass with an object glass of one-eighth inch focus, it will be found full of minute linear bodies hardly so long as the diameter of a blood corpuscle,. moving with great animation. * * * *

"I have only met these animalcules in the urine of persons in an excessively low and depressed state. In cases of syphilitic cachexia, where the prostration of the strength is extreme, as well as in mesenteric diseases, I have found them abundantly developed with remarkable rapidity." * *

The following case, in the practice of my friend and neighbor, Dr. R. C. Moffat, differs somewhat from the experience of Dr. B. in this last particular, and on this account is here given. The patient, 84 years of age, was a resident of New Orleans at the time of its capture by the United States forces, and was then in the early stage of her fourth pregnancy. She suffered much from anxiety, and the oppressive heat of July and August. At this time she commenced to pass blood with her urine, which she still continues to do.

In August she came by sea to New York, and put herself under the care of Dr. M. for this unpleasant symptom. September 4th, 1862, he brought to the writer a specimen of the urine of his patient for microscopic examination. It wan near one-fourth pure blood, of bright florid color, and partly coagulated. The supernatant urine was pale, 1015 specific gravity, and soon became excessively offensive. On placing a drop of this under the microscope, numerous minute, linear, actively moving bodies, were perceived, differing from the description of Dr. Bird only in this, that they were somewhat longer, a little longer than the diameter of the blood discs through which they wriggled their way. They were accompanied by numerous moving bodies of an ovoid form, very minute, one-third the diameter of a blood disc, which darted about in the style of the Monads found in stagnant water, which little creatures they much resembled, except in sue, being not more than one-fifth as large. If living, active bodies, similar to these last, have been found in recent passed urine, previous to this, it is not known to the writer. The great resemblance of these to the familiar Monads made the impression that they might have existed in some previous contents of the vial, and the expression of this suspicion brought a specimen of the urine, in a new vial which had never previously been used, into which the urine was immediately put after passing and the vial stopped with a new cork. The urine was soon after carefully examined, and neither Vibriones nor Monads were to be found. Twelve hours after both were abundant. The urine in the mean time had been kept in a close corked phial. This would seem to prove the existence of the germs producing these animalcules in the urine when passed. Great care was taken to prevent their possible introduction from without.

The point of interest in this case is one which separates it from the class of patients, of Dr. Golding Bird, whose urine produced Vibriones. This patient, except that she passes blood in her urine, knows no symptom of disease. She has no pain; and is, considering that she passes daily no inconsiderable quantity of blood, in rather extraordinary strength; has good appetite and sleep. Except the blood, the microscope discloses no signs of diseased action in the kidneys or bladder. She is subject of no cachexia, and exhibits none of the peculiarities of Dr. B.'s cases.

The instrument used in the examination of these minute bodies is one of rare excellence, recently obtained from Charles A. Spencer, Esq. Its defining power is very great, and though magnifying full 1200 diameters linear, no evidences of organization could be perceived in these minute bodies. W.

Curare. — The virulent poison known by this name and also as Woorari, Woorali, Ourari, etc., is said to have been first introduce, into Europe by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1575, but not until Bernard in, 1857, published his pamphlet did it attract much attention. It has been the subject of one or two articles in homoeopathic journals, and it has been suggested that provings of it should be made, The following account of it we find in the London Monthly Homoeopathic Review:

"To prove this poison, the proven should obtain the juice, roots, etc., of the Wourali vine. The so-called Wourali poison is a very composite affair. We give an account of it by a scientific physician now practising in British Guiana, Dr. Dalton.

"The Macousi, Macusi, Macoushi, or Macoosi Indians, occupy the open savannahs of the Rupununi, Barima, and the mountain chains Pacaraima and Canuku, and may be estimated at about 2000 in number. They have been described as inoffensive, hospitable, industrious and provident; but capable of fending themselves against the more martial Accawais and Caribs. Mr. Hill-house considers them timid, taciturn, and obedient; but deficient iu stature and strength. The Macousi Indian has the credit, if any, of preparing the famous Wourali poison when a supply happens to be required. The Macousi seeks the various ingredients of which this poison is composed in the depths of the forests. The principle is the Wourali vine, which grows wild; having procured a sufficient quantity of this, he next seeks a bitter root, and one or two bulbous plants which contain a green and glutinous juice. These being all tied together, he searches for two species of venomous ants; one largo and black, the "muneery," about an inch long, and found in nests near to aromatic shrubs; the other a small red one, found under the leaves of several kinds of shrubs Providing himself now with some strong Indian pepper, and the pounded fangs of the 'labarri' and 'conna-couchi' snakes, the manufacturer of poison proceeds to bis deadly task in the following manner:

"He scrapes the Wourali vine and bitter root into thin shavings, and puts them into a kind of colander made of leaves; this he holds over an earthen pot, and pours water on the shavings; the liquor which comes through has the appearance of coffee. When a sufficient quantity has been procured, the shavings are thrown aside. He then bruises the bulbous stalks, and squeezes a proportionate quantity of their juice through his hands into the pot. Lastly, the snakes' fangs, ants, and pepper are bruised and thrown into it. It is placed then on a slow fire, and as it boils, more of the juice of the Wourali is added, according as it may be found necessary, and the scum is taken off with a leaf; it remains on the fire till reduced to a thick syrup, of a deep brown color. As soon as it has arrived at this state, a few arrows are poisoned with it to try its strength.

"'Females are excluded during its manufacture, and there are certain forms which are rigidly adhered to in the process.

"'The Indians themselves consider it a baneful task, and are not very communicative on the subject, so that after all it is possible that the preparation of this deadly poison has never been thoroughly investigated.

"'To test the strength of the poison on their arrows they wound trees, and if the leaves fall off or die within three days, they consider the poison as sufficiently virulent, but not otherwise.'

"We recommend the proving of the poison of the Labarri snake, or the Wourali vine, instead of that of the Wourali poison. This Labarri is more deadly that the Rattlesnake (Crotalus). We do not think Hahnemann would have deemed so very composite a poison as this, mixed up with so many ingredients, a proper drug to be proved."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 04, 1862, pages 190-191]

[Description: Vibriones; Curare]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1862]

MISCELLANEOUS

Homoeopathy in Surgical Cases. — A report to the Dutchess Co. Homoeopathic Medical Society, N. Y., by John Hornby, M.D., Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

I. Necrosis of the Metatarsal Bone. — On the 12th of May, 1853, I was consulted by the subject of this report for the treatment of an ulcer on his right foot, which he said he had failed to get cured the last for two years.

His history of his case is as follows: Is about 30 years of age; has had genera] good health; is of temperate habits; is by trade a carpenter. Over two years ago while engaged in erecting a frame building, he inflicted a blow with a heavy hammer on the upper joint of his right foot which made him faintish and sick at the stomach. He had to relinquish work and be conveyed home being unable to walk from pain and swelling of his foot and limb. The pain and swelling increased very much, unheeding medical treatment, and after some time an ulcer opened on the spot where he received the blow, and discharged very bad matter. The ulcer, he said, had baffled all attempts to heal it and grew worse lately, so much so that his medical advisers, after much and varied medical and surgical treatment and despairing success, were urging the necessity of immediate amputation; but, he said, he had at the advice of his friends decided to try homoeopathic treatment before submitting to an operation.

The patient presented a wasted and sickly appearance; was of middle stature; light complexion and nervous temperament. His right leg and foot were enormously swollen, rendering motion very painful and difficult and resembling an "elephant leg." It was of a scarlet color on the thigh, gradually deepening to purple as it approached the ulcer, which looked like a burned hole on the joint of the big toe of the right foot, exhibiting about an inch and a half of the metatarsal bone, of a dark brown color, and the articulation of the big toe and discharged an ichor of a very offensive odor. His general health, was much reduced and his appetite impaired from confinement and the use of narcotics to sooth the pain of his limb..

May 12th, 1853. Arnica tincture ten drops in a pint of clarified lukewarm rainwater, to be applied through a piece of old linen spread all over the limb for half an hour at a time and repeated every six hours, and to take every morning, fasting, three globules of the fifteenth decimal potency of Arnica montana. Diet to be light.

May 16th. He returned with the limb looking considerably better; the inflammation much reduced and the pain and distress abated. He is able to move the limb with much more ease, it not feeling so heavy as it did before. The ulcer has not altered in any way, discharging its usual fetid ichor. The Arnica application to be made night and morning, and to take one table-spoonful of the following mixture every morning fasting; Mercurius corr., one grain of the sixth dec. trituration in eight ounces of clarified rain water. Diet as before.

May 26th. Since last report he has felt great pain in his limb, with slight fever for a day or two, after commencing the Mercurius followed by amelioration of all symptoms. The size of the limb is much diminished, the inflammation and discoloration fast disappearing. To continue the Mercurius corr. every other morning and the Arnica lotion night and morning. Diet light.

June 7th. The limb looks better. The ulcer shows healthy granulations forming. The sequestrium or diseased portion of the bone is sloughing off and the end of the healthy portion throwing out lymph and granulations. The scarlet and purple appearance of the skin has disappeared, leaving a flush in the skin, over the instep. He can now bear pressure on the foot. Sleeps better and has an improving appetite. To continue the Mercurius corr. as before, and the Arnica lotion to be applied only once a day. Diet nutritious.

June 11th. The swelling in the limb and foot has disappeared; the redness continues over the instep; the ulcer is filling and the reformation of healthy bone progressing; his general health is much improved; sleeps well and has a good appetite. To take three pellets of the thirtieth decimal potency of Belladonna every other morning fasting, and omit the lotion.

July 7th. Has improved very much since last report; the ulcer is filling up; the redness over the instep nearly dispersed. To continue the Belladonna as before. Diet as before.

August 5th. The nicer is looking well, has discharged fetid ichor for some days; he has been using the limb more than usual. Carbo veg., one grain of the 15th decimal potency in eight ounces of clarified rain water, one table-spoonful to be taken every morning fasting.

September 7th. Continues to improve; the fetid discharges have abated; has taken the Carbo veg. up to the present time, which is to be discontinued.

September 23rd. Continues to improve in his general health and personal appearance. The ulcer looks healthy, but appears stationery, not having advanced since last report. To take three pellets of the third decimal potency of Phosphoric acid, every morning fasting. Diet to be invigorating.

October 19th. The ulcer looks a little fuller, but in all other respects the case remains the same as at last report. To discontinue medicine.

November 3d. Slight improvement in the ulcer and return of occasional fetid discharges. To take three globules of the fifteenth potency of Carbo veg., every morning.

December 13th. Has improved a good deal; the ulcer is filling slowly, and looks clean and healthy; his general health is very much better; has a ring of herpes circinnatus broken out on the thigh of the diseased limb, causing him great discomfort. To take the globules of the thirtieth potency of Sepia every other morning.

January 4th, 1854. The ulcer is filling up slowly; the ring-worm continues the same. To take one table spoonful every morning fasting of the following: Sepia, one grain of the thirtieth decimal potency in eight ounces of clarified rain water.

February 14th. The ulcer is filling up fast; the ring-worm from being stationary on the thigh of the diseased limb, has spread all over it, causing much discomfort; general health good. Sulphur, one grain of the thirtieth decimal potency in eight ounces of clarified rain water, one table-spoonful every morning fasting. Diet invigorating.

March 16th. Has continued the use of the Sulphur up to the present time. The ring-worm spread gradually all over the diseased limb, and up the back of his body, stopping at the nape of the neck. It caused him great discomfort from its burning character, hindering sleep at times, but notwithstanding it he has had better appetite and has improved in health and strength. The ulcer has healed entirely, leaving a blush on the spot where it existed, from the pressing of his boot. Since the healing of the ulcer, the ring-worm has disappeared, and leaves him, as he now reports himself, as well in health and strength as he had been for years before his misfortune. He expresses himself very grateful for his cure and the rescue of his limb from amputation.

II. Ulcerated Leg. — March 31st, 1855. The subject of this report, a married female, the mother of five children, aged about 38 years, of dark complexion, and enfeebled constitution; applied to me for the treatment of her left leg, covered with sores, which she said had been in that condition for five years. The history of her case she related to be as follows: about six years ago she had been delivered of a healthy living child, and was progressing favorably after her confinement, when thinking herself capable of doing her own family work, and being superinduced by necessitous circumstances, she arose from bed before the usual time. For a few days she went along with her work very well when she took cold, which, she said, confined her to bed for many days and ended in symptoms of milk leg. She was duly attended to by her physician and the swelling subsided somewhat, but the veins in her limbs continued distended and painful, yielding seemingly to rest and treatment and returning on use of her limb.

This state, she said, continued for a long time, and then the veins burst, as she called it, growing into bad sores, which all she had had done for could not heal. The leg on examination presented the following appearance; the left thigh and leg were swollen to twice their natural size. The thigh looking flushed, and the leg from the knee down to the ankle of a crimson color, deepening to a livid hue, as it neared the toes, which were just discernible, under the swollen and overlapping instep. The veins were "varicosed." From the knee to the instep there were several ulcers vegetating, two of the largest were about an inch and a half in diameter, the lesser ones about an inch and the smaller and smallest from half an inch to the size of a pea, giving out a sanious discharge and very tender to the touch. The limb was difficult to move, from its size and weight and occupied with a dull aching pain, keeping the patient in a state of chronic misery which was depicted in her countenance. Her general health was much impaired; her appetite bad; her sleep restless and strength much reduced. Pulsatilla tincture, two drops in a pint of clarified lake-warm rain water to be applied through a piece of old linen cloth spread all over the limb, and kept wet for half an hour at a time twice a day, and to take three globules of the fifteenth decimal potency of Pulsatilla, night and morning. Diet nutritious.

April 4th. The swelling and discoloration of the limb has subsided, leaving it nearly of its natural size, the ulcers look cleaner and discharging less than before treatment; pain in the limb diminished; appetite and sleep better. To repeat the Pulsatilla lotion night and morning, and to take three globules of Pulsatilla of the fifteenth decimal potency every night at bed time.

April 13th. The limb has returned to its actual size, the pain abated, and locomotion easy. The ulcers look clean and are granulating; appetite good; sleeps well. To repeat treatment as before. Diet invigorating.

April 24th. Is progressing very satisfactorily. The limb looks natural in size and color, is useful without pain or distress. The ulcers are healing fast. General health much improved and spirits cheerful; eats and sleeps well. Pulsatilla tincture, five drops in a pint of rain water as before, and used once a day and to take three globules at bed time every night of the thirtieth decimal potency of Sulphur.

May 11th. Since last report she has been on a visit to a sister in the country, when she was able to wear a garter on the left foot, a circumstance unusual to her for the last six years. The limb is quite restored to its former condition, and she is now in the enjoyment of perfect and robust health.

____________

Homoeopathy in the Army. — "Another effect of the war has been to reduce to its proper level the practice of Homoeopathy. Rampant for distinction and loud in the demands for justice, the followers of this system of quackery earnestly sought recognition by the Government and a place in the army, and at one time it did almost seem, through the strenuous exertions of certain unprincipled politicians, that their request would be granted. But in the discussion of the matter a fair comparison was made between the results of the two systems of practice by actual statistics, and we have seen the result. The authorities have performed the solemn duty which they owed to our soldiers, and the regular system of practice triumphantly takes its stand as the only one legitimately under the patronage of the Government. The significance of this fact has not been lost upon the community at large, and has doubtless tended more to crush out the claims which the Charlatans have urged for favor than anything else which could have been done. A rather surprising effect of this decision of the Government has been apparent in the decrease in numbers of this class of practitioners. It being a regulation that none but regular practitioners are eligible for examination, very many of the homoeopathists have been tempted to turn heretics to their faith in the hope of obtaining positions."

[American Medical Times, Sept 27, 1862.

Homoeopathy, probably, will have received some assistance from the prevalent medical practice in attaining its "proper level" when the war is ended.

Of those who had volunteered for the war and were willing to endure the trials, fatigue and exposure of camp life, were many of our patients who, of course were desirous of receiving, when sick away from home, that medical treatment which they had been accustomed to, and in which alone they had confidence. "Rampant for distinction and loud in the demands for justice the followers of" this, Medical Times Editor, "through the strenuous exertions of certain unprincipled (Medical) politicians" endeavored to prevent their request from being granted, by such editorials in the Times as follows:

"The United States Senate is engaged in these momentous times in the consideration of a subject, in itself, perhaps, the most frivolous which ever enlisted the thoughts of a rational creature, but which may prove the most important act of the session. Senator Grimes, of Iowa, has introduced a bill placing some of the military hospitals, at Washington, under the charge of Homoeopathists. * * * With no desire, however, to prejudge a question of so much importance, but earnestly seeking the welfare of our sick soldiers, we deem it our duty to contribute to our Legislators such information as may be in our possession, in the hope of aiding them in the formation of correct opinions as to the merits of the medical regime which they are urged to establish in our military hospitals."*["Amer. Med. Times," Jan. 18, 1862.]

Most of our readers doubtless remember the reports of the select committee of the Governors of Bellevue Hospital in reference to introducing Homoeopathy in that institution. The majority report embodied certain statistics, which were incorrect, and false deductions which were exposed in the minority report prepared by Dr. Kellogg. The majority report is published in full as a continuation of the editorial article from which the above extract is made. Extra copies were printed on letter paper and sent to every member of Congress "to aid in the formation of correct opinions." This one-sided way of forming opinions so characteristic of the authors, had no influence however among the members of Congress as the unfairness of the thing was manifest at a glance.

This was the "fair comparison made between the results of the two systems of practice by actual statistics" and let us see "the results. The authorities have performed the solemn duty which they owed to our soldiers" by obliging them, nolens volens, to take every morning their draught of whiskey and Quinine, and not only not permitting those who had homoeopathic remedies to use them, or even to abstain from all medication, but compelling them to take what they knew from past experience would injure them.

The regularity of that "system of practice" which "triumphantly takes its stand as the only one legitimately under the patronage of the Government" we cannot doubt, knowing the fact that to all who need medical assistance is regularly administered Quinine, Morphine, Dover's Powders or Calomel

"The significance of this fact has not been lost upon the community at large and has doubtless tended more to crush out the claims which the Charlatans have urged for favor than anything else which could have been done." This is particularly evident among those who have survived the medical campaign and reached their homes. Our army is not made of the same material as armies usually are, but of the best; students, clerks, mechanics, lawyers, doctors and divines fill up the ranks, men who are no more accustomed to be dictated to in their choice of a physician than in the color of their coat — they form a part of "the community at large," and when they return, if return they do will be able to form an opinion regarding the comparative success of the two schools of practice, especially if facts are not carefully withheld, such as fourteen deaths out of sixteen cases of typhoid fever in one ward which lately occurred in a military hospital in Brooklyn.

"It being a regulation that none," who know anything of Homoeopathy, "are eligible for examination, very many incompetent and unprincipled persons have been tempted" to assume positions as surgeons, while we have heard of many Homoeopathists who are now serving their country under other than surgeon's commissions, as captains, majors and colonels. We regret as members of the profession that in the medical department of our army have been committed as great frauds and as many criminal transactions as elsewhere. Surgeons have appropriated to their own use hospital stores intended exclusively for the sick; they have refused to attend to the wounded when called upon and treated them worse than brutes.

Valentine Mott has "been annoyed with the intimation that the noble surgical staff of our army might be polluted with Homoeopathy" and to prevent its culmination sends the following resolutions to the New York Academy of Medicine:

"Whereas, Petitions have lately been presented to the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, for the employment of homoeopaths as Surgeons in the Army; Therefore,

"Resolved, That the New York Academy' of Medicine deem it their duty, in the interest of the army, respectfully to protest against the employment of such practitioners, for the following reasons:

"1st. That the practice wherever subjected to accurate observation has failed to establish itself in any hospital.

"2d. That in the countries where it originated and attained its fullest development, it has not been introduced into the army or navy.

"3d. That it is no more worthy of such introduction than other kindred methods of practice as closely allied to quackery.

"4th. That such appointments would dissatisfy and dishearten the medical staff of the army, who understand the true character of Homoeopathy, and who have entered the service of their country, with confidence that the Government would strive to elevate the standard and promote the efficiency of the medical staff, results surely to be defeated by appointment of Homoeopaths.

"Resolved, That a copy of the above resolutions be sent to the Hon. Ira Harris, United States Senate, and Hon. F. A. Conkling, of the House of Representatives, with a request that the resolutions be presented to the two Houses of Congress."

Mark the difference between the above and the following adopted at a meeting of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society:

"Resolved, That, in this hour of our country's peril, it is our duty to do every thing in our power for its common defense; that it is especially incumbent upon us, as members of a profession whose object is the preservation of life and the restoration to health, to aid, protect and preserve, by every means which our science and art possess, those soldiers who so bravely offer their lives in their Country's service.

"Resolved, That while we honestly differ from some members of our profession, and believe that Homoeopathy presents many advantages for the treatment of diseases incident to the camp and field; and while many of those already enlisted in the army are known to firmly entertain similar opinions — it is our duty and the duty of Government to extend to them at least the choice of a system which has been attended with such success in the hospitals of the Crimea, among the wounded of Solterino, in the epidemics of cholera and yellow fever, and in that devastating scourge which often falls upon newly formed armies in warm climates — the typhus or camp fever.

"Resolved, That we, as members of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society, tender our professional services and medicine gratuitously to the families of soldiers absent in the service of their country.

"Resolved, That we will cordially cooperate with the proper authorities in their efforts to extend this method of treatment to the army and navy; and we earnestly and respectfully request his Excellency the Governor of this Commonwealth to accept as surgeons such of our members as may tender their services."

Quod Deus vult perdere, prius dementat. S.

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HYDATIDS — In the September Number of the Review for 1859, (Vol.1, p. 561,) I reported the case of Hydatids which occurred in my practice. This case was particularly interesting to me from the fact of its simulating so perfectly all of the stages of gestation.

The narrative of Mrs. H. as to the cessation of her menstrual flow the second month after her marriage, the nausea for several weeks, the quickening at the fifth month, and the motion from that time to her full period of nine months was fully confirmed by her mother and an old midwife who was the friend and confident of the family.

In that communication I promised to keep watch of the lady and report at some future day. I stated that she was then enciente. As in the first case, so in this she enjoyed excellent health. The nausea, and quickening she declares to have been the same, and that the motion continued the same as in the first instance up to the beginning of labor, when the pains were identical. In the second case there was not the terrible hemorrhage, nor the large mass of hydatids, but a large well formed healthy boy.

I have delayed my report until I could see the result of another eighteen months. I have now the high gratification of stating that Mrs. H. is the mother of a second fine healthy boy. John T. Temple, St. Louis, Mo.

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Hahnemann on Large Doses of Homoeopathic Remedies. — "Large doses of remedies which are homeopathically indicated are much more certainly injurious than when they are given without holding any relation of similarity (homoeopathic relation) to the case of disease, or when they stand in a relation of contrariety (antipathic), that is are given entirely at random (allopathically). In the homoeopathic use of remedies, in cases where the totality of the symptoms of the patient is paralleled in great similarity by the action of the drug, it is a real crime, not to give very small, the smallest possible doses; for in these cases massive doses, such as are ordered of drugs in the ordinary quack practice, are veritable poisons and murderous portions. Convinced by thousand-fold experience, I make this declaration and mean it to apply to every homoeopathic administration of drugs in general and universally, especially when the disease is acute * * * Let no one come

then and say * * * a remedy has been given * * * in an appropriate case, yet, in the strongest doses and not too seldom either, but every two or three hours and yet the patient is dead. Nay, I reply from full conviction for that very reason he is dead and thou hast killed him. Hadst thou given him a single dose of the smallest part of a drop of the twenty-fifth or thirtieth dilution (in rare cases a second dose, repeated on the third or fourth day), then had the patient been saved, certainly and with much less trouble." [From Note to Prov. of Hyos., Reine Arzneimitretellehre, 4, 46. 1825.

OBITUARY.

ALBERT GILES, M.D., died, at his residence at Racine, Wis., on the 7th of June, 1862. He was born in Kingston, N. Y., May 10th, 1809. In early life he was engaged in a printing office but left this to enter upon the study of medicine, and graduated at Pitsfield, Mass., in December, 1835.

He immediately commenced the practice of medicine at Troy, N. T. Soon after graduating, in January, 1836, he married Miss Ann Osborn, of Troy, and in 1839 or 40 removed to Troy, Wis., where he practiced the old system until 1846 when he embraced the teachings of Hahnemann. In 1847 he removed to Racine, and after ten years of successful practice his health failed and he was obliged to seek a more inland place. He accordingly entered into partnership with Dr. J. Bowen of Madison, Wis. Here, in connection with Dr. Bowen, he edited The Madison Homoeopathist. His family being much opposed to his leaving Racine, after a few months he returned and entered into partnership with the writer. We always found him to be a thorough and earnest student and devoted to his profession. He was a man strict integrity and high moral worth. No pressure of circumstances would cause him to swerve one jot from his standard of justice and right.

He was troubled with a catarrhal difficulty which extended to the bronchial tubes and thence to the lungs. He had traveled considerably in several of the Western and South-Western States and California with the hope of obtaining some benefit, but without avail.

RUFUS B. CLARK, M.D., Racine, Wis.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 05, 1862, pages 233-240]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Homoeopathy in Surgical Cases; Ulcerated Leg; Homoeopathy in the Army; Hydatids; Obituary]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1862]

MISCELLANEOUS.

CHLOROFORM. Communicated to the London Monthly Homoeopathic Review for January, 1863. By Dr. M. J. Chapman.

Professor Simpson, the very eminent obstetric physician of Edinburgh, has the credit of having discovered this anesthetic. The discovery was made by the foreman of the Liverpool Apothecaries' Hall, while I was yet practising in Liverpool. I think his name was Waugh. He communicated his discovery to Dr. Simpson, and I am not aware that the Professor has claimed the discovery as his own. The proofs can yet be obtained, if she discovery of this anesthetic is claimed for Dr. Simpson.

Chloroform should not be used, excepting for very severe operations.

I believe that chloroform hinders and delays the proper contraction of the womb.

I will just give a few cases of its disadvantages and dangers. I say nothing of the numerous deaths that have occurred from its use or abuse.

Some years ago a clergyman consulted me, who, some two years before, had chloroform administered to him. to save the pain of tooth-drawing. From that time his nervous system was upset He had buzzing in his ears; he lost his sleep. He had headaches over the forehead and the crown of his head. From having been a fearless man he had become a coward, morally and physically. He had been unfitted for his clerical duties. I advised him to take stimulants in moderation, and to be much in the air. He gradually recovered, and was able to resume his work.

In the year 1848 I was sent for to see a young lady, who was attended by a practitioner in the neighborhood, and by Sir James Clark, the Queen's physician. She had only a few minutes' sleep at a time, from violent facial neuralgia. I found she had a numbing pain at the symphysis of either jaw. She was lock-jawed. So she suffered at once from want of food, and sleeplessness, and wearying pain. I gave her Platina, 3d. In a few days her distress was relieved. She was suffering from carious teeth. I told her mother they should be removed. The young lady being very hysterical, and anything but a strongminded woman, demanded chloroform. I opposed it; but her perverse will prevailed. She had chloroform. Her peccant teeth were drawn. She was made incapable of resistance, but her full consciousness of pain remained. She suffered, in fact, more than she would have done if she had not been chloroformed. She was violently hysterical; and to this day she has not recovered the effects of that dose of chloroform.

In the following year, 1849, I was asked to go to Tunbridge Wells, to see a young lady who was said by such surgeons as Brodie, Aston Key, and Bransby Cooper, to be suffering from knee-joint disease — disorganization. The affected limb below the knee was icy cold, and spots of gangrene were discernible down the leg. I advised immediate amputation. It was done under the influence of chloroform. It was found that there was no disease of the joint — of bone, ligament, or cartilage. The popliteal artery was quite atrophied, and the nerve was degenerated. The point, however, is, that though the was made incapable of resistance by the chloroform, her consciousness of and sensitiveness to pain were intensified. She suffered far more from the chloroform poison, than she would have done from the severe operation of amputation, unaided by the anesthetic.

A year or two after, an ophthalmic surgeon, who thinks himself he cock-salmon of that walk, operated on a young girl for strabismus. I was present. The girl had abundant nerve; but the surgeon said he never operated without chloroform. He did the very simple operation dexterously enough; but the girl was in suspense between life and death for more than an hour. The cock-salmon was frightened enough; but I suppose he goes on chloroforming.

I could mention many other instances of misadventure from chloroform but I will confine myself to two other cases.

A lady, at the critical period, went to Malvern. She suffered greatly from the nondescript and Protein forms of hysteria. She was advised by a professed Homoeopathist to take chloroform, by inhalation and imbibition. She turned the use into abuse. She became insane, and was secluded for a time. Her imagination became quite disordered, and she fell into a state of monomaniacal misery, which could be understood by any one who has read the thrilling tale — Miserrimus. She believed that she had personal interviews with Satan. He first appeared to her as an angel of light I will not dwell on the miserable detail. The conclusion was that she conceived herself to be bound to marriage with the Archfiend. This occurred some eight or ten years ago. She has not yet recovered from the monomaniacal impression.

Is this chloroform a thing to be trifled with? to be employed except in great emergencies? Should it be used for the drawing of a tooth, for the cutting of a corn, or on the occasion of the privilege of bringing a child into the world?

Let our readers remember or know, that chloroform produces unconsciousness and insensibility to pain because it is a poison, acting in a deadly way on the nervous system.

Whatever be my authority, great or little, I protest entirely against the misuse and abuse of chloroform.

On Thursday, the 13th of November, I was sent for to see a young married lady at a. dentist's. This was 6.30 p.m.; at 3.30 p.m. chloroform had been administered to her. The allopath who had done this deed was in a fix. The lady was like a corpse. Her pulse could hardly be felt; the action of the heart was thread-like, scarcely discernible. The pupils of her eyes were dilated to their fullest margin, and quite insensible to light. She breathed, and that was all. As she could not swallow liquids, I gave her diffusible stimulants on powdered sugar; ammonia, camphor, [brandy. At 4 a.m. of the 13th she rallied, and 'recognized me. "Doctor," said she, "give me a heart; mine is stopped. I have no heart"

For twelve hours this young creature was in suspense between death and life She is now convalescent

I dare say I have told my few cases ill; but they are of sufficient weight to cause medical men to be cautious as to the administration of Chloroform.

___________

HOMEOPATHY IN SURGICAL CASES. — A report to the Dutchess County Homoeopathic Medical Society, N. Y., by JOHN HORNBY, M.D., Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

III. Scirrhus Breast. — On the 22nd October, 1855, I was consulted by the subject of this report; a married lady of sanguine lymphatic temperament, for the treatment of a scirrhus breast She reported as follows: —

Is 38 years of age; has had six children at their full terms. Six weeks after her last confinement (which was on the 15th April, 1855,) she was taken with what she supposed to be an inflammation of the left breast; and was treated for such by her allopathic medical adviser; and went through the usual course of allopathic applications and medication, which was continued without success for two months. Her physician suspecting matter to be in the breast, made an opening into it, from which gushed a full stream of blood, half filling an ordinary wash-basin. The opening she said was filled with cotton and lint, and in a week another one made with a similar result. Then, after a long and unsuccessful treatment amputation was proposed to her, which she refused.

The breast was hard, and tabulated; and twice the diameter of the healthy one; the skin was discolored, looking like marble. An inch; from the areola on the upper surface of the breast, was a cancerous ulcer, leading into a fistula, discharging blood and creamy matter, with a sickening odor; the nipple was drawn inward, and like the areola, was a dark red color. The patient looked dispirited, and worn with pain; had little or no appetite; and restless nights, from lancing, stinging pains in the breast; for which she had been freely drugged with morphine. Treatment, to discontinue all former applications and medication, and to take one teaspoonful night and morning, of Hepar sulphur 3d decimal potency in half a pint of rain water. — Diet light.

October 30th. — The discharge from the breast is thin and colorless; the breast remains the same — to take 3 pellets of the 30th decimal potency of Mercurius sol: every night; and omit the Hepar sulphur.

November 7 the. — Has had much pain in the breast since last report; in all other respects she is the same as before, — to alternate the Mercurius sol with 3 pellets of Coninm maculatum 30, every second night.

November 13th. — Slight improvement In the breast: the marbled discoloration subsiding; so is also the hardness. Her general health is better. To continue the medicines as before.

November 22nd. — The pain in the breast has gradually subsided, and the swelling diminished, measuring one-fifth less; the breast feels softer. — To continue the medicines as before.

November 28th. — The breast has decreased one-third its former size: the marbled discoloration dispersing; the fistula is filling up; and the ulcer granulating. — To continue the Conium every second night; and omit the Mercurius sol. — to take generous diet.

December 14th. — The swelling and discoloration have entirely dispersed; the breast feels soft; the ulcer nearly healed, and her general health much restored. — To continue the Conium twice a week.

January 2nd, 1856. — The breast has returned to its normal condition.

Since last report to the present, the patient's breast has been, and is now apparently quite healthy.

IV. — Sarcocele. — la November, 1859,1 was consulted for the cure of Sarcocele, by the patient; who reported that a month before he had had inflammation in the left testis from a cold, which had been treated by his allopathic attendant with leeching, fomenting, and purgatives, Ac. The testicle was large, hard and knotty; and the spermatic cord thickened; along the course of which, he felt occasional shooting pains; aggravated on rising on his feet, and moving about In other respects he was well. He was directed to suspend the testicle, and take one teaspoonful night and morning, of Pulsatilla 12 decimal potency, 6 pellets in half a pint of rain-water.

On seeing him three days after, I found him better; the pains less; the swelling and hardness diminishing; and the testicle feeling softer to the touch. He was directed to lake Conium maculatum 30th, in alternation with the Pulsatilla, every other night three pellets for a dose.

In a fortnight after he reported himself "well."

He was requested to apply in case of recurrences; but not having been heard from since, I am led to consider his, a permanent cure.

__________

Michigan School of Homoeopathy and Surgery. — We learn from Dr. E. M. Hale, Jonesville, Michigan, that a semi-annual meeting of the Michigan Homoeopathic Institute was held at Lansing, Feb. 4, for the purpose of organizing a Homoeopathic College, and applying to the Legislature for a grant of swamp lands for its endowment

An organization was effected with the above title. The requisite amount of stock was subscribed, and 20 percent paid in, as the General Law of Michigan requires, and the 'Articles of Association filed in the office of the Secretary of State. A committee was appointed to receive and present Petitions to Members of the Legislature, and to prepare a Bill, to be presented, asking for a grant.

A Board of Trustees was elected; also, a Faculty was nominated by the Institute, subject to the approval of the Trustees. The following gentlemen were named.

J. M. Long, M. D., of Cold water, Mich., Professor of Anatomy.

J. W. Peirsol, M. D. of Adrian, Professor of Physiology.

Charles J. Hempel, M. D. of Grand Rapids, Professor of Materia Medical.

Edwin M. Hale, M. D., of Jonesville, Professor of Special Pathology and Clinical Medicine.

Benj. L. Hill, M. D., of Saginaw, Professor of Surgery and General Pathology.

C. A Jeffreys, M. D., of Lansing, Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Females.

Edwin A. Lodgg, M.D., of Detroit, Professor of Chemistry, Botany, and Toxicology.

Hon. M. T. Howell, Lecturer on Medical Jurisprudence.

The Legislature of Michigan have decided not to appropriate Swamp Lands, at this time, for the benefit of Colleges. This affects all other Institutions as well as our own. At another Session, it is confidently hoped the policy of landgrants will be adopted.

It may be interesting to the friends of Homoeopathy to know, that in the Senate, our friends constituted two-thirds of the body, and in the House, we had a majority!

Since the above was written we have received a letter from Dr. Hale, stating that the friends of Homoeopathy in the Michigan Legislature, have introduced a bill, attaching the "school," just organized, to the State Agricultural College, and appropriating $5,000 per year thereto.

__________

APIS (ELAPS?) CORALLINUS. — As the organic diseases of the heart are so dangerous and generally beyond the resource of art, as well as the homoeopathic remedies recommended by our school, I call the attention to an important remedy — Apis (Elaps?) corallinus, especially in youth who have attained their growth early, and have observed sexual abstinence. — El Criterio Medical Madrid, March 10, 1863.

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HOMOEOPATHY IN SPAIN. — From El Criterio Medico, the official organ of the Hahnemannian Society of Madrid, for March 10, we learn that the cross of "Knight commander of the royal and distinguished order of Charles III," has been bestowed on Don Tomas Pellicer, Vice-President of the Hahnemannian Society, and that of Knight of the same order on Drs. D. Benigno Villafranca, D. Gerardo Vilardell and D. Cesareo M. Somolinos, members of the society, all of whom have rendered great service to Homoeopathy. The order of Isabello, the catholic, has also been given to the brothers Catellan, the well known homoeopathic pharmaceutists of Paris.

____________

BELLADONNA POISONING TREATED BY OPIUM. — In the Dublin Medical Press are reported three interesting cases of Belladonna poisoning, two of them very severe, successfully treated by Opium, after unsuccessful resort to emetics and purgatives.

In case number one there was active delirium, constant spasmodic jactitations, alternate opisthotonos and extreme extension of the limbs; enormous dilation of the pupils; flushed face and an indistinct rash upon the akin; pulse 110 and strong; power of deglutition absent. An emetic could not be administered in this case. A Terebinthinate enema and a purgative bolus failed to produce a stool. The patient grew steadily worse for eighteen hours, when an enema containing fifteen drops of tincture of Opium was administered. In two hours the patient was reported as "sleeping quietly" On the second day he was discharged and a like result was obtained in the other cases. — British Journal of Homoeopathy, January, 1863.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 10, 1863, pages 476-480]

[Description: Miscellaneous 10; Chloroform; Homoeopathy in Surgical Cases; Michigan School of Homoeopathy and Surgery; Apis (elaps?) Corallinus; Homoeopathy in Spain; Belladonna Poisoning Treated by Opium;]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1863]

MISCELLANEOUS.

Gold. — "I shall introduce from the 'Materia Medica' I have been for some time engaged upon, and give two remedies as examples of my method, and in illustration of the manner in which the doctrines I have been attempting to explain may be applied in practice. One of these drugs shall be an old one revived, the other a new one, which will, in this manner, make its entrance into the Materia Medica, and be presented for the first time before the medical profession, though, doubtless, should it be adopted by your party, some other name than mine will be attached to it as its discoverer.

"The opportunity, for which I am thus indebted to you, also enables me to convey to my own party, through this small specimen, some notion of the plan upon which I am working, and they can express to me, in any way that they think proper, their opinion as to the utility of such an undertaking, and whether they are disposed to encourage me to persevere with it or not."

"Gold — as a Poison. — Professor Christison, quoting from Orfila, writes thus of gold: 'Its poisonous properties are powerful, and closely allied to those of the chlorides of tin and nitrate of siiver. In the state of chloride it occasions death in three or four minutes when injected into the veins even in very minute doses; and the lungs are found after death so turgid as to sink in water. But if it be swallowed corrosion takes place, the salt is so rapidly decomposed that none is taken up by the absorbents, and death ensues simply from the local injury.' 'Even doses so small as the tenth of a grain have been known to produce an unpleasant degree of irritation in the stomach.' — (Majendie.) 'In the state of fulminating gold this metal has given rise to alarming poisoning in former times, when it was used medicinally.' 'It excites griping, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, fainting, salivation; and sometimes has proved fatal.' (Plenck.) 'Hoffman likewise repeatedly saw it prove fatal and the most remarkable symptoms were vomiting, great anxiety and fainting. In one of his cases the dose (which caused death) was only six grains.'"

"Metallic gold was pulverized or triturated by the Arabians. Several modern physicians have experimented with it, thus reduced to minute subdivision, upon themselves, taking, in divided doses, one or two grains. The result of these experiments shows that gold acts upon:

"1. The mind and the brain; producing in the former great melancholy and depression of spirits, in the latter congestion.

"2. The chest; causing dyspnea, expectoration of viscid phlegm, palpitation of the heart, congestion of the lungs.

"3. The digestive organs; fetid odor from the mouth, putrid taste, salivation, nausea, flatulence, vomiting, first constipation, afterwards diarrhea, with burning in the rectum.

"4. The bone, generally, particularly the nasal, palatine, and facial bones; giving rise to inflammation and caries.

"It is thus seen that gold has a penetrating or deep-seated action; commencing in the brain, and affecting very specially the mind, passing through the chest and abdomen, and, finally, concentrating its energies on the bones in general, but particularly on those of the face."

"Gold — as a Remedy. — Gold was much used as a medicine some centuries ago. It was thought to promote the production of animal heat, to strengthen the heart, to restore the blood, to expel noxious humours, and particularly to exhilarate depressed spirits. For some time gold has been abandoned as a medicinal drug, it is now beginning to employed again.

"I have prescribed triturated gold with success in the following, among other cases:

"1. A case of extreme melancholy and despondency, arising from a Chancery suit; the patient was in a most distressing state; after various other remedies had failed, I prescribed the first trituration (one hundredth of a grain); he wrote after this, 'I felt better at once.'

"2. A case of ozaena, of long standing, in which the constitution was greatly deranged, and the osseous system affected; this boy was permanently cured.

"3. A child in a hopeless state of disease, one of the features of which was severe ophthalmia, with ulcers on the cornea in both eyes, which had resisted the prolonged and varied use of many excellent remedies; the poor child was emaciated and exhausted with suffering and fretfulness; and the mother was almost as bad from nursing, anxiety, and want of rest. The quantity taken was a minute fraction of a grain, in divided doses. The little patient was restored, by God's blessing, to perfect health.

"4. A case of exostosis of the tibia, just below the knee, a boy; the first trituration was given with benefit; I believe a cure was effected, but. as is often the case when that happens, the patient's friends did not think it worth while to communicate this intelligence directly to me.

"Gold is an antidote to Mercury, relieving the neuralgic pains and other mischievous effects of that metal, especially when the bones have been injured by it; and, vice versa, Mercury is an antidote to Gold.

"The organs selected by Gold upon which to produce its effects are distinct and its action profound; and, whether it be given in health or in disease, as a poison or as a remedy, the organs upon which it acts are, in both cases, the same. — Sharp's Letter to Brodie, p. 89.

_______

Titanium. — "This substance has never, to my knowledge, been used in medicine before. I have proved it upon myself some years ago, and have prescribed it in considerable number or cases, and generally with the greatest satisfaction. I have been anxious to introduce it to my professional brethren, but have hitherto kept it back, partly that I might attain a more settled confidence in it myself, and because I intended it to appear in its place in my own 'Materia Medica.' But as that undertaking is not yet completed, for, as may be supposed, it is one of great extent and labor; as life is uncertain; and this opportunity seems to be a fitting one, I have much pleasure in presenting it in this place, under your auspices, Sir Benjamin, for to you it is indebted for this happy opportunity of revealing its admirable utility. I give it, not only as a specific itself, but as an illustration and proof of the value of experiments upon the healthy, as a method of discovering specifics in any number, and for any complaint; the limits to these discoveries being the very few physicians who are willing to try to make them, and the limited zeal, industry, and talent of mankind.

"Titanium — as a Poison. — Titanium was discovered by Gregor in 1791, but we are indebted to Wollaston's experiments, in 1822, for a better acquaintance with it. This rare metal is obtained chiefly from the bottom of the large smelting furnaces in iron work. Several years ago, when one of these furnaces at the Low Moor Iron Works, in Yorkshire, which had been burning without intermission for many years, was blown out for the purpose of undergoing repairs, through the kindness of Mr. Wickham, I obtained a considerable lump of Titanium. The metal was in beautiful cubic crystals, of a deep red copper color, and very brilliant metallic lustre. I had some of these crystals triturated by the late Mr. Turner, of Manchester, and experimented with this trituration upon myself. The proportion was one grain to ninety nine of sugar of milk. I am not aware of any other proving.

"From these experiments I am assured that Titanium has a powerful action upon the human body. After taking the preparation I have described, in doses of two grains, once a day for a week, I became greatly disordered, and felt and looked wretchedly ill. On a careful consideration of my indisposition I am justified in summing up the action of the drug as being upon:

"1. The stomach; bringing on nausea, loss of appetite, and feeling of discomfort.

"2. The brain and nerves; giddiness, imperfect vision, the peculiarity being that half an object only could be seen at once; desire to keep the eyelids closed.

"3. The blood; a perceptible derangement of the whole system, which could not, without danger, have been carried further.

"Titanium — as a Remedy. — I have found Titanium a most valuable remedy for certain cases, for which no good remedy was known before. They are cases of degeneration of the blood. A time will come when, with a more refined chemistry, our knowledge of the constitution of the circulating fluid which is the life of man's body, and the changes it undergoes in disease, will be better understood than they are at present. We can now speak of the morbid conditions of the blood only in a crude and general manner. We know that the blood is altered from its healthy state in typhus, in chlorosis, in jaundice, in cholera, in inflammatory fever, and in some other diseases, and we can describe in an imperfect manner, some of these changes, but there remains an inexhaustible field of research in this department of physiology and pathology. — The morbid condition of the blood, which may be called the Titanium condition, will be understood with some degree of accuracy by a careful study of the following case, which was the first in which it was given as a remedy.

"1. Blood disease. — Mr. C. F., a middle-aged, and formerly stout and healthy man, seven years ago had an attack of typhus fever, recovered imperfectly, and has not been thoroughly well since; during the last five years has gradually but steadily become worse. He vomits a great deal, but not food; the matter rejected is a sour, watery phlegm; he has diarrhea, the stools consisting of yellow, frothy, slimy matter; the secretion of the kidneys is high colored and thick, (in some other cases it has been albuminous); he spits blood, and sometimes has hemorrhage from the bowels; he has pain in the region of the liver and kidneys, and also in the lower bowels, with much cramp; the eyes slightly jaundiced; there has been great loss of strength and flesh, and two stones (twenty-eight pounds) in weight. The tongue is not much furred, and the pulse is 80. This gentleman tells me he has had a great deal of medical advice, but as yet has derived no benefit either from medicines or from careful diet, or from change of air, haying during the fire years paid two or three long visits at the sea-side and also on the Welsh mountains. This account I received on the 28th of April, 1858. I prescribed half a grain of the first trituration (one grain in a hundred), three times a day for a week, being moved to this by the vivid recollection his narrative produced in my mind of the condition I was myself falling into while proving Titanium. At the end of the week he wrote to me that ho was 'altogether a different man;' and, without any repetition of the remedy, and without the use of any other means, in a very short time he regained perfect health. He continued well a year; in the spring of 1859 he made himself ill by hunting too much, and some of the former symptoms showed themselves again, but they were immediately removed by the same remedy; he has continued generally well since." — Sharp's Letter to Brodie, p. 93.

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SHARP'S MATERIA MEDICA — Gold and Titanium.

When a man goes into a forest for the purpose of collecting specimens of vegetation, the method he adopts will depend on the object he has in view. If his purpose be to make such a collection that, when he gets home again, he shall be able to distinguish each specimen from every other one, he will be careful to preserve every portion that is characteristic or that can serve in any way to identify the plant from which it came. Leaves, buds, flowers, fruit and roots will all be of the very greatest importance — relatively indeed, of much greater importance that the wood and bark themselves, although of the latter something must be preserved. This way of gathering specimens is very cumbersome, it must be admitted. His arms soon become full and he requires a great space to accomodate even a small number of specimens. Then, too, the analysis is tedious and takes much time. Let him not forget, however, that there is no other way of accomplishing his object of making a collection in which each specimen shall appear with all its properties and peculiarities.

If, on the other hand, his object be to make faggots for firewood, his task is easy. He requires no equipment save a sharp hatchet and some twine. He goes lightly along, trimming off leaves and buds and flowers and roots — for these are only trivial incidents of growth, and are of no account whatever, in view of his object — getting faggots for fire-wood. His only aim is to deprive every tolerably straight stick of suitable site, of all its lateral and terminal "redundancies" and to make it a convenient shape for tying in a bundle with others.

After a short day's work he can go home heavily laden with a store of goodly faggots well suited to his purpose.

Each of these men is the type of a class of laborers in the forest of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica. The one class is striving, so to elaborate the provings as to bring out into strong relief the individual characteristics of each drug, in order that the practitioner may have the means of making every prescription the exact application of an individual specific. To this object, toil, space, time are held to be subordinate considerations. The other class, not comprehending or else despising this laborious attention to minutiae, is "cutting faggots."

Dr. Sharp seems to have entered the ranks of the latter class. Availing himself of his letter to Sir B. Brodie to give the latter a specimen of what he is pleased to call the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, he tells us, the pages given are part of a work he is preparing on the subject, and invites the suggestions and criticism of his colleagues.

Dr. Sharp says elsewhere in his letter, "I may be supposed to be a disciple of Hahnemann and be held responsible for his follies. I altogether disclaim such responsibility and relationship." We hold this declaimer to be altogether unnecessary. No one who reads this extract from the forth-coming Materia Medica could imagine Dr. Sharp to know anything about Homoeopathy. He need have no fear that either the "follies" or the glories "of Hahnemann" will fall within his orbit!

In the foregoing account of Gold as a remedy, the proving of this substance is so seduously pruned by Dr. Sharp of all those "dismembered and detached fragments — insignificant and often, perhaps, imaginary sensations and other trivial matters which mingle with and hide the meaning of the real and important symptoms" — that it is presented to us a short, compact, stemless stick all ready to be tied up in a faggot along with its sister Mercury — for, thus denuded of all that was characteristic, the proving given by Dr. Sharp could not be distinguished from a proving of Mercury.

"Gold as a Remedy" will not add to Dr. Sharp's renown as a prescriber of specifics — for pray what warrant does he find in "Gold as a Poison" forgiving Gold as a remedy in "Ophthalmia with ulcers on the cornea?"

The pages upon Titanium, while interesting as all cases of accidental cure by a drug whose properties are unknown, must be, are yet a sorry specimen of a Homoeopathic Materia Medica. The record of its proving is given in eight lines — only one single definite symptom is given — a form of hemiopia — the chief action is stated to be upon "The Blood; a perceptible derangement of the whole system which could not without danger have been carried further." A pity that even thus much of danger should have been incurred to so little purpose! A Mr. F. C. was cured by Titaninm. Dr. Sharp anticipates our inquiry "What were the grounds of this prescription which you give as a specimen of the homoeopathic use ot Titanium?" by giving his reason thus "being moved to this by the vivid recollection his narrative produced in my mind of the condition I was myself falling into while proving Titanium!" In the name of all that is not babyish, senile, or asinine, why does he not describe to us "that condition into which he was falling" — by giving us the symptoms which the drug produced!

It acted upon the blood! Does this convey a definite idea. How can we know that our ideas of "action upon the blood" agree with his? And what kind of action? There is one action of Titanium perhaps, another of Salt, another of Iodine and so on through the Materia Medica, just as there is one action on the blood, of scarlatina poison, another of variola and another of gout and so through nosology. What kind of action is peculiar to each exciting cause, whether disease or drug? This is the vital question! Describe it, not in hypotheses, but in definite, graphic terms! This is the task!

But, Dr. Sharp has cut his faggots and presents them for inspection. We say "well done!" "for the purpose, good!" "Pass on faggots! to your place — the Fire!" D.

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ANNIVERSARY OF HAHNEMANN'S BIRTHDAY. — The homoeopathic physicians of New York and Brooklyn celebrated the one hundred and seventh anniversary of the birthday of Samuel Hahnemann by a social reunion and dinner at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York.

The occasion was made one of interest as Dr. John F. Gray had consented to deliver an address on his personal recollections of the introduction and early history of Homoeopathy in this country, he being the first to embrace the new system.

We cannot give the address and proceedings in full, nor would we anticipate their publication in pamphlet form. On the removal of the cloth, Dr. HALLOCK, President of the New York County Homoeopathic Medical Society, made a few remarks as follows:

"The object of our meeting on this anniversary of the birth of Hahnemann is not only to celebrate his honored memory, but also to revive the cherished remembrance of the men who first introduced Homoeopathy into this country. It seems then the proper duty of the homoeopathic physicians of New York to cherish the memory and secure the history of those who nearly forty years ago embraced and practiced the then unknown doctrine. When we remember the difficulties encountered by the earlier advocates of the homoeopathic system, that the literature of that early period was in a foreign language and the study of the German and French was almost indispensable to the knowledge necessary to practice; they had to sacrifice their professional reputation, incur loss of social respect and intercourse, endanger all acquired patronage; and the exposure to abuse and ridicule that every where awaited them, we may well admire the courage and perseverance of the pioneers of our school, and feel that they deserve from us their favored followers the tribute of grateful and lasting remembrance. I may well congratulate you, gentlemen, that this duty to the founders of our school in America has been performed by our honorable friend who is to address you, than whom no one has enjoyed greater opportunities of intimate intercourse with the men of whom he speaks. He himself was among the first and foremost to embrace the despised doctrine and long may his attainments and labors be continued among us."

The orator of the evening, Dr. John F. Gray, was then introduced.

After thanking the gentlemen for the request that had been made of him, and to which he cheerfully acceded, Dr. Gray referred to the advancement

made in the science of medicine from the times of Haller and Blumenbach to the present, when "the fruits of experiment have replaced the scholastic speculations." of that day. He spoke of the sharp controversies and the various sects which were constantly springing up till Hahnemann "examined laboriously all the records of the past, gathered together the scattered fragments of toxicology, and for the first time in the entire history of medicine the cornerstone of the real temple of Therapeia was laid."

When Hahnemann announced his discovery there were a few far seeing physicians who could understand and appreciate it, and in 1808 they were ready for his first work. This was small but prepared the way for his Materia Medica which appeared in 1821.

"Our beloved predecessor, Dr. H. B. Gram, was among the number of those who caught the rays of hidden truth. He was then in the full tide of practice in the city of Copenhagen. He was born in this country, his father was of Danish origin, his mother was an American. He lost his father when very young. When a boy he went to Europe, gained his education, made his professional standing there and accumulated a competent fortune by his practice. Before he returned, at the age of forty years, he had settled the theory of Hahnemann in his own personal practice. In 1825 he resolved to return to America for the purpose of introducing the new system to the profession under institutions and conditions which he deemed more favorable to its general adoption."

Shortly after arriving he published his first and only work The Characteristic of Homoeopathia, a translation of Hahnemann's 'Geist der Homoeopathischen Heillehre,' a pamphlet of twenty-four pages, octavo. Dr. Gram's long absence from this country and disuse of his native language made his translation into English literal Without getting precisely the spirit of the author as was afterwards done by Drs. Scott and Dudgeon in England.

In speaking of it, Dr. Gray remarked "It is greatly to be regretted that Gram was not familiar with the language. This essay was an inventory, an epitome of Homoeopathy by the founder himself in his strongest stage of activity and could not fail to produce a wide spread impression at that time when the profession had not struck the key note of truth."

The publication did not meet with the favor expected. Dr. Gray continued: "Gram desponded. He thought in this free land people were philosophic and when a great truth was clearly set forth it would be hospitably entertained under the republican institutions of the United States. However imperfectly he effected his version with reference to the American mode of expression it was grammatically executed, and it cost him immense labor. The selection of this work was, in my opinion, a very wise one. It is the ablest of Hahnemann's polemical treatises, and is a test equally of Gram's own genius. * *

"Gram was not only the pioneer of Homoeopathy in this country but the first in any trans, Germanic country. He came not in search of wealth or happiness, for he was in a prosperous position, a man of rare endowments. He came away from a state, a people, a country that deeply loved him, as an apostle of what he deemed a reform most important to humanity. * *

"Next in chronological order to Gram, I entered the list in the study of Homoeopathy. Mr. F. L. Wilsey, afterwards Dr. Wilsey, introduced me to Dr. Gram in 1827. I had treated Mr. Wilsey for dyspepsia for a long time with such poor success that at his request I consented with much reluctance to place him under Dr. Gram's care to test the value of the improved process. — Under this treatment the patient received early and marked benefit. At that time I ascribed the change to his improved diet, but I could not answer Gram's arguments; very soon I was to put the method of Hahnemann to the test. After I had been fairly beaten in argument there was nothing left but experiment."

He selected three cases, carefully noted the symptoms, regulated the diet and prescribed single remedies for each case with such success that there was no room for doubt. It was during the first year of his acquaintance with Gram that he became a convert to Homoeopathy.

In 1829 Dr. A. D. Wilson joined them. At that time Dr. A. G. Hull, a student and brother-in-law of Dr. Gray, met with them in their daily reunions, and frequently in the summer season with Gram they made excursions into the country in pursuance of botanical studies. Dr. Hull took his degree in the arts at Union College in 1828, and took a post graduate course in Anatomy and Chemistry under the late Dr. Joslin. In 1832, Dr. Hull formally entered the profession.

Dr. William Channing was the next to join the homoeopathic ranks. Dr. Gray said, "he was a man of large culture in letters and thoroughly educated in medicine. He was in the prime of life at the time of his conversion to Homoeopathy, in 1832. * * He was frequently in our little circle and often, of course, the new practice happened to be discussed, and on the first outbreak of the cholera, in 1832, Dr. Channing visited the hospitals and sided in prescribing for the victims of the epidemic as an allopathic physician, and seeing the success of the homoeopathic treatment he made a public trial of Camphor with such good results that he published them, and soon after made known his entire change of practice. His was an eminently logical mind. He attended with great earnestness to all topics of a philosophical character until he arrived at definite conclusions, and when he reached those he was firm and decided in maintaining them. He was not of the skeptical class on any topic. In politics he was a republican of the Hamiltonian school, in religion a Unitarian, a cousin of the great William E. Channing, in medicine a thorough Hahnemannian.

"Our method was to, administer doses equivalent to the first and second centesimal dilutions. Sometimes we used the third but very rarely went above it, with few exceptions, which I personally ever since regretted.

"During this period all the homoeopathic literature was in the German and French language, and this was one reason why the system did not spread faster. Physicians in middle life and large practice could not begin the study of a foreign language to learn about a system so diametrically opposed to the one they practised. As soon as any translations appeared, Drs. Gray and Hull published their American Journal of Homoeopathia, and the New York Homoeopathic Society was organized, of which the Hon. Wm. C. Bryant was President.

The Doctor continued, "when the hour of manly effort arrived at last, it found us, after so many years of patient waiting harnessed for the prosecution of our ablest efforts. During this early stage of the system and the last of that early stage was Dr. Joseph T. Curtis, the pride of the classical school, the man of genius and the child of misfortune in many ways."

About the commencement of the second epoch of Homoeopathy in New York, 1833, 1834 and 1835, Dr. Hering arrived in Philadelphia and obtained a charter for a college which was opened at Allentown. This however was not successful, and Dr. Hering returned to Philadelphia and resumed general practice. Dr. Gray continued, "Dr. Hering has contributed, as you all know, largly to our Materia Medica, besides writing a book on 'Domestic Medicine,' the only one in our school really original. He was a favorite with Hahnemann and followed the old master's example in all his practice. Like Channing he never omitted the master's acerbity towards those who did not coincide with him, yet he was liberal in other respects, genial towards his friends, an ornament to his profession, philanthropic to his fellow men."

Dr. Gray spoke of Drs. G. W. Cook, J. Taylor, A Freeman, B. F. Joslin, of New York, and Drs. Cox, of Williamsburgh, and Rosman, of Brooklyn, among the pioneers not living; and mentioned as early associates in the cause our honoured colleagues Drs. A. S. Ball, B. F. Bowers, H. G. Dunnell, S. R. Kirby, J. A. McVickar, P. P. Wells, and C. Wright.

At the conclusion of the address, Dr Hallock announced the first regular toast:

"The Memory of Samuel Hahnemann; it will live in perennial freshness when the last monumental brass shall have crumbled into undistinguishable ruin."

Dr. P. P. Wells, of Brooklyn; responded as follows:

"We remember Hahnemann as the just, the good, the great. In these characteristics he ever stands before us, and in memory of them we cherish the inheritance he has left us in his bright example of excellence of heart, soundness of mind and purity of life. In all the course of his lengthened pilgrimage, in all his trials, in all his temptations, in all his sorrows, in all the injustice and persecution he was made to suffer, no man was found sufficiently hardened to breath a suspicion against his integrity as a man, as a scholar and a physician. Even his opponents, and how many there were, never ventured to insinuate that he gave to any man less than was his just due, or exacted from any more than was rightfully due. He was not only just, he was much more, he was good. From this trait of his character originated that discovery which has given him a place with those who have conferred the largest benefits on mankind, who had the sagacity to perceive, and the honesty to acknowledge the injuries inflicted on our sick by the method of treatment which had been taught by the schools and the practice of that day; and he did not hesitate to condemn and abandon those methods, though by so doing he sacrificed the means of support for himself and those dependent upon him. He stood before the world a self-made beggar for conscience sake. This was a singular spectacle of devotion to truth and conscience, of benevolence to the suffering of his race such as I do not believe can be found in the history of any other man of his profession from the remotest antiquity to this day. Other physicians have been honest men, and many others have been good men, but no other has shown such honesty and such goodness as this man who thus sacrificed for truth, conscience and benevolence that which cost him so much. It was when thus driven from the labors of his chosen profession to other employments that he might both gain the means of supplying the wants of his young and dependent family, and while thus engaged that he determined to solve for. himself the problem of the action of Cinchona on the human organism of which he found so many contradictory statements, in the authorities and writings of his predecessors. He determined to faithfully obtain a knowledge of the facts, unwilling to put faith in the dicta of other men. And it was while solving this problem for himself that that light broke into his mind which revealed the great law of specifics which we believe and practice; and under the guidance of this law that he was enabled to go on with the full development of that system of practical medicine which has so greatly interested mankind, and which we believe with a confidence equal to our confidence in the prevailing power of truth. And I believe it to be a truth and right which is destined to fill and bless the earth.

"In the other elements of the character of Hahnemann which we commemorate to night in addition to that greatness which ever inures in human nature — goodness of the person, this man was truly great in the dignity and simplicity of his character. The testimony of one who knew him more intimately than perhaps any other man in our country, or any other country, was, that he was wholly free from guile and just like a child. The testimony of those who knew him is, that he was great in his devotion to scientific truth, great in his labors for its advancement, and great in his success. To the end he was great in the truly heroic courage with which he devoted his body to pain and his life to toil that he might gain that exact knowledge of the action of drugs on the living organism which enabled him to arrive at exact conclusions, which the world had not reached before his day. And he has left on the record a legacy to you and to me by which we have been blessed and by which we endeavor to bless in turn others. He was great in his ability to observe facts as they transpired before him, and in the discrimination with which he separated the true from the false; and especially great in that observation which followed the workings of disease and drugs in the living organs, discerning the true and physiological conditions and the relation of drugs thereto, and, finally, arriving at the verity of that law which has given the name to that system of practical medicine which he developed and which in turn carried a knowledge of itself to the ends of the earth.

"If he was great in his sufferings and untiring in his labors, to those once his friends, who had the power to inflict greater and deeper injuries and insult than any, he showed his greatness more than all. But these attacks, often beyond endurance, at last embittered his spirit. On them rests the responsibility.

"These are but a few elements of character in which he was truly great. For the present occasion the mention of those suffices."

The Chairman read the second regular toast.

"Our Country, a case for excision, not for amputation; a beautiful body to be preserved and restored to health with all its parts entire."

Wm. C. Bryant, Esq., responded. He said:

"I thank the Committee of Arrangements that it is a political and not a professional toast to which I am called to reply. It shows that they know how to prescribe for my case. Those words with which the toast commences, Our Country' suggest in these times a somewhat different set of ideas from those which they called to mind a very few years since. Three years ago when our country was named it brought up the idea of a mighty republic composed of peaceful States, living harmoniously together in peace and prosperity; a republic increasing from day to day in population, in power, in strength; making rapid progress in all the arts which would add comfort or embellishment to life, winning new trophies in science, and raising itself to such a height that we all exulted that the powerful monarchs of the Old World now regarded us with a wholesome dread. * * *

"There is yet another consolation and that is, there never was a sword drawn, there never was resolve made in a more righteous cause than ours. It is not always in the relations of the world that a great principle is involved. It is not always when armies meet in the battle field that they meet for a cause for which blood is worthy to be shed. * * *

We are maintaining the Government of our country whose example of freedom has been the terror and the detestation of many of the Statesmen of the old world, who have regarded us from the beginning with the eye of dread and envy, and who now rejoice in our misfortune.

"It is our mission — a glorious mission, if we fulfil it faithfully — to preserve this fabric of popular liberty, to preserve it as a model for the founders of future commonwealths, and to deliver it to the next generation as entire as we received it from our fathers. These troubles, my friends, which have come upon us, are not the fruit of our form of Government. They do not spring from that principle of human equality on which this Government of ours is founded. They spring from a principle entirely different and absolutely opposite. Although our Government is founded on the basis of human equality, yet in a large part of our country there is a system in great vigor, an institution founded on a different principle. Oar Government rests on consent. The institution to which I refer rests upon obligation, upon the right and authority of one class to force another to do what the master class require; an institution founded upon obligation and so tingeing all the framework of society, so incorporated in the social life of those parts of our country that it has led them to kindle the flames of this rebellion in which the fabric of our Government is sought to be consumed.

"Now, my friends, this is the cause of the rebellion. Let us hope that from these flames the cause for which we are struggling will come forth like gold from the furnace, purified from the base alloy of that principle of pollution, and that, when this war is ended, we shall be one people and nation with homogeneous institutions, a nation worthy of the smile of heaven, with a long career of peace and prosperity before it, a career extending through centuries yet unknown."

In response to a call from the Chairmen,

Professor G. W. Greens, a grandson of General Nathaniel Greene of revolutionary memory, made a few remarks to the same sentiment:

"War, war, with all its horrors, with all its passions, with all the frightful array of physical and moral evil which it carries in its train; war following on the footsteps of peace, the art of destruction carried to proportions never reached before; in an age when men have devoted themselves with an intelligence and an ardor never known before to the elevation and emancipation of the human race — why war at such a time? It is because we have received a principle and refused its consequences. Our lathers waged war for a hundred years, a fierce contest for the right of every man to the product of his own labor, and ended it by an eight years war with the most powerful nation of Europe and came off victorious in the contest. We received the legacy but refused to fulfil the conditions of the bequest. We accepted the Declaration of Independence, but refused to carry it out to its logical conclusion. But that conclusion, those consequences have followed us. They are here; they are all around us, constraining us, compelling us, overmastering us, leaving us no loophole of escape, no alternative but frank, free, full acceptance.

"And what is that acceptance? The Constitution as it is. * *

But the Union and the Declaration of Independence would make it a union of freemen, free by inalienable right, free because made in the image of their God, all equal before the law, all equally firm, equally ardent in the defence of the rights of all mankind as inseparable portions of their own."

To the third regular toast:

"The living pioneers of Homoeopathy; long may their pretence grace our festive occasions."

Dr. Bayard responded,

Twenty-five years before, when he came to this city there were but three or four physicians who openly practiced Homoeopathy; but isolated as they were from the medical world, unsustained and unsupported they overcame the immense amount of prejudice, and the results of their labors were seen in the gathering this evening.

To the fourth toast:

"The Homoeopathic Societies of our State and Nation, constellations diffusing light and truth throughout the land."

Dr. S. S. Guy, of Brooklyn, responded,

If he was an astronomer, he said, he would be better able to speak of the constellations. As every star, so each of our societies, shines by its own light, differing however in brilliancy one from another. One society could be compared to a single star or individual effort and not shed its lustre far, but from the constellation of the stars we might judge what we should gain from associated effort, such as state and national associations. As in the system of astronomy we might have for a sun in this country our national association to which State Societies might be tributary; to the State Organizations in turn the County Societies might be tributary."

The fifth regular toast was,

"Our Homoeopathic Literature, young, fresh, vigorous and respectable."

Dr. C. Dunham responded as follows:

"I do not suppose any one will question the literary rank or the critical acumen of Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, of Boston. Dr. Holmes says, that the literature of Homoeopathy consists of a hundred or so of pamphlets which resemble each other like so many spelling books. If this be true, the less we say of our literature the better. But I think if we take a fair view of the subject, we shall find that the homoeopathic literature is quite as ancient and no less respectable than that of which Dr. Holmes boasts for medicine at large. The word of God is much older than king James' Bible, much older than the Hebrew Pentateuch. It began to be uttered when light was separated from darkness and land from water. It has been heard ever since in the physical and sensible universe down to our day. Compared with this venerable age, how short a time is occupied by the written word which is the summing up and explication of all that went before.

"Now if we take the same view of homoeopathic literature — and I think we are justified in taking it — we may hold that wherever, in any age, any medical author has expounded and maintained any one of the great fundamental doctrines that we now call the doctrines of Homoeopathy, we may put him down in the homoeopathic bibliography. And we shall have a very illustrious line, beginning with Hippocrates, who expressly stated the homoeopathic formula. Then we had Haller, who insisted on ascertaining the properties of drugs by proving them upon the healthy person. Then we put down Sydenham, who said that diseases were to be treated not by acting on pathological hypotheses, but by singling or finding out a specific, which he says is the true way, and he himself made the boast that before he died — which however turned out to be ill-founded — that he would discover a method of finding out a specific for every individual case. For all that we put his name down on the catalogue of our leaders in illustrious capitals and surround it with a wreath. Then John Hunter who taught the specific affinity of poisons for certain organs and tissues, each alter its kind, saying that poisons each go to their seats in the body as if they were allotted to them. Then if we come down to later times, Pereira insists upon the necessity of proving drugs upon the healthy person. And every page of Pereira's great work on Materia Medica contains proof and testimony to the truth of the homoeopathic law of prescribing.

"And last of all, I think, we cannot refuse to put down Dr. Holmes himself. Because when Dr. Holmes sums up the duty of the practitioner of medicine in these words: 'He should seek out and prove all methods, both new and old, and should select in his practice that which promises best for usefulness;' that is the whole spirit and purpose and theory of Homoeopathy. His name will have to go down. And now with Hippocrates, Haller, Sydenham, Hunter, Pereira and Holmes. I will let Dr. Holmes himself decide if we have not an illustrious literature."

The sixth toast was,

"Our Medical College, may they ever be conducted in a true philanthropic spirit, bearing high the standard of professional attainment, and ever find a generous support from the profession and enlightened public."

Prof. S. R. Kirby. was expected to respond to this sentiment, but being absent there was no response.

"Our Homoeopathic Charities, though still in their infancy give promise of a noble future," was the seventh toast.

Prof. Guernsey responded as follows:

"Why is it that our branch of the medical profession, containing among its adherents so much wealth and talent and refinement of the world, has obtained so small a proportion in the great public charities of the nation? The question is easily answered. We could hardly expect that a material age in years gone by would comprehend the beauties of a system appealing so strongly as it does to man's inward nature, yet embraced as it was by men of mind, by divines and scholars, and poets and statesmen in different parts of the world these great truths progressed downwards through the different planes of intellect, through different classes, until they have at length permeated the whole mass, and the old school has become so far affected with the truths of the new philosophy as almost to have reached over and clasped hands with us on our own platform.

The ninth regular toast was,

"Our German Brethren present and absent; we value them as pioneers, a people patient in investigation and toiling for the mental improvement of our race.

Dr. C. E Blumenthal responded.

The tenth regular toast was,

"Our French Confreres, no less able, no less worthy than those of any other nation. Let then be ever welcome in our labors as physicians."

Dr. J. A. WEISSE responded.

Volunteer toasts were given and responses made by Drs. E. M. Kellogg, D. D. Smith, R. C. Moffat, S. B. Barlow, A. S. Ball, H. G. Dunnell, B. F. Bowers, and others. The remarks of Dr. Smith brought out many personal reminiscences from Drs. Gray, Wells and Ball, which were listened to with great attention. In response to "The Memory of Dr. Alfred Freeman,"Dr. Dunnell gave a very interesting account of his conversion to the new school, his trials and persecution.

The subject of erecting a monument to the memory of Dr. Gram was introduced and a committee consisting of Drs. Gray, Wilson and Ball appointed to receive contributions and take charge of the matter.

After passing a vote of thanks to Dr. Gray for his address and asking a copy for publication, the company adjourned, all feeling pleased with the evening's entertainment. S.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 11, 1863, pages 515-528]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Gold; Titanium; Sharp's Materia Medica – Gold and Titanium; Anniversary of Hahnemann's Birthday]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1863]

MISCELLANEOUS.

Annotations on the History of Homoeopathic Literature in the English Language. Letter from Dr. Lippe.

Dr. Carroll Dunham in his excellent article "Homoeopathy the Science of Therapeutics," published in the American Homeopathic Review, after complaining (page 263) that it is humiliating to be compelled to say that there are no trustworthy manuals of our Materia Medica in the English language, alludes to the Preface of Jahr's New Manual and Symptomen Codex, by Dr. Constantine Hering, and refers to the subsequent publication of that Preface in the original German manuscript, in the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, and which contains also the following foot-note by Dr. Hering, "After comparison of the translation with the original, the above endorsement is hereby altogether and completely withdrawn." Dr. Dunham further says (page 265), that if he were asked why this retraction was not made in the language and in the country in which the commendation was suffered to be published, he would have nothing to say. Dr. Dunham further continues, "It avails not to say, why find fault with these translations and this manual, inasmuch as we have no others. Had the unworthiness of these been made known, had they not, on the contrary, been endorsed by high authority, we had long since had others and trustworthy. An exposure of the imperfections we have spoken of would have created a demand for other works, and it is not less true in science then in trade that 'demand creates a supply.'"

Dr. D. Wilson who is now publishing an article in the Monthly Homoeopathic Review, beginning in No. 7, Vol. VI., headed "How far is Dr. Hempel to be trusted as a translator of Hahnemann's works," says, in that number (page 403), "Yet, strange to say, no one, as far as I am aware, has hitherto publicly pointed out the blunders that have been perpetrated by Dr. Hempel in his voluminous translations of Hahnemann's works." To correct the above erroneous statements allow me then to publish the following facts.

Jahr's New Manual and Symptomen Codex, by Dr. C. J. Hempel, Vol. III, was reviewed by me for the Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy, in 1852, in Vol. I, page 427 to 432, my name not appearing. Dr. Hempel puts in a demurrer in Vol. I., page 467 to 476 of the same Journal, dated December 15th, 1852. — In Vol. I, page 518 to 521 of that Journal, I felt compelled as the Author of the Review to answer, and there say "I write (this criticism) for the American Homoeopathists, to vindicate ourselves before the world, etc." Dr. Hempel answers again, February 24th, 1853, Vol. I, page 549, and remarks that the interest of the publisher must be protected; he then appeals to the recommendations of Dr. C. Hering in the preface to the first volume of the work to which I replied, March, 24th, 1853, Vol. II, page 59 to 61, vindicating Dr. Hering by stating that he could not then publish his original German preface or its correct translation, nor could he withdraw his recommendation in the country in which that commendation was published as the Homoeopathic Journal then published was in the hands of the publisher of the New Manual, who would not receive and circulate communications adverse to his interests. I further then gave there the footnote of Dr. Hering in the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, above referred to. "After comparing the translation with the original, I solemnly withdraw this my above communication and endorsement."

Dr. Hempel again replied in Vol. II, page 318 and 319, declaring me to stand convicted of libel, threatening legal proceedings or demanding an arbitration by committee. The committee report of the 24th of September and the 8th of October, 1853, is published in Vol. II, page 430 and this committee having examined Dr. C. Hering's original German manuscript of the preface to the New Manual and its publication in the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, with the translation by Dr. Hempel as published, find, that the point assumed by me, viz., (that the translation of Dr. C. Hering's preface to the New Manual and Symptomen Codex contained wilful perversions and omissions), has been established. A reply to this report by Dr. C. Hempel is published in Vol. II, page 573, in which he boldly denies that he is guilty of any essential alterations. Later the publisher succeeded in obtaining by some means the name of a few physicians as a recommendation to the Complete Repertory.

The Review was published ten years ago. It had only the effect to procure for Dr. C. J. Hempel a professorship in the Pennsylvania College of Homoeopathy What effect his teachings and publications had while Professor in that Institute are well known.

That ten years later Dr. Wilson, in England, and Dr. Dunham, in the United States, should endorse my review of 1852 is exceedingly gratifying to me, but unfortunately does not remedy the evil done to Homoeopathy and its progress during that length of time.

I sincerely hope that Drs. Wilson and Dunham will be more successful in 1862 in arousing the, English reading members of the profession to the necessity of accurate translations and correct versions of Hahnemann's writings and our standard works.

Philadelphia, December 7th, 1862. Ad. Lippe, M.D.

Note. — The facts respecting the publications in the Philadelphia Journal, in 1852-53 are essentially as above stated by Dr. Lippe. The reasons why they did not attract general attention and were not accepted by the profession as a withdrawal by Dr. Hering of his strong endorsement of Dr. Hempel's translation of the Symptomen Codex, I suppose to be the following —

1 The first paper by Dr. Lippe was anonymous, and therefore was not authoritative in any personal sense.

2. The foot-note attached by Dr. Hering to the German publication of his preface was not quoted by Dr. Lippe until after a succession of demurrers by Dr. Hempel and replications by himself had given the matter the aspect of a somewhat personal controversy; and even then it was introduced as a kind of obiter dictum, because the foot note referred to the "Symptomen Codex or New Manual" in two volumes, whereas Dr. Lippe's review had treated almost exclusively of the Repertory or Vol. III.

Now this Repertory was really to all intents and purposes not so much a translation as a new work by Dr. Hempel, and he is entitled to commendation or adverse criticism according to the merits or demerits of the work, as an Author rather than as a Translator. In such a capacity Dr. Hering's foot note and preface could hardly refer to him, and hence the foot-note, introduced "by the way," in Dr. Lippe's letters concerning his review of the Repertory failed to attract general attention and to vindicate Dr. Hering.

But the above "annotations" are entirely satisfactory. Coming, as they do from a confidential friend of Dr. Hering and with his express sanction and approval, they are a complete withdrawal of his endorsement of the English version of Jahr's New Manual. They give moreover a satisfactory reason why this withdrawal could not have been published at an earlier date in this country, Viz.: the fact that the publishing interest controlled all of our Journals from the year 1850 to 1858, to such an extent that nothing in the shape of an adverse criticism of any important publication was allowed to appear in any Journal This statement the writer can corroborate from personal experience.

While accepting Dr. Lippe's annotations as full and satisfactory on these points, I am not disposed to adopt unreservedly his criticisms of Dr. Hempel, I have no evidence that the errors and omissions which render it Impossible to receive his works, as trustworthy translations of the books they profess to represent, are wilful or malicious. I think they may be all accounted for by the fact that the translations were made in haste and therefore carelessly, and that to some of the tasks which he undertook, Dr. Hempel may have been at the time hardly competent. And when we consider the immense amount of labor required by these numerous translations, we can hardly wonder that errors have been committed and omissions made. Unhappily, this does not make the books any less undeserving of confidence. Of course an error or an omission is just as fatal to the trustworthiness of a translation, whether it be the result of haste, of carelessness, or of wilful perversion — but the Interests of science do not require the critic to go beyond a statement of the fact that the work is not trustworthy, and of the particulars in which it fails.

In my remarks on Manuals to which Dr. Lippe alludes, I refer only to that part of the New Manual which relates to the Materia Medica. The faults of the English version of the preface, however provoking to the Author of the preface, have not the same kind of relation to the general interests of the science. They do however concern the personal and professional reputation of Dr. Hering, and at his request we publish a letter addressed by him to Dr. Gardiner, Editor of Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy, at the time of the publication of Dr. Lippe's Review of the Repertory, before alluded to. Dunham.

[Copy.]

Philadelphia, August 18th, 1853.

Dr. Wm. Gardiner,

Sir : You say, in your Journal, the last number, page 318, you "wish to deal justly" — "nothing further to be published on that subject." On the same page you allow your own. name to be put at the head of a committee to examine the original manuscript of Dr. Hering's preface, or as an alternative the mean threat of setting New York pettifoggers upon the first one who has had, ability and courage to awake the attention of American Homoeopaths to the danger to which monopolizing and book manufacturing leads our cause. I am willing to lay in the hands of any respectable committee meeting in Philadelphia, at any time,

1. My original manuscript.

2. The verbatim printed copy in the Allg. Hom. Zeitung.

3. The English translation of it as a preface to the Symptomen Codex.

4. A comparison of the translation with the original, pointing out the wilful perversions and omissions.

Said committee, according to common sense and custom cannot have any interested parties members of it, but ought to be appointed by them, and of course only of such physicians as understand the German language. You ought to be the Umpire. Is not your Journal the proper organ in which such a report of such a committee ought to be published.

(Signed), Yours, Constantine Hering.

___________

HYDROPHOBIA FROM THE BITE OF A SKUNK. — We have received from Dr. C. T. HARRIS, of Delavan, Walworth Co., Wis., an interesting account of a case of Hydrophobia consequent upon the bite of a Skunk.

January 1, 1862. A child often years was seen by her parents, not far from their dwelling, with something apparently in her arms, screaming. The object proved to be a skunk (Mephitis putorius), which clung to her and could not be shaken off. It had bitten her hand and she was holding it by the neck to prevent it biting again. It was promptly killed. The wound healed readily.

Two weeks afterwards, in the same neighborhood, another skunk, which had been caught alive in a trap, was teased for sometime by a lad and finally broke its cage and escaped. Meeting a child soon after it sprang upon her and bit her hand severely. In a few weeks she was seized with Hydrophobia and died in three days.

This death alarmed the parents of the first child, who thereupon consulted Dr. Harris, the child meanwhile appearing well. He gave as a prophylactic Bell. 3. The second or third dose produced decided effects. The child said she "felt badly all over, in her feet, as if she would kick, and in her teeth as if she wished to bite." Medicine was discontinued. The symptoms soon disappeared and the child has continued well.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 07, 1863, pages 333-336]

[Description: Miscellaneous 07; Controversy regarding Hempel's translations; Letter from Dr. Hering; Hydrophobia From The Bite of a Skunk.]

[Author: AHomeo03]

[Year: 1863]

BOOK NOTICES.

BRAITHWAITE'S RETROSPECT OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE AND SURGERY: part 48, January, 1864. New York, published by W. A. Townsend.

We have always anticipated with pleasure the time when the Retrospect should make its semi-annual appearance, and as we turn over its pages to see what has been going on in medicine, apart from Therapeutics and Materia Medica, it occurs to us that probably most of the homoeopathic physicians desire to keep themselves versed in the progress of the art and, as well as ourselves, refer to Braithwaite. To these our extracts are second-handed.

In the department of Practical Medicine, wherein is given the treatment of diseases, we are seldom disappointed, for we never expect to find any thing of any practical importance to us as Homoeopathists. The history and descriptions of disease may occasionally contain something new, but the, application of remedies is about the same as in the time of the earliest writers In the department of Surgery we do not find much that is new. A case of excision of the knee-joint for some "incurable disease," the effects of a long walk eighteen months before, is given; the patient regaining the use of his leg. The success of Homoeopathy in this disease is historical. Resection of the knee-joint is objected to; for notwithstanding it removes the local disease and (perhaps) brings about an anchylosis of tibia and femur, the general success has not been good. A case of naevus on the nose is reported, where an attempt to inject the perchloride of iron was followed by instant death. As a sure cure for onanism it is recommended to blister the penis till it is too sore to touch; cases are given in illustration of this mild treatment. We do not observe anything new in the treatment of skin diseases. In the treatment of carbuncle the time honored crucial incision is laid aside for awhile to give the caustic plan another chance to display wonders, it being discovered that the mortality in the former method was more than fifty percent. As a dressing to sores, fine clay is recommended particularly where cold applications are required, the clay, wrapped in linen, being used instead of wet rags. As a means of preventing pitting after small pox, puncturing the vesicles with needles dipped in a solution of nitrate of silver is considered as far preferable to the various plasters, solutions, etc., etc., that have been used. Some experiments with Calabar bean in causing contraction of the pupil are given; several articles are published on the subject. It is called also the Ordeal Bean. Most of the experiments were made by topical application of a solution of the bean.

Under midwifery is reported an interesting case of a ruptured vagina during labor, the child passing into the abdomen; after an unsuccessful attempt with forceps delivery was finally accomplished, after three and a half hours, by turning; the child was dead, the mother recovered. In a late number of El Criterio Medico, there was an article, translated from a foreign journal, on the laws governing the sex. We find the same views here in an article on impregnation from which we quote: "It is a well known fact that queen bees lay female eggs first and male eggs afterwards. Also, that if her conception be protracted beyond a lunar month from her birth, she will produce males only. In the human female, conception in the first half of the time between menstrual periods produces female offspring, and male in the latter. Numerous instances of females being 'out' in reckoning the time of their parturition gave rise in my mind to a suspicion of the existence of some 'law' as a cause; and from the frequency of a male child coming, I usually concluded and predicted that a late case was due to an 'idle boy,' and rarely failed in being right. The law above stated explains those irregularities; and its existence has been confirmed by a friend on whose testimony, as to its being a fact, implicit reliance may be placed. That law of generation applies also to animals, and probably to all animated beings."

Cases are reported of inducing premature labor with caoutchouc bags, ergot and nitrate of silver, in the latter case lunar caustic being used. In regard to the use of chloroform, one writer says "when inhaled during labor, very frequently predisposes to hemorrhage, puerperal inflammation, chest affections and to other diseases detrimental to health and life, which it aggravates if given during their presence. It also lays the foundation of diseases to arise at a more distant period."

An interesting case of co-existing intra and extra-uterine pregnancy is reported as terminating favorably. Another case is reported of a presentation of right arm and shoulder terminating by spontaneous evolution. Considerable has been written on the treatment of female diseases; among other suggestions the use of medicated pessaries is spoken of; the butter of cocoa being used as the vehicle and mechanical appliance.

In the miscellaneous subjects is reported a successful attempt to restore a putrified body to its natural appearance in order to identify it. This was done by placing it in a bath of solution of chloride of sodium, to which was added hydrochloric acid and a stream of chlorine gas directed on his face for some time.

In a previous number of the Retrospect the deleterious use of red vulcanite by dentists was spoken of, the subject is again referred to in the present number. A general index to parts 45, 46, 47 and 48 is published at the end of the number.

__________

HOMOEOPATHIC LITERATURE. — Among the books, pamphlets and periodicals received the past month are:

The Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London, for November, 1863, contains, an editorial on the medical session 1863-4; treatment of the toothache, by Dr. Massy; continuation of Dr. Cobb's article on sleeping and dreaming; Mr. Wilson's criticisms, etc.; Northern Homoeopathic Medical Association; the question on doses, etc., by Dr. Bayes; miscellanies, dispensary reports, etc. The December number contains, a criticism of an article in the "Medical Times;" climates for invalids, by Dr, Massy; continuation of Dr. Bayes article on a question of doses; the criticism of Drs. Bayes and Wilson, by Dr. Hewitt; real and nominal attenuations, by Dr. Powell; concussion of the brain, by Dr. Hastings; Mr. Wilson's criticisms, by Dr. Dudgeon; cases, dispensary and hospital reports, miscellanies, etc. The January number contains, an editorial to the readers of the journal; an article by Dr. Pope, on who are Homoeopathists; an account of a man who found a bottle labelled Merc. sol. 6 and what he learned from it; the treatment of acute inflammatory disease, by Dr. Anderson; the question of doses by Dr. Bayes; Apis in scarlatina, by Dr. Nankivell; reply to Dr. Hewitt by Dr. Bayes; want of uniformity in homoeopathic attenuation, by Mr. Carryer; inhalation of Glonoine, by Mr. Merrick; can inert matter act on the living organism, by Dr. Eadon; scabies; reports of societies, book reviews, miscellanies, etc. The February number contains a criticism on an article in Braithwaite's Retrospect; a continuation of Dr. Anderson's article on acute inflammatory diseases; a continuation of Dr. Bayes' question of doses; Dr. Dudgeon's criticisms of Mr. Wilson; miscellaneous articles, dispensary reports, etc.

The Homoeopathic Observer, Manchester, Eng., for November. 1863, contains, an editorial on homoeopathic medical literature, considering the want of a revised Materia Medica and a manual of homoeopathic practice; a case of poisoning by phosphor. paste; a case of partial paralysis cured with Calc. and Nux; miscellanies and medical intelligence. The number for December contains, the controversy between Drs. Newman and Mac Limont. Some years since, Dr. Newman was discharged from some charitable institution on account of his practising Homoeopathy, he removed to Bath and established a homoeopathic hospital; in this he is likely to be supplanted by a Dr. Mac Limont, hence the controversy is going on. Cases of cerebral disease, salivary fistula, and poisoning by Phosphorus, with miscellanies fill up the number. The number for January contains, an editorial on medical persecutions; book reviews; miscellanies and medical intelligence.

Notes of a New Truth, December, 1863. The editor of the Notes endeavors to keep his lay readers informed of what is going on in the homoeopathic school, the discussion in regard to the translation of Hahnemann's Materia Medica is noticed, with a continuation of the Bath hospital affairs and reports of cures, etc. The January number begins the ninth volume, it contains addresses to the members of the English homoeopathic association, under whose auspices the periodical is published, and to the readers of the Notes; persecution by the College of Physicians of one of their own body in 1698 for prescribing Cantharides; protection against the spread of scarlatina; action of globules on persons in health; death from vaccination; progress of Homoeopathy; cases; medical intelligence, etc. The February number contains, an account of Homoeopathy in unprofessional hands in India; on the torture of animals; miscellaneous articles for the lay reader.

In the British Journal of Homoeopathy, for January, 1864, we have a report of three cases of ophthalmia presented to the British Homoeopathic Society, by Dr. Joseph Kidd, Merc. corr. alone and in alternation with Bell. in a low potency were used; a case of paratyphlitis cured with Bell., by Dr. Trinks, is translated from the "Neue Zeitschrift;" Dr. Casanova reports a case of chronic relapsing ophthalmia, successfully treated with Tart. emet. externally; Dr. Langhemz continues his critical examinations of the Materia Medica Pura by giving the Opium symptoms; Dr. Stokes contributes another chapter from Dr Coe's work on concentrated organic remedies; Dr. Nankivell continues his article on the pathogenesy of Aconite; Newman and Maclimont give publicity to their personal difficulties; Dr. Hitchman publishes an article on infantile convulsions; book reviews and extracts from medical journals follow; among the latter are some experiments with the Ordeal bean, Mercury in syphilis, toxical effects of Sulphuret of carbon, and Ash leaves in rheumatism and gout. Dr. Aegidi's case of diabetes (published in our February number) is translated from the "Allg. Hom. Zeitung" miscellaneous articles fill up the number.

The North American Journal, for February, 1864, opens with Dr. Gray's address on Homoeopathy in New York; a continuation of the article of Drs. Madden and Hughes on the action of Digitalis, from the British Journal of Homoeopathy, with an abstract of-the views of Dr. Jones follows; Dr. Pearson publishes an article on variola, which he considers distinct from varioloid, that the latter is only seen after vaccination which he says is unnecessary, kine pox or vaccine virus is a modified form of variola; he considers Apis almost a specific. Dr. Temple's address before the Western Homoeopathic Institute, on the unity of Homoeopathy follows. Dr. Hale publishes an article on the thyroid gland. An article on surgery, by Dr. James; one on pseudo membranes, by Dr. Ludlam; another on hare-lip, by Dr. Helmuth; clinical cases, by Dr. Potter; use of Canth in vesicular facial erysipelas, by Dr. Lougeay; Aesculus hippocastanum in hemorrhoids, by Dr. Cuthbert; Homoeopathy in the army, by Dr. Franklin, come next in order; then follow general record of medical science, bibliographical notices, miscellaneous items. In the department of Materia Medica, Dr. Douglass publishes the pathogenetic characteristics of Selen, Sepia, Silicea, Spigelia, Spongia, Squilla, Stannum and Staphysagria. The first sixteen pages of Dr. Franklin's work on diseases of the heart, are published as an appendix.

The Homoeopathic Observer comes to us from Detroit, Michigan, an octavo of sixteen pages. Dr. Lodge, editor and proprietor, proposes to publish it monthly at one dollar per annum. The two numbers that have been published. January and February, contain a salutatory, proceedings of societies, college notices, clinical cases, short original articles, extracts from other journals, etc. In an article on New Provings, a Professor, speaking of our indigenous remedies, pays a tribute to the eclectic school, "under the leadership of the really gifted Morrow, aided by Jones, Sherwood, King and Cleveland, who have done good service in introducing native remedies into practice." He continues, "we have now excellent provings of Apocynum, Cimicifuga, Iris and Phytolacca, Podophyllum, Sanguinaria and some others. We have also suggestive fragmentory provings of Asclepias tuberosa and syriaca, Baptisa tinct., Erigeron, Caulophyllum, Nuphar advena, Hydrastis and many others." We are glad to learn "some of our school who are not content to be drones in the profession, are laboring to perfect these provings." He continues, "I am sorry to add here that some under the lead of Hering, who believe that all the good in Homoeopathy will die with them, are inclined to discourage the new provings, and ridicule the use of new remedies in disease. They have fallen into a spiritless routine of practice, and are content to continue the exclusive use of the old polychrests and anti-psorics, and would rather let their dropsical patients die under the use of Helleborus, Arsenicum, etc., than to resort to such 'new fangled' remedies as Apoeynum, Asclepias syr., or Eupatorium per. We cannot imagine any reason for such a bigoted course, unless it is because they had not the honor, of proving the latter remedies, and in the thirtieth potency" Our Professor should keep himself better posted. We would suggest to him a trip to Philadelphia. Dr. Hering would probably extend to him the same privilege he has to us and others, open his iron safe where, secure from fire, he has arranged the manuscript of confirmed provings of more remedies than the Professor has thought to put on his list. Here he would probably find the most extensive provings of Gelsemium sempervirens, and many of the "new fangled" remedies that would aid him in his new Materia Medica.

Medical Investigator is the name of a new monthly periodical which comes to us from Chicago; in form of a quarto of eight pages. The first volume of the present series began in October. It contains lectures delivered before the Hahnemann College at Chicago, clinical cases, original contributions, extracts from medical journals, miscellaneous items and local medical intelligence. It is published by C. S. Halsey.

Bulletin de la Societe Medicate Homoeopathique de France. Vol. IV, No. 6, October, 1863, contains an extract from the proceedings of the society; physiological and therapeutic action of cyanide of mercury, by Dr. Leon Simon, jr.; the importance of making provings of Cyanide of mercury; some notes on the doctrine of chronic diseases; phlegmonous erysepelas of the face and scalp cured by Buffo sahytiensis, translated from El Criterio Medico; miscellanies and correspondence. No. 7, November, contains, practical reflections on typhoid fever and its homoeopathic treatment, translated from the Allg. Hom. Zeitung; practical observations, extracted from the Annal de Med. Hom.; miscellanies, bibliography, etc.

Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, Vol. 67, No. 18, November 2d, 1863, contains the treatment of ophthalmia neonatorum, by Dr. Freytag; cures with the thirtieth and high potencies, by Dr. Kraizell; a wish, by Dr. Schussler; proceedings of the Central Union of the Hom, Phys. of Germany at Mainz; communications from Drs. Sommer and Perussel, etc. No. 19, November 9th, contains the treatment of ophthalmia neonatorum, by Dr. Freytag, continued; Dr. Boenninghausen's clinical record; cures with the thirtieth and high potencies, by Dr. Kraizell, continued; proceedings of the thirty-third meeting of the Central Union of Homoeopathic Physicians of Germany, with the inaugural address of the President, Dr. Kirsch; extracts from Foreign journals and miscellanies. No. 20, November 16th, contains a contiuation of Dr. Freytag's article; case of diabetes (published in January number of the "American Homoeopathic Review"), by Dr. Aegidi; literary notices and miscellanies. No. 21, November23d, contains an article on Materia Medica, by Dr. Hencke; Dr. Boenninghausen's clinical record; continuation of the proceedings of the Central Union; report of the Polyclinic at Leipsic; extracts from journals; proving of Cyanide of Mercury, by Dr. Leon Simon, jr.; obituary; homoeopathic hospital in Munich.. No. 22, November 30th, contains action of Silicea, by Dr. Goullon; three cases of melaena, by Dr. Minnichreiter; proceedings of the Central Union; the "Paris Lachesis," by Dr. Hering; news of the day, etc. No. 23, December 7th, contains, an article on the so-called epidemic remedies, by Dr. Bruckner; psora, by Dr. Roth; proceedings of the Central Union; Cyanide of Mercury, by Dr. Simon, jr.; extracts from journals, miscellanies. No. 24, December 14th, contains, action of Silicea, by Dr. Goullon, continued; epidemic remedies, by Dr. Buckner, continued; a cure of typhus, by Dr. L. Stern; discussion on blennorrhea urethras at the Central Union; news items; obituary. No. 25, December 21st, contains, observations on his case of diabetes, by Dr. Aegidi; a cure of typhus with remarks, by Dr. L. Stern; discussion on the treatment of syphilis at the thirty third meeting of the Central Union; extracts from journals. No. 26, December 28th, contains, material for the Materia Medica (Clematis erecta), by Dr. C. Hencke; cures with the thirtieth and high potencies, by Dr. Kraizell, continued; meeting of the Homoeopathic Physicians of the Rhine and Westphalia at Dortmund, contribution B, comparison of Ignatia and Stramonium, by Dr. H. Gross, contribution D, cures of animals, and high potencies, by Dr. Boenninghausen; extracts from journals. This completes the sixty-seventh volume

Neue Zeitschrift fur Homoeopathishe Klinik, No. 21, November 1st, 1863, has a continuation of Dr. Roth's history of the homoeopathic theory; gangrene following embolic, by Dr. Pemerl; treatment of strabismus; book notices. miscellanies, etc. No. 22, November 15th, contains, catalysis, by Dr. Roth; aphorisms from medical practice, by Dr. Hirsch; continuation of Dr. Pemerl's article; miscellaneous articles. No. 23, December 1st, contains, the old and new receipt, by Dr. Hoppe; continuation of Dr. Roth's article; treatment of strabismus by Dr. Gallavardin; continuation of Dr. Hirsch's article; book notices, correspondence, etc. No. 24, December 15th, contains, conclusions of Drs. Hoppe's and Gallavardin's articles; homoeopathic cures, by Dr. Verwey clinical report, by Dr. Schleicher; continuation of Or. Hirsch's article; miscellanies, medical intelligence of the day, etc. This number completes the eighth volume of the new series, the twelfth of the publication.

El Criterio Medico, Madrid, No. 21, November 10th, 1862, contains continuations of the articles on the human organism and ozone; the law of similars; action of Digitalis on the heart; bibliography and miscellanies. In No. 22. for November 26th, are articles on the dynamic principle the base of Homoeopathy; epidemic cholera morbus; clinic; law of the production of the sexes in animals and plants; items, etc. In No. 23, December 10th, is a conclusion of the article on dynamization; articles on the universality of the law of similars; the treatment of intermittent fever, the inefficiency of sulphate of quinine; notable quotations; clinical reports; electricity considered as the principal cause of the action of mineral waters in the system; orthodox medicine and the medical congress. No. 24, December 25th, contains conclusion of the article on the law of similars; notable quotations; clinical reports; treatment of toothache; characteristic symptoms of Pulsatilla; extracts from Foreign journals, correspondence; miscellanies This number completes the fourth volume of the new series, the fifteenth of the publication.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 09, 1864, pages 426-432]

[Description: Book Notices; Braithwaite's Retrospect of Practical Medicine and Surgery]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1864]

BOOK NOTICES.

DIE THERAPIE; Nach den Grundsetzen der Homoeopathic. Bearbeitet von Dr. BERNARD BAHR, Hanover. Leipsic, 1862.

THERAPEUTICS; Treated according to the Principles of Homoeopathy. By Dr. BERNARD BAHR, Hanover.

Dr. Bahr having been applied to, to superintend the publication of a revised and corrected fourth edition of Hartmann's well-known Therapeutic Manual, preferred, instead thereof, to lay before the profession this, which is an original work. Instead of preserving Hartmann's arbitrary nosological arrangement of diseases, Bahr treats of diseases in the same order in which Hahnemann arranged symptoms in the Materia Medica, that is to say, he follows the anatomical schema. By so doing he considers that the use of the Materia Medica Pura in conjunction with the study of his treatise is made easier and more practicable Particular attention is paid to the pathology and pathological anatomy of diseases, in which respects the author has aimed to bring his book fully in accord with the most recent authorities.

In a long introduction written with singular clearness and candor, and designed chiefly for beginners in the study and practice of Homoeopathy, Dr. B. presents his views on the following subjects: 1st. The proving of drugs; 2d. The law of similarities; 3d. Diagnosis; 4th. The simplicity of the remedy; 5th. The dose; 6th. The preparation and the repetition of the remedy; 7th. The diet.

"The dose used in proving a remedy must," he says, "be very various; he should always begin with the smallest doses; we may even begin with the thirtieth potency and gradually ascend to larger and more substantial doses. The single doses should never be taken in rapid succession; it is better to allow all the morbid phenomena produced by one dose to pass away before a second dose is taken. If no effects result, the dose may be increased and may be repeated more frequently. These cautions respecting the dose are extremely important, because the susceptibility to medicinal action is extremely different in different individuals, and it can never be determined beforehand, how small the dose must be, in order to produce the feeblest appreciable action. Yet these feeble beginnings of action of remedies arc often of the greatest importance, because they afford data for the explanation of later appearing and more potent effects of the action of the drug"

A very important expression of opinion, since the tendency, at the present day, is to prove in heroic doses only or at least to begin with such doses!

On the subject of the diagnosis after stating the objections made against Homoeopathy for its alleged neglect and disparagement of this element of medical science, and after stating and deprecating certain alleged deficiencies and self-contradictions contained in the Organon, Dr. Bahr expresses his views in the following proposition:

"Investigate with the aid of all possible auxiliary means, every change in condition which has been brought about by the disease — investigate it with reference to its cause, kind, origin, course, connections and sequences; investigate in like manner the artificial disease produced by the drugs; you will have then fulfilled the two necessary conditions on which an artistic cure must be based. This proposition includes the covering of the symptoms, but it also requires something more."

This statement commends itself to our judgment, but we fail to perceive in it any improvement on Hahnemann's admirable directions in the Organon.

The subject of the dose is very candidly treated. "The question of the dose," says Dr. Bahr, "is an entirely practical one, which can be solved only through an accumulation of a vast number of experiments, for the action of a remedial substance upon the human organism does not follow one uniform law, but depends upon many contingent circumstances. We can never expect either in the healthy or in the sick to obtain always the same effect from same dose. The conditioning circumstances are of three kinds: variety in individual susceptibility; variety in the morbid condition; and variety in the drug itself. The great variety of individual susceptibility to drug action is shown in every proving instituted upon a variety of persons and in every collection of practical observations upon the sick. We are not in a position to form an opinion beforehand in any given case respecting the degree of susceptibility, although it is true that experience has seemed to establish certain points. — Thus, for example, we know that children of very nervous and irritable temperaments, and persons who have led a regular and temperate life, are much more sensitive than others to drugs, that the susceptibility diminishes with the general decline of the reactive power and is diminished by the use of large quantities of drugs. Moreover experience daily teaches us the influence Of certain forms of pathological processes upon this susceptibility. We see the diseases of the nervous system do not tolerate such strong doses as diseases the organs of circulation, that contagious or miasmatic diseases tolerate, na even require larger doses."

In passing we must protest against this last statement. We think that no one who has witnessed a comparative treatment of a series of cases of Scarlatina with low potencies on the one hand and with the two hundredth on the other, or of Intermittent Fever with low potencies of Ars., Nux vom., or Nat. mur., and with the two hundredth of the same drugs could hesitate for a moment to prefer the high potencies for quickness and pleasantness of action and for durability of result, or to say, that in these cases at least, a contagious and a miasmatic malady require the smallest rather than the largest doses, or, since we prefer to discard qualifying terms which involve the mechanical ideas of material quantity — the higher rather than the lower potencies.

"It is likewise clear that different remedies in the same dose do not always develop the same intensity of action. A grain of Arsenic acts much more strongly than a grain of Saltpetre or of Mercury; a drop of Belladonna than a drop of Chamomilla"

Regarded from these three points of view any standard dose that may be assumed, however large or small it may be, is an unwarrantable assumption which can never be justified by the results of practice; and although many Homoeopathis hold to a standard dose, we cannot but regard this as a lamentable error and as a direct contravention of the spirit of Homoeopathy For, just as Homoeopathy demands in the investigation of the morbid condition the strictest individualization, as it likewise requires that the remedy should be regarded in its strictly individual aspect, it is fair to assume as a necessary consequence that every dose should be made to correspond to the particular conditions of the case for which it is prescribed, and that in this respect also strict individualization should be observed."

"The following general law applies to every endeavor to cure: tuto cito et jucunde curare. That is, in other words, every conscientious physician should, without impairing the certainty and rapidity of the cure, take most especial care that the patient do not receive from the remedy which he administers morbid symptoms in addition to those which he already has. But if we administer a remedy according to the law of similarities in a relatively large dose, we shall almost always produce a more or less considerable aggravation of the existing sickness; this is the so-called homoeopathic aggravation. That this is no imagination, no vague theory, any one may easily convince himself by experiment; but it is certainly the effect of imagination when many affirm that they have seen an aggravation after all possible doses below the ominous thirtieth potency; and thereby claim to be the true followers of Hahnemann. Hahnemann, indeed, through his dread of the homoeopathic aggravation came to commit the great error of fixing upon the thirtieth potency as the normal dose. * Inasmuch, however, as the homoeopathic aggravation, although sometimes when not too strong, a desirable phenomenon as justifying the choice of the remedy — nevertheless offends against the "jucunde curare" it is unquestionably our duly to avoid it by a diminution of the dose, to carry this diminution so far as that we attain a curative action undisturbed by any increase of the morbid phenomena already present; and this we should do even though in this manner we should carry the diminution as far as the thirtieth potency and still further"

"Besides the homoeopathic aggravation we observe also where large doses are given a pure medicinal aggravation, that is, effects which are produced by the drug outside of the circle of the previously existing morbid symptoms. — This medicinal aggravation, however, seldom occurs except after relatively large doses, whereas the homoeopathic aggravation may follow small doses. That a peculiar susceptibility to medicinal influence may cause it to appear even after very small doses is a welcome evidence of the activity of the latter. We have treated, for example, a very irritable lady, in whom a few drops of the sixth dilution of Mercury always produced a copious through brief salivation, with a distinct metallic taste. Of course the patient knew not what remedy she had taken. It is obvious that the medicinal aggravation stands in direct opposition to the "jucunde curare," and that we must carefully seek to avoid it"

"From what has been said, it follows that the law for the determination of the dose, must be somewhat as follows: the dose must be of such magnitude as to produce along with an undisturbed curative action, no medicinal, and as far as possible, no homoeopathic aggravation. We say, as far as possible, for it is not always easy to avoid a homoeopathic aggravation, and indeed this is important only when it is severe.

"It is clear, however, that the law thus stated, is not, so easily applicable, without farther conditions, in every case of disease, for both the homoeopathic and the medicinal aggravation depend on the above-mentioned individual relations of the patient, the disease and the remedy. Practice, however, has taught us several more or less determined and valid rules on the add these we shall proceed to state"

"But, previously, it might not be inappropriate to state how it is possible that so small doses as Homoeopathy prescribes, can produce any effect whatever. The attempts to explain this phenomenon have, in truth, been numerous enough, so that a more minute treatment of the subject would lead us too far; we abstain from this, the more readily from a conviction that no attempts at explanation can ever lead to an absolute determination of the question"

We have already pointed out the fact that it was the purest empiricism which led to the idea of the homoeopathic small doses, and we must repeat that experiment alone can furnish evidence of their efficacy. Whoever, therefore, can and will not believe it then — and nobody should be blamed for such a priori unbelief — let him make the experiment for himself, and let him satisfy himself.

"In view of the investigations of modern times upon the course which diseases run without medical treatment, we hold it be to much more natural and more conscientious to ascertain with how small quantities of medicine cures may be effected, rather than to experiment how much medicine a patient can endure without a fatal result or very formidable injury. If the old school of medicine stands in such direct opposition to Homoeopathy respecting the scale of doses, no unprejudiced person can doubt to which of the two schools the need of prudence and conscientiousness should be awarded. We know that the majesty of diseases terminate in recovery without our assistance; is it not presumptuous to experiment with large doses of strong drugs. We Homoeopathist a have the right to adduce in support of our administration of remedies the results of many thousand experiments, but who could have the arrogance without valid experiment to pronounce a judgment simply because with his imperfect human understanding he is not able to comprehend the matter? Seeing is a better and more frequent formation for believing than comprehending is. For, are the little doses of Homoeopathy the only thing in nature that we do not comprehend? Must we deny, the result simply because the way by which it was achieved seems to us wonderful?

"As already said, it is useless to meet with arguments those who are unwilling to believe; we may better address them in the words of Hahnemann, "repeat the experiment, but repeat it with exactness and precision." Whoever, from preconceived notions, refuses to make the experiment, him we can only pity for his self-will. He harms only himself and the patients who confide in him; not Homoeopathy."

Further, more general propositions we may state better under one or other of the following maxims which practice alone has taught us: 1. Every remedy which is prescribed according to the law of similarities must be administered in a relatively small dose.

"That this proposition may be understood, it is necessary first to determine what doses shall be called small and what large. Smallness, we think, cm only be understood as relative to the doses administered by medical men in general, and we might, therefore, express ourselves as follows: that we should never give the same remedy in prescribing according to the law of similarity in the same dose in which it is given when prescribing according to any other law. If however, we wish to determine the smallness solely with reference to Homoeopathy, we should say, the dose of the drug should never be so large as to produce a medicinal aggravation, if possible not so large as to produce a homoeopathic aggravation. The relative smallness of the doses is determined, however, by means of the entirely different object we have in view in using medicines. We desire by the drug simply to kindle the reaction, not to give it an entirely different direction, and inasmuch as we desire to do this only within the circle of that portion of the body which is affected by the disease, we should not administer the remedy in so large a quantity that it can produce its peculiar effects along-side of the sickness already present; for in that case, additional organs or systems would become involved in the circle of the disease that, however, only small doses are necessary to kindle the reaction we are not alone taught by practical experience, but we must assume it a priori, since a diseased organ is infinitely more sensitive to a stimulus than a healthy organ is"

"2. The limits up to which the dose of a remedy chosen according to the law of similarity may be diminished without impairing its curative power, has not been settled. Hahnemann finally fixed upon the thirtieth potency as the suitable dose for all cases; nay, he even regarded this as. under certain circumstances, too strong a dose and thus he came to the famous olfaction. The greater part of his followers have preferred the lower potencies and administer the thirtieth as the highest, and this only occasionally. Another, certainly not insignificant part, has carried the potentization much higher than Hahnemann. If now these adherents of the high potencies claim to have seen brilliant results even from the 2000th potency, those of another way of thinking have certainly no right to express, without further investigation, a depreciatory judgment on the subject. And it is as imprudent in them to declare that all such experiments at curing are nonsense, as we on our side should regard it as unjust in those who, in their turn differ from us in their way of thinking, to brand as nonsense our use of doses which approach nearer to the material in quantity.'

"We will assume that the "high potencies" do manifest a curative power; this must be admitted. But yet there is no evidence that they act better than the lower potencies — for example, up to the thirtieth. It is certain that a malady which will not yield to a remedy in the lower potencies, will not yield to the highest. Now then, since no one can affirm that he has seen a homoeopathic, not to speak of a medicinal aggravation, from the thirtieth potency, and since this must necessarily determine the degree of attenuation, we can comprehend, why we should impose upon ourselves the labor of further potentizing remedies, which indeed is no trifling labor. If no one can point to any important advantages resulting from it, we may surely lay aside this method, those who employ only the higher potencies in condemning the lower on the ground that the latter produce toxological effects. The former of these classes commonly decide without baring experimented sufficiently; the latter impelled by a pitiable one-sidedness. It is therefore a piece of good fortune that this strife about doses, formerly so zealously and often so violently waged, has now given place to an armistic. May the parties thereto first accumulate a good stock of material and then commence the war of annihilation!"

Among so much that is excellent and judicious, one cannot fail to notice certain inconsistencies and one very grave omission in the treatment of this important question of the dose. Dr. Bahr states that the question is entirely a practical one to be settled by experiment alone; he says that those who use exclusively the low potencies have no right to denounce the use of the higher potencies without having carefully experimented with them; and in reference to this question he quotes Hahnemann's famous exclamation: "repeat the experiment, but repeat it with careful exactness!" Nevertheless, in speaking of the higher potencies he discourages experiment; he ventures to affirm in direct contradiction to the testimony of many of his colleagues, testimony claimed to be based on experiment, that the thirtieth and potencies near that degree never produce a homoeopathic aggravation; that the higher potencies are not curative save in rare instances, that where a lower potency has failed to cure there, as a matter of course, a higher potency of the same drug can never cure. On all these questions, which are the very questions at issue in the present discussions of the dose, he discourages experiment. He omits, moreover, all reference to the potentiation theory. He refers the diminution of the quantity which is involved in the potentization of remedies, solely to the necessity of avoiding the homoeopathic aggravation; implying, therefore, that the limit of potentization should be, attained in that potency which will produce no homoeopathic aggravation. He ignores the opinion entertained by many Homoeopathist that the potentizing process does not merely diminish the quantity of the drug but does, also, so modify its form as to develop in it, in the higher potencies, a curative power, which was altogether latent or but slightly manifest in the crude form or in the lower potencies. Now there are facts familiar to almost every Homoeopathist which controvert Dr. Bahr's position, a and which are not susceptible of explanation by his theory of the nature, uses and necessary limits of potentization.

Natrum muriaticum, known in its crude form as table-salt, when proved in massive doses, produces no medicinal symptoms and exerts no curative power. The Vienna proving showed that not until it was potentized up to the thirtieth potency, did it develop that pathogenetic power which was capable of producing the symptoms of a periodic fever. And practical experience shows that only in the higher potencies is it capable of curing periodic fevers of miasmatic origin. This curative power is latent in the crude substance and in the lower potencies. The potentization of this substance is made not at all for the purpose of avoiding a homoeopathic aggravation, for nobody has ever spoken of, or imagined, a homoeopathic or a medicinal aggravation from common salt. Tac limit of potentization then, for this and other analogous remedies, cannot be found by a consideration of the homoeopathic aggravation. Far from it being of acute and chronic diseases Such a distinction is always a difficult matter, for there are always transition forms, the classification of which would always be a matter of embarrassment, and the more so because on this classification the important question of the dose would depend. Moreover there are acute affections which require higher potencies and chronic ones on the other band which are better subdued with lower potencies. Among the former one reckon, for example, all diseases with a definite course, such as typhus or the contagious exanthemata. Among the latter such chronic affections as have frequent acute ascerbations. We think, then, that we may properly be guided in the choice of the remedy according to the urgency of the required reaction, and we prefer this general indication to all more special indications, because it is impossible to particularize the above proposition so as to meet all cases; we should be sure to make more or less numerous omissions.

4. The more the remedy chosen is a simillimum of the disease to be cured. the more certainly will it act in the smallest dose.

This proposition is easily explained by what we have said above in explanation of the law of similarities. It also explains a phenomenon which we meet with almost universally among homoeopathic physicians, viz.: that the longer they have busied themselves with the Materia Medica, the more exact, therefore, their knowledge of the remedies, the more commonly do they prescribe the smallest doses. This shows that the similarity is the first and most important condition in the choice of the remedy, and that the quantity plays only a very subordinate part.

5. The peculiarities of the remedy demand particular consideration in the choice of the dose.

We have already shown that this point is tolerably important. We have many medicinal substances which do not manifest an effect until they are subdivided. Such are all inorganic substances which are insoluble in water or alcohol. These must first be rendered drugs by the process of trituration. They cannot therefore possibly exert a curative action in a large dose. Moreover among soluble, inorganic and among vegetable substances we must pay attention to the intensity of the action and we should never, for example, venture to give Corrosive Sublimate or Phosphorus, Nux vomica or Ignatia in so large doses as we might without injury give Chamomilla, Sambucus, etc.

6. The peculiarities of the patient must receive especial consideration in the choice of the dose.

This point was treated above; we add only a word. It is always difficult, in the case of a patient hitherto unknown, to get a clear notion how he will react under a medicinal stimulus. In such a case one should always be very prudent and more careful the younger the patient. Only very long observation of the peculiarities of individuals can afford us any reasonable degree of certainty.

In the above propositions we believe we have exhausted the question of the dose so far as that is possible in the present condition of things. We have intentionally omitted every thing which could pertain to a partisan view. We hold it to be just as wrong to Join with those who use chiefly the lower potencies in denying that the higher have any action, as on the other hand to jointution; and hence the importance of combining a constitutional with a local treatment. That when vegetable fungi cause disease by coming in contact with the mucous membrane of the head and chest, we have now fixed data for the administration of emetic."

We find also interesting articles on the Sarracenia purpurea in small pox, it seeming to have a most powerful or special effect in arresting that disease, it is well worth attention by provers. We find unequivocal signs of progress in an article on epilepsy cured by Belladonna, reported by Dr. Ramskill, physician to the hospital for epilepsy and paralysis. He reports that twenty cures were effected out of one hundred cases treated by it. He says that it aggravates the disease for two or three weeks, especially in appropriate cases where amendment follows. He remarks, "a most important question now arises — Do we know anything of the nature of the action of Belladonna beyond the empirical results obtained in treatment?" and then goes on to theorize about its action on the blood-vessels of the frog, about its action on the iris, etc., etc. Proving thus that it should cure appropriate cases of epilepsy.

An article on delirium, giving statistics, proves that the best results are obtained by the pure expectant plan, no cases proving fatal; whereas in cases treated by Opium and stimulants, twenty-five percent are lost (somewhat significant).

The prevention of pitting in small-pox is said to be accomplished by painting with a solution of rubber and chloroform (naptha is a better solvent), it allowing the motion of facial muscles without cracking, off; it would seem to be much preferable to Collodion.

An interesting case of poisoning by Veratrum vir, is given, it is thus stated: "On the evening of December 18th, I was summoned to see a gentleman, a scientific chemist, who had taken experimentally one drachm of tincture of Veratrum viride I found him sitting in the water closet vomiting into the pan. His features were sunken, skin cold, and covered with a profuse clammy sweat; his pulse quite imperceptible. He complained of intense pain about the epigastrium. The vomited matter appeared to consist at first of the food and contents of the stomach, afterwards of glairy mucus." Brandy was given which checked the vomiting. The pulse at this time was indistinct, feeble and irregular, 44 in a minute. Warm brandy and mustard were applied until the patient was out of danger. He afterwards gave the following account of it:

"A drachm of the tincture at about 4:30 p.m., and my stomach soon afterward whispered that I had admitted a troublesome guest. I went up-stairs and sat down thinking a cup of tea would set all right; but the uneasy constriction of the stomach continuing, with a tendency to sickness made me retire to the water closet. The sickness once commencing soon became alarmingly violent with the most excruciating pain in the lower part of the stomach, the pain extending to about the size of the hand, the feeling at the seat of the pain was that all the warm tea, water, etc., that I took to provoke the vomiting, went under the pain, making the constriction more and more violent. Finding the case getting desperate, I sent off for medical aid. The pain continued to increase, and the ejection from the stomach was now glaring mucus with Mood, with running from the nose and eyes. The most painful and profuse cold sweating now came on, and the difficulty of breathing became more and more labored. I could not help wondering at any thing like the presence of heat or constriction of the throat; my mind was perfectly calm and although I thought it more than probable that I should die, I did not feel alarmed. — Hearing and recognizing the voice of one of my medical friends is all I recollected for some time afterwards. Immense circles of green color appeared around the candle, which, as vertigo came on and I closed my eyes, turned to red. The pain continued excruciatingly at the pit of the stomach and a slight tendency to cramp existed when my legs touched, It was an hour or more afterwards when I woke and felt quite well. The sting of the mustard I can well recollect and the horror of being forced to swallow brandy is even now with me" ALLEN.

Having noticed in extenso the theoretical introduction of this work, we turn now to the practical part, from winch we extract, first, the section on Inflammation of the spinal marrow and its membranes:

"This disease belongs to the number of those that are rarely encountered, perhaps for this reason among others, that often it is not recognized as such, but is mistaken for some other malady. The inflammation may have its seat in the meninges alone; but if the spinal marrow itself is inflamed, a meningitis never fails to accompany it The disease may run an acute or a chronic course. Acute meningitis generally extends over a considerable surface and causes an exudation in the sub-arachnoid space, but seldom attacks the spinal marrow itself. The chronic form leads to thickening of the membranes, and to a more or less copious serous accumulation in the spinal canal. The inflammation of the substance, as in the case of the brain, leads very soon to softening and destruction of the fibres of the spinal marrow, also to the formation of abscesses; it is not generally very extensive but always induces an inflammatory condition of the meninges.

"The causes of this malady are very manifold if we are to believe all that has been alleged on the subject. As the most certain we may regard mechanical injuries, such as a blow and fall, fracture of the vertebrae; diseases of the bones, especially spondy larthrocace; apoplectic extravasation, prolongation of inflammatory affections of the brain. As doubtful causes: acute exanthemata, suppressed hemorrhages, sexual excesses. In many cases however the inflammation appears to arise altogether spontaneously.

"Symptoms. Those of meningitis are almost absolutely the same as those of myelitis; we will mention slight distinguishing marks. In most cases the disease begins with a chill, as all inflammations of important organs do, and the chill is easily repeated in frequent attacks of shivering. At the same time local pain is experienced in a clearly defined spot in the vertebral column; the pain is increased by pressure, but becomes most violent and even intolerable on motion of the vertebral column, especially rotatory motion At the same time there is considerable fever. There are commonly also at the very beginning of the attack pains in the extremities, indeed these arc often the first signs of the disease. Very soon the first symptoms of commencing paralysis are manifested, which consist first in painful contractions or twitchings of the muscles involved, often taking the form of tetanus, and then, more or less quickly, pass over into paraplegia. There almost never fails along with these symptoms a certain degree of anesthesia which often begins with a sensation as if the part were covered with fur and gradually increases.

"The complex of the symptoms presents important differences according to the seat of the inflammation. If the latter is high up, then naturally all those parts of the body which are controlled by that portion of the spinal marrow which is inferior to the seat of the inflammation, are paralyzed. The paralysis of the respiratory muscles is particularly grave and dangerous and quickly proves fatal. When the inflammation is seated in the lumbar portion, violent colics are observed. The bladder and rectum are almost always more or less paralyzed. A most peculiar feature, if it be not a constant one, is the convulsive shocks in the paralyzed parts which have a great resemblance to the reflex movements after strychnine poisoning.

"All these symptoms, in cases which do not run too rapid a course, present distinct remissions and exacerbations. When the spinal column alone is affected, consciousness remains unimpaired; yet the patients generally manifest unwonted excitement and sleep either fails or is very unquiet.

"The disease may prove very rapidly fatal, especially when its seat is near the brain, but it may also last for weeks before it proves fatal through exhaustion. If it terminates in recovery this is hardly ever complete, especially after inflammation of the substance itself, but there remain as sequelae, various paralytic phenomena. It may finally pass over into the chronic form. Before we treat of this we will cite The symptoms which are given as marks of distinction between meningitis and myelitis. In the former the pain is more diffused and is much increased by motion, whereas in myelitis it involves a small spot and is materially aggravated only by pressure. The febrile symptoms are more violent in meningitis. In myelitis the paralysis sets in very quickly and is complete, in meningitis it comes on gradually.

"The chronic form may, as has been said, be developed from the acute. Where however, it arises independently, it begins with less violent pains and without any febrile symptoms. These pains are seldom so severe in the locality of the inflammation as in peripheral parts, particularly in the lower extremities, and in the beginning they bear a complete resemblance to rheumatic pains. The paralysis is established very gradually and almost without being noticed and increases likewise very slowly indeed. Nevertheless, in this form, as well as in the acute, anesthesia is always present to some extent. In the further progress of the disease paralysis of the bladder sets in, and this, together with gangrenous destruction of the skin of the back, is the most frequent cause of death.

"Chronic inflammation of the spinal marrow itself differs somewhat, especially when, as most frequently happens, the meninges are not involved. The local pain, as well as the peripheral, is not so violent, is often vague and dull, not much aggravated by pressure and motion. The patient has a characteristic sensation, as if there were a hoop placed tight around his body. Anesthesia in a greater or less degree is a constant concomitant of this morbid process. Convulsive twitchings may fail entirely.

"Paralysis of the motor sphere begins as an undefined sensation of heaviness in the limbs, which makes it difficult to walk. Then the gait of the patients becomes uncertain in a peculiar way. They lift the feet very high, throw them far forwards, and then set them down in such a fashion that it has rather the appearance as if the foot fell and, moreover, the foot reaches the earth much farther back than it seemed as though it would at the beginning of the step, sometimes also more outward. The point of the foot is almost always strongly abducted. Another peculiarity is that the patients cannot walk at all with the eyes closed.

"As nutrition fails, the patients usually succumb, as in chronic meningitis, through cystitis and extensive bed-sores.

"A complete recovery is a rare occurrence; we must for the most part be content with ever so slight an improvement, even with on arrest of the progress of the disease. The duration of the disease may be very long; the fatal termination is often put off for years.

"The prognosis of the acute form depends with reference to its mortality chiefly upon the seat of the affection; the nearer to the head the paralytic symptoms extend, the more quickly does an unfavorable termination ensue. In any case we must be very cautious about promising a complete recovery for a partial paralysis almost always remains. Often enough indeed we must consider that we have gained a great deal when we have effected simply the transition from an acute to a chronic course. Meningitis when it exists alone always justifies a better prognosis than myelitis.

"The prognosis in the chronic form is still more doubtful, especially when the case has already lasted a long time and the paralysis is very complete.

"Treatment. We still grope very much in the dark, not less as regards the correct diagnosis of the remedy than as concerns the exact diagnosis of the pathological process. Our literature contains but very scanty material in the way of histories of cases, as Ruckert's collection shows where only one case on chronic myelitis is to be found. The reason of this phenomenon does not surely lie in the fact that the malady is so seldom observed — else has the author had a remarkable fortune in that way — but rather that the therapeutic results have been almost always unfavorable and, unluckily, unsuccessful cases are very seldom published, although they would give us the means of learning very much.

"So much the more for this reason do we feel constrained to allude here to a special case that came under our own observation during the last summer, and the course of which was characteristic enough to prevent any mistake, notwithstanding the distance of the patient.

"A patient 60 years old, until now strong and healthy, had, in the last days of August, an attack of dysentery. Of this there could be no doubt, inasmuch as the patient had preserved fragments of the intestinal mucous membrane which he had passed at the time. He took remedies for this from a domestic medicine case; after four days the diarrhea stopped and gave place to obstinate constipation. I first visited the patient on the fourth day after the diarrhea ceased. At the first glance it must be confessed he did not appear to be very ill. And in fact he complained of nothing but severe pains, altogether resembling sciatica in the left limb from the tuber ischii as far as the knee, aggravated in paroxysms, increased by the warmth of the bed At the same time restlessness and sleeplessness, but a normal pulse. There was no febrile symptoms. He received Colocynth.

After two days, however, the reports from him told of aggravation of the pain and of the entire condition, and on this written report, I prescribed Belladonna. This, again, wrought no improvement, so that, five days after my first visit, I had to visit the patient again. I found a great change in the morbid picture. The patient lay half turned upon the left side. The pains in the legs are on both sides, yet not so violent, except in single paroxysms; twitchings of single groups of muscles or of the whole limb; very severe, but remitting pains in the lumbar region, the vertebra of which, however, are but slightly sensitive to pressure. These pains become furious at night. Creeping, formication, in the skin from the pelvis to the feet; the feet extraordinarily cold, according to the patient's own sensations. Paralysis of the bladder; the sphincter of the rectum is not in condition to retain flatus. Paralysis of the lower extremities for the last thirty-six hours, so that he cannot even stand, without supporting himself; if he wishes to put on his slippers, he stretches out the foot beyond the place where the slippers stand: walking is only possible when he literally hangs upon two men. Some fever. Stool normal, appetite trifling, almost complete sleeplessness, with regard to which a singular phenomenon obtained. If, namely, the patient did not, late in the evening, drink some not very strong coffee, he did not go to sleep at all. If, having gone to sleep, he waked again after a few hours, he could not go to sleep again at all without drinking some more coffee which for the moment acted like Opium. He had several nights tried to sleep without coffee but had remained altogether without sleep until he took some.

"Mercurius viv. third trituration was prescribed, and since the experiment with the coffee was so interesting and its hypnotic effect so beneficial to the patient, I allowed him to continue its use with the caution, however, to try whether he could not obtain sleep without it.

"Nine days later I saw the patient again, who, during the interval, had continued to take the same remedy. He could now lift his limbs alone and quickly from the bed, could put on his slippers quickly and walk without support, save with a stick as a precaution, six times the length of his room. The pains had very considerably diminished, the anesthesia had almost vanished, the bladder and rectum were no longer paralysed. The coffee had, during this whole period, produced its effect unchanged, but for the last two days it had no longer been necessary to take it. Veratrum was prescribed. The improvement continued steadily and the recovery was complete.

"We are of opinion that no more striking picture of a myelitis could be given than the proceeding

"A second no less clearly pronounced case, though of the chronic form, came under my treatment almost at the same time, and in which the locality of the disease was between the scapulae. Here, up to this time, treatment has been of no service, yet there has been no increase of the symptom for nearly five months * * * *

Passing now to the consideration of individual remedies for this disease, in our view, the first place should be accorded to

"Mercurius. So far as we know, this remedy has been hitherto but seldom employed in this disease. But we should think that a single result like that above related in a disease so difficult to cure, would alone be sufficient evidence to give to this remedy the first choice, and so much the more that similar experiences with other remedies are wanting. That Mercury has a special affinity to the spinal marrow, we might learn if the Materia Medica Pura taught us nothing upon the subject, from the too frequent contemplation of such persons as have been overfed with it But we find all the characteristic symptoms detailed in the Materia Medica, and those which are wanting or incomplete there, are supplemented by the manifold records of mercurial cachexey, a host of which lie before me. According to these we find, in the action of Mercury, all the phases of incipient paraplegia of the extremities, of paralysis of the bladder, of the rectum, with a tendency to the peculiar twitchings and shocks; violent pains in the spine increased by motion; the restlessness and sleeplessness as characteristic of Mercury as of myelitis; finally the anesthesia of the skin. In the particular case, above related, moreover the constant and very considerable aggravation at night, while lying down, was a very strong indication for Mercury" D.

___________

QUELLEN-NACHWEIS DER ARZNEIPRUFUNGEN PHYSIOLOGISCHEN. VON DR. phil., GEORG OTTO KLEINERT. Leipzig: Otto Purfuerst, 1863. 16mo., pp. 144.

Index to the Sources of the Physiological Provings. By DR. phil. GEORGE OTTO KLEINERT.

Owing to the constant augmentation of our Materia Medica we have no one work containing the pathogenesis of all of our drugs.

Our provings, especially the fragmentary, are scattered through various periodicals, pamphlets, monographs, etc., and there are probably few of us who have not at times wished for some index to aid us in finding them.

In 1858, Dr. Henry Thomas, of Chester, Eng., gave us his "Additions to the Homoeopathic Materia Medica," a very valuable little work of reference, excluding however those medicines mentioned in Jahr's Symptomen Codex. Dr. Klemert's book is an improvement on this, as he endeavors to give the source of all the medicines amounting to four hundred and sixty-five. He however omits a few that are mentioned by Dr. Thomas.

This book will be of great assistance in referring to German works. But few allusions are made to English periodicals, the provings, etc., which have appeared in the latter having been generally translated and republished in the former. It is to be regretted that the references to the journals are not always correct, a typographical inaccuracy probably which the indefatigable author will remedy in another edition. S.

"Secale cornetum. — There is perhaps scarcely any remedy which produces so characteristic symptoms of inflammation of the spinal marrow with respect to the impairment of its functions. We find here again the convulsive twitchings and shocks, painful contractions, tetanic symptoms, complete paralysis with persistent, often even exaggerated action, of tho reflex function, the most violent pains in the back, particularly in the sacral region; the most complete anesthesia, paralysis of the bladder and of the rectum, finally the peculiar disposition to gangrenous sloughing, which in Myelitis is represented by the bed-sores (decubitus). Unfortunately we have no records of microscopic examinations of the spinal marrow in persons who have died of ergotism.

"This remedy is suitable not merely in the acute form but also, and perhaps even more, in the chronic.

"Iodium has been recommended as a remedy in affections of the spinal marrow, perhaps for this sole reason, that it is an antidote of Mercury which so often produces maladies of that character. Its action appears to be concentrated rather upon the brain alone, and hence the symptoms of paralysis in the extremities seem also to be derived. Anesthesia induced by Iodine has probably not yet been observed.

"Nux vomica. — Many of the symptoms of this remedy correspond so closely to the malady in question, that one would think it must be the most suitable of all remedies. And in fact it has been earnestly recommended on many occasions in Myelitis. But we doubt very much whether such a recommendation will be corroborated by the results of practice. We possess of few remedies more physiologico — toxicological experiments than of Nux vomica, in the form of strychnine, but in not one of these is there any mention of inflammation of the spinal marrow, although there is of decided venous hyperemia of the meninges. That is certainly very striking, but moreover we find as the effect of Nux vomica less a paralyzed condition in the peripheral portions than on the other hand violent tetanic contractions, less anesthesia than on the contrary hyperesthesia with unusually increased activity of the reflex function, which latter condition is in myelitis rather the exception than the rule.

"We believe accordingly, that Nux vomica is suitable rather for the nonmaterial affections of the spinal marrow, and, of inflammatory processes, at the most for meningitis of the spinal cord before it has advanced to the stage of exudation

"Rhus toxicodendron is always a remedy very deserving of consideration in Myelitis. Even supposing that all the symptoms which bear a resemblance to paralysis result from the decomposition of the blood-mass which is peculiar to Rhus, we cannot possibly from this point of view come to a one-sided conclusion as to a therapeutic application of it. In the first stages of Myelitis the slight degree of fever is a contra-indication of Rhus, except indeed where the malady was caused by an acute exanthem. On the other hand the stage of complete paraplegia appears to correspond much more closely, and this as well in chronic as in acute cases.

"Hartmann recommends Dulcamara emphatically against Myelitis as a sequela of exanthemata, but he seems from the symptoms which he adduces of the disease treated by him, not to describe an unquestionable inflammation of the spinal marrow.

"Veratrum album belongs to the remedies that are most similar, and exhibits especially the symptoms of the second stage of acute Myelitis. In this stage too, in the case above related, it very happily continued the cure after Mercury. Whether it will be suitable also for chronic cases is a question that can be determined only by practical testimony.

"Plumb, has evidently an equally important action upon the spinal marrow as we have already shown above in treating of encephalitis. It is very much to be lamented that we have no reports of the results of autopsy in relation to the medulla, for these, if we had them, would so certainly determine what part of the spinal marrow is effected. But even the analogy of the action upon the brain justifies the conclusion that the substance of the medulla is attacked and destroyed, since otherwise the symptoms of paralysis would not be so completely pronounced. From the fact of its slow action this remedy is not suitable for acute cases; it presents, in addition, the particularly characteristic phenomena, that the paralyzed parts early emaciate and are found in a state of violent contraction, which is generally at the same time painful. Colic. proceeding from the spinal marrow, would, moreover, if present, be a special indication for Plumbum.

"Cuprum. — If in a general view the difference in the action of Cuprum and of Plumbum is difficult to define, this is the case to a much greater extent when we regard them with especial reference to the spinal marrow. This is certain; that in Cuprum the symptoms of paralysis are not so fully pronounced and the spastic phenomena predominate, whereas in Plumbum the reverse is the case. Both remedies act decidedly in the same direction, but Cuprum more in the beginning of the affection and Plumbum at the end. The latter will therefore, be a safe remedy to follow the former, while the reverse would not be likely to occur.

"Another remedy which should receive great consideration, especially in the beginning of myelitis, is Cocculus If we wish to choose the remedy according to the locality of the disease, Cocculus would correspond rather to inflammation of the lumbar portion of the medulla, not to a disease located higher; it remains, nevertheless a difficult matter to determine whether Cocculus, like Nux vomica, does not simply modify the function of the medulla without producing material changes.

"We may not omit to mention a few other remedies which either have been strongly recommended or which seem to be appropriate. And first as regards Belladonna and Aconite, we believe that their administration will result in only a loss of time and no curative effect. Furthermore, the reaction in Myelitis is never so violent that we are compelled to give one of these remedies merely for the sake of calming the storm of the febrile movement. Neither of the remedies has any decided local relations to the medulla.

"Ignatia occupies in this malady pretty touch the same position as Nux vomica. Phosphorus should be an excellent remedy where the inflammation of the spinal marrow has been induced by sexual excess. Sulphur will come under consideration when the disease has come to a stand, and where we desire to act upon the chronic exudation in the spinal canal in order in this way to benefit fit the paralysis.

"Sulphur is here a very important remedy as is shown by the action of sulphur baths upou spinal paralysis. I myself know a lady between fifty and sixty years old, who suffered for more than ten years from chronic spinal meningitis which exhibited every year one or two exacerbations, had its seat in the lower thoracic portion of the medulla but could not have seriously affected the substance of the medulla, inasmuch as the paralysis were not strongly pronounced except in the arms; moreover there was observed in her case, as often after spinal hemiplegiae, a general increase of corpulence except in those parts which are decidedly paralyzed. This lady has for years taken, every summer, weak sulphur baths — artificial at that — with the most decided advantage; even the paralyzed arms are every time perceptibly improved.

"I likewise treated in the same place a man who lay for two years completely paralyzed in the limbs from Myelitis of the lumbar region; he had for a long time tried various remedies (among them Sulphur internally) without any farther result than that he was able to move slowly on two crutches. He was sent by his employers to the weak sulphur bath of Eilsen and when, at the end of about three months, I went to visit him again he came to meet me walking with a cane. Entirely cured, however, he is not.

"Such observations point with great emphasis to the curative action of Sulph. and it may well be that this remedy may be administered with much greater advantage in the form of baths than internally.

"Finally, Calcarea carb, is worthy of notice where diseases of the vertebrae) were the cause of the inflammation, less, it is true, because this remedy has a direct influence upon the medulla, than, because it acts upon the exciting causes.

"Finally, a few more general remarks upon the treatment. It does not so often happen that we are called from the beginning to the treatment of the Myelitis. More frequently the patients have been first plagued to their heart's content with blood-letting, and other forms of depletion before they resolved to to place themselves under homoeopathic treatment. In such cases it is always a question what we may venture to promise the patient as the result of the treatment; we believe that we cannot in this be too cautious. Often, indeed, we succeed in producing an amelioration even in quite old cases, but often all remedial expedients utterly fail; complete recovery in paralysis of long standing is, perhaps, quite impossible. The former case certainly depends upon this condition, that in connection with the injury of the spinal marrow, there still exists a meningeal exudation, and that the gradual disappearance of this exudation be effected. Thereby assuredly an important improvement is often wrought. Then there is formed; even in chronic meningitis generally, a more or less copious serous accumulation in the meningitis space, upon the absorption of which many paralytic symptoms may vanish. In every case, therefore, it is our duty to attempt the cure, only we should take care not to promise a cure of such paralyses as depend upon destruction of the medulla itself.

"Respecting blood-letting in Myelitis, our opinion is the same as that already expressed concerning apoplexy.

"The question whether one who suffers from inflammation of the spinal marrow should observe absolute repose in the horizontal position, may we believe be best left to the patient for solution; he can always tell best by his feelings whether motion be hurtful to him or not. Unconditional harm it surely never does, whereas enforced recumbency may easily produce great mischiefs. Indeed, in chronic cases a good part of the hope of recovery is based upon a cautious methodical use of the paralyzed parts, such as the movement cure has introduced into medical practice.

"We wish finally to mention a mode of treatment, the injurious effect of which we have but recently observed on a lady; we mean the cold-water cure. This may, under some circumstances, be applicable in Myelitis but assuredly very seldom. The reason of this is found in the fact that in Myelitis the anesthetic skin is not competent to furnish the reaction, which is always necessary for the beneficent operation of cold-water; therefore the result is one sided, an excess of warmth is withdrawn for which loss no compensation is made. Thus, in the patient above-mentioned since her trial of the water-cure, the anaesthesia is decidedly aggravated." D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05-09, 1863, pages 227-237, pages 281-285, pages 423-426]

[Description: Book Notices; Die Therapie; Nach den Grundsetzen der Homoeopathic – Bearbeitet von Dr. Bernard Bahr; Therapeutics; Treated according to the Principles of Homoeopathy, by Dr. Bernard Bahr; Quellen-nachweis Der Arzneiprufungen Physiologischen von Dr. phil., Georg Otto Kleinert]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1863]

MISCELLANEOUS.

Medical Ethics in the Court or Exchequer — Clay, v. Roberta. — In the war against Homoeopathy we have always felt that the Allopathists lacked that hearty conviction of the heretical and dangerous character of the Hahnemannian doctrines and practice, which the world had a right to expect. The virulence which has accompanied every onslaught upon the "new system" has ever seemed to us to partake rather of the pride which resents correction, or of the self-interest which resists, at all risks and with any weapons, the loss of prestige, than of honest uncompromising seal for truth. Today our suspicions are strengthened. We look back, and find how notoriously the members of the old school of physic have resisted the arbitration of facts, and hate pre ferred captious declamation or insulting ridicule to plain logic or decisive experimentation. They hare eschewed the use of honest weapons, and at length we see them gradually adopting a system of practice which they affect to believe to be in our hands a mere imposture.

Allopathy dreads the supplanting influence of the system which it pretends to despise, — qui turret, plus ille timet, — and every confession of the unsatisfactory and contradictory condition of its own teachings and practice is supplemented by an anathema against the doctrines of the new school. When, with the tide of advancing knowledge, Allopathists find themselves drifting into the use of specifics whose homoeopathieity is notorious, they attempt to silence their own consciences, and to hoodwink the world by declaring that, in their orthodox hands such practice is not Homoeopathy. So also when, after years of ridicule and opposition, they recently began to realise the value and necessity of "non-perturbative" doses, they "accused themselves by excusing," thus betraying their consciousness of the source from which they had learned — how unwillingly! — so important a lesson in medical reform. In fact, the more nearly their own practice is found to assimilate with that of the Homoeopathists, the more lustily do they abuse the later. Professional pride and obstinacy have often, ere this, obstructed the advancement of medical science; but humiliation has surely followed; and in this change of practice on the part of the dominant school, long delayed though it has been, the humiliation is greater, because our opponents feel that they have been learning from those whom they have ever held up to public odium and ridicule:

"Aesequitur Nemesisque virum vestigia, servat

Ne male quid facias."

With what mortification must the men of the old school remember how futile have been all the varied forms of opposition and of persecution which hare been employed against Homoeopathy! Ridicule during a long period was the favorite weapon of persecution. It is one easily handled. Fools can laugh to scorn that which they hare not the brains to understand, and wiser men can conceal, by the same means, their ignorance of that which they have not the honesty or the leisure to examine. Ridicule is, however, not so fashionable as it once was: it has been found that the winning Homoeopathist can laugh also; and this is not always convenient:

"Rides? majors caohinno

Concutitur."

Then came the ordeal of public opinion. How kindly and feelingly did the allopathic press appeal to the common sense of the public, asking it to banish Homoeopathy from the face of the earth! Such appeals, however, instead of injuring or retarding the progress of this medical reform, only brought to bear, from without, a greater pressure in favor of a system whose remedies are innocuous and even pleasant, and whose cures are public facts. Then arose a cry of wrath and of malediction. Homoeopathic practitioners were pointed out as swindlers and impostors, and their "dupes" were cursed as "imbeciles." The Lancet even prayed a prayer, too horrible almost to copy, in which a hope was expressed that the bones of the patients of the Homoeopathists might become "marrowless," the "flesh rotten," etc Proh pudor! Even the wrath of the medical press, however, served to advance the cause of truth, inasmuch as it called into existence a library of argumentative literature, and an accumulation of evidence which are among the most remarkable phenomena in the history of medical reform.

Open and underhanded attempts to influence the senate against Homoeopathy have been made, and have signally failed. The clause introduced into the Medical Act of 1859 for our behalf and protection, despite the opposition of the dominant school is the testimony of an enlightened class on behalf of the doctrines of Hahnemann. What shall we say, however, of those men, members of examining bodies, officers of medical corporations, who, in their hatred of Homoeopathy, systematically break or evade that clause? Yet such men there are — bad citizens — the high priests of prejudice!

Recognising, at length, the failure of existing means of opposition, the allopathic body, a year or two ago, resolved to establish a moral quarantine; homoeopathic practitioners were to be doomed to isolation, or were to be driven without the camp, like the lepers of old. Up to that period there were some, even the foremost of the profession, who ventured to believe that Homoeopathists were sincere — who did not forget that they were educated gentlemen — and who, therefore, ventured to meet them in friendly council. This, however, was, at the suggestion of the allopathic press, in the first instance, created an offence against medical etiquette, and consultation with an Homoeopathist was pronounced thereafter to be disgraceful, subjecting the offender to banishment from the favor of his brethren. We all remember how some, even in the first ranks in medicine and surgery, succumbed before this infamous trades-unionism. Ferguson, for example, to his disgrace be it said, did penance with sheet and candle in the pages of the Lancet, and gave public promise that he never again would deal with the accursed Samaritans.

In the autumn of last year, Dr. Clay, of Manchester, well known as a specialist, was accused of having met a homoeopathic practitioner, at Handley, in the Potteries; and, more than all, he was accused of having taken tea with him! The accusation first appeared in the Lancet, in the form of an anonymous letter. Dr. Clay was of course dreadfully indignant. What I he meet a Homoeopathist, and break bread with him! Infamous slander! Let his accusers reveal their name. Well, two or three accusers did reveal their names; among the number was that of Dr. Roberts, of Manchester. Against Dr. Roberts Dr. Clay instituted legal proceedings, because, to employ Dr. Clay's own words in a letter to the Manchester Examiner and Times, May 8th, "Dr. Roberta, in a series of letters, some anonymous, published in the Lancet, charged me with meeting Homoeopaths in consultation, and stated that such conduct was considered by the medical profession, as improper and disgraceful; and he offered to find three cases in proof. Subsequently, however, Dr. Roberts withdrew the oases, not being able to substantiate them; and in one of his pleas he alleged "that it was not disgraceful or improper to meet a Homoeopath in consultation," being directly contrary to the position first taken by himself, and a contradiction which has yet to be reconciled. The Court held on the argument that even if such had been admitted to be true, it woe not improper or disgraceful to meet Homoeopaths, and that so far the plea demurred to was good."

The following report of the trial is taken from the Manchester Examiner and Times, May 7th:

"An action, brought by Dr. Clay, a Manchester physician, against Dr. Roberts for libel, in publishing a letter charging him with having met Homoeopathists in consultation, came before the Court of Exchequer on Monday, upon a demurrer to a plea. The declaration stated that among the great body of the medical profession it would be thought improper and disgraceful for any one of them to meet in medical consultation any medical practitioner or physician professing or known to be a Homoeopath or Homoeopathist, and deemed a breach of professional etiquette, and injurious to his professional character and reputation. It then stated that the plaintiff never professed to be nor was a Homoeopath, and that the defendant, well knowing the premises, falsely and maliciously published the libel in question. To this the defendant pleaded that it was not, nor was considered by the profession to be, disgraceful for any member of it to meet a Homoeopath in consultation; and to this plea 'the plaintiff demurred on the ground that it was no answer to the action. — Mr. Keane, on the part of the plaintiff, submitted that the declaration was good and the plea bad. — The Lord Chief Baron said he saw some difficulty in saying that to charge a physician with being a Homoeopathist was a libel. Would it be a libel to say that a lady of fashion had been seen riding in an omnibus 1 There must be no confusion between matters of crime or sin, which would disparage a person in society, and matters of mere taste, fashion or caprice, in which there was nothing sinful or improper. — Mr. Keane suggested that this case involved a different point, as actual injury was sustained. — The Lord Chief Baron: Would it be a libel to my of a man of rank, wealth, and fashion, that he was so mean and sordid that he burnt tallow instead of wax candles? Or would it be libellous to say that he habitually ate tripe? — Mr. Keane: It would never occur to me to object to that. I will put to your lordship another case, that of a barrister on circuit riding with an attorney in a stage coach, and requesting him to give him briefs in preference to other barristers. — The Lord Chief Baron: That is a very different matter. I cannot concur in the suggestion on which the declaration is founded. A Homoeopathist is a regularly educated medical man. — Mr. Keane:I have generally found them to be so, and I think they are quite able to defend their own opinion. — Mr. Baron Bramwell: I think there is a libel in the declaration on the general body of physicians — After some discussion, the Lord Chief Baron said that if the object of the defendant was maliciously to place the plaintiff in an invidious position and injure him in his profession, the publication might be actionable but could not be said to be a libel. He thought the declaration was bad and the plea good, and that judgment should be for the defendant. The other judges being of the same opinion judgment was given for the defendant."

Thus has the latest and the most cruel invention for the destruction of Homoeopathy contributed to its triumph. We have no sympathy with Dr. Clay in this matter; but, his dread of all suspicion of taint has done Homoeopathy good service, for it has elicited the testimony of the Judges of the Court of Exchequer, and one of the most scientific and learned members of the bar, Mr. D. Keane, in favor of the respectability and talent of the great body of homoeopathic practitioners. It has compelled Dr. Roberts to eat his own words, and to plead that it is "not disgraceful nor improper, nor is it so considered by the profession, to meet a Homoeopath in consultation."

What is the position of the allopathic medical press under these adverse circumstances? The Lancet was wont to be vigilant — to cry aloud, and to spare not; but on the subject of this remarkable trial, neither the Lancet nor its contemporaries have had a word to say. The silence is indeed significant; for by their tacit agreement with the course pursued by Dr. Roberts, they also are eating their own words — cruel, bitter, lying words — written against our cause during a long series of years.

We have always held that in their refusal to meet homoeopathic practitioners in consultation, the Allopathists have placed themselves in a false position. Dr. Clay, however, has been in the habit of meeting Homoeopathists, and, therefore, his position on the late trial was especially a false one. During the last ten or fifteen years, we are informed, he has seen patients with Dr. Philips, late of Manchester, and now of London; with Dr. Edmund Smith, now of Likely Wells; with Mr. Cox, who recently left Rochdale for Manchester; with Dr. Lowther Mathews, and his brother, the late Dr. John Mathews, of Manchester; and with other members of the medical profession practising Homoeopathy in Manchester. Moreover, thirteen or fourteen years ago, Dr. Clay occupied a ward in the Manchester Homoeopathic Hospital, with patients who came to be ovariotomised by him. In his operations he had the assistance of the medical officers of that institution, and his patients were indebted to the matron and her servants for much of their comfort subsequently thereto. This is the man who now asserts, that to say he has given homoeopathic practitioners his surgical assistance is to charge him with an improper and disgraceful act No one knows better than Dr. Clay that to do so if neither the one nor the other; but, in terror of being regarded by his confreres of the Manchester Medical Trades Union, or Medico-Ethical Society, as it is absurdly termed, as a "knobstick," and, fearful lest the rapidly advancing reputation of London surgeons in his peculiar speciality should draft off too many ovarian tumours from his consulting room, he has frantically endeavored to out-Herod Herod in pandering to allopathic jealousy of Homoeopathists. This gross moral cowardice has landed him in the Court of Exchequer, has subjected him to the rebuke of one of the presiding judges, and has inflicted upon him the penalty of cost.

What has he gained? Nothing. The public will simply regard him as an extremely ridiculous little personage. The allopathic portion of the profession will tender him no thanks for taking their denunciations of consultations with Homoeopaths in so serious a light; for giving so practical an expose of their malus animus in dealing with Homoeopathy; or, for compelling any of their number to eat their off-repeated words and assertions; while all, whether in or out of the profession, who believe in Homoeopathy, will regard him and the terms of his declaration with the contempt he has so energetically striven to earn for himself. It cannot but be a matter for regret that one who raised himself to eminence amid many difficulties, who has done much good service to obstetric medicine and surgery, should have displayed so abject and so degrading a subservience to the prejudices of a section of his medical brethren. While, then, we deplore, Dr Olay's total want of moral courage, and the sacrifice he has made of his independence, we most thoroughly despise the insulting reflections he has thought fit to cast upon us.

Baron Bramwell well remarked that the declaration itself was the true libel.

[Monthly Homoeopathic Review. London, June, 1863.

___________

SPECIFIC MEDICATION. — In a systematic work on "General Pathology," by Dr. Bouchut, aggrege Professor of the Faculty of Medicine, in Paris, we find, page 423, the following section:

"Specific Medication. — Specific medication is so called because it sets in operation remedies gifted with the special power of curing a disease. Reason is not its guide, and it rests only on empiricism. We learn that a substance possesses certain occult qualities which are capable of neutralizing such or such a morbid condition, and we make use of it according to rules derived from experience. Just as the morbid specificity represents the peculiar nature and occult qualities of diseases, in the same way the specificity of a remedy indicates its peculiar virtues. It is a direct and mysterious effect which we must acknowledge and wonder at, without being able to comprehend it.

There are, as I have already said in the chapter on general specificity, organic specifics, which prove, by their effects, the possibility of curative specifics. The action of alcohol upon the brain, of Mercury upon the gums and the salivary glands, of lead upon the extensor muscles of the fingers, of Phosph. upon the maxillary bones, of Iodine upon the glands and upon the mucous membrane, of Aloes upon the rectum, of Belladonna upon the pupil, of Strychnine upon voluntary motion, of Digitalis upon the heart, of Ergot upon the uterus, etc., etc., demonstrate the existence of a specificity of action of remedies upon one organ in preference to another. But if a drug may exalt or abolish in whole or in part, the functions of an organ, how can we refuse to admit that it may possess a specific power to control some of the morbid alterations of this organ? It is impossible to do so. From organic specificity to curative specificity, there is but a single step, and although the former may not lead inevitably to the latter, yet it is difficult to separate them and they mutually explain one another.

The object of specific medication is to apply to a disease that occult remedy which experience has shown to be efficacious against it. Its means are specifics drawn from every kingdom of nature. It opposes Quin. and its preparations to intermittent and congestive, remittent, malarious and masked fevers, to periodic neuralgias and to all diseases, of which the chief characteristic is Intermittence. It applies Ammonia to drunkenness, that is to say, to acute alcoholism; Belladonna to morbid impression emanating from a focus of scarlatian epidemic, for the purpose of protecting those not already attacked; Sulphur as a prophylactic against measles. It employs Veratrin and Sulphate of Quinine in large doses in acute articular rheumatism, which recovers very rapidly under their action. And, finally, we must record under this head, with the title of specifics, the employment of Iodine in scrofula and scrofulous. affections; of Mercury and Iodide of Mercury in syphilis and its varieties; of Iron in chlorosis; of Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa in acute hemorrhage from the uterus; of Vaccine matter against the predisposition to Variola; of Cina against Ascarides; of Granatum, of Felix mas. and of Kousso against taenia, etc., etc.

I wish it were in my power to say that every malady has its specific; unhappily this is not the case; and the period of the realization of my desires is still very remote. Nevertheless, what science has hitherto accomplished, gives us ground for believing that she will yet extract new secrets from nature. Already there is talk of a specific for yellow fever discovered in the poison of the viper, prepared by M. Humboldt. * * May this hope not prove deceptive, and may discoveries of new specifics still increase the consideration and honor of that science which ministers most to the needs of humanity.!"

Homoeopathy furnishes a method of discovering such specifics, — and not merely of discovering a specific for a class of diseases — such as fever, scrofula, etc; but for each individual case of illness — a method therefore of attaining with a greater completeness than even he had conceived possible, this, which M. Bouchut recognises as the great desideratum, "a specific for every malady!" DUNHAM.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 01, 1863, pages 43-48]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Medical Ethics in the Court or Exchequer; Specific Medication]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1863]

MISCELLANEOUS.

WANTS. — "It is only a notion," or "it is a mere whim," has been made to give the go bye many times to desires which it would have been better to have heeded. Instinctive appetite craves what the physiological condition requires at the time, and the best good is often realized only after the craving is satisfied. Not unfrequently this calls for matters which, according to ordinary experience, seem the most preposterous, but when given to the patient, only great good is the result, and this because the circumstances were extraordinary, and therefore the want could not be rightly judged by the standard of ordinary experience. It has happened that the most grave diseases have been cured by the patient eating the most indigestible substances, which he had strong desire for, and which, perhaps he attained by stealth, and ate, notwithstanding he had been told by his doctor that it might cost him his life. He could not resist the desire — and he was cured. He was convalescent from that point. This has happened more than once in cases of typhoid fever, these most absurd substances appearing to have been the instrument of cure — for instance large quantities of frozen meat. In recommending heed to actual want, there is no overlooking of the necessity of discriminating between these and mere fancies.

J. S., born March, 1863, in June was attacked by Millar's asthma, being the third infant in this family who had suffered from this troublesome and dangerous malady. The first case (under allopathic treatment) proved fatal, The second, under homoeopathic treatment, was cured. The third was relieved. as had been the second by Chlorine water, but did not improve in his general symptoms and condition in the ratio of subsidence of the spasmodic affection. He now get violent attacks of flatulent colic; passed undigested food in his feces; had frequent green and slimy evacuations from the bowels; inordinate appetite; was never satisfied day or night. In addition to nursing, he was treated to large quantities of farina, cooked with milk; and ten minutes after his indulgence with the bottle was as eager for it again as at the first. — He was constantly restless day and night; seldom sleeping more than ten minutes at a time. His food was changed several times (the supply of the mother being quite unequal to his demands), and each time with a temporary amendment of the condition of the bowels, which was soon followed by a relapse into the former pains and disordered discharges. After several disappointments of this sort, an excellent wet nurse was provided for the little fellow, and for a day or two he seemed better, and then as before he had the pains, frequent green slimy discharges, restlessness, and slept almost none.

The mother was told by her physician that her child wanted something, that she must find out what it was, as he would not probably be quiet till he had it. On visiting the patient the next day, it was reported he had slept during the night, he had lost his restlessness, the green discharges had become natural in color, and their too great frequency had ceased; in short he seemed quite well. What had done this? The mother had found what he wanted, and he had had it, and all his troubles immediately ceased. The grandmother, on the doctor's leaving, said he probably wanted ale! rather an absurd suggestion, apparently, for an infant five months old. But, after a short opposition from the mother, ale was tried. A few drops were laid on his lips, which he licked up with the greatest apparent delight. He opened his eyes the widest, smacked his lips, and wanted more. After a table-Spoonful or two, given in these small doses, he became quiet, slept two hours at one time, a thing he had not previously done, and became in all his actions quite a different child. He had ale, as much as he would take for two or three days (two or three table-spoonfuls in a day), when it was suspended. At the end of four days he became restless again, was quieted again by the ale, which he had for two or three days, when he refused it with disgust. He has been perfectly well in all respects ever since. Is quiet and sleeps like other infants of his age, which he had never done before, and has lost his voracious appetite.

Why did the grandmother suggest ale? The explanation given was that in the fourth month of the pregnancy the mother had a strong desire for ale, which ordinarily, was extremely offensive to her, and which desire lasted about three weeks, and was not gratified. At the end of this time the appetite ceased spontaneously and had not since been the subject of thought till suggested by the grandmother. There may be a difference of opinion as to whether this desire of the mother, at this time, had anything to do with this extraordinary appetite of her infant six months or more afterwards. But there can be none as to the singular benefit which followed the child's taking, what, in ordinary circumstances, would be a disgusting and injurious dosing with this bitterest of drinks. W.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 03, 1863, page 134-135]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Asthma in 5 months old Infant cured by ale.]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1863]

MISCELLANEOUS.

PRESCRIBING FOR DISEASE BY NAME. — Why is it that homoeopathic physicians witness the constant stealing in among them of this blighting empiricism without alarm? Your Review is filled with it, and I cannot but hone inadvertently, for it seems to be everywhere. And where can all this end, if not checked, except in converting every one countenancing it into a more nostrum vender?

But, the better to be understood allow me to specify.

Homoeopathic Societies are everywhere fruitful nurseries of this evil; or, rather, they give systematic utterance to it, and thus, through their proceedings, foist it authoritatively upon the public. Of course you publish their proceedings; and you do not, as I wish you did, point out and condemn their evil in them.

Permit me to illustrate. On the subject of Chronic Diarrhea, in cases of returned soldiers, I quote your Journal, as follows:

Dr. W. W. says, "he has used Merc. viv. 3 with very satisfactory results, Croton tig. has also been strongly recommended."

Dr. G., "relies chiefly upon Podophyllum."

Dr. B., "has confidence in Arsenicum."

Dr. R., "thought Podophyllum, Arsenicum and China would be found useful remedies."

Now, all this is without the most distant allusion to any symptom, except the single one involved in the name. And this body of doctors is gravely guessing at cures for that name! Is there any difference between these and the granny with her "yarb tea?" The whole is quite identical with what we find upon every wrapper that accompanies every bottle and every box of empirical nostrums that we have ever seen sold from the shops. No sane prescription can be made, in any case, until the case, itself, is seen; for, until then, none can know what controlling symptoms will be present; and it is these alone, that can point out the drug which is required in that particular case. The name has no agency in this.

Again. There is a diseased condition known to the general public as "Fever and Ague." Now, in a debate like the above, one says he has found Arsenicum useful; another has experience that China is better; while a third, speaking also from experience, denounces both these drugs, as without efficacy in this disease. Very well: these three men are all right and all wrong, according to the method they are pursuing. They are all prescribing for a name, and not for symptoms. He who prescribed Arsenicum, successfully, succeeded because the symptoms of that drug, whether he knew it or not, were present, and called for it; and it was the same with him who employed China; while the third party employed these drugs when the symptoms calling for them were not present, and hence his "experience" found them without effect.

And what, let me ask, is such proceeding but pestilent nonsense — but the blind leading the blind, until all finally fall into the ditch, together? And yet these, and such as these, call themselves Homoeopathists! No wonder the world scouts their calling as nonsense; for such it is, if judged by such works.

SHADE OF HAHNEMANN.

Such a pungent address as the above, from the shade of our venerated Master (received, by the way, through the U. S. Mail) could not fail to stir in us manifold emotions. In view of its exceeding pungency, we were fain to exclaim with Ulysses, when he accosted the "inexorable ghost" of Ajax,

"Still burns thy rage! and can brave souls resent

Ev'n after death! relent, great shade, relent!"

But then, whatever may be said of the justice of the reproach it contains against the REVIEW, the doctrine of the address is " sound to the core."Prescribing for diseases by name" is a pestilent abomination which cannot be too frequently nor too cogently exposed and denounced.

We thank the "Shade of Hahnemann" for calling attention to an evil the magnitude of which cannot be overestimated.

Hahnemann during his life time expressed himself frequently and very forcibly on this subject. His first mention of it occurs in an "Essay on the three Current Methods of Treatment," published in Hufelands Journal, 1809. He there says, "the method which from the remotest time has always found the most partisans, which is the most convenient of all, is the treatment of the name" 'If the patient has the gout, give him Sulphuric acid; the remedy for rheumatism is Mercury; Cinchona is good for ague; Simaruba for dysentery; Squilla for dropsy.' Here the mere name of the supposed disease is sufficient to determine the parempiric for a remedy which crude, undiscriminating experience has sometimes found useful in diseases that have been superficially termed gout, rheumatism, ague, dropsy, but have neither been accurately described nor carefully distinguished from similar affections."

This admirable essay in which Hahnemann shows the errors of this mode of practice is so conclusive and is so superior in both matter and manner to the above 'communication from the "Shade of Hahnemann," that the latter furnishes an additional reason for believing what the alleged written and oral communications from the spirits of our deceased Statesmen and others, so abundant of late years, seem to demonstrate, viz.: that after this life, the intellectual status of the individual suffers a marked deterioration.

We are not surprised at a trace of petulance in the communication, for it is well-known that in his old age Hahnemann's temper became somewhat irritable and unreasonable.

Our ideas of the condition and employments of the shades of the departed are, of course, for the most part, hypothetical. Virgil, it is true, intimates that they are engaged in pursuits not dissimilar to those which occupied them here on earth:

"Quae gratia currum

Armorumque fuit vivis, quae cura nitentes

Pascere equos, eadem sequitur tellure repostos."

But with a greater scope and amplitude:

"Largior hic campos aether et lumine vestit

Purpureo; solemque suum, sua sidera norunt." — AENEID, VI.

From this, and from the allusions which he makes to the REVIEW, we must conclude that the "Shade of Hahnemann" makes Homoeopathy its chief concern and is one of our constant and interested readers. We, therefore, venture, in all humility to remonstrate against his "reproach; to protest that, if there be any one doctrine that has been inculcated more than another in the pages of the AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW, it is just that which teaches that each individual sick person is to be prescribed for according to the symptoms he presents and without reference to the name which might be given to his supposed disease.

With humble reverence we approach the shade and cry

"Da jungere dextram

Da, genitor; teque amplexu ne subtrahe nostro."

Revise with us the Volume of the REVIEW which is just completed, and note whether it has not faithfully taught that which you reproach it for not teaching.

We are not without misgivings of the fruitlessness of this appeal, remembering the disappointments of AEneas:

"Ter conatus ibi collo dare brachia circum;

Ter frustra comprensa manus effugit imago

Par levibus ventis, volucrique simillima somno."

Nevertheless, we shall make the references.

In No. 1, Vol. III, AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW, Dr. Wells writes as follows: "It is only after many painful buffetings and sore disappointments, that he comes to suspect that names are not things, and finally to see clearly that many conditions, called by the same name, are so different in their characters as to be essentially different affections. * * *He is not to treat diseases, names, things, imagined somethings which have somehow found their way into live humanity and made it suffer and perhaps are bringing its existence into peril. * * He is to treat sick men, women and children — patients, and not diseases. * * What then is disease? It is only a condition, not a thing."

Again in No. 2, Vol. III, page 74, Dr. Wells says: "For it must never be forgotten that we are prescribing for the man, not merely for that group of phenomena which we have, for convenience, consented to call diarrhea."

In No. 3, Vol. III, pages 104 and 106 are to the same purpose.

In No. 4, Vol. III, page 171, Dr. Wells says again: "It is not because the disease is dysentery, let it never be forgotten that (this remedy) cures; but because of that 'like' to the individualizing symptoms of the case, by virtue of which it and all other drugs cure."

In the same number, pages 148 and 149, Dr. Lippe says: "In the treatment of any of the above described abnormal conditions * * the true physician will never be guided by the name of the disease or by the pathological conditions of the diseased organ in the choice of the remedy; it will not matter whether the inflammation is acute or chronic, the true physician, knowing that the totality of the symptoms alone constitutes the disease, will select the remedy which is most similar in its effects to the symptoms of the patient, etc., * * making therefore each case to be treated as a special case."

In No. 5, Vol. III, pages 203 to 210 teach the same truth.

In No. 6, pages 222 to 224; a case by Dr. Allen finely illustrates the doctrines so frequently inculcated.

In No. 7, Vol. III, page 304, Dr. Wells says once more: "At the same time we cannot but protest against giving this or any other drug, merely because a patient has cardiac rheumatism, without first making a careful comparison of the symptoms of the case with those of the drug, and then it is only to be given because of the resemblance required by the homoeopathic law of cure."

And now, we seem to hear our genial contributor, Dr. Hering, invoking the shade in the words of Dante:

"Tu se' lo mio maestro, e il mio autore;

Tu se' solo colui, da cui io tolsi

Lo bello stilo, che m' ha fatto honore." — INF.,1.

and calling his attention to the following passage in No. 2, Vol. III: 'The Half-Homoeopathists do not follow the only indications which the Hahnemannian physician recognises — the symptoms; but their choice of a remedy is determined rather by the pathological name which they give to the so-called disease, i.e., the name which, according to their degree of cultivation at the time, they are in a position to give — one giving one name, another another. They declare that this is scientific. * * Of all the indications which enable the homoeopathic physician to select the remedy, the symptoms of the case, take the first rank. It matters not whether a child has Scarlatina or Measles or a bastard of the two; he is to be guided by the symptoms; and all besides is only accessory and auxiliary.

We forbear any further citations. Thus far in every number of that volume of the REVIEW which has been issued under the present editorship, there has been a clear and urgent presentation of the doctrine in question. If the true method of teaching be "line upon line — precept upon precept — here a little and there a little" — the REVIEW may well presume, in this regard at least, to hold up clean hands to the august Shade which rebukes it.

We desire to make but one more citation. The Shade finds fault with the members of Medical Societies, because in making brief and summary statements of their experience during a stated interval, they, for brevity's sake, group a number of the individual cases they have encountered and include them all under one nosological term. Thus, one member says he has treated such a number of cases of diarrhea and has been successful, in the majority of them, with such a remedy, say, for example, Podophyllum. Now it does not follow, that, because he stated his experience in this brief way, the member prescribed for the cases thus treated, according to the name, "diarrhea? It does not follow that he did not individualize each case, and perceive in it the characteristic indications for Podophyllum. But he does not, in his statement before the society, go into these particulars. It would be inappropriate — for he is not giving a lecture for the purpose of instructing inexperienced beginners. On the contrary, he is stating his experience to a body of experts, to whom it is interesting to hear, in a few words, that in a certain region, during a certain period, such a number of cases of disease occurred which required such or such a remedy.

For such compendious statement, some system of classification is indispensable. Indeed in this regard medicine does not differ from other natural sciences. In Botany, for example, a system of classification is adopted for convenience in identifying plants and interchanging exact information concerning them. Nevertheless, nobody thinks of using plants, in the arts or in medicine, according to their systematic arrangement, but, solely, according to their individual properties. Thus the nutritive Triticum vulgare and the noxious Loliumtem, have the same family name — yet nobody would think of confounding them in their uses.

Thus, in medicine, a nomenclature of disease is indispensable for the convenient communication of foots and interchange of ideas.

Indeed, if we might venture to do so, we would remind the Shade that Hahnemann himself in the introduction to many of his provings, uses nosological terms, such as Croup, Asthma, Paralysis, Leucorrhea, Gout, that is, when stating the affections for which the remedy in question would probably prove efficacious. He always, it is true, adds the caution "provided the other symptoms correspond,"and we have no right to doubt that our colleagues, who, for convenience, use nosological terms, are equally circumspect in making sure that" all other symptoms correspond" in the prescriptions which they narrate.

But even on this point, an Editor of the Review has placed himself on record in most happy terms.

In No. 1, Vol. III, Dr. Wells says: "It may be asked, what is the value of a nomenclature of diseases? Why attempt to name them at all? The answer is, it is a convenience in the expression and interchange of ideas — indispensable, if you please. By the name is simply meant to indicate a group of phenomena which are found in a given class of affections, and which belong equally to each member of the class and which distinguish it from all other classes."

And the same idea has been elaborated by another writer in Nos. 4, 5, 6.

With this full state went of our faith and with these evidences of our faithfulness, we again use to our Shadowy correspondent the words of Ulysses:

"Turn then. Oh, peaceful turn! thy wrath control,

And calm the raging tempest of thy soul!" D.

__________

A "COMEDY OF ERRORS." — In Vol. III, page 379, of this REVIEW, appeared a notice of Mr. Wilson's article in the London Homoeopathic Review, entitled "How far is Dr. Hempel to be trusted as a Translator of Hahnemann's Works?"

This article of Mr. Wilson has given rise to some discussion in England, and we propose to give a brief history of the controversy. To this we are impelled by the vast importance of the subject. All English-speaking homoeopathic practitioners who are not familiar with the German language depend on Dr. Hempel's translations for their knowledge of Materia Medica.*[This notice was in press before receiving the August number of the London "Homoeopathic Review" containing Mr. Wilson's response.]

It is surely of the greatest moment to them to know whether these translations are trustworthy or whether they are, as Mr. Wilson pronounces them, "utterly undeserving of confidence."

The British Journal of Homoeopathy, Vol. XX, page 688, reviews Mr. Wilson's Essay, and defends Dr. Hempel in a style which we suppose should be called "chivalrous" — since "chivalry" now a days means fighting desperately in a detestable cause. Under the amiable and classical title "LOVE'S LABOR LOST," the British Journalist says, "It appears that Hempel has omitted a good many of the symptoms that occur in Hahnemann, which was very wrong in him, for, as a faithful translator, he was bound to give a literal version of the original. Mr. Wilson, therefore, deserves the thanks of Hempel's readers for pointing out the untrustworthiness of the translation. * * * These omitted symptoms Mr. Wilson supplies and suggests that those who have Hempel's translation should restore them to their proper place in the work. * * * To this proposal we altogether demur. * * * Hempel has in a rough and imperfect manner attempted to winnow some of this chaff out of our Materia Medica. We are only sorry he has not performed his task more thoroughly."

It seems from this that the translation is admitted to be "untrustworthy," and Mr. Wilson "deserves thanks" for showing it to be so. Yet the Reviewer altogether demurs to Mr. Wilson's proposal that the student supply the omissions for himself, and proceeds to thank Dr. Hempel for having made them and to regret that he did not make more. Thus both Dr. Hempel and Mr. Wilson receive the thanks of this grateful Reviewer; the one for making blunders; the other for detecting them. Both receive a rebuke; the one for having made omissions, the other for proposing to supply these omissions! This reminds us forcibly of the sentiments of Mr. Hosea Biglow respecting the Mexican war:

"As for the war I'go agin it!

That is — I mean — I kind o' du

That is — I mean — that — bein' in it

The best way is — to fight it thru."

To this "Love's Labor Lost" of the British Journal Mr. Wilson makes a brief reply, promising a thorough investigation of the subject. Meanwhile, supporting the Shakespeare of the British Journal, Dr. Cockburn in the Monthly Review, of London, appears in a "Tempest," defending Hempel and pronouncing Mr. Wilson's anxiety to guard the "trifling" subjective symptoms of the Materia Medica, to be a mere profitless "Much Ado About Nothing."

Dr. Fenton Cameron, in the same Review, in admirable temper and with irresistible logic, gives Dr. Cockburn "Measure for Measure," and shows the vital importance of these subjective symptoms

Dr. Cockburn rejoins that the main thing is the pathological picture given by objective symptoms and that, for the rest, the Materia Medica may, for all purposes of real usefulness, be made up pretty much "As You Like It."

The British Journal, July, 1863, Vol. XXI, page 463, gives a resume of the whole affair, in much better spirit than its notice in Vol. XX. It gives Mr. Wilson right in every essential, sends Dr. Cockburn into the corner as he deserves, and magisterially preserves its own dignity and consistency by pronouncing Mr. Wilson and Dr. Hempel both wrong — the latter throughout his translation — the former in a single reference to a single symptom of Sarsaparilla!

"All's Well that Ends Well." The end will show that even in this tiny exception to Mr. Wilson's criticism, the British Journal has itself committed an error.

The grounds on which the British Journal "demurs" to Mr. Wilson's proposal that the student should supply for himself the omissions which he points out as having been made by Hempel are stated by him in the following language:

On examining these 231 omitted symptoms of Sarsap., we find that no less than 205 of them are symptoms contributed by the anonymous prover, indicated by the letters 'Ng.' Now those who have devoted most attention to a critical examination of Hahnemann's Materia Medica, assure us that the symptoms furnished by 'Ng' are altogether untrustworthy. That this verdict is true our own less profound examination and comparison have satisfied us, and we are the more disposed to this unfavorable opinion from the slighting manner in which Hahnemann himself speaks of 'Ng.' while making use of his proving. Thus in a note to Alumina (Chr.Kr. II, 35) Hahnemann says, "Drs. Hartlaub and Trinks indicate by these two letters only (which is actually leaving anonymous) a man who furnished the greater number of the symptoms of medicinal provings for their Annals, which are often recorded in very careless, prolix and ambiguous expressions. I was only able to extract what seemed useful from them, and that only on the understanding that he conducted his observations like an honest discreet man." Thus far Hahnemann. The British Journalist goes on to say that "Ng." contributed such a host of symptoms to the Chronic Diseases that, if he proved them all himself he "must have suffered the tortures of the damned" in proving them. He intimates that "Ng." declined to reveal himself, possibly from a consciousness that he was a "bogus" prover, and wishes that every one of his symptoms were eliminated from our Materia Medica. He finally thanks Dr. Hempel, as already stated for his "rough and imperfect winnowing" of the Materia Medica and "cannot see the use of restoring such rubbish."

This view of the case, while admitting Dr. Hempel's utter faithlessness as a "Translator" presents him to us as deserving of thanks in the character of an "Expurgator."

Therefore, Mr. Wilson's question, "How far is Dr. Hempel to be trusted as a Translator of Hahnemann's works?" will still be pertinent if modified as follows: "How far is Dr. Hempel to be trusted as an Expurgator of Hahnemann's works?"

The voluminous works of Hahnemann may be supposed to contain errors, like all other human productions. The function of the faithful, and accurate and judicious Expurgator is assuredly an honorable one — and his labors should receive the hearty thanks of the profession. But how if the alleged Expurga for be unfaithful, and inaccurate to the last degree?

Be it observed that Dr. Hempel himself never assumes the position of Expurgator. He claims only to have given a translation "in perfect accordance with the original." Mr. Wilson states, and the British Journal admits, that he did no such thing. The British Journal makes the expurgatorial assumption for him, and bases it on the statement that the defects of the translation are all comprised in his omissions of the symptoms of "Ng.," which the B. J. says are "rubbish."

Now. "Ng." did not decline to reveal himself. On the contrary he published, says Dr. Bath, over his own name, Cajetan Nenning, his method of proving and of collecting symptoms from other Provers, in a statement which is so clear, straight forward and manly as to convince the reader at least of his entire honesty and good faith. — Allg. Hom. Zeit., 1839.

Hahnemann's note to Alumina was printed before this publication by Nenning. It is not surprising that Hahnemann scrutinized with unusual caution symptoms furnished by an, at that time, anonymous Prover, When, however, he says, "I was only able to extract what seemed useful from them" it would appear only fair to infer that after this unusually sharp scrutiny, Hahnemann had admitted as valid and trustworthy those symptoms by "Ng." which he proceeded to include in his Chronische Krankheiten. We incline, therefore, to accept those symptoms as coming with the endorsement of Hahnemann, in addition to the signature of Nenning.

Now for the "tortures of the damned." "Ng.'s" symptoms must be good for nothing, because they are so numerous! Thus argues the British Journal. Does the same reasoning hold good with reference to Hahnemann who, in his ten volumes of provings, has given us more than ten times as many symptoms as Nenning? The simple fact is that both Hahnemann and Nenning give as their own not only symptoms observed on themselves, but also symptoms observed on other persons who proved drugs trader their personal supervision.

But suppose Dr. Hempel really thought Nenning's symptoms good for nothing (which he nowhere ever hints that he did); if he carefully and faithfully sifted them out from the Materia Medica, he would deserve the meed of honest labor, even though subsequent research should prove his impression to have been a mistaken one.

On examination, however, we find this pretended expurgation to be as faulty and as faithless as Mr. Wilson has shown the translation to be.

To confine ourselves to the remedies cited by Mr. Wilson; we find that Sarsaparilla, which was originally published in Hartlaub and Trinks' Reine Arzneimittelehre and then, with additional symptoms, in the Chronische Krankheiten of Hahnemann, Volume five, contains 561 symptoms by the following Provers:

Hahnemann contributed

136

Schreter "

22

Hermann "

40

Hartman "

46

Teuthorn "

10

"Ng." (Nenning) "

285

Quoted from various allopathic authors

22

561

Of these 561 symptoms, Mr. Wilson quotes (the British Journal says, "correctly,') 236 which Dr. Hempel omits in his translation of this one remedy, An error of a little more than 42 percent, in this translation which professes to be "in perfect accordance with the original!"

But the British Journal intimates that the omissions are of Nenning's symptoms alone. This is so far from* being the case, that we find the omissions pretty impartially distributed among the whole corps of Provers, as we shall show by a table:

Prover.

Symptoms.

Omitted by Hempel or about

88 percent.

Hahnemann,

136

12

30 "

Teuthorn,

10

3

10.9 "

Hartmann,

46

5

10 "

Hermann,

40

4

27.5 "

Schreter,

22

6

72.2 "

"Ng." (Nenning),

285

206

Allopathic authors,

22

none!

561

236

If the symptoms furnished by Nenning are "rubbish," and if 72.2 percent. were omitted by Dr. Hempel, for that very good reason, suffer us to ask, were the 27.8 percent of Nenning's symptoms which Hempel did not omit not "rubbish?" And if these were not "rubbish" while the others were, pray by what standard was this ruthless Expurgator governed? May we not ask a sight of his Index Expurgatorius?

And if Nenning's 72.2 percent. of symptoms which he omitted were "rubbish," were Hahnemann's 8.8 percent. which he likewise omitted — were these "rubbish too? And the 30 percent. of Teuthorn's? And the 27.5 percent. of Schreter's? And the 10 percent. of Hermann's? And the 109 percent of Hartmann's?

And if Hahnemann's pettish note to Alumina induced the Expurgator to elide these 206 symptoms by Nenning, was there any similar good reason for striking out the twelve symptoms by Hahnemann himself?

So much for Sarsaparilla.

Mr. Wilson gives the names of twelve other remedies in which Dr. Hempel omitted a large number of symptoms. The British Journal accounts for these omissions in the same way. They are the expurgations of Nenning's symptoms.

These remedies are Nitrum, Petroleum, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Platina, Sepia, Silicea, Stannum, Sulphur, Sulphuric acid, Zinc, Arsenic.

Now on examining the Chronische Krankheiten, it appears that in the proving of five of these twelve remedies "Ng." took no part whatever. These five are Petroleum, Phosphoric acid, Platina, Stannum, Arsenic. Yet in translating these five remedies, Dr. Hempel omitted no less than 386 symptoms! Whose (since it was not Nenning's) was the "rubbish" thus rudely cast aside?

Again, on examining the seven remaining remedies of the list to which Nenning did contribute symptoms, we find that to Phosphorus "Ng." furnished 401 symptoms — Hempel omits 272 symptoms. If these were all "Ng.'s" symptoms (which they are not), there would yet remain 129 "Ng." symptoms which he has graciously allowed to remain. We ask again for his standard of expurgation? Of what sort is that divining-rod of his, which points him to the gold among the rubbish-heap of Nenning's symptoms?

In Silicea "Ng." gives 67 symptoms, Hempel omits 111. Whose symptoms beside "Ng.'s" does he add to the rubbish heap which the Shakespeare of the British Journal thanks him for removing? Are they those of Gross, or of Stapf, or of Goullon. or of Wahle, or of Hartlaub, or of Hering — for these together with "Ng." were the Provers of Silicea — no ignoble names along with Hahnemann's

To Sulph. "Ng." contributed 240 symptoms — Hempel omits 224. Supposing that all of these were "Ng's" (which they were not), 16 must have been retained by Hempel. May we ask why, if Ng.'s symptoms are "rubbish?"

To Zinc "Ng" contributed 358 symptoms, Hempel omits 200 symptoms (not all of them Ng.'s). Had the remaining 158 the shimmer of true gold to the eye of the Expurgator?

It was kind perhaps and "chivalrous" in the British Journal to take the part of Dr. Hempel, and to say all that could be said in defence of his translation. If it had stopped there, its defence could have done no harm to the cause of Homoeopathy, which is of far more consequence than the feelings or fame of any individual. If it had stopped there, we should have had neither occasion nor opportunity thus to review its defence. But its endeavor to hide the long ears of the faithless Translator under the shaggy and terrible lion-skin of the Expurgator, deserves, much better that the signature of Dr. Nenning, to be paraphrased, "No go!"

In the notice of Mr. Wilson's Essays on this subject, which appears in the British Journal for July, 1863, the critic writes in a much better spirit, conceding Mr. Wilson's accuracy in every respect save as regards one single symptom of Sarsaparilla, respecting which he speaks as follows:

"In one instance he (Mr. Wilson) lays stress on the language of the original by giving it in full, thus: 'Constant sweet taste in the mouth, almost like that from liquorice wood, for several days.' Now it is very odd that 'on referring to the original.' i. e., Hahnemann's Sarsaparilla, we do not find that symptom at all! But we do find it as a symptom of Sabadilla — not a Hahnemannic medicine — so how Mr. Wilson came to mix it' up with a critique on Sarsap. it is very difficult to understand, and may dispose him to mitigate a little the severity of his language even while justly correcting the errors of Hempel, near the close of an immense labor, etc., etc." A very fine moral homily to be sure! But even in delivering a moral lecture it is well to remember David Crockett's maxim, "First be sure you're right, then go ahead"

Sarsaparilla, as before remarked, was originally published in Hartlaub and Trink's Reine Arzneimittellehre, Vol. II. On referring to this proving we find symptom 67, of which Mr. Wilson has given an exact translation in those words, which the British Journal, says are not to be found at all in the proving of Sarsaparilla! Is it possible that the British Journalist himself foiled to look up the original authorities? But he says, it does not occur in Hahnemann's Sarsaparilla; literally this is true, and here is another error of our "comedy." Hahnemann himself does not quote the entire symptom from Hartalub and Trinks, but gives it as follows; 175. "Taste in the mouth constantly sweet, for several days." He leaves out the simile "almost like that from liquoric wood," as given in Hartlaub and Trinks, and which perhaps adds nothing to the completeness of the symptom. The point which Mr. Wilson makes against Hempel, is that Hempel leaves out the word "stets," "constant" and renders the symptom as follows: "Sweet taste in the mouth for several days." This is a serious omission.

On turning to Sabadilla we find a symptom — not contributed by Nenning but by Schoenke — in nearly the same words, so far as the mention of liquorice wood is concerned but differing materially as to the conditions of time and circumstance. It reads as follows: 124. "A sweet taste in the mouth; it is to him as if he had chewed liquorice wood." — Archiv. 4, 3.

Our friend of the British Journal must have a very "sweet tooth" indeed, if the mere mention of liquoric wood can thus entice him to forget to look up his authorities, and can bewitch him into neglecting to note these important conditions of time and circumstance, which are so essential a part of the significance of a symptom. D.

__________

CHININUM SULPHURICUM IN ACUTE ARTICULAR RHEUMATISM, BY DR. ESCALLIER. — Premising that in a pamphlet published some years previously he repudiated entirely the use of Chin. sulph. in this disease, because then having seen it tried only in heroic doses of the Parisian school, Dr. E. says, "but since then I have become acquainted in my practice with the use of Chin. sulph., in small doses, in this disease, so often obstinate and painful as well for the patient as for the physician, even for him who is supplied with the powerful remedial means which Homoeopathy places at his disposal. Consequently I must acknowledge that I did not formerly estimate this remedy at its true value, and that its healing power in acute articular rheumatism exceedes that of any other remedy. No other remedy appears to me more rapidly and more favorably to modify this disease in its duration and course. It is most applicable when the general, very acute and continuous symptoms have been opposed by Acon., Bry., Merc., or the other indicated homoeopathic remedies When these do not speedily induce a favorable change it is time for the use of Chin. sulph.

"I need hardly add that I have by no means imitated the eulogists of the massive doses of China. Such as are capable of producing serious nervous symptoms, nor have I resorted to the pellets and high attenuations, but have confined myself to the low triturations. Nevertheless I have in this way given very small even infinitesimal doses, thus remaining true to the general principles of the Hahnemannian mode of treatment, and not injuring my patient."

Justifying his choice of this remedy mainly by the "very clearly defined periodical remission which is found in the disease," and which he considers the essential characteristic of the disease, he reports several cases of which a single one may serve as an example.

M. L. S., aged 44 years, large and strong, of sanguine temperament, had four years previously been very speedily relieved by Rhus tox. of the tolerably severe sub-acute symptoms, remaining from an attack of acute articular rheumatism, which had already lasted four months when he came under my treatment. Now, Feb. 2d, 1858, after four years, I find the patient having suffered for eight days with bronchitis, and for two days with general pains and fever.

Pulse 100, full. and hard; tongue dry, thirst; anorexia. He complains of pains in his head, loins and feet, less in the left foot but the right was swollen, red and so painful that he was unable to sleep the previous night. Bryonia 5, every three hours.

February 3d. Very restless night from nine, p.m., to day break; very violent pain in the right foot which he must constantly keep in motion; severe pain in the sacral region; frequent cough at night; pulse 110; no sweat. Rhus tox., every three hours.

4th. After a worse night he suffers to day in both lower extremities; knees swollen; motion and touch painful; cough very much increased; sibilant respiration. Bryonia 5, as before.

5th. Yesterday evening some improvement, but about eleven o'clock the pains returned attended with copious sweat. To day, from two, p.m., decided improvement, but about midnight there was again high fever with severe pain, especially in the hip-joints.

6th. In the forenoon the pains were less severe, but the fever still high. Pulse 100. Daring the paroxysms of pain, he coughs frequently. In consequence of this palpable periodicity, I gave him China and Sulphur 2, four grains in two doses to be taken one immediately, the other early in the morning.

7th. Decided improvement; no paroxysm the past night, and some sleep. He complains now only of the hip, the swelling of the knee has disappeared. Pulse 92. Same prescription.

8th. Still better; slept four hours; pulse 80. Idem.

9th and 10th. Improvement continued; pulse 78; pain in the hips moderate; some appetite. One dose of Chin. sulph. 2 daily.

After giving, February 13th, Ant. crud. 12, for some gastric symptoms, I left the patient completely cured, February 15th.

T. C. FANNING, M.D., Fishkill, N. Y.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 04, 1863, page 180-191]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Prescribing For Disease by Name; Comedy of Errors; Chininum Sulphuricum in Acute Articular Rheumatism]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1863]

MISCELLANEOUS.

HOMOEOPATHIC LITERATURE. — We have intended for some time to publish monthly a brief resume of the contents of the homoeopathic periodicals, but we have deferred it from time to time owing to the irregularity with which we receive the Foreign journals. In the Neue Zeitschrift fur Homoeopathishe Klinik, edited by Dr. Hirschell, Dresden, a very interesting column is the repertory of homoeopathic daily literature. To those who do not subscribe for all the homoeopathic journals, such an index may be of service, informing them what is going on abroad. We have in the

British Journal of Homoeopathy, for October: A study of Iodine, by Drs. Madden and Hughes; Cerebral Dynamics, by Dr. Gilchrest; Change of Climate in Chronic Disease; Dr. Grover Coe on Concentrated Organic Remedies; Cancer, by Drs. Mc Limont and Marston; Pathogenesy of Aconite, by Mr. Nankivell; Reviews of Hunt on Skin Diseases and Boenninghausen's Aphorisms of Hippocrates. Among the Miscellaneous Articles are: Phos. acid in Phthisis; Hahnemann on the Itch Insect; Nitric acid in enlargement of the liver and spleen; Letter from Hahnemann to a patient; Sarracenia in Small Pox; The Ordeal bean of Old Calabar; Mr. Wilson and Br. Hempel.

The Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London, for October, contains; Dysentery treated by Purgatives; Arsenic in Gastralgia; Prophylactic power infinitesimal quantities of Iodine; On Sleeping and Dreaming, by Mr. Cobbe; A Question on Doses, Dilutions, and the Characteristic Symptoms for the Selection of the Remedy, addressed by Dr. Bayes to Mr. Wilson; A calendar of Cases treated at the Penzance Homoeopathic Dispensary during the year 1862, by J. H. Nankivell; Reviews of the Annals of the British Homoeopathic Society and the London Homoeopathic Hospital, No. 13; Physiological effects of the Bromide of Ammonium; Alternation of the Remedy, by Mr. D. Wilson; The Thirteenth Annual Report of the Board of Management of the London Homoeopathic Hospital. Archbishop Whatley; Reports of the Cheltenham, Liverpool and Manchester and Salford Homoeopathic Dispensaries.

The Homoeopathic Observer, Manchester, Eng, for September, publishes articles on, The Recent Controversy on Hahnemann's Materia Medica; — Manchester and Salford Homoeopathic Dispensary; Shoulder Presentation, by J. Drummond; The Reviewer Reviewed; Effects of Tartar emetic in large doses on animals; The Northern Homoeopathic Medical Association; Iron in Tuberculosis; Piconitrate of Potash as a vermifuge; Phytolacca decandra in diseases of the breast; Effects of Mercury in sheep; Influences of acid drinks and vegetables on the production of disease of the urethra and bladder.

Bulletin de la Societe Medicate Homoeopathique de France, Paris. The August number is the last received of this journal It contains, Extracts of the Proceedings of the French Homoeopathic Medical Society; The actual state of Allopathic Therapeutics; Treatment of Pneumonia, by Dr. Eidherr; Biographical Sketches of Count des Guidi and F. Gabalda; Bibliographical Notices; Obituaries of Drs. Leon Marchant, of Bordeux, and Victor Fioretta, of Turin; and general homoeopathic intelligence.

Notes of a New Truth, A Monthly Journal of Homoeopathy, London, October, 1863, Mend or End (from the "American Homoeopathic Review"); Sickness from carriage riding; Necessity of care in judging from apparent coincidences; Questions to be submitted to the Medical Officers of the London Homoeopathic Hospital; Accidental poisoning in the Newcastle Infirmary; Protection from Scarlet Fever by Belladonna; Importance of fully developing the muscular power as a means of preventing disease; Cases, Facts, and Views, by Dr. Epps; Miserable practice of old Systemists; Prospects of cure for diseases of the Womb small under the old System; The realization of ends by means not homoeopathic injurious; Action of Sepia

El Criterio Medico, Madrid, Vol. IV, No. 18, September 25th, 1863, contains articles on, The Human Organism opposed to surrounding Nature; Clinique, Foreign Critical Review; Biography of Count des Guidi; Varieties. No. 19, October 10th, The Human Organism, etc., continued; Homoeopathic Therapeutics and Clinic; Correspondence; Another evidence in favor of the Infinitesimal Doses; Medical Application of the Recent Observations of the Influence of Ozone on Plants and Animals: Varieties.

Homoeopathische Vierteljahrschrift Leipsic, Vol. XIV, part 3, contains, Investigations of Chamomilla, by Dr. J. Hoppe, continued; The Moschus symptoms of the Materia Medica Pura, by Dr. Fr. Langheims; Contributions to Gynecology,"by Dr. H. Kaan; Report of the Homoeopathic Clinique in Leipsic in the year 1862; Balneological Sketches, by Dr. H. Kaan.

Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, Leipsic, Vol. LXVII, No. 12, September 21st, 1863, contains, Contributions to Pharmacology — Chamomilla vulg., a fragmentary proving, 1844, by Dr. Hencke; Supra-orbital Neuralagia, by Dr. J. Hoppe; Practical experience in Typhus and its treatment according to the principles of Homoeopathy, by Dr. Jos. Bartl; Meeting of the Society of homoeopathic physicians of Westphalia and the Rhine, August 27th, 1863. Miscellaneous. No. 13, September 28th, The opposition in the motor and sensitive nervous system, a continuance of phrenological studies, by Dr. Th. Bruckner; Practical experience in Typhus and its treatment, by Dr. Bartl; Remarks on Dr. Kleinert's Quellen Nackweis, by Dr. C. Hering; Thirty-third meeting of the Central Union of Homoeopathic Physicians of Germany, at Mainz; Miscellaneous.

Neue Zeitschrift fur Homoeopathische Klinik, Dresden, new series, Vol. VIII. No. 17, for September 1st., 1863, contains, a few words more on the nature of Itch, according to Hahnemann himself, by Dr. Langheims, of Darmstadt; A case of Paratyphlites(?), communicated by Dr. Trinks, of Dresden; — A few observations on Arnic-cures, by Prof. Dr. Hoppe, of Basle; Pains from straining by bearing heavy burdens; Arnica, Rhus; Chronic Intestinal catarrh and rapid cure, by the Editor; Literary Review; Miscellanies. No. 18, September 15th, 1883, contains, How Dr. Hering expresses himself about the Philosophers, by Dr. Roth, of Paris; Observations on Arnica cures, by Dr. Hoppe, of Basle, (concluded); Blindness of the right eye, lasting twenty-two days, caused by a bee-sting, cured by Lachesis, by Dr. Gallavardin, in Lyon; Literary Notices; Miscellany. S.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1863, page 238-240]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Homoeopathic Literature]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1863]

MISCELLANEOUS.

HOMOEOPATHIC LITERATURE — Among the books, pamphlets and periodicals received the past month are

Annals of the British Homoeopathic Society No. XIII, September, 1863. — Dr. S. Cockburn presents a paper entitled "Is the doctrine of infinitesimals consistent with reason and experience?" He speaks of their origin and tendency, and of the first knows nothing, and states that Hahnemann's greatest success was with the use of large doses, the date of which he erroneously gives as 1795-1804. He argues that infinitesimals are not demanded by the requirements of our organism, because, for the nourishment of the body only a sufficient quantity of food is assimilated [notwithstanding the amount ingested. As to "why they cure and cause aggravations," he attributes it to the imagination. He says "they have been tested and found wanting," and considers they have been "the cause of disunion and obstacle to our progress," and that, because, "incomprehensible, impracticable and uncertain," the doctrine is unscientific; furthermore he says it "is opposed to and subversive of Homoeopathy," and that the "doctrine involves an absurdity;' All who took part in the discussion that followed the reading of the paper, Drs. Hale, Metcalfe, Drury, Kidd, Wyld, and Russell, differed in toto from the views expressed therein. Our space at present will not admit of our giving even a sketch of their remarks, but the author has assumed, to us, such palpably untenable grounds that any one can understand how readily they could be refuted.

In the Annual Address, the President, Dr. Quin, reviews the proceedings of the society, and gives an interesting resume and criticism of the papers read before it. In the course of his remarks he says, "It is with wonder, sorrow and astonishment, not unmixed with indignation, that we, who had the honor and advantage of repeated and intimate communications with our great master, and who listened with grateful reverence to the words of wisdom and practical precepts that dropped from his lips, read and hear the terms in which some who give themselves out as his followers, permit themselves to speak of this great and good man, and unblushingly draw upon their imaginations in giving utterance to the most erroneous and fabulous accounts of his opinions and actions, showing an incredible ignorance of the maxims and truths contained in his works, of his conduct throughout his long and honorable career, and an irreverance for the genius, the erudition, and the unwearied industry which enabled him to create and establish the system of medicine by which they gain their livelihood and hope to rise to fame and fortune. One knows not which to admire most, the ingratitude or the presumption of such soidisant disciples of Hahnemann. However, this mode of the young to be presumptuous and to ignore the wisdom and knowledge of their superiors is of all time."

Another extract in reference to the centesimal and decimal scale we make for the benefit of whom it may concern. Dr. Quin was called in consultation with a gentleman who readily agreed to give a remedy he had not used but demurred at the attenuation, and desired to give a decimal preparation as he had for sometime ceased to employ any other. He proposed the sixth because he considered it much stronger and more active. No wonder at the surprise of Dr. Quin; he had recommended the third centesimal.

More of Hahnemann's letters to Stapf, a lecture on rheumatism at the hospital, by Dr. Russell, wherein he speaks of the dose and alternation of remedies, and a case of ovariotomy successfully treated by Mr. Ayerst, fill up this number of a Tory interesting publication.

We hare said thus much of this work because it has not a general circulation in this country, and we have delayed making any previous mention of it. It is published quarterly, in octavo form of 96 pages.

Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London. In the number for November there is an editorial on the medical session for 1863-4; the treatment of toothache by Dr. Massy; a continuation Mr. Cobb's article on sleeping and dreaming; proceedings of the Northern Homoeopathic Medical Association; and Dispensary Reports. Mr. Wilson replies to an article in the October number of the British Journal, entitled, Mr. David Wilson's Criticism. Dr. Bayes contributes an article on doses, dilutions and alternation of remedies.

The Homoeopathic Observer, Manchester, Eng., for October, contains editorial articles on Surgeon-General Hammond's Order and Medical Education, cases by Dr. Bayes and Rayner and miscellaneous articles.

Notes of a New Truth, London. This periodical is published by the English Homoeopathic Association for circulation among the laity. The November number contains articles on the progress of Homoeopathy, doings in the Bath Homoeopathic hospital, clinical cases, effects of remedies, etc., etc.

The North American Journal of Homoeopathy, New York, for November, has a plea for Physiology, an introductory lecture before the Homoeopathic College at Chicago, by Dr. Ludlam; a continuation of Dr. Lords article on Intermittent Fever; a very imperfect proving of Sticta sylvatica, by Dr. Burdick, with clinical cases where the doctor has used the remedy as though he considered it a universal specific; an interesting article on old and new physic, by Dr. Helmuth; an account of the epidemic of typhus petechialis, by Dr. James; another interesting article on Coffee, by Dr. Hunt; the action of Digitalis on the heart, by Drs. Madden and Hughes, from the July number of the British Journal; the expulsion of Gall-stones by olive oil and Podophyllin, by Dr. Hale; mineral waters as remedial agents, by Dr. Temple. Clinical reports, bibliographical notices and miscellaneous articles fill up the number.

Neue Zeitschrift fur Homoeopathische Klinik, No. 19, October 1st, contains a proving with the essence of Pulsatilla, by Dr. Lembke: on the history of the homoeopathic theory, by Dr. Roth; homoeopathic cures, by Dr. Verwey; Literary reviews and miscellanies. No. 20, October 15th, the question of doses; pathogenesy of Secale; treatment of strabismus; miscellanies, notices, etc.

Allgemeine Hom. Zeitung, Vol. LLVII, No. 14, October 5th, contains, a conclusion of Dr. Bruckner's article on the contrast between the motor and sensitive nervous systems; a continuance of Dr. Bartl's article on typhus fever; continuation of Dr. Hering's review of Kleinert's Quellen Nachweis; continuation of the transactions of the Central Union of Homoeopathic Physicians at Mainz; No. 15, October 12th, contains, articles on the library of the Central Society of Homoeopathic Physicians in Leipzig; clinical record by Dr. Boenninghausen; continuation of Herings review of Kleinert; meeting of the Homoeopathic Physicians of the Rhine and Westphalia at Dortmund, August 27th; the physiological agreement of the characteristic symptoms of a remedy; miscellanies, correspondence, etc. No. 16, October 19th, contains, continuation of Drs. Boenninghausen's and Bartl's articles; cases from practice by Dr. Bojanus; meeting of the Swiss Homoeopathic Physicians in Olton, Sept. 18th; miscellanies. No. 17, October 26th, in this number Drs. Boenninghausen and Bartl continue their articles; Dr. Kirsch reports a case of cataract, and Dr. Hering publishes remarks on Euphrasia. The number is filled with interesting miscellanous articles.

Bulletin de la Societe Medicale Homoeopathique de France. The September number contains extracts from the proceedings of the society; accouchment in the yellow races; notes on practical medicine, by Dr. Hughes, taken from the British Journal, July, 1863; clinical observations, translated from El Criterio Medico; continuation of Dr. Eidherr's treatment of pneumonia; review of journals, and medical intelligence.

El Criterio Medico, Madrid, No. 20, October 25th, 1863, contains a continuation of the articles on the human organism, and ozone; homoeopathic clinic, miscellanies and obituary notice of Dr. Jose Julian Alvarez Rodiguez.

Revista di Scienze Mediche is the name of a new semi-monthly journal to be published at Turin.

Messrs. Leath and Co., London, advertise a "Repertory to Hempel's Lectures on Materia Medica," and a "British and Continental Homoeopathic Directory," for 1863.

Mr. Radde, New York, announces a "Homoeopathic Theory and Practice of Medicine," by Drs. E. E. Marcy and F. W. Hunt, to be published shortly. A new edition of "Hempel's Lectures on Materia Medica" is to be issued by the same publisher.

Dr. Lodge, Detroit, will soon publish "New Homoeopathic Provings of Indigenous and Chemical Remedies," edited by Dr. E, M. Hale.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 06, 1863, page 286-288]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Homoeopathic Literature]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1863]

MISCELLANEOUS.

STICTA. Sylvatica vs. Pulmonaria. — In the N. A. Journal of Homoeopathy for Nov., 1863, Dr. Burdick published a fragmentary proving of this lichen as the S. sylvatica, the description of which was taken from Eaton's N. A. Botany A specimen furnished us of the lichen from which the tincture for proving was. made, is the S. pulmonaria and not S. sylvatica. We are indebted to our colleague, Dr. T. F. Allen, for the following description of the two species taken from Prof. Tuckerman's "Synopsis of Lichens of the Northern States and British America."

"Sticta sylvatica. — Thallus coriaceous-membranaceous laciniate-lobel, upper surface lacunulose, greenish brown, underside tomentose, and brownish, ash colored, with urceolate whitish cyphelloe (cup shaped depressions) lobes somewhat truncate, rounded, crenulate. It is found on rocks, among mosses in Pennsylvania and New York, It is now unknown in the fertile state.

"S. pulmonaria. Thallus coriaceous, lax, lacunose — reticulate, dark green and olive colored on the upper side; the underside tomentose with naked white spots; lobes elongated, separate, sinuate lobed, retuse-truncate; apothecia (fruit cups) submarginal reddish. It is found fertile on trunks in mountains and forests, also on rocks where it varies and is oftener sterile. It is found in New England, New York and Pennsylvania."

S. pulmonaria may be easily distinguished from the S. sylvatica by the elevated naked spots on the under side, the rest is woolly; sylvatica has depressions; pulmonaria is almost always found on trees, sylvatica never or very rarely; sylvatica has a wet habit, growing with mosses and on damp rocks, while the pulmonaria grows higher up with the dryer Parmelias, which are often bundled up together by the apothecary. Stictas are all leaf-like lichens like the Parmelias, etc., but may all be known by their cavities or spots on the under surface; the pulmonaria is very strongly veined, is ribbed on the upper surface, the veins bordering the irregular depressions.

S. pulmonaria is very common in Massachusetts and most of the Eastern States. It derives its name from its resemblance to the lung, hence also its common name, lung-wort, and its popular use as a remedyin pectoral affections. The lung-wort of the Dispensatories, however, is a different plant, that is the Pulmonaria officinalis, which is not indigenous here. S.

__________

DISCUSSION ON THE HIGH POTENCIES. — At the semi-annual meeting of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York, held in Brooklyn, October 13th and 14th, 1883, an extra session was held to discuss the subject of potentized remedies and their use in all cases of disease. The topic was suggested by Dr. Dunham's paper on "High Potencies."

Dr. P. P. WELLS opened the discussion by stating that it is the living vital force that we have to act on in disease, and this is to be effected by immaterial forces akin to itself. The medicinal power of any substance need not be appreciable by weight or estimated by the laws of mathematics, and cannot be proved to be material.

Dr. MOFFAT inquired whether the material power became spiritualized by dynamization.

Dr. P. P. WELLS, I cannot tell what the agency is.

PRESIDENT, what is meant by dynamization? Is the medicinal power developed or created by this process?

Dr. P. P. WELLS thought it set free the medicinal force of otherwise inert substances. Pebbles by the pound will not produce ulcers in the system, yet when the medicinal force is set free by dynamization such a result will follow. Let all who feel that something is added by dynamization subject themselves to the action of snow or ice, and they will soon perceive the power of latent heat. Dr. J. BEAKLEY. We all know that crude medicines are not all taken up. What we desire in this discussion is to determine not how they act, but what potency is the proper one in all cases? Can we use the first or the two hundredth with like results, under all circumstances? Or, are we to change the potency in accordance with the phases of disease? Doubtless we reduce or dynamize remedies in order to adapt them to the wants of the system. Systems differ, and so do diseases. Some persons bear drugs in the strongest forms, others only in the highest or not at all. Let us in this discussion have the results of practical experience.

Dr. C. DUNHAM called for the experience of Dr. Beakley in the treatment of chancre.

Dr. J. BEAK LET. In some cases the disease develops rapidly and assumes the phagedenic form early. In these he has only been successful with the low potencies. He usually employs the low potencies at first, and the higher, as high as thirty, afterward. In chronic forms of gleet, but not in recent cases, he has used the two hundredth potency, with good result, when the low attenuations failed entirely. In necrosis he has found the thirtieth potency to act much better than lower attenuations.

Dr. B. FINCKE related two or three cases of improvement under the use of very high attenuations, and one case of orchitis cured by a single dose of Spongia 1500.

Dr. L. B. WELLS uses the potencies more and more in practice, especially in chronic diseases. He related the case of an elderly lady suffering from chronic, dry, irritable cough, which was not relieved by Lachesis 200, but was speedily cured by Lachesis 2000. He has employed the high potencies satisfactorily in croup, but his experience in this disease is too limited to give results.

Dr. B. F. BOWERS related a case of confirmed sporadic cholera, which yielded promptly to Camphor 200, followed by and in alternation with Aconite 700, then Phos. acid 30.

Dr. WRIGHT, related a case of cholera that was promptly relieved by Verat. 2.

Dr. H. ROBINSON related in detail the symptoms of the case of his father, who recently suffered from a violent attack of Cholera, which did not yield to Arsenicum 6, and Veratrum 6, and afterward 30, but which was promptly arrested by Aconite 0, followed by Phos. acid. Also a case of dysmenorrhea in a widow lady, aged 28 years, which was very severe, so as sometimes to produce convulsions Sepia 200, three doses, one each week afforded a complete cure.

Dr. A. S. COUCH related the following very interesting cases:

1. Amaurosis, confirmed in the right eye, and commencing in the left. All the prominent symptoms were present. Arsenicum 2000 and Phosphorus 1600 were prescribed, a dose every third morning on rising, in alternation. At the end of six weeks there appeared to be no perceptible change of symptoms. On inquiry the patient stated that he had been almost well, but that since the medicine had all been taken he had relapsed again to his former condition. The same remedies were repeated, and continued until complete recovery of the left eye took place. The right one proved incurable.

2. Neuralgia. Pain in the temples very severe, accompanied with irregular respiration. Two other homoeopathic physicians had previously prescribed Ignatia. The patient desired him not to give that remedy as she could not bear it. He, supposing it had formerly been given in a low potency, prescribed without the knowledge of the patient Ignatia 30. On seeing the patient after a lapse of a few days, she charged him with having administered Ignatia, as the effects were the same as those she had repeatedly experienced. Still believing that it was the proper and only remedy, he gave with her consent the two hundredth potency. She again experienced a similar aggravation of the symptoms. He now began to suspect that a mental influence might have something to do with the result; accordingly he prepared ten powders of Sac. lac., and in the seventh placed a few pellets of Ignatia 200, one of the powders to be taken every morning. On the evening of the seventh day he called, and was informed that there had been no apparent change until since taking the powder in the morning, when there were strong indications of her old enemy. He thought it somewhat singular, but advised her to take the remaining three powders. He then prepared fifteen powders, and in the last one placed a dose of Ignatia 200, which was followed with the same result as before. He now prescribed a few doses of Ignatia 2000, which, in six hours, removed all traces of the disease and the cure remains permanent.

3. Neuralgia of the solar plexus. The pain was very violent at times, usually commencing before daylight and continuing until ten or eleven o'clock. After a careful examination he decided upon Nux vomica, which was administered from the third potency to the two hundredth without any decided improvement. On a through revision of the case be concluded that on account of the lymphatic temperament which predominated in this instance, the medicine had not been given low enough. He now prescribed the first decimal trituration in one grain doses. In a few days the cure was completed.

4. Similar to the last, but of a highly nervous temperament. Had been treated by five or six allopathic and one homoeopathic physician. Having had one unsuccessful trial of homoeopathic remedies, was only persuaded to make another by the favorable result attained in the case just related. He prescribed the same remedy, but with only partial relief, the patient being temporarily better, then again worse than ever. On making a thorough investigation, in view of the susceptible nervous organism, he selected Sepia and Ignatia. He gave the first attenuation, then the twelfth, followed by the thirtieth, with no relief He next gave the two hundredth which was followed by prompt and permanent relief.

Dr. S. S. GUY has used high potencies twelve or fourteen years, the first few years Jenichen's, and since 1861 Lehrmann's, which he finds far more reliable. H. M. PAINE, Secretary.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 07, 1863, page 334-336]

[Description: Miscellaneous 07; Sticta Sylvatica vs. Pulmonaria; Discussion on The High Potencies]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1864]

MISCELLANEOUS.

HOMOEOPATHIC LITERATURE. — Since our last notice we have received.

The Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London, for March, contains: under the heading "a troublesome doctrine," quotations from allopathic journals as evidence in favor of Homoeopathy. One writer finds at one time that Opium acts as a stimulant and paralysing agent, that in certain doses will prevent while in others it will produce abortion. Other instances are given which are exceedingly perplexing and inexplicable to those who have just re-discovered the facts. Mr. Watson furnishes a paper on the relations of physiology and pathology to medicine. Dr. Burdick's proving of Sticta is reprinted from the N. A. Journ. of Hom., but as S. sylvatica and not S. pulmonaria. It is to be regretted that the error in species is republished after attention has been called to it, both in the Journal and Review. Dr. Dudgeon replies to Mr. Wilson; Dr. Bayes article on doses, dilutions, etc., is continued; Dr. Franklin's article on Homoeopathy in the army is reprinted from the North America Journal of Homoeopathy. An account of the St. James Hospital at Doncaster is published. Carbonate of line in diarrhea; a fatal case resulting from the slaughtering of diseased cattle; book notices and reports of dispensaries fill up the number. The April number opens with an article on the two-fold action of drugs, a continuation of the subject in the previous number under the title of a troublesome doctrine; then follows an article on Homoeomeria. Dr. Anderson publishes some observations on the treatment of fevers, which are to be continued. Mr. Nankivell publishes some clinical notes. Mr. Jenner mentions Kerosene as a homoeopathic remedy (topically applied) for burns. Dr. Eadon contributes an article on the ultimate fusion of the two schools of medicine, a necessity inherent in the law of progress. Mr. Wilson replies to Dr. Dudgeon. "Evidence in favor of infinitesmal doses of specific remedies," and "Physiological tests, and the risk of fallacy" are the titles of the succeeding articles The number is filled with reviews of books, obituary notices and dispensary reports.

The British Journal of Homoeopathy, for April, contains: the Musk symptoms i of the Materia Medica Pura, by Dr. Langheinz; the state of the brain in sleep, by Dr. Mac Gilchrist; animalcules in diseased blood, by Dr. Roth; cases of neuralgia, by Dr. R Hughes; the homoeopathic treatment of epilepsy, by Dr. Baertl; reviews and miscellanies.

The Notes of a New Truth, for March contains: editorial articles, clinical cases, clinical effects of medicines, etc. The April number contains, besides the usual amount of editorial matter, news, etc., the progress of Homoeopathy in India; observations on health and lift, by Ellen Epps; clinical reports; miscellaneous items.

The American Homoeopathic Observer, Detroit. The contents for March are; editorial notes, Phytolacca decandra, Aesculus hippocastanum, Sticta pulmon., criminal abortion, Arsenical poisoning, Apis mellifica in scarlatina maligna, an ancient temple and its priests, Senecio gracilis, mortalities of cities in 1863, Edinburgh medical missionary society, catarrh, Cucurbita pepo semen, the thyroid gland, the British Homoeopathic Observer, cerebro-spinal meningitis, superiority vulcanized caoutchouc. The contents-of the April number are: editorial notes, anniversary of Hahnemann's birth, foeticide, ups and downs of a doctor's life, Hahnemann, diphtheria, treatment of cerebrospinal meningitis, inflammatory rheumatiam, Robina pseudacacia, external use of Apis mellifica, the Review vs Dr. Hale, Podophyllum in camp diarrhea and chronic diarrhea, pertussis. The prefix American has lately been added to the Observer, and we presume the continuation of the publication is now assured. The numbers published contains interesting news items, not only local but general, that we find nowhere else.

The Western Homoeopathic Observer, St. Louis, Mo., conducted by W. Tod Helmuth, M.D., published by H. C. G. Luyties. We have before us two numbers of this new monthly periodical. No. 4, for February, contains: an article on small pox and varioloid, by Dr. T. G. Comstock; a continued article by Dr. Temple, advice to mothers; sequelae of diphtheria; editorial and clippings; No. 5, for March, contains: the experience of Dr. Diller in diphtheria; Calendula in plastic surgery, by Dr. Temple; continuation of Dr. Comstock's article on small pox and varioloid, and editorial.

The Medical Investigator, Chicago, for April is received, it contains; a conclusion of Lyocopodium clavatum, by Dr. Shipman; Hypophosphite of potash, by Dr. Hale, concluded; monthly periscope; treatment of small pox, by Dr. Ludlam; prairie itch, its cause and cure, news items and correspondence.

El Criterio Medico, Madrid, Vol. V., No. 1, January 10th, 1864, contains: an introductory; therapeutical experiments with Opium; homoeopathic clinic; Boenninghausen's characteristics of Nux vomica; influence of ozone on disease; varieties. The number for January 25th, contains; history and proving of the ordeal bean of Calabar; continuation of the experiments with Opium; a case of lead colic; influence of beverages and vegetable acids in producing diseases of the urethra and bladder, translated; Phosphoric acid in phthisis; hydrophobia, its diagnosis and the remedies which should cure it. The number for February 1st contains a continuation of the article on Calabar bean; empiricism in medicine, remarks on Dr. Trousseau's address: continuation of the Opium experiments; critical letters; continuation of the article on hydrophobia; varieties. In the number for February 25th, the article on Calabar bean is concluded; Dr. Nonez's work on the venom of the tarantula is reviewed by Dr. Lopes; Dr. Gonzales contributes an article on the physiological and therapeutic action of the Cyanide of Mercury; the article on hydrophobia is continued; extracts from foreign journals and varieties complete the number. The number for March 10th contains: bibliographical study; apostolic letter from Pope Plus IX to Dr. Fredault; cure of ovarian cyst; public and gratuitous homoeopathic dispensary; continuation of the experiments with Opium; conclusion of the article on hydrophobia and varieties. The number for March 15th contains: a continuation of bibliographical study; eclecticism in the allopathic school; obituary of Dr. Boenninghausen; extracts from foreign journals, critical letters and varieties.

Bulletin do la Societs Medicale Homoeopathique de France, Vol. IV, No. 8, December, 1863, contains: A study of the ophthalmoscope, by Dr. Boyer; practical observations by Dr. Renou; practical remarks on typhoid fever and its homoeopathic treatment, by Dr. Baertl, and miscellanies. The number for January contains articles on the non-existence of diseases considered as entities, by Dr. Rignet; continuation of Dr. Beyer's study of the ophthalmoscope, Dr. Kafka's treatise on homoeopathic therapeutics; review of the medical press and news. The February number contains a letter from Nice, from Dr. Escallier; Dr. Capper's case of pneumonia cured by Lycopodium, translated from the London Homoeopathic Review; remarks on typhoid fever and its treatment, by Dr. Baertl, continued, review of the medical press; varieties and news.

_________

ST. JAMES'S HOSPITAL, DONCASTER — During the past elveven years the little Hospital of St. James, at Doncaster, has flourished under the care of its founder, our talented and warm-hearted colleague Dr. Dunn, who, during the whole of that period, has never once asked for a single subscription towards the maintenance of the charity. Indeed he has had no occasion so to do; for the benefits of the hospital have been so apparent, that there has been no lack of support.

Dr. Dunn is the only homoeopathic practitioner in Doncaster; — while in the town itself, and its neighborhood, allopathic medical men are found in dozens: — a brave and noble battle for truth has our colleague, therefore, had to fight.

The numerous workmen in the manufacturing establishment of the Great Northern Railway, at Doncaster, have been ever found among the earnest supporters of Dr. Dunn. These hard headed mechanics — men of thought and intelligence — men who are not likely to suffer from the imaginary ailments which the opponents of Homoeopathy are wont to ascribe to its aristocratic patrons, have felt the substantial benefits of the homoeopathic treatment; and rally ronnd their medical officer with more than the common seal of grateful patients.

The town at large, and the public press, also, gladly recognize the petition and services of the doctor, who was, a short time since, Mayor of Doncaster.

The allopathic medical men of the place have recently entertained the idea of building an Infirmary, to contain twenty-five beds, so as to extend the benefits of their present Dispensary. To this end the town-council has been asked for a grant of ?1000. The general feeling of the town and neighborhood, with the exception of course of the medical men and their immediate adherents, may be seen in the following remarks of the editor of the Doncaster Herald, of February 12th.

"Is the thing asked for wanted? If so, have we the means at command to grant it. The answer to both these questions given by the town-council may be taken in the negative; but we believe the facts of the case will furnish a positive and unequivocal denial. We have already in the town an hospital containing twenty-four beds, unexceptionable in its general accommodation and arrangement, and accessible to all. Its benefits are within the reach of the poorest, and its internal economy is commensurate with the known requirements of such an institution. Ample room for all emergencies is always at the disposal of Dr. Dunn, and many have been the grateful recipients of relief promptly provided in accordance with the exigency of the case."

Again, on the following week, the Herald resumes the subject in the following terms:

"We have seen what difference of opinion prevails in the council as to the extent of additional accommodation actually required; and we have seen that a large majority is in favor of trying the effect of a small addition to the dispensary. Now, when this is the case, we think that common prudence — not to say a fair share of deference for the opinion of others — should suggest an experiment of the modified nature here recommended; and that under these circumstances the council are not justified in rushing into a large expenditure in the face of the strong opinion which is held against it. Let them condescend, in a case of so much doubt as this, to feel their way. There is the St. James's Hospital, with twenty beds at the service of the Corporation. Why cannot this idea be entertained by the prime movers of the Infirmary question? If we are tempted to answer the query we must say that professional prejudice against the hospital is the true cause. But surely in a work which lays its foundation in charity and goodness all such feelings as jealousies and antipathies ought to be cast away — especially as the building itself, which lies open to the Corporation, is entirely innocent of all and every objection which may be taken to certain new principles in the treatment of disease. But in whatever way an addition to the existing means and appliances for the curing of disease may be pointed out, the advocates for an expenditure of £5,000 have utterly failed to show that disease, requiring treatment such as would be provided by the Infirmary, does exist in the proportion, or anything like it, which calls for such an outlay. Until they have shown this — whatever the Corporation may be prevailed upon to do — we may depend upon it that the public at large will not feel called upon to second the acts of the Corporation with any liberal or appreciable amount of sacrifice on their part, notwithstanding the peculiar pressure which is brought to bear upon the case from without."

The editor here alludes to the offer which Dr. Dunn has, more than once, made, to the effect that he would place at the disposal of his allopathic brethren a certain portion of St. James's Hospital, so that the two systems of treatment might be fairly tested side by side.

The Allopathists, however, do not see things in that light.

Our colleague has just issued the following address; and, we learn, that if the town council be induced by pressure — for there is the appearance of very heavy pressure from one quarter — to grant a sum for the proposed Infirmary, he will, in turn, urge upon that body the claims of St. James's Hospital to a like grant:

"St. James's Hospital — This day is the eleventh anniversary of the opening of St. James's Hospital for the reception and treatment of serious accident?, and cases of acute or contagious disease; during this time it has been in a great measure self-supporting: its doors have ever been open to those whose misfortune it has been to meet with grave accidents; all cases, whether of accident or acute diseases, admitted within its walls, have, with a single exception, recovered; in that instance the injury was so serious, that the patient died a few hours after his admission. These facts giving, as they do, abundant testimony to the utility of the institution to the town and neighborhood, will, it is believed, prove eminently gratifying to its numerous well wishers, as well also those, whose occupations are such as to render then liable at any moment to suffer from the very injuries, for the relief of which it has been established. That the hospital (amply large enough for the requirements of the locality) has not been more generally availed of, is no fault of the founder; for, whilst treating the oases admitted under his own own on the homoeopathic principle, he has never refilled to those whose practice differs from his own, the accommodation they may have required; and until those who believing they need other arrangements have completed them, the opportunities hitherto at their disposal will continue to be presented to them. The friends of Homoeopathy (whose name is legion) might have justly hoped to have seen the curative capabilities of the rival systems of medicine, so fraught with good or evil to the entire human race, tested side by side and this, most certainly would have been done if truth were the sole object sought for. The founder's thanks are due, and are hereby gratefully tendered, to the Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, who, unsolicited, have kindly subscribed to the hospital, also to the six thousand one hundred and fifty out-patients, who have come, and come again, for medicine, advice, or surgical aid; more especially are they due to the enlightened men of the Great Northern Railway who have, ever since the opening of the hospital, appreciated its advantages, and have been its most constant, undeviating steady, and liberal supporters; and the founder assures these his friends, and the public at large, that no exertion he is capable of, no sacrifice he ought to make, and no skill of which be may be master, shall be wanting to merit a continuance of such confidence and liberality. The founder cannot close this anniversary report without holding in grateful remembrance the munificent bequests of the late Mrs. Bower and Mrs. Sandars. — Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London, March, 1864.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1864, pages 524-528]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Homoeopathic Literature; St. James's Hospital, Doncaster]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1864]

KALI CYANURETUM .*[From the Report of the Committee on Materia Medica presented to the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society. Drs. J. H. Woodbury, H. L. Chase, Conrad Wesselhoeft, Committee.]

First Proving. Third Attenuation.

Mr. – -----, twenty-six and a half years of age, of phlegmatic temperament, hair dark brown and straight, blue eyes, fair complexion, medium stature, and muscular development. Had formerly been accustomed to smoking; which habit has, however, been abandoned for some time. Habits otherwise very abstemious, and accustomed only to simple diet; making use of neither tea nor coffee habitually.

Dec. 13th, 1859. — Took one grain of the third centesimal trituration at a quarter before twelve, p.m., after smelling of the phial containing the trituration.

1. Feeling in the nares, like that before sneezing, with a drawing pain in the cheek-bone.

2. Dec. 15th. — In the morning, just after rising (up to which time a dose had been taken night and morning), sharp stitch in right shoulder, which occurred several mornings in succession; and was also felt at various other times during the day, though not so well marked.

3. The sleep at night had been restless; confused dreams, which he cannot remember after waking, for two nights.

4. For two days, desire to find fault; crossness almost uncontrollable on entering the room; while the cold, open air produces good spirits.

Here the symptoms ended, and nothing more occurred which could be set down as a symptom. Did not renew the proving until Dec. 15th, 1860; up to which time, various circumstances made farther proving of this preparation impracticable.

Second Proving. First Attenuation.

The symptoms of the third attenuation not having appeared sufficiently marked, on Dec. 15th, 1860, took one grain of first centesimal trituration at ten, a.m.; and continued taking a dose morning and night for four days.

1. Dec. 17th. — While riding in the cold air, felt slight shooting pains in the forehead, over the eyes, particularly the left; pains shooting from below upwards in the forenoon.

2. At four, p.m., while walking briskly in the open air, headache in the forehead, dull, pressing, but confined to a small space over the frontal bone.

3. Restless, dreamful sleep all night; could not lie on one side for any length of time.

4. While walking, and during the afternoon, very marked weakness in the lumbar regions, with dull pain and weakness of right and left iliac region.

5. Dec. 18th. — At eleven, p.m., severe rheumatic twinges on the inner side of right knee, lasting only a second; the weakness across lumbar region continues.

6. Rheumatic twinges in the knee continue, and have assumed the character of continued pain over the whole right knee; while the twinges continue at intervals of a few minutes for an hour after going to bed, and are felt again the next morning after rising.

7. Dec. 19th. — All the forenoon, feeling of lassitude; less appetite for meals, though food relishes; but ate less than usual.

8. Towards evening, the feeling of lassitude changes into moroseness.

9. At seven, p.m., while walking out of doors, feeling of crossness. Carries on a kind of conversation within himself, as if quarrelling with some one with whom ho had previously disagreed. Thinks of what he will reply, in case certain things are said to him. (This state of mind is really painful. There are occasional remissions of it, and there is really no cause for it.)

10. As a general thing, for the past few days, easily provoked, and impatient at trifles.

11. Dec. 20th. — During the whole night, dreams horrid and exciting; then waking up partially, and feeling tired of lying on that side, as after great fatigue; turning on the other side, another dream, waking, and turning again; and so on till morning.

12. Perfectly bright and well on waking and rising.

Dec. 21st. — Took some weak milk-punch, and smoked, in the afternoon; after which all the symptoms vanished, and the effect of the medicine seems to have been cut off short by this slight irregularity.

Third Proving. First Attenuation.

Mr. – ------, nearly twenty-four years old, brown, fine hair, slightly curly; blue eyes; temperament slightly choleric; complexion fair; short, rather muscular development. The following symptoms:

Jan. 15th, 1861. — Took the first dose at eleven o'clock, twenty minutes, p.m.

1. Lay awake fifteen to twenty minutes after taking the medicine; then slight dull pain in right groin, which disappeared after a few seconds, and then re-appears in back of head, aching about twenty minutes, just before going to sleep.

2. Had lively dreams but awoke only once during that night, and then continuing the dream had before waking, very lively, quick and rushing.

3. Jan. 16th, ten, a.m. — Slight dull pain in the left groin, near top of hip-bone, which passed in intervals of one or two seconds to both thighs, chest and top of head.

4. In the morning of same day, head seems light, and also the tongue, with pleasure and power to talk.

Up to this time, and previous to taking the medicine, had a dull, painful feeling in the back after nocturnal pollution, with dread of head-work or any exertion. Had a headache on the 14th, leaving the head dull. All of which symptoms were replaced by those of Jan. 16th (Nos. 3, 5).

5. Feels stronger than before, and more inclined to work.

6. Had occasion to get angry, but could not; felt more like laughing instead.

7. After being quite awake and bright all day, became sleepy early in the evening, and wakeful again at nine, p.m.

8. All the symptoms seem slightly worse in the morning and towards evening. At ten, p.m., Jan. 16th took second dose.

9. Soon afterwards, anxious feeling in the chest; slightly nervous; and then slept soundly until two o'clock, a.m.

10. Rushing dreams, very clear and distinct, from two o'clock until morning.

11. Jan. 17th, eleven, a.m. — Oppressive headache on top of head, the pain moving about, sharp and tearing for five minutes; then head feels dull; which passed away unawares.

12. Feel light in head, and also in tongue, as if I could speak with ease; and can do so. Wish for opportunity to speak in the morning.

13. Appetite good; but no hunger before eating.

14. Immediately after meals, especially dinner, quite a painful feeling of fullness in region of esophagus; also feeling of much accumulation of wind in the stomach, with desire to raise it; tried to, but could not. This became particularly noticeable in the forenoon of Jan. 17th, and continued all through it.

15. The above symptom became still worse after dinner than ever before, with painful soreness of the esophagus. Feelings in the stomach are very troublesome, with a pressure upwards. Had these symptoms slightly and occasionally a few days before taking the medicine.

16. Phlegm from nose bloody, in stripes of clear blood, at ten, a.m.

17. Four, p.m. — Became weak in the lower part of legs, below the knees, extending to a part of each foot; sometimes felt in the knees, but not in the ankles.

18. Felt at the same time a desire to walk; but could not walk with ease and pleasure; the legs feel heavy.

19. The trouble in stomach passed off with eructation of much wind, coming up easily and in voluntarily, leaving only slight soreness about the esophagus at four, p.m.

20. Jan. 17th, half-past six, p.m. — Weakness of legs passed off; can feel nothing of it.

21. Felt very sleepy at eight, p.m.; could not keep awake.

22. Became wakeful again at nine, p.m., slept soundly all night.

23. Dreams very lively, especially towards morning.

24. Jan. 18th. — Memory seems weak today.

25. Pains in legs in different places, with weakness below the knees.

26. Want to walk; but legs feel heavy from four to six, p.m.

27. Slept soundly all night.

28. Dreams were clear, very lively, and practical, with very satisfactory feeling after waking and in regard to dreams.

29. Jan. 19th. — Awoke about six, a.m., with heat and disagreeable feverish perspiration over whole body, excepting legs below the knees; with flushed face.

30. Moved with quickness and precision on rising.

31. Sometimes cannot think clearly and to the point in the forenoon.

32. Seemed to lose all thought for a moment only; the same sensation again half an hour afterwards.

33. At two, p.m., became very sleepy.

34. Affected easily by cold draughts of air, producing crossness.

35. Weakness in lower part of legs, extending to part of feet and ankles, but without pain.

36. Legs feel heavy, but with a disposition to walk, in the latter part of the afternoon.

37. All day in good disposition of mind, with light-heartedness, jocularity and brightness of feelings.

38. Jan. 20th. — Awoke at four, a.m., after unconsciously having had a seminal emission; then fell asleep, with an an indistinct dream and horizontal erection; strong sexual desire, producing a tendency to seminal emission.

39. Awoke about six, a.m., with dry heat and perspiration.

40. During morning and forenoon, feel painfully weak in back and loins.

41. Symptoms continue to appear worse morning and evening.

42. Memory appears better; disposition gentle.

Jan. 22d, quarter before twelve, p.m. — Took one-grain dose; had taken some brandy, and smoked tobacco, during the day previous to taking the medicine.,

43. Slept well all night, awaking with clear head at six, a.m., Jan. 23d.

44. At half-past seven o'clock, head began to feel full, and had dry feeling, with tension across nose and inner corners of the eyes; also around the mouth.

45. The discharge from the nose at this time was bloody, in stripes.

46. Blew pure blood from the nose about ten o'clock, a.m. Inside of nose feeling parched, hot, and dry; blood drying in the nose very quickly.

47. Prickly feeling in the eyes; worse in the inner corners.

48 At ten, a.m., very severe, dull, tearing pain in the bowels, beginning in the region of the bladder, and running quickly over whole abdomen towards outer surface; but also, in the bowels, tearing, rolling, and cutting, which extended as far as the stomach. It lasted about five seconds; then it ceased slightly for a moment, and then again increased; and lastly passed away quickly, leaving no sensation.

49. Pain in right groin at nine o'clock, a.m.; passing into loins, and passing off towards twelve o'clock.

50. Sleepiness during the day.

51. Pain in right groin, made leg feel stiff at quarter-past one, p.m.

52. While walking, felt stiffness and pain in legs, as if from blow on the thighs, at two, p.m., lasting all the afternoon.

53. At four, p.m., pain in left groin while standing.

54. Pain in both groins while walking, at five, p.m.

55. Slight weakness in lower part of legs, below the knees; passing away soon.

56. Talked all the evening; but could not find words easily

57. In the night, felt pain in left groin and hip-bone.

58. Jan. 24th. — In the morning, lazy and sleepy, find disinclined to work.

59. Slight, oppressive headache on the top of the head, in the forenoon.

60. Pain in the groins in the afternoon.

61. All symptoms seemed severer in the morning and toward the evening.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 04, 1863, page 169-175]

[Description: Provings of Kali Cyanuretum]

[Remedies: Kalium cyanatum]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1863]

RHEUMATISM CURED BY A BEE-STING .*[Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 66, 22.]

1. In the beginning of last spring I was sorely plagued by a severe rheumatism of the right arm. It was not without extreme difficulty and the greatest pain that I could raise my hand to my head.

While I was at work at a bee-hive I received from an angry bee a sting under the thumb-nail, more painful than any I remember ever, feeling.

It was followed, in a short time, by the customary swelling which rapidly extended from the hand towards the arm.

In the same proportion however as the swelling extended — nay even more rapidly — every particle of rheumatic pain disappeared from the arm. Within a half hour from receiving the bee-sting this malady was completely and radically cured.

2. Towards the end of the summer, after getting thoroughly wet, the rheumatism appeared in the same arm, which seems especially disposed to that affection and was very painful for some days. On the strength of my experience, five months previously, I determined, this time, to get myself stung by a bee. Instead of one bee, two stung me on the hand smartly enough.

The result was the same; immediate swelling, instant vanishing of the rheumatic pain in the arm. It was gone in less than a quarter of an hour.

3. Editor Smith was last winter in the same condition. He had rheumatism in one arm, to such a degree that he could neither put on nor take off his over-coat without assistance. The doctor advised not to hope for a cure until pleasant weather. A knowledge of the preceding cases induced him to procure himself to be stung by a bee. In a few hours the rheumatism was radically cured.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 03, 1863, page 133]

[Description: Rheumatism Cured by a Bee-sting]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: AHomeo04]

[Year: 1863]

BOOK NOTICE.

New Remedies: Their Pathogenic Effects and Therapeutical Applications in Homoeopathic Practice. By E. M. Hale, M.D., Etc., Etc. 8 vo., pp.447. Detroit, Mich., E.A. Lodge. 1864

This work of Dr. Hale, which has been looked for with no little impatience, will be welcomed by our colleagues. Many Homoeopathicians hear much talk about a variety of remedies in more or less common use in this country, and particularly in the Western States, but respecting which they have little or no knowledge and no means of acquiring any. Dr. Hale has undertaken to collect into one volume all that has been published and all that his own investigations and those of his immediate associates have yielded respecting a number of those "indigenous" vegetable drugs. Much of what he offers us is sifted from the publications of the Eclectic School, by which chiefly these drugs have hitherto been used. To what he has gathered from this source, Dr. Hale has added a number provings by himself and his colleagues, and a host of more or less interesting clinical records and observations from Homoeopathic, Eclectic and Allopathic sources.

The work hardly deserves the title which the outside of its cover bears – "New Homoeopathic Provings" – since in the sense in which we have been accustomed to use the word "proving," most of these are nothing of the kind. But, as collections of all that is known, in an empirical and clinical way, of substances that must prove to be valuable drugs and richly deserving of a thorough homoeopathic proving, these essays are certainly valuable and highly suggestive. That this view is taken of them by the author himself is evident from a portion of his preface: "I do not claim that this work is complete. Indeed I shall be satisfied if it is only pronounced by the profession as eminently Suggestive. Many of the provings are very imperfect, and some of the clinical remarks are open to criticism. Let the wheat be separated from the chaff by the inorexable test of honest trial."

If the volume prove really so "suggestive" as to induce exhaustive provings, especially on women, of such remedies as Caulophyllum and Cimicifuga and Phytolacca seem likely to prove, it will have accomplished a great good The scope of this volume and the animus in which its preparation was undertaken may be gathered from the following sentences of the preface:

"The causes which led me to investigate the properties and virtues of the remedies mentioned in the following pages, will he patent to every progressive mind. After using for many years those invaluable remedies found in our standard Materia Medica, most of which were handed down to us by Hahnemann and his colleagues, I found that although their curative scope was very wide, it did not apparently include many symptoms and diseases. "We believe that the careless construction" of a sentence or, more probably, an error of the printer, has made Dr. Hale say what he could hardly ban intended to say. – For, assuredly, the curative scope of the remedies in Hahnemann's Materia Medica does "include "very "many symptoms and disease?" We suppose he meant to say, "although their curative scope was very wide there were never-the less many symptoms and diseases which, apparently, it did not include." He proceeds: "I was led to investigate the field of indigenous remedies for these reasons: First, the suggestion of Teste that plants are adapted to cure the diseases which infest the same localities; and, second, the many cures which had come under my observation made by these remedies in the hands of eclectic and domestic practitioners."

Reason first, is rather fanciful. The same Providence which created plants to serve as remedies for diseases, gave to man the intellectual faculties necessary for the discovery and application of remedies for sicknesses, and also inventive genius which supplies him with the means of traversing the globe in search of whatever may minister to his needs. It would be a very narrow viewer Divine Providence to suppose, for an instant, that the Creator meant the enterprising inhabitants of Michigan to sit down upon that peninsula in close communion, their every want supplied, and every craving satisfied by the productions of its bountiful soil or its stores of subterranean wealth. While he caused Phytolacca to grow in their fence rows, a ready cure for their diphtherias, and Baptisia for their fevers, he also designed them to rely on their wide-searching and adventurous energy to seek out and procure the Mercury of Idria or of Nevada for their dysenteries, the Aloes of Socotra for their hemorrhoids, and the Croton tiglium of Ceylon for the camp diarrhea which is decimating their brave regiments in Virginia.

The second reason is as good as could possibly be given. Dr. Hale continues, "After several years spent in the investigation and study of the new remedies, publishing, from time to time, items from my experience with them, I was induced to attempt the work of collecting all that had been published concerning the indigenous plants of this country, and to add to such all the knowledge, clinical and theoretical, which could be gleaned from my colleagues, together with my own." For this much desired knowledge, so acceptably offered, we present hearty thanks to our colleague and we shall best show our appreciation of the service he has rendered us all, by laboring diligently to make more complete and exact the provings he has given us. In hastily looking over Dr. Hale's book, we are surprised to observe that, under Arum triphyllum he has omitted all notice of the great use made of this remedy in scarlatina, by Drs. Hering and Lippe, and of which Dr. Lippe published a brief account in the American Homoeopathic Review, Vol. 3., pp. 28, et seq. Dr. Lippe says, "This very valuable medicine was first introduced as a remedy in scarlet fever by Dr. C. Hering, and the attention of the profession was first called to it in number nine of The Homoeopathic News. Since then many cases of malignant scarlet fever have been successfully treated by this new remedy, and some indication for the administration of this medicine can now be given. The most indicative symptoms for Arum are the great sore feeling of the mouth, the redness of the tongue, the elevated papillae, the cracked corners of the mouth and lips and the stoppage of the nose without much coryza. Urine very abundant and pale, the submaxillary glands swollen. The eruption all over the body, much itching and restlessness. Arum very often caused a great hoarseness and while other symptoms will improve, the hoarseness will become much worse it the medicine is continued too long." Dr. Hering, who is quite Hahnemannian in his views and practice, has been regarded as altogether an "old fogy" by some of our "progressive" colleagues, especially those in the West, who, little knowing the wide range of his observations and his untiring labors, represent him as quite ignorant of, and indisposed to employ the more recently discovered remedies and which they suppose him to contemptuously designate "new" fangled remedies."

In view of his fact it gives us pleasure to point out that Dr. Hering, the "old fogy," was the first to introduce to the homoeopathic school, fourteen years ago, a remedy now again introduced as a "new" one, by a Homoemopathicia who seem to have overlooked the fact that this very new fangled remedy, has to the "old fogy" been an "old story" for many a day.

We should have expected also to see in this work the proving of Lachnanthes tinctoria by Dr. Lippe, recently published in this Review.

In typographical execution the book bears evidence that, in Detroit no less than in New York, the pressure of the war is severely felt, deranging every form of industrial labor. Errors of the compositor and lapses of the proofreader are very numerous, though not very often likely to lead the reader astray. We could have wished, however, that the proof-reader had not perverted Walter Scott's famous line,

"Oh! woman in our hours of ease "-Scott's Marmion.

into "Oh! woman in our bowers of ease" ascribing it to Milton! D.

Meeting of the Homoeopathic Publication Society. – A Meeting of the Homoeopathic Publication Society will be held in Philadelphia, October 10th, 1864. At this meeting a permanent organization of the society will be Effected. Members of the society and the profession generally are invited to attend. By order of the Executive Committee, Carroll Dunham, M.D. Secretary for the East

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 03, 1864, pages 190-192]

[Description: Book Notice; New Remedies: Their Pathogenic Effects and Therapeutical Applications in Homoeopathic Practice, by E. M. Hale]

[Author: AHomeo05]

[Year: 1864]

CLINICAL REMARKS ON CANCER.

The following discussion, at the Meeting of the Vienna Society of Homoeopathic Physicians, February 24th, 1864, is of such practical interest that we give it a prominent place.

"Dr. Wurmb narrated the course of a case of mammary cancer in a lady at the climacteric period. He was called about six years ago to this lady who, though appearing to be otherwise in good health, was suffering from a cancerous degeneration of the glands of the left breast and axilla. The whole left upper extremity was very much swollen and edematous and painful; the patient was obliged to lie upon a sofa, almost unable to move. At the same time, the lady was visited by a professor, who gave an unfavorable prognosis, and said the patient had not long to live. During these six years Wurmb gave her hardly anything but Ars.30 During the whole period she preserved her appearance of general health; the mammary gland sloughed away gradually and in its place an entirely healthy skin has now formed.

"Dr. Watzke narrated likewise a case of mammary cancer which he had had opportunity to observe and in part to treat. The patient was a lady, 40 years of age, who suffered from a nodulated degeneration of the mammary gland, that had been diagnosticated as cancer. She had severe pains in it and had been allopathically treated for three months, without any effect whatever. He and another colleague then undertook the treatment, and at the end of two years the entire gland had disappeared and its place was occupied by a skin, which to all appearance was entirely normal. This lady was generally looked upon as cured, and she herself believed in her complete recovery. In two years, however, this newly formed skin broke out without any special cause and a carcinomatous ulcer formed, which, after a long time, cicatrized, broke out again and finally healed. Dr. Pandolfi, who was at that time in Vienna, believed he could completely cure her, in which however he did not succeed.

"After repeated cicatrizations and breakings out again, she finally died in the twelfth year of her disease. He desired, by the history of this case, to establish, that one should never, in a case of this disease, rejoice too soon and that the patient should never be regarded as radically cured, even when the morbid product has been removed, and a healthy skin had been developed in its stead.

"Dr. Tedesco has at present under treatment a lady, who six years ago received a blow upon the breast, always afterwards felt pains in it, subsequently observed a nodule in it, but from prudish considerations abstained from mentioning the fact to any person, until the tumor had attained a considerable size. A Professor diagnosticated the nodule to be a cancerous degeneration and wished to remove it by a surgical operation, to which, however, the patient did not consent. For three months no external change was perceptible, only the pains became less severe. Gradually atrophy of the mamma set in, but, at the same time, the patient began visibly to collapse and at the present time there is frequent vomiting.

"Dr. Watzke has now under treatment a lady with a mammary cancer. Under Conium the gland is constantly disappearing and the pains also have become less.

"Dr. Wurmb, hereupon, was led, by analogy, to speak of tuberculosis. We often see it appear, then come to a standstill; an aggravation occurs, which is followed by a temporary amelioration, until finally the patient becomes a victim. Even if we cannot cure it, we are often able by means of our remedies to arrest its rapid progress.

"Dr. Watzke is of the same opinion. At the least, he believes, that our remedies are much more beneficial to the patient than Opium which is so commonly given in such cases.

"Dr. Tedesco observed that the Allopaths now frequently give – both externally and internally – Silicea for cancerous ulcers. Whereupon Dr. Wurmb replied that Prof. Schub, when writing his book on 'Pseudo-plasmen,' explicitly confessed therein that his attention had been called to this remedy by a homoeopathic cure with Silicea, of which he had himself been a joint observer."

At the meeting of March 15th, 1864, "Dr. Wurmb added to the narrative of a case of mammary cancer related by him at the preceding meeting, the fact that the spot on the mamma has completely cicatrized, and that the axilary glands were likewise beginning to fall away.

"He believed he might the more confidently rely upon the sloughing away of these glands, from the fact that this had already happened to the much larger mammary gland. The patient still takes Arsenicum internally; externally, to remove the offensive odor, charcoal powder is sprinkled upon the ulcer."

He then related the following case: "A man, 76 years old, got a small ulcer on the little toe of the left foot, to which he paid no attention, but continued to walk about. All at once he got a phlebitis which extended over the whole foot, and a swelling of the inguinal glands with strong fever and delirium. On the outside of the foot an ulcer gradually formed, which extended over the whole dorsum of the foot. Fever, delirium, phlebitis and the swelling of the inguinal glands have, up to the present, disappeared and the ulcer above-mentioned has diminished in size, one-third. At first, Dr. Wurmb gave Belladonna and subsequently Arsenicum. He regards the cure of this case, as the more of a success, inasmuch as such cases, in a patient so advanced in years, are generally fatal." D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 03, 1864, pages 122-125]

[Description: Clinical Remarks on Cancer.]

[Author: AHomeo05]

[Year: 1864]

HAHNEMANN'S ORGANON. [A memorial to the American Institute of Homoeopathy and all Homoeopathic Societies, Physicians and Journals.]

There has recently been issued in Germany from the private press of Mr. Arthur Lutze of Coethen and under his editorship, what purports to be a sixth edition of the Organon of Hahnemann, with additions from the pen of Hahnemann and with annotations from the Editor, Mr. Lutze.

This alleged "Sixth Edition of Hahnemann's Organon" thus edited and printed by Mr. Arthur Lutze, appears to contain unwarranted alterations from the original text, as Hahnemann left it, together with suppression of important parts of the text. And these changes are of so important a character, that the editors of all the homoeopathic periodicals of Germany, differing widely as they do on many points of doctrine and practice, have united in a solemn and earnest protest against the reception of this edition of the Organon as authentic. In this protest they earnestly beseech all Homoeopathic physicians throughout the world and especially all societies, institutes and organized bodies of homoeopathic physicians, after due investigation of the subject, to unite with them.

The object of this memorial is to lay before the profession this unanimous protest of the German homoeopathic press and, in connection therewith, to present likewise such additional history and testimony bearing on the subject as may be necessary to a full comprehension of it.

The protest of the German press appears in the following words in the Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, Vol. 70, 15, April 10th, 1865.

Protest. – In view of the fact that Mr. Sanitacts-Rath, A. Lutze of Coethen, has undertaken to publish a sixth edition of S. Hahnemann's Organon of the Healing Art, the undersigned, in the interest of their science and as the present representatives of the German homoeopathic press, feel it their duty to make the following explanation.

Homoeopathy has always excited the interest of the laity in a far greater degree than any other system of medicine, and to this very interest it largely Indebted for its extension and recognition. Even now, many places, in which the number of its representatives is far from corresponding to the needs of the public who confide in it, are dependent upon practitioners who are not regularly educated physicians, (Nichtaerzte) and whose true devotion to Homoeopathy must in part compensate for their lack of a scientific study of it. It would be ungrateful to wish to conceal this fact and not to lay aside all spirit of caste and recompense, with the most public recognition, the services of very many of these persons in the matter of the propagation of Homoeopathy.

But it is no less true, that there are limits within which an active and independent participation by laymen and dilettanti becomes an impossibility, unless it should reduce science to a piece of mechanism and make the healing art a handicraft. It is the duty of every honorable representative of Homoeopathy to keep a zealous watch, to the end that no unqualified hand grasp and jostle its inner sanctuary, whether it be the hand or an opponent or of an adherent.

The Organon, this work of Hahnemann's which comprises the collected principles of Homoeopathy and establishes them on scientific bases, has already, with great propriety, been called the Bible of Homoeopathy. A new edition of this work which, it is well known, has long been out of the book trade, must be a welcome circumstance to every Homoeopathician. But assuredly, everyone will also be constrained to ask, how comes Mr. Lutze to undertake this honorable duty? And still more, how comes Mr. Lutze to introduce this new edition of Hahnemann's work, with his own name upon the title-page, since assuredly he can have exercised no function but simply and purely that of a publisher and bookseller? But this reasonable question is completely silenced in the face of an incomparably more important and weighty fact, which nothing short of a complete misapprehension of his own position and the greatest self-conceit on the part of Mr. Lutze could have rendered possible.

Lutze has permitted himself not only to add to Hahnemann's work a new and emphatic dedication and several additions in the way of annotations and an appendix, but his even removed several paragraphs of Hahnemann's (272-274 or the fifth edition) and his substituted for them a new paragraph which expresses directly the opposite of what was heretofore laid therein, and he has, by so doing, deliberately and without any right, annihilated one of the cardinal principles of Homoeopathy.

The annulled paragraphs contain the precept, that in homoeopathic practice, only one single simple remedy should be given at one time to the patient; they contain the reason for this precept and moreover an impressive warning against the danger of ever combining remedies. Instead of all this, the paragraph which has been smuggled in sanctions the administration of the so-called double and triple remedies for certain alleged cases. Everyone who is only tolerably familiar with Homoeopathy must know that the exclusive administration of simple and uncombined remedies is one of the three principal pillars on which the entire edifice of Homoeopathy rests. To take this away means nothing less than to entirely overturn Homoeopathy.

And how does Mr. Lutze justify this outrage or at least cloak it with the semblance of a title? In this way. He perpetrates a falsification of history and he confounds with one another circumstances that occurred in former years, in that he appeals to a letter of Hahnemann's written in 1833, from which it appears that Hahnemann, at the instance of Dr. Aegidi, had for some time been ready to introduce into the fifth edition of the Organon a paragraph in favor of "double remedies."

But, in order to a right understanding of this circumstance and in justice to the history of Homoeopathy and to the name of Hahnemann, it should not be concealed that upon the unanimous representations of his followers, Hahnemann immediately reconsidered this momentary weakness towards a dear friend, and that he not only did not introduce the unwholesome paragraph into the said fifth edition, but even considered it his duty to repeat, more impressively than ever, the before mentioned warning against combining remedies. And in this conviction he remained true and firm; for up to the day of his death, ten full years, he did and published nothing which could be alleged as bearing against this claim. But can anyone, who has any knowledge whatever of Hahnemann's character, suppose for an instant, that he could be turned back by any but the most conclusive reasons, or that, for the space of ten years, he would have failed, through hesitancy or indecision, to recall this fifth edition, if he had been really convinced of the correctness of other views than those therein stated? No! Hahnemann, that Iron-Head, was not the man of cowardly compliance or of passive sufferance who would have let that befall, in regard to his own Homoeopathy, which he did not hold to be the right! And now, twenty-two years after his death, there comes an officious meddling fellow, who would make us believe, as though he had only soft heads and neophytes to deal with, that Hahnemann had "like Saturn devoured his own children."

Have we then said too much, when we speak of falsification of history and of a perversion of the facts? Truly, even were Lutze quite another than in fact he is, we should be compelled to fling in his face the charge of the boldest assumptions, the most unheard-of self exaltation and of falsification, and without mercy tear him down from the dictatorial chair which he has usurped. He, least of all, is the man who should offer to do such things. Out of such timber may indeed he hewn lubbers for the masses who are incapable of reflecting and of calling to account, but never the reformers of Medicine!

In view of these facts, we the representatives of the scientific Homoeopathic Press of German, hereby solemnly protest against this alleged sixth edition of Hahnemann's Organon, and we declare the same to be spurious and apocryphal and at the same time we repudiate all fellowship with such conduct, and with its perpetrators, and we denounce it and them. Confident of the entire support of all the true representatives of Homoeopathy, we anticipate, first of all from all parts of Germany, and from foreign lands, from individuals and from societies, a formal concurrence in this protest, and we anticipate with more especial confidence from the Central Union of the Homoeopathic Physicians of Germany, that, at its next meeting, it will adopt more positive regulation against such compromisings of Homoeopathy and will go to work energetically against all spoilers of our science.

(Signed), Dr. Bolle, Ed. Hom. Pop. Zeitung,

Dr. Hirschel, Ed. Zeit, fur Hom. Klinik,

Dr. Meyer, Ed. Ally. Hom. Zeit.,

Dr. C. Muller, Ed. Hom. Vierteljahrschrift.

In order that the allusion in the above protest to Hahnemann's "dear friend," Dr. Aegidi, as well as the documents which are to follow, may be more clearly understood, a few words of a historical nature may here be introduced.

Mr. Lutze published in 1860 a popular "Manual of Homoeopathic Theory and Practice for Domestic Use." A translation of it by Dr. C. J. Hempel was published in New York, in 1863. In this Manual Mr. Lutze authorizes the use of two or even three drugs, in combination, in one and the same dose. He claims to have for this practice the sanction and encouragement of Hahnemann, Aegidi and von Boenninghausen. His language is as follows:

This important discovery of the combination of drugs was first announced twenty-four years ago by Dr. Julius Aegidi, at that time Physician to the Princess Frederica of Prussia, and now Medical Councillor. This discovery was communicated to Hahnemann in the year 1833, corroborated by 233 cures with combined remedies, and was joyfully received by Hahnemann, but kept secret from the public by the imbecility of the foes of truth, whereas the worthy discoverer was insulted and derided by those who were unworthy or unloosing his shoe-strings.

Mr. Lutze then gives u letter from Hahnemann to Aegidi, dated May 15th, 1833:

Dear Friend and Colleague: Do not suppose that I reject anything good from mere prejudice or because it might lead to modification in my doctrine. All I desire is truth, and I know that this is all you care for. I am rejoiced that you should have had such a happy thought at the same time confining its execution to proper limits. Two remedies should only be given in combination, in a highly potentized form, provided each is, in its own way, homoeopathic to the case. In such a case, this proceeding is an advantage to our art which should not be repudiated. I shall take the first opportunity of making a trial, and I doubt not it will be successful. I am likewise glad to hear that Boenninghausen approves of this plan.

Lutze proceeds :

In another letter to Dr. Aegidi, Hahnemann writes, under date of June 19tb, 1833: I have devoted a special paragraph to your discovery of a combination of drugs, in the fifth edition of my Organon, the manuscript copy of which was last night sent to Arnold; etc.

Lutze goes on to say:

What has become or this paragraph? We search the Organon from beginning to end without finding it. Here is the explanation. Hahnemann laid the new discovery, which he had kept secret heretofore, before the meeting or homoeopathic physicians of the 10th of August 1888. Their number was as yet small, but instead or meeting with open hearts he found stubborn minds, who, instead of accepting the blissful truth, assailed it with all sorts of persecutions, comparing it to the mixtures of allopathic practitioners and persuading Hahnemann to abandon the publication or this discovery and to allow one of his friends to suppress the paragraph which had been printed.

He proceeds to say that Aegidi was shamefully abused and that he preferred to remain silent, rather than expose himself to abuse and assaults. He adds:

I do not know the persons who have perpetrated this robbery; most of them may be in their graves. The time for requital has come; the hitherto suppressed discovery rises like a phoenix from its ashes and the name of its. author, Julius Aegidi shall be snatched from oblivion. *** Three or four years ago the discoverer first acquainted me with the combination of remedies. *** Our excellent Boenninghausen has informed me orally that he has obtained equally fortunate results, etc.

It will be seen that Mr. Lutze defends his use of combined drugs by the testimony of Drs. Aegidi and von Boenninghausen – strong names certainly. But it so happens that Dr. Aegidi, who is still living, had already placed himself on record in terms which directly conflict with the above statements of Mr. Lutze, while a letter quoted below from Dr. von Boenninghausen to your memorialist is equally conclusive, touching the decided disapproval with which the practice of combining drugs was regarded by Dr. von Boenninghausen, who moreover intimates, by the way, that he does not know and has never met Mr. Arthur Lutze.

May 12th. 1857, Dr. Aegidi published in the Allgemeine Zeitung an explanatory note, disavowing and disapproving the practice of combining drugs. Yet, in the face of this disavowal, Mr. Arthur Lutze, in 1860, hails Aegidi as the discoverer of the method and thereby claims "to snatch his name from oblivion."

Now again, April 12th, 1863, on seeing the Protest of the German Homoeopathic Press against Lutze's edition of the Organon, Dr. Aegidi publishes a second card in the following language (from the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 70, 17, 186, April 24th, 1865):

Explanation. – The protest of the honored representatives of the homoeopathic press of Germany against the alleged sixth edition of the Organon of the Healing Art, published in the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, of April 10th, Hahnemann's birthday, having embraced the mention of my name, yet having omitted to mention that I also participate in the conviction in behalf of which the signers of the protest contend – that, years ago I, loudly and publicly, made known my disapproval of the administration of so-called double remedies, as an abuse and a mischievous proceeding – I find myself compelled to publish my explanation as it originally appeared in the Allg. Homoeopathische Zeitung, 54, 12, May 18th, 1857, and thence was copied in the New Zeitschrift fur Homoeopathische Klinik, II, 12, June 15th, 1857. It was in the following language:

"The undersigned finds himself compelled to join his voice in the reproaches that have been made, particularly of late, against the homoeopathic administration of so-called double remedies; so much the more, inasmuch as it is he who is charged with having taken the initiative in this mode of acting which is the subject of reprobation. Entirely agreeing with all the arguments adduced against it by competent persons and the refutation of which must be impossible, the undersigned is compelled to make known publicly and emphatically his decided disapproval of such an abuse of our excellent and most serviceable art, as has been lately recommended in an apparently systematic manner and as a rule; to the end, that persons may forbear to take his supposed authority, as a sanction of a mode of treatment which, even as he (Stapf's Archives, 1834 14.) thought he might recommend a modification of it for very rare and exceptional cases, is very far from being the abuse and mischief which it is now made and being made."

I add to this that I thoroughly agree with the contents of the above-mentioned protest; and that, in my opinion, the practice therein rebuked is not dealt with even as severely as in the interests of our science, it should have been.

Freienwald, a. d. O. April 12th, 1865. Aegidi.

When the American translation of Lutze's Manual appeared in 1863, your me moralist wrote, under date March 2d, to Dr. von Boenninghausen quoting the passages which refer to him and asking to be informed on the subject. The following reply was promptly received:

Muenster, March 25th 1863.

To Dr. Carroll Dunham, New York,

My Very Dear Friend and Colleague: I have just, today, received your letter of the 2nd inst. The passage which you quote concerning the "combined doses, containing two different remedies" imposes on me the duty of replying without a moment's delay. It is true that during the years 1832 and 1833, at the instance of Dr. Aegidi, I made some experiments with combined doses, that the results were sometimes surprising and that I spoke of the circumstance to Hahnemann, who after some experiments made by himself, had entertained for a while the idea of alluding to the matter in the fifth edition of the Organon, which he was preparing in 1833. But this novelty appeared too dangerous for the new method of cure, and it was I who induced Hahnemann to express his disapproval of it in the fifth edition of the Organon (1833), in the note to § 272. Since this period, neither Hahnemann nor myself have made further use of these combined doses. Dr. Aegidi too was not long in abandoning this method which resembles too closely the procedures of Allopathy, opening the way to a relapse from the precious law of simplicity - a method too, which is becoming every day more entirely superfluous, from the augmentation of our Materia Medica.

If, consequently, in our day: a Homoeopathician takes it into his head to act according to experiments made thirty years ago, in the infancy of our science, and subsequently rebuked by unanimous vote, he clearly walks backwards, like a crab, and shows that he has not kept up with nor followed the progress of science.

Supposing that it may interest you to know the origin of the above-mentioned method, I add the following: There was about this time (1832 and 1883) at Cologne; an old physician named Dr. Stoll, himself a constant invalid and hypochondriac, who, distrusting the old medical doctrine but having only a superficial smattering of Homoeopathy, had conceived the idea of dividing the remedies into two classes, the one of which should act upon the body, and the other upon the soul. He thought that these two kinds of medicine should be combined in a prescription, in order to supplement each other.

His method making some noise in Cologne, and Dr. Aegidi, then at Dusseldorf, having in vain endeavored to discover the essential secret of its novelty, the latter induced me to endeavor to find it out. I succeeded in doing so. Although the idea of Dr. Stoll was utterly devoid of foundation, it nevertheless induced us to make experiments in another way, namely, that above recited, but which, as I said before, was utterly rejected long, long ago.

You will see by the Allgemeine Homoepathische Zeitung that Mr. Lutze offers to sell his establishment at Coethen and move to Gotha. * * *

(Signed), Yours very sincerely

C. von Boenninghausen.

It thus appears, even from Hahnemann's own letter to Aegidi, which is the only authority Lutze had, in 1860, for claiming Hahnemann's approval of this practice, that Hahnemann only promised to "take the first opportunity of making a trial," and although he subsequently spoke of a purpose to allude to the subject in his Organon, he nowhere states that he did make successful trials. But he does state that he "would not reject anything good from mere prejudice." From the fact, then, that he did reject this method, and that he concluded not even to allude to it in the Organon, we are forced to the conviction that he did not regard it as, "anything good."

Moreover, Aegidi, its reputed author, and Boenninghausen, who is alleged to have favored it, are most emphatic in its reprobation.

The Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, having carefully considered the subject, has issued the following Protest:

A Protest. – At a meeting of the Faculty of the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, the following Preamble and Resolutions were discussed and unanimously adopted:

Whereas, A book, purporting to be the sixth edition of Hahnemann's Organon has been published at Coethen, Germany; and

Whereas, The representatives of Homoeopathic Journalism in Germany have issued their earnest protest against this unwarranted sixth edition of said work and have pronounced and declared it to be mutilated and perverted in that the paragraphs numbered 272-274 in the fifth edition or said work, treating on the simplicity of the remedy to be administered, have been omitted and spurious and false ones have been inserted in their place, recommending double and triple mixtures:

Resolved, That we fully endorse the Protest published in Vol. 70, No. 15 of the Allgemeine Homoeopathic Zeitung.

Resolved, That we protest against the introduction of any translation into English of any spurious and false edition, as a standard work of Homoeopathy.

Resolved, That we call the attention of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, at its next meeting on the 6th proximo, and of all other State and County Homoeopathic Societies to the above Protest; and that we solicit their co-operation in endeavoring to protect our science from perversion by false and spurious interpolations into its standard literature.

Resolved, That we request this, our protest against said book, to be published in all the American, British, German and other homoeopathic journals, and a copy thereof to be transmitted to each of the State and County Homoeopathic Societies in the United States.

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto affixed our signatures, this twentieth day of May, A. D. 1865.

Constantine Hering, M.D., Prof. of Inst. and Pract.; Adolphus Lippe, M.D., Prof of Materia Medica; H. N. Guernsey, M. D.,Prof. of Obstetrics; Charles G Raue, M. D., Prof. of Pathology; George R. Starkey, M. D., Prof. of Surgery; Pusey Wilson, M. D., Prof. of Anatomy; J. H. P. Frost, M. D., Prof. of Physiology.

In view of these facts, your memorialist prays the American Institute of Homoeopathy and all homoeopathic societies, as well as the homoeopathic press, to give the weight of their name and authority in behalf of the purity of our doctrine and literature by joining in the unanimous protests of the German Homoeopathic Press, of distinguished German physicians and of our oldest American Homoeopathic College, against this unauthorized, alleged sixth edition of Hahnemann's Organon, by Mr. Arthur Lutze, of Coethen.

New York, June 1st 1865. Carroll Dunham, M.D.

Appendix. – The following documents from the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 70, 18, May 1st, 1865, were received too late to be incorporated in the above memorial. D.

The Society of the Homoeopathic Physicians of Austria for Physiological Drug-Provings, having received at its general meeting in Vienna, April 10th, 1865, the protest [of the German Homoeopathic Press] against the sixth edition of Hahnemann's Organon, undertaken by Dr. Lutle, of Coethen, has carefully weighed its purport and has adopted the following resolution :

"That the said society fully agrees in the above-mentioned protest and that it authorizes its two representatives, vix: the President, Dr. Ph. Ant. Watzke, and the Editor, Dr. Martin Eidherr, to sign the same in the name of the society."

(Signed), The Society of Austrian Homoeopathic Physicians for Drug-Provings.

Dr. Ph. Ant. Watzke, President.

Dr. Martin Eidherr, First Editor.

The undersigned [Hungarian Homoeopathic Physicians] give our unqualified adhesion to the protest against the sixth edition of Hahnemann's Organon issued by Mr. Lutze, of Coethen.

Dr. Argenti Dr. Paul V. Balogh Dr. T. Bakody,

Dr. Hausmannm Dr. T. v. Balogh Dr. A. v. Szontagh,

Dr M. Szent Kiralyi.

Pesth, April 20th, 1865.

Letter from Madame Hahnemann to the Editor of the Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung. — Most Honored Doctor: To my extreme surprise I learn from No. 14 of the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, of April 3d, 1865, that Dr. Lutze, of Coethen, and Dr. Suss, of London, announce the publication of a sixth, much improved and enlarged edition of the Organon of Hahnemann.

No one, save myself, has the right to publish the sixth edition of the Organon; I alone possess the manuscript of this important work, written by my husband's own hand; to me, alone and exclusively, were confided the improvements which the author made in the Organon.

Dr. Lutze both never saw Hahnemann, and never stood in any connection with him.

Dr. Suss, of London, saw Hahnemann twice; first as a child, six years old, and subsequently, when a student in Leipsic, at the eve of my husband's death; it is therefore impossible that he could have received from him anything new in relation to Homoeopathy.

Now, when others give out that they know something new, when they would make, as it were, a romance out of our sacred Organon, now is the time to publish the genuine and true Organon and I will give it to the press.

As we may not alter, omit or add anything to the Holy Gospel nor the other Holy Scriptures, so neither may we presume to make any change in the Organon, the codex of human health; it must remain as its author created it, and it must appear only in its pure unadulterated truth and genuineness.

I earnestly entreat you, respected Sir, to allow this letter to appear in the next number of the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, just as it is, without any alteration.

Your adherence to the true principles of our beneficent science, and your sense of justice will assuredly guarantee me this favor for which I already thank you beforehand, in my own name and in the name of the true disciples of Hahnemann.

Receive, most esteemed Doctor, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. (Signed),

M. Hahnemann, 54 faubourg St. Honore, Paris

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1865, pages 557-566]

[Description: Hahnemann's Organon; Controversy regarding the sixth edition of Organon published by A. Lutze]

[Author: AHomeo05]

[Year: 1865]

Hahnemann's Will.

We have received from Dr. Suss Hahnemann the subjoined translation of his grandfather's will, and the appended observations, which we think may interest our readers.

"In the Name of God. Amen!

"Although on the 16th September, 1834, I made my will, and duly deposited it with the Ducal Government, and although likewise for the purpose of avoiding every kind of dispute with regard to my property among the members of my family, and wishing to live the last days of my life in undisturbed peace and quiet, I divided on 17th February last nearly the whole of my fortune amongst the children; yet, after careful consideration, finding that these very dispositions (which in some respects contradict themselves) might engender mistakes and misunderstandings, and also as in consequence of my contemplated journey to Paris, from whence it is quite impossible to say when – if ever – I shall return again, my views and intentions have become altered on some points; therefore I herewith cancel and annul my first will, and place in its stead this present will, which contains all my wishes regarding my property and other matters.

"§ 1. Before all I commend my immortal soul to the grace and mercy of God, in the steadfast belief that this most high and potent Guide of my Destines will allow it to participate in His heavenly Glory. My mortal remains shall be left to my dearly beloved wife, who alone is to choose the place of interment and the kind of funeral, according to her choice, unfettered by anyone; but should one of my children or grandchildren dare to interfere with her directions, he is forthwith to be punished by losing one half of his whole inheritance.

"§ 2. My whole property, consisting of Ł9000 cash, two houses in the Wallstrasse in this town, some articles of virtue and furniture is to be divided in equal parts, but subject to certain conditions hereafter to be mentioned among the members of my family, as well as all the children who may arise from my present marriage.

"§ 8. As mentioned above, on 17th February I disposed of nearly the whole of my property by a deed of gift to my children, giving each of them the sum of Ł900, subject to certain conditions especially stated in the aforesaid document. This deed of gift is to remain for the present in power so far as this will of mine does not alter it, but I declare herewith most emphatically, that with the view not to bind myself by it, this deed has not been submitted to my children for their approval, and therefore has no binding character on both parties, but contains only my own dispositions of my property an arrangement which I have made solely for the purpose of affording my children during my lifetime, some assistance. It is therefore not irrevocable, but can at any time according to my judgment be altered or canceled.

"§ 4. Should my son Frederick be incontestably found to have died before me, then his daughter is to be placed in his stead, and should she have died childless previous to my decease, then her portion, as well as that of others who may have died without issue before my demise, is to fall back into the general estate.

"§ 5. I leave as a special legacy to my two youngest daughters Charlotte and Louise, for their joint use, my house, 270, Wallstrasse in this town, free from all debts and mortgages, so that they may take possession of it immediately after my death. Likewise I bequeath to my daughter Amalie, as a reward for her constant filial affection and devotion, my house, 269, Wallstrasse in this city, for her sole and absolute use, tree from any charge except allowing her sister Eleonora, should she be a widow, and willing to live in Cothen, the use of a room in the said house, or the sum of 20 thalers per annum instead, according to the choice of the legatee.

"§ 6. The golden snuff-box with the letter F In brilliants, which the late Duke Ferdinand presented to me, I here bequeath to my absent son Frederick, should he still be alive, otherwise his daughter is to receive it, like the other portion of her father's inheritance. All the other valuable articles and moveables, belonging to me, have already, for the most part been divided among my children during my lifetime by a special deed of gift. The lists containing those articles, which each of my heirs has received, or is to receive, are all signed with my name, and are marked respectively, A, B, C, D, F, G, H, and are annexed to this will.

"§ 7. With regard to the house, which I bequeathed to my two youngest daughters, I have particularly to state, that should one of them die before me, the other one is at once to take possession of it. If both are alive at the time of my death, they are at liberty to dispose of all their legacies according to their own free will.

"§ 8. All those articles of my property which have not been mentioned or disposed of either in this will, or in the annexed lists, belong to the general estate, and are to be divided equally among my heirs; but all the other properties, which I take with me to Paris, do not belong to the general estate, and will be disposed of hereafter.

"§ 9. The presents and dowries which some of my children have received during my life-time, are not to be brought to account.

"§ 10. All notes written and signed by my own hand, with my name, which may be found after my death among my papers, disposing of articles, or assigning legacies or other property to friends of mine, are to be considered as codicils to this will, and are equally binding on my heirs.

"§ 11. I trust that all my heirs will acknowledge in these arrangements my paternal affection, as it will greatly contribute to my comfort during the last day of my life. But should any of my family, contrary to all expectation, not be satisfied with this my last, will, and begin an action at law about it, he is to lose at once one half of his whole inheritance.

"§ 12. On the eve of my departure to Paris, where, far away from the country in which I had to suffer so much, I probably shall remain, and where I hope to find with my beloved wife that peace and happiness for which my desired marriage will be a sufficient guarantee, I declare that I have divided nearly the whole of my property among my children solely on the particular wish and desire of my dear wife, which is a proof of her noble disinterestedness; to her my children owe it, that they have already received nearly all my own fortune, which I have acquired with so much labor and exertion, but which I never could quietly enjoy. I have only reserved for myself the small sum of Ł2000, and shall take, on the particular wish of my wife, only my linen, wearing apparel, library, medicines, and a few valuable articles, as watch and signet ring, with me to Paris.

"I am now in my 81st year, and naturally desire at last to rest, and to give up all medical practice, which is at present too burdensome to me I therefore disclaim all intention of augmenting my fortune, and renounce all further gain, which, after having amply provided for my family, I am not in need of. Deeply impressed with gratitude to my wife for all the happiness she has conferred upon me; and by inducing me to distribute my property amongst my children (thus securing them an independent existence), for the happiness and comfort she has bestowed on them, I now consider it my sacred duty, to take care that the future peace and happiness of this most amiable wife, is secured. To guard her against any unjust claims which might be made by members of my numerous family – a proceeding, which would only show a culpable malice, or sordid avarice, I order that she is to keep, without any exception, all articles which I take with me to Paris; and I forbid that seals be put on her house, when I die, or that inventories be taken, or any description be demanded; in short, I desire, that my wife be left forever undisturbed by my family, who have no claim whatever on her, but who should rather bless her for her noble disinterestedness. But if there should be one found among my children so unworthy as to dare to disturb my beloved wife in the least, he is to lose forthwith one half of his whole inheritance; and if all my heirs be disobedient and refractory, and jointly should, contrary to my orders, molest their step-mother in any way whatever, then one and all are to lose the half of their inheritance. In such a case, I request the Ducal Government to apply these fines, according to their choice, for some charitable purpose.

"§ 13. Should my present wife bear me any children, then this child or children, as a matter of course, have the same claims on my property as the children of my first marriage. Lastly, I request my Government to take care that this my present will, be faithfully executed.

"Given under my hand and seal,

"Christian Frederick Samuel Hahnemann.

"Cothen, 2 June, 1835."

Here follow the lists marked, A, B, C, D, F, G, H, which contain the enumeration and distribution of Hahnemann's movable and fixed property, and to show how earnest and sincere, he was in his desire to live the remainder of his life retired from all medical practice, he bequeathed in list G to his youngest daughter Louise, the books which contained the cases of all his patients, carefully and elaborately written with his own hand, forming perhaps the most interesting work for Homoeopathy that could possibly be, could they but be published; but unfortunately, up to the present time, their publication has been withheld.

No sooner had Hahnemann arrived in Paris than, through the influence of his young wife with the late King Louis Phillip, the then prime-minister, M. Guizot, granted him permission to practice, a favor which the medical faculty of Paris had previously denied him. All at once we find the old gentleman, who, a short time before, had expressed the most earnest desire to rest and lead a quiet life, in the midst of an extraordinary large practice, driving about Paris, and visiting his patients, a habit which he had never resorted to before, so that he was enabled soon to remove from his comparatively obscure lodging near the Luxembourg, to a large mansion in the Rue Milan, where he amassed within the short space of nine years, a very large fortune, (four million francs).

From this fact the reader will be able to understand the extreme severity which Hahnemann, always so kind to, and fond of his children, was induced to employ against his family, threatening them instantly with the loss of half their whole inheritance, should they call his wife, after his death, to account.

Mrs. Hahnemann was too shrewd a woman not to know that if she could once remove the founder of Homoeopathy to Paris, her fortune was made, and by this will secured to her in undisturbed possession. The poor old gentleman, who was benevolence itself, had actually to impose the heaviest possible fines and penalties the law would allow, upon his own children.

To practise with advantage Hahnemann required his old case-books, which he had given to his youngest daughter; he applied therefore to her for their loan, promising most solemnly that they should be returned immediately after his death. On this express understanding his daughter parted, though still reluctantly, with her invaluable treasure, never, as it turned out, to see it again.

The ostentatious affection which the wife displayed towards her husband whilst alive, soon vanished after his death. The immortal founder of Homoeopathy was buried like the poorest of the poor; his funeral taking place as early in the morning as six o'clock, under a pelting rain, a common hearse bearing the remains of the great man to his last rest, only his wife, his widowed daughter, my late mother, myself, and Dr. Le Thiere, being the mourners who followed. The coffin was deposited, and is still, at the present moment, in an old vault, where his "devoted" wife had already deposited the remains of two aged "friends;" so that Hahnemann's wish to have on his tombstone the words written "non inutilis vixi," remains in abeyance.

But this is not the only desire of his left disregarded; his solemn promise to his daughter to let her have the manuscript case-books returned, which she, on the faith of her father's word, sent to Paris, has never been fulfilled, although frequent applications have been made to Mrs. Hahnemann by the rightful owner. [British Journal of Homoeopathy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 10, 1865, pages 476-479]

[Description: Hahnemann's Will]

[Author: AHomeo05]

[Year: 1865]

MISCELLANEOUS.

Meeting of HOMOEOPATHIC PHYSICIANS AT PHILADELPHIA. – Prior to the commencement of Vol. III. of the American Homoeopathic Review (the first volume under the present Editors), a meeting of the friends of the Review was held in New York, for the purpose of discussing and agreeing upon the principles upon which the Review should be conducted.

In June, 1863, the friends of the Review were again assembled in council at Philadelphia. At this meeting, after the affairs of the Review had been satisfactorily disposed of, other matters of general interest to the profession were brought forward.

Some interesting clinical effects of the Caruba di Giudaea in Asthma having been related, it was resolved by gentlemen present to institute provings of that substance during the ensuing year.

The great need of trustworthy standard works on Homoeopathy – as for ex ample, a complete Materia Medica, a full and correct Repertory, a work on Characteristics, etc., – was freely expressed and appreciated. The difficulties of various sorts which have hitherto stood in the way of the publication of such works of the above character as are now ready for the press, or nearly so, were explained and discussed; and it was finally resolved to appoint a committee to report at the next meeting on the subject of the establishment of a Publishing Society for the publication of standard homoeopathic works, and to devise a plan for the organization of such society, it such a step seem desirable.

On the 3Ist day of May, 1864, the friends of the Review again met by invitation at the house of Dr. C. Hering, in Philadelphia. There was a large attendance, and much interest was manifested in the topics presented for discussion.

Stated business was postponed to the meeting of the next day, in order to give the members present an opportunity of listening to a statement of the recent changes in the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, and the present condition of that institution. The Faculty has been completely reorganized; the professors without exception are strict and thorough Homoeopathicians, and really believe and practice what they profess to teach. They are moreover men eminent in their various departments.

It is a matter or sincere congratulation to members of our school everywhere, that the oldest Homoeopathic college in the world, which started with such brilliant prospects of usefulness, but which, falling into unworthy hands, had sunk so low as to utterly lose the confidence and support of every Homoeopathician, has been raised again to a condition in which it will certainly more than fulfill the brightest promises of the past.

With Drs. Hering, Raue, Lippe, Guernsey and Starkey, occupying the chairs respectively of the Institutes of Medicines, Diagnostics, Materia Medica, Obstetrics and Surgery, we have the completest guarantee of such a course as will qualify students to enter on their practical career with a thorough and accurate knowledge of the science and art of homoeopathic medicine and surgery.

The next day, June I, 1864, the meeting reassembled and the slated business was called up.

Reports from those who had undertaken to prove the Caruba di Giudaea made it seem probable that that substance will not fill an important place in our Materia Medica.

The committee appointed in 1863 to consider the subject of a Publishing Society, and report a plan for the organization of such a society, submitted a full report, together with a plan. This plan, after being modified by the Society, was adopted. It was as follows: –

Plan for the, organization of Homoeopathic Publication Society, adopted at a meeting of Homoeopathic Physicians held at the residence of Dr. Lippe, in Philadelphia, June 1, 1864.

The undersigned unite in organizing a Society, to be styled the" Homoeopathic Publication Society."

1. The object of this Society shall be to facilitate and secure the publication of standard homoeopathic works.

2. Homoeopathic physicians, members of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, of the Western Institute of Homoeopathy, or of any State or County Homoeopathic Medical Society, may become members of this Society on payment of the sum of One Dollar.

3. The officers of the Society shall be two Secretaries, one for the East and one for the West, a Treasurer and an Executive Council of five members, the chairman of which shall preside at the annual meeting of the society.

These officers shall be elected every three years, by ballot and by proxy and shall hold office until their successors are elected.

4. The fund resulting from the payment of fees by members shall be held by the treasurer to defray expenses of correspondence, etc., subject to the order of the executive council. The treasurer shall report to the yearly meeting.

5. Works prepared for publication may be submitted by the authors to the Executive Council, which shall report upon the works by circular to the members of the society. Works not accepted by the Executive Council may be presented to the society at its yearly meeting, and be by it referred to a special committee, which shall act, with regard to this work, in the capacity of the Executive Council.

6. When the Executive Council, or a special committee, as above provided, shall have accepted a work presented to them, they shall issue and circulate among the profession by means of the journals, or through the mails, or both, a prospectus of the work thus endorsed and accepted, stating its plan and scope and inviting subscriptions.

7. With this endorsement of the work, and with the subscriptions obtained in response to these invitations, the work shall be returned to the author that arrangements may be made by him for its publication.

The gentlemen present then signed the aforesaid document and became members of the Publication Society.

The election of officers being now in order, it was agreed that, inasmuch as the number of members present was very small in comparison with the number who might be expected to join as soon as the plan should be made public, the election should be for provisional officers, to hold office only until a general meeting should be convened after due public notice.

An election was then held for provisional officers with the following results: -

Executive Council, – C. Hering, A. Lippe, P. P. Wells, H. N. Guernsey, C. W. Boyce. Secretaries, – For the East, Dr. Carroll Dunham; for the West, Dr. E. M. Hale. Treasurer, - Dr. Henry M. Smith.

The society then adjourned subject to the call of the provisional executive council. It is understood that the opening of the course of lectures in the Philadelphia Homoeopathic College will be celebrated with ceremonies of unusual interest, and that Homoeopathicians throughout the country will be invited to attend: that this opportunity will be taken by the provisional executive council of the Publication Society to call a meeting of the members for the election of permanent officers and the commencement of business. Mean while, in order to bring the matter before the profession, and to invite the participation of homoeopathic physicians throughout the country, the Executive Council issue the following

Circular.

Dear Sir, – At a meeting of Homoeopathic physicians held in the city of Philadelphia, June 1, 1864, it was

Resolved, That the want of good and reliable English literature on the subject of Homoeopathy is generally felt; and that, to meet this want and to further the progress of our school, it is desirable to establish, at once, a Publication Society.

The physicians present formed a temporary organization, and elected a provisional board of officers, whose July it is to call upon you, as one of the profession, and invite you to become a member of this Publication Society.

Members of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, or of the Western Institute, or of any State or County Medical Society, may become members of the Publication Society by sending their names to the Secretary for the East, Dr. Carroll, Dunham, 68 East 12th St., New York, or to the Secretary for the West, Dr. E. M. Hale, Chicago, Ill and by remitting to the Treasurer, Dr. Henry M. Smith, 484 Broadway, New York, the sum of One Dollar.

As soon as a sufficient number of members shall have joined to guarantee the success of a permanent organization, each member will be notified by invitation to participate in the permanent organization of the society and in the election of permanent officers. At these elections members vote by ballot. If unable to attend the meeting in person, a member may vote by proxy. The officers will be elected for the term of three years, and will consist of one treasurer, two secretaries, one for the East and one for the West, and an executive council of five members.

The executive council will examine such manuscript as may be offered for publication, and will accept and endorse it, or reject it.

If to work be accepted, it will at once be announced to the members of the society, and this announcement will be accompanied by a request for a subscription for the work at a stated price. When a sufficiently large subscription list, shall have been obtained, the manuscript with the endorsement of the executive council and the subscription list will be returned to the author, who can then make his own terms with the publisher.

If the manuscript should be rejected it will be returned to the author. But should the author be a member of the society, he shall have the right to present his manuscript again at the next annual meeting and to have it referred to a special committee.

Among other works which it is contemplated soon to publish is a complete and correctly translated Materia Medica.

(Signed,) Constantine Hering

Ad. Lippe,

P. P. Wells

C. W. Boyce

H. N. Guernsey,

Prov. Ex., Council

E. M. Hale, Prov. Sec'y. for West,

Carrol Dunham, Prov. Sec'y. for East,

Henry M. Smith, Prov. Treasurer.

Philadelphia, June 25, 1864.

It is most earnestly hoped that this effort may result in the publication of works of solid merit and correct execution – works on which the practitioners may rest in confidence that their statements are correct, and that they comprise all that is known on the subject. To this end it Is necessary that physicians throughout the country give their hearty support to the enterprise. The only payment required is the initiation fee of One Dollar to defray the expenses of correspondence, circulars, etc. When a work is ready for publication and accepted, members will be called upon to subscribe for it at a stated price. No such call will be made unless the work is actually ready for the press. Those who are familiar with the studies in Materia Medica, which Dr. Hering has been making for thirty years past, who know the extent which he has gathered and collated all that is known of our remedies, adding to what has been already published in books and journals, vast quantities of observations never yet made public – who know, too, that in no other way save through the medium of a publishing society is this treasury of knowledge likely ever to be opened to us – will most gladly take part in the permanent organization of this Publication Society.

It may not be improper to state that the first part of Dr. Hering's work is now prepared for the press, and will be laid before the executive council as soon as permanent officers shall have been elected. How soon this will be must depend on the alacrity with which homoeopathic physicians respond to the invitation to become members of the Society. C. Dunham, M.D., Sec.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 01, 1864, pages 36-39]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Meeting of Homoeopathic Physicians at Philadelphia; Desire to establish a Publication Society]

[Author: AHomeo05]

[Year: 1864]

American Homoeopathic Periodicals. – It has long been our intention to publish a list of our periodical literature, and now at the probable discontinuance of our Review as a periodical, at the close of the sixth volume, we shall, while giving its history, endeavor to give a short sketch of the journals that existed before it, were contemporary with it and continue after.

1835.

The American Journal of Homoeopathia. – The first periodical of the new system was an octave of forty-eight pages; the first number of which was published in February, and the three subsequent numbers appeared in April, June and August of the same year. It was edited by Drs. John F. Gray and A. Gerald Hull; the first two numbers bore the imprint or Moore and Payne as publishers, New York, the last two that or Ludwig the printer only. The publication was intended for the profession and intelligent laymen; not to disseminate the teachings of Hahnemann among the public. It contained articles on the characteristics and history or Homoeopathy; translation of Hahnemann's essays. "On the Value of the Speculative Systems or Medicine and "Coffee," doses, homoeopathic experience; an account of Andral's attempt to practise Homoeopathy; Homoeopathy in Russia; extracts from an address of Dr. Peschier, with cases of practice; effects of Silicea and Sepia; the homoeopathic treatment or Cholera; Intermittent fever and hemicrania; clinical cases, notices or homoeopathic works, homoeopathic intelligence, etc., etc.

Correspondenzblatt der homoeopathischen Aertze, herausgegeben durch die Nordamerikanische Akademie der homoepathischen Heilkunst zu Allentown an der Lecha. - Of this periodical we have been unable to procure a copy. It was published in 1835-36, some fourteen numbers only appeared.

1838.

The American Journal of Homoeopathy, edited by an association of homoeopathic physicians. The above is the title of a periodical which made its first appearance in Philadelphia, in August. It was published by W. L. J. Kiderlin &; Co., bi-monthly, in octavo form. The editors names do not appear; the contributors were Drs. Paul Wolf, C. F. Matlack, G. Lingen, C. Hering, P. Currie, C. Von Boenninghausen, J. G. Rosenstein, D. H. Scott, W. Channing, C. Neidhard, P. Bernstein and others. In the first number was published an article on "American Homoeopathic Literature," giving the titles of fifteen works on the subject at that early period. The theory of Homoeopathy; the Materia Medica; cases, illustrative of the practice; general intelligence regarding the progress of the new system, together with a variety or instructive and interesting matter, which would well repay the reader to peruse at the present day, fill up the volume of 216 pages. There was but one volume published and in

1839

Miscellanies on Homoeopathy, edited by an association of homoeopathic physicians, was the new title given the volume which made one of the best books to put into the hand of physician or layman desirous of knowing something of Homoeopathy.

1840.

The Homoeopathic Examiner. – In January, 1840, appeared the first number of this valuable journal under the editorship of Dr. A. Gerald Hull. As announced in the prospectus, articles were published on the following topics: the characteristics of Homoeopathy and Allopathy; popular objections to Homoeopathy considered and exposed; dietetics; domestic medicine; physiology; materia medica; therapeutics; criticism of foreign and domestic homoeopathic publications; correspondence; miscellaneous homoeopathic intelligence, etc., etc. The first article of Dr. Hull "On the State and Prospects of Homoeopathy," gives an exceedingly elaborate view of the rise and progress of our school everywhere. It is written with a great deal of care and accuracy. The authorities whence the author derived the facts are all carefully given, making this an acknowledged source, to which almost every author has referred for statistics, and facts for a popular discourse.

The journal appeared monthly, as a royal octavo of forty-eight pages, and was continued under the management of Dr. Hull for three years. No journal could have supplied the wants of the homoeopathic profession and laity better than it. Its pages contain a complete history at Homoeopathy from its origin up to the time of discontinuing the journal.

The publication was discontinued from December, 1843, till August 1845, when a new series was commenced under the care of Drs. Gray and Hempel, and was continued two years. The new series was published monthly, regular octavo size. There were published as an Appendix thereto, Rueckert's, Therapeutics and Boenninghausen's Intermittent Fever. The first volume was issued by Ludwig, printer, New York; the second by Felt & Co., and the third, the last of the first series, by W. Dean. The new series (two volumes) was published by Radde, New York.

1845

Homoeopathic Pioneer. – By H. Hull Cator, M.D., and L. M. Tracy, M.D., Syracuse, N. Y. By editorial articles, extracts from other Journals, reviews of new books, items of news and records of cases in which they were assisted by many homoeopathic physicians, Drs. Cator and Tracy succeeded in keeping their subscribers informed or the progress Homoeopathy was making. The journal was published monthly, in large octavo form, double columns, sixteen pages. The first number was issued in July. It was published one year.

1846.

New York Journal of Homoeopathy made its first appearance April 25th, under the editorial supervision of Drs. Kirby and Snow. Only one number was published and this was reprinted under the title of

The American Journal of Homoeopathy, edited by S. R. Kirby, H.D., and R. A. Snow, M.D. It was in large octavo form of eight pages (afterward enlarged to twelve) and published every two weeks. On the completion of the second volume in April, 1848, Dr. Snow resigned his editorship and Dr. Kirby continued it alone. It was again enlarged to sixteen pages and appeared monthly, instead of semi-monthly. The publication was discontinued after the issue for August, 1854, that being the fourth number of volume nine. During the period of its publication its readers were kept informed of what was transpiring in the homoeopathic school.

1847.

The South-Western Homoeopathic Journal and Review was published in St. Louis, Mo. The first number was issued in August, in octavo form of sixteen pages. It was concluded by John T. Temple, M.D., until March, 1850, when the name of Thomas Houghton appeared as editor. The Journal was published monthly and extended through three volumes. It was filled with editorial articles, correspondence, extracts from other periodicals, etc.

1848.

The North-Western Journal of Homoeopathy, under the editorship of Geo. E. Shipman, M.D., was published in Chicago. This journal must always occupy a prominent place in homoeopathic literature. No journal has done more to disseminate Homoeopathy among the Western physicians than this. By original articles from the able pen of the editor; by contributions from the best writers in our school in this country; by interesting and instructive reports of cases, extracts and translations from foreign periodicals and works, reviews of new books, etc., the journal earned for itself more than a transient or local reputation. It was published monthly in octavo form of sixteen pages, and was continued four years.

Michigan Journal of Homoeopathy is the title of a monthly periodical published at Detroit, Mich., with John Ellis, M.D., and S. B. Thayer, M.D., as editors. The first number was issued in November, in duodecimo form, of twelve pages. It was published monthly, contained articles addressed more to the laity than the profession. It was continued a little over one year.

1849.

Quarterly Homoeopathic Journal. – Edited by Drs. Joseph E. Birnstell and B. de Gersdorf, was the title of a periodical, In octavo form of 144 pages, published by Clapp, of Boston, the first number of which appeared in January. Its object was "to lay before the American reader, scientific and practically useful articles, selected from the current homoeopathic literature of the day in Germany and France." It did not seek to disguise the fact that two distinct parties existed in the homoeopathic school, consisting of those physicians who accepted Hahnemann's theories of psora and the dose, and those who openly declared their dissent thereto.

While not obtruding their private opinions in the journal, they were influenced thereby in their selection of articles, although articles from the best writers on both aides were published. The first volume contained almost exclusively translations from German homoeopathic works and periodicals. In the second and last volume of the first series, articles were published from American contributors and extracts made from English periodicals.

In July, 1852, the first number of the new series appeared under the editorial management of Drs. J. Birnstill and J. A.. Tarbell. Two volumes were published; the numbers being reduced in size from 144 pages to 48. The course proposed in the beginning of furnishing translations from the German was carried out in the new series, although there were published many original articles from American contributors. The complete set of four volumes is a valuable accession to a physician's library, furnishing an extensive work on the practice of medicine.

1850.

The Homoeopathist was published in Buffalo by Dr. Dioclesian Lewis (afterwards known as Dr. Dio Lewis). It was published about two years and intended to spread a knowledge of Homoeopathy among the people. It first appeared as a semi-monthly and was afterwards changed to a monthly; it was in octavo form of pages.

1851.

The North American Homoeopathic Journal, conducted by C. Hering, M.D., Philadelphia; E. E. Marcy, M D., New York; J. W. Metcalf, M.D., New York, first appeared in February. It was published by Radde, an octavo of 112 pages, issued quarterly. Under the above management it was continued three years, until November, 1853, when the ill health of Dr. Metcalf, the acting manager, obliged his retiring, and the publication was suspended until August, 1856, when under the title of

The North American Journal of Homoeopathy, it reappeared under the editorial management of Drs. E. E. Marcy, J. C. Peters, W. H. Holcombe and H. C. Preston. During the publication of volumes six and seven, in the years 1857 and 1858, many of the readers of the journal took exceptions to the character of the articles published as not advancing the cause of Homoeopathy, but tending toward a mongrel practice of combination of systems. In volume six, Dr. Peters gave an exposition of his views which brought out a reply from Dr. Marcy, and finally resulted in the withdrawal of Drs. Marcy and Preston from the journal. The third epoch began with the eighth volume under the editorship of Drs. Peters, Holcombe, Snelling, Bayard, Hoffendahl, Hale, Ludlam, Comstock, Franklin, Perkins and Bradford, and lasted two years. The tenth volume was placed under the management of the following physicians, who comprised the editorial corps of another journal: Drs. Alley, Blumenthal, Carmichael, Comstock, Culbert, D. M. Dake, J. P. Dake, Douglass, Franklin, Guilbert, Hale, Helmuth, Holcombe, Hunt, Ludlam, Marcy, Neidhard, Payne, Preston, Temple, Ward, Williamson. The publication is still edited by the above, assisted by Drs. Adams, Hempel and Lingen.

Cincinnati Journal of Homoeopathy, a monthly periodical of 16 pages, octavo, edited by Drs. B. Ehrmann, A. Miller, and G. W. Bigler, made its first appearance in March. It was published under the supervision of the Society of Homoeopathic Physicians of Cincinnati, and contained besides editorial articles, extracts from other journals, reviews of books, proceedings of societies, items of news, etc. It was published one year.

The Homoeopathic Advocate and Guide to Health, as its name implies was published as a paper for popular reading. The first number was published in April, an octavo of 16 pages; issued monthly by Dr. D. White, Keene, N. H. The publication was continued one year.

Homoeopathic Medical News Letter, was the title of a quarto meet of four pages, published in St. Louis, for circulation among their patients by Drs. J. Granger, T. J. Vastine and T. G. Comstock. The first number appeared in September; it was published monthly for one year.

The American Magazine, devoted to Homoeopathy and Hydropathy; containing also popular articles on anatomy, physiology, hygiene and dietetics. Such is the title, which is sufficiently explanatory of a monthly periodical published in Cleveland and Cincinnati, under the editorship of Drs. J. H. Pulte, and H. P. Gatchell. It was published in octavo form, the first volume containing 32 pages in each number. The second volume, under the title of The American Magazine of Homoeopathy, being enlarged to 44 pages a month. In April, 1854, under the title of Quarterly Homoeopathic Magazine, Dr. C. D. Williams joined Drs. Pulte and Gatchell in the editorship, the numbers were increased in size to 48 pages, and the journal was filled with articles interesting to the profession, ceasing to be a journal for popular reading. As a quarterly it was published one year.

The Carlisle Journal of Homoeopathy was the name of a periodical published in Carlisle, Pa., by Dr. J. K. Smith. It was intended as a popular journal to be issued monthly. The first number was published in October, an octavo of eight pages. We do not know how long it was continued.

1852.

The Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy. – In April, under the editorship of Dr. W. A. Gardiner, was published the first number of this monthly periodical. No journal has begun with better promise of success than this, with a list of contributors embracing the names of some of the first physicians of our school. The regular contributors to the first three volumes were, Drs. B. F. Joslin, A. H. Okie, H. C. Preston, J. P. Dake, P. P. Wells, C. Dunham, J. Kitchen, C. Neidhard, W. S.Helmuth, A.E. Small, S. R. Dubs, J. G. Loomis, W. E. Payne. The clinical records, monographs on special diseases, studies of the Materia Medica, provings of remedies, editorial articles, etc., make the first three volumes exceedingly valuable as a work of reference. The fourth and last volume, edited b, Drs. W. Gardiner and J. F. Geary, although containing some interesting articles, did not sustain the character of the preceding. The greater part of the volume was filled up with personalities, attacks and rejoinders. The subscription list fell off and with the conclusion of this volume the publication was discontinued. It was published in octavo form of 64 pages. Dr. A. E. Small was co-editor with Dr. Gardiner in the third volume.

Der Homoeopath und diaetische Hausfreund, was the name of a large octavo sheet of eight pages, published by Dr. Dioclesian Lewis, at Buffalo, for circulation among the German laity. It first appeared in July, only a few numbers were published.

1854.

The Chicago Homoeopath, published in Chicago, by Drs. D. S. Smith, S. W. Graves and R. Ludlam, issued bi-monthly in octavo form of 16 pages. As a journal designed for the non-professional reader it was the best of its kind. At the conclusion of the second volume, Drs. Smith and Graves retired and was succeeded by Dr. D. A. Colton. The first number was issued in January.

The Family Journal of Homoeopathy, another periodical for the lay reader, was issued in January, at St. Louis, Mo. It was "edited by an association of physicians" for a time, then appears the name of D. White, M.D., as sole editor; another change, and Drs. Temple and White assume the editorial responsibility, again there appears only the name of J. T. Temple, MD., as editor. It was published for one year, monthly of 16 pages, octavo.

Madison Homoeopathist was the name of a third popular journal that made its appearance in January of this year. It also was in octavo form, of eight pages, issued monthly. It was edited by Drs. Bowen and Giles for the few months of its existence.

The Homoeopathic News, edited by Drs. C. Hering and A. Lippe, published by Boericke and Tafel, of Philadelphia, in large octavo, of eight pages, purported to be "an independent advertising sheet" devoting "at the same time" two pages to "a pinch of all the news of interest to our practitioners, and to the friends of our cause." This matter it was proposed to arrange under separate heads, the eighth and last was the most important and of this head the principal feature was the "mistakes." These latter consisted in publishing the errors of Jahr's New Manual. Mention is made in the News of many new remedies, and as the journal is frequently referred to by of one our periodicals we have said more about it than we otherwise should.

1856.

The Canadian Journal of Homoeopathy was published for the purpose of disseminating facts relative to Homoeopathy, not only among the profession in Canada but also among the public. It was edited by W. A. Greenleaf, M.D., and A. T. Bull, M.D. It was published monthly, an octavo of eight pages. It was issued, a few months, from St. Catherines and, the rest of the time, from Hamilton. It was continued about fifteen months.

Medical Investigator was the title of a quarto sheet of four pages, published for a few months at St. Louis under the care of Dr. D. White. It is mentioned here as it was edited by a homoeopathic physician and intended as a weekly homoeopathic newspaper.

1857.

Le Praticien Homoeopathic, published in New Orleans by Dr. L. Caboche. The first number of this journal was issued in November and published monthly, in octavo form, of 24 pages. It was continued a little, more than a year.

1858.

North Western Journal of Homoeopathy. – Although of the same name and claiming to be a new series of the able journal conducted by Dr. Shipman, this periodical was an entirely different affair. The body of the first number (the only one published) is dated January, the cover bears date May, it was issued in August or September. It purported to be a "Quarterly Magazine of Medicine and the Auxiliary Sciences," and edited by an association of homoeopathic physicians. It was an octavo of 174 pages, and filled up with the greatest medley of articles it were possible to put in print.

The Homoeopath made its first appearance July 1st, under the editorship of Dr. Chas. E. Blumenthal. It was published semi-monthly by C. T. Hurlburt, New York, in quarto form of eight pages. It was intended as a homoeopathic newspaper and advertising sheet. It was published one year.

American Homoeopathic Review. – In the spring of 1858, when Dr. Peters, in the North American Journal of Homoeopathy was approving and publishing contributions from one of which the following is an extract: "Two sterling remedies were indicated in her case, Quinine to neutralize the miasmatic poison and Iron to correct the debility dependent on that poison. * * I administered in appreciable doses that admirable double Salt of Beral, the citrate of Iron and Quinine" (N. A. J. of Hom., Vol. VI., p. 90), there was dissatisfaction expressed by a large number of homoeopathic physicians that the Journal was the only periodical representing (professedly only) Homoeopathy.

Drs. Roger G. Perkins and Henry M. Smith proposed issuing one that should advocate a strict adherence to the homoeopathic law, although acknowledging the right or every physician to prescribe the remedies in such quantities as his experience or judgment dictated.

As the other was a quarterly it was thought advisable to issue a monthly periodical. To keep the American physicians au courant with what was transpiring abroad in regard to Homoeopathy, Dr. Edwin H. Kellogg was invited to take charge of the foreign department, translations, etc. The co-operation of Drs. Benjamin F. Joslin, jr., and Edward P. Fowler was afterwards procured with the design of increasing the size from that previously contemplated, and also, by associating together those holding different views with regard to the dose, it was thought the periodical would be on a more liberal basis; would more fairly represent the whole school and not one party, which the Review did not profess to do till subsequent events rendered it desirable.

It was afterwards thought that the editorial staff was too large, and Dr. C. Dunham was spoken to in regard to taking the sole management, but before the final arrangements were made his failing health prevented his undertaking it and in October 1858 the first number of the Review appeared under the auspices of R. G. Perkins and H. M. Smith as editors and proprietors. Themselves unknown to the homoeopathic profession, the editors sought and received the literary assistance of the more noted of our physicians, as Drs. Bayard, J. P. Dake, Dunham, Fincke, Hallock, Hering, Joslin, Joslin, jr., Kellogg, Lippe, Ludlam, Marcy, H. D. Paine, Rhees, Shipman, Talbot, Vanderburgh, and others.

In January, 1859, Dr. Perkins' health obliged him to resign his position on The Review, and for a time retire from the practice of his profession. In the spring or 1859, some of the contributors of the quarterly magazine, dissatisfied with the articles of the principal editor withdrew their support and were very desirous the Review should be changed into a quarterly, promising their literary and pecuniary support if such was done. It was not deemed advisable, and from the withdrawal of Dr. Perkins till the conclusion of the second volume, the Review was under the management of H. M. Smith.

The breaking out of the rebellion, and general prospective disruption of business throughout the country, caused a temporary suspension of the publication. At a meeting held in New York, September 18th, 1861, of Drs. Hering, Lippe, Joslin, B. F. Bowers, Wells, Reisig, Joslin, jr., H. M. Smith, Donovan, Allen, and Dunham, it was concluded to continue the publication as the special advocate of the high potencies in the treatment of disease, under the management of Drs. Joslin, Wells, Dunham and Smith.

Dr. Joslin had laid out considerable amount of work as senior editor, but our school was deprived of the records of his experience by his death, which occurred in December, 1861.

The publication of the Review was resumed with the third volume in July, 1862, Drs. Dunham and Smith assuming the responsibility, both literary and pecuniary. Dr. Wells kindly assisting with many valuable contributions which our readers remember with profit. At the conclusion of the fourth volume the publication devolved on Messrs. John T. S. Smith & Sons, who have continued it to the present time, while the editorial department has remained as before.

1859.

The Homoeopathist was intended to be a popular sheet, published by Drs. J. M. Buzzell and D. White, at Springfield, Mass. It was to be published monthly, large octavo, of 16 pages. Three or four numbers only were issued.

The Western Journal of Homoeopathy, edited by E. C. Franklin, M.D., was started in October, with a view of furnishing the profession in the Mississippi Valley a small frequent periodical, which should be a means of intercourse between them and also keep them posted as to what progress Homoeopathy was making elsewhere. It was published monthly at St. Louis, an octavo, of 20 pages.

L'Homoion, organs de la doctrine Hahnemannienne was first issued in May, under the editorship of Dr. Taxil, at New Orleans. It was published monthly on octavo, of 22 pages. It was published up to December, 1860.

The Homoeopathist was the name also of a quarto sheet of tour pages, edited by Dr. J. M. Blaisdell, of Vermont, Ill., who intended by this publication to diffuse a knowledge of Homoeopathy among the people. Of his success or the length of time his paper was continued, we are ignorant.

1860.

The United States Journal of Homoeopathy. – Drs. Marcy and Preston, on withdrawing from the North American Journal of Homoeopathy, associated with them fifty-two other homoeopathic physicians and undertook the publication of the above journal. It was continued two years when it was emerged, as previously, stated, into the North American Journal. It was published quarterly by Hurlburt, in octavo form; the first volume containing 818 pages and the second 694. The first number was published in February.

College Journal, published bi-monthly at St. Louis, as the name implies, in the interest of the College (homoeopathic).

The American Journal of Materia Medica, edited by Geo. E. Shipman, M.D., published by Halsey and King, an octavo, of 48 pages, was published, first, to indicate the false or impure symptoms in Hahnemann's Materia Medica; second, to publish provings of remedies which will show the relative value of the symptoms which are pure; third, to eke out the insufficiency of proving by intentional or accidental cases of poisoning; fourth, to confirm the whole by cases of cures. Articles were published on Aconite, Arsenic, Ammoniac gum., Asparagus and Gelsemium. Four numbers of the journal only were published.

The Medical Investigator was first issued in March, by Halsey and King, Chicago, as a popular monthly periodical. After several changes in form and object, it is now published as a monthly newspaper for the profession and advertising sheet for the publishers.

1863.

The Western Homoeopathic Observer, published by H. C. G. Luyties, at St. Louis, made its first appearance in November as a monthly periodical, containing short and interesting articles for the profession. As an appendix, was published "Examinations on the Homoeopathic Theory and Practice of Medicine." It was begun under the charge of Dr. W. T. Helmuth, who has now associated with him in the editorship Dr. G. S. Walker. It was published in an octavo of 16 pages, it has since been enlarged to 20 pages.

1864.

American Homoeopathic Observer, first published in January under the title of Homoeopathic Observer, then with the prefix "Monthly," and finally settling on the above title by which it is now known, is, as most of our readers are aware, the name of the popular monthly periodical issued at Detroit, by Dr. E. A. Lodge. It was issued as an octavo, of 16 pages, but has been increased to 48.

The American Homoeopathist is the name of a monthly journal issued in July, at Cincinnati, under the editorship of C. Cropper, M.D., as a hall professional and half non-professional journal. The publication is still continued by Smith and Worthington under the editorship of Dr. Jas. G. Hunt. Originally published in octavo form of 16 pages, it has been enlarged to 24 pages.

1865.

The Hahnemannian Monthly made its first appearance in August, the event being duly announced by us beforehand, and chronicled at the time. Published in octavo form, or 48 pages, "similar in size and general appearance to the American Homoeopathic Review," and having a similar object in its publication, but still it differed from the Review in being the organ of a sect, a school, the Homoeopathic Medical College or Pennsylvania. Conducted by the faculty of that institution, it is under the especial editorial charge of Dr. J. H. P. Frost. Being still published, and likely to continue when we cease to exist, our readers probably know as much of the journal as we do or, if not, will have an opportunity of becoming acquainted therewith.

The United States Medical and Surgical Journal, a quarterly magazine of the homoeopathic practice of medicine and medical science in general. The great West wanted a journal; it did not want to depend on the East for a journal. The Western Institute of Homoeopathy at its second annual meeting in May, resolved to sustain a journal to be published in the West. In October appeared the first number of this periodical, an octavo, of 112 pages. Dr. Geo. E. Shipman assumed the editorial charge, and Mr. C. S. Halsey the publication. The publication continues a great addition to our periodical literature.

1866.

The New England Medical Gazette, a monthly journal of homoeopathic medicine, surgery and the collateral sciences. Edited by H. C. Angell, M.D., published by the New England Medical Gazette Association. So reads the title page of the organ of the New England Homoeopathic Physicians, a journal exceedingly well got up, of great promise and intended for the professional reader. It is published in octavo form, of 24 pages. The first number appeared in January.

Popular Homoeopathic Journal, published monthly, in Elgin, Ill., by Dr. C. A. Jaeger, is an octavo, of eight pages. Its title sufficiently well indicates its object. Its first appearance was in February.

The Homoeopathic Expositor. – We close our article with the mention of this journal, the first number of which, dated July, has just reached us. It is proposed by the homoeopathic physicians of Milwaukie to issue it monthly. The number before us is an octavo, of 16 pages.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 11-12, 1866, pages 458-467]

[Description: American Homoeopathic Periodicals]

[Author: AHomeo06]

[Year: 1866]

BOOK NOTICES.

On High Potencies and Homoeopathics: Clinical Cases and Observations. By B. Fincke, M.D., Brooklyn, N. Y. With an Appendix containing Hahnemann's Original Views and Rules on the Homoeopathic Dose, chronologically arranged. 8vo., pp. 132. Philadelphia, A. J. Tafel. 1865.

The series of articles published by Dr. Fincke in The American Homoeopathic Review, Vols. I, II, III, IV and V, entitled Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies" have been collected and with additions published under the above title.

The value of the work has been greatly enhanced by the "Historical Argument based on Hahnemann's Observations and Rules," chronologically arranged.

Dr. Fincke's writings, in closeness of reasoning and in logical completeness, surpass anything in our literature. Their very fullness and the strictness with which they are condensed, make them obscure and "dry" to the superficial reader who looks for something of the exciting interest of a novel by Dickens, to be combined with the scientific depth and breadth of a treatise by Newton. We believe that Dr. Fincke's writings will grow in the appreciation of thoughtful students, and will have become standard essays when the sensation writers of our day shall be already comfortably forgotten.

The Hahnemannian Monthly, conducted and published by the Faculty of the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. 8vo. pp. 48. Published monthly by A. J. Tafel, Philadelphia.

The appearance, within the same half-year, of two new journals (The Hahnemannian Monthly and The United States Medical and Surgical Journal) devoted to the science and art of homoeopathic medicine, cannot but be regarded as a significant and gratifying token of the rapid growth of our system in the United States.

In our July number, on receipt of the prospectus of the Hahnemannian Monthly, we took occasion to welcome it, in advance, and the numbers already issued have been eagerly looked for and perused with great interest. In a journal conducted by so eminent a body of Homoeopathicians as the faculty of the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania, we are justified in expecting something altogether superior to what has ever been given as from any other source – more knowledge, experimental and theoretical, and broader views of science and practice, in which all minor polemics will be lost sight of. There has been no reason to suppose that these reasonable expectations will not be realized.

We feel it our duty to call attention to a historical error of statement in the introductory article of the Hahnemannian Monthly, No.1. We read:

"Some four years ago, a number of the oldest homoeopathic physicians met at New York and agreed to support and sustain a Homoeopathic Monthly Journal, etc., etc. In this manner and for that purpose originated the American Homoeopathic Review" * * of which our colleagues speak in very kindly terms of commendation which we should be glad to think fully deserved.

But, at the time of writing the above, the Review was entering on its sixth yearly volume. It must therefore have started more than "four years ago." In truth the Review was first issued by Dr. H. M. Smith, with whom was associated, for a few months, the late Dr. R. G. Perkins. It did not result from any deliberation of homoeopathic physicians convened for the purpose. The first number appeared in October, 1858. The secession of Dr. Perkins, and the evident oncoming of a great war, induced the publishers to suspend publication at the close of vol. II, and there was an interval of non-issue from December, 1860, to July, 1862, when vol. III began.

It was during this interval that the "meeting of a number of the oldest homoeopathic Physicians' was held in New York, for the purpose of agreeing on the policy and means of giving a more efficient and cordial support to the Review when its publication should be resumed. At this meeting, too, the editorial staff was re-arranged. Subsequent "yearly meetings" have been held, as the Hahnemannian Monthly states, "to devise together how this great object could best be served."

It ought to be known, however, that at the meeting held in Philadelphia on the 8d of June, 1865, and at which the establishment of the Hahnemannian Monthly was determined upon, none of those especial "friends of the Review" who constitute its editorial and publishing staff were present; nor had they any knowledge of any intention, on the part of their Philadelphia colleagues and contributors, to establish a journal with objects identical with those of the Review, until in common with the members of the profession, throughout the country, they received the prospectus.

In private correspondence with Philadelphia colleagues, one of the editors of the Review had more than once spoken of the propriety and advantage of an organ devoted especially to the interests of the Philadelphia College, edited by the Faculty; but whether this should be in the form of a volume of transactions, a year book or a journal, had never been the subject of discussion. This Review therefore, in behalf of its editors and publishers, cannot in justice claim any share of the credit which will result from the establishment and success of the Hahnemannian Monthly. None the less sincerely, however, do we rejoice at its appearance and wish it an honorable and successful career.

The United States Medical and Surgical Journal. A Quarterly Magazine of the Homoeopathic practice of Medicine and Medical Science in general. Edited by G. E. Shipman, M.D.8vo.pp. 96. Chicago, C. S. Halsey.

We hail with moat cordial greetings this "Young Lochinvar" that's "come out from the West."

Not only "throughout the broad border" but throughout the whole country we might look in vain for a journal more creditable in appearance as well as in matter, than this new product of the West.

Our only wonder is, that with the consciousness that they needed a journal (as we think they did – in their own interests, and no less for our advantage at the East), our Western colleagues should have hesitated about establishing one or should have felt occasion to rest on such arguments as were advanced at the meeting of the Western Institute, and are published in the number before us.

"The greater proportion of original matter in the Eastern journals comes from the West." This will be news to many of our readers, who may wonder what Eastern journals this speaker is in the habit of reading!

"We, here in the West, pay tribute to New York city." This used to be the cry of the South, but New York city always thought she gave an equivalent for what she received, and was never conscious of compelling any other section to contribute unwillingly to her exaltation.

"As Western men, we have long paid tribute to the East, and have received little credit for it." Now, if there is anything which the West has received from the East, it is "credit," and many a poor fellow in Wall street, whose pockets are full of worthless Western bonds, would be glad to know that the West has ever "paid" anything – even tribute, whatever that may be.

Who are these "men of the West" who propose to "cut loose" from the East and establish their journalistic independence? Was one of them born in the West? Was not everyone an Eastern lad? Franklin's very name shows that some distant ancestor was a freeholder in the Saxon heptarchy. Helmuth, we believe, is from Philadelphia, in which city Small passed no small part of his life, and Hale hails from New Hampshire, we think.

Hitherto these Eastern offshoots, our colleagues of the West, have been too busy, in practical ways, to devote themselves to stated literary labors, but while thus engaged they must have gathered rich stores of knowledge and experience. It will be an exceeding profit and pleasure to us at the East, that they have now attained to a position of leisure and of strength that enables them to enter upon the field of journalism, in which, if they please to take it, we shall willingly concede them leadership. If we can fabricate any original matter which they would like, we shall be very happy to furnish it for their pages; we shall willingly serve them in any way, and have no objection to paying tribute to the West. He that would be the greatest among you, let him be your servant."

The contents of this excellent number are: 1. Practical Remarks on Entero-Colitis of Children, by Wm. H. Holcombe, M. D. 2. Fistula in Ano, by E C. Franklin, M. D. 3. A Case of Fistula in Ano, etc., by T. G. Comstock, M. D. 4. Life, by T. P. Wilson, M. D. 5. On the Abuse of Local Treatment in Ulceration of the Os Uteri, by R. Ludlam, M. D. (a most valuable and convincing paper.) 6. A Medico-Botanical Study, by E. M. Hale, M. D. 7. Pulsatilla nutalliana, by W. H. Burt, M. D. 8. One of the Obstacles to the Progress of Homoeopathy, by F. A. Lord, M. D. (very able). 9. Editorial, Review, Notices, Selections, etc.

Hale's New Remedies. – We learn from Dr. E. M. Hale that he is preparing a new edition of his work, which he hopes to have ready for the press in a short time. He wishes physicians to report their experience with one or more remedies, which, if sent to him before January lat, 1866, will be published and for which due credit will be given. In reporting cases he wishes the following to be observed: First. The symptoms removed by the medicine, especially the characteristic ones. Second. Only report the cases wherein the remedy was used singly and alone. Third. Give the size of the dose, and the frequency of its repetition. Fourth. Write plainly and only on one side of the sheet. Dr. Hale's address is, Box 550, Chicago, Ill.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 06, 1865, pages 238-240]

[Description: Book Notices 06; on High Potencies and Homoeopathics: Clinical Cases and Observations, by B. Fincke; The Hahnemannian Monthly; The United States Medical and Surgical Journal; Hale's New Remedies.]

[Author: AHomeo06]

[Year: 1865]

Homoeopathy and the Board of Health. – The Special Committees on Cholera of the Homoeopathic Societies of the Counties of New York, Kings and Westchester publish the following statement of our efforts to obtain admission for our mode of practice into the cholera hospitals which might be established by the Metropolitan Board or Health, in view of a threatening epidemic. And this we do, not only as a matter of medical history, but also as an act of self-defense, inasmuch as a report has been or late circulated in some quarters, that we have had a fair offer made us which we dared not accept. A brief investigation of the manner and terms of this so-called offer will show that it was not fair, but the very contrary. Indeed, from the nature of these terms, it must have been known beforehand, that we neither could nor would accept them. Yet we must give the medical members of the Board of Health, who compose the Sanitary Committee, the credit for having recognized our right to make a claim for admission; for, this recognition, though barren of any practical result, called down upon them the righteous indignation of the New York Academy of Medicine, that "power behind the throne," which prevents its members from granting as physicians, rights which, as citizens and legislators, they would concede.

On the 27th of April, 1866, we addressed a letter to the Metropolitan Board of Health, offering "to furnish reputable and qualified physicians to apply the homoeopathic treatment to cholera patients, and asking that "one hospital and district in each county of the Metropolitan District may be assigned to such physicians as may be nominated to the Board of Health for that purpose by the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the respective counties; this hospital to be under the sole charge and direction of said homoeopathic physicians, subject only to the supreme control of the Board of Health, and open at all times to the visits of Inspectors appointed by the Board, and of the public, in so far as the Board may permit."

To this, the only response received was through the public prints, which stated that the Committee of the Board of Health had reported in favor of granting us parts of two down town hospitals.

On the 9th of May we addressed another communication to the Board, stating the impracticability of homoeopathic physicians practising in allopathic hospitals, and repeating our request for a separate building.

As far as could be learned from the newspaper reports (for no direct answer was vouchsafed us) this memorial was simply ordered on file.

On the 5th or June, we once more addressed the Board, showing that in the "General Plan of Operations" submitted by Dr. Stephen Smith, Chief of Hospitals, as published in the papers of June 2d, we could see no reason why one or the six districts, into which he proposed to divide the city, should not be assigned to homoeopathic physicians, to be by them managed and controlled in accordance with said" General Plan."

To this also we received no reply.

On the 15th of June, a letter was sent by us to the Board of Health, stating that we had addressed several communications to them at different times during the past two months, and asking whether it was their intention to favor us with a direct reply, or whether we might consider the newspaper reports of the doings of the Board as sufficient answer.

The Chairman of the Sanitary Committee, Dr. Stone, to whom this and all other previous communications of ours had been referred, did not vouchsafe us even then a written reply, although repeatedly urged to do so by some of the non-medical members of the Board, who had no fear of the New York Academy of Medicine before their eyes.

We were, therefore, denied the courtesy of a definite response; and although we had seen in the public prints that portions of two hospitals were recommended to be assigned to us, we were left completely in ignorance of the terms and requisite details or such arrangement. It was deemed best, consequently, to seek a personal interview with the Sanitary Committee; for in no other way did it seem possible to arrive at any understanding of what we were expected to do, or how we were to do it. Accordingly, one of our committee sought out Dr. Stone, Chairman of the Sanitary Committee, and in a long conversation on the subject elicited the following details of the proposed plan of operations:

That Homoeopathic physicians would be allowed to join in treating cholera patients, but could not be the chosers of the manner in which such treatment is to be conducted; that no change could or would be made in the organization already existing, but that we might come in under the same rules and regulations as other medical assistants; that an offer of part of the Five Points and Battery Hospitals had already been made to us through the medium or the public press; that we would have assigned to us, in certain wards in these hospitals, every alternate bed for the exhibition of our treatment, which beds would be filled in rotation by incoming sick. That a full and minute record should be kept in the hospital books of the condition of the patient at the time of his reception and during the progress of his disease, which record should be always open for the inspection of any of the other attending physicians, who would also have the right to place upon the record any correction or criticism which the case might suggest. This privilege to be common to all the physicians of the hospital in order to ensure accuracy of detail and of diagnosis, but not to extend to any criticism upon the treatment. That all prescriptions must be written out in full, giving the dose and strength of the remedy – which prescriptions must be filled up by the apothecary, who would be supplied with all drugs and preparations which any physician might order or suggest. But no medicines to be administered from pocket-cases or in any other way than by means of a written prescription and the regular apothecary.

Dr. Stone also stated that this matter had been discussed in full by the Sanitary Committee, and that no exceptions could be made to these rules, and that all physicians would be compelled to observe them in the cholera hospitals; and that no distinctive practice would be allowed for a moment in a separate hospital. On this last point the Sanitary Committee had fully resolved and were immovable.

His reasons why such a separate hospital for the exhibition of homoeopathic treatment could not be granted us, were briefly these: First, because homoeopathic physicians, as a class, were not so well educated and trained in the laws of diagnosis and pathology and, therefore, needed close watching and supervision, lest they should, through ignorance or otherwise, make false returns and, for instance, report cases as cured of cholera which never had been cholera.

And, second, because many of our number were in the habit of prescribing drugs add doses non-homoeopathic, and any good results accruing therefrom would thus be falsely credited to Homoeopathy.

To all which we answered, that no physician of our school possessed of any self-respect could for a moment accept an offer, which impugns our integrity and our intelligence at the very outset; that we had repeatedly proposed to take charge of a separate hospital, to be open at all hour of the day and nigh for the inspection of our records, of our patients and our treatment, by any person appointed by the Board of Health. That our proposal was not only perfectly fair, but free from all the objections and complications sure to arise in the practical workings of a plan, which had been tried repeatedly in European cities, and had always speedily failed, by reason of the jealousies and interferences and charges of unfairness which seem inevitable, when the competitors are brought into personal contact.

Such are the details of the offer of the Sanitary Committee of the Board of Health, as enunciated by its chairman. Though it is plausible in some points its spirit and intent are obvious. It cannot be entertained by us for a moment, because it denies our honesty and intelligence; and while it is hedged about with rules and restrictions to prevent us from deceiving, it fails to provide like safeguards against our being deceived. Why should we trust those who plainly say they cannot and will not trust us? What security have we, for instance, against partiality in the distribution of patients to the various beds, or against our medicines being tampered with, or against our patients being demoralized by insinuations that they are the unhappy victims of experimentation, or against a thousand other annoyances which can so easily be inflicted by careless or malicious subordinates, to say nothing of the possibility that we might be associated with physicians of the same stamp perchance as that Inspector up-town, who not long ago was summoned to a reported case of cholera, and, on entering the house, cursed the homoeopathic physician as a humbug and knave, and kicked over the medicine standing by the bedside of the patient!

If fair play should be guaranteed to either party, surely it ought to be to the minority, who are compelled to work in subordination and to trust all the general management to the honor and justice of the majority.

The experience of our European brethren will prove a useful guide. For instance, when the cholera ravaged Marseilles, in France, in the year 1848, Dr. Charge, a Homoeopath, was so very successful in its treatment, that he was decorated with the Cross of the Legion of Honor, and on the recurrence of the epidemic in 1854, was requested by the authorities to take charge of two wards in the public hospital. He did so, but in a few days resigned his appointment, and made a public statement of his reasons for so doing. Not only was there a great lack of flannels, clothing and other necessaries which had been promised him in abundance, but one attendant only was allowed him who fell sick on the first day and was not replaced; so that the homoeopathic physicians themselves had to perform all the drudgery belonging to the nurses in addition to their medical duties. Nor was this all. The worst cases only, many of them moribund at the time, were placed in his beds; so that his rates of mortality were enormously and most unfairly increased, and in self-defense he was speedily compelled to resign. Twenty-one out of twenty-six cases died; not everyone, as was publicly stated by Dr. Stone at a meeting or the Health Board – for we take it for granted it was to this Marseilles experiment he referred, when he spoke so disparagingly of the "trial at Naples."

This "trial at Naples" took place as long ago as 1829, and not during a cholera epidemic, but in the general hospital. It was made by the express order or the king, when the success of Homoeopathy was first carrying confusion into the ranks of the old school. It was conducted in as impartial a manner as could be devised, the most vigorous rules being imposed on both parties to prevent the possibility of deception or complaints of unfairness. One of the regulations required that both parties should agree upon the admission of every patient, and that "patients afflicted with diseases which Allopathists consider incurable, should be admitted by preference." A detail of the trial and of all the reports which were set afloat in Naples during its continuance of 155 days, we need not here recount. Several attempts were made by the old school physicians to break up the trial, but failed. At its close, the official report, published from the books by order of the king, showed that out of sixty-eight patients under homoeopathic treatment, fifty-two were cured, six were convalescent, and two had died. A state paper was then issued by the government, censuring in very severe terms the false reports and statements made by the old school physicians, and decreeing that "henceforth physicians should be free to follow any method of treatment they might choose." Nor was this all; Drs. Marchessani and Alessi, two of the old school physicians appointed to watch this trial, wore by it converted to Homoeopathy, as was also Dr. des Guidi, who was a witness of the treatment.

This is an old story, but one which the Sanitary Committee seem to have forgotten. But now we stand on different ground; we claim our share of the public hospitals, not as a favor or as a test of the merits of our system, but as a right. Our success is an established fact, our practitioners in New York City and suburbs are numbered by hundreds and are rapidly increasing, and our clientage comprises nearly one-half of the entire wealth and intelligence of this metropolis. We maintain that the Sanitary Committee of the Board of Health can in no way be justified in allowing their professional prejudices to shut us out of all participation in the public hospitals. We demand, as a right, that so large a portion of our tax-payers should be fairly, represented in our medical institutions. We have passed through an ordeal lasting nearly half a century, and in spite of all prejudices and every form of ridicule and opposition, have steadily increased in popular estimation, have founded and supported, by individual enterprise, colleges, hospitals and dispensaries; and have even materially modified and improved the old school practice itself. In no disease has the value of our treatment been more satisfactorily shown, than in epidemic cholera, the statistics of which have been frequently published. We court a fair trial of our treatment, and are willing to stand or fall by the practical result. But we cannot, in all proper self-respect, take positions under a committee which arrogates to its school all the science and honesty of the profession and leaves us none. They deny our powers of diagnosis in cholera, and yet this very last spring a dispute arose between some of their most eminent men, members of this very Sanitary Committee included, as to whether certain deaths on Ward's Island last fall were produced by cholera or Bright's disease (see the conflicting newspaper articles by Drs. Post, Cram, Parker, Guleke and Sayre). Which of these two parties then shall watch us, to correct our diagnosis?

Again, this Sanitary Committee insist upon having us under strict surveillance lest we should cure our patients with medicines non-homoeopathic, or perchance even with their own drugs. Certainly they could not fear that we would attempt to beat them at their own weapons, to cure more by their own method than they could themselves. Who made them judges more than we, or what is homoeopathic and what is not? As long as we could show them a better and more certain way, why should they hesitate to try it, even if it were not, in their estimation purely homoeopathic. As to education, we yield not one whit. We claim to have superadded a practical knowledge of homoeopathic therapeutics to the ordinary course or medical study. For the great bulk of our practitioners are graduates of allopathic colleges, and therefore not altogether uninformed in diagnosis and the science of medicine. At any rate, they themselves have endorsed our credentials, and recommended us to the public as competent and trustworthy physicians.

In a word, we claim for ourselves equal intelligence, education, honesty of purpose and sincerity or conviction. All we ask is a fair field for the exhibition of our method of cure and no favor. We can only repeat our offer, already thrice-made, to take charge of a hospital in any epidemic that may occur; said hospital to be under our own administration and management, subject only to the supreme control of the Board of Health, and to be open at all hours for inspection or its records, its prescriptions or its patients, by any persons duly appointed for that purpose. From a fair competition we shrink not, but seek it in sincerity, and by its results are content to abide.

B. F. Bowers,

Carroll Dunham,

E. M. Kellogg,

Henry M. Smith,

T. F. Allen,

Special Committee on Cholera,

of the New York Co.,

Homoeopathic Medical Society.

A. Cooke Hull,

P. P. Wells,

S. Cullen Hanford,

Albert Wright,

E. T. Richardson,

Special Committee on Cholera,

of the Kings Co.,

Homoeopathic Medical Society.

L. W. Flagg,

T. C. Fanning,

H. C. Jones

Special Committee on Cholera,

of the Westchester Co.,

Homoeopathic Medical Society.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 11-12, 1866, pages 467-472]

[Description: Homoeopathy and the Board of Health]

[Author: AHomeo06]

[Year: 1866]

MISCELLANEOUS.

VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. – To the Editor of the Field, Sir: As your columns occasionally admit the narration of cures, on the homoeopathic principle, I hope you may find the following particulars of a very hopeless case of a sick cow successfully so treated, of sufficient interest to command a place in your widely read journal. During my visits to a friend suffering from pulmonary hemorrhage, near Iver, Bucks, I was asked if I could advise a neighboring farmer concerning the sudden illness of a valuable Guernsey cow, which had calved on the morning of the previous day (Saturday), June 8rd, 1865.

Independent of a great fondness for animals, the deep scientific interest and instruction attaching to the study of comparative pathology enlisted, without delay, my services on behalf of the poor animal. On being conducted by a gentleman to the paddock where the cow stood with her calf by her side, I found the farmer, Mr. Golf, Mr. Lamb (the owner of the cow) the veterinary surgeon from Uxbridge, and an old farmer who had seen much illness in animals, all watching the case, the nature of which was a puzzle to all present. I was informed by Mr. Goff – a very intelligent man, who has, in the brief experience of this cow's illness, become, with moderate instruction, a wonderfully expert auscultator – that he left the animal apparently well when he went to church at eleven o'clock, but on his return, between one and two o'clock, p. m., he found her unable to walk, without a shaking of her limbs, and giving way of her joints, as if she would fall. Believing the illness to be milk fever, Aconite and Belladonna had been administered frequently, with no beneficial result. The cow could scarcely move a step without appearing as if she would fall. Her injected eyes had a glassy, dull expression of some serious illness. The milk was suppressed, neither had there been for some considerable time any signs of intestinal or urinary function. On applying my ear over the cow's ribs, I soon discovered her disease to be a severe attack of inflammation and congestion of the lungs. Her condition was one of great danger, for which I recommended Phosphorus. Mr. Goff tended her all night, scrupulously giving the medicine every two hours. In the early morning (Whit-Monday), I was asked to look at the animal "before she died." On visiting her, in company with another gentlemen, I found her lying on her right side under a shed, where she had been for some hours unable to rise. Her neck was stretched out, and on the left side of it there was a large globular swelling, such as may be observed in large fleshy muscles when drawn up in severe cramp. Her breathing was short; her eyelids, when raised by the finger, remained in that position until they slowly and imperfectly recovered their former position. This was a marked proof of exhausted vitality, and the rapidity with which life was ebbing. While making a minute and careful examination into the stale of her respiration, the cow gave a distressed mean, as if dying, when I observed a peculiar deep, fan-like motion of her nostrils, a characteristic symptom for the selection of Lycopodium (sometimes called vegetable Sulphur) in the treatment of young persons suffering under inflammation of the lungs and to which I called the attention of the profession and the public in the July number of the Monthly Homoeopathic Review,1863. Although years of study and observation had satisfied me that many of the severe attacks of diseases among animals yielded as rapidly to accurate homoeopathic selections administered in an infinitesimal dose, as the like diseases in children, I must confess that I had very little hopes of a favorable result in this extreme case. Twelve globules – yes, twelve globules of Lycopodium, more attenuated or dynamized than the 200th dilution, were dissolved in a quart bottle or cold water, and a tablespoonful administered every half-hour. I left the apparently dying animal at half-past eight on the morning of Whit-Monday, Mr. Goff, Mr. Lamb, and other persons being present, promising to see her when I returned in the afternoon, if she were still alive. As the forenoon advanced, there being no visible improvement and her death being momentarily expected, a messenger was despatched to Iver, for the butcher to come and kill her. Fortunately, it being Whit-Monday, the butchers were absent, holiday making. At last a slaughterer was found at Uxbridge, but his men were also otherwise engaged, so the poor cow was allowed time for the Lycopodium to work upon her disease, and to the astonishment of all who witnessed this apparently hopeless case, the cow rose up and stood firmly on her legs, at a few minutes before two, p.m. She walked without trembling, and gave most satisfactory evidence that there was neither intestinal nor urinary impediment in her case. I saw her at half-past six in the evening, when she was feeding, and there was scarcely a remnant of the peculiar action of the nostrils to be discovered. One gentleman who observed the symptom, remarked that he could never understand what that peculiar action meant, as he had often remarked to his bailiffs and servants when his cattle were dying with pneumonia, "How that beast sneers." This is really a very graphic expression of the symptom as it occurs in animals, and the hint may be of use to future observers. The Lycopodium was continued at longer intervals, for although great and marked relief had been afforded to oppressed organic life, it was not to be supposed that a grave lung disease had been thus suddenly cured! In fact, while I write (June 24th) the remnant of the crepitating role characteristic of pneumonia may yet be heard by a capable auscultator in the posterior margin of the left lung. During the progress of the case the left posterior quarter of her udder became hard and tender and suppuration was dreaded. Blood instead of milk came from the teat, still a marked indication for Lycopodium, which I ordered to be continued, and the udder threatening also soon disappeared to the delight of Mr. Goff, who watched night and day most assiduously this truly marvelous case. * * In answer to your Natal correspondent of last week, asking for information in regard to the sore mouths in sheep passing into "blue tongues" when they fall down, kick and die; I should recommend him to study out of a reliable Materia Medica, the action of Arseric, Muriatic acid, Digitalis, and Sabadilla. Amongst the first two or three remedies he will probably find more corresponding to the whole disorder or the sheep than he has yet observed., I am, Sir, yours faithfully, D. Wilson, M. D.

A MEDICAL TEST IN POLITICS. – The Pall Mall Gazette has the following. "A novel element has been introduced into the Westminster election. There is a suspicion or heterodoxy against even Captain Grosvenor, not, of course, on theological points, but it is doubtful whether he is not a medical heretic. It is hinted that he is a Homoeopathist, and Dr. Tweedie, who was on his committee, wrote to ask him if the insinuation were true, for in case it was he should wish to withdraw his support. To this the gallant candidate sent the following reply: 'Whenever I am ill, which, by the blessing of Providence, does not happen very often, I apply for advice and assistance to the doctor of my regiment, who is, to the best of my belief, a very orthodox practitioner.' The doctor characterized this reply as 'equivocal,' and withdrew his name. The Lancet, with a zeal for orthodoxy as ardent as that of the Morning Advertiser, holds him up as an example to his brethren.

" 'As a profession,' says this journal, 'we can have no faith in the political wisdom or legislative fitness of a man who, on questions of medical and sanitary legislation, stands on the senseless platform of the homoeopathic delusion. Dr. Tweedie will deserve and meet with the cordial approbation or his professional brethren. The question put is plain and distinct; the answer is singularly unsatisfactory. It remains for Captain Grosvenor to speak in language which cannot be mistaken. The profession will pause for his reply. The question admits of as clear an answer as one which relates to the extension of the suffrage or the vote by ballot. It must be borne in mind that the honest practitioners of medicine, in withholding their support from Captain Grosvenor, are acting from purely conscientious motives. They justly regard Homoeopathy as a very senseless, and withal a very dangerous error, and they could not consistently vote for a candidate for their suffrages who holds a contrary opinion.'"

A MORAL LESSON TO DOCTORCRAFT. – Captain Grosvenor was returned at the head or the poll for Westminster; Colonel Hughes was returned at the head of the poll for Lambeth.

Our journal is not devoted to politics. Political discussions are not adapted to our pages; but a special interest was felt by all Homoeopathists in the result of the contest in Westminster and in Lambeth, from the attempt made by the Lancet, the British Medical Journal and Punch, to oppose these two gentlemen, simply because they were known or suspected to be Homoeopathists.

A signal defeat has overtaken these conspirators against the liberty of her Majesty's lieges in matters medical. The daily and weekly press poured out its torrent of remonstrance and ridicule against the course proposed by the serious and comic serials devoted to the worship of massive druggism, poisonous medication and destructive action on the blood-vessels, nerves and skin of the whole English race.

We have no wish to fight "our battles o'er again," nor "twice to slay the slain; "the victory belongs to Homoeopathy and common sense, and we are not so devoid of generosity as to exult over the fallen. That we are led to allude to the subject at all is that it affords us a good illustration or the real progress of the people in intelligence and civilization, and of their determination to resist the efforts of a party who would, if they had the Power, substitute the doctor of 1865 for the priest of the middle ages. The allopathic doctor, led by the Lancet, have inaugurated an "odium medicum" which rivals, if it do not surpass the "odium theologicum" of a past age. They have organized a system of terrorism within their ranks, embodying the worst and most debasing features of Trades-Unionism. They have pulled down their leaders and made them their slaves; and now, in the pride of unbridled democratic power, they have attempted to push their vicious principle a step further, by making a man's medical creed a test of his fitness for entering Parliament.

This election will prove to these fanatics that the English people will not submit to be doctor-ridden. They have suffered too much in past ages from the comparatively mild sway of the priest (against which they made a spirited and a successful resistance), to sit down quietly to be bled and blistered and purged and leeched against their will, by order of the British Medical Association and its myrmidons.

The Lancet was appalled when it saw how very much in earnest the people and the press were in repelling its assaults on their liberties. Forthwith the Editor sat down to attempt to allay the storm he had raised. In two leading articles, one on June 24th, the other on July 8th, he strives to escape from his untenable position by offering excuses, which discover to us the whole weakness of the cause he advocates. For his excuses themselves are but slanderous accusations against Homoeopathy, which the Lancet dared not have ventured to make, were it not that it refuses to admit any reply into its pages.

The accusations are these:

That "in 1856 Lord Robert Grosvenor, acting as touter for the interest of the class whom he patronizes, called Sir Benjamin Hall to account, in the House of Commons, for not officially recognizing the delusion of Homoeopathy,and endeavored to impose condition, upon the Committee of the College of Physicians which would have been felt as insulting, while they were actually, as they were probably intended to be obstructive."

Now these are the facts:

In 1854 cholera was prevalent in London. The President of the Board of Health (Sir B. Hall) sent schedules round to every legally qualified medical practitioner (whether homoeopathic or allopathic), requesting him, if he had any cases of cholera, to report upon them, stating their course, their treatment and their termination. These schedules were then to be forwarded to a "Treatment Committee of the Medical Council," who were to embody them in a Report to be presented to both Houses of Parliament.

In addition to these schedules, the cases treated in the hospitals were to be reported on, and Medical Inspectors were appointed who were to visit the hospitals to check the Reports.

The Homoeopathic Hospital received a large number of cholera cases, being situated in the middle of the infected district. Dr. Macloughlin, one of the Medical Inspectors of the Board of Health visited the hospital constantly, and thus wrote afterwards: "That there may therefore be no misapprehension about the cases I saw in your hospital, I will add, that all I saw there were true cases of cholera, in the various stages of the disease; and that I saw several cases which did well under your treatment, which I have no hesitation in saying would have sunk under any other."

"In conclusion, I must repeat to you what I have already told you, and what I have told everyone with whom I have conversed, that although an Allopathist by principle, education and practice, yet, was it the will of Providence to afflict me with cholera, and to deprive me of the power of prescribing for myself, I would rather be in the hands of a homoeopathic than of an allopathic adviser." Now will it be believed, that when the Medical Council sent in its Report on the Cholera to the Houses of Parliament,no notice whatever was taken of the returns sent in by homoeopathic practitioners; and not only that, but no notice whatever was taken of the returns sent from the Homoeopathic Hospital, though the allopathic Medical Inspector himself had borne his special testimony to their truthfulness and to the superior efficacy of the treatment?

Accordingly, on May 14th, 1855, Lord Robert Grosvenor, from his place in the House of Commons, asked the President of the Board of Health the reason for this omission. The Medical Council was appealed to, and they returned for answer the following resolution: "Resolved, That by introducing the returns of homoeopathic practitioners, they would not only compromise the value and utility of their averages of cure, as deduced from the operations of known remedies, but they would give an unjustifiable sanction to an empirical practice, alike opposed to the maintenance of truth and to the progress of science. John Ayrton Paris, President."

The immediate effect of Lord Robert Grosvenor's question was the publication of a second parliamentary paper, containing a Report of the returns so unjustifiably withheld by the Medical Council. To hide their ignorance of the homoeopathic remedies, and to save their own futile attempts at cure from a comparison with that which was so infinitely more successful, this body, with the President of the College of Physicians at their head, suppressed a great truth, and were content to act as traitors to the trust reposed in them by their country. The Allopathic Treatment showed a mortality of 36.2 percent.; the Homoeopathic Treatment a mortality of 16.4 percent. Let it be recollected that the truth of these Reports was verified by allopathic Medical Inspectors.

For this determined effort on Lord Robert Grosvenor's part to prevent a gross injustice against humanity, he incurred the abuse and hatred of the Lancet. In 1855, this venal periodical applied to him the opprobrious epithet of "touter, which it has revived in 1865, with a continuation of the same rancorous spirit. It cannot forgive him the honesty with which he exposed a nefarious transaction.

The above simple relation of the facts will show how utterly slanderous is the accusation that Lord Robert Grosvenor "obstructed" any "measure of organization desirable for the public interest." On the contrary he prevented the Medical Council from using this "organization" for purely party purposes.

In 1855 Mr. Wakley, then Editor of the Lancet, threatened to turn Lord Robert Grosvenor out of the representation of Middlesex, for his determined opposition to this disgraceful medical cabal.

In 1865 we find the editor of the Lancet, with hereditary malignity, holding out the same threat against Lord Robert Grosvenor's son, with regard to the representation of Westminster. Either threat was equally impotent. We hope the Lancet will, in time, learn the lesson, thus, for a second time, repeated.

The second accusation is equally slanderous. It is this: the Editor of the Lancet asserts, that the protection of the public against quacks has failed chiefly through the efforts of Homoeopathicians; he says, after referring to the great evil of quackery, "An act passed to prevent this imposture and villainy has failed, because of the facility with which so-called homoeopathic colleges and institutes present diplomas to any applicant with a few pounds in his pocket, and because, when such a person displays his parchment, it is impossible to deny that he has an apparent title to dub himself doctor... this is precisely the class of whom men of Lord Grosvenor's stamp are the advocates. "This statement of the Lancet's is a deliberate falsehood.

Those quacks, who in London and other large towns are the pests of modern society, are, to a man, Allopathists. They are well known, they are avoided by all respectable men of either school, but their diplomas are Allopathic. We have none of them.

As to the sale of diplomas by homoeopathic colleges, there have been, and we believe, are, one or two American colleges whose diplomas were to be bought by men who could prove, by certificates from qualified medical practitioners in this country, that they had studied and were proficient in medical science, but the British Homoeopathic Society repudiates such men, and its rules exclude all such men from its membership.

No medical practitioner can obtain the membership of the British Homoeopathic Society unless he can prove the possession of diplomas, gained by examination, and registered under the new Medical Act. The above accusation, then, is slanderous and offensively untrue. Bought diplomas are far more frequent among the Allopathists themselves. Erlangen, Giessen, and many other allopathic German Universities made themselves notorious for the ease with which they, at one time, sold their diplomas. So also some of the Scotch Universities. Numbers or men holding Scotch diplomas obtained them by simple purchase, or after an examination which was but a farce. It is true that these things are now of the past, as the new Medical Act makes these bought diplomas of no use to their holders. We only mention them to show that the Lancet has made a false accusation against Homoeopathy, in attributing the difficulties which have arisen from the possession of bought diplomas, to the action of the homoeopathic colleges.

The notorious Dr. Pritchard was one of the many Allopathists who hold the Erlangen (allopathic) M.D. which he bought (without having previously passed any examination at that University).

We need not further expose the fabrications by which the Lancet has tried to wriggle itself out of the ridiculous position into which it fell, dragging with it poor Dr. Tweedie and the medical electors of Westminster. Everyone knows that when the Editor pleads as follows, he is talking nonsense or worse: "On all those momentous questions of sanitary law, upon the right solution of which hang the health, moral well-being and lives of millions, Captain Grosvenor is likely to seek guidance at the fountain of imbecility and mischief." Why? because he is a Homoeopath.

We say, without fear of contradiction, that there are no more consistent sanitary reformers, no more pains-taking curators of public health and human life, than that body or physicians and surgeons who have adopted the homoeopathic system of medicine. This is so well known to all who come in contact with them that we need not enlarge on their defence.

As to "moral well-being," we should earnestly advise the Lancet to look at home. It has a bad habit of treating medicine, not as a science, but as a polity. It enters into the question, not as an enquirer after truth, but as a strong political partisan. It uses all the worst arts of partisan warfare. It avoids a fair fight. It seeks to stab in the dark. Before striking a blow it carefully protects itself from the possibility of its intended victim being able to defend himself. Having cased himself in concealed armor, the editor uses big words, insulting expressions, deliberate mis-statements and downright lies, to the great injury of his own "moral well-being," and to the injury of the whole medical profession.

We warn the Lancet that as men who wore concealed armor were held as the most despicable and dishonorable of beings, in times when dueling was practiced – as assassins who stole upon their victims from behind and pionarded the defenceless, were held as the most abhorred and depraved of men, so, in these times, journalists who assail the characters and reputations of their fellow men, and refuse the entrance of any defence into their pages, deserve and will receive the same loathing and detestation from all men of honor as have been heaped in all times on assassins and cowardly perfidious assailants. The medical moral-assassin of today, the secret poisoner of his honorable opponent's character and fame, deserves and will receive no pity at our hands; and it needs but to expose him, to ensure his receiving his full meed of public disfavor.

Candidly we advise the Lancet and the other medical journals to retrace their steps, and to adopt towards Homoeopathy an honest and honorable course. The question of the healing of the sick ought not to be treated as one of feeling or opinion, but as one of fact and reason, to be determined as all other scientific truths are determined, by experimental observation. – Monthly Homoeopathic Review.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 03, 1865, pages 114-120]

[Description: Miscellaneous; Veterinary Homoeopathy; a Medical Test in Politics; a Moral Lesson to Doctorcraft]

[Author: AHomeo06]

[Year: 1865]

VALEDICTORY.

With the present number, which completes the sixth volume, the publication of the American Homoeopathic Review will be, for the present, suspended. The Editors anticipate full occupation in the labors which will devolve upon them by reason of their connection with the Homoeopathic Publication Society, the plan and purposes of which have already been laid before the readers of the Review. They abandon, for a time, the field of journalism, with the less reluctance, in as much as they have had the pleasure of welcoming within the past year no less than three new homoeopathic periodicals, which promise to be ably conducted and well-supported and to supply to the profession every need within the compass of a medical journal, quite as well, to say the very least, as this Review could aspire to do.

In another part of this number will be found a historical sketch of the Review. We propose here a word only upon the spirit in which we have aimed to conduct the discussion of those points of doctrine and practice which are distinctive of Homoeopathy.

That we have labored by theoretical argument and by the practical method of clinical reports to explain and enforce the necessity of strictly individualizing cases; of studying the characteristics of remedies, as they are found most frequently in apparently trifling subjective symptoms, or in the conditions and concomitants of symptoms; of adhering to the single remedy, eschewing alternation and every form of poly-pharmacy; of seeking to give in each case the smallest dose of medicine that was competent to effect a cure – of this direction of our labors these volumes bear witness.

But by as much as these points of doctrine are peculiar to Homoeopathy, by so much do they sound strangely in the ears of those who are trained in allopathic schools.

We have not forgotten that all medical men, save a few recently, have been brought up at the feet of allopathic Gamaliels, as, indeed; was our own case. It would be unreasonable to expect that a physician should pass, by one step and by virtue of one experiment, from a belief in Allopathy to the full measure of a Homoeopathician. The conversion, to be worth anything, must be gradual and the change must be one of many successive steps. The readers of the Review must have comprised all degrees of minds, from that of the enquiring Allopath to that of the convinced and enthusiastic expert in Homoeopathy. And it was reasonable to expect, as we did, that every exposition would meet with criticism and enquiry of a kind appropriate to the mental condition of each degree of readers. It has been our aim to satisfy this kind of criticism and so to elucidate, by argument and by clinical example, each position assumed by us, as both to stimulate our readers to experiment and to show enquirers how these experiments should be instituted and conducted.

In a labor of this kind, denunciation and dogmatism are wholly out of place. And in so far as we have indulged in either, just so far have we failed to execute aright the task we had assumed.

Surveying. now the field we are about to leave, we find, both in this country and in England, a large body of anxious resolute investigators busily at work on these very points of doctrine and practice to which we have given our labor.

On all sides come up demands for a Materia Medica which shall give us trustworthy characteristic symptoms of remedies. Subjective symptoms are receiving some share of the attention to which their great value entitles them. The subject of alternation is being reviewed in a broad and liberal spirit. The style of clinical reports has greatly improved. And whereas, ten years ago, to advocate the use of high potencies in any way was to expose oneself to serious suspicions of unsound judgment, now these potencies are being extensively used and experimented with on all sides and, as a first fruit, we have already a few generalizations from the practical standpoint, tending to show that, in diseases of certain organs a high potency is required, while, in diseases of other organs, low potencies of the same remedy are alone efficacious. These generalizations may not endure the test of a longer experience, but the spirit in which they are made and received is the only one from which we can look for progress in our school.

We presume to claim no instrumentality in this change of spirit, method and opinion among Homoeopathicians. We simply note the fact with earnest rejoicings, and bid our colleagues God speed and farewell!

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 11-12, 1866, pages 401-403]

[Description: Valedictory.]

[Author: AHomeo06]

[Year: 1866]

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY.

THE American Institute of Homoeopathy commenced its Fifteenth Annual Session, in the Atheneum, at Brooklyn, N. Y., on Wednesday Morning, June 2d, 1858, at 10 o'clock, and was called to order by the General Secretary, D. S. Smith, M. D., Waukegan, Illinois.

The Secretary then proceeded to call the roll, after which, the following officers were elected.

D. S. SMITH, M. D., Waukegan, III., President.

W. E. PAYNE, M. D., Bath, Me., General Secretary.

E. T. RICHARDSON, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y., Provisional Secretary.

S. S. GUY, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y., Treasurer.

C. F. MANCHESTER, M D, Pawtucket, R. I.; B. F. JOSLIN, M. D., New York; R. ROSMAN, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.; E. CLARK, M. D., Portland, Me.; and L. B. WELLS, M. D., Utica, N. Y. were elected Censors.

J. P. Dake, M. D., Chairman of the Committee on Water at a Therapeutic Agent, reported progress.

C. M. Dake, M. D., Geneseo, New York, Committee on Anesthetic Agents, their Use and Abuse, was not present, but forwarded a communication.

A. R. Bartlett, M. D., Aurora, III., Committee on Intermittent Fevers, sent in his Report, which was read by the General Secretary.

The following gentlemen were elected members of the Institute

J. Turner, M.D., Brooklyn, N.Y. J.J Detwiller, M.D., Easton, Pa.

G.V. Newcomb, M.D., Brooklyn, N.Y.J.T. Hotchkiss, M.D., Wash'ville, N.Y.

J.G. Rosman, M.D., " " I.E. Kirk, M.D., Hudson, N.Y.

H. Minton, M.D., " " N.G.H. Pulsifer, M.D. Waterville, Me.

J.P. Dinsmore, M.D., " " M.W. Campbell, M.D., Stillwater, N.Y.

H.E. Morrill, M.D, " " T. Wackerbarth, M.D., St. Josephs, Mo.

W.L.R. Perrine, M.D., " " J.J. Youlin, M.D., Jersey City, N.J.

J.L. Watson, M.D., " " L. Macfarland, M.D., Boston, Mass.

A. Wright, M.D " " J.E. Jones, M.D., Westchester, Pa.

J.M. Berghaus, M.D., New York L.B. Hawley, M.D., Phoenixville, Pa.

E. West, M.D., " T. Lafton, M.D., Newark, N.J

E.M. Kellogg, M.D., " T.S. Verdi, M.D., Washington, D.C.

W. Freeman, M.D., " H.E. Stone, M.D., Fairhaven, Conn.

O. Fullgraff, M.D., " E. Morrill, M.D., Concord, N.H

E. Guernsey, M.D, " J.C. Baker, M.D., Middleborough, Mas.

R.G. Perkins, M.D., " W.H. Lougee, M.D., Methuen, Mass.

M. Freligh, M.D., " A.H. Ashton, M.D., Phila., Pa.

M.R Pulsifer, M.D., Ellsworth, Me. L. Coxe, Jr., M.D., " "

W.A. Greenleaf, M.D., Hamilton, C.W.E.F. Hofman, M.D., Po'keepsie, N.Y.

G. E. Shipman, M. D., of Chicago, III., Committee on Parasites in Connection with Disease, reported progress,

W. E. Payne, M. D., Bath, presented his report on the Alternation of Remedies in Homoeopathic Practice.

Report of the Central Bureau. -Reports were presented by two several members of the Bureau, viz., B. F. Joslin, M. D., and W. E. Payne, M. D. Dr. Joslin, Chairman of the Board, presented a proving of Rumex crispus, and Dr. Payne, a limited proving of the same drug, together with a proving of Calcarea phosphorica. On motion, both reports were accepted and referred to the Com mittee on Publication.

On motion of Dr. Clary, the Institute adjourned to 3 o'clock P. M.

P. P. Wells, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y., Committee on the Attenuation of Medicines, was called. Absent in Europe.

A. E. Small, M. D., Chicago, III., Committee on The Influence of Geological Formations in Disease, made no report, and, on motion, was discharged.

J. Ellis, M. D., Detroit, Mich., sent in his report on the Scale of Preparations of Homoeopathic Attenuations, which was read by the Secretary.

D. M. Dake, M. D., Pittsburgh, Pa., Committee on Evacuants, and their Physiological and Therapeutic Relation to the Human Economy, forwarded his report, which was read by Dr. J. P. Dake.

I. M. Ward, M. D., Newark, N. J., Committee on Mechanical Support in the Treatment of Disease, was called upon, but had no report.

W. Williamson, M. D., on Puerperal Fever, was not present; and, offering neither report nor excuse, on motion of Dr. McManus, was discharged.

E. A. Guilbert, M. D., Dubuque, Iowa, on Chest Diseases, their Diagnosis and Treatment, was called. Not present.

S. M. Cate, M. D., Augusta, Me., Committee on Scarlet Fever, its Prophylaxis and Treatment, was not present. The Secretary stated, in reply to the call, that Dr. Cate's report was completed, and that he had been expecting it by mail to present to the Institute, but, from some cause unknown to him, it had not arrived. It might arrive before the close of the meeting.

G. W. Swazey, M. D., Springfield, Mass., was not present to report on Medical Dynamics.

R. Gardiner, M. D., Philadelphia, from the Committee on Small Pox and Kindred Pustular Diseases, read a very interesting report.

Adjourned, to meet at 8 o'clock, to hear the Annual Address of Prof. J. P. Dake.

Wednesday Evening.

The Members of the Institute Assembled in the large Hall of the Athenaeum building, which was filled by a highly intelligent audience some time before the address commenced.

The orator was listened to with unwavering attention, throughout, and was heartily applauded at the close.

Dr. Ward, of Newark, N. J., followed with some general remarks upon the rise and progress of Homoeopathy in this country. He, also, closed with applause.

The Institute then adjourned, to meet on the following morning, at 10 o'clock.

Second Day's Proceedings-Morning Session.

The Institute met on Thursday morning, and was called to order by the Chairman, at a few minutes past 10 o'clock. The minutes of yesterday's proceedings were read by the Secretary, and approved. On motion, the special order of the morning was postponed, for the purpose of allowing B. F. Joslin, M. D., of New York, to read a paper on "Impurities of an Attenuating Liquid". which on motion of Dr. J. P. Dake, was laid on the table for further discussion

Dr. Bartlett's report on Intermittent Fever, which was the special order of the morning, was now taken up. Pending the discussion, the Chairman announced the following named gentlemen as members of the Central Bureau-

B. F. JOSLIN, M. D., New York; W. E. PAYNE, M. D., Bath, Me.; M. J. RHEES, M. D., Mount Holly, N. J.; E. BAYARD, M. D., New York; C. J. HEMPEL, M. D., Philadelphia.

The discussion of the main subject was now entered upon, and continued, in an interesting and instructive manner, by B. F. Bowers, M. D., New York; C. J. Hempel, M. D., Philadelphia; T. W. Donovan, M. D., Staten Island, New York; W. H. Watson, M. D., Utica, N.; N. H. Warner, M. D., Buffalo, N. Y.; I. M. Ward, M. D., Newark, N. J.; L. Clary, M. D., Syracuse, N. Y.; J. P. Dake, M. D., Pittsburgh, Pa.; and F. R. McManus, M. D., Baltimore, Md.

Dr. BOWERS, in opening the discussion, said there seemed to be a peculiar propriety in discussing this subject, at this time, in this place, by this body. Circumstances, he said, of a public nature, had occurred in this city, which made it proper that there should be an expression of opinion, by the Institute, on the treatment of Intermittent Fever. Gentlemen standing high in the profession, in the other school of medicine, in the adjoining city, have expressed opinions on this subject, here, under oath, I will not say, intended to deceive, but certainly calculated to mislead the public mind. They say, in substance, continued the Doctor, that Intermittent Fever is easily and certainly cured by a few doses of Quinine; and that any physician who fails thus to cure it in about a week or ten days, at the farthest, is guilty of malpractice. This, said Dr. B. is not in accordance with the instructions I received as a student-it is not in accordance with my reading in the profession-it is not in accordance with my experience-it is not in accordance with the facts in the case. When the magnates of the profession, in the character of experts, advance such opinions, they should not be allowed to pass unnoticed. He said, the injudicious, indiscriminate employment of Quinine produced almost an unimaginable amount of evil. The remedy is often worse than the disease. Patients linger out a miserable existence, or suffer and die from various affections thus produced. He knew a physician at the West who, feeling impatient at the inconvenience attending a few paroxysms, determined to make short work of it, and took a large dose of Quinine; in the very next paroxysm, coma ensued, and death ended the disease. Dr. B. knew of an eminent physician and surgeon in the city of New York, who was hurried to his grave by Quinine, given to break his chills. Innumerable instances might be cited where disastrous consequences unmistakably followed the employment of this drug.

Dr. HEMPEL coincided with the opinion of Dr. Bowers, that Quinine is not adapted to all cases of Intermittent Fever. He found many cases of Intermittent Fever, in the northwestern part of Michigan, where Quinine seemed to be indicated, but could be cured only by Arsenicum; and this he found it necessary to give in doses of one-tenth or one-fifth of a grain, to be repeated every two or three hours during the apyrexia. These cases were characterized by great prostration, loss of appetite, sallow complexion, excessive headache, violent chills followed by burning fever and drenching perspiration, violent retching and often vomiting of bile, attended with oppression and anxiety; there was either very little thirst during the chill, or else the thirst was burning and unquenchable, in which case, drinking freely of cold water would excite vomiting of bile. Some severe cases of this character yielded to Arsenicum.

In the course of the disease, after giving arsenicum, he sometimes observed that edema of the lower extremities would make its appearance instead of the expected paroxysm. He regarded this as simply a feature of the disease, and not a medicinal aggravation ; and this opinion was confirmed by the fact that the edema yielded to a few more doses of the same remedy. He had often cured fever and ague, with arsenicum, 12 or 18, when the paroxysms had been suppressed for a time by massive doses of quinine, but had reappeared, as it often does from very trifling causes. Ipecacuanha 18 or 24 he had found efficient, when the paroxysms commenced with stretching and yawning; violent thirst during the chill; fever and sweat not corresponding with the violence of the chill; and when, during the chill, there was retching and sometimes vomiting. He always used china or quinine where the chill was attended with symptoms of congestion of the larger organs-the head, chest, abdomen,-causing headache, oppressive palpitation of the heart; violent cough, sometimes with spitting of blood; colic; backache, etc. In such cases, the continued use of the first decimal trituration of quinine, during two or three paroxysms, would often cure the disease. In such cases, however he had been obliged to use from five to ten grains, dissolved in four ounces of water, giving the whole during one period of apyrexia. In a few cases only, had he succeeded in arresting the disease by china in attenuated doses. But he had found five or ten drops of the tincture sufficient to accomplish the purpose, Patients who had been treated unsuccessfully by other physicians, with attenuated china, he had cured with a few grains of quinine dissolved in four ounces of water. He had also derived a great benefit from the alternate employment of aconite and bryonia, in both the middle and lower attenuations, where, during the chilly stage, painful and alarming congestions were present.

DR. DONOVAN agreed with the gentlemen who preceded him, that quinine could not be relied on as curative in the treatment of intermittent fevers. He thought Homoeopathists committed a very great mistake in going back to this treatment.

He did not believe a disease so protean in its character, could be controlled by any one remedy, in all its manifestations; and he, therefore, regarded the administration of quinine for all varieties of intermitent fever, as not only irrational, but as highly empirical. He admitted that quinine given in sufficiently massive doses would usually break the chill; but there was no end to the list of drugs which had the same power. Dr, D. objected to quinine, not because it ceased to control the chills as the system became accustomed to its stimulus; but it was because the effects produced on the system, especially when given in large doses, were often of serious character, involving organic lesions from which the patient never recovered In the treatment of intermittents, Dr D. stated that he had been most successful with the high potencies. To insure this result, however, he thought it highly necessary that a careful analysis of the symptoms should be made, so as to be sure of the remedy; and then not to repeat it as long as signs of improvement were obvious.

In the commencement of his practice, he used the lower attenuations, but had not found them to answer so well. He had frequently seen the chill arrested by the crude medicine, or the 1st attenuation, as by quinine; but in such cases he had always found the same tendency to a recurrence, as in the quininetreatment. In such cases he thought the drug did not act homoeopathicaly, but as a revulsive; and suggested whether a revulsive effect was not the more common operation of all crude drugs. He had found arsenicum of the 100 and 200th potencies, to be the most invaluable in these cases where a long course of quinine drugging has been employed. Natrum muriaticum of the 30th attenuation was another admirable remedy. He had used it successfully where there was severe pain in the head and limbs, with eruption about the mouth;-the symptoms requiring its employment resembling, in many respects, those indicating both arsenicum and mercurius. Lachesis also, he had found efficient in intermittents of females, where ovarian and uterine complications were present. Its sphere of action seemed to be between belladonna and nux vomica. There was another form of intermittent fever, of children, requiring other remedies. He had used arsenicum and rhus tox, and sometimes ignatia and china successfully; but he relied mainly on rhus, and generally gave it the 100th attenuation.

Dr. WATSON said that he had heard the remarks of the gentleman who had preceded him (Dr. Donovan) with the greatest pleasure, from the fact that his own experience in the treatment of this disease had been entirely at variance with that just related. When he first commenced practice, he had used the high attenuations, but they entirely failed him. The only remedies on which he now relied in the treatment of Fever-and-Ague were Arsenicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Cedron, Ipecacuanha, Nux Vomica, Quinine, Nitric acid, Sabadilla, Tartar-emetic and Veratrum. He administered belladonna, opium, or other remedies, whenever they seemed indicated as intercurrent remedies for any complications of the disease. He also employed the above remedies in different attenuations, from the first to the third, and prepared on the decimal scale.

DR. WARD had some experience, and had often failed in these cases. He, at one time, used quinine, but from failures, and disastrous consequences arising therefrom, he had abandoned its use altogether. He now used arsenicum with the best effects-it is now his main remedy. But in some cases he found unequivocal advantage in the use of natrum muriaticum.

DR. CLARY had cured many cases with the remedies generally employed in homoeopathic practice; but in other cases the results were unsatisfactory. It seemed to him that we need a wider range for the selection of remedies. If any new remedies are known to individual members of the profession, he would like to know what they are.

DR. MCMANUS said, he considered intermittent fever to be primarily a neuralgic condition; and secondarily, an organic one. While the disease was assuming the chronic form, the alternate action and reaction in chill and fever gave rise to internal organic congestion, particularly of the liver and spleen; and, indeed, in all the internal organs, but particularly those, which were highly vascular. Where such organic congestions occurred, it was necessary to continue a proper treatment, to remove or cure such conditions after the chills and fevers had been arrested. He considered intermittent fever one of the easiest of cure which we had to contend with, but the most difficult to select a remedy for. The great secret of cure was to be found in the applicability of the remedy selected. The matter of the attenuation of the remedy was not, in his opinion, one of so much importance, as its specific applicability. This has been satisfactorily established by the testimony of several members, some of whom report cures from the lowest, and some from the highest potencies.

Dr. McManus then referred to a case, in which he had given a series of remedies, and which had resisted them all; and was cured by his son with six doses of ignatia 30, given at intervals of two hours, in the apyrexial condition, and was cured thoroughly, no recurrence having taken place. Natrum muriaticum he considered one of the most valuable remedies, in intermittent fever. It applies to cases, where the paroxysm comes on generally about ten o'clock, A. M., the chill attended by violent headache and great sleepiness, and the fever attended by great headache; epigastrium very sensitive to the slightest touch.

DR. J. P. DAKE did not live in a district, where the peculiar causes of intermittent fever prevailed.

Possessing, he said, as we do, by far the greater portions of the earth, over which this disease has range, it seemed to him peculiarity a duty of the Institute to furnish the world with the fruits of its experience in the treatment of this disease.

For his own part, he would say, that the lowest attenuations bad proved themselves in his practice, less efficient than the higher.

One case he would mention, in which the symptoms indicated arsenicum. He gave that remedy at the sixth, third, and even thirtieth degree, and all without apparent improvement. He then gave arsenicum at the 200th degree,-one dose, and there was not another chill for two weeks. The dose repeated, removed finally all traces of the disease. Generally, he had found the sixth, twelfth, and thirtieth degrees of remedies the best in chills and fever. But he was fully satisfied, that he, who employed arsenicum at a lower degree than the third decimal, did so at the risk of doing much harm, and without a reasonable prospect of traversing, with his remedy, the fine recesses of the organism occupied by the attenuated, yet potent marsh miasma.

There was another point to which he wished to call attention; that was the too great, or rather, to exclusive attention usually given to the paroxysms in intermittent fever. There are other features of the disease, as important as the chill, fever and sweat, which the physician must observe, in selecting his remedy. He never allows his patients to suppose that he is seeking simply to "break the chills;" but takes especial pains to show them the importance of having the stomach, liver, and nervous system in an improved condition also. The chills are often suppressed, and the parts named left, in a very unhealthy condition, by massive doses of drugs.

DR. WARNER said, he had had a good deal of practice with this disease. He relied wholly upon the high dilutions. He used quinine, when the chills and fever came together. Natrum muriaticum, and arsenicum had proved very successful in his hands.

DR. McMANUS' experience agreed very much with that of Dr. Warner, except so far as the high attenuations are concerned. He thought there was no disease easier to cure, if the remedy was selected with care, and strictly in accordance with the homoeopathic law. He did not think that physicians were careful enough in the selection of remedies, or in their adherence to the rules laid down by Hahnemann. The degree of attenuations he did not think of much importance, provided the remedy was well selected. Ignatia was indicated in thirst during the cold stage, and absence of thirst during the fever. He would regard the presence or absence of thirst, during the several stages of intermittent fever, an important, if not an infallible guide, in the selection of remedies.

On motion, the Institute now adjourned to three o'clock, P. M.

Afternoon Session.

The Institute reassembled at three o'clock, and was .called to order by the chairman.

On motion of Dr. McManus, the Institute voted to hold its next annual meeting in the city of Boston, on the first Wednesday of June, 1859.

The last annual report of the American Prover's Union, with the constitution and by-laws, were received.

The Chicago Homoeopathic Society reported its proceedings of the past year.

A report was received from the New Hampshire Homoeopathic Medical Society, accompanied with the constitution and by-laws of the same.

A communication was received from Dr. Ludlam, of Chicago, on the Endemics of Illinois and the Northeast.

A communication was received from Dr. Gallupe, of Bangor, Me., detailing the treatment of two cases of Epilepsy.

On motion of Dr. Clary, the treasurer was directed to pay to Dr. A. S. Ball, of New York city, the sum of fifty dollars, the amount of his alleged claim on the Institute, and take Dr. Ball's receipt therefor, in full.

F. R. McMANUS, M. D., chairman of the committee on the treasurer's account, made a report of approval, which was accepted by the Institute; and the demands therein, against the Institute, were ordered to be paid.

J. P. DAKE, M.D., chairman of the committee on the selection of subjects to be reported upon at the next annual meeting of the Institute; and the designation of the committees, offered the following report, which was unanimously adopted:

Committees on Scientific Subjects,

C. M. DAKE, M. D., Geneseo, N. Y., Anesthetic Agents; their use and abuse.

J. P. DAKE, M. D., Pittsburgh, Pa., Water as a therapeutic Agent.

I. M. WARD, M. D., Newark, N. J., Mechanical Supports, in the treatment of disease.

G. E. SHIPMAN, M. D., Chicago, III., Parasites, in connection with disease.

E. A. GUILBERT, M. D., Dubuque, Iowa, Chest Diseases; their diagnosis and treatment,

G. W. SWAZEY, M. D., Springfield, Mass., Medical Dynamics.

B. F. JOSLIN, M. D., New York, and

D. M. DAKE, M. D., Pittsburgh. Pa., Combinations of Potencies.

T. W. DONOVAN, M.D., Staten Island, N. Y., Intermittent Fevers.

N. H. WARNER, M. D., Buffalo, N. Y., Influence of bi-carbonate of potassa, tartrate of potassa, and carbonate of Soda, in articles of diet.

W. H. WATSON. M. D., Utica, N. Y., Phthisis Pulmonalis.

T.W. DONOVAN, M.D., Staten Island, N.Y., Diabetes.

On motion, Dr. McManus was chosen a committee, with instructions to prepare a diploma, and present it at the next annual meeting of the Institute.

Unfinished Business.

A communication from ISAAC COLBY, M.D., of Concord, N.H. on Cold and Heat as therapeutic Agents, was presented to the Institute.

W.E PAYNE, M.D., proposed the following amendment of Article IV. of the Constitution of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, which in accordance with a provision of the constitution, was laid over for consideration, at a future meeting.

Proposed Amendment.

The officers of the Institute shall be a President, a Vice President, a General Secretary, a Provisional Secretary, and a Treasurer, with such other officers as shall be designated by the by-law, to be chosen at such time and in such a manner, and for such period, and with such duties as those by-laws shall ordain.

The chairman appointed the following named gentlemen a committe of arrangements for the next annual meeting of the Institute, viz.: Samuel Gregg, M. D., Wm. Wesselhoeft, M. D., L. Macfarland, M. D., and David Thayer, M.D., all of Boston. Mass.

F. R. McMANUS, M. D., of Baltimore, was appointed to deliver the next annual Address, and S. S. Guy, M. D., of Brooklyn, his alternate.

The Institute adjourned to meet at the time and place above designated.

W. E. PAYNE, M. D., General Secretary. Bath Me.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 40-46]

[Description: The American Institute of Homoeopathy, the Fifteenth Annual Session.]

[Author: AInstHom]

[Year: 1858]

THIS AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY.

The American Institute of Homoeopathy commenced its Seventeenth Annual Session at Philadelphia, June 6th, 1860.

The members assembled at the Homoeopathic College in Filbert Street, and in the absence of the Secretaries, were called to order by Dr. P. P. Wells, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Dr. William E. Payne, of Bath, Me., was elected Chairman pro term.

The Roll of Members was called and corrections made thereto.

The election for officers being in order, Drs. J. R. Coxe, Jr., C. H. Skiff, and W. Williamson were appointed Tellers, and the following gentlemen were unanimously elected: —

Chairman: E. C. WITHERILL, M.D., Cincinnati, Ohio, General Secretary: JACOB BEAKLEY, M.D., New York. Provisional Secretary: Henry M. Smith, M.D., New York. Treasurer: C. H. Skiff, M.D., Brooklyn.

Board of Censors (to examine the credentials of Candidates for membership): S. R. Beckwith, M.D., Cleveland, Ohio; J. R. Piper, M.D., Washington, D.C.; J. D. Middleton, M.D., Baltimore, Md.; L. Dodge, M, D., Buffalo, N. Y.; G. D. Beebe, M.D., Chicago, III.

The Chair appointed the following: —

Committee to audit Treasurer's Account: J. P. Dake, M.D., Pittsburgh, Pa.; I. M. Ward, M.D., Newark, N. J.; J. R. Coxe, Jr., M.D., Philadelphia; W. E. Payne, M.D., Bath, Me.; S. M. Cate, M.D., Salem, Mass.

Dr. C. H. SKIFF presented the Treasurer's Report, showing a balance in the treasury of $126.21, which was referred to the Auditing Committee.

Dr. D. M. DAKE presented his report on Medical Education, which was laid on the table for future consideration.

Dr. W. E. PAYNE presented the report of the Central Bureau on Materia Medica; composed of Drs. B. F. Joslin, W. E. Payne, E. Bayard, M. J. Rhees, C. J. Hempel. Dr. Payne had made some provings of Glonoine: Drs Joslin and Bayard, Inula helenium: Dr. Hempel, Senaria canadlansis, and Dr. C. Wright, Rumex crispus.

On motion of Dr. P. P. Wells, the report was referred to committee on publication. Dr. Wells informed the Institute, that a very full proving of Glonoine was published in a work on American Provings by Dr. Hering, which had never been translated into English, but which he hoped would be as it contained a fund of valuable information.

Dr. R. LUDLAM'S report on Stomatitis Materna was received and laid over for future consideration.

Dr. N. H. Warner as committee on Bi-Carbonate of Soda, Tartrate of Potassa and Carbonate of Soda as Articles of Diet had not been able to finish his report, and another year was granted him.

Dr. H. D. Paine not having had sufficient time to report Diphtheria, was continued as the committee on that subject.

Dr. T. W. Donovan was continued as the committee on Intermittent Fever.

Dr. W. A. Reed committee on the Determination of Medical Truths was given more time.

Dr. S. M. CATE, committee on Pareira brava, reported verbally, that attention had been given to the subject assigned at the last meeting. An effort was made to procure a proving. The tinct. was taken by himself, commencing with ten drops twice a-day, which was followed for six days, then the quantity was gradually increased till one ounce was taken at a dose. The symptoms observed were so slight and indefinite as to be of no value. Something like a month after, he began to gain in flesh, and during the six months following gained twenty-five pounds. Whether the medicine had anything to do with this result, he is unable to say. Another person took the tinct. for some time, with no other effect than to cure a chronic ringing in the head, and smarting and dryness of the eyes.

Not having succeeded in obtaining a proving as he supposed he should, he had not written out a report as he would have done if such proving could have been obtained.

He had used Pareira brava the last two years in some chronic diseases of the kidneys and their consequences, with satisfactory results. In three cases, where the urine had a thick muco-purulent deposit, that would settle in the bottom of the vessel in considerable quantities, the effect was decided, amounting to nearly or quite a permanent cure. In one of these cases there was considerable swelling of one foot and ankle, that disappeared as the kidneys got well. It has also done good service in three cases of incipient Amaurosis. In these three cases, he considered the difficulty of vision to arise from the deposit of something about the optic nerve that should have been eliminated from the blood by the kidneys. The improvement was prompt and, as far as he knew, lasting. He considers it of some use in Diabetes simplex, and perhaps in Diabetes mellitus; he has used the tincture, two drops a day, in solution, in two or four parts of water. Painless nodosities of the finger joints, not rheumatic, were cured in two cases; and one case of rheumatic-gout, with deposits outside the capsular ligament of the knee, received great benefit from the use of this remedy.

Dr. I. T. TALBOT. to whom had been referred the subject of Auscultation and Percussion and their Therapeutic Relations, had not been able to furnish his report and asked more time. Granted.

Dr. S. S. Guy, committee on the subject of Anaesthesia in Midwifery, was released from further consideration of the subject.

Dr. G. W. SWAZEY, to whom was referred the subject of Medical Dynamics, not reporting, was discontinued as committee.

Dr. J. A. TABBELL not reporting on Diseases of the Eye, was discontinued as such committee.

Dr. R. Gardiner, as committee on Ulceration of the Mucous Membrane, desired more time, which was granted.

Dr. D. Holt, committee on The Relation of Pathology to Therapeutics, wished for an extension of time. Granted.

Dr. W. H. Watson, committee on Phthisis Pulmonalis, not reporting, was discontinued.

Dr. T. W. Donovan not reporting on Diabetes, was discontinued as such committee.

Dr. I. M. Ward was continued as committee On Mechanical Supports in the Treatment of Diseases.

Dr. G. E. Shipman not reporting on Parasites in Connection with Disease, and desiring more time, was continued as such committee.

Dr. S. R. Beckwith, Chairman of the Board of Censors, reported the names of those physicians whose credentials they had examined and found to be correct. Whereupon, the following were duly elected members of the Institute:

Henry Ahlborn, M.D., Marblehead, Mass.; James T. Alley, M.D, New York City; F. S. Bradford, M.D, Charleston, S. C.; Silas S. Brooks, M.D, Philadelphia; John Brown, M.D, Lynn, Mass.; Samuel Brown, M.D, Philadelphia; William Brown, M.D, Philadelphia; Charles S. Buckner, M.D, Baltimore Md.; J. B. L. Clay, M.D, Mooreston, N. J.; J. F. Cushing, M.D, Covington, Ky.; J. W. Dake, M.D, Warsaw, N. Y.; Carroll Dunham, M.D, Newburgh, N. Y.; John W. Fox, M.D, Covington, Ky.; William E. Freeman, M.D, Wilmington, N. C; Owen B. Cause, M.D, Trenton, N. J.; J. R. Hamilton, M.D, Skowhegan, Wis.; William C. Harbison, M.D, Philadelphia; William H. Holcombe, M.D, Waterproof, La.; I. D. Johnson, M.D, Kennett Square, Pa.; J. R. Lee, M.D, Philadelphia; Robert J. McClatchey. M.D, Philadelphia; George J. McLeod, M.D, Philadelphia; John Malin, M.D, Philadelphia; Joseph Moore, M.D. Bridgeton, N. J.; Thomas Moore, M.D, Philadelphia; Charles Morrill, M.D, Norwalk, Ohio; James H. Payne, M, D, Bangor, Me.; Edward Reading, M.D, Hatboro, Pa.; Edward J. Record, M.D, Woodbury, N. J.; Jacob Reed, Jr., M.D, Philadelphia; Charles M. Samson, M.D, Brooklyn, N. Y.; John C. Sanders, M.D, Cleveland, Ohio; James L. Scott, M.D, Philadelphia; Henry M. Smith, M.D, New York; J. W. Smith, Jr., M.D, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Thomas Franklin Smith, M.D, New York; George R. Starkey, M.D, Philadelphia; Jacob G. Stehman, M.D, Lancaster, Pa.; William Stiles, M.D, Philadelphia; E. B. Thomas, M.D, Cincinnati, Ohio; Daniel M. Tindall, M.D, Philadelphia; Charles E. Toothaker, M.D, Philadelphia; David S. Trites, M.D, Philadelphia; George S. Terrill, M.D, Cleveland, Ohio; Theodore C. White, M.D, Detroit, Mich.; O. S. Wood, M.D., Phoenixville, Pa. Anthony H. Worthington, M.D.

The Institute then took a recess till four o'clock, p.m.

Afternoon Session.

Dr. J. P. DAKE, chairman of the committee to audit the Treasurer's Account, reported that they had done so and found it correct. The report was accepted and the committee discharged.

Dr. M. J. RHEES sent a communication, stating that he had been unable to make any provings of Chimaphila umbellata. He had the article and would be glad to furnish it to members for proving.

Dr. F. R. McManus moved that the paper be received and placed on file. Carried.

Dr. W. Williamson, committee on Medical Ethics, presented an interesting report, which was received and laid on the table for future action.

Dr. Henry M. Smith presented an article from Dr. B. F. Joslin, of New York, on Apis in Albuminuria, which on motion of Dr. F. R. McManus was laid on the table for future consideration.

Dr. D. M. DAKE presented his report on Medical Education. On motion referred to the publishing committee.

Drs. C. HERING, P. P. Wells, J. P. DAKE were appointed by the chair a committee to nominate committees on scientific subjects.

The Institute adjourned to meet at Eight o'clock to hear the annual address, and to meet at Ten o'clock on the following morning in its business capacity.

Evening Session.

The members of the Institute and their friends assembled at Concert Hall to hear the address of Dr. McManus, of Baltimore.

The hall was filled by an appreciative audience, who frequently manifested their approval by hearty applause. At the close of the address a vote of thanks were tendered the orator and a copy asked for publication.

Second Day. — Morning Session.

The Institute met according to adjournment. The Chairman, D. WITHERILL, called the meeting to order at Ten o'clock.

Drs. P. P. Wells and W. E. Payne were appointed a committee to select the time and place for holding the next annual meeting.

A Report from the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Chester County, Pa., was read and ordered on file.

Dr. E. J. Record moved that the publishing committee be directed to print extra copies of Dr. McManus' Address, the number not to exceed 5000, and to be furnished to the members with the proceedings. Carried.

A Report of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Philadelphia was presented and ordered on file.

The Sixth Annual Report of the Central Homoeopathic Dispensary of New York was received and ordered on file.

The Annual Report of the Northern Home for Friendless Children, Philadelphia, was received.

A communication was received from Dr. H. D. Paine, of Albany, N.Y., relative to furnishing a complete set of the Proceedings of the Institute to the Smithsonian Institute; he having been directed, at the last meeting of the Institute, to procure a set. Thus far he had been unsuccessful. The later volumes of the proceedings, only, having been preserved among the archives of the Institute, a complete set is not to be had. The communication was ordered on file.

Dr. H. D. Paine forwarded the following: —

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare appropriate commemorative notices of such members of the Institute as have died during the past year, and that the report be incorporated with the published proceedings of the Institute.

This resolution was adopted and Dr. H. D. Paine appointed the committee.

Dr. H. D. Paine communicated the following: —

Resolved, That any member neglecting or refusing the payment of his annual dues for — years, shall be considered to have forfeited his membership; and if, after being notified of his indebtedness by the secretary or treasurer, he shall still neglect to pay, his name shall be omitted from the published list of members.

On motion of Dr. P. P. Wells the communication was laid on the table.

Dr. B. Fincke read an article on Homoeopathic Notation, which was referred to the publishing committee.

A Report of the Medical Board of the Homoeopathic Dispensary of the South-Eastern Portion of Philadelphia was received and ordered on file.

The committee appointed to select the place and time for the next Annual Meeting of the Institute, recommended holding it in Cincinnati, on the first Wednesday in June, 1861. The recommendation was adopted.

Dr. L. M. Kenyon read a paper on Gelseminum, which on motion of Dr. G. D. Beebe, was referred to the publishing committee with instructions to print.

On motion of Dr. P. P. Wills, Dr. W. E. Payne was requested to state his experience with this drug.

Dr. W. E. Paths said the paper of Dr. Kenyon, just now read, was highly interesting to him, inasmuch as it was a clinical confirmation of the pathogenetic power of the Gelseminum upon the organs of vision, as exhibited in his own proving of that drug. He had no doubt the Gelseminum would prove to be one of the most valuable agents in the treatment of affections of the eye, especially in those forms called amaurosis and amblyopia. In his own case, the effect upon the head and organs of vision was very remarkable, and, indeed, so powerfully did it effect the sight, he was obliged to discontinue the proving. A full and crowded sensation in the head, with dizziness and blurred vision, were the more prominent effects upon himself; but the dimness of sight was of the most constant occurrence and most persistent. The face, also, was flushed and hot, and pulse accelerated. These symptoms led him to the conclusion that the Gelseminum would prove homoeopathic to some forms of amaurosis; hence in the remarks appended to his short proving, as published in The American Homoeopathic Review, he suggested the homoeopathicity of the drug to the disease.

He thought every prover should endeavor to fix upon the more prominent features, or characteristics, of the drug on trial, and point them out; indicating them by some general remarks or symbols so as to fix the attention, as no one could see them so clearly as he who was under its influence.

His own clinical experience led him to believe, that the Gelseminum would play an important part in the treatment of some forms of fever, especially those resulting from sudden atmospheric changes, or rather those following a sudden check of the perspiratory process. Something like the following combinations of symptoms he thought would pretty clearly indicate the sphere of this drug in fevers resulting from checked perspiration: — Soreness of the throat; irritation of the nasal passages; heat of face, with injected conjunctiva: painful cough; cerebral headache, with a full crowded sensation; pain in back and limbs, with soreness of muscles; chills, increased by movement; skin dry and hot to feel; restlessness; pulse accelerated, fall and bounding; thirst and sleeplessness. A drenching perspiration would often follow a dose or two of the third or twelfth attenuation of the Gelseminum with long continued sleep, from which the patient would usually arouse relieved from all his sufferings, except a feeling of prostration. Such, at least, had been his experience in several cases.

On motion of Dr. P. P. Wills, Dr. J. R. Coxe, Jr., related his experience.

Dr. J. R. COXE, Jr., remarked that, November 29th, 1859, J.R. Coxe, Jr., aged sixty years, took at 8, a.m., five drops of Gelseminum sempirvirens, tinct.

November 13th. Five drops at 8, a.m., and 10, p.m.

14th. Six drops at 8, a.m., and 10, p.m.

15th. Seven drops at 9, a.m., and 10, p.m.

At 4, p.m., of the 13th, a sharp cutting pain in the left side, lasting four or five minutes and compelling him to hold his breath, very similar to a pleuritic stitch.

On the 14th, at 9, a.m., head seemed larger than natural and eyes very painful At 3, p.m., head very full; pulse 86 (natural 74); aching pains all over especially severe in the neck and head. On the 15th, at 7, a.m., when rising great confusion in the sight; vision very dim, compelling him to rub the eye; head very full and painful; face quite hot and flushed. The confusion in the sight continued more or less during the 15th, 16th and 17th, when it disappeared. Objects appeared double, and while shaving he cut himself in two or three places, a thing which had never before occurred. The painful feelings in the head and eyes were so severe, he was compelled to stop the proving. Since then he has proved the third and fourth decimal dilutions, and has experienced the same symptoms, only not so severe. He could observe no effect on the urinary apparatus, except a trifling increase in the quantity of urine; and under the influence of the third decimal dilution, he had a slight chill followed by some fever, and the pulse rose to 80. This continued for two or three days. Nearly all the symptoms of the head and eyes were experienced very soon, in fifteen or twenty minutes, while the other symptoms were longer in appearing. The pain in the head was mostly in the sinciput and left temple, occasionally very severe in vertex. During the whole proving, appetite was very deficient, and at times there was a severe pain in the back, similar to lumbago, not lasting more than thirty or forty minutes, and followed by a sensation of heat in the lumbar region. He had, after the fever produced by the third decimal, a rather profuse general perspiration for an hour, followed by a strong desire to sleep. The general symptoms were — irritability, confusion of head, weakness and flying pains throughout the body.

In several cases of amblyopia, he had succeeded with Gelseminum in curing the patient. In one case there was perfect amaurosis of the left eye; and the other had the following symptoms, which were radically cured in six weeks by Gels. third and sixth decimal, three, two and one dose per diem: —

Great pain in the forehead and temples; vertigo; weakness and dimness of sight; more pain when looking at objects at a distance; sparks and muscae volitantes before the eyes; confusion of ideas; pupil now enlarged — again diminished. The other cases were very similar and all three were cured in four to eight weeks.

He had tried the Gels, in Gonorrhea but had no success, for after a few days the patients, whom he had given five drops of tinct. thrice per diem, refused to take any more, saying it made them nearly blind. He tried Gels., third decimal, in ten, fifteen and twenty drop doses, three and four times per day, but with no success, and in all these oases the head and eyes were complained of.

He had no doubt that in some cases of Febris Intermittens the Gels. will prove very valuable. It is his intention, so soon as he has finished the proving of Polygonum punctatum, to resume the proving of Gels, in the dilutions, beginning with the thirtieth, and going to the third centesimal, as he considers such provings far more reliable than those with the tincture, since the latter only produce the toxicological effects, which we, as Homoeopathists, will seldom see in any of our patients afflicted with diseases, for which Gels, is specific; while the symptoms produced by the dilutions will be of very great value to each, and to all.

Dr. LUDLAM'S Report on Stomatitis Materna was received and referred to the publishing committee.

Dr. Williamson's Article on Ethics was ordered to be printed with the proceedings.

Dr. J. P. Dake, from the Committee on Scientific Subjects, made a Report which was accepted The following were appointed Committees on Scientific Subjects: —

Whooping Cough, — C. Neidhard, M.D., Philadelphia.

Tabies Mesenterica, — R. Ludlam, M.D., Chicago, IIl.

Uterine Hemorrhage, — P. P. Wells, M.D., Brooklyn, N.Y.

Characteristic Symptoms of Medicine, — C. Hering, M.D., Philadelphia.

Intermittent Fever, Its Homeopathic Treatment, — W. Williamson. M.D., Phila

Homoeopathic Repertories, — Carroll Dunham, M.D., Newburgh, N.Y.

Diabetes, — W. E. Payne, M.D., Bath, Me.

Homoeopathic Notation, — B. Fincke, M.D., Brooklyn, N.Y.

On Hi-Carbonate of Potassa, Tartrate of Potassa, and Carbonate of Soda as Articles of Diet, — N. H. Warner, M.D., Buffalo, N.Y.

Diphtheria, — H. D. Paine, M.D., Albany, N.Y.

Determination of Medical Truths, — W. A. Reed, M.D., Philadelphia.

Pareira Brava, — S. M. Cate, M.D., Salem, Mass.

Auscultation and Percussion, and Their Therapeutic Relations, — I. T. Talbot, M.D., Boston.

Ulceration of the Mucous Membrane, — R. Gardiner, M.D., Philadelphia.

Relations of Pathology to Therapeutics, — D. Holt, M.D., Lowell Mass.

Parasites in Disease, — G. E. Shipman, M.D., Chicago, III

Xanthoxylon, or the Prickly Ash, — L. M. Kenyon, M.D., Buffalo, N.Y.

Uses of the Microscope, — S. R. Beckwith, M.D., Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. P. P. Wells related Boenninghausen's mode of treating croup, by which he has cured more than three hundred cases of membranous croup inside of two hours, as follows: —

Dr. B. prepares five powders, to be given in the order of their numbers, dry on the tongue at intervals of half an hour; the remedies being, 1 Aconite, 2 and 4 Hepar sulph., 3 and 5 Spongia, all of the two hundredth potency; the administration to be suspended as soon as relief is manifest. In these three hundred cases there were not ten which required the five powders for their cure. Dr. Geary had generally been successful with Aconite, Hepar sulph., and Spongia. He used the low dilutions; tincture to the sixth.

Dr. F. R. McManus related a case not cured by homoeopathic remedies; a table-spoonful of lamp oil had been administered and produced a good result, entirely relieving the child.

Dr. S. GREGG said he had some experience in the treatment of croup, and he very much doubted that membranous croup could be cured in that space of time by any treatment. For no homoeopathic remedies would remove the mechanical obstruction that accumulates in all those severe and neglected cases. He had seen many cases get well where the diphtheritic exudations could be seen upon the glottis, epiglottis, pharynx and tonsils; yet, all such cases were very much to be dreaded. But he had much satisfaction in being able to say, that in the course of twenty-two years' practice with homoeopathic medicines, he had treated many hundred cases of croup, and that he had not lost a patient, when he had seen the case within thirty-six hours after the first sharp, shrill, croupy cough was noticed.

His usual treatment, in all such cases, was to give Hepar sulph., Bromine and Aconite in that order of succession, at intervals of sixty, thirty, twenty, or even fifteen minutes, according to the urgency of indication and the effect of the remedies. In most cases, the third decimal attenuation of these remedies had] been used. He had witnessed good effects in some desperate cases, from the first attenuation of Bromate and Bi-Carbonate of Potash, Tinct. Cantharis, and the first trituration of Hepar and Phosphorus. He had not used Spongia at all for many years, being better satisfied with the effect of Bromine. In all cases attended with inflammatory congestion, he applies cold water embrocations on the throat and chest. In those cases of sudden attack of Spasmodic or Asthmatic Croup, he has relied, with entire satisfaction, upon the administration of Hepar sulph., Allium cep., Ipecacuanha and Aconite, and has usually found some one of the above remedies all that were necessary.

The early symptoms, in the most troublesome cases of croup, are generally first noticed in the night. The patient is restless and coughs once or twice, perhaps, without waking; the cough having that peculiar shrill sound, which is never mistaken by one who has witnessed the progress of a continued severe case. The little patient sleeps on, not otherwise troubled, and, perhaps, during the next day remains comfortable and playful. But if it happens to cough in the day, the same sound of the cough will be noticed; but, otherwise, the child will appear perfectly well and go to sleep the second night the same as usual in good health. Then, after the first nap, it may be for half an hour or it may be for three hours, the patient wakes with the cough and oppression for breath, more or less severe. Where the oppression is not alarming, or the attendants have not been accustomed to the insidious character of the disease, it may be neglected still longer. All such cases will be severe, and a favorable prognosis cannot be given For if relief is not given by arresting the progress of the disease within the next twenty-four hours after the second attack of cough, the patient's chance to live is very small, whatever the treatment may be. As the danger from asphyxia is increased when the membrane is becoming detached, tracheotomy should not be neglected in children three and a half or four years of age or upwards; in younger subjects it will not avail.

Dr. D. M. DAKE enquired if the lower dilutions had been employed.

Dr. WELLS replied that they had, but without success.

Dr. S. R. BECKWITH gave his theory of croup. He used the Sulphate of Mercury.

Dr. JACOB JEANES believed membranous croup was a distinct disease from other kinds. He approved of Aconite, Hepar and Spongia, and used also Tartar emet. and other remedies. He approves of the method as spoken of by Dr. Wells. Had used Sanguinaria in diphtheritic exudations; thought we should be cautious in giving Iodides of Mercury.

Dr. W. Williamson spoke of the superiority of Bromine in the treatment of membranous croup, and of the importance of Aconite, Tartar emetic, Spongia and Ipecacuanha; thought the specific action of Aconite was oftener seen in that variety known as spasmodic croup. Had seen remarkable effects from its use, in such cases, in the thirtieth attenuation; does not believe in Hepar in the acute stage of spasmodic or membranous croup.

In the incipient stage of diphtheria, had had good success with Antimonium crudum and Mercurius vivus; did not have much confidence in Iodide of Mercury. In a more advanced stage of the disease, Rhus possesses a striking similarity of symptoms and is a very important remedy.

Adjourned to meet at four o'clock, p.m.

Afternoon Session.

On re-assembling at four o'clock, p.m., the Chairman announced the appointment of Dr. W. W. Rodman, of New Haven, to deliver the next Annual Address, and Dr. P. P. Wells, of Brooklyn, as alternate.

On motion of Dr. J. P. Dam, Drs. B. F. Joslin, E. E. Marcy and Jacob Beakley, were continued as the committee for publishing articles in The American Homoeopathic Review, in accordance with a resolution to that effect adopted June 2nd, 1859.

The following gentlemen were re-appointed as The Central Bureau for the Augmentation and Improvement of the Materia Medica: — B. F. Joslin, M.D., Chairman, New York; W. E. Payne, M.D., Bath, Me.; M. J. Rhees, M.D., Mount Holly, N. J.; E. Bayard, M D., New York; C. J. Hempel, M.D., Philadelphia.

The following were appointed the Committee on Clinical Experience: — W Williamson, M.D., Philadelphia; S. Gregg, M.D., Boston; F. R. McManus, M.D., Baltimore.

Dr. J. P. DAKE offered the following Declaration of Principles: —

Resolved, That we adopt and order to be printed annually in our Journal of Proceedings, the following brief Declaration of Principles.

I. That the law of cure, discovered by Hahnemann and set forth in the terms Similia Similibus Curantur, is universal in its control of medicinal means.*[The term medicinal being used for all curative means which are not chemical mechanical or hygienic.]

II. That the law, thus set forth, requires a Materia Medica, such as can be supplied only by the proving of those means upon persons in health.

III. That the nature of all pathogenetic means and especially their homoeopathic relationship to particular diseases, requires the employment of the least doses that experience proves to be efficiently curative and never can allow such as might prove destructive to life.

IV. That the Homoeopathic Law requires all medicines to be used singly and not in combination one with the other.

V. That the system of practice founded upon the Homoeopathic Law, not only allows, bat calls for, the cultivation of all those branches of science which can be tributary to the art of healing.

Discussed by Drs. J. R. Coxe, Jr., Beakley, Geary, Cate, Beckwith, Beebe, Payne, McManus and J. P. Dake.

On motion of Dr. R. McManus the resolutions were laid on the table.

Dr. P. P. Wells presented an article on The Dote in Drug Proving, by Carroll Dunham, M.D., which was laid on the table for future consideration.

The Meeting adjourned to meet at 7.30, p.m.

Evening Session.

The following were appointed Committee of Arrangements for the next Annual Meeting; — Drs. E. C. Witherill, J. H. Pulte, E. B. Thomas, A. Bauer, F. Ehrmann.

The First Annual Report of The Homoeopathic Infirmary of Philadelphia was received and ordered on file.

The Seventh Annual Report of the American Provers' Union was received and ordered on file.

Dr. S. M. CATE offered the following: —

Resolved, That we regard the Homoeopathic Law as co-extensive with disease and that a resort to any other medical means than those pointed out by the law Similia Similibus Curantur, is the result, in part, of the incompleteness of our Materia Medica, in part, of a want of sufficient knowledge by the physician of those remedies already possessed by our school, and not from any insufficiency of the Homoeopathic Law. Adopted.

Dr. W. A. Reed presented a design for a diploma, which was adopted.

On motion of Dr. J. P. DAKE, the committee was continued.

On motion of Dr S. Gregg, it was ordered to have 400 copies printed from copper-plate.

Dr. P. P. Wells moved that all bills incurred in procuring the diploma be paid. Carried.

Dr. L. Dodge moved that all members, who are not in arrears, be furnished with a diploma upon paying fifty cents. Carried.

Dr. S. Gregg moved the adoption of the following amendment of article IV of the constitution, as noticed by Dr. W. E. Payne at the meeting of the Institute in June, 1858.

The officers of the Institute shall be a President, a Vice-President, a General Secretary, a Provisional Secretary, and a: Treasurer, with such other officers as shall be designated by the by-laws, to be chosen at such time, and in such manner, and for such a period, and with such duties as those by-laws shall ordain.

The amendment was carried.

Dr. W. A. Reed moved, that on the afternoon of the second day the Institute proceed to the election of officers for the meeting. Motion indefinitely postponed.

Dr. J. W. DAKE moved that the name of President be substituted for Chairman. Carried.

Dr. W. A. REED moved that the Secretary be instructed to have diplomas filled out in uniform style. Carried.

The Secretaries and Treasurer were appointed the committee to publish the proceedings.

Votes of thanks were tendered to the officers for their services; to the daily papers for their correct reports of the proceedings; to the Managers of the Homoeopathic College for the use of the room for holding the meeting; to Drs. R. Gardiner and W. Williamson for their kind entertainment; and to the Railroad Companies for their redaction in fare to the members of the Institute.

Adjourned to meet at Cincinnati on the first Wednesday in June, 1861.

JACOB BEAKLEY, M.D., General Secretary.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 09, 1860, pages 415-425]

[Description: This American Institute of Homoeopathy, the Seventeenth Annual Session at Philadelphia, June 6th, 1860.]

[Author: Ainsthom]

[Year: 1860]

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY-SIXTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION

We are indebted to Dr. HENRY D. PAINE, of Albany, Secretary of the Institute, for the following report of its proceedings. – [ED.]

The Sixteenth Annual Meeting of this Society was held in Boston on the 1st and 2nd days of Jane at Mercantile Hall.

The attendance was larger than usual-members being in attendance from almost every part of the Union.

The efforts of the efficient Committee of arrangements and the large hearted hospitality of the Homoeopathic physicians of the New-England Metropolis, greatly enhanced the enjoyment of the numerous delegates from abroad.

The members convened at the Mercantile Hall, and at 10 o'clock were called to order by the General Secretary, DR. W. E. PAYNE of Bath Me.

After calling the roll, the Institute proceeded to the election of Officers, with the following result: –

P. P. WELLS M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y., Chairman.

H. D. PAINE M. D., Albany, N. Y. General Secretary.

I. T. TALBOT M. D., Boston, Provisional Secretary.

C. H. SKIFF M. D., New Haven, Treasurer.

Censors-WM. H. WATSON M. D., Utica, N. Y.; MILTON FULLER M. D.. Boston; D. M. DAKE M. D., Pittsburgh, Pa.; J. BEAKLEY M. D., Philadelphia; N. H. WARNER M. D., Buffalo.

Dr. Wells on taking the Chair, expressed his acknowledgments in a few pertinent remarks.

The following Committees were announced: –

On Treasurer's Account: – Drs. L. B. Wells, E. T. Richardson, G. W. Swazey, B. F. Bowers and J. P. Dake.

On Scientific Subjects for consideration at the next meeting: – Drs. W. Williamson, D. M. Dake and B. F. Joslin.

After the transaction of some other routine business, the chairman in a few feeling remarks suggested the fitness and propriety, before proceeding with the ordinary business of the Institute, of taking some suitable notice of those members of the Institute who have, since the last meeting, been removed by death. He referred particularly to the late Dr. A. Gerald Hull of New York, whose character and whose labors have done much to extend the knowledge and improvement of Homoeopathy.

Prof. Beakley thereupon, moved the appointment of a committee to report suitable resolutions, in reference to the death of Dr. Hull and other members who have died during the year past.

The chairman appointed Drs. J. Beakley, H. D. Paine, S. Gregg, W. Williamson and J. Mairs as such committee.

The unfinished business of the last meeting being next in order, a communication from Dr. Isaac Colby of Concord, on Cold as a Therapeutic Agent, which was presented at the previous meeting, was read, and on motion was referred to the Committee of Publication.

A resolution offered by Dr. W. E. Payne of Bath, Me., proposing an alteration of the Constitution, so as to provide for the election of a President and Vice President of the Institute instead of a Chairman at each meeting, and laid over from last year, was called up, and, after discussion, was postponed till the afternoon.

The Censors then nominated several candidates for membership whose credentials they had examined, and the following physicians were duly elected members of the Institute: –

H. Beakley M.D., Brewsters Station N. Y.; A. G. Bellows M.D., Roxbury, Mass; C. A. Brooks M.D., Clinton, Mass.; Dr. W. E. Bulkley, Danbury, Conn.; J. A. Burpee M.D., Malden, Mass.; C. H. Burr M.D., Portland, Me.; W. B. Chamberlain M.D., Keene, N. H.; W. J. Church M.D., Pittsburgh, Pa.; J. L. Clark M.D., Fall River, Mass.; C. Cullis M.D., Boston Mass.; E. P. Cummings M. D., Exeter, N. H.; B. DeGersdorff M.D., Salem, Mass.; G. Wm. Dennett M.D., Boston, Mass.; H. B. Eaton M.D., Rockport, Me.; C. H. Farnsworth M.D., East Cambridge, Mass.; H. Floto M.D., Salem, Mass,; S. M. Gale M.D., Newburyport, Mass.; J. F. G. Geary M. D., Phil., Pa.; G. A. Hall M.D., Westfield, N. Y.; W. F. Harding M.D., Granville, N. Y.; J. T. Harris M.D., Abington, Mass.; S. Herwitz M.D., Boston, Mass.; C. J. Hill M.D., Utica, N. Y.; M. A. Houghton M.D., Keeseville N.Y.; M. G. Houghton M.D., Lyndon, Vt.; B.W. James M.D., Philadelphia, Pa.; G. P. Jefferts M.D., Kennebunkport, Me.; D. A. Johnson M.D., Chelsea, Mass.; J. E. Linnell M.D., Worcester, Mass.; G. F. Mathes M. D., New Bedford, Mass.; E. E. Morse M.D., Cambridge, Mass.; C. Munde M.D., Florence, Mass.; J. S. Nichols M.D., Woonsocket, R. I.; L. B. Nichols M.D., Worcester, Mass.; J. C. Neilson M.D., Charlestown, Mass.; F. H. Orme M.D., Savannah, Geo.; L. Pierce M.D., Francistown N. H.; L. M. Pratt M.D., Albany N. Y.; D. S. Richards M.D., Richmond, Me.; O. S. Sanders M.D., Boston, Mass.; C. F. Saunders M.D., Waltham, Mass.; T. S. Scales M.D., Woburn, Mass.; J. H. Sherman M.D., Nantucket, Mass.; A. Shattuck M.D., Buffalo, N. Y.; G. E. E. Sparhawk M.D., Gaysville, Vt.; C. L. Spencer M.D., New Bedford, Mass.; W. L. Thompson M.D., Dover. N. H.; B. Weeks M.D., South Boston, Mass.; C. Wesselhoeft M.D., Dorcester, Mass.; W. P. Wesselhoeft M.D., Boston, Mass.; E. A. Wild M.D., Brookline, Mass.; G. H. Wilson M.D., West Meriden, Conn.; J.H. Woodbury M.D., East Boston, Mass.

Dr. Guy, the late Treasurer, presented his report, which was accepted, and referred to the Auditing Committee.

The report of the Treasurer represented the expenditures of the Institute to have been $455, and the receipts $634.

At 20 minutes past 1 o'clock the Convention took a recess until 3 P. M.

Afternoon Session.

The Convention met in the afternoon at three o'clock. The first business before the meeting was to act on the reported amendment to the Constitution. After considerable discussion the subject was indefinitely postponed.

Dr. B. F. Joslin, of New York, from the Central Bureau of Materia Medica, reported an amendment to the ninth by-law to that effect that each member of that bureau should be required to select a certain medicine which he should prove and arrange; also that all provings of each medicine by others, should be transmitted to that member of the bureau having that particular medicine in charge, so that his experience should have as wide an aid as possible. He also presented a report in reference to the use of high dilutions in proving, and Dr. Hempel a minority report. All were laid upon the table.

Dr. B. F. Joslin also made a report on the proving of Rumex crispus, by ten persons in seventeen provings. Referred to the Committee on Printing.

Dr. W. E. Payne, of Bath, Me., reported provings of Polygonum punctatum. This, with sundry reports of provings of the same article, presented by Dr. Joslin for other parties, was referred to the Printing Committee.

Dr. J. P. Dake, of Pittsburgh, read a report relative to Water as a therapeutic agent. It was laid upon the table for debate at a future time

In regard to the report of the Central Bureau, it was taken from the table and the resolutions contained therein were adopted. An additional resolution, offered by Prof. Hempel, to the effect that certain records be preserved, was adopted, and the whole matter was then referred to the Committee on Printing.

Dr. D. M. Dake presented a lengthy report on the combination of potencies. Laid on the table.

At 6 1-2 o'clock adjourned.

In the evening, Dr. Guy, of Chancellorville, Va., delivered a lecture on the subject of the "Human System." The attendance was not large. Dr. Guy introduced his subject by assuming the ground-on the authority of the Bible -that man was originally made complete and perfect; that subsequently he fell from his high estate and became subject to death; that in this subjugation he became involved in all the pain and misery which has afflicted the human race to the present time. Dr. Guy then proceeded to set forth the causes which led to man's descent from a primeval state of happiness to a state of misery which ultimates in death, and also to show by analogy the best means for man's ultimate restoration.

Second Day--Thursday.

The Institute re-assembled at 9 A. M. The attendance was larger than on previous occasions.

Dr. Foote, of New Haven, offered a resolution opposing the introduction of theological or other questions not directly connected with the proper objects of the Institute, which was adopted.

A report and communication from Chicago and other auxiliary societies were received, read and filed.

The Chair appointed Dr. McManus, of Baltimore, to deliver the next annual address, and Dr. Rodman, of Waterbury, Ct., the alternate.

Philadelphia was selected as the place for holding the next meeting.

The Central Bureau of Materia Medica was continued in office, as last year, by re-appointment.

A report was presented on the case of Dr. Moore, who had at a previous meeting been expelled from the Institute. The report recommended that he be reinstated as a member in good standing. Unanimously agreed to.

A communication from Dr. Skiles, on Eclecticism, was read and ordered on file.

Dr. H. D. Paine, of Albany, read an account of the sore throat epidemic that has prevailed extensively in the city of Albany during the last six months. He considered the epidemic to be the same disease known in France since the time of Bretoneau as Diptheritis. He estimates the deaths that have resulted from it in Albany as not less than two hundred and fifty. He claimed that the Homoeopathic treatment was altogether more successful than that generally pursued by the Allopathic school. After a brief discussion, the paper was ordered to be printed in the Transactions.

Dr. S. M. Cate read a communication on the treatment of a particular form of inflammation of the stomach, which was also ordered to be printed.

Dr. Wm. E. Payne, of Bath, Me., described the history and treatment of a very tedious and obstinate case of Secondary Syphilis, which was cured after eight years existence.

A communication from Dr. Moore, of St. Louis, on mixed potencies, was presented, accepted, and ordered on file.

Dr. J. A. Ward, of New York, presented the following memorial from certain physicians of New York, and asked that it might be read:

To the American Institute of Homoeopathy,

The undersigned, homoeopathic physicians of the city of New York, beg leave, respectfully to present to the Institute, the following suggestions: –

At the present time, it is estimated that there are not less than 3,000 physicians in the United States, who call themselves homoeopathists. Of this number there is every reason to suppose that the vast majority are actually what they pretend to be, believers in the homoeopathic law, and the homoeopathic practice, in contradiction to all other laws, and modes of practice. It is a well known fact, however, that there are some, (a very small number) who rank themselves in this category, who at heart are opposed to homoeopathy both theoretically, and practically-who ridicule and contemn the teachings and practice of Hahnemann, and of his truest and most talented disciples, and who are striving by every available means to merge our Heaven born system into the pernicious mates of eclecticism and other empirical schools. These enemies of our doctrine, these despisers and slanderers of Hahnemann and his disciples, these open advocates for an amalgamation of Homoeopathy with empirical systems of the day, these dessenters in our ranks, are sowing their poisonous seeds broadcast throughout the entire nation, and under the garb and designation of "friends to Homoeopathy," are stabbing her at every turn. Witness the tone and tendencies of the leading Homoeopathic Quarterly during the past two years! Behold the frequent disparagements of the theory and practice of Hahnemann: and the no less frequent advocacy and adoption of Allopathic and Antipathic measures! It is unnecessary to quote instances of this prostitution of a noble cause, for the pages of the Journal in question abound in them. Is there a member of this Institute who does not recognize the truth of these statements, and appreciate the pernicious tendencies, and the anti homoeopathic influence of these eclectics to our ranks? Is there a man in this Association who does not deprecate the course of any person or of any Journal which tends to throw discredit upon our well established doctrines and to establish in their place a hypothetical system of empiricism? Shall we repudiate and abandon the stout rudder of our noble ship-"SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURANTUR"-and trust to any stray plank which the waves of empiricism may bring to hand to guide her through the stormy sea of medical practice?

Let no one undervalue the influence of a large Quarterly Journal, in changing, forming, and directing public opinion in medical matters. Let no one suppose that the issue of 150 pages quarterly to the profession throughout the States, and treating upon every branch of Medical Science, is not an engine of tremendous power for good or evil. Did not the founder of our school, the immortal Hahnemann, always repudiate, and most earnestly caution his disciples against the systems, hypotheses, and the absurd practices of those whom he termed "Mongrels." And are these nondescripts any the less trust-worthy and reliable, or are their teachings and practices any the less dangerous to the welfare of the school in our own day?

In view of these facts, what are the duties of this National Institute-and what of every honest believer in the homoeopathic theory and practice of medicine? Shall he continue to leave the field open and unopposed to the mongrel, the eclectic, and the empiric, who falsely employ the name of " Homoeopathy" in order to carry on more effectually their insidious opposition to our cause? Or shall we ourselves establish a Quarterly which shall be a National exponent of Homoeopathy – a Journal which recognizes but one law of cure, and that one the homoeopathic "SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURANTUR"-a Journal which shall not subserve the ends or the ambition of any individual, or medical clique, but which shall number among its editorial contributors, distinguished gentlemen from every State in the Union – a Journal which shall be under the patronage of the American Institute of Homoeopathy and other kindred Associations, and which, while it sustains the universal applicability of "Similia" in all curable diseases, will denounce and expose the pernicious errors of Allopathy, eclecticism, and other empirical systems.

The time has fully arrived when the real friends of the cause must bestir themselves in earnest, if they would rescue the young giant of Homoeopathy from the contaminating embrace of eclecticism. They must not rely upon mere words and favorable wishes, but let their actions also speak. The pen and the purse must be called into requisition if we would arrest the progress of error and false doctrines in our ranks, and place the entire school upon a more elevated and progressive foundation.

In this connection we take much pleasure in attesting to the ability, seal, and true devotion to Homoeopathy, which characterize the homoeopathic monthly periodicals of our country, and we earnestly trust that they may all be amply sustained.

Should the Institute in its wisdom deem it expedient to establish a Quarterly Journal of medicine which shall be a National exponent of our school, or make propositions for the conversion of one of the present Homoeopathic Monthlies into a Quarterly, or such other periodical as shall meet the views of the Institute, the undersigned will cordially and actively cooperate in the good work. All of which is respectively submitted:

Clark Wright, M. D. Alonzo S. Ball, M. D. A. D. Wilson, M. D.

H. Sherrill, M. D. Alfred Freeman, M. D. James Mairs, M. D.

J. T. Alley, M. D. E. E. Marcy, M. D: A. Leon, M. D.

Jno. A. Ward, M. D. George Beakley, M. D. Sam'l Lilienthal, M. D.

A. Houghton, M. D. E. D. Bartlett, M. D. J. W. Dowling, M. D.

M. Freligh, M. D. E. G. Freligh, M. D. Oliver R. King, M. D.

J A. Carmichael, M. D. M. E. Lazarus, M. D. F. W. Hunt, M. D.

Ad. Reisig, M. D. J. T. Evans, M. D. J. McMurray, M. D.

J. G. Baldwin. M. D. B. F. Bowers, M. D. L. Hallock, M. D.

L. de V. Wilder, M. D. G. H. Leach, M. D. W. Freeman, M. D.

Otto Fullgraff, M. D. Chas. W. Torry, M. D. Chas. Pfaff, M. D.

A. Savary, M. D.

On motion the above memorial was referred to a special committee. The Chair appointed as such committee Drs. J. R. Coxe, Samuel Gregg and B. F. Joslin.

It was also moved and carried that Mr. Henry M. Smith, the editor of the American Homoeopathic Review, now present, be heard in reference to the character, object and plan of that periodical.

Whereupon Mr. Smith made substantially the following statement: –

That the American Homoeopathic Review had been commenced in compliance with the request of many homoeopathic physicians who wished a periodical that should be more strictly Homoeopathic than any then published, and one that should be published oftener than once in three months.

With this object the Review was started last October and had been issued regularly every month since. Its pages had been open to any articles that were strictly homoeopathic, but the editors had eschewed everything pertaining to eclecticism and empiricism. Being thus exclusively devoted to the dissemination of pure Homoeopathy it sought the co-operation of all who likewise desired its advancement, and would therefore like to receive from the Institute such papers presented to it as were suitable for publication.

In reply to a query Mr. S. desired to state that the Review was independent of all cliques, societies or colleges, and would continue to be so, and that the publication of the papers of any society would not give to that society any control over the Review, further than the publication of those papers.

Subsequently the committee presented the following report: –

BOSTON, June 2d, 1859.

Your committee appointed to consider the memorial of certain physicians of New York, beg leave to report the following Resolutions: –

1. Resolved. That we sympathize with and approve of the views of the memorialists, and order their communication to be printed with our proceedings.

2. That we appoint a committee of three who shall publish our papers in accordance with our instructions, and hold their appointment for one year.

3. That we accept the polite offer of Mr. Smith, editor of the American Homoeopathic Review, to this extent-that our publishing committee be instructed to issue in his periodical such papers us they may deem proper of those ordered on file by the Institute, and all such reports of Scientific Committees as have usually been read at our meetings.

4. That the committees on Scientific subjects be requested to pass their reports into the hands of the publishing committee so that they be published at least two months before the meeting of the Institute at which they are to be considered.

5. That Mr. Smith be requested to place the names of our publishing committee on the title page of his Review.

JOHN REDMAN COXE Jr., M. D.

Signed B. F. JOSLIN, M. D.

SAMUEL GREGG, M. D.

The Report was accepted, and after some consideration, the Resolutions reported by the committee were adopted.

The Chair appointed the following as the Publishing Committee, provided for in the second Resolution, for this year: –

Dr. B. F. JOSLIN, New York

"E. E. MARCY, Publishing Committee.

"J. BEAKLEY, Philadelphia.

A resolution was adopted giving the Committee on Publication power to consult with the authors of papers which are deemed too long or too loose in their arrangement, with a view to so contract and condense them that the printed proceedings may not be too voluminous.

They were also authorized to prefix suitable headings and remarks to the communications and reports included in the proceedings.

Resignations from several members were accepted.

Dr. W. E. Payne referred to the course pursued by the publishing committee last year in regard to delinquent members, as explained in the "Remarks," added by them to the Transactions. He desired the Institute to express its approval or disapproval of their action. He also called the attention of the Society to the large number of non-paying members still on the roll, and urged the necessity of taking judicious, but at the same time decided measures in regard to them.

The course adopted by the committee was approved, and Dr. Dake offered a resolution instructing the Secretary to strike from the roll of members those who refused to pay their dues.

The Treasurer and Secretary were appointed a committee with authority to dispose of unsettled and disputed accounts.

Dr. J. Beakley proposed Mr. J. T. S. Smith, pharmaceutist of New York, as an Honorary Member which was objected to by Dr. McManus as being unconstitutional. On referring to that clause, the chairman so decided it. Dr. Guy then gave notice that at the next meeting, he would move as an amendment to the constitution, that pharmaceutists be eligible to Honorary Membership.

Dr. Donovan offered a resolution urging members to make clinical reports, which, after some consideration was adopted.

The following gentlemen were appointed to prepare papers on different subjects to be read at the next annual meeting.

Dr. D. M. Dake of Pittsburgh, on Medical Education; Dr. R. Ludlam of Chicago, on Stomatitis Materna; Dr. N. H. Warner of Buffalo, on Bi-Carbonate of Potassa, Tartrate of Potassa and Carbonate of Soda; Dr. H. D. Paine of Albany, on Diphtheria; Dr. T. W. Donovan of Staten Island, on Intermittent Fever; Dr. Wm. A. Reed of Philadelphia, on the Determination of Medical Truths; Dr. S. M. Cate of Augusta, Me., on Pereira Brava; Dr. I. T. Talbot of Boston, on Auscultation, Percussion and their Therapeutic Relations; Dr. W. E. Payne of Bath, Me., on Croup; Dr. Daniel Holt of Lowell, on the Relation of Pathology to Therapeutics; Dr. S. S. Guy of Chancellorville, Va., on Anaesthesia in Midwifery; Dr. G. W. Swazey of Springfield, on Medical Dynamics (continued); Dr. J. A. Tarbell of Boston, on Diseases of the Eye; Dr. Richard Gardiner of Philadelphia, on Ulceration of the Mucous Membrane; Dr. W. H. Watson of Utica, on Phthisis Pulmonalis; Dr. T. W. Donovan, on Diabetes (continued).

Provings of the following plants were intrusted to the members named, viz: Rumex crispus to Dr. B. F. Joslin; Chinaphilla umbellata to Dr. M. J. Rhees; Inula campana to Dr. E. Bayard.

Dr. McManus of Baltimore was, at his request, discharged from the further consideration of the proper form of a diploma, and Prof. Reed of Philadelphia was appointed in his stead.

Dr. J. P. Dake's paper on Water as a Therapeutic agent was then taken up, and after some conversation was referred to the printing committee.

The communication of Dr. D. M. Dake on the combination of Potencies, was taken up, and after some consideration was referred to the same committee.

Several other papers read yesterday were taken up and referred.

A report was presented and read from the Massachusetts State Homoeopathic Society, presenting a favorable condition of the profession in that State.

The Secretaries and Treasurer were appointed the committee to publish the proceedings of the Institute. They were instructed to send copies of the proceedings, when published, only to those members who shall have paid their annual dues.

A vote of thanks was passed unanimously in reference to the efficient manner in which the late Treasurer and Secretary have performed their respective duties during the past year; also to the Chairman and Secretary of the present session.

At 2 1-2 o'clock, the meeting adjourned, to meet in Philadelphia on the first Wednesday in June, 1860.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 10, 1859, pages 464-471]

[Description: The American Institute of Homoeopathy, the Sixteenth Annual Session.]

[Author: AInstHom]

[Year: 1859]

ALLIUM CEPA.

(Common Onion.)

Translated from Hering's Americanische Arzneiprefuugen,

by T. F. Allen, M.D.

Synopsis of The Contents. — History – Review of Its Old History – Next in Importance — Preparation — Chemistry – Signature and Law of the Distribution of Medicines – Signs for the Names of the Provers – Comparative Review of the Symptoms, from Disposition and Intellect to the Skin – Kind of Constitution and Ages — Conditions – Times of Year – Times of Day – Right and Left – Varieties of Sensation — Antidotes — Relationship – Review of the most General and Special Characteristics – Indications – Names of Diseases — Epilogue – Critical Examination of the Onion.

History. – On the 15th of September, 1847, as we were talking about the yellow fever then raging in New Orleans, a female friend told me that in the last epidemic in Philadelphia, one of the refugees was attacked on the way into the country, and was allowed to crawl into a barn, there he discovered a heap of onions with which he quenched his thirst and recovered without any further trouble. On the same day, a patient told me that when he was a boy, in the country, he had the measles, and was given up as a hopeless case. He stretched out his little hands after some onions which were being carried past him, and through pity he received one from the servant and devoured it eagerly, thereupon he fell into a sweat sleep, and thereafter speedily recovered, contrary to general expectation.

This coincidence induced me, on the same day, to cut up a few onions and treat them with spirits of wine, to take thereof, and at once search my library, where much was met with concerning onions, in old books, in works on popular remedies and accounts of diseases or idiosyncrasies.

I was attacked with a coryza and a so-called catarrhal throat ache. Now, indeed, there were then other causes enough in the weather, and at that time I was especially inclined thereto; but I can distinguish the difference between a coryza that is produced by a drug and one that the weather occasions, and knew this was the action of Cepa. He who has made a couple of dozen of drug provings can also learn it, and not only as regards coryzas, but also with pains in the limbs and other things; it is an entirely different sensation, and indeed different with every remedy. However I again took the drug later in better weather.

My Cepa coryza seemed to me to be similar to that from Chlorine, and now was it easy to knock up a bridge to the reports of the ancients to whom the onion was, as Chlorine has become to us, a destroyer of miasms. But thereby a classic illumination fell upon the two little wonderful narrations which I mentioned at the outset. To reject these on critical grounds, would not require more than the most ordinary wit, for measles is also a catarrh, and yellow fever a contagious miasm. The symptoms and curative experiences of the old herbals led me farther.

And so not many weeks had passed ere the onion had become a polychrest to me and my friends, and so it remains to this day. It fills a gap between Aconite and Ipecacuanha; at all times it can be used in certain cases, but many times when a "catarrhal genius epidemicus" prevails (N.B. — Corresponding to this remedy), it can be used in almost all cases with advantage. Now since at such times the Aconite jacks get their noses pinched because Aconite does not "cure fever," because in all their cases it does only harm, so perhaps they may the more readily and willingly make use of their catarrhal jack.

Now, as the egg stands on its tip, or more aptly the onion on its tap, I should not be at all surprised if others now "had thought the same thing." May it serve to benefit and rejoice their patients, and may they succeed in completing the list of characteristics of the onion which I have added in a symptomatic register. Others will hedge about this simple naked form with pathological terms, and believe when they have let the remedy play a roll "in the catarrhal process" they have said something – I do not believe it. Habeant sibi.

But I believe it serves for an inclosure, and I hope that thereby something new may come out of it which, it is well known, has not been the case hitherto with the reconstructed remedies. Also it would pay to make experiments after the manner of Boecker, whereby especially the peculiar chemical nature of the kinds of gases would be established, which it is well known are wont to be given off of a peculiarly specific character by the onion eater.

All this is worth the while. In the mean time, may the here following very incomplete collection suffice and what is always the main thing, contribute to right many cures.

I had taken only ten drops of the tincture and bestowed ten hours time at most thereon, when it already sufficed to cure hundreds of cases or surely to alleviate them. Thereto most especially contributes the view that the onion, while it shows itself related only partially to Chlorine, has a complementary relation to Phosphorus, that is, according to my oft-mentioned theory, minerals correspond to plants just as nearly related, an experience just as important to the elevation of science as it can be to the practitioner in his choice.

I consider these successive and gradual relationships as one of the laws in the distribution of the curative powers in nature. I mentioned this twenty years ago indeed, but was laughed at for it. In the course of provings, on the healthy, of complete unbiased collection of experiences and prescriptions at the sick bed, let it be confirmed, but we must have many more remedies yet, and one person cannot do everything. It needs no divining rod to find many such polychrests which then remain living springs. Moreover it does not need such great exertion and neither excessive sacrifices nor the voluntary poisoning of all societies. We have, in the same way as it happened with the onion, made an important polychrest of garlic also, probably it will also be the case with ginger, calamus, caraway, fennel, anise, horse-raddish, celery, mustard, thyme, majorum, mint, sage, black pepper, cinnamon and many others besides; just as it has been with Coffea, Capsicum, Crocus, Nux moschata, Lupulus, Raphanus.

If one has made one single proving with a single massive dose, decided symptoms follow this dose, so among these not only can but must characteristic of the remedy be continued, if one only understands how to grasp them.

One has then curative indications from the same remedy, be it only the bare names of diseases, one holds a handle to make use of. If cases present in which no other remedy shows itself appropriate, or when that which seems to fit misses fire, and the case has come, if only probable, characteristic of a new remedy, then may it also be given. Either it accomplishes nothing, then one stands where he stood before, or it acts, and then it acts either for a cure, or developing new symptoms, or both. The curative action becomes recorded as such, and the new symptoms as probable. In this manner the remedy grows, like the onion.

I remember having read the very naive question, in relation to Cistus canad. and Daphne indica and also Podophyllum peltatum, that decided polychrest, how then do the cures harmonize with the medicinal symptom? He who has learned to accomplish much with little, only laughs at such objections.

It must certainly not be expected that all this happens in so short a time as one takes to read it. Many remedies grow slowly, and many not at all. All need labor, much toilsome labor, even the rapid growing. How much in the beginning must be regarded as only probable, and written in special notes. In how many cases must it be applicable or not; help or no help, before one settles upon this or that symptom as probable, or at last as most certainly characteristic. How many times must the whole collection be revised and enlarged, and how often rewritten, and every time the copy be compared word for word. But all this care richly repays if it now and then succeeds, and a cast brings in a net full of living flapping symptoms.

It has been called a duty to prove drugs, and it is desirable to do so if need be from a sense of duty, I have nothing against it, so that it is only accomplished; but confess that it seems to me like begetting and rearing children; "therein one takes pleasure!" but he, who can mount marriage bed, nurse, rear and send his children to school from a sense of duty, can also prove medicines from a sense of duty; then at least he is not classed with the old maids and bachelors, the sneerers, critics, reviewers, and those who worry themselves gray over the bad habits of the rising generation.

Retrospect of its Ancient History. – Egyptian mummies held onions in their hands for thousands of years. The mummies did not move neither did the onions. The mummy was a dead thing, but the onions possessed living powers. Theories are mummies: pure experiences are living; but only so when they receive light and air. As I the other day, at Philadelphia, cut up a red onion from Connecticut and poured spirits of wine over it, and took thereof when in full health, the old observations received light and air. Then was the onion taken from the hand of a dry mummy, carefully planted in the earth and watered, and it grew and blossomed, and brought forth fruit and will now continue to grow unto the end of days.

At Pelusium the fortress, surrounded by marshes, at the most Easterly mouth of the Nile, which takes it name from the mud, "nearby where the Typhon breaths," godly veneration was bestowed upon one single temple – the Cromyon, which in holy language is called Typhon's eye, for it cured, just as Scilla, the dropsy, which was caused by the Typhon's plague, the marsh-air (Strumpf, 2, p. 32). The original use was, however, very probably in prevailing fevers. It must have been often noticed, that a coryza protects from these fevers, and since the onion produces it, so it has been used. It was discovered, or thought to have been discovered, that it would destroy miasms and, therefore, it was a remedy against all noxious vapors. It was hung up in noxious corners, carried about with one, taken for the consequences of bad water, and at last, according to the general view of poisons, even used for the stings of insects, and because it then did surprising good (although from other reasons as we now know), it was indeed used for animal poisons, even the bite of the mad dog. Therefore it was classed among the sweating remedies. It was believed, how many believe it still at the present day, that, if the exhibition of a remedy in diseases was followed by sweat, the remedy is a sweat-drawer. But all remedies are sweat remedies if they remove the disease and it ends by a sweat.

It was found that it made the skin red and itching, hence it was applied as an irritant and matured abscesses, even carbuncles. Then it was used for frozen feet, and even Dioscorides mentions that is efficacious when feet are rubbed sore. Then it was also used as a remedy for promoting the growth of the hair, as also for destroying warts and corns, so was it also given for the sequelae of "white and black measles in the body." Therefore was its remedy also for making hoofs grow.

Dioscorides manifestly judged from the similarity of symptoms cured, not from any supposed nature or indeed from the most superficial conclusions; there may be organ-remedies.

It was of service in frozen feet, he gave it for podagra.

The two experiences that the mucous membranes was excited to watery secretions and the external skin to maturing suppuration led the physicians to more extended, very manifold exhibitions. The onion was an eye-remedy, an ear-remedy, especially serviceable in angina and for loosening mucus, if it rattled in the throat and bronchials of children and old people. The stomach was by it aroused, and the intestines made to cast off wind; this also opened a wide field. The efflux of blood in women was by its exhibition promoted, as well as the salutary flow of blood from the anus, and here again one had frequent occasion to conjecture it will be of service in "constipation." That the kidneys removed the excess of acridity was enough that it was given as a kidney remedy, i.e., urine-drawing, when the urine would not pass, whether the hinderance were cramp or weakness, – a stone or the "water."

In this whole circle, from malarious fever to dropsy, the most simple principles led the way; experience willingly adapted itself to experience, however incomplete the views and expressions were.

So far came Dioscorides and the physicians following him among the Arabs, and later in the middle ages.

But as Galen obtained influence, in the same measure all reasonable investigation ceased. With the preposterous teachings of the four qualities, all progress must cease. Now the onion warms and dries in the fourth grade! What acuteness! So also a blacksmith here in this country discovered, who certainly had not read Galen, who said, "heat is life, cold is death; what heats, promotes life." So Spanish pepper keeps people alive; hence we must first give an emetic and then pepper. That also was simple and astute, and he was even a founder of a sect in the healing art, and hundreds of thousands followed this astuteness and still run after him. Everything in life only repeats itself.

I must leave to others to hunt up the sources of the history and use of this remedy, since my collection only extends itself to the old herbals and what they extracted from the works of the Greeks. Very especially Dioscorides deserves to be thoroughly overhauled, since his observations, going into particulars, are fully confirmed. I will give only a few citations as I came across them.

In the bible, bejel is mentioned as food, after which the Jews longed, just as our people long for a cup of coffee and a pipe of tobacco.

Homer speaks of it, Iliad. XI, 629; Od. XIX, 233; Herodotus Histories, II; Euterpe N., 125: Hippocrates De diaeta, II, 359; De affect., 529; De morbo sacro, 302; Theoprast., Vol. VII, 4; Plinius, XX (5) 20; Oribasius Med. Coll, XI, XV; Aetius Zetr., I serm. I; Paulius AEginet. de re med., VII.

Almost all that the ancients observed were preserved through the thousand years, and still live among the people. Everywhere, "for severe nose bleed," or "if one cannot pass water," and in "croup of children," in "worm troubles," especially tearing in the ears and for ripening boils, making the hair grow, for strengthening the hoof, and many other complaints, this very onion is used still the same.

Indeed we find the belief among people that onions must never be eaten, had they lain sealed or cut up for any length of time in the air, they would then be poisonous, they had abstracted the poison from the air and then produced cutting pains in the abdomen, diarrhea and the like (epistolatory communications from Dr. Raue). Even now are fishes, crabs and especially mushrooms added, because they "draw out the poison" and then become black. I have given the popular uses as completely as was possible for me, in this review; have gone through Osiander's and other collections and prescribed it in almost all such cases, if they showed similar symptoms, and indeed with effect.

Next important would be the history of the onion as a pot herb.

What was medicinal, was considered healthy and added as a corrector of the food and drinks, was daily food and thereby acted upon the popular health. Onions primarily produce dullness and stupidity, hence in their secondary action, or if they act curatively on those otherwise made dull, they make one wide awake, cunning, sly.

As an herb, it was generally diffused and liked. Indeed it is said, in Schroeder's Arzneischatz, page 921, that it was so common in cakes that no cook could easily dispense with it, though there are people who can neither eat nor smell it. It made the perspiration, the milk, the air expelled upward or downward somewhat offensive; if cows ate it, their milk and butter tasted thereof, a flavor which even most zealous onion-eaters did not relish. Yet we find it added to the chief victuals to improve their smell, hence comes garlic with mutton, onion with beef. And it is, indeed, an improvement if cooks would only observe moderation. We find, further, when we look at the dishes, when they have been prepared by real experts, that it is flatulent food to which it is added, for example, rice, potatoes. But if onions themselves are cooked as a dish, then is the carminative caraway added to it as a corrective. These do not unite, and hence do not interfere with each other's peculiar action, whilst if two substance unite chemically, that which is alike and similar in their action becomes more prominently developed in the compounds according to a law propounded by me.

The onion, like other plants, was improved by cultivation in the field and garden. Loudon enumerates eighteen varieties; among which is the white onion, very sweet, nearly destitute of acridity, which is cultivated in Spain especially. The newer the soil the more alkaloids, acids and acrid oils do the plants contain. The more they find alkalies and excess of organic nourishment in the soil, the more mealy, sweeter, pleasant and aromatic do they become. So the wheat-flour which comes from virgin soil contains a horribly offensive fusel oil which one does not find in Sicilian flour; while the latter has more alkali, the former less. This have I discovered while seeking out the causes of the diseases prevalent here in America.

PREPARATION. – For medicinal use we use the red, longish, in general the most acrid onions, and from experience those which do not come from soil cultivated for a century.

Dioscorides, Plinius, Oeribasius, Aetins and Paulus AEgineta declare the long onions more acrid than the round, the red than the white, the dry than the fresh, the raw than the cooked or salted (Strumpf, 2, p. 23, Amm.

Serapion also says that the red are stronger than the white. Others have observed that the farther North they grow the more acrid they become. Shroeder considers the long onions the most acrid. The roots must be cut off (for the onion is not a root as the learned Strumpf said), also the placenta furnishes very little juice and the dry outer husks none at all. The juice must be expressed from the inner soft parts; strong alcohol is then to be added and after a few days decanted. Or, the onion may be crushed, treated with alcohol and then expressed. Still better would be the distilate, although it is weaker, whereof we will speak in Hamamelis.

CHEMICAL. – The volatile oil should contain Sulphur. Braconnot found pectic acid in it. Foucroy (Ann. de chim., 1808, 65, 161) and Vanquelin (Receueil period., 1,416) give analysis. According to them, onions contain Phosphoric, Acetic and Citric acids and Phosphate of lime.

Whether, what we have been accustomed to call alkali in plants has any influence in its action, comparisons hitherto have afforded no conclusion. But it is possible that these substances exist in such combinations with organic matter that their action, i.e., their influence on the functions is greatly restricted. Since we know that there are combinations of Arsenic, which are even less active than kitchen salt, we must presuppose that this may be the case with many other substances. And according to observations hitherto made, many articles of food and taste act far differently by means of their volatile substances, volatile oils and the like, than by their alkalies. So also the alkalies vary far more than do the effects; that is, the variations in the definite symptoms from the same animal or vegetable substance from different localities, is far less than the variation in the quantity and quality of the alkalies.

SIGNATURE AND LAW OF DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICINES. — As far as we still are from reliable conclusions from the chemical composition of vegetable or animal substance (we have as yet not even the first triangle as a basis for our mensuration), just so far are we removed from a clear understanding of the significance which the aspect, form, and numerous other appearances possess. Yet it is exceedingly probable, from knowledge hitherto of effects that an analogy exists between form and effect. This is signature. I consider everyone a coward in science, who is afraid of such a word, when it embodies truth. Flocks alone are cowards, and if a bell-wether believes that he owes it to the dignity of science to make a side jump, inasmuch as a wolf skin hangs over the fence, so the whole flock becomes terrified and jumps about. This I know, but yet assert it. Hahnemann rejected in toto the doctrine of signature, at which we also do not wonder. A pair of miserable numbskulls supposed Homoeopathy to be the revived signature that also was not to be wondered at. Helbig had courage enough to show by example that there was something in it. Thereupon the common adverse critics replied with scurrilous words, as was expected. But it manifests itself in the farther and farther advancing investigations it shows itself in that, to a certain extent, there is a chemical homogeneousness in the families of plants. Just so does the accordance in the action of the various plants of the same family present it, which explains itself as soon as there was chemistry. But now are the plants grouped into families according to their form. But if the botanist found essential similarity of form whereby one plant is placed by another, if the chemists found in such similarly formed plants similar substances, if a similarity of action shows itself between them, and they must show it, because all action is chemically conditioned, so must there be an accordance between form and action. Granted, that this similarity between members of the same family be only superficial, which, however, do not wholly concede, yet is this next proposition to be considered, whether also the differences in form between individual members exhibit a corresponding difference in their action. For example, whether the distinction in form accord with the difference in action in Nux vomica and Ignatia, in Aconite and Helleborus, in Belladonna and Capsicum. The law of action of members of a family, which I intend to discuss in the preface, may be represented in general, as follows:

a

a

a

a

a

b 5

b^4

b^3

b^2

b^1

c^1

c^2

c^3

c^4

c^5

That is a part of the action marked "a," is the same in all the members of the same family; another,"b," preponderates at one end of the series, decreases and is almost wanting at the other end. A third, "c," deports itself reversed. The Solanaceae furnish an example, which are considered on the one hand narcotic, and on the other acrid. The last predominates, for example, in Capsicum, the first in Tobacco. In the Ranunculaceae, which as a family exhibit great diversity of action, the same law shows itself in the distribution of medicinal property; and those known can be arranged in a series, more properly in a half circle; at this end Ranunculus would be placed; at the other Helleborus or Paeonia. The Malvaceae have at one end the Oxalic acid, sour Sabdariffa rubra; at the other the strong offensive smelling Sida graveolens, etc. What have been considered exceptions prove to be end-unfoldings.

The chief thing to be done is to prove particular plants on a number of persons. Then only can we take the next step, compare those nearly related. Any thing beyond may be conjectured in order that we may have a goal before us, but it brings us no nearer to it until we have a sufficient number of such pairs. One of the most important side relationships exists between Allium cepa, the onion, and Allium sativum, the garlic. Many of us are already experimenting on the latter.

It is very natural to think that garlic and onion act alike, only the former more powerfully. Doubtless then is it very convenient to trifle still further, but we must investigate the action of garlic, without which the similarity in structure, composition or smell, might possibly trouble us; just as Hahnemann investigated Nux vomica and Ignatia without concerning himself about having relatives before him, indeed without knowing, that in each were contained Strychnia and Brucia. We know that the two are not interchangeable, that their action is essentially different; that, also, everything depends on being acquainted with their difference.

This we know of the onion and garlic, perhaps now we shall be able to understand what it signifies, that Allium cepa gathers no young brood about the onion-placenta, as do the other species, especially the garlic; hence it was called unio, from which oignon and onion are derived. Something similar induced historians to designate the king Frederick "den Einzigen." The common onion bears its brood above in the crown. There is, however, a variety known as the potatoe-onion, which will fill the whole bed in the garden yet bear no seeds.

Possibly our bed will soon become quite full, provings and clinical experiences accumulate, so also will the crown above fill with young onions, which will continue to grow.

Should we obtain a history of the onion from the ancients, and a copy of the several provings be desired, I can for the most part furnish them. Till then the customary pathogenesis, which I have made as complete as possible, will suffice.

THE NAMES OF THE PROVERS, – C. Hering took the tincture of the onion on the 15th of September, 1847, and the following days; on the 13th of November, five drops of the tincture after twelve o'clock, and five drops about one o'clock, from which appeared most of the symptoms. Many single symptoms are from other persons and designated by the letters, ab, gg., etc.

Dr. Jeanes proved Cepa on himself, and has used it very extensively to the present time.

Drs. Williamson, Neidhard and Lingen have enriched the present collection by very important observations.

Dr. W. Wesselhoeft, Boston, took two drops of the tincture in two spoonfuls of water for four or five days in succession, in the morning.

Dr. Geist took one drop of the third potency on the evening of the 16th of December, 1847; two drops on the 19th, at eleven, a.m.

An especially good proving is that of Dr. J. N. Eckel. He took, on the morning of the 17th of December, 1847, (fasting) two drops of the tincture on sugar of milk; on the 19th, four drops of the tincture in water; and in May, 1848, and experienced therefrom, with slight variation, the same symptoms.

Dr. Zumbrock took ten drops of the tincture frequently repeated, and though he had great aversion against onions in food, he experienced only a few symptoms.

Dr. Alleborn obtained several male provers, sedentary manual labors, tailors and weavers, who had lived quite homoeopathically, for many years, without coffee, tobacco, beer, brandy and spices. They took the strongest tincture, even as much as fifty drops, repeated for many days; designated. G. W.P.L.

All these provings could be printed in day-book form; at present we can only spare room for the symptoms register and divers matter from ancient and modern works. The reports and opinions of the Greek and other ancient as well modern physicians, are noted with the name or Gr. P. – A. P. – M. P.

W. Wirsung Arzneibuch, 1597.

T., Tabernaemontani Kraeterbuch.

Sch. Sch., denotes Scheibler Schaltjahr, reprint from various old writers. O. V., Osiander Volksmittel.

Hong., Honigberger Fruechte Maus dem orgenlander.

Tahfet, according to the preceding, from the Materia Medica of the Eastern physicians.

Register of Symptoms

Mind and Disposition :

1. To Mandragora we may join the excessive use of garlic, onions and leeks, because all physicians consider them very injurious, as occasioning deeply corrupted, malignant humidity; which inflame the blood, injure the eyes, the head, the brain and stomach; predisposing to lethargy, sopor, somnolency, vertigo, epilepsy and indeed insanity. Wm. Ramsey, Treatise de Venenis, 1661, p. 68.

- Onions go to the head with their acridity and injure the brain, and if one eats too much of them they can indeed cause insanity and madness. Col. Oec., 53.

- If many are eaten raw, they make a person foolish by reason of their aromas, which mount into the head. Sch. Sch.

- If too many are eaten, the onion juice takes away the senses, by reason of its great heat and acridity, and greatly injures the stomach. Spigel, Isag. in. rem herb., 1,2, c.16. Koschwitz. 5. I find something injurious in the onion and consider the opinion of Spigelius well founded, that a too free and continued use of it as food causes disturbances of the brain. Haller.

- The pains, 34 and others were endurable, but yet of the character that he could scarcely help fearing they might become worse and unendurable. Lingen.

- Inexpressible anxiety, turning himself hither and thither full of despair, with severe colic; 328. * Pains with sore fingers, make him frantic. 549.

- Very melancholy, with catarrh. 508.

- In the afternoon, after wine and coffee, he was completely confused and absent minded by much business, forgot and twisted everything in the utmost confusion; the fourth day. C. Hg;

10. He makes mistakes in spelling a foreign language. L., C.Hg.

- Apathetic, mornings. 611.

- Working people take in the morning onions with bread and salt for the bad air, as they do treacle, but idlers are made foolish, melancholy and sleepy by its use. Koesslin Krauterbuch, 1550.

- Cardanus affirms that even the offspring of those who eat onions freely are disposed to insanity. Wm. Ramsey, 1661.

Confusion of the Head and Vertigo:

- Vertigo, etc. 1, * on rising up. 589.

15. Dull feeling in the head which after a while becomes a headache, which draws from the forehead into the vertex. L. Alleborn.

- The sensation in the head as if the space was too small and every thing would press out of the forehead. P. Alleborn.

- Pressive pain in the occiput, with a benumbed sensation in the left elbow joint; forenoon of the second day. Geist.

- Pain in both sides of the occiput and a dull confusion from the crown backward and downward in the regions "conscientiousness" and "love of approbation"; continued the whole forenoon; went away in the evening after drinking beer. C. Hg.

- Confusion in the occiput, first on both sides and towards the upper part, pressing down sideways, then behind the ears around the whole occiput; after one hour. C. Hg.

20. Pressure and confusion in the upper part of the occiput in the regions "conscientiousness, "love of approbation" and "caution," the whole evening, better in the open air, worse on returning to the warm room; first day. C. Hg.

- Headache on both sides of the occiput, afterward in only two large round places in the upper posterior part of the head, in the region "love of approbation;" still later a general and humming sensation of the part being asleep. C. Hg.

- The pressure in the upper part of the occiput in the evening became about eleven a sensation of being asleep; on touching it he first noticed that it was not in the scalp, but as if in the bone. C. Hg.

- Confusion of the head, 270; * with coryza. 170. Dullness in the head with some coryza and lachrymations, in the evening on cutting onions. Th., C. Hg.

25. Dullness in the forehead and whole head as after inhaling chloroform. E., C. Hg.

Heaviness, Pressure in the Head:

- The head is full and heavy. Gn., C. Hg.

- Heaviness in the head. Jeanes.

- Heat and heaviness of the head, lasting from the forenoon till near evening; after cutting onions. C. Hg.

- Fullness and heaviness in the head as if it were bound up, with flickering of the eyes. 77.

30. Dull oppressive pain in the head. G. Alleborn

- Oppressive headache over the eyes; frequently going through the head like an electric shock; the first day. Eckel.

Pains in the Head :

- Aching of the head. Jeanes.

- Tingling pain behind the left mastoid process. Williamson.

- Stitches over the whole left forehead, externally, they draw into the ear, the upper jaw and the teeth of the same side; immediately after inspiration.; evenings. Lingen.

35. Stitches as of needles in the forehead. 660.

- Pains deep in the head, sticking to the ear. 136, 137.

- Like electric shocks through the head. 31.

Local :

- Pains deep in the head over the left brow; after one hour. C. Hg.

- Headache the next morning, especially in both temples. C. Hg.

40. Pains in both temples, most severe in the right, aggravated by winking, afterward the pain extends over the forehead, worse on the left side. Williamson.

- Headache from both sides of the head, downward and inward toward the middle; after ten minutes. C. Hg.

- Pain, left of the crown; after seventy minutes. C. Hg.

- As if swollen and heavy on the crown. 77.

- Headache in the region of the organ of concentration. Jeanes.

45. Headache first in the occiput, then in the forepart on the right side over the eye. Z., C. Hg.

Headache, according to Conditions and Concomitants :

- Headache, better in the open air. Eckel., 50, 163.

- Worse on return to the warm room. 20, etc.

- In the room, evenings, with coryza. 163.

- Headache with coryza. 162, 163.

50. Headache and coryza, worse evenings; the fourth day. Eckel.

- *Severe headache with slight coryza. 171.

- Pain in the forehead with catarrh. 508.

- Headache and gastric troubles. 291.

- Head confused, especially in the forehead, after renewed eructations. 348.

55. Confusion of the head, after it had risen up from the stomach into the throat. 270.

- Headache and yawning. 594.

Undefined :

- Headache. Gr. P.

- But those, in whom they produce headache, should avoid them. Dioscorides.

- Make a decoction of leeks in water and bathe the head in it, for headache. Galen.

60. Raw, they are very injurious to the head and to the eyes. Rhases.

- They frequently excite headache in inflammatory constitutions. Elbasai.

- They afflict the head and eyes, hence they should be avoided by those who study and have a humid weak head, sight and hearing. Tabernoemont.

- If they are eaten too much, they cause headache. Koschwitz.

External Head :

- With pressive headache is the sensation as if the whole head-externally were wrapped up in warm water. X. Eckel.

65. The whole head became hot. 77.

- Heat of the head. 28.

- Needle stitches upon the head, in the forehead. 660.

Hair :

- For alopecia, Hippocrates directed the spots to be rubbed with onions. De Morb. Mul. II, 667.

- *The hair is made to grow by anointing the bald spots with onions.

70. *It promotes the growth of hair in baldness better than Alcyonium. Gr., P,

- *It may be used externally for making the hair grow, anointing the shaven head with it. The juice also makes the hair grow. Zacut. and Simon. Pauli 2 B.

- *If the head be rubbed with onion juice, the hair is caused to grow. Bronzet.

- *To rub bald spots with onion juice. O. V.

- *For promoting the growth of the hair; the head is washed at evening with French brandy which has stood over freshly cut onions. Fechner, Hauslexicon.

75. *Bald spots are to be rubbed with a cut onion till they are red, to make the hair grow. Caspari. Compare nails and hoofs.

Sight:

- On becoming sleepy while reading, the letters appear to him very small; soon after the second dose. C. Hg:

- Flickering and blinding before the eyes, every thing dances hither and thither, therewith fullness and heaviness in the head, as if bound up, the whole head becomes hot, and feels swollen and heavy on the vertex; together with so much general weakness that she must lie down. After cutting onions. C. Hg.

- A bright dazzling in the distance and dimness near by G., Allerborn.

- The eyes are sensitive to the light, particularly to the left. Eckel.

80. Cloudy sight by candle-light. Jeanes.

- Injurious to the eyes. Rhases.

- They affect the eyes, as to be avoided by the weak eyed. Tabernoemont.

- They weaken the sight. Koshwitz.

- Onions sharpen the sight. Hippocrates.

85. *They make the sight clear, and remove the commencement of cataract. Dioscorides.

- *For weak eyes. Gr., P.

- It makes dim eyes clear. Platearius.

Eyes :

- It causes biting in the eyes, irritates to tears. An undoubted action of onion.

- At evening on cutting up onions, there was a continual dropping from the eyes, then they became painful. O., C. Hg.

90. Pungent smell, biting and weeping of the eyes, and sneezing, after taking it. Jeanes.

"And if the boy have not a woman's gift

To rain a shower of commanded tears,

An onion will do well for such a shift,

Which in a napkin close conveyed

Shall in despite enforce a watery eye."

Taming of the Shrew (Introduction).

- It acts on the eyes, causing lachrymation. Pereira Mat. Med.

- *The juice represses the excessive lachrymation. Elbasai.

- The eyes water, after a few hours; the first day. Eckel.

95. The left eye pains the next morning; fine stitches in it; after cutting the onions in the evening. E., C. Hg.

- The lachrymation of the left eye with coryza was much greater, the eye was much redder and more sensitive to the light than the right; the first day. Eckel.

- Excessive lachrymation of the left eye with redness of the eyeball, after frequent sneezing; the third day. Eckel.

- The eyes are no longer watery and dim; the sixth day. they have their natural lustre; the seventh day. Eckel.

- The lachrymation is for the most part in the evening, in the warm room; the left eye weeps more and also is more sensitive to the light. Eckel.

100. Watering of the eyes and nose. 158.

- Lachrymation with coryza. 162, 164.

- *Lachrymation, 508, mild (not excoriating) with Coryza. 170.

- *Blear-eyed. Hong.

- Burning on the outside of the right upper lid; after three minutes. C. Hg.

105. Burning in the lids. L. Alleborn.

- As if there were smoke in the eyes under the upper lids, mostly in the right; the first day. C. Hg.

- *Redness of the lids with catarrh. 507.

- After drinking coffee, an irritation on the left upper lid, which necessitates frequent rubbing; worse in the warm room, disappearing in the open air; the first day and morning of the second. Eckel.

- Irritation of the left upper lid reappears very strikingly after the thirtieth. Eckel.

110. Itching in the supra orbital region, more on the left side; after one hour. C. Hg.

- Burning itching in the brows, the supra-orbital region and the upper lids; evening of the first day. C. Hg.

- Heat in the left eyebrow. Williamson.

- Needle stitches in the brows. 660.

- Pressive pain over the right eye; after twenty minutes. C. Hg.

115. Feeling of heaviness over both eyes and in the forehead; after a few minutes, lasting two hours. Neidhard.

- Pains in the eyes as if they would be torn out, as if the loose eye hung, posteriorly, on a string and would be bored into with the fingers and torn out. O., C Hg.

- Drawing pains in the left cheek, going into the interior of the left eye; better in the cold air; the second day. Eckel.

- Pain over the right eye to the root of the nose. 178.

- Pain from the cheeks into the left eye. 179.

120. *Onion juice either alone or with white wine, is an excellent eye salve, which wonderfully removes the heat of the eyes. Joh. Proevot.

- *Commencing ecchymoses in the eyes. Gr. P.

- *Ulcers, spots in the eyes. Gr. P.

- *Irritant affections of the eyes, used with ashes. Gr. P.

- *A sty is to be rubbed with a piece of raw onion. O. V.

125. Swelling of the lids and around the eye; with coryza. 170.

Hearing:

- Ringing in the ears now and then; also soft, in both ears as from sounds far distant (mostly in the right ear, from which he hears); the fourth to the seventh day. C. Hg.

- Humming in the ears on lying down. gg., C. Hg.

- Roaring in the left ear, as heretofore only after a severe cold; afternoon of the first day. Eckel.

- *Whizzing and ringing in the ears. A. de Villanuova.

130. * Hardness of hearing. Apollonius.

- *Onion juice for impaired hearing. Wirsung.

- *It removes deafness and strengthens the hearing, Phil. Muller; but it must be done with discretion. Koschwitz.

- For some kinds of deafness, the juice is to be dropped into the ear. Hahnemann.

- To be avoided by those who have weakness of hearing. Tabernoemont.

Ears:

135. Pecking behind the right ear; after one minute. C. Hg.

- Pains moving from deep within the head to the ears, like thick threads, about a finger in length, remaining in particular spots, from a pea to a hazel-nut in size; after fifty minutes. C. Hg.

- Pain behind the ears deep within the head, from backward and inward to the ears; a sensation entirely new and peculiar to him; after one hour. C. Hg.

- Stitches drawing from the left forehead into the ear. 34.

- Under the left ear a hard swelling the size of a hazel-nut, extending from over the angle of the lower jaw to the ear, from which pains go into the ear, especially on pressure. O., C. Hg.

140. A painful sensation from the throat to the ears; after five minutes. C. Hg.

- Chilling or burning twitching on the right side of the throat in the region of the eustachian tube, then above it a kind of gnawing, neither painful; after one hour. C. Hg.

- Pains in the throat drawing into the right ear. 229.

- The ears, the throat, especially about the root of the tongue were decidedly effected; fifteen minutes after the second dose. C. Hg.

- Stitches through the right car the next morning. gg., C. Hg.

145. It is dangerous to pour the juice into the ears. Paracelsus

- *Dropped into the ears, it removes the pains, as well as the roaring and ringing. Arnold e Villanuova.

- *For earache, the juice. W. and others; Volksmittel.

- The heart of the onion is to be put into the ear for tearing in the ears. Vm., Raue.

- *The juice is to be put into the ear on cotton. Russian Volksmittel.

- Onions boiled in oil promote the discharge in ulceration of the ear. Wirsung.

150. *Discharge from the ear. Apollonius.

- Salt onion juice dries and stops the purulent discharge from the ear. Wirsung.

Nose:

- Pain from over the right eye into the root of the nose. 178

- *Mixed with vinegar and put into the nose, it stops the bleeding, which the simple smell of the onion also does. Koschwitz.

- *For nose bleed, put onions on the neck. Van Swieten.

155. *Applications of cut onions to the neck for nose bleed. O. V.

- b. *For severe nose bleed, strong vinegar with onions in the nose. Ch. G. Hoffman's companion and aid.

- At evening, walking in the street, increased dropping from the nose, quite unusual, from both nostrils without the sensation of coryza; the first day. C. Hg.

- *Dropping from the nose. 507.

- Copious watery discharge from the nose and watering of eyes. (C.) Jeanes.

- a. *Discharge of ichorous fluid from the nose in convalescing scarlet fever. Jeanes.

- Crawling in the right nostril as before sneezing, must frequently blow thin mucus out of the nose; one hour after one drop of the third; forenoon. Geist.

160. Frequent sneezing in the evening when he comes into warm room; the second day. Eckel. Sneezing. 90, *508.

- a. Since collecting onions in the harvest, four years before, a brother and sister, each in the thirtieth year, experienced for the first time a coryza recurring at the same time each year and continuing two to three weeks; they would sneeze severely twenty to thirty times every morning and were obliged to avoid peaches on account of their rough skin, as well as all flowering trees and plants; Nux vom. relieved very greatly but still other medicines had to be administered. Dr. Raue.

- b. The most violent sneezing as if she would be torn to pieces, as soon as she steps out of bed. G. B.

- In the evening after drinking beer and eating hering; excessive thirst; heat and severe coryza with much lachrymation, headache; acrid burning discharge from the nose, so that the upper lip became red and sensitive; the first day. Eckel.

- Nasal discharge and headache, better in the open air, the first day; not so severe the next morning; at evening, worse in the room, distinctly relieved as soon as he goes into the open air the second day; on awaking, very slight the third day; after repeating the dose, more severe. Eckel.

Note. – Symptoms marked "a" or "b" have been lately received from Dr. Hering, and are additional to the original proving. G. B. refers to a slight proving on a woman, remarkable on account of the alternating action. R. R., signifies relata refero. [Translator.

- Much irritation in the right nostril, soreness of the nose, sneezing lachrymation, morning of the fourth and fifth day, with less headache. Eckel.

165. Some soreness of the nose yet; the eighth day. Eckel.

- a. Coryza, at times with stoppage that she speaks "through the nose," at times with profuse mucous discharge. G. B.

- With coryza, trembling of the hands at evening. 541.

- *Acrid discharge from the left nostril. 508.

- *Coryza. Eckel. In many cases with the best results. Dr. Thayer.

- *With frequent success in the coryzas prevailing here in the winter, 1848. Lippe.

170. After rapid alternations of cold and warm days, in November, 1852, a young lady complained that she had suffered for a few days from coryza, worse every evening. Water ran profusely from the nose, she sneezed frequently, her head was confused, the lids and about the eyes were swollen, much lachrymation (not acrid as in Euphrasia), frequent cough, tension in the upper part of the chest, loss of appetite. She took Cepa^30 in the evening, slept the whole night, was quite well the following day and remained so. A. Lippe.

- *The nose is humid with slight coryza, but with severe pain in the forehead, which this time was not relieved by lying down, as is usually the case with her coryzas. In a woman 50 years old; better in the evening. Pehrson.

- *Fluent coryza, dropping clear water (on the right side as usual with him), had not lasted only twelve hours as customary, but many days in spite of cold bathing; it disappeared within a few hours after Cepa. Pehrson. Drawn into the nose it clears the head of slime and mucus. Dioscorides.

Face:

- Expression of anxiety and despair with pain in the abdomen. 328.

175. Pain in the right upper jaw, like a thread in a nerve which goes from above downwards, from the median line to the side, deep with the bone, at evening; the first day. C. Hg.

- The pain in the right upper jaw on lying down in the evening extends, on the morning of the second day, from the nose outward and downward. C. Hg.

- Drawing stitches from the left forehead into the upper jaw. 34.

- Severe pains (like neuralgia) from the upper half of the right eye to the root of the nose. Zumbrock.

- Drawing pains in the left cheek extending into the left eye; third day. Eckel. Compare 117.

180. *Paralysis of the left half of the face which is also somewhat noticed in the limbs of the same side, together with an altogether too copious secretion of urine. Jeanes.

- Spots warmer than usual on the right cheek; after fifty minutes. C. Hg.

- Heat especially in the face, every time after eating onions. Several sisters. C. Hg.

- Heat of the face in the evening. 632.

- *Facial erysipelas. Jeanes.

185. (Parree produced a nettle-rash eruption on the face and on the body, also on many in the family. C. Hg.

- (Swelling of the cheeks with toothache. 215.)

- The upper lip is red and sensitive from the acrid nasal discharge. 162.

Taste:

- It has a sweet and aromatic acrid taste.

- Sweet and nauseous taste after taking it, and so also on the third day. Eckel.

190. On awaking, nauseous taste; the third day and morning of the fifth. Eckel.

- A sickish sweet taste, also again after the 30th though in a less degree. Eckel.

- Burning taste, more on the gums and upper part. C. Hg.

- Loss of taste. Wirsung.

Tongue:

- The tongue has a foul coat, especially in the morning on the back part, the third day; slimy the fifth day. Eckel.

195. The tongue is furred the next morning. 632.

- Dryness at the root of the tongue, on the right side. Williamson.

- Mouth and tongue as if scalded. 632.

- Pains under the tongue, at the lower insertion of the frenum it is surrounded with a half circle of small sore elevations; the next morning and the whole day. O., C.Hg.

- Paralysis of the tongue. Celsus.

200. Draughts of onion water relieve those who are struck dumb from the bite of animals that they cannot read. Rosslin, Krauterbuch, 1850.

For swollen tongue. Wirsung.

Mouth:

- The mouth is not as coated in the morning; the second day. C. Hg.

- Dryness in the mouth without thirst. 632.

- It causes an offensive breath. General experience.

205. *Onions remove the bad taste in the mouth. Pliny.

- Onions remove the offensive breath. Coleri Oecon., 53.

- The juice is of service in putrid sore mouth. Paracelsus

- *Antiscorbutic. Hahnemann. Should be eaten for scorbutus. O. V.

- Pecking in the two hindermost back teeth; after three minutes. C. Hg.

210. In the first upper teeth, right side, sensitive drawing from the root to the crown; after-thirty minutes. Later, the same feeling in the corresponding teeth on the left side; the first day. C. Hg.

- Pressive toothache in the right upper and lower back teeth with the inclination to bore the tongue into and suck them, which relieves, lasting an hour; after traveling against the north-west wind, the fifth day; again the sixth day after going against the north-west wind. Geist.

- Slight pressure in the right back teeth on going into a warm room. At breakfast (with warm cocoa) painful; relieved by cold water; the seventh day. Geist.

- At breakfast, the back teeth pain from eating bread, so that only soft food can be eaten. A preesive pain remains for some time afterward. Toward noon the pain disappears on the right side and settles in the root of the left eyetooth; the gum around the root is inflamed, the pain frequently ceases suddenly and commences in an instant in a right back tooth; in the eyetooth it is pressive, growling; cold water, cold in general relieves; the eighth day. Geist.

- The pressive toothache comes on after walking against the North wind, is relieved by poking and sucking with the tongue, is much aggravated on eating warm soup and disappears after a swallow of cold water; always the same after repeated experiments. Geist.

215. (Pressive pain in the root of the left eyetooth disturbs the sleep, with excessive heat in the cheeks, toward morning remission and sweat, the cheeks feel swollen); ninth day. Geist.

- During sleep, feeling as if the back teeth were too long, with some pain; disappears on rising. Two nights. Geist.

- Drawing stitches from the left forehead into the teeth. 34.

- The seeds kill the worms in the teeth. Dioscorides. Wirsung, p. 192.

- It does not relieve toothache. Paracelsus.

220. Onion-leaves in the mouth, for toothache. O. V.

- a. Immediately after eating onions, raging pain attacks a broken tooth. Arnica high in water relieved just as speedily. R. R.

- The teeth are a smutty yellow in the morning, they remain so the whole day; in one who has very white and sound teeth, continues three to five days. Eckel.

Throat and Pharynx:

- The throat was decidedly affected; after fifteen minutes. 143.

- A constrictive pain in the forepart of the throat, low down in the region of the os hyoides, after five or six minutes; low down posteriorly, on the right side; after seven minutes. C. Hg. Compare 143.

- Drawing pain in the left side of the throat, relieved by cold air; the second day. Eckel.

225. Some redness on the back part of the palate on the right side. Gg., C. Hg.

- Pain in the throat extending to the ear. 140.

- In the throat and orifice of the eustachian tube, chilling or burning twitching and gnawing, not painful. 148.

- Heat low in the pharynx extending into the stomach. Williamson.

- Pain in the throat m the lower half of the larynx, as after swallowing too large a mouthful, or as if swollen, the pains extend every little while into the right ear; the whole afternoon, coming on after midday, ten drops. t., Zumbrock.

230. In the pharynx the feeling as if the, food remained stuck behind the breast-bone. 516.

- Throat ache, as if there were a lump in the throat, which is sore, but only on swallowing and elevating the tongue, the next morning; after twenty-four hours. Gg., C. Hg.

- *In chronic difficulty of deglutition "like a ball in the throat," she brought up, a lump of mucus and was then relieved. C. Hg.

- For swelling of the tonsils it is serviceable, applied as a poultice. Koschwitz.

- *Quinsy, used as an embrocation. Gr., Ph.

235. *Good for angina. Dioscorides, Pliny.

- *Ulcerations of the throat. Hong.

- For a gargle when leeches are applied to the throat. W. S., 203.

- Throat ache as after taking, cold. 577.

- *Soreness of the throat with catarrh. 507.

240. A sense of nausea extending into the throat. 270.

- A benumbed feeling in the back part of the throat, persistent; the first day. C. Hg.

- Great dryness of the soft palate after breakfast, continuing two hours and a half; the first day. Eckel.

- With great dryness of both nostrils, considerable thick, white, frothy, tasteless mucus collects in the fauces, which is easily expectorated without cough. Lingen.

- Dryness in the throat. 501.

245. He hawks up mucus which has a sweetish nauseous taste; the third day. Eckel.

- Toward evening, collection of mucus behind the choanae. Zumbrock.

- In the posterior fauces, in the choanae and on the posterior surface of the soft palate, a soft bland mucus constantly collects which compels one either to swallow or hawk it up; evening of the first day. C. Hg.

- In the morning, a raw feeling in the fauces with tickling in the region of the epiglottis, first on the right then on the left side; together, with a sensation of weakness in the stomach, very Annoying hiccough and uprising of frothy salivary mucous fluid; eructations of wind and passage of offensive flatus. Therewith constant inclination to hacking to relieve the tickling in the larynx. After breakfast severe pain in the right ankle and rumblings in the abdomen; the second day. Jeanes.

- *Diminished secretion of mucus in the throat, with chronic catarrh of the fauces. W. Wesselhoeft.

250. Mucus in the fauces. 486.

Appetite:

- Onions promote an appetite; but if one eats too many they cause a revulsion of the stomach. Dioscorides.

- The appetite is increased. Ebn Masavia.

- a. The appetite is excited even to canine hunger. G. B.

- They produce an appetite, which, however, disappears immediately as soon as he begins to eat, food is disgusting to him. L. Alleborn.

- *No desire to eat. W. S., 364.

255. *Loss of appetite with coryza. 170.

- *For canine hanger. W. S., 412.

Thirst:

- The priest's were forbidden its use because it produced thirst. Plutarch de Is. Et Osir, p. 451.

- Onions excite thirst. Gr. Phys, Hong., 291.

- Garlic does not cause thirst as onions do. Sch., Sch.

260. Onions weaken the bowels and cause thirst. Platearius.

- Thirst excessive, with stomach ache, 328; with tympanitis. 344.

- Thirst with heat, evenings with coryza, 162; after chilliness, 620; after flushes of heat at evening. 275.

Nausea:

- *Nausea. Gr. Phys.

- A horrible deathly nausea in the very stomach with very slight eructations, which however relieve somewhat; every day after eating, in one who did not know what she took. C. Hg.

265. Feeling of nausea after fifteen minutes. C. Hg.

- Nausea in the posterior part of the throat is forced up as with a thrust; after thirty minutes. C. Hg.

- Nausea, seems more properly to be seated in the stomach; very soon. C. Hg.

- Nausea. 349.

- Slight warmth in the abdomen and squeamishness; soon after taking it. W. Wesselhoeft.

270. Squeamishness and slight attacks of nausea from the bowels up into the throat, then slight confusion of the head; soon. W. Wesselhoeft.

- There are some who, smelling onions in a distant kitchen, taste them in their mouth, so that afterward everything tastes of them and produces nausea. C. Hg.

- *Nausea on becoming erect. 589

Eructations:

- Frequent eructations; he tastes onions in the afternoon, after taking four drops of the tincture in the morning. Eckel.

- Immediately after eating onions, long continued eructations, but not after the tincture. Zumbrock.

275. At evening, eructations of wind; flashes of heat over the whole body, and thirst; the fourth day. Eckel.

- Eructations still incessant on the morning of the fifth day, without repetition of the dose. Eckel.

- Eructations of wind, 248, 348, 349, 579; with distension of the abdomen, 351; with rumblings. 350.

- Slight eructations relieve the horrible nausea in the stomach, 264.

- It stops sour eructations. Elisraili. (Allium sativa is still more efficacious. C. Hg.)

Vomiting:

280. Even the smell of onions makes her vomit; she cannot swallow the tincture in water, it came up again, she is so averse to it. a. b., C. Hg.

- Vomiting frothy, slimy fluid. 248.

- Vomiting and disease which resulted in death, after eating onions. Jeanes.

- For severe vomiting without cessation, put a slice of an onion in the axilla. Domestic Practice.

- It is serviceable in bilious and mucous vomiting. Elbasri.

Stomach:

285. Injurious to the stomach. 1, 4, etc.

- Annoying hiccough. 248.

- Stimulates digestion. Gr. Phys.

- Irritates the stomach and promotes digestion, excessive use however, gives rise to dyspeptic troubles. Kosteletzky.

- They are injurious to the stomach and become disgusting. Pliny.

290. Injurious to the stomach. Spigelius, 4.

- Raw onions give rise to injurious secretions in the stomach, thirst, inflammation, flatulence and headache. Sch. Sch.

- Feeling of emptiness, and drawings back and forth in the stomach, with some pain. P. Alleborn.

- Sense of weakness in the stomach. 248.

- Pain on the left side of the stomach. P. Alleborn.

295. Oft repeated pressure deep within the epigastrium, as if it were at the orifice of the stomach and on the posterior side, evening at ten; the first day. C. Hg.

- Dull pain below the breast bone, more to the right side, on moving in bed, evening at ten, after five min. Geist.

- Pain below the sternum on stooping, morning. Geist.

- Pain in the region of the pylorus. Jeanes, compare 267, 295.

- Pressure in the stomach and fullness in the head. P. Alleborn.

300. Pressure in the stomach. 349.

- Pressure in the stomach and yawning. 594.

- *Stomach ache. Dioscorides.

- Distension of the abdomen before dinner. 355.

- After dinner all the symptoms vanish (after one and a half hours). C. Hg.

305. After supper the symptoms again disappear as after dinner; the first day. C. Hg.

- Pain in the bowels, worse after eating. 322.

- Heat extending into the stomach. 228.

- *For weak stomachs from cold, onions cooked with saffron. W. S., 357.

Region of Liver:

- Pressive pain in the liver region which extends through the whole abdomen. G. Alleborn.

310. The pains seat themselves for some time in the right hypochondrium, with which are cold shudders down the back, so that he can scarcely get warm, evening at nine; the third day. Eckel.

Region of Spleen:

- Contractive pain in the left hypochondrium with the sensation of wind moving about. Williamson.

- Stitches in the left side, toward evening the first day, morning of the second day, worse on lying the fourth day. Eckel.

- *For induration of the spleen, cooked with Gilgen oil W. S., 450.

Abdomen:

- Onions appear to be beneficial to the bowels; Dioscorides. Other writers, however, state, that they are injurious to the bowels. Tabernoemontanus.

315. Pain about the navel, an hour after dinner (three, p.m.) Williamson.

- Pain in the umbilical region. L. Alleborn.

- The pains in the bowels are most severe, while sitting, on moving about there is passage of flatus and relief to the pains; the first day. Eckel.

- Half an hour after drinking coffee in the afternoon, the pains in the bowels returned more severe, mostly in the left inguinal region, mote pressing than burning, but with heat in the abdomen; the second day. Eckel.

- With rumbling in the abdomen the pains return more severe than before, with passage of much flatus; morning of the third day after the second dose. Eckel.

320. Flatulent colic. Hong.

- Pain in the abdomen and shoulder (right half?). Hong.

- Pains in the abdomen, worse every time after eating. Eckel.

- Pain in the left side of the abdomen, as though he had punched himself in this place. L. Alleborn.

- On walking a sudden burning or chilling cutting – a pain thin as a thread – in the hypogastrium from both aides inward toward the middle and upward; after 1 hour. C. Hg.

325. Burning glow or chilling sensation, as if scattered, with confused feeling in the right side of the abdomen; thereupon slight passage of half-loud very offensive onion-flatus; after an hour and a half. C. Hg.

- A warm or chilling sensation as if a glow within beat against the abdomen, on the right side, and over the external and upper parts of both thighs. Evening of the first day from nine to ten. Repeated later. The sensation was as if a glowing heat beat against one, but without the same heat, only warmth. C. Hg.

- Heat in the abdomen, 350; with pain. 318.

- Severe pains in the abdomen so that he wanders through several rooms with indescribable anxiety, he throws himself again on the bed, from which he soon again rises. Continuous severe pains in the left side of the abdomen, less in the upper than in the middle and lower regions and bladder, with frequent severe urgency to urinate and burning passage of urine drop by drop; suppressed stool, severe thirst. In the face an expression of anxiety and doubt; increased warmth of the skin, especially in the places of pain in the abdomen which are very sensitive and painful to every touch; pulse somewhat accelerated, full and hard; a quarter of an hour after eating a dull red napiform, Brunswick onion, lasting for four hours; passing away after vomiting, chamomile tea, etc. Prollius (Frank's Magazine, 1, 671).

- A woman, 40 years old, had for twenty years a hernia on the left side, which formerly became frequently strangulated and on the last occasion, two years since, she suffered frightfully, at that time the hernia receded in half an hour after a dose of Aconite^30. Afterward she became again pregnant, for the first time in nine years, had a severe labor and child-bed fever. Since then the rupture had occasioned her no trouble. Last Sunday, she ate cooked onions, which, as she now remembers, had formerly caused various disturbances. Shortly after this meal she was seized with pains in the left side of the abdomen; these increased and compelled her to leave church and go home, I was called in the afternoon and found the hernia in the left inguina, much protruded and strangulated; very severe pains from high up in the left side of the hypochondrium drew toward the incarcerated hernia; she was very restless, had much fever, etc. I gave a single dose of Aconite^400; after fifteen minutes the pains were quieted and the hernia returned. No further remedies were necessary. Lippe, in a letter, 1848.

330. Pains drawing from the region of the liver through the the whole abdomen. 309.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 11-12, 1866, pages 538-572]

[Description: Allium Cepa.]

[Remedies: Allium cepa.]

[Author: Allen, T.F.]

[Year: 1866]

CASES OF EPILEPSY

BY T. F. ALLEN, M. D. BROOKLYN, N. Y.

May 9th, 1861. J. W., paper-hanger and frescoer, formerly healthy and temperate, came under my care. His wife, who came with him, stated that three months before, while at work, he was suddenly taken with a fit, he fell down, was convulsed, foamed at the mouth, bit his tongue and was unconscious for several hours. He was then treated with purgatives and the "heroic" remedies of the old school.

About six weeks from the first fit he was again taken while at stool, and then had three fits in succession, and was insensible for twelve hours after them. The day before I saw him he had three more fits which left his mind much confused. The patient looked pale and haggard; mouth half open; eyes staring; starting at the least noise; hands cold, clammy and trembling; he continually interrupted his wife saying "let me tell," and then would seem to forget and say, "yes, yes, yes," the words would seem to stick in his mouth as if his tongue was too large. The fits, of yesterday, had convulsions only on one side, the left; they began with a cold feeling in the hand which crept up the arm to the cheek, when a gush of ice-cold water came from his mouth, which water "gave the mouth a nasty taste" for some time after. This peculiar sensation was repeated three or four times before the fit came on. During the fit the left side of the face was red, the right side, the hands and feet were cold and white. After the fit he constantly complained of ringing in the ears as of a hundred bells.

I gave Calcarea carb.200

June 18th. The ringing in the head gone, every way much better.

July 25th. Had three fits much lighter than the previous ones, and he was conscious throughout them all, though he could not control them; bit his tongue somewhat until a spoon was put in his mouth. The fits were followed by a

tightness in the throat as if constricted; slight dimness of sight and numbness of fingers. Gave Calc. carb. again.

August 1st. Had great roaring in the ears, with slight diarrhea, and constant inclination to stool, with griping pains in abdomen. No fit.

August 15th. Was taken with dizziness in the head; confused noises in the ear, and thick talking (the tongue seemed too large), which symptoms were followed by three severe fits, after which he entirely lost his speech for twelve hours; he also had cramps in the hands and fingers with soreness of the bowels. I gave Calc. carb.2000, since that time he has had no fits. In October I repeated the remedy owing to some of the premonitory symptoms reappearing. In March, 1862, I gave Lycopodium for other troubles and have not seen the patient since April.

Note. — The following symptoms of Calcarea carb. from Hahnemann's Chronische Krankheiten, Second Ed., Vol. II, pp. 308, et seq., show the correspondence between the individual characteristic symptoms of this remarkable case and of the remedy which cured it:

"17., Anxious restlessness and disposition to busy oneself; she is constantly disposed to do a variety of things, but does not succeed in accomplishing anything; after this display zeal, she is very much exhausted.

"65. Great weakness of the faculty of conception and expression, after a very trifling effort at speaking, it seemed as if the brain were paralysed, chiefly in the occiput; he could not think of anything, nor remember the subject of conversation, by reason of the confusion of his head.

"66. She confounds words and easily makes errors in speaking

"206. Icy coldness of the head within and without.

"507. Difficulty in moving the tongue.

"508. Speaking is difficult.

"509. He moved the mouth, as though he would speak or cry out, but could not utter a word.

"351. Kinging in the ears.

"1236. Trembling in the hands, for several hours.

"1237. The palms of the hands sweat, on slight bodily exertion.

"1252. The fingers become insensible as if dead.

"1253. The three middle fingers become insensible as if dead; they are white, cold, and without sensibility."

Many symptoms of the upper extremities describe sensations and pains which pass or extend quickly from one end to the other of the extremity.

"1332. Cramp in the right leg, lasting one hour, with a turning inwards and a doubling up of the foot.

"1332. Cramp in the muscles next the shin, at night

"1335. Violent cramp in the calf, at night.

"1336. Cramp in the calf and in the popliteal region on stretching out the leg (as in drawing on the boot), which ceases on flexing the leg, but recurs when it is extended.

"1396. Quivering in the muscles.

"1397. Painless jerkings of single members.

"1398. Single, involuntary movements and jerkings in the right thigh, in the left shoulder and the left arm."

These and a number similar symptoms in various parts of the proving show the power of Calcarea to produce convulsive action of isolated parts of the body.

"1421. Trembling, early.

"1422. Anxiety and trembling, with lassitude.

"1423. Continued trembling in the whole body, which. became worse when he came into the open air."

We have here a general condition strongly resembling that of the patient whose cure was so successfully made with Calcarea. The affections of the muscular and nervous system are such as we should look for, as precursors of an epileptic attack. That Calcarea, however, does actually produce an epileptic attack the following symptom shows:

"1445. Epileptic attack; while standing engaged in manual labor, he suddenly fell sideways to the floor without consciousness, and when he came to his senses, he found himself lying with outstretched arms; this was followed by heat and somewhat of sweat." Dunham.

II. Mary F., aged nine, fair complexion, large deep blue eyes, large head, very fond of books and music.

September 19th, 1861. For nine months has had severe epileptic fits, generally one every two weeks. The morning before the attack plainly indicates that the dreaded paroxysm will overtake her before nightfall, she rises with a severe boring pain in the crown of the head, which extends to the occiput, and in an hour or two a most severe pain in the pit of the stomach also arises. This last pain is so severe that she bends double, lays herself across anything hard and resorts to all kinds of postures to relieve herself. Generally about six, p.m., the spasm sets in attended with unconsciousness; convulsions of the head and limbs; rolling of the eyes, especially so, as to appear "cross-eyed," both eyes being drawn inwards; foaming at the mouth; grating the teeth; biting the tongue, and invariably opisthotonos so that two men could not keep her body straight. These fits last about two hours, when she falls into a deep sleep, from which she wakes the next morning with severe pain across the forehead, severe retching and vomiting, and for a few days her evacuations consist of clear water covered on the top by white flakes. She is gradually becoming more and more dull and stupid, inclined to sleep a great deal; her sleep being full of starlings up from dreams of falling into the water. I prescribed Nux vom. 200 every other day for two weeks.

October 19th. No fit until to day, about four weeks, which was attended with the same severity of symptoms. I repeated the remedy. November 1st. Another fit; no change. Nux vom. 30 November 12th. Another fit; no change. Bell. 30 November 24th. Another fit; has been better; has ceased to dream of water and has seemed brighter. Bell.200 once. November 30th. Another fit; seems worse again. Hyos.30 December 6th. Had a slight fit; is every way much improved; no more retching and vomiting; evacuations more natural; seems brighter. Hyos." twice a week.

January 15th. A slight convulsion with no previous symptoms and slight subsequent ones. Medicine discontinued.

Since that time has had no more fits; her mind is rapidly improving and she is going to school.

III. Child, boy, aged eleven months, of the size of a small child of six months. Head large and triangular; anterior fontanelle widely open; eyes large, protruding, vacant, fixed. Two red marks one between the eyes the other below the occiput which the mother says were caused by the forceps with which the child was delivered.

The father is tuberculous, has cough, night sweats, emanciation and physical signs of pulmonary paths is. The child is not able to hold the head up straight and it rolls about on the shoulders. The left arm and hand seem nearly powerless, as the mother remarks, that he does not throw it about as he used to and will not close the fingers as with the other hand. The child has not grown any since it was seven months old; has no signs of any teeth; never crept, nor stood alone.

When seven months old, was taken with screaming violently and continued restlessness. In about a week each fit of screaming would terminate in a convulsion, with rolling the eyes upward into the head, foaming at the mouth and violent struggles; the child in a few minutes went to sleep, and when it awoke the eyes for some time seemed turned up onto the head, the child "looking as if dead."

The convulsions gradually increased in frequency until the child had them every other day every ten or fifteen minutes, and the alternate days every one or two hours. The child seemed perfectly idiotic, was treated by all the heroism of the old school for four months with no effect. I saw the child on

June 20th. Left arm and leg paralysed apparently, as the child did not move them; the tongue seemed too large, the mother said it almost prevented it swallowing; urine very scanty. I gave one powder of Sulph.30 and waited five days.

June 25th. Child the same except a pimpley rash all over the child. I gave Apis^6ter die.

July 1st. Left arm and leg seemingly well, as the child moved them as well as the other side; swallowed easily; urine copious, frequent and very offensive; spasms not so frequent and only on alternate days; child awakes with eyes natural; can hold its head up straight for a short time. Apis 200 once a day.

July 4th. The fits came on, on the wrong day every two hours, but has none for one day; has been continually screaming with all its might, and indeed it was doing so when I saw it. Last night they gave it "Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup," but without effect!!! I gave Ars.200

July 7th. The child stopped screaming in one hour after taking the Ars., and has rested quietly and seemed much better; no convulsions; but has diarrhea of water and some fecal matter; urine offensive and copious; "the child's hat is too large," says the mother. Gave Sacc. lac.

July 15th. The child moans during the day as if in pain, and rolls the head about; the head is hot, especially the occiput; rests well at night; diarrhea gone; the child seems bright and notices things and people. Ars.200 once a day.

July 28th. Cries some, but seems to be cutting teeth; some diarrhea; drooling from the mouth and constant inclination to put something into the mouth. Cham.30

August 4th. Child better; will laugh; but has a lump coming just in front of the ear, which came out one night; is painful to touch. One dose of Apis.200

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 05, 1862, pages 222-227]

[Description: Cases of Epilepsy]

[Author: Allen, T.F.]

[Year: 1862]

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS ON LACHESIS.

BY T. F. ALLEN, M. D., NEW YORK.

CASE I. R. H., a boy ten years old, in good circumstances. December 17th, six o'clock, p.m., I was called in great haste, the child was said to be "swelling all up." I found the boy lying stupid, only moving his head when spoken to. The first thing noticed was a large sore about the center of his forehead, covered with a hard black scab, the tissue all around hard and inflamed, a puffy swelling extended down on both sides of his nose to his neck which was very much swollen, as were his lips. When he took a swallow of water, he grasped his throat with his hand and evinced the greatest pain. His face was very red but mottled white (looked singular), his ears were burning hot to the touch, yet his pulse was only 85, irregular and softish. He continually picked at his hair, saying, "tangled and in my eyes," every few minutes he had twitchings of the arms. I was told that in the morning he seemed perfectly well except that he was less lively than usual, that then there was only a small pimple on his forehead, that he had torn the skin between the fingers a little the day before, where now it was filled with dirty matter and much swollen; during the forenoon he talked strangely at times. The throat was internally much swollen and very red. Lachesis^300 dissolved in an ounce of water, a teaspoonful every thirty minutes. Ten, p.m., same; moans when called to take medicine, twitchings only once since.

18th, eight, a.m. He had a very restless night, he kept pulling his hair, could hardly speak in a squeaky voice, throat much swollen and tonsils covered with a dirty white membrane, breath very offensive, hands, arms and neck very red. Gave the same with beef tea. In the evening, pulse rapid, hard and full; was covered all over with abundant scarlet rash, as red as a boiled lobster; throat is very bad, membrane extended across the uvula and up into the nose, had been bleeding from the nose and mouth dark blood, could hardly swallow, saliva constantly ran from the mouth. Un-wisely. gave Belladonna every thirty minutes.

19th, eight, a.m. Has had a very bad night, delirious, pulling his hair and trying to get out of bed; throat the same, bleeding at intervals, pulse irregular, rapid and weak. Gave Lachesis. One, p.m. Decidedly better, the "last medicine took right hold of him," said his mother; he swallowed more easily; pulse more regular. Eight, p.m., toward night had taken a whole cup of beef tea and cried for more; throat less swollen and less membrane. Lachesis every two hours.

20th. Child rested some, not at all delirious; rash much paler though still very thick. Lachesis every four hours.

21st. At night was taken with severe sharp pain in the bowels with a very dark stool. Arsenic^200, one dose.

22d. Pain gone and improving. On the 24th was playing about the house.

II. A younger brother of the last was taken on December 20th with red and swollen neck, pain on swallowing, with considerable membrane extending from one tonsil to the other, "drooping." One dose of Lachesis seemed to check any further development and in two days he was quite smart.

III. J. C, aged thirty years, laborer. February 9th, one week ago the corner of a heavy box struck the inner side of the leg, making a large wound extending from the anterior surface of the tibia (from which it seemed to glance) down into the calf. A high degree of inflammation set in, a doctor was called who applied two leeches and a hop poultice and neglected to attend to him. On the 6th he was taken with a very severe chill, his teeth chattered which Continued far into the night; and since the chill not a teaspoonful of any thing has remained on his stomach. On the 8th very severe pains set in the leg, and on the 9th I found three spots of gangrene (the whole of the wound and each leech bite), he vomited every thing, the least drop or morsel; very severe headache, breath very fetid, had had no sleep since Thursday, was very restless; his shining eyes constantly in motion, his tongue trembling, pulse 110, very small and irregular. Gave Lach.200 in an ounce of water, a dose every half hour.

10th. Has taken and retained a little beef tea, but has had no sleep, there is a profuse discharge from the wound instead of its being dry as yesterday. The same every two hours.

11th. Improving rapidly, can eat a little at a time and take some wine, slept about four hours through the day and as much more at night.

12th. The black gangrene peeled off today, leaving healthy looking sores, with the exception of the bruise over the bone which discharges thin watery matter; the Lachesis sphere of action is past, and the sore was now treated as one resulting from injury to the bone, which of necessity could not heal until the bone had become sound. From the first I kept warm applications on the wound; at first flax seed, then simple water. A similar treatment had been pursued before with hops but the Lachesis saved the man's life, for I believe he would have died in a very short time. Lachesis immediately changed his condition.

IV. A laborer, forty years old, came to the Central Dispensary, in Eleventh street, with a most discouraging looking hand, which he said he had not hurt in any way. Three days before he had been working among lumber and thought he must have been poisoned. It commenced swelling very rapidly two days ago, until it is now three times the size of the well hand; very red, and pits on pressure, between the first and second knuckle is an opening as large as a three cent piece, looking like (precisely) dirty softy soap; I never saw any thing just like it; around this and along the first three knuckles the skin was bluish black and inflated by gas (one could see little gas bubbles under the skin), the skin under this black cuticle looked rotten. I separated the fingers (first and second) a little, and the skin cracked right open exposing this dirty soft soap appearance underneath; it seemed absolutely rotten. He said it burnt horridly all over his hand, deep in, not on the surface, and he felt some pain in the red streaks that ran up beyond his wrist He had had no chill, his pulse was not rapid but soft, he had constant thirst. I directed him to sprinkle it with corn meal and keep it wrapped in a dry cloth, and gave Lachesis^200 every hour.

His hand improved day by day from the first dose of Lachesis and in ten days was quite healed up, he had no discharging from it, the open sore and the place I split open granulated and closed very rapidly. Was it spontaneous gangrene? It certainly got well and I gave Lachesis the credit.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1864, pages 556-559]

[Description: Clinical Observations on Lachesis.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Allen, T.F.]

[Year: 1864]

GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS vs. GELSEMINUM NITIDUM.

BY T. F. ALLEN, M. D., NEW YORK.

There seems to be very great uncertainty, among physicians, as to the proper name of this remedy; so much wrong orthography (whether with an "n" or without), wrong orthoepy, wrong specific name, that I have deemed it well worth attention and have taken pains to refer to the original descriptions of the plant. The first step one takes in ascertaining what the plant he has in hand is named, is to take our standard Botany (Professor Gray's Manual) and analyze it. We find it to be there called (page 296) Gelsemium sempervirens. — Ait The generic name pronounced thus, the "g" soft, the second syllable "sem" with a short vowel and accented, the specific name also accented on the antepenult.

Let us now see whether Prof. Gray is right or wrong, and first, as regards the genus. It was established by Jussien (sec his work on "Orders and Genera") who named it Gelsemium (as Gray had it, without an "n") from the Italian word Gelsemino, signifying Jessamine. Jussieu gives no species but remarks that Bignonia sempervirens will have to become a Gelsemium instead of Bignonia. Now this is sufficient as regards the genus. The man who made it put no "n" in it; no "n" has a right in it; and botanical authors at this day put no "n" in it. Let us now consider the specific name. Linnaeus first described our plant, calling it Bignonia sempervirens, with doubt as to its being a real Bignonia. — Jussieu has a new genus right for it and suggests that it be placed there, and Aiton, who gives specific descriptions, first places it where it should be, but retains the Linnaen specific name of Sempervirens as is customary and courteous upon removing a plant from one genus to another. Now this is sufficient authority for the specific name, from headquarters. Not only is it obvious that the old specific name should be retained, being appropriate, but Aiton who first described it in its proper genus does retain it, and Botanists now retain it and so describe it. But the "nitidum" — How about it? Michaux in his Flora of North America thought he could give a better name than Linneus, I presume; at least he called the plant G. nitidum. There was no reason for his confusing names thus, and it being unwarrantable, his name has been quietly dropped and only noticed as a synonym.

The case is clear that botanical authors (Professor Gray and others) are right, and many of our doctors and pharmaceutists wrong.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 04, 1863, page 168-169]

[Description: Gelsemium Sempervirens vs. Gelseminum Nitidum]

[Author: Allen, T.F.]

[Year: 1863]

ALOES.

(Translated from Hering's Amerikanische Arzneiprufungen.

BY T. F. ALLEN, M. D., NEW YORK.

"For 'tis a physic

That's bitter to sweet end." — Measure for measure, 4, 6.

HISTORY OF THE PROVINGS. For by far the largest and most important part of the following compilation we are indebted to Dr. Helbig. Through him I received not only an extract from Wederkind and many valuable notices from other authors, but also the provings of Henke, Preu and E. S. (Shreter?); thereto must be added the proving of a young physician (a. – b.) for which I myself become surety. Helbig and a. – b. proved Aloes in 1833, the others about the same time or not much later.

The first who published a proving of Aloes was Dr. J. Ruchner, who also added many observations from older authors, last of all referring to the "Homoeopathic Real Lexicon." (A. H. Zeitung. 20, 263, 1841.)

Dr. Roth, to whom the Materia Medica is already indebted for so many learned and elaborate studies, gave in the Revue Critique a report on Aloes, which was translated into the Hygea. He had made use of Wedekind's treatise in Rust's Magazine, 1827, 2, 2, — and the above-mentioned one of Buchuer.

Dr. Kurz gave Giacomini's report from the Tratta Filoso-fico-sperimentale (translated into French by Mojon Ragnette) with many valuable notices in addition. (A. H. Zeitung, 32, 273, 1843.)

I have been able to add to all these the provings and experiences of the physicians of this country, the results of several provings with Aloes in substance, in the one-tenth, and higher up to the two hundredth (Jenichen's) potency, partly upon myself, partly upon more than ten other persons; but some of these exhibited only very few or only one single striking symptom; several were observed in children who had been weaned from the breast by besmearing the nipple with Aloes.

For my own experiments I succeeded in obtaining the really genuine Aloes from the Island of Socotra. When the United States Government dispatched a man-of-war to the Sultan of Muscat, on behalf of commercial interests, the ship's surgeon had an interview with the private physician of the Sultan, and received from him a piece of the genuine pure Aloes, such as had been prepared in Socotra for the Sultan. This rarity was transferred to the collection of the Pharmacological Institute of this place (Philadelphia), and a trustworthy friend succeeded in breaking therefrom a good piece, which he brought to me in triumph. This Aloes has on its fractured surface a fiery red golden glitter, and its bitterness is rather more aromatic. Any one who wishes it can receive in exchange the second or third potency.

Whoever wishes to become acquainted with the pharmacy and chemistry of Aloes, will find all that is requisite in many works. The history and the various views of the Old School are, as about all other remedies, so also concerning this, given most complete and best in Strumpf's Materia Medica, Vol. II, pages 182 and 227-241. Every physician should himself possess this, in all respects, distinguished work. Never before has so clear, well-defined and complete a chart of such an obscure subject been produced with so much learning and skill. Even should the whole never be completed, each part is useful and indispensable; we must fear that it will not be finished, for this master work finds no purchasers. From this it seems as if Germans had ceased to love thoroughness, and as if, in the Materia Medica at least, the ignorance of the majority were on the increase. Even Kosteletzky's excellent Medical Botany is sold for waste paper; on the other hand, Oesterle's patch work, shuffled together for sale, goes through edition after edition, although it is crowded with the grossest blunders. I took good care not to buy the new editions, for what was commenced in such a manner cannot be fit for any thing, even if revised and enlarged.

Oesterle quotes Aloes from Africa, "West Indies and Sicily, whereas the East Indies always furnished the most valuable article; of Barbadoes Aloes he makes no mention whatever. Asiatic or East African Aloes is found in commerce under the names Socotra, South African, Cape and Lucida; American or West Indian Aloes under the name of Barbadoes. The last which can always be obtained the freshest, passes for the most powerful, and is preferred to the Cape Aloes by veterinary surgeons and pill-dealers. According to Pereira, three parts of Barbadoes equal five parts of Cape Aloes. Most of the provers took, unless it is specified, what in pharmacies passes for real Socotra Aloes. This was certainly the case with the local provers, except in symptoms from children.

The tincture of Aloes must be treated as a separate remedy, for trituration only will completely preserve or develop the active properties, hence a "t" will be annexed to the symptoms of the tincture. Already Schroeder has said that Aloes, extracted with spirits of wine, has totally lost its vim laxandi.

That which is mentioned in the Bible as Aloes is not our drug, which first came into notice much later. In the fourth book of Moses, 24th, sixth verse, Aloes is spoken of in connection with cedar, so that only a tree can be intended. Besides it is presented in combination with myrrh, Prov. 17th, seventh verse; Psalms 45th, ninth verse; Solomon Songs 4th, fourteenth verse. Even from the connection, but still more from the signification it is apparent that by Apaloh and Apalim, an article of incense, is referred to. Even the best Aloes of Socotra produce awful fumes. Clearly the wood of the Aloe is here intended, and the same in John 19th, fortieth verse, a wood which is fragrant when burnt; which even now forms an article of commerce in the East. The best kind comes, according to Martius, from Cynometra agallocha or Aquilaria ovata; Arabian, Kalumbak; Indian, Ager, known in the middle ages as Lignum aquilae, Eagle Wood; in Holland, Paradyshout. Other kinds come from Excoecaria agallochus (compare Aloexylon). In Sontheimers, Ebn Baithar, Agalloehon, is rendered as Aloe-wood, Vol. II, pp. 224, 570; as real Aloe, pp. 120, 526, 620.

Our purgative Aloes is called in Hindostan, Elwa; Persian, Mussebir; in Arabia, Sibbar; according to Honigberger, Sabrah, according to Sontheimer, Sabr.

Scarcely any reliance can be placed upon the biblical "Talmudic Medicine" of R. J. Wunderbar, for he understands So little of Natural History, that he would have a twig of a fig tree grafted upon sugar cane, and even believed in its perpendicular roots (fig). Likewise be thinks Ivy needs, for thriving, "dry sunny nooks," which is supremely nonsensical, etc.

Hippocrates makes no mention of Aloes. It appears to have first become known in Greece about the time of the Ptolemies. The earliest mentions made of it are in Dioscorides, III, 25, and in Plinius, n. h. 27, 5. Dioscorides recognizes it as already a polychrest. "It is good for many things." All later physicians, the Arabian especially, "are full of its praise," It appears that Aloes was cultivated in Socotra. Perhaps Aloes originated in the same way as the use of Coffea, from "immensely productive" Africa. It is stated in Sparrman's Travels (Foster's edition), p. 605, "The Goree river derives its name from the Aloes which is there called Goree, and which derives its name from a slave of that name, who was the discoverer of its great utility.

Its praise is apparent all through the middle ages, whilst manifold and absurd theories are adapted to its action. Under Stahl and Hoffman, it was so popular in Germany that it was held in as great veneration as Couch Grass. It is remarkable how the anticipations of the law of similarity prevailed, especially in Germany, and the faith in the doctrine of the signature remained alive. Things of nature are words, form and color, a language, which, to him who can read it, expresses properties. Thus Schroeder says, in his Arzneischatz, 'Aloes simulates gall in taste, properties and action. Gall is the balm of life — Aloes a balm of nature, as it were an external gall.' Hoffman perhaps made the earliest attempt to bring into union these two balms. 'Purified Aloes dissolved in gall and brought into digestion would not assume the color of blood, but was of a blackish yellow and stank horribly.' This is very credible, and this same horrible stench has adhered to all the theories from Galen up to our time in which the stench has concentrated in the reseaches of Wedekind, well meant as they were. Then Schwemke made a second chemical experiment. Aloes brought in contact with blood, extracted from the body, appears to produce more speedy coagulation. So we can judge that he sought thereby to re-establish the coagulability of the blood just as conversely, in our time, the attempt is made 'to limit the scientific sphere of action; and we find Aloes contra-indicated where a 'tendency to decomposition of the blood predominates.' The majority of doctors were, for centuries, 'Kopromanen,' that is to say crazy about excrement, and sank from examining urine to inspecting faces. The chamber-pot is even to this day often taken up and covered again, with more care than the patient himself. Even at the very house-door the doctor could perceive from the attendants what sort of heartrendering countenances went about the house and stood at the bedside, and what sort of one lay in the bed, for the chamber-pot was empty; but should the servants open the doors full of serenity, and tears trickle down the faces of all the members of the family, the chamber-pot was full and full indeed of a 'horrible stench.' Aloes effected this, and what more could one desire. Moreover, bitter, consequently tonic, strengthing and bestowing vigor! This was enough to extol it as the life-prolonging balm. And we may assume to a certainty that for centuries a hundred thousand Aloetic pills have been swallowed daily, even by persons in tolerably good health.

Tabermontanus, even in his day, knew that, daily used, it protects from many grievous complaints. This, even in our day, has brought many a quack and pill-dealer into fashion. Whilst physicians kept tormenting themselves to find indications and contra-indications, the preparations of these rascals were finding nooks in the closets of the lowly and the toilets of the aristocracy. A just Nemesis; for all the ill health frequently arises from the doctor's themselves. If doctors have hatched out any monstrous device, they may safely reckon on this, that in the next generation this same thing will stand in the way as an eye-sore, hindering and embarrassing their professional successors.

The old faithful J. Mesue must have noticed the so-called "bad effects," for he said, "Mastic removes them." Later, S. Pauli, in Quadr. Botan., Vol. V., p. 245, wrote on the "Abuse of Aloes, and Greenshow ("Use and Abuse of Aloes," in London Medical Gazette, Vol. IV, p. 319) enumerates a number of these effects. But they all avail nothing, for the chamber-pot must be full. Hence, oven Pereira rejects with scorn the assumption of such results. If his reasons are examined, we find that they all taper off to a boyish no.

Positive assertion is admissible even when proofs are insufficient, for it appeals to the future; and it becomes an injury only through credulous adherents, by whom, however, if it turns out to have been an error, it is, of necessity, in the end, controverted. But negative assertion is only admissible where there are completely valid, irrefutable proofs; for just as it is possible to make it, without understanding, even so can it be repeated and believed without understanding. But it always works mischief, and indeed increasing mischief, the more general it becomes or the more it comes to be the fashion. As soon as we take -this general ground, a new era in scientific knowledge must be inaugurated.

The following compilation contains all which has been communicated to me by Helbig and Buchner, and all which I could raise besides. Notice has been taken also of the mere opinions of ancient and modern times, since they stand as shadows whereby the appearances observed on the healthy organism are the better brought into relief. It seems to me that, in such a mixed, raw, incipient collection, as indeed the following is, which produces only an incomplete picture like the wood-cuts of Tabernamontanus, a salutary effect is put into operation, sometimes indeed enlightenment. Even what is contained in the notorious Real-Lexicon is also in part included, only it should be observed whether the symptoms are genuine or not. It is certainly advisable not to believe them until they are confirmed by others, but indeed the same can be said of many other symptoms which are received as bona fide. Even many individual symptoms of the provers may have depended upon some other conditions. As a matter of course Reception is by no means Adoption, and association is no stamp of genuineness. What harm can thence arise even if uncertain symptoms should be incorporated? Only heads of limited capacity can place too much reliance thereon; shall we now begin to pay regard to these?

A couple of cures, probably erroneously ascribed to Aloes, are quoted, but they should be examined more critically before it is too late, and hence especially they should be noticed here. In Holscher's Hannoverian Annals, Vol. IV., part 2, page 407, 1839, Biermann relates that cutaneous burns have been cured by Aloe perfoliata, the split fresh leaf being applied. — Frank's Magazine, I, 180.

In Hufeland's Journal, Vol. LIV, part 2, page 66, 75, 1822, is recorded an extremely remarkable cure of deafness by means of the fresh juice of the Aloe leaf and a decoction of the juice. It is possible that both these cases relate to an entirely different plant, the Agave americana. This is universally called Aloe, particularly in German greenhouses, although it has nothing in common with it. Fresh leaves of the Agave can be easily obtained everywhere, whilst on the other hand the true Aloe plants are rare. These two plants are not at all likely to be confounded, but still it does happen and we cannot place any reliance whatever upon the gardeners in such matters. In Surinam, the leaves of the Agave are applied to burns. The cure of deafness certainly accords more with the action of Aloes, which is a great ear-remedy; still Agave may also be one and the addition of sugar is no evidence of bitterness.

Rau's administration of Aloes in dysentery has been repeatedly republished since 1824, without either this founder of the specific method or any later writer, within twenty-five years, giving anything more definite. The dysenteries are malarious fevers like the intermittent, and differ every year. If, therefore, a remedy cured attacks of dysentery, then all depends upon the question, what was the character of the epidemic and what the character of these particular cases. Unless this is answered, what is said amounts to just nothing at all. Whether indications are found in the following: symptoms whereby Aloes can become curative in many dysenteries, each one must search for himself. Thus much is certain, that Aloes produces no dysentery, strictly speaking, nor even similar symptoms, except in the most unblushing doses, in which a countless variety of remedies can in like manner produce the same. It is well known that the effects of Aloes are especially displayed in the pelvic organs. Now since dysentery has its seat in the large intestines, this fact would be enough for many people. Opium operates just as decidedly upon the organs in the pelvis, it also produces no dysentery, but in spite of this it not infrequently helps to relieve it. So Aloes may do the same thing also, without there being a necessity that it should have produced dysentery, if the characteristic symptoms are only similar, truly similar, that is to say the characteristics of the remedy and those of the disease. But symptoms of dysentery are not "characteristic;" they are "a pathological abstraction."

The gap that is filled by Aloes is of so much the more importance, inasmuch as patients, who might have been easily and speedily cured by Aloes, when they have recourse to pill-dealers, promote the reputation and consequence of those worthless fellows. Without doubt Aloes is the principal ingredient of all such pills and the chief assistance of this imposture.

Aloes is generally applicable in cases where it has been hitherto recommended by the old school, only of course in those cases alone which correspond to the Aloe form; also, indeed, in cases where they cautioned against its use, likewise also in many cases in which they allowed themselves to dream of doing, neither one thing nor the other. We find it as useful in acute as in chronic disease, but above all, especially, in severe painful or dangerous developments of. chronic diseases for which it is indicated. In all such attacks it also would have been prophylactic.

Inasmuch as we administer this remedy in the same forms of disease, in which it has hitherto approved itself in numberless cases, just as we do in the case of Mercury, Cuprum, Antimony, Tartar emet., Saltpetre, Alum, Rhubarb, Senna, Jalap and many more of the same sort; and also, at the same time, in cases where, according to the erroneous but still consistent mode of conclusion of the old school, it is contraindicated, so it cannot at all be denied that with great readiness we blow hot and cold from the same mouth. Certainly this happens naturally enough, and for this same reason has developed itself here and there in homoeopathic literature with marvelous naivete. "We totter left. We totter right. We do the best. We do the worst. The tail hangs down behind us." Should the patient become better, then the remedy has done it, which is very often true. Should he become worse, then it is also the medicine that has done it; that, also, is likewise often true. Does no success follow, then was the choice of the remedy wrong; but does success attend, then was it right. Is there still no success, even after all remedies are tried, then some are lacking; which is very often true. But the more remedies we have, the more difficult becomes the choice, more likely to become a wrong one; that, too, alas, is often true. We collect instances where the old school has cured, and justly, and place alongside instances where the remedy presents similarities, also justly. We make use of indication and contra-indication with equal zeal; for was the remedy contra-indicated; then it stands in relations of similarity; but it was only indicated, indeed where this same similarity was to be perceived. So the contradictions of the old school have been dragged over to our territory and associated to the contradictions which have necessarily accumulated from our drug provings and cures. No wonder that the hill of science is covered with cold snow, and many a mule with his string of bells has already been the cause of avalanches, whereby fruitful valleys have been overwhelmed.

Every thing constantly depends upon the old query, what is similar? And, inasmuch as this rests upon the question what is characteristic, we find it indispensable to come back to the question of the relative rank of individual symptoms. That works radical relief. Instead of this, the evil was palliated, whereby it was necessarily made worse. The remedy was theorized about, after the examples of the old school. It was circumscribed, limited, curtailed, stretched out, soaked, until the remedy became just as they would have it. — Thereby the empirical, the natural, the primitive of our Materia Medica acquired, it is true, a learned aspect, and it was hoped that it would now find more speedy admission among unbelievers, but all this was in reality only a fabrication like the placards of the Schneeberg snuff-boxes; for the fact that it was parodied in the terms of the present day did not after all change its nature — Hahnemann wrote down, as far as he was able, his observations in words, which after the lapse of a thousand years, will still preserve the same value.

His unfortunate amenders squeeze themselves out in the phraseology which happens to be in fashion, and for which the gallows is already erected. We have only to take a retrospective glance, to see how the old books swarm with the modes of expression in vogue at their day. The pictures of the sphere of action of medicines appear to us as through a damp thick night fog, such as setttles over a dung-hill. But will it not, nay, must it not be just the same with all fashionable expressions with which the literature of our day is interlarded.

If critics should here feel themselves tempted "to make irrepressible remarks concerning the complete unsuitableness" of this introduction, I entreat them to consider well, and not forget, that Aloes is exceedingly bitter, wherefore then, not the preface also? They will scarcely "feel themselves compelled to recognize" the fitness of this remark. The old of the old school, as well as the new of the new, can deliver themselves of all contradictions easily and safely although not quickly, if they only resolve either to allow the old rat king of theories to continue to sit in a dusty mill, or to put him up in spirits and set him by as a curiosity. He who would take the trouble to extricate the complicated and interwoven tail of the aforesaid king of the rats, would verily get his fingers bitten and at the end get nothing more than a dozen and a half rats with crooked tails.

That which is peculiar in every case that presents itself must be clearly and distinctly defined, not, as now on the empirical platform, remain abandoned to good luck, the so called practical tact, the instinct of the artist.

We can accomplish this only in this way, that we apprehend in general the so-called drug diseases, and treasure up the characteristic form. If we do this the field must not become confused, and no pathological notions, which belong to another field, and which are borrowed from another field, are to be drawn over into this. Pictures of drug action must present themselves free, as if there were no other at all besides them. Then it is found that the same one may belong to a different realm, with many peculiar laws and oft varying language. It is found that antitheses are contained in every drug, which, at one time, have been called alternate action; at another preliminary and consequent, or primary and secondary action, and in relation to this, or in this, the peculiarity is particularized. These, moreover, must be repeated in a case of disease. These are symptoms of no pathological importance, that is to say, none, upon which pathologists constitute their families, their orders and their species. They are to be found only in individual cases, not in abstract pictures. That which occupies the very lowest rank in pathology, is the most important in the knowledge of remedies in discriminating between the divers drug actions. That which is the most important in pathology, is of the least consequence in the actions of drugs. Their relations then are reversed. And so the drug picture, which is most similar to the case to be cured, is at the same time in the greatest antithesis. "Similia similibus" and "Contraria contrariis" are only different comprehensions of the same law of cure, as I have hitherto affirmed and in 1826 allowed to be published.

It must especially be borne in mind in the following compilation, as in all others of the kind, that it is presented no farther than as a collection of individual symptoms, no complete edifice, only materials therefore.

The object is to make the previous experiences accessible, partly for the daily use of the practitioner, partly that thereby a scientific elaboration may become more possible. The problem is, to present everything which could be collected, so that it can be accessible, and what is most important, that all the individualities can be compared with each other.

The order followed in so doing, although an arbitrary one, is yet at best the Hahnemannian, which has been adopted by common consent, and is therefore the more convenient.

It is one step farther, that this foundation, thus given which for this very reason must be given, is elaborated to the delineation of a drug action. We older Homoeopathists desire with Hahnemann that every one should learn to do this for himself. It is certainly convenient if one will do this for the many. And this gradually becomes more necessary for the time with the overpowering mass of material, after a while indispensable. For in that case the many become dependant upon the views of the one. And every laborer will, although the same materials are before him, make out a different action according as he takes this or that view, that is to say, according to his valuation of the rank of individual symptoms.

REPORTS OF THE PROVERS are at present withheld, and as far as possible substituted by references in the compilation.

HELBIG took five grains of Aloes in the afternoon and observed many symptoms; he observed single symptoms in others. HENKE took in proving "a" ten drops of the tincture, in proving "b" thirty drops in the morning, in proving "c" two grains triturated with double the amount of sugar of milk, early in the morning. L. S. (a medical student from Volhynia, SCHRETER?) took two grains of the substance. PREU took Aloe lucida or Capensis triturated with three times its weight of sugar of milk and made four proving, the morning "a" two grains, "b" three grains, "c" two grains, "d" four grains. A. B., a physician between twenty land thirty years old, proved under Hahnemann's guidance, in 1833; he commenced with olfaction, he took globules and afterward the substance, these observations are distinguished by "I."In November previous, he commenced olfaction from a vial an inch and a half high, in which was one globule the size of a hemp-seed, which H. had some time before medicated with Aloes", and felt after an hour distinct action; the second day he repeated the same, at the same hour; the fourth day again; the fifth day he took at noon, half an hour before eating, a poppy seed sized globule of the thirtieth; the sixth day the same; again the seventh day; again the eighth day; the ninth day, at eleven o'clock, twenty-four globules, whereupon all the previous symptoms were surprisingly aggravated and increased; the thirteenth day he took, at three, p.m., one globule; the sixteenth day he repeated the olfaction. Under observation marked "II," four weeks later, at six, a.m., fasting, one grain of Aloes. Under observation marked "III" again, more than a week later, in the forenoon, in full health, four grains of the best Aloes, coarsely broken, and gulped it down with six swallows of water.

Most of the provings of this country were instituted with the 1/10 trituration of the real Socotra Aloes. C. HERING took one dose of this, and afterward a higher, without repitition (Jenichen received his trituration from Lappe). DR. J. JEANES and DR. KOCH had in part other preparations, the former higher, the latter lower. DR. NEIDHARD took, in the first proving "a," a grain of the 1/10 trituration; in proving "b" a like dose every evening for two weeks. DR. C. RAUE took the 1/10 trituration every hour, three times m the evening and twice the next morning, until he had distinct symptoms, which, although they exhibited only a slight effect, still could be plainly distinguished for three days. DR. W. WILLIAMSON made his curative experiments in the cholera summer, 1849,

- Mental condition better by exercise in the open air; the tenth day. III.

– Ill-humor, peevishness and anthropophobia, with cuttings in abdomen. 591.

– During pain every thing disgusts him. 503.

30. Hypochondriasis, aa.

- Indifference and sleepiness, evenings. I.

Alternating Conditions:

- After meal no sleepiness, but a forbidding and unconcerned humor; about half-past three he is better and is much inclined to joke, continually mocking the remarks of others; in the evening is inclined to work; the twelfth day. I.

– Before taking it, the disposition is apprehensive, speculative, amorous; after taking it, quiet, immovable, contented, joyful, reflective; mind is more self-sufficient, more inclined to labor, no sleepiness after a meal; first to the third day. II

– Lassitude, alternating with great mental activity; the eighth day. Preu, c

35. Amorous thoughts present themselves, which are very annoying; the first day. II.

- Immediately after a meal a sluggish sleepy mood, he sat down by himself without speaking, without any desire for mental or physical exertion, meditating wrapt up in himself, as after a sickness, or a fit of anger, which still gnaws internally, which one cannot express. Nothing can engage his attention, he is averse to and disgusted with every thing. From one till after four, in the evening, already an opposite condition sets in; he is not at all angered about an accident which otherwise probably would have angered him. I.

Contentment:

- Quiet and serene humor. Curative effect. 4. Gosewich.

– In the forenoon he is disposed to become reconciled, where he would not otherwise have been so; the second day. I

– Contented, happy humor, in the evening as well as all the following day; the fifth day I

40. Towards evening uncommonly aroused by spirited joyful news; the fifth day. I.

- Merry, self-contented, fraternized to the whole world; the fifth day. II.

– At evening, in a happy mood, he feels completely happy and contented.

– Great serenity and good humor; in a patient. Helbig

– The child is very much enlivened and vivacious, it plays and prattles uncommonly with much mischievousness and laughter; from sucking Aloes. C. Hg.

45. Contented with his station in life; it involuntarily occurs to him, that he is really much better off than many other people; the seventh day C. Hg

Indisposition to Labor:

- Head confused and indisposition for every employment. t, Henke, a.

– Labor already begins to be tedious to him; the third day. III.

– Great laziness in the middle of the day; the second day. Preu, d

– Much exhaustion and laziness; the seventh day. Preud.

50. Disinclined to move; the second day. Preu, d.

– An anxious restlessness deters him from mental labor; the first day. Henke, b, t,

– Great disinclination to mental labor; the second day. Preu, a.

– Speedy fatigue from mental labor; the second day. Preu, d

– Exhaustion alternating with activity. 34.

55. Great restlessness and excitement; the second day. Preu, c.

- Inner restlessness and excitement; third day; Preu, a

– Excitement of mind and body; afternoons; d, the third day. III.

– Disinclination for much mechanical or intellectual labor, instead of this, great disposition for desultory thinking; the fourth day. Preu, a

– Smelling camphor relieves the troubles quickly and considerably. There even follows for a while inclination and ability for mental labor, which requires clear thinking. After an hour however all the troubles return; the eighth day. Preu, d.

Inclination to Labor:

60. At an early hour, quick, complete awakening, with inclination for mental labor, good appetite; the second day. I

- He believes, on awaking, that it must be later. 1009, 1362.

– In the afternoon he works with a will, without a midday nap; the fourth day. I.

– In the morning good appetite and inclination to work; the fifth day. I.

– Much inclination for continued labor; the first day. II.

65. Especially inclined to mechanical labor; first day. II.

- In the forenoon, he is much excited, works hastily and yet well; the fifth day. II.

– Inclined to work, with pain in the forehead. 91.

– Excited, nights, 1369; with warmth and redness of the face. 231.

Aretaeus calls it a holy medicament against melancholy which finds it parallel in the hiera picra of Galen, in pillulae benedictae, elixir sacrum, tinctura sacra. (Strumpf.)

70. A very valuable remedy; against insanity, in paralytic states of the ganglionic nervous system, operating as an irritant! so also, in great asthenia of the functions of the abdominal organs. Schneider, the Opposite School.

Vertigo:

- Paroxysms of vertigo. B.

- Vertigo, as if every thing whirled about with her, worse on going up-stairs and turning quickly. t, Raue.

– Very peculiar vertigo each day after taking the third trituration, during motion he feels as if he ought to lie down, whilst standing and walking an inner sensation which makes every thing seem insecure, and which makes him very anxious; then nasal catarrh first on the left side, then on the right, with copious secretion of mucus, which soon becomes thick; afterwards no more vertigo. C. Hg.

– Whilst sitting, after meal, he feels as if he sat upon a high chair, a kind of vertigo; the fifteenth and subsequent days. III.

75. She received a shock from the arm up into the head, thereupon the sensation of a wind from the head into abdomen. Kerner Seherin of Prevorst.

* Severe headache and vertigo from disordered digestion. (Schroeder.)

* Exceedingly chronic and obstinate headache and vertigo. (Trousseau and Pidoux.)

Confusion and Headache:

- Painful confusion of the head, every morning. C. Hg.

– Confusion of the head; the first day. Preu, c; the second day, Henke.

80. Confusion of the head, and discontent. 15, 17.

Fore-Head:

- Pressive pain in the fore-head; from the third to the fifth day; thereafter relief. Preu, d.

– Murky pain in the head and fore-head. 91.

– Confusion, of the sinciput especially, with chilliness. 1431.

– Downward and inward pressing pain (down towards the nose) in the middle of the forehead. In a mesmerized person. Helbig.

85. Dull headache across above the fore-head, with heaviness in the eyes, and nausea, t, Raue.

- A dull pressive pain in the fore-head, in the afternoon. Preu, d.

– Headache in the fore-head and on the vertex as from a weight; the fourth day. t, Raue,

– Pressure in the fore-head, immediately after licking Aloes. In a girl of nine years. Helbig, b.

– Painfulness of half of the face, arising from the forehead. 226.

90. Pressive pain in the fore-head involving the orbits; the third day. Henke, c.

- Dull drawing and sticking over the right side of the fore-head, the head feels murky, it compels one to make the eyes small; at the same time the desire for labor continues longer; the fourth day. II.

– Pain in the fore-head, pressing outward towards the temples; appears soon after taking Aloes and continues. Henke, c.

– Dull pressive pain in the supra orbital region; the first day. Preu, c.

– Dull stitches in the supra orbital region; the first and fifth day Preu, d.

95. Stitches over the brows and in the frontal prominences. 447.

- A single darting drawing, over the left eye and outward through the same; after four hours. II

– A tensive, numb sensation which extends over the scalp, with a sense of increased warmth; the third day. II.

– Pressive tension, sometimes pulsating, in the sinciput. ERL.

– Dull pressive pain in the sinciput; the second day. preu, a.

Temples:

100. (Slight pressive pain in the right temple; sour food produces an inclination to vomit and lassitude.) Helbig.

- Pressive pain in the left temple especially, appearing now and then. Helbig.

– Pressing outwards to the temples, with periodic heat of the face and flickering before the eyes; the first day. t, Henke, b.

– Pain in the fore-head pressing towards the temples. 92.

– Pressive boring in the left temple, soon thereafter a sticking drawing outwards to the left eye, from above, out of the brow, downwards; afternoon and evening; the second day. II.

105. Drawing stitches over the right temple, not deep; the third day. II.

- First transient, then severe stitches in the left temporal region, aggravated by every foot step. St.

– Dull stitches through the left temple into the brain, t, Henke, a.

– Headache worse in warm, better in cool (air). t, Raue.

– (Headache from the heat of the sun.) 413.

Sides of the Head:

110. Pressure on the left side at the top of the parietal bone; after one hour. C. Hg.

- Stitches in the right side between the fore-head and vertex, from the top inward; the first day. C. Hg.

– On the right side of the head, sudden blunt shootings from below upwards, in the evening and on the following morning, after trituration. Zumbrock.

– Pressure in the middle of the right half of the brain; after 2, 3. 3. C. Hg.

Vertex:

- Pressive sensation at the crown. Helbig

115. Sense of weight on the vertex. t, Raue.

Occiput:

- Severe pressure in the occiput; often a pressing asunder. ERL.

– Pressive ache in the angle of the right occiput; evening. Helbig.

– Dull drawing in the left side of the occiput. t, Henke, a.

– In the occiput (and abdomen) beating, at night when lying down; 496. Stitches after stooping; 134. External soreness; 147.

Head in General:

120. Headache, after griping of the bowels, and after stool; 080. In the fore-head, with abdominal symptoms; 578. Headache in the morning following an incomplete evacuation of the bowels, lasting until a second stool follows a few hours after. Gosewisch.

- Periodic headache, alternating with pain in the loins; R; with sacral pain. 1061.

– Headache, relieved by cold applications. 1061.

– Headache, aggravated by motion, especially by stooping; the first day. Henke, c. Excitement of the Brain:

125. On rising before five in the morning, the head feels completely aroused; an excited condition of the whole brain, a, b; the sixth day. I.

- The brain is again somewhat excited on the 11th day. I.

– On rising, the brain is aroused and excited; the twenty-first day. a, b, III.

Congestion:

- Continued and severe congestion of the occiput and sinciput, whereby the eyes are pressed out. ERL.

– It often produces congestion of the head if administered with existing hemorrhoids, a a

130. Congestion of the head. ERL. — R. — Wedekind. 1061, 1443, compare 145.

- Disposition to congestion of the head, in lunatics. Trousseau.

– After 11 o'clock, a.m., sense of dull pressure throughout the whole head, when walking, a shaking as if the brain lay loose therein, considerably aggravated in fresh cold air, also on laying the head down, then and a while after rising up, a beating, thumping pain like pulsating, especially in the occiput; better a while after eating; the first day after having taken the medicine five times; less the second day; disappearing the third day. Raue.

– Sensation as if the head were widened, being pressed out on all sides; after four hours. II.

Throbbing:

- Throbbing headache, 1/100 Whitey.

135. Throbbing in the middle of the brain. ERL.

- Troublesome throbbing of the external occipital arteries with a cold feeling of the back of the head; the fourth day. Preu, d.

– *Headache. Greek physicians.

– *Headache is removed by anointing with it. Dioscorides.

- If one wishes to clear the head, take it two hours after supper; but if one will clear the stomach, it must be taken one hour after supper. T.

140. Taken with vinegar, it relieves the headache. T.

- Periodic headache (with Camphor and Opium). Audouard.

– For relief of the head and chest, if no organic trouble underlies. Trousseau and Pidoux. Merat de Lenz.

– * Brain affections; especially congestion of the head, of old people who are disposed to apoplexy, a.

– *Congestion of the brain of long standing; in lunatics. Trouseau & Pidoux.

– 145. * If, with constipation, with sluggishness and loss of tone of the abdominal organs, congestion of the head appears, small doses are sometimes very serviceable, particularly in hypochondriacs; it frees the head and brings the normal state of the abdomen again into action. Fechner.

External Head:

- Sluggish, drawing, sensitive pain in the head, more externally; the first day. III.

– An ache, like a pressure, in the scalp of the occiput. Helbig.

– A sensation of numbness moving over the scalp, with warmth. 97.

– At mid-day, a pain as of subcutaneous suppuration, on a spot as large as a half dollar, on the right side of the top of the head (between 16 and 12 according to Combe) so that even touching the hair is very painful, afternoons; also in the evening in an other spot of the same size; the second day. II

– 150. On the left side in the scalp near the vertex a feeling as if it had been beaten, so that the pressure thereon is painful but yet feels good; the fifth day. C. Hg.

– Painfulness behind the top of the head as of subcutaneous ulceration; the hair stands up more on this spot, continuing from mid-day, the 7th day; 10th and 11th clays again a sensitive spot behind on the vertex. I

– On combing the hair in the morning, a sensitive spot on the left side on upper part of the occiput; towards evening on the right side of the head on the top; 12th day. I.

– Frequent feeling of heat in the scalp. ERL.

– Dry hair; the ninth and tenth days. III.

155. *With wine, it prevents falling of the hair. T.

- Aqua aloetica is useful in falling out of the hair. Schroeder.

– Sea-pursleine water mixed with Aloes expels all scales and cures, all diseases and scurf of the head B. (Schnurr Wunderbuch, 1657.)

Eyes:

- Over the left eye and through it, outward drawing pain. 96.

– Pain in the fore-head involving the orbits. 90.

160. An outward drawing pain in the brow, extending to the left eye. 104.

- Heaviness of the eves with headache. t, Raue.

– Determination of blood to the eyes, pressing them out-ward. 128.

– Pain, deep in the orbits as if in the muscles, worse on the right side. C. Hg.

– Pressure in the right eye-ball, severe, but passing away Evenings, from light; the fifth day. III.

165 A sensitive pressure in the orbits; the first and second day, t, Henke, b.

- Burning pain in the right eye, as if a fine current of hot air passed through along the axis of vision; the first and second days. Preu, d.

– An increased congestive condition of the ordinarily some what reddened conjunctiva of the lids; the first day. Preu, d.

– The eyes are glittering, somewhat reddened, prominent ERL.

– Flickering before the eyes, with heat of the face; after a few hours. Henke, c, compare 102.

170. It becomes dim before the eyes on writing; the second day. Henke, c.

- An unsteady anxious look. 8.

– One is compelled to make the eyes small, with pain in the fore-head. 81.

– In diseases of the eye. Greek physicians.

– Sometimes this is classed with the remedies for the eyes. Schroder.

175. * Pressure in the eyes. Dioscorides.

- Suppuration of the eyes. Dioscorides.

– *Discharge from the eyes and weakness. J. Mesue.

– Rubbed around the eyes, it stops the flow therein and strengthens the sight. T.

– *It cures trickling from the eyes. Frankenau.

180. * Lachrymation. Schreger.

- *Inflammation and swelling of the lachrymal sac. Schreger.

– Suppuration of the inner surface of the lids. Schreger.

– Asthenic ophthalmia. Schreger.

– Spots on the cornea. Schreger.

185. Pustules in the right external angle of the eye, surrounded externally and internally by many red vessels. Helbig.

Ears:

- A slight twinging kind of pain in the right ear; evening of the third day. Helbig.

– A twinging ear ache, and crampy pain in the right ear; the fourth day. Preu, d.

– Transient stitches from the left temporal region toward the ear. St.

– Drawing sticking pain in the left inner ear, which is, after awhile, also felt in the right. B.,5.

NOTE. — From this symptom "drawing sticking pain," Roth makes the following: "whizzing and sticking in the inner ear," by mistake of the reader or printer; but, "first left then right" is left out, and in my view the most important part of the whole symptom. C. Hg.

190. On pressing the teeth together, a sensation of numbness behind the ear; it draws in the lower jaw down through a back tooth; the fourth day. a. b. II.

- Toward mid-day, a drawing pain, from before backward, below the right external meatus auditorius; behind the lobules, in the mastoid process and in the ear passage itself, almost like an ear ache; the fourth day. II.

– At times a transient pain in the left external ear-passage, especially on pressing the teeth together; fifth day. III.

– There appeared, in a person who had used Aloes for two years, particularly after the menses, for a headache consequent upon them, together with a constipation as from loss of tone of the intestines, an ear ache on the left tide which always recurred with the menses along with the headache, it was also more severe when this (headache) was more severe An internal disagreeable ache, also externally behind and below the ear After Bell. and Calc. the ear began to itch and for the first time discharged thin, yellowish, odorless matter. Nux, Lachesis, Carbo veg., and especially Lyc. worked a complete cure. C. Hg.

– Throbbing and sense of heat in the back part of the ear. ERL.

195. Heat in the inner and outer ear. 200. C. Hg.

*[Deafness in consequence of peevishness, becoming heated and chilled in damp rooms, combined with uncommon torpor of the system, slimy expectoration, rattling in the chest, pulsating from the chest toward the ear, determination of blood to the head, vertigo, violent pulsating in the ear which is excessively painful, and gradually developed suppuration. After complete deafness of the left ear it attacked the right also, where with he could only hear when one spoke loudly in his ear. He lost his sense of smell. With the ear-scoop he brought out at times, especially from the left ear, thick, yellow and black masses without benefit to the hearing or amelioration of pain; at the same time came swellings on the head, which went away again, first on one side then on the other, and on motion a sense of cracking in the occiput going into the ear; eyes dull; yellowish circles; chest painful, not enduring the slightest pressure; expectoration day and night. The juice of the fresh Aloe leaf was pu into the ear on cotton, and since it gave relief, he took every morning and evening two table-spoonfuls of a decoction of the fresh Aloe juice (two and a half pounds with one and a half pounds of wine and half a pound of sugar). On the fourth night he was obliged to cough hard, and in the morning found traces of blood, and on the left side coagulated blood and pus; he continued its use ten months, and during that time had painful sensations here and there in different spots on the surface, sometimes accompanied by swelling, lasting one or two days; first on the right side of the head then on the left; viscid matter flowed from the cracks in the skin. He was completely cured, and heard as well as ever. Hufeland's Journal, 54, 2, 66. 1822, from Strumpf and Frank's Magazine, 2, 589.] Severe ear ache accompanied by numbness with distress in the abdomen and pain in the chest. a. a.

- Frequent ringing and buzzing in the ears. ERL.

– At nine o'clock in the evening, when reading aloud, frequent fine crackings in the right maxillary joint; the first day. II.

– Rustlings in the right ear, which almost amount to cracklings, on moving the maxillary joint; after two two hours. a. b. III.

Nose:

- Pain in the fore-head pressing down into the nose. 84.

– Pain in the nose, especially early in the morning, and never except on motion; the thirteenth and fourteenth days. III.

– The nose is very, red without redness of the face, in the cold open air; the first day. III.

– In the evening, coldness of the tip of the nose sensible only to the finger touching it. Helbig.

205. Early in the morning in bed, great dryness in the nose; the third day. Helbig.

- A sensation in the nose as if it would commence bleeding; the first day. Henke, c.

– Nose bleed early in the morning a few drops; the second day. t, Henke, b.

– Some blood is blown out in the afternoon; 5th day. II.

– After waking, while yet in bed, the right nostril bleeds a desert-spoonful; the eighteenth day. III.

210. Nose bleed now and then. ERL.

- It stops bleeding of the nose. Schroeder.

Sneezing and Coryza:

- Ineffectual inclination to sneeze; after ten minutes. II.

– Fruitless attempts to sneeze; morning of the second day. II.

– Sneezing and watery mucus like fluent coryza; after five hours. II.

215. On sneezing, stitches in the umbilical region. 607.

- In the afternoon, sudden fluent coryza, lasting till toward evening; the third day. III.

– Coryza the whole of the fourth day. III. Worse in the afternoon.

– Sensation of coryza and husky voice. 1070.

– Coryza and soreness of the right nostrils; the fifth and sixth days. III.

220. Inclination to coryza at times, the thirteenth day; thin nasal mucus, the fourteenth day. III.

- Fluent coryza with sneezing; the fifteenth day. III.

– Coryza, whereupon the distressing vertigo disappears. 73.

– Coryza. 388.

– Dry Coryza; the second day. 580.

225. The right wing of the nose is scurfy and sensitive on its inner surface, the fourth and eighth days; and again somewhat on the 2lst and 22d days. III.

Face :

- Confusedness and painfulness of the whole left half of the face, proceeding from an inflamed spot in the mouth and from the forehead; the fourth day. Preu, d.

– Pale over-night (as if up all night) sickly look; the sixth day. I.

– He is very sensitive to the coldness of the weather, has a very pale look; sunken and sickly; the 13th day. I.

– Pale wretched color of the face; the first to the third day. II.

230. The countenance is sickly, suffering and pale; the tenth day. III.

- Increased warmth and redness of the face; wide awake, excited; after half an hour. III.

– Periodic heat of the face, with pressure in the temples. 102.

– Burning heat, especially in the face. ERL.

– No fruit the toil will yield, till toil

Has worked it well together,

And human weal will fade and fall,

In only sunny weather.

The Aloe causes bitter pain,

But brings the cheeks health's blushes,

So must a heart its good attain

Through care that grieves and crushes.* — H. K. D.

235. Turgescence of the skin, especially of the face; it is very red and its temperature is increased; ERL. Compare 1467.

Lips :

- Dry and cracked lips. Roth. Could this have been derived from 245 B.

– Dry lips; the dried epidermis has a white appearance, if it is not frequently moistened by the tongue; the second and third days. III.

– Dry lips, the epidermis is white, scaly, he continually licks them with the tongue; from the sixth to the eighth day, and on the sixteenth day. III

– Dry lips, an hour after dinner, together with dryness in the mouth; the lips are parched and white; without thirst; better in the evening; the fifteenth day. III.

240. Dry lips, scurfy, swollen and painful; ninth day. III.

- Dryness of the lips, they are very red and hot, sometimes trembling. ERL.

– Redder lips than usual. 254. Sulph. C. Hg.

* Das Feld kann ohne ungestuem

Gar keine Fruechte tragen,

So faellt auch Menschenwohlfahrt um,

Bei lauter guten Tagen.

Die Alae bringt bittres Weh,

Macht gleichwohl frische Wangen.

So muss ein Herz durch Angst und Schmerz

Zu seinem Heil gelangen. — PAUL GERHARD.

- The under lip is swollen, with a thick skinned lax vesicle, in the red part of the lip where it turns inwardly, of the size of a flax seed, smooth, yellowish, covered with hard skin, it makes the whole part of the lip thick; the sixth and seventh days. III.

– Spongy scurf upon the lips, which exudes moisture, looks ugly; the tenth day. On the eleventh day, the lips are very dry, the spongy scurfiness is moist. III.

245. Superficial cracking on the inner side of the upper lip, when laughing, B.

- A painful little crack on the under lip near the angle of the mouth; the second day. III.

– A blackish point (maggot) on the edge of the upper lip on the left side becomes inflamed, it is the next day a yellow pustule; goes away the eighth to the eleventh day. I.

– Breaking out around the mouth. Helbig, c.

– Pimples under the lower jaw. 1497.

Tongue:

250. Tongue coated yellowish white; second day. Raue.

- Cold feeling of the left side of the tongue; after a few minutes. 3. C. Hg.

– After dinner, a sensitive painfulness on the right side of the tongue at the back part; especially if it hits against the teeth, as if they were sharp and impinged upon a sore spot; the 24th and 25th days. III.

– In the morning after waking, suddenly an extremely fine but severe stitch on the under part of the tongue, from behind forwards, which is twice repeated on moving the tongue. Neuralgia sublingualis. Dr. Koch.

– Evenings, dryness on the tongue and in the mouth, with increased thirst and redder lips than usual; after the 1/100 Whitey.

255. Red and dry tongue. ERL and 273. St.

- Large, yellow ulcers arise on the tongue after the use of Aloes in weaned children. C. Hg.

– Ulcerating tongue and gums. Dioscorides.

Teeth:

- A drawing from the ear into the lower jaw through a back tooth. 190.

– Drawings in the lower front teeth. Henke, c.

260. Stitches in the third hollow back tooth. B.

- Beating in the (lower) hollow back tooth on the right side, after smoking tobacco. B.

– Gnawing pain in a hollow tooth on the left side of the the lower jaw, in the evening, recurring periodically throughout the whole night, worse by eating. N, a.

– Pale gums, the sixth day. I.

– The teeth are affected as after eating sugar; the first and second day. N. N.

265. The teeth have looked bad for many days, have a yellowish coat; the seventeenth day. I.

- The concave edges of the teeth seem sharp, they hurt the tongue; the seventeenth day. I

– A lower hollow back tooth becomes sensitive, especially when eating, the second day; on the afternoon of the third day, it is still sensitive; on the fifth day he cannot bite thereon; on the sixth day, it is still more sensitive, it even pains without touching it; it is no more sensitive on the ninth day; on the tenth day a pustule appears on the front part of the gum under this same tooth. I.

– For foul teeth, rub them with honey and aloes. Paracelsus.

Mouth:

- Water accumulates in the mouth, with a sensation of hunger after breakfast. 340,

270. Saliva accumulates in the mouth, when taking it (aloes). II.

- Dryness in the mouth, the mucus in the mouth seems dry; the third day. III.

– Dryness in the mouth, 239; evenings, 256; with thirst, W; and also 1443.

Mouth , continued:

- Dryness in the mouth with much thirst, dry heat in the mouth (also ERL); the tongue is very red and somewhat dry. St.

– Sickening smell from the mouth, noticeable to himself, as if he had been without food a long time on a warm day; the third day. III.

275. * With mastic it is good for hawking blood from the mouth and throat. T.

- Inflammation and sore pain of the left cavity of the mouth; the fourth day. Preu, d.

– Inflamed spots in the mouth. 226.

– Sore feeling of the inner size of the left cheek; afternoons. N, a.

– It cures all ulceration and foulness in the mouth. T.

280. It is good for all angry fistulae and discharging ulcers, especially in the mouth and private parts. T.

Throat:

- Pressure from the stomach up into the pharynx. 422.

– Pain in the back of the throat on swallowing. C. Hg.

– The throat feels as if it were constricted J. 200. C. Hg.

- Sense of fullness in the pharynx with empty eructations (394); at times also without eructations; second day. Preu, d.

285. Scraping sensation in the throat, provoking cough. Helbig, also 1073-4.

- Hoarseness in the back part of the fauces. 1069.

– On rising in the morning, some rawness of the fauces, chiefly in the upper part in the soft palate and uvula, with a somewhat raw voice, which disappears at breakfast, returning on going into the open and cold air (afternoons); second day. III.

– Sense of swelling or pressure in the throat, at eight, or nine o'clock in the morning of the fifth day. III.

– Sensation as if the palate were swollen, three o'clock in the morning; when rising and during the forenoon in. the fauces, increasing in the afternoon, continuing in the evening. On empty swallowing and yawning, the arches of the palate are painful; the fourth and following days. The sensation in the fauces only on forced empty swallowing; but it increases a few hours after rising and is noticeable even without swallowing but not on swallowing food. On chewing, the sides of the soft palate pain, as if sore or as if burnt with hot food, aggravated in the evening; the fifth and sixth days. III

290. The arches of the velum palati pain on chewing hard food, the hard palate and the region around the hindermost back teeth feel as if burnt and inflamed; not on swallowing food. Especially painful is the stretching of the soft palate on yawning; the sixth to the eighth day, III

- Soreness of the left arch of the palate, on opening wide the mouth; ninth and tenth days. III.

– Throat affections after skating, again in the evening in the middle of the soft palate posteriorly; the eleventh and thirteenth days. III.

– Thick mucus in the mouth and fauces on waking at three o'clock. 1364.

– Hawking thick mucus out of the fauces for a few days; the fourth day; morning of the fifteenth day. III.

295. Pain in the throat as if the soft palate and uvula were swollen, evenings, worse on awaking in the morning; first disappears at mid-day; twenty-first and twenty-second days. III.

- The pain in the fauces is accompanied by expectoration of thick lumpy mucus from the fauces and choanae; twenty-second and twenty-third days. III.

– Pressive pain in the pharynx, sensation of rawness and swelling, especially on swallowing hawking up of thick mucus on waking, morning at three o'clock, going away on rising; the fourth day, II.

– Hawking up thick tough lumpy mucus like jelly, easily loosened, early, after rising; the fifth day. II.

– No expectoration of mucus. ERL.

300. Dryness in the throat. St.

- Dryness and inflammation in the throat with cough and expectoration. N., b.

Taste:

- The taste of the Aloe exceedingly nauseous, which rather increased after fifteen minutes, after one hour it still continued and remains for a long time as a nauseous bitterness in the mouth. III.

– Nauseous bitter taste in the mouth; early on the second day. t, Henke, a.

– Bitter taste, with loss of appetite. Helbig, d.

305. A few complained of bitter taste; many had sour eructations. W.

- Bitter sour taste. St.

- Taste between the root of the tongue and the soft palate like that soon after a decoction of Senna leaves, from early in the morning till one o'clock; 2d day. Raue.

– Taste in the mouth like ink or iron, with irritation to cough. 1075.

– Metallic taste, with dry irritative hacking. 1075.

310. Clayey taste. R.

- Pappy taste. 1061. Appetite:

– Diminished appetite. R, also 304, 1061.

– No appetite and febrile sensation, t, Raue.

– At noon, very little appetite and a feeling as if one does not himself know what is the matter, whether one has appetite or not, so that two hours later he again ate more apples, a kind of torpidity of the stomach, he did not know when he was satisfied, the stomach showed no decided will; after one to three hours. 1.

315. Little appetite in the morning; the twelfth day. 1.

- Some hunger in the evening and long wakefulness; the ninth day. I.

– Loss of appetite and dyspepsia with co-existing constipation. N. N.

– No appetite for meat; sixth day; I Fourth and fifth days. III.

– Meat diet was (to jaundice persons) welcome after the use of Aloes. W.

320. Appetite more for fruit and bread; fourth day. III.

- Longing for juicy food, fruit, but not for water; tenth day. I

– Frequent appetite, eat apples out of regular meal times; third day. III.

– Great appetite for bread; ninth day. III.

– At noon he ate well and much; first, second, eleventh and twelfth days. I

325. At noon good appetite, then it seemed to him as if he was not yet satisfied, as the first day; still he did not eat again, and on working it went away; it seemed again as if something ailed him, he knew not what; this took place many times before long enduring hunger; fourth day. I.

- Appetite good. In the afternoon again hunger, continual eating, as after long abstinence; tenth day. I.

– Appetite good in the morning. 60, 63.

– Frequent appetite, but not great; thirteenth day. 1.

– It increases the appetite. W.

330 Great appetite for stimulating food, with fullness in the stomach. 428

- Appetite not diminished, in many rather increased. W.

– The child preserves a good appetite during the diarrhea. C. Hg.

– Increased appetite. N, b.

– Great appetite; the second: day. Preu, c.

335. After that he had had for many days only a very small appetite, on one afternoon he had very great longing; he ate a double supper; that night he had pain in the back. Helbig compare 1125.

- Feeling of hunger in the stomach, after a few minutes; from olfaction; the second day. I.

– Warmth and sensation of hunger in the stomach; after one hour. III.

– Canine hunger, forenoon; the second day. II.

– He awakened at seven, a.m., with feeling of hunger and urgent inclinations to urinate, the third day. II.

340. Soon after breakfast, feeling of hunger in the stomach, so that water accumulates in his mouth; fifth day. II.

- Canine hunger soon after morning stool; the eleventh day. I.

– Hunger with yawning, evenings. 1352

– Feeling of hunger with weak and changeable pulse. 1463.

– A very urgent need to eat. Giacomini.

345. Generally a few eructations tasting of Aloes, and immediately increased feeling of hunger; after taking one to three grains fasting. Giacomini.

- Increased desire to feed, otherwise no change. After three ounces of the resinous extract in Oxen. Viborg.

Thirst:

- Thirst with dryness of the mouth. Hong and 271, 273; evenings, 254.

– He drinks while eating as he is not accustomed to do; the nineteenth day. III.

– In the afternoon, uncommon thirst for water; the twelfth day, not the thirteenth day. I.

350. Thirst awakens at night; sweat after drinking. 1369.. Much thirst immediately after dinner and supper; the fourteenth day. I.

- Severe thirst with fever. 1453.

– Thirst, especially for beer which seems to alleviate the pains in the anus. Helbig.

– Aversion to drinks, especially to cold drinks; the second day. Preu, a.

355. Water appears to aggravate the attacks. B, compare 429.

After Eating and Drinking:

- After a meal, forbidding (32); sluggish sleepy mood. 36.

– No sleepiness after a meal. 32, 33.

– After eating the headache is better for a while. 134.

– After eating soused roast game, he perceives weakness in the limbs and feels unwell; the eighth day. Helbig, compare 100.

360. Urging to stool immediately after eating; the thirteenth day. I..

- Thirst after eating. 351.

– Worse after meal, toothache. 262.

– The tongue is painful after dinner. 252.

– Dry lips an hour after dinner. 239

365. Hunger after breakfast. 340.

- At breakfast the raw voice disappears (287); the hoarseness goes away. 1069.

– Pressure at the pit of the stomach after breakfast. 424.

– Fullness in the stomach and bilious eructations after drinking water. 429.

– Acrid eructations after dinner. 400

370. Movements in the abdomen after supper. 529.

- Motion and distension in the abdomen after eating. 513.

– Flatulent distension after a meal. 529.

– Escape of flatus every time after eating. 542.

– Flatus after dinner. 553, 555.

375. Gripings in the bowels after dinner and supper. 586.

- Pulsating (of the anus) after dinner. 892.

– Increased sexual instinct after eating. 1005.

Stomach:

- Warmth in the stomach and hunger. 337.

– Gastric troubles. Greek Physicians

380. It is not injurious to the stomach as other purgatives commonly are, but makes it much stronge. Crato Zacut. Lus. P.

- Serviceable for a humid stomach and gripes. T

– It purifies and strengthens the stomach. T.

– It strengthens the stomach, restoring all kinds of slime; hence especially good for all who are inclined not only to a cold stomach but also to a sour rawness (after drinking). Schroeder.

– It purifies the sour crudities. Frankenau.

385. A stomachic, taken in grain doses immediately before eating, for torpidity of the stomach, loss of appetite without irritation, caused by too highly seasoned, too nutritious, or too liberal diet generally, or sedentary mode of life. According to Kurtz.

- It is very good for the stomachs of the old. Schroeder.

– Unanimously regarded as a strengthening remedy, for the stomach and intestines. Weikard.

– As often as he perceived a disordered stomach or catarrh, he took Aloes and was thereby, in spite of being inclined to a sanguineous temperament and arterial plethora, freed from the necessity of blood letting. Giacomini.

– Bitter in the mouth but good for the stomach.

Eructations:

390. Eructations, tasting of Aloes, lasting two hours, frequently recurring; after four grains. Preut d.

- Bitter eructations; the first day. Preu, d.

– Bitter eructations, many days. Helbig.

– Bitter eructations, after drinking water. 429.

– Empty, tasteless eructation, with sense of fullness in the pharynx, second day; again the seventh day. Preu, d.

395. Eructation from time to time, part of the time without any taste; morning of the eleventh day. I.

- Easy eructation of wind without taste; after ten minutes; after thirty minutes, II.

– Much eructation of wind with oppression of the stomach; the second day. t, Raue.

– Empty eructation, empty or tasting of food. B.

– Eructation relieves the oppression of the stomach. 424.

400. Acrid eructation after dinner, t, Henke, a.

- Sour eructation. 305.

Nausea:

- Nausea. B.

– Inclination to vomit, after sour things. 100.

– Neither nausea nor a change in condition is observed therefrom. W

405. * Serviceable to damp natures, especially to those, who have nausea before eating, are obliged to vomit, also for pregnant women. Schroeder.

- Nausea immediately after taking it, must sit completely still in order not to vomit, also other days, t, Raue.

– With the nausea, pains extend from the stomach towards both sides of the chest, t. Raue

– Nausea, with headache, t, Raue.

– Some nausea, with pain in the umbilical region increased by pressure and diarrhea 499.

410. Feeling of debility and ineffectual efforts for stool. 799, 800.

Vomiting:

- Removes vomiting, also even that of pregnant women,. Schroeder.

– Chronic vomiting with hardness of the abdomen. Hong.

– Once, after half a drachm for headache from heat of the son, vomiting a quantity of thick mucus on going to stool, which returns a half hour after a glass of water. The pulse and strength were thereby sunken, till the next day. Giacomini.

– It is injurious to those in whom the acridity of the blood seeks an outlet as hemoptysis, leucorrhea and hemorrhoids, and the like. T.

415. In a city, where one had begun to adulterate beer with Aloes, hematemesis was almost endemic. The use of Alum whey gave almost sure relief. Neumann Kst. d. M. 2, 616.

- The death of John Calsia, who died of vomiting blood, was attributed to the continued use of Aloes. B.

* It is good for those who vomit blood. Dioscorides, Hemoptysis, A. A.

Pain in the Stomach:

- Crawlings in the stomach and abdomen. N, a.

– Immediately, pain in the stomach on the right side N, a.

420. Pressure in the stomach, with a feeling of warmth therein; the first day. Preu, d, compare 337.

- The pit of the stomach pains very much on making a false step. 500.

– Pressure in the epigastrium and up into the pharynx; the fourth day. Preu, d.

– Painful pressure under the sternum; the fourth day. Preu, d.

– Some pressure in the pit of the stomach after breakfast; relieved by eructation, t, Henke, a.

425. Pressure in the pit of the stomach through to the back, like a weight, with sore pain; sometimes this pain rises higher up into the chest and then sinks down again; accompanied by copious eructations, t, Raue.

- Soon after taking it, troublesome sense of fullness in the region of the stomach, followed by distension of the epigastrium and both hypochondria; with a pain in the first hypochondrium which goes away on passage of flatus, but returns with renewed distension. Preu, d.

– Feeling of weakness in the pit of the stomach, like a weight and burning there. t, Raue.

– Fullness in the epigastrium, with great appetite for stimulants; the second day. Preu, d.

– Fullness of the stomach after drinking water, and bilious eructations. B.

430. * I have often found that it is an anti-spasmodic (1) remedy, and relieves pains of the stomach. Cullen.

- With the nausea, pains, which draw from the stomach up into both sides of the chest, worse on motion; the third day still the same pains drawing from the pit of the stomach to both sides of the chest, t, Raue.

– Snatching under the pit of the stomach. In a mesmerized person. Helbig.

– Jerks in the epigastrium. 1098.

Hypochondria:

- Painfulness across below the ribs, with painful weakness in the legs. Therewith an evacuation somewhat diarrheic, with chilliness, go that he feels very cold as often as he goes away from the stove. Helbig, c

435. Dull pain under the ribs, fifth distension. 578.

- Aching in the hypochondria, cutting. Helbig, d.

– Distention of both hypochondria; 426, 520.

– Distension, as if it were too narrow around under the ribs. 578.

– An inner pressure at the short ribs; after three hours. Henke, c

440. Pinching at both sides of the hypochondria; the first day. Henke, c

Splenic Region;

- Pain in the left hypochondria, better after passage of flatus. 426.

– Dull pain in the left hypochondria; third day. Pressive pain; the fourth day. Preu, d

– A jerking pain in the region of the left lower rib, internally, going from above downward and from the outside inward, on walking, morning; the sixth day. Helbig.

– Crampy pain in the region of the spleen. t, Henke, a.

445. * The natives of Bengal treat swelling of the spleen with a mixture of Aloes, garlic and vinegar. W. Twening.

- Hardening of the spleen (combined with Sulphate of Iron). Hong.

– Dull stitches in the splenic region through the left breast (in the supra orbital region, in the frontal prominences, in the finger joints); the sixth day. Preu, d,

– Awakened by dull stitches in the splenic region, drawing into the loins; the first night. Henke, c.

– Transient stitches in the spleen; seventh day. Preu, d.

450. Stitches now left, now right.. 462.

Hepatic Region:

- Uneasiness, heat, pressure and tension in the region of the liver. R.

– Uneasiness in the hepatic region. (W. in Rust's Magazine, Vol. 24, p. 304.)

– Only seldom is a heating and uneasiness in the hepatic region noticed, when the purgative action is near at band. W.

– Pressure and tension in the right hypochondria. W; in the right epigastrium. B.

455. Side ache, right. Hong.

- Pressure under the right ribs. 1107.

– Dull pressive pain in the region of the liver; the fourth and fifth days. Preu, d.

– Hard pressive pains in the region of the right lower ribs, alternating with just such a pain in the upper part of the chest as if it were seated under the sternum, i. e., they are found now there, now here. The former are more transitory but more frequent; the latter more enduring and less frequent. Helbig.

– Dull pain on the right side under the ribs, the same in all positions, worse on standing, so that he bends himself forward. C. Hg.

460. Pain in the region of the liver; at times it pains by the last ribs internally as if strained, as after great exertion; the first day. C. Hg,

- Transient stitches in the hepatic region; the second day. Preu, c,

– Blunt stitches now in the left, now in the right hypochondrium; the second day. t, Henke, a,

– Periodic blunt stitches in the hepatic region, sometimes moving into the chest and obstructing respiration; the first day, less the second day. t, Henke, b.

– Single blunt stitches in the hepatic region; the first day. Henke, c.

465. On deep inspiration it sticks in the precordium. — Henke, c.

- Stitches moving from the hepatic region into the chest. 463.

– Pain in the liver; Aloe perfoliata, herb. Hong.

– Aloes increases the secretion of the bile and irritates the liver. W.

– The purgative action of Aloes is secondary, the primary action is increased irritation of the liver and consequent augmented secretion of bile, whose quantity and irritation reduces purgation. W.

470. Injurious in jaundice and inflammation of the liver, because it increases existing trouble. W.

- For the most part injurious in inflammation of the liver and other abdominal organs. W.

– It is to be used with great caution in irritable persons, and those inclined to increased secretion of bile. W.

– Absence of secretion of bile, without inflammatory conditions of the liver, a, a.

– Gallstones, large ones, it can not of course remove, but it certainly assists in the expulsion of smaller ones, because it increases the vehicle therefore, the bilious fluid; hence it can also prevent their reproduction (!). W.

475. * It is well suited to torpid and cold livers. T.

- In perceptible induration of the liver, an issue in the right hypochondrium, in this daily an Aloe pill. This increased the stool and the induration became imperceptible. W.

– Twitching pain in the hepatic region was much relieved. Helbig.

– Weakness in the right hypochondrium, he could breath freer. N, b.

Hemorrhoids:

- Galen makes the first mention of Aloes as a remedy for hemorrhoids.

900. Aloes is mentioned in the Talmud as a remedy for hemorrhoids. T. Gitten. 696.

According to Wunderbar's Bibl. talm. medicin.

- In bleeding hemorrhoids. Greek Physicians.

- It scrapes the intestines too much (in cold people) and drives out blood with the evacuation. J. Mesue.

- But one who has an injury in the hemorrhoidal veins or hot swelling in the hinder parts, should not use Aloes. T.

- It opens the hemorrhoidal viens. Schroeder.

905. Of one hundred persons who took Aloes, ninety were attacked with hemorrhoidal flux, which ceased as soon as Aloes was discontinued. Fallopius. p. 109, opera omnia. Fref. 1600. Gottfr. Moebius, Olaus Borrichius Act. Havn. 1673. Obs. 64, and Trnka von Krzowits Treatise on Hemorrhoids 1798 p. 75, made observations similar to Fallopius. Jonseca Consult. med. t. I. cons 27, writes that in the region of Padua and Venice Aloes was a very prolific cause of hemorrhoids. Stahl, collect. pract. p. 418 says: The inhabitants of lower Saxony suffer very much from hemorrhoids from the abuse of Elixir proprietatis. Aloe aperit ora venarum ani et vulvae. Geoffrey. A life-prolonging-remedy containing Aloes, much used in the region of Lauterbach makes hemorrhoids prevalent. Raue treatise on Hemorrhoids. 1821.

- If it is given before the flux of the hemorrhoidal veins, it should cause them to flow, but if they already are flowing, it should, on the contrary, check it. Some say this even of the monthly courses. Loehrike Mat-Med. 6th Edit. p. 146.

- I have had cases of its large and liberal use, in which it produced hemorrhoidal troubles; but, in moderate use, it is not a frequently exciting cause. Cullen.

- It appears to produce local plethora in the lower portion of the abdomen; hence, used for a length of time, it certainly contributes not a little to the production of hemorrhoidal troubles and the re-establishment of suppressed menstruation. This Cullen, without reason, denies. S. Hahnemann Notes on Cullen.

- It often produces hemorrhoids. Hahnemann, Apothekerlex.

910. It aggravates the cases of hemorrhoids, when the production sever bleeding does not warrant relief. W.

- It, indeed, produces bleeding from the rectum but not from hemorrhoids. C. W. Sachs.

- Never actual hemorrhoidal tumors. 870.

- Being applied to hemorrhoids, it produces hemorrhoidal attacks. W.

- It excites artificial hemorrhoids without being itself applied. Sundelin. 1,403.

- It never produces hemorrhoids; on the contrary, he affirms that Aloes has removed the pain and flow from hemorrhoids. Giaccomini.

- It appears to act especially on the larger intestines. A full dose produces in many people an irritation of the large intestines and tenesmus. Pereira.

- *Gaudius also gave it with benefit for burning and blind hemorrhoids. Weikard.

- *Molimina hemorrhoidalia. A. A.

- *To make hemorrhoids flow. A.

920. * In suppressed hemorrhoids, one accomplished his purpose surely with pure Aloes; small doses are sufficient. Hahnemann. Notes to Arnzeischatz, pp. 61, 62.

- It is considered especially effective in suppressed hemorrhoidal flux. J. A. Schmidt Mat. Med.

- In blind hemorrhoids which depend upon torpidity. Bischoff. Med. Bot. 432.

- If the hemorrhoids are rigid, complex, in connection with affections of the spleen and liver, Aloes is serviceable in small doses. Pitschaft.

- For suppressed hemorrhoids, if the hemorrhoidal flow had become habitual and had been suppressed by sluggishness, or if the diffused hemorrhoidal congestion produces disturbance in the whole organism and gives rise to evident diseased condition. Schreger.

926. In lingering, habitual, or atonic, painless, mucous, hemorrhoids. K.

- *If the hemorrhoidal tumors project from the anus in great quantity like bunches of grapes, with much pressing. Neidhard.

- *In protruding hemorrhoids of the right side, very painful while standing and walking, obliging the legs to be spread apart while lying; the appetite very good, notwithstanding the lack of exercise: after eight or ten days; everything else had been of no avail. C. Hg.

- Copious discharge of blood from the anus, though without hemorrhoidal tumors. Trousseau. Compare 558.

- Blood passes after the stool. St.

930. Passage of very much blood with the stool, with severe pain in the loins. F. R. L.

- Sense of fullness, like congestion of the protruded, strangulated hemorrhoids, later, an indefinite urgency to stool, and a second small stool, which was entirely unusual, whereby the hemorrhoids protrude very much, and pain as if sore and chapped in the anus; after three hours, forenoon. 3. C. Hg.

- Swelling of the hemorrhoids; they pain as if raw. F. R.L.

- Soft piles at the anus, itch evening and morning; the eighteenth day. III.

- After rising, a hard, small, tough stool, with sore pains in the hemorrhoids, which, sensitive to touch, pain as if inflamed even in sitting still; at ten in the evening another stool, with smarting in the hemorrhoids, some of which are still protruded; the nineteenth day. III.

935. Continual smarting of the hemorrhoids, even during rest, on sitting and lying, as if rubbed raw; the twenty-second day. III.

- Hemorrhoids, very sensitive on wiping after the stool; the twenty-third day. III.

- In the morning the piles in the anus are small and little sensitive, through the day more swollen and sensitive, sometimes stitches therein and itching; the twenty-fourth day. III.

- In the afternoon much itching in the piles and anus generally; the twenty-second day. III.

- Toward evening on rising from sitting, many fine, sensitive stitches in the hemorrhoids, so also later in the evening when sitting; the twentieth day. III.

940. *Heat in the hemorrhoids. Williamson.

- Twenty-four hours relief from the hemorrhoids; on that day for the first time, much blood with the stool. 3. C. Hg.

- If cold water applications afford relief from the hemorrhoids, an indication for Aloes? C. Hg.

Mucous evacuations :

- Evacuation of very large conglomerate pieces of intestinal mucus.

- After loud grumblings and moving about in the abdomen, a thin evacuation, passing almost involuntarily, consisting in part of thin yellow feces, partly of bilious streaked pieces of mucus mixed with the feces; thereafter, crawling in the anus which compels one to rub it. Helbig.

945. In mucous constipation, it causes a passage of a great quantity of tough, in the highest degree offensive, green and otherwise unnaturally colored mucus infarctus which gave rise to much rumbling and uneasiness before the passage, and great relief thereafter. Ideler in Hufeland's Journal. 4. 1. 119.

- Passage of a membranous looking mucus through the anus. N. T.

- *Feces covered with mucus.

- *Well formed stool, streaked with blood and mucus Williamson.

Worms:

- *With garlic and ox gall it is given by the Hottentots and Caffres for worms and worm affections. Sparrmann's Travels p. 476.

950. *Scribonius Cargus and Alex. Tralles recommend it for intestinal worms.

- *It kills and expels abdominal worms; even when taken by an injection. Schroeder.

- *Ascaris vermicularis, as injection and otherwise; also Rademacher again.

- *For ascarides better than other remedies, because it attacks the worms in their habitation without impairing the digestion. W.

- For ascarides in two boys. Helbig.

955. *Necessary for ascarides. A. Z. f. H. Vol. III, p. 149.

Kidneys and Urinary Passages :

- Severe pains in the kidneys. N. T.

- *The Indians give it with milk for ulcerations of the kidneys and bladder. Weikard. Fragm. p. 83.

- Bloody urine. Bartolinus, act. med. ann. 1768, obs. 64.

- Passage of blood from the urethra. N. T.

960. At times painful burning in the neck of the bladder on urinating. F. R. L.

- Burning on urinating. Richter.

- Burning and urging on urinating, and general agitation. Wiekard.

- Urine passed with some difficulty. Richter.

- Burning on urinating. Weikard. Voigtel. Schreger. Fechner.

Urine :

965. In small quantity and hot. W. St.

- Deep colored, yellow. B.

- Saffron color. W.

- It passes only sparingly, is deeply reddened. F. R. L.

- Transparent, dark, not increased; the first day. II.

970. Highly colored, of strong odor, remaining clear; the third day. III.

- Urine scanty, dark, with a slimy sediment; the sixteenth day. 1.

- The afternoon urine becomes cloudy on standing, with a whitish coat on the bottom of the vessel, a fine granular cloudiness in the urine; smell putrid, ammoniacal; the first day. III.

- Urine copious and cloudy; from eight to ten grains. Giaccomini.

- Urine yellow, or brown, with a yellowish red sediment. W.

975. In the forenoon frequent passage of copious discharge of light yellow urine; the third day. II.

- Urine for the first time again, clear as water; the eighteenth day. II.

- Secretion of a greater quantity of urine. Greenhow. Lond. Med. Gaz., Vol. XIX, p. 270.

- Copious urination after fifteen grains. Giaccomini.

- Urine increased, and more deeply colored, the fourth day. I; much at one time; the sixth day. I.

980. Copious urination and burning therewith. K

- Increased, paler urine, after the stool. N. b.

- Passage of urine increased after the stool. 858.

- Urinating, in children, increased in quantity and frequency. C. Hg.

- The frequent and copious urinating is moderated. C. Hg.

Passage of Urine at Night :

985. Rising to urinate; the seventh day. I

- Wakened to urinate at two o'clock; the fifteenth, sixteenth and following days, I, and 1025. 1362. 1364.

- Urination at three o'clock; the fourth day. III. 1386.

- Wakened many times by urgency to urinate. I. 1368. 1369.

- Urgency to urinate on waking. 1393, 4.

Urgency to Urinate :

990. Frequent urgency to urinate. B.

- More urgency, less urine; the first day. III.

- Increased urgency through the day, with no increase of quantity; the fifth day. II.

- One is driven to urinate so quickly, that he can scarcely retain it; forenoon at eleven o'clock the third day. II.

- More frequent, quicker urgency in the afternoon, with smaller quantity than in the morning; the third day. II.

995. Increased quicker urgency, and more copious discharge; the seventh day. I.

- Must run quickly to urinate, on rising at five o'clock, then at eight, and half past nine, with no increase of quantity; the third day. III.

- On rising, quicker urgency to urinate; the fourth, sixth and eighth days; evening of the twenty third day. III

Passage of Urine :

- Urine passes with difficulty. Richter.

- With the last stool, at ten in the evening, the passage of urine is somewhat impeded, it presses out from the bladder a few seconds before it appeared, then with interruptions, and every time with some urgency, which the urine does not immediately follow; the tenth day. I.

1000. *The urine passes more easily; formerly he had always to wait a while before it came. N. b.

- Urination with the stool; the second day. III. Urgency to stool on urinating. 745.

Sexual Desire :

- Increased desire. W.

- Sexual excitement, with erection after urinating, two o'clock at night. 1363.

- He awakes at four o'clock with great sexual desire; the thirteenth day. I.

1005. Desire more active after eating. III.

- Rather an inner sensuality than irritation of the parts compels him to satisfy himself; at evening on going to bed; the fifth day. I.

- Active desire at evening and uncommon thirst for water; the eleventh day. I.

- He awoke at one o'clock at night with active desire; without being wide awake, he seized hold of the parts until the emission of semen; he had to make water, and on fully awaking, it seemed as if the time must be much later; the fourth day. I.

- The increased desire relieved, the amorous mood removed; the fifth day. II.

1010. *Probably one of the best remedies to repress a too lively desire, especially in children, which only a few remedies do. C. Hg.

- Small quantities cause frequent erections and increase the sexual desire. Rust's Magazine, Vol. 24, p. 304.

- Erections without occasion, the first day, II; in the morning, W; awaken at two a. m. 1025.

Emission of Semen :

- Pollution during the mid-day nap; the second day. Prue. c.

- Pollution at three o'clock at night; then strong sexual desire. 1370.

1015. Toward morning, pollutions with amorous dreams, which had not been the case for a long time, the twelfth and seventeenth days. III.

- After the seminal emission he had to go to stool immediately, the first time at night; the thirteenth day. I.

- After the seminal emission, urinating. 1008.

- After the seminal emission, restless sleep. 1361.

Sexual Organs :

- Drawing forward, in the urethra, on sitting; mid-day, the fourth day. II.

1020. *Gonorrheal sequelae: sticking, burning in the urethra as far as the bladder, with a thin discharge; the penis is bent in erection, it pains as if constricted behind the glans, as from some ulceration; very much improved. Helbig.

- The right testicle feels cold in the night; the third day. III.

- The left epididymus is very painful on walking and handling, the whole forenoon. 1/1000. Koch.

- Soft, painless varicose tumor, tumors on the perineum; the fourteenth day. III.

- On a walk of two miles the perineum became very sore; which otherwise seldom happened in five or six miles; the fourteenth day. I.

1025. With a lax scrotum he wakes with urgency to urinate and erection, at two o'clock in the morning, the third day. III.

- The member is fallen away small, scrotum drawn up; the seventh day.

- Itching of the prepuce after a stool; second day. III.

- Sweat on the genitals, of an offensive, pungent, urinary smell, like a child-bed, morning and evening on going to sleep; the fifth day, again the fourteenth, to the seventeenth day. I.

- Ill-looking blisters on the genitals. Ga'en.

1030. *It is wonderfully good for ulcers on the genitals. T.

- *Discharging sores on the private parts. 280.

- *Sprinkled over condylomata which bleed very much, it stops it. T.

- *It unites the torn prepuce of a child. T.

- *Ulcers on the edge of the anus and the genitals. A. A.

Female Genital Organs :

1035. Sticking pain over the arch of the pubis; the fourth day. t. Raue.

- Heaviness in the uterine region, with pains in the loins and groin. K.

- Heaviness in the uterus and pains in the back. Trousseau.

- Determination of blood to the uterus. Arnemann.

- Ten violent, labor-like pains in the hips. N. N.

1040. Irritative action on the uterus and pelvic organs, from the determination of blood to these organs, repletion of the blood-vessels, especially the veins; hence it is in a condition to augment existing irritated conditions or bleedings and to act as an emmenagogue in amenorrhea and chlorosis. Pereira.

- Pressing and drawing in the uterus. 1052.

- A sharp pain, drawing down through the flank into the middle of the thigh; after three to four hours. t. Raue.

- *Uterine pains. East Indian Physicians according to Honiberger.

Menstruation :

- Great caution is counseled by many, in the years of puberty. K.

1045. It is considered injurious, by many, in the climacteric years, K. unconditional, Trousseau.

- Menstruation comes on too early, too copious. Williamson.

- It often produces a large evacuation of the monthly purification. Hahnemann, Apoth. Lex.

- Given for too copious menstruation, it increased it. W.

- Menstruation appears, very copious, though it had occurred not long before. F. R. L.

1050. Increase, with colic. K.

- It can easily produce abortion in pregnant women. Vogt, Pharm.

- Abortion; thereupon copious discharge of bloody slime, often with pressing and drawing in the uterus. F. R. L.

- Those women who have gone past their time, should swallow every day twenty-four grains of Aloes. T.

- To bring on the monthlies in retentio mensium, and amenorrhea, A.A. seldom useful. Cullen.

1055. It is considered especially effective in suppressed menstruation. J. A. Schmidt. Mat. Med.

- It promotes menstruation in the chlorotic and unfruitful. Schroeder.

- In amenorrhea from torpidity of the uterine vessels, in phlegmatic, cachectic, chlorotic women and girls. Schreger.

- *In suppressed and too scanty courses, chlorosis. K.

- *Retarded and scanty courses. Trousseau.

1060. *In chlorotics, in very small doses, with or after iron. Trousseau.

- A young girl, suffering from amenorrhea, took daily, three grains of the watery extract; thereupon pappy taste, loss of the previous good appetite, congestions to the head, headache, relieved by cold applications, alternating with pain in the loins, gripings; three soft stools a day. The periods, which had stayed away three months, came on at night with severe pain in the loins. B.

- With the courses, ear-ache. 193.

- With the courses, flatulent distension of the intestines. Williamson.

- During the monthlies, dragging down in the rectum with sense of fullness in the pelvis. Williamson.

1065. With the monthlies, pain in the loins. 1061.

- Increase of the fluor albus. K.

- A good remedy to relieve sterility. Amat. Lusitanus. c. m. c. 50. 83.

- *Hereupon many had their courses regularly and became pregnant, which they had long desired. (Pills made of Gum amm., Aloes, Fe., and Bals. Peruv.,) Weickard.

- *Nausea of pregnant women. Schroeder.

Voice :

- In a dream at night, he was in danger, he would scream out but could not from hoarseness; in the morning he awakened with hoarseness low down in the fauces, which disappeared after breakfast; the third day. I.

1070. Voice husky; hawking; coryza feeling in the nose, with chilliness; the twenty fourth day. III

- Raw voice; morning. 287.

Cough :

- Scraping in the throat producing cough. 285.

- A scraping feeling in the throat shows itself sometimes in the morning hours and forces a not entirely dry hacking, many times. Helbig.

1075. A tickling irritation to cough in the fauces, without expectoration but with the taste in the mouth of ink or iron, evening of the fourteenth and morning of the fifteenth and sixteenth days. III.

Congestion and Hemoptysis :

- Congestion of the chest. W. and 1443.

- Determination of blood to the chest sometimes provokes a dry cough; the second day. Hencke, c.

- Oppression and anxiety in the chest. N. T.

- Five drops of the tincture were given for pressure in the abdomen, with pain in the loins and weakness in the legs; there followed, apprehension, the breath will stay away on going up stairs, could not work, became anxious, with paralysis in all the limbs; the cutaneous veins disappeared, must sit and sleep; at first he felt better walking than sitting. After a few hours these symptoms and those of the disease were much relieved. (F.) Helbig.

1080. Hemoptysis. F. R. L. B.

- Given in massive doses to a girl of fourteen whose courses did not appear, it produced hemoptysis. Keller.

- *For the congestions of the lungs preceding the development of tubercle in young people, especially girls. Trousseau and Pidoux.

Respiration :

- On drawing a deep breath, it pains in the front part of the chest. 1111.

- Jerks in the chest interrupting respiration. 1098.

1085. Stitches in the chest, stopping respiration. 1106.

- Stitches in the chest impeding respiration. 1101-2-3.

- Stitches through the chest restricting respiration. 1099.

- Pains in the abdomen interrupting the breath on speaking. 503.

- Stitches from the liver into the chest interrupting the respiration. 463.

1090. Restricted inspiration and hemoptysis. B. F. R. L.

- – Wheezing, panting inspiration; evenings, after smoking tobacco. 3. C. Hg.

- Asthma and wheezing. Dioscorides.

- Free respiration. 478.

- Weakness of the whole chest, now and then; the second and third days and following. III.

1095. Weakness of the chest, on bodily exertions; the fifth and eighth days. III.

- Weakness of the chest. N. b.

Pains in the Chest :

- Constriction, with periodic pressure and squeezing in the chest, especially in the right half; the second day. Hencke. c.

- Cutting, tearing, sticking jerks in the chest, which suddenly stop the breath, especially if he would recover himself from a stooping or twisted posture; many days, the fifteenth day; in the epigastric region also. III.

- Dyspnea and dull stitches in the lower part of the chest. Hencke. c.

1100. On bending to the left side, short pinching stitches deep within at the back part of the left chest and under the left nipple; at one time impeding respiration, at another, permitting deep respiration.

- Every stitch is scarcely an inch long and very severe. After a few minutes its place is changed; it seems more in front and higher up. Twenty to thirty minutes later similar stitches in the right chest in the same place, though less severe; after three to four hours. 3. C. Hg.

- Severe stitches in the fore part of the middle of the left chest, in the region of the sixth rib, so that on attempting a deep respiration he must give it up; evenings at nine, the fourth day. III.

- Jerking stitches through the chest, also in rest, in lying, impeding respiration, with some palpitation; the eighteenth day. III.

- Stitches through the left chest. 147.

- Stitches proceeding from the hepatic region into the chest stopping respiration. 463.

1165. Sticking pains through the left chest, when crouching on account of pain in the abdomen. 577.

- On stretching in the morning, a sticking drawing in the left chest from the region of the sixth and seventh ribs, only superficial, but preventing respiration; the fifth day. III.

- Severely pressing pains behind the upper part of the sternum, alternating with the same pains under the right ribs. 457.

- Immediately on rising, sensitive pressive pains, as if sprained, behind the middle of the sternum, only on moving the arms, on stooping and crouching together, relieved by stretching the chest out straight and throw it forward; the whole of the thirteenth day. I.

- Pains from the epigastric region into both sides of the chest. t. Raue.

1110. *Pain in the chest and ears. 196.

- The anterior portions of the chest and the sides up into the axillae are painful to the touch as if beaten, as if the pain were seated between the bones and the flesh. The fore part of the chest is also painful on deep inspiration. The abdomen is also painful in the same manner, especially the umbilical region, painful of itself and worse on touch, still more in the deeper tissues or in the intestines themselves, and for the most part in the morning. The abdominal muscles are painful for many days on rising up from lying. On moving the arms, the muscles which go from the chest to the arms are painful. On straining at stool the abdominal muscles are painful at their costal attachments, continuing eight days. Helbig.

Heart :

- Pain in the precardial region which extends through to under the left scapula. t. Raue.

- In bed the heart beats quicker, and frequently it gives a very strong beat, which shakes the whole body: for the most part after mid-night, after two o'clock. t. Raue.

- Palpitation, with stitches in the chest. 1102.

1115. Strong beat of the heart. A. A.

Neck and Nape:

- Goitre. Greek Physicians.

- On the right side of the neck it feel sore, on motion, as if one of the muscles were drawn and painfully stretched; the sixteenth day. III.

- Cracking of the cervical vertebrae on moving them, morning, at eight o'clock; the second day. II.

- On sitting in the forenoon, drawing, tensive burning on the right side of the nape, as if in the muscles; it disappears on motion, the second day. On sitting in the afternoon, the same tensive drawing; on stooping, burning; morning of the third, and afternoon of the fourth days. II.

1120. Drawing pain in the right side of the nape, only on moving the neck, after rising from the mid-day rest; the first day. The same pain, on motion, tensive, almost burning; the eleventh to the nineteenth day. III.

Pains in the Back :

- Pain under the left shoulder-blade coming from the precardial region. t. Raue.

- Dull, sticking pains under the shoulder-blade the second day, and outward pressing (pains), the third day. Preu. d.

- Dull, sticking pain and squeezing between the shoulders more on the right side, continuing through the night and following day. t. Hencke. a.

- Bruised pain in the whole back, between and on the shoulder-blades, as after long stooping; the second day. II.

1125. Very little appetite for many days; on one afternoon, a very great one, ate two large portions at evening. In the following night pain in the region of the last dorsal vertebra, as if seated in the spinal cord, could not lie on the back, only on the sides; now stretched out straight, now with the thighs flexed on the body. On rising, it disappeared; the twenty-first day. Helbig.

- *Pains in the back, with the stool. 849.

- Pressure and drawing in the right kidney region; the second day. t. Hencke. a.

- Pains in the back and heaviness in the uterus. Trousseau.

- Lumbago alternating with headache. 122.

Pains in the Sacrum :

1130. Drawing and burning in the sacral region. Richter.

- Sacral pains. Sundelin.

- The sacral troubles are increased. Voigtel. Schreger.

- Morose and ill humored for several days; on the fourth day severe drawing, sacral pains, which spread over the whole pelvis; they filled him with ill-humor; they were aggravated evenings, and continued eight days; L. S., two grains triturated with milk-sugar. Helbig.

- Sacral pains, on rest and motion; the second day. t. Raue.

1135. Sacral pains, on rising in the morning; during the day it is drawing about in the sacrum, with the feeling of heaviness therein, especially on sitting; the second day. t. Hencke. a.

- A heaviness in the sacral region which involves the pelvis and acts on the rectum, loading it; the third and fourth days. t. Hencke. a.

- A dull, heavy sensation in the sacral region; the first and following days. t. Hencke. b.

- Pressing and heaviness in the sacral region especially on sitting, relieved by motion, continues over eight days. t. Hencke. b.

- Completely stiff in the sacrum after sitting, the rising up is difficult for him; then it feels like a load in the sacrum and pelvis; the third to the fifth day. Hencke. c.

1140. Burning, biting and sticking on the sacrum between the skin and flesh, as of a mustard plaster; afternoon of the third day, after the nausea had disappeared. t. Raue.

- Stitches in the right sacral region. Hencke. c.

- Stitches in the spleen drawing into the loins, at night. 448.

- Stitches, into the loins. 864.

- Clucking in the region of the coccyx, periodic, lasting several minutes; the first and second days. t. Hencke. b.

1145. Pain in the coccyx as if he had fallen on it. Helbig.

- Pains in the loins on waking, with lassitude. A. Koch.

- Pains in the loins with the appearance of the menses. 1062, with ill-humor, 4, alternating with headache; 1061; and discharge of blood from the anus. 930.

Upper Extremities :

- Outward pressing pain in the shoulder, the first day; in the left shoulder, the second day. Preu. d.

- Dull, sticking pains from the shoulder into the ulna; the second day. Preu. d.

1150. Cracking in the left shoulder-joint, on moving it, morning of the fourth day. II.

- Sweat in the axilla. 1470.

- Heaviness of the right arm: the second day. Preu. d.

- Pressive or paralytic drawing in the right, upper arm near the shoulder-joint, in rest and motion; the third day. II.

- Furuncle on the upper arm. 1496.

1155. At night in bed, pressive pain in the right fore-arm; it began in the middle of the fore-arm, and ended in the wrist joint, where it seemed as if it would press the bones of the wrist asunder; the ninth day. Helbig.

- Pains in the elbow. 1318.

- Paralytic drawing in the anterior part of the fore-arm; the third day. II.

- Sensitive jerking drawing, as in the flesh, from the left fore-arm into the palm of the hand, six to eight times in quick succession; on sitting still and writing; afternoon, three to four o'clock the third day. III.

- Pains in the fore-arm, ending in the wrist joint. 1155.

1160. Drawing into the palm of the hand. 1158.

- On stretching out the left hand, it feels as if the nerves were too short, and were dragged, like an electric shock. C.Hg.

- In the left hand and fore-arm the sensation as if internally asleep, now and then, an internal jerking and twitching without pains; the third day. C. Hg.

- The left hand falls asleep, forenoons, on sitting in a wagon; the third day. C. Hg.

- Transient stitches in the metacarpal joint; the second day. Preu. c.

1165. Habitual, sensitive drawing in the metacarpal bones and joints of the right middle finger; afternoon of the first day, at three o'clock. III.

- In the metacarpal joint of the fourth finger, a frequently recurring sticking and clamping pain; the first day. Preu. a.

- Pain, pressing asunder the wrist bones. 1155.

- Weakness of the wrist joint. 1322.

- Painful drawing and stiffness of the left middle finger, seated especially at the metacarpal joint, the first day. Jerking drawing pain in the metacarpal joint of the left fourth finger, the second day. Pains and stiffness in the right; the third day. Preu. d.

- Drawing in the joint of the left thumb, soon after taking it, then in the forenoon, and the midday rest; the first day. III.

1170. Habitual drawing pain, as if sprained, in the left last joint of the thumb (had been sprained three months before); the fourth day. III.

- Extremely painful tearing stitches in the second joint of the left fourth finger; the fourth day. Preu. d.

- Pain as if sprained or taken cold in the last joint of the left fourth finger; the ninth day. I.

- Aching in the lower condyles of the first phalanges of the right hand; evenings. Helbig.

- Fine stitches in the finger joints; the seventh day. Preu. d.

1175. Stitches in the finger joints. 447.

- Cold hands. 1346, 1417, 1420, 1428.

- Cold hands, warm feet; evenings. 1423.

- Sensation as if a hair lay on the back of the hand, also on the back of the fingers; many times. 3. C. Hg.

- A peculiar sensation on the last phalanges, of the left hand particularly, as if the hairs there slowly raised up; it seems to him as if a hair lay on the fingers; the seventh day. III.

1180. Swollen hands in the evening, 8 to 10 o'clock, with heat and tickling itching, especially in the balls of the thumb, compelling vigorous rubbing, feels as if frozen; the thirteenth day. I.

- *In a pregnant woman, who suffered from "red blood" between the fingers, with chilblain-like, swollen, red finger herein, endured neither cold nor wet, sometimes also warmth neither, sometimes warmth relieved – Aloes operated very beneficially. Helbig.

Lower Extremities.

- Heaviness of the legs; the second day. t. Henke a.

- Weariness and heaviness of the lower extremities; the second, third and eighth days. Preu. d.

- The whole left leg is asleep, without provocation; after one hour. III.

1185. On lying down after eating the limbs fall asleep; the fifteenth day. III.

- *Old paralysis, with torpidity of the intestines. A. A.

- Painful weakness in the legs, with pain in the hypochondrium. 434.

- Painful weariness, on walking, especially in the calf, ankle joint and inguinal region. A. Koch.

- Heaviness and pain from prostration in the right upper thigh; the fourth day. Preu. d.

1190. Heaviness of both thighs; the sixth day. Preu. d.

- Cracking of the right hip joint, on rising in the morning and on walking; the second day. II.

- Tearing in the right thigh. B.

- Outward pressing pain in the thigh; d. first day. Preu. d.

- Pain drawing downward from the flank into the middle of the thigh. t. Raue.

1195. Drawing in the left buttock, soon passing away, but frequently recurring. t. Henke. a.

- Pain in the inside of the left thigh; after one hour. C. Hg,

- Itching on the inner side of the left thigh. 1489.

- Pains in the knee. 1318.

- Itching in the popliteal space. 1490.

1300. [This should be 1200; but I retain the error as in the original for the sake ___ ___ and reference. – Translator.] Painful weariness in the calf. 1188.

- Weakness of the ankle joint. 1322.

- Pains in the foot. Hong.

- At evening severe pain, as if sprained and bruised, in the tendo Achilles, especially of the left foot, after nine hours. 3. C. Hg.

- Evening on lying in bed and in the morning the sensation as if the ankle joint were sprained, or the left great toe, or in a finger or thumb which had been sprained a few months before; the third day. II.

1305. In the middle of the right sole, internally as in the bone, an habitual sensitive drawing in a circumscribed spot; the first day. III.

- The sole of the foot pains in rest. Helbig.

- The soles pain on walking on pavement, as though he had performed a long journey. Helbig.

- Pain on the inner margin of the metatarsal bone of the left great toe, on walking and in rest; first there is a pressure, then follows a slight drawing as if the pressure extended itself, after fifteen hours. Helbig.

- He awakes many times in the night with some chilliness and sensitive pain in the great toe on every motion, as if it were sprained; sometimes in the right, sometimes in the left; whether in the first or last joints could not be distinguished; the first day, again the sixth. I.

1310. In the afternoon, on walking in boots, pain in the right third toe, as if frozen; the fourteenth day. I.

- For several days pain in the right little toe, as from chilblains; the twenty-fifth day. III.

- *Pale swelling of both feet, with remarkable coldness on touching them. In a boy of eighteen months remaining after a more erysipelatous or erythematous swelling. Helbig.

- Coldness of the lower thigh. 1432, '34, '36, 1463, to over the knee. 1437.

- Cold feet. 1417-21, 1428, 1431, 1436. After eating, without sleepiness, 1346; at evening, 1444; evening in bed, 1365; preventing sleep at night, 1421; mostly in the fore part of the toes only, 1429.

GENERALITIES.

Pains :

1315. Transient pains, as if bruised or sprained, in various places; on the left fore arm, right shoulder blade, left side of the ribs, etc.; the fifteenth day. III.

- Paralytic drawing in various muscles; the eighteenth day. III.

- Frequently a sensitive drawing in different places on the body, as if it involved the bones; for example, in the right knee, as if in the joint, on sitting still; sooner fatigued on motion; the fourth day. III.

- Jerking drawing, dull sticking pain in the finger, knee, and elbow joints; the fifth day. Preu. d.

- Dull sticking pains in the joints; the eighth day. Preu. d.

1320. Wearied pain in the hip joint. 1188.

- Pains in the knee joint. 1318.

- Pains from weakness in the ankle bones and the joints of the hand. C. Hg. tinct.

Weakness, Etc.

- Paralysis in all the limbs, with anxiety. 1079.

- General prostration, after fifteen grains. Giacomini.

1325. Great weakness, phlegmatic temperament, the second day; weariness the first and third days. Preu. c.

- Lassitude and pain in the loins, on waking. 1146.

- The strength and pulse sunken, after vomiting. 413.

- Weakness and inclination to vomit, after sour food. 100.

- Indolent; if he sits, he deliberates about standing up. C. Hg.

1330. Makes a pedestrian tour of five miles, very quickly, without fatigue or difficulty; the third day. I.

- Stronger than usual for bodily exercise, and not so weak and used up the next day as usual; afternoon of the first day. III.

- Weariness, weakness and creeping coldness, when he came from bed into a hot room. 1425.

- Anxious starting up. B.

- *Epilepsy of a horse, it tumbles down first on the fore legs. A kind of falling paralysis of the fore foot. G. Cures of domestic animals. 194.

1335. In cramps with jaundice, it is injurious, or it is of no use. W.

Sleep Symptoms.

- At evening, in the open air, violent, frequent yawning, without sleepiness. C. Hg.

- Frequent, deep, loud yawning after the midday sleep. 1347.

- Much yawning; evening at eight o'clock. 1355

- Yawning, with hunger, at evening. 1352.

1340. Frequent violent yawing with stretching in the forenoon; It pulls the mouth wide open; the eleventh and twelfth days. I.

- It also produces sleep, not only because it eliminates disturbing causes, but also because it possesses volatile properties. Schroeder Arzneischatz.

- Completely quiet sleep at night; after fifteen grains, morning and evening. Giacomini.

- After a meal very sleepy; he lay two hours in a dozy, half senseless condition, from which he must make an effort to arouse. During this sleep he was conscious of hearing many things, without being able rightly to recollect or arouse himself; the second day. I.

- After a meal no sleep; could immediately labor well without sleepiness; the fifth day. I.

1345. After a meal sleepy, the eleventh day; midday sleep; the fifteenth and sixteenth days. I.

- No sleepiness while reading after a meal, with cold hands and feet; the first day. III.

- Long dozy midday sleep, cannot arouse himself; after getting up frequent deep, loud yawning; the third day. III.

- Dozy sleep only at midday, not morning nor evening; the third day. III.

- After dinner dozy napping; it closes his eyes; the fourth day. No sleep; the fifth day. III.

1350. Midday sleep, with chasing visions, a crowd of dreamy thoughts; the fourteenth day. III.

- Tired early in the evening, the first day; he even sleeps on the sofa; the fifth day. I.

- At seven o'clock in the evening much yawning, with hunger; the six day. I.

- Very sleepy indifferent in the evening; the thirteenth and thirty- first days.

- Wakeful a long time at evening; the first day. II.

1355. Tired early at evening, much yawning, even at eight o'clock; the first day. III.

- Itching in the arms, preventing sleep. 884.

- Cannot get to sleep for a long time, because the evening fatigue vanished; a crowd of thoughts busy him; in the morning he lies in a doze till it is day, tired and prostrated; sexual desire frequently aroused; the nineteenth day. III.

- Cannot get to sleep till one o'clock, on account of cold legs. 1434 '36.

- Falling asleep hindered by cold feet. 1430.

1360. Restless sleep, with waking up and feeling cold; the fifth day. I.

- After an emission of semen, restless sleep with repeated wakings; at eight o'clock in the morning, when he must go immediately to stool, a copious passage, with vigor, seven hours after the previous one; the fifth day. I.

- He felt very cold at night, passing urine at two o'clock; he thought it must be later than two; the ninth day. I.

- Restless sleep (the tenth and eleventh days), with repeated wakings; at half-past one he had to urinate, shortly thereafter sexual excitation with erection. I.

- The nights, from the eleventh to the twelfth, and from the twelfth to the thirteenth days, little chilliness, better sleep; at half-past two he waked up and had to urinate: had thick mucus in the mouth and fauces. I.

1365. After evening sleepiness, poor night sleep, constantly half awake, coldness of the feet in bed, much chilliness, excited brain; the thirteenth and fourteenth days. I.

- Wide awake for a long time many evenings, on account of coldness and activity in the head; dozy sleep first towards four or five in the morning; the eleventh to the fourteenth days. I.

- Awakened at night with thirst; drinks a glass of cold water and breaks out into a sweat; several nights. t. C. Hg.

- Wake up frequently, with urgency to stool and urinating, but went to sleep again until four o'clock, when the urgency compelled him to get up, then a slight passage; the fourteenth day. I.

- Slept badly, excited (mentally), dozy; great urgency to urinate; the sixth day. II,

1370. Restless the night from the first to the second day, awake many times; pollution towards three o'clock, which he had not had for a long time, and immediately thereafter irresistible sexual excitability, on rubbing it suddenly went away. III.

- Twitching of the left arm and head at night during sleep. In a weaned baby. C. Hg.

- Chilliness, with restless sleep and excited brain. 1365 '66.

- Feels cold at night, 1362, 1422; at three o'clock, on getting up. 1431.

- Chilliness, waking one up at night. 1360, 1416.

Dreams.

1375. Heavy dreams at night.

- At night in a dream he was in danger and would cry out, but could not from hoarseness. 1069.

- Good for nightmare. Zacut. Lusit, P. H. 1, 8 Compare 1376.

- Visions chase one another in the midday sleep. 1350.

- Awaking completely active before seven, with many indistinct dreams; otherwise he wakes at nine; the second day. II.

1380. No sound sleep; coldness; awakes at three o'clock from a mass of confused dreams; the last was remembered but on rising was also forgotten; the fourth day. III.

- Dreams toward morning that he has defecated in his breeches; the twenty-fourth day. III.

Symptoms at Night and on Waking.

- Dry cough. 1073

- Pains in the forearm in bed. 1155.

- Pain he back. 1125

1385. After getting up at three o'clock he remained wide awake; the fourth day. II.

- He awoke at three o'clock with urgency to urinate, the fourth day; without stool and urgency to urinate, the fifth day. II.

- Dozy sleep toward morning, with less coldness than in the night; the fourteenth day. I.

- In the morning he lay till toward eight o'clock; the fifteenth day. I.

- Dozy lying after waking; the second day. III.

1390. In the morning he lay longer, in a dozy sleep; the fourth day. III.

- He wakes at five o'clock, cannot arouse himself on account of dreamy thoughts, feels agreeably tired, lying seems very comfortable; the fifteenth day. III.

- Long, dozy morning sleep; sexual desire before rising; the twentieth day. III.

- Urgency to stool, and urinate, drives him out of bed at six o'clock the fifteenth day; early on waking the twenty-first and twenty-second days. III.

- Late rising, with great urgency to stool and urinate; the eleventh day. I

1395. Wakes in good health at five o'clock; the fifth day. III.

- At times complete awakening. 60.

- On waking, it seems as if it were much later. 1099. 1362.

- Pains in the loins on waking. 1146.

- Pains in the loins on rising in the morning, 1135; cracking of the hip joint. 1191.

Chill :

1400. Seldom chilliness or sensation of coldness. F. R. L.

- He feels cold as often as he goes away from the stove. 434.

- Shivering through the whole body, with griping in the abdomen. 588.

- Cold feeling with the stool. 747.

- Cold feeling of the occiput, with throbbing of the arteries. 136.

1405. Chill, then distension and shocks over the hips. 503.

- Chill on waking at night, with pain of the great toe. 1309.

- Chilliness, with sensation of coryza. 1076.

- Chilliness. 1431, 3, 5,

- Chilly, in the open air and in the room. 1431.

1410. Less chilliness, in warm weather. 1426.

- Cold creepings, 1427; through the skin, 1431; down the back. 1433, 37.

- Creeping chills, with weariness and weakness, when he comes from bed into a hot room. 1425.

- Coldness through the body, with weak pulse. 1463.

- Coldness of hands and feet. 1417, 20, 28.

1415. Cold hands and feet after eating, without sleepiness. 1346.

- Wakes many times at night, with chill; the second day. I.

- Coldness of the hands and feet; the fourth and fifth days. I.

- Cold feet on going to bed at nine o'clock; the fifth day. I.

- Coldness of the feet up into the calves at evening in bed, occurring after a seminal emission, preventing sleep for two or three hours; the fifth day. I.

1420. Cold hands and feet in the morning; the feet are cold the whole afternoon; toward evening they become suddenly warm, so also the hands; the sixth day. I.

- Cold feet the whole night, little sleep; the eighth day. I.

- He feels very cold in the night; the ninth to the tenth days. I.

- Warm feet and icy-cold hands the whole evening; they alternated often through the day; now the feet and hands, now only the hands, cold; the tenth day. I.

- The night from the tenth to the eleventh days, chilliness, mostly from one to two o'clock, decreasing toward morning. I.

1425: As he, in the forenoon, came from a cold room into one much heated, weariness, weakness, and creeping chills through the whole body; the eleventh day. I.

- The night, from the fourteenth to the fifteenth days, without chill, and with a good sleep; the weather had become warmer. I.

- Shivering through the whole body, it creeps through all his bones like cold, on slowly swallowing the Aloes, becoming after fifteen minutes like a cold shivering creeping, it goes especially down the back, also in the limbs; on sitting it makes his body erect, not changed by: moving about; lasts forty minutes. II.

- After eating coldness and chilliness of the hands and feet; after walking the feet become warm, the hands less so; in the evening both warm; the first day. II.

- At midday the thighs down to the knees are cold, the forepart of the feet, around the toes especially, particularly in the midday nap; at three o'clock the feet become warm, the hands at four o'clock; the first day. III.

1430. At evening the feet become cold, on account of which he cannot get to sleep; the third day. III.

- Chill at three o'clock, on rising; throughout the day very sensitive to the cold; chilly in the open air and in the room; more severe in the afternoon; the cold runs through the skin of the whole body, with some confusion, especially of the forehead; at evening the chills disappeared, except the cold feet; the fourth day. III.

- Afternoon and evening cold legs as far as the knees, in spite of lying on the sofa in a warm room; the ninth day. III.

- Chilly, it often creeps down his back; the tenth day. III.

- Could not get to sleep before one o'clock, on account of coldness of the legs, which first became cold in bed; the twentieth day. III.

1435. Chilly, and sensitive to the air; the twenty-third day. III.

- At evening cold feet as far as the calves, on account of which he could not get to sleep: the twenty-third day. III.

- It frequently creeps down the back, with very cold legs as far as over the knee; the twenty-fourth day. III.

Inflammation and Orgasm :

- Inadmissible in too great! congestion. a. a.

- In orgasm, anxiety, burning on urinating, desire with the stool, increased troubles in the loins, contraindicated, even in small doses Voigtel. Mat. Med.

1440. If the patient experiences, even from small doses, orgasm, anxiety, burning urine, urgency to stool, increased pain in the loins, etc.; he must be cautious. Schreger.

- To be discontinued as soon as orgasm, pain in the loins, burning on urinating set in Fechner.

- The body is not cooled by purging with Aloes, as by the neutral salts, but heated, and the more so the more copious the evacuation and the stools. W.

- Some heat, congestions to the head and chest, acceleration of the pulse; dryness of the mouth, thirst; urine scanty, hot; sensation of warmth in the abdomen, as well as throbbing; pressure and tension in the right hypochondrium. W.

- Agitation and uneasiness in the whole body, as if everything would fly to pieces; distension of the veins, accelerated full pulse, strong impulse of the heart. F. R. L.

1445. General orgasm after burning urine. Weickard and 962.

- Congestions to the head, chest, abdomen, and genitals. R.

Heat :

- Internal fever. 1461.

- *Especially a febrifuge remedy, with camphor and opium. Audourd.

- It increases the fever. W.

1450. In fever of a synochal character it is, as a pernicious thing, inadmissible. W.

- Heating, – Selle Med Chir., 7th edition, p. 857.

- Burning heat in various parts of the body, especially in the face and on the scalp. F. R. L.

- Most violent thirst with the fever. F. R. L.

- Cold is better endured, although he had slept in a warm room. C. Hg.

1455. Sensation of warmth on the scalp, 97. Heat, 153. 1452.

- Very red, especially in the face. B.

- Sufficient doses frequently accelerate the pulse. W. and 1443.

- Pulse fuller, much accelerated. F. R. L. Pulse more accelerated than usual. B.

- *Pulse diminished in force and rapidity. W.

1460. Pulse diminished from four to eight beats a minute; after three hours from eight to ten grains. Giacomini.

- Pulse 104, with sensation of internal fever, and want of appetite. t. Raue.

- Pulse sunken. 418.

- Pulse very slow, 55 beats, weak and suppressed, with coldness, especially through the legs; half an hour later the pulse is still irregular in force and frequency. The sensation of hunger increases; an hour later more frequent, 60, weak sometimes intermitting a beat; soon (after taking it.) III.

- Pulse before eating 60, after the midday rest 70, sluggish and weak; at half past three in the afternoon scarcely 60; at nine in the evening regular; the first day. III.

1465. In the morning, after rising, pulse only 60, weak and suppressed; in the afternoon over 60 beats; the second day. III.

- In the morning the pulse scarcely 70; at three p. m., 62; the third day. At half past two, p. m., 62; at ten, p. m., 70; the fourth day. At nine, a. m., 75; the fifth day. III.

Sweat :

- General turgescence of the skin; it is very red, especially in the face, and the temperature is raised. F. R. L.

- *The skin feels dry to the touch, the perspiration is diminished. W.

- Heat, followed by sweat. F. R. L.

1470. Sweat under the axillae after two, p. m.; the first day. III.

- All his perspiration smells very strong, it taints the air, especially at night in the bedroom; the nineteenth day. III.

- Nauseous smelling sweat on the genitals. 1028.

- Sweat in the night after drinking. 1367.

Jaundice :

- *With goat's milk for jaundice. J. Mesue

1475. It dissipates jaundice. Tabernamont, Frankenau, and others.

- *Jaundice, not from inflammation or mechanical hindrance. a. a. Asthenic. Schreger.

- *In jaundice the cure was complete, for the most part, in less than eight days; in most it had arisen by degrees in the camps, without the patients knowing how it arose. Only two had colic, or attacks of intermittent fever, previously. W.

- *In jaundice, originating as usual from an insufficient secretion of bile, Aloes acts specifically by removing the causes; (the jaundice) decreased in proportion as the bilious evacuations appeared, and disappeared it these were continued sufficiently long. The smallest part of the jaundiced patients complained of distension of the abdomen, pains in the bowels, flatulence, tension and pressure in the precordium in the right hypochondrium, also hardness in the region of the liver was seldom observed, except when the jaundice had broken out after intermittent fever, when epistaxis also sometimes accompanied it. W.

- Aloes produces no change in atonic jaundice, so long as the stools are white, gray, and not colored by bile; but it acts as soon as the stools begin to be bilious. W.

1480. Weakness inconsiderable, even when the skin was golden colored. W.

Emaciation :

- Emaciation. Greenhow Lond. Med. Gazette, Vol. XIX, p. 270.

- Gradual emaciation, in jaundice. W.

- A fat, stout child, weaned by means of Aloes, was for a week flabby, and fallen away. C. Hg.

Swelling :

- The cutaneous veins disappeared, with anxiety of the chest. 1079.

1485. Pains in various places, with swelling. R.

- Great distension of the veins. F. R. L.

- *Itching of the skin. W.

- Biting itching at the navel in the evening, compelling rubbing. Helbig.

- Severe itching on a small Spot on the inside of the left thigh above the knee; the first day. C. Hg.

1490. Itching in the left popliteal space, later in the right, and worse. 3. C. Hg.

- Itching, heat and swelling of the hands, as if frozen. 1079.

- Symptoms of the hands, as from chilblains. 1080.

- Pain as from chilblains on the toes. 1310-11.

- Numerous pimples on various places; the fifth day. Preu. d.

1495. On the abdomen small pimples as large as the point of a pin, elevated, raw, with circumscribed redness, which itch, and compel one to scratch. From rubbing in the tincture. Helbig.

- A furuncle on the upper arm; the fifth day. Preu. d.

- Painful pimples, like nodules in the skin; under the chin behind the jaw on the right side; the third day. C. Hg.

- The epidermis cracks, and thick matter discharges. a. a.

- After he had torn some hard skin from the foot too deeply a sore resulted, suppurated slowly and did not heal; the third to seventeenth day. I.

1500. Places scratched sore pain very sensitively. 3. C. Hg.

- Applied externally to sore spots, it produces burning and suppuration. Strumpf 2, 238.

- *Old angry sores. Galen.

- *In indolent sores, proud flesh. J. Mesue.

- *With dragon's blood and myrrh, it cures old indolent offensive injuries and ulcers, it also kills the worms therein. T.

- With honey, it cures blood marks and ringworms. T.

- It arrests putrefaction. Frankenau.

- *It preserves from putrefaction and pestilence. Schroeder.

- *Offensive ulcers applied externally. Lange,

- Externally (applied), it possesses disinfectant and balsamic power. Hahnemann.

1510. In ulceration of the soft parts and bones. Bischoff, Medic. Botan. 432.

- *In indolent unhealthy ulcers. Schreger.

- *Humid gangrene. Schreger.

- *Caries. Schreger.

- Disinfectant, stimulant, purifying, drying up. a. a.

1515. In all indolent, angry ulcers. a. a.

- I have found nothing more efficacious against cutaneous worm than Alloe littoralis. Anderse. Hufel. Journ. 1813.

- *Burns: Aloe leaves. Rauscher, in Rust's Magazine, 22, 597. 1826

- Aloe leaves in Burns. It is not ascertained whether the precise species or varieties or the same genus of plants, which yield Aloes, were used for this. The name, Aloe perfoliata, has notoriously been given to many species. But it might also have been the Aloe known as Agave americana, whose leaves possess a balsamic juice, which, as healing all wounds in general, is a well known popular remedy. C. Hg.

- The people of India make extensive use of the juice of the Aloe, and ascribe to it a curative power in very many diseases. They use it in bruises and sores, in which case they dissolve it in water or Arrack. Charpentier Cassigny, Travels in China and Bengal, p. 121. Published by Franz., Berlin. 1801.

1520. *Galen extols it for wounds of Arteries.

- *The powder sprinkled into wounds soon heals them. Dioscorides.

- *Sprinkled into fresh wounds it helps them unite, heals, and fills them with flesh. T.

- *It heals wounds, fistulae, and other angry injuries, draws them together, and causes the flesh to grow. Kostuwitz.

- *It draws wounds together, and stops the hemorrhage. Frankenau.

1525. It produces hemorrhages. Loesecke, 6th ed, p. 135.

- *It stops all kinds of hemorrhages, externally applied. Schroeder and others.

- It is forbidden those who are hemorrhagic and consumptive. Weickard.

Constitution and Habit :

- *Consequences of too much spicy food. 385.

- *Consequences of a sedentary mode of lire. 385.

1530. *People who take little exercise, and sit long at meals. 725.

- *All people inclined to apoplexy. 143.

- *Good for the aged, for their cold stomachs. 363. 386. In dry, melancholic people, particularly those who are very old, Aloes should not be carelessly used. T. Injurious to dry and old people, who have a hot stomach, and incline to hectic and decline. Schroeder.

1535. *Contraindicated in plethoric people (compare contrary to this Giacomini and the French), bilious (compare Wedekind to the contrary), in pregnant women (compare Schroeder to the contrary), in hemorrhages, painful, bleeding hemorrhoids (compare Giacomini to the contrary), profuse menstruation, great irritability of the intestinal canal, old chronic eruptions, or organic affections or the bowels. Kurz.

- The tincture is especially injurious to dry and old people with hot stomachs, to hectics, hemoptyses, when the menses or hemorrhoids are flowing. Schroeder.

- *In diseased conditions of men or the old in torpidatonic troubles of the large intestines and liver. Strumpf.

- Result of being heated and congestion, applicable only in sanguinous, stiff, dry, irritable persons. Sundelin.

- Only to be given in torpid, unirritable, phlegmrtic constitutions. Schreger.

540. *For status pitnritosus and atrabiliarius with a puffy phlegmatic temperament, watery accumulations in the female organs, edematous swellings of the extremities, and so forth. Schneider Adversarien.

- *The Greek physicians found its use advantageous only in unirritable, flabby, phlegmatic temperaments. Strumpf.

- *Applicable for the most part to lymphatic, flabby persons, without energy or irritability, hence so common in more advanced age. Kurz. Comp. Giacomini.

- *It does good service in hypochondriacal and phlegmatic constitutions. Schreger.

- *In diseases of the mucous membrane generally. Hong.

Cold and Warmth :

1545. Cloudy weather causes ill humor. 13.

- Very sensitive to cold weather. 228.

- Less endurance of cold. 1401, 1431, 1435.

- Greater endurance of cold. 1454.

- Headache relieved in the cool air. t. Raue.

1550. Fresh cold air increases the headache. 134.

- Raw voice returning in the open and cold air. 287.

- Pain in the abdomen, as from taking cold. 573-4-5, 590, 680.

- Cold applications relieve the headache. 1061.

- Less chilliness in warm weather. 1426.

1555. Chilly on coming from a cold into a hot room. 1425.

- Headache aggravated by warmth. t. Raue.

In Open Air and in the Room :

- Pain in the soft palate, after skating. 292.

- Red nose in the open air. 203.

- Aversion to walking in the wind. Preu. a.

1560. Exercise, especially in the open air, relieves. Preu. a.

- All the symptoms disappear or are ameliorated on exercise in the open air; the second day. Preu. d.

- The mental condition better, after exercise in the open Air. 27.

- Walking in the open air relieves the pains in the bowels. 591.

- He feels better in the open air; especially the headache and ill humor abate; the third day. C. Hg.

On Motion :

1565. Exercise increases the headache. 124.

- Pain in the nose, only on motion. 202.

- Motion increases the nausea, t, Raue, the cutting abdominal pains, 503; it increases the pain from flatulence. 515; it aggravates the pains from the stomach to the chest. t. Raue.

- On motion, particularly of the arms, pain in the breastbone. 1108.

- On motion, cracking of the cervical vertebrae, 1118; pain in the neck, 1120; the great toe feels as if sprained, 1309. 1570. Relieved by motion, drawings, 1317; burning in the neck, 1117; sacral pain, 1138.

On Walking :

- Better than when sitting, 1079; the pain in the loins is relieved. 503.

- After walking the cold feet become warm, the, hands less so. 1428.

- On walking, it shakes in the head, 132; jerks in the left hypochondrium, 443; stitches in the anus, 894; cracking of the hip joint. 1191.

- Relieved by going about, the shiverings not so. 1427. 1575. Vertigo on going up stairs and turning quickly. t. Raue.

- At every step the stitches in the temples are made worse. 106.

- On making a miss-step, pain at the pit of the stomach. 500.

- On bodily exertion, pain in the chest. 1095.

Particular Movements :

- Stretching the body increases the pains in the abdomen. 593.

1580. On stretching, a sticking drawing in the chest. 1106.

- On rising up from lying, the abdominal muscles pain. 1111.

- On stretching out the hand, pain as if it were too short therein. 1161.

- The pain in the breast bone is relieved by stretching out straight. 1108.

- Jerks in the cheat, on rising up from stooping. 1098.

1585. On rising in the morning, pain in the chest as if sprained. 1108.

- On chewing, the palate is painful, not however on swallowing. 289, 290.

- On pressing the teeth together, a sensation of numbness behind the ear, 190; pain, 192.

- On writing, drawings in the left forearm. 1158.

- On moving the arms, the arches from the arm to the chest,* pain. 1111.

1590. Stooping aggravates the headache, 124.

- On lying down and a while afterward, throbbing in the head. 134.

- Stooping forward increases the pain in the liver. 459.

- On stooping, pain in the breast bone, 1108. Burning in the neck. 1118.

- Pains in the abdomen, compelling one to crouch together, 577; compelling one to sit crouched together, 587; it (crouching) relieves the cuttings in the abdomen. 593.

Sitting, Standing, Lying :

1595. While sitting, pulsating in the anus. 892.

- Must sit down and sleep, with anxiety of the chest. 1079.

- While sitting, more pressing in the loins, 1138; heaviness in the loins. 1135.

- After sitting, stiffness in the loins. 1139.

- On standing, the pain in the liver becomes worse. 459.

1600. [*Armbeuge, the lower boundaries of the axilla, forming an arch; the lower borders of the pectoralis and latissimus dorsi muscles. [Trans.] Lying on the abdomen, especially children. C. Hg.

- Lying crouched together, with bellyache. 579.

- Lying on the abdomen, with cuttings around the navel, but not relieved. 595.

- Cannot lie on the back for pain in the back, only on the side. 1125.

- On lying in a warm room, cold legs. 1432.

Rest :

1605. Beating in the abdomen and palpitation, 496; increased pain across the loins. 503.

- In the midday rest, cold feet. 1429.

- Must sit still, else he would have to vomit. Raue. 406.

Pressure :

- Affords relief to a beaten feeling in the head. 150.

- He is compelled to press on the abdomen, which relieves him. 579.

- It increases the abdominal pains. 499, 500, 501, 502.

1610. The abdomen is sensitive to touch. 501.

Water :

- It seems to aggravate the symptoms. 13, 355, 4:39. Giacomini. 413.

- It relieves. 942.

Times of Day :

After Midnight.

- Bellyache and diarrhea.

- Sexual desire at one. a. m. 1009.

1615. Chill at one to two, a. m., disappearing toward morning. 1424.

- At two, a. m., stool, 771; awake with urgency to urinate. 1025.

- After two, a. m., palpitation; in bed. t. Raue.

- At three o'clock swelling in the throat. 289.

- Awake at three, a.m., 1385, 86, 87; with dreams, 1380; for a thin stool, 757; stool, 759; with chilliness, 1431.

1620. At four, a.m., stool, 1368; sexual desire, 1004.

Early Morning.

- Before five o'clock, aroused and excited in the head. 125, 126, 127; stool, 761.

- Five, a.m., swelling in the throat, 289.

- Six o'clock, thin stool, 1361; Tormina in the umbilical region. 532.

- Seven o'clock, hunger on waking. 339.

1625. After waking, pains in the bowels, and a pappy stool; after taking Aloes the previous afternoon. 579.

- After rising, a stool. 744, 749.

- On rising, urgency to urinate. 997.

- Eight to nine o'clock, swelling in the throat. 288.

Morning.

- A crowd of thoughts busy him, and prevent his falling asleep again, 1357, stool and headache, 121; nasal pains, 202; dryness in the nose, 205; fruitless irritation to sneeze, 213; nose-bleed, 207, 208; stitch in the tongue, 253; rawness in the fauces, 287; mucous expectoration, 294, 297, 298; bitter taste, 303; little appetite, 315; in the morning the abdomen pains, especially on touch, 1111; pain in the bowels (also evenings), 574; flatulent troubles, 515, 520; passage of flatus, 541, 544; offensive flatus, 557; thin stool, 756; diarrhea, 578, 708, '4, *'5; yellow diarrhea, after taking Aloes the previous afternoon, 578; itching near the anus, 883; hoarseness, 1069; dry hackings, 1074; drawings in the chest, 1106; cracking of the cervical vertebrae, 1116; cold hands and feet, 1420; weak pulse, 1465.

Forenoon.

1630. An unhappy mood since the forenoon, better at evening, 17; conciliatory, 38; much excited, 66; pressure in the head after eleven o'clock, 134; earache, 191; bad taste at the root of the tongue, 307; canine hunger, 338; griping in the bowels from ten to twelve o'clock, 575; burning in the nape, 1043; epididymis sensitive, 1022; the hand asleep, 1117; chilliness, etc.. 1425.

Afternoon.

- The afternoon was generally the time of aggravation, especially of the symptoms of the mucous membranes C. Hg.

- Ill humor worse, 14; excited, 57; pain in the forehead, 86; suppurative pain in the upper part of the head, 149; sudden fluent coryza, 216; coryza aggravated, 217; blood blown from the nose, 208; hunger, 326, 335; thirst, 349; cutting abdominal pains, 593; easy passage of flatus, 565: offensive flatus, 551; diarrhea, 706; four stools, 748; stool, 776, 744; at three p. m., 742; itching of the hemorrhoids, 938; drawing in the urethra at midday, 1019; increased urgency to urinate, 994, 986; pain in the neck; 1118, 1190; burning in the sacrum, 1140; drawings in the finger joints, 1165; pain in the toes, 1310; the legs and hands cold at midday, at three o'clock the feet warm, at four the hands; cold feet (warm in the evening), 1429; cold legs, 1432; at noon, sluggish, 48; also in the afternoon without sleep, 62; chilliness, 1431; pulse slower, 1464, 1466.

Evening.

- The symptoms appear in the evening particularly. Helbig.

- Inclined to work, 32; not vexed, 36; aroused, 40; happy mood, 42; increased ill humor, and pain in the loins, 21; Indifferent and sleepy, 31; shootings in the head (and the following morning), 112; pressure in the eyes, 64; coldness of the tip of the nose, 204; earache, 186; twinging in the ear, 187; cracking in the maxillary joint, 198; diminished dryness of the lips, 239; dryness in the mouth with thirst, 254; swelling in the throat, 289, 292; little appetite, 316; itching of the navel, 1488; copious passage of flatus, 525, 543-4; offensive, 549, 550, 1, 2; urgency to stool, 767-8, 793; stool, 804; at ten p. m., 875; late, 713, 740-1-2-3; diarrhea, 706-7-8; crawlings in the anus, 881; itching or hemorrhoids (and in the morning), 933; stitches ill the hemorrhoids, 939; urgency to urinate, 997; sexual desire, 1006-8; tickling in the throat, forcing cough (and mornings), 1075; stitches in the chest, 1101; pains in the phalanges, 1173; hands swollen and hot, 1180; attacks of distress and heating over the hips, into the loins, 503; pains in the tendon Achilles, 1303; cold feet, 1418-19, 1430-41; in to the calves, 1436; wrenching pains (and in the morning), 1304; yawning and hunger, 1352; chilliness better, 1431; hands and feet again warm, 1428.

Night.

1635. Toothache, 262; stitches in the spleen awaking one, 448; throbbing in the abdomen on lying, 496; pains over the loins waking one, 503; passage of flatus through the whole night, 567; urgency to stool, 801; with urinating, 745; shocks that force him to rise upright out of bed, 503; waking with chill, 1410; and pain of the great toe, 2309; offensive perspiration, 580; excessive perspiration, 580.

Left; then Right.

- Sensitive spots on the scalp, in the morning on the left, at evening on the right side, 152.

- Stickings in the ear. 189; coryza, 72; stitches in the hypochondria, 462; stitches in the chest, 1190; pain in the fingers, 1168; itching of the patella, 1490.

- Pain in the great toe, now right, now left, 1309.

- Pressure in the temples, right, then left, 100-1. *200.

Right

Left

1640. In the forehead drawings and stickings, 91.

Stitches between the forehead and crown, 111.

Pressure in the temples, 100.

Stitches over the temples, 105.

Pressure in the temples, 101; stitches, 106; through the temples into the brain, 107; boring in the temples, then drawing through the eye, 104.

In the middle of the right half of the head, pressure, 113.

On the top of the parietal bone pressure, 110.

Sudden shootings on the side of the head, 112.

As if beaten near the vertex, 150.

Pressure on the occiput, 117

Drawing in the occiput, 118

Pain in the orbits, 163

Drawing over the eye and drawing pain through it, 91.

Pressure in the eyeball, 164.

Pustules in the outer canthus, 185.

In the ear pain, 186; cracking, 200; cracklings, 199.

In the ear pain, 192-3.

Half of the face painful, 226.

Sore nostril and coryza, 218

Nose constantly scurfy and sensitive, 225.

Nose bleed, early, 206.

Pimples on the lower jaw, 1497.

Cracked about the corner of the mouth, 246.

Pimples on the lips, 247.

Toothache, 261, 263, 267.

Toothache, 262.

The back part of the tongue painful, 252.

Cold sensations on the tongue, 251.

Soreness in the mouth, 276, 278; of the arch of the palate, 291.

In the stomach pain, 419.

In the hypochondrium, sensations, 451-465.

In the hypochondrium, 441-9; pain, 426.

In the inguinal region drawing, 609.

In the sides of the abdomen pressing, 600.

In the colon flatulent distension, 515.

Sticking in the region of the prostrate, 894.

Near the anus itching, 883.

Constriction and pressure in the chest, 1097.

Sticking drawing in the chest, 1106.

Stitches from the region of the liver into the chest, 463.

Stitches in the chest, 447, 577, 1100, 1101.

Tension in the neck, 1117.

Pain in the neck, 1117, 19; drawing pain, 1120.

Pains in the back, 1123.

Pains in the kidneys, 1127.

Stitches in the sacral region, 1141.

Cracking in the shoulder joing, 1150.

Pain in the shoulder, 1148.

Heaviness of the arm, 1152.

Drawings in the arm, 1153; in the forearm, 1157.

In the forearm, pain, 1155.

In the forearm, drawing, 1158.

Jerking of the arm in sleep, 1371.

Pain in the hand, 1161; hand as if asleep, 1162-3.

Pain in the middle of the hand, 121.

Sensation of hair on the hand, 1187.

In the thumb joint drawing, 1195.

The phalanges, pain, 1173.

In the fourth finger, sticking, 1171-2.

In the buttock, drawing, 1195.

Cracking of the hip joint, 1191.

In the thigh pain, as if beaten, 1189;

Tearing, 1192; pressure, 1193.

Pain on the inner side of the thigh, 1196, itching, 1489.

Pain in the knee, 1317.

The leg asleep, 1184.

Pain the tendo Achilles, 1308.

In the third toe pain, 1310; in the little tow, 1311.

Pain, as if wrenched in the great toe, 1421. Pains, 1308.

Other Drugs.

Antidotes are vinegar and the vegetable acids. N. Trinks.

After some vinegar, the cuttings in the abdomen become very severe. 592. Henke.

Sour food produces inclination to vomit and lassitude. 100.

After sour food, weakness. 359. Helbig.

In curing jaundice by Aloes, sour and cold articles are forbidden; wine and meat allowed; free air prescribed. W.

Given with vinegar for headache. Tabernaem.

Beer relieves the pains in the anus. 353.

After tobacco smoking, asthma. 1091.

Alum whey relieves the hematemesis after Aloes. 415.

Camphor stopped all the symptoms for an hour. 59.

On the second proving, took, soon after Aloes, the point of a knife full of mustard; whereupon he remained free of all symptoms till evening. Preu.

After sulphur, the diarrhea and abdominal pain ceased; the headache was relieved; then the pain, which went down into the thigh, disappeared; yet the bitter taste and nausea remained as well as the furred tongue and loss of appetite. t. Raue.

Nux and Lycopod. as antidotes in chronic earache. 193.

Allied drugs (1^21), Carb. v., Puls., Sabin., Sulph.; (2) Calc., Cham., Coloc., Jalap, Nux vom., Phos., Rheum. N. Trinks' Handbuch.

Abstract.

Anguish and ebullition of the blood, vertigo, startings up, restlessness, fear, misanthropic, ill-humor, morose in cloudy weather, peevish toward himself, worse with pains, with suppression of the stool – better in the open air. Disinclined to labor; lassitude, alternating with activity; good natured, self-contented; prattling and laughing in children.

Vertigo on motion producing anxiety, as if he were sitting high; confusion in the forehead and chilliness; pressure over the eyes; stitches over the brows; pressing from the temples out through them with flickering of the eyes and heat of the face; stitches in the temples on every step; as a stone on the vertex; headache, with abdominal disturbances after insufficient stool, aggravated by warmth, relieved by cold applications. Congestion; throbbing; forcing one to sit up; sensitiveness of the scalp in spots.

Determination of blood to the eyes; pressure in the orbits; one makes the eyes small with pain in the forehead.

Twinging earache; stitches to the ear; drawing stitches in the left: then in the right ear; heat internal and external; crackings on reading aloud; cacklings on moving the jaw.

Pain in the nose, in the morning on motion; red nose in the open air; cold tip; dryness, mornings in bed; epistaxis in bed, after waking; ineffectual sneezing; fluent coryza, in the afternoon; the right ala is sore.

Pale look in cloudy weather; heat with excitement, with headache; lips redder than usual. Sulphur. Lips dry, scaly, cracked, swollen, with scurfy sore borders.

Painfulness of the tongue; stitches in the under part of the tongue, coming forwards, on motion; T, dry; yellow pustules; sensitiveness in the hollow back teeth, then a pustule on the gum.

Dryness in the mouth; inflamed spots; offensive smell.

In the fauces raw, scraped, hoarse; as if burnt. Palate swollen; pain on yawning, on chewing hard food, worse in the evening and morning, on waking. Tough mucus, in thick lumps; taste bitter, sour, inkey, clayey; no appetite for meat, likes fruit and juicy food; hunger as from long abstinence; double hunger, at evening; thirst on eating, after eating, at night; after drinking water, troubles in the stomach; drinking beer relieves the pains in the anus; sour food does not agree; after eating, flatulent troubles, pulsating in the anus, sexual desire.

Eructations tasteless, bitter, acrid, sour; nausea, with pain at the umbilicus; hematemesis.

In the stomach, pressure with warmth, fullness with pain in the left hypochondrium; in the pit of the stomach pain on making a false step; pressure through to the back; in the hypochondria, painfulness with diarrhea and chilliness; distension; internal dragging, griping; in the left hypochondrium, pain, pressure, jerks from above downwards; griping stitches going upward or into the sacrum.

In the region of the liver, uncomfortable tension, pressure; hard pressing pains, alternating with pains in the chest; pain in the liver, on standing; sticking on deep respiration impeding respiration; in the abdomen and stomach, crawlings, with diarrhea; determination of blood, sense of fullness, heat, burning and inflammation; throbbing in the region of the navel; aching around the navel increased by pressure, boring, stitches. Painfulness of the whole abdomen, sensitive to touch; distension and movements in the bowels more to the left, especially along the colon, aggravated after eating. Rollings about, grumblings growlings, rumblings, gurglings, swashings and growlings. Passage of much flatus after every eating, evening and morning; offensive, burning, with relief. Cuttings in the abdomen as after taking cold, with crouching, sitting or lying crouched, soon after eating, before the evacuation. Cutting pains, with ill-humor, aversion to going into the open air, but which relieves. The abdominal parietes pain on stretching upright, pressing at stool, touch; pains in the loins, coming from the hips. Evacuation, golden yellow, of a peculiar smell, gray, hot, undigested. Pappescent stool; watery diarrhea, with pains in the bowels, chilliness, pains in the hypochondria and back; diarrhea in the morning; insufficient hard stool, soon after a meal, on standing; constant feeling as if he must go to stool; with a soft stool, the sensation as of a hard one; sudden urgency; tenesmus; stool falls out without being noticed; involuntary with passage of flatus; urgency to stool, with urinating; before the stool, gripings, grumblings, prickings; with stool, hunger; with the diarrhea, flatulence, gripings and cuttings, pains in the rectum and back. After the morning stool, pain in the bowels, passage of flatus, subsequent tenesmus, pains in the anus.

In the pelvic region, congestion, heaviness, fullness, sensation as of a plug between the pubis and coccyx. Dragging downward.

In the rectum, heaviness, heat, soreness, dragging, cutting, burning. In the anus, crawlings, itching, burning, pulsating, pain as from a fistula. Protruding grape-like hemorrhoids, very painful, sore, sensitive, chapped hot; relief from cold water. Mucus and blood in the stool.

The urine, saffron yellow, brown, becoming cloudy; clear as water and copious, frequent urging, sudden. Increased urinating, especially at night.

Increased sexual desire, on waking, after eating, evenings. Erection mornings, also after urinating. Pollution in the afternoon nap, towards morning, strong sexual desire after it, urging to stool, restless sleep. The epididymus sensitive testicles cold; the penis small; the perineum sore on walking; itching of the prepuce, offensive sweat of the parts

Fullness, heaviness in the uterine region, labor-like pains, pressing, drawings into the thigh. Menses too early, too copious. With the menses, headache, relieved by cold water; earache; pains in the sacrum; dragging in the rectum; fullness in the pelvis; leucorrhea.

Voice husky; cough and scratching in the throat. Determination of blood to the chest; bloody expectoration; respiration impeded because of stitches through the left side of the chest; pressure behind the breast-bone; bruised feeling of the front of the chest.

In the praecardial region, pain extending to below the shoulder; strong beat of the heart.

On the right side of the throat, tension, drawing, constriction, burning; stitches under the shoulder-blade; pain in the back, nights, worse on lying on the back; at evening, increased drawing pains in the sacrum, extending over the pelvis, with ill-humor, with the menses, with bleeding from the anus. Heaviness in the sacrum, loading the rectum; more on sitting; better on motion; on waking; with weakness. Stitches through the sacrum to the loins; in the coccyx, pain as if one had fallen on it; clucking in the coccyx.

In the shoulder, outward pressing, stitches, cracking in the joint; in the right arm, heaviness, drawing, pressure in the forearm into the joints of the hand; in the left forearm and hand going asleep; drawing in the metacarpal bones, in the third and fourth finger; in the thumb joint, feeling as if wrenched; aching of the first joints; stitches in the finger-joints; sensation of hairs on the back of the hand and fingers; cold hands with warm feet; hands as if frozen.

In the lower legs, heaviness, weariness, going asleep; in the thigh, heaviness, tearing, pressure, drawing; in the calves, weariness; in the tendo achilles, especially the left, severe pain, evenings; the ankle-joint as if sprained; drawing in a small spot, under the bones of the foot; the sole pains in rest, on walking; the great toe pains; waking at night, with chill; toes as if frozen; cold feet, after a meal, evenings and nights.

Pains as if bruised, sprained; paralytic drawing in the muscles; stitches in the joints; pain from weakness in the tarsal and carpal joints; cracking of the cervical vertebrae, of the shoulder-joint, of the hip-joint; prostration, weakness, sluggishness.

Yawning after the midday nap; in the evening, without sleepiness, with hunger; dozy midday sleep; going to sleep hindered by thoughts, by cold feet; restless sleep, with cold feeling.

Waked at night by thirst, urgency to urinate; pollution and sexual desire; pains in the back; chill.

Oppressive dreams, with danger, could not cry out; of a defecation in his breeches; on waking pains in the loins; after waking, lying dozing.

Chilliness, with coryza, in the open air, in cool weather, in a warm room; creeping chills, with lassitude, on rising mornings; shivering and coldness at stool; coldness on the scalp, through the body with weak pulse; cold hands and feet, in bed, preventing sleep, after a meal; chilliness at night, with pains, on rising; general orgasm; heat in spots, on the scalp, in the face. Pulse accelerated, suppressed, slow, irregular; sweet under the shoulder, on the genitals, offensive; wasting away, flabby, fallen away.

Itching, especially of the legs; pimples on the abdomen; bloody ulcers on the upper arm; spots scratched sore, pain; are very sensitive. Sensitive to cold, especially in cloudy weather; warmth aggravates the headache, and cold applications relieve; water aggravates the facial symptoms; aversion to going into the open air, after which the symptoms are better. Increased pains in the head on motion, in the nates and limbs, especially in the abdomen, and increased nausea. On stepping, stitches in the temples, and pain in the epigastrium; on stretching and straightening upright, pain in the bowels and drawing in the chest; on lying, increased beating in the head; on sitting, pains in the sacrum and pulsating in the anus; lying on the abdomen.

In the morning and forenoon, excited, irritated, unhappy; nose dry, bleeding; gastric disturbances; stool; diarrhea; passage of flatus; chilly; cold.

Afternoon, symptoms of the mucous membrane; fluent coryza; diarrhea; urgency to urinate; chilliness and coldness; slow pulse.

Evening, aggravation of most of the symptoms; passage of flatus; stool; cold feet.

Left then right, stitches in the ear; beating in the heart; beating in the chest; coryza.

Crackings in the left shoulder-joint and right hip-joint.

Right, eyes and nose. Left, distension in the colon. Stitches in the chest; pains in the hands; aggravation from sour articles.

Antidotes – Sulphur, Mustard, (Alum in hematemesis), Nux vom. and Lycopodium in earache.

(The End.)

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 06-12, 1863-1864, pages 264-269, pages 316-322, pages 363-374, pages 420-422, pages 469-473, pages 515-523, pages 574-576]

[Description: Provings of Aloes.]

[Remedies: Aloe socotrina]

[Author: Allen, T.F.]

[Year: 1863]

THE PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY OF THE NASAL PASSAGES. [Read before the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the County of New York, January 12th 1864.]

By T. F. Allen, M. D., New York

The nasal passages afford ingress and egress of air to and from the lungs, at once sifting the air from impurities by means of the hairs that thickly stud the lower fossa, and to a certain extent, analyzing it by means of the special sense of smell. The olfactory nerve showers down from the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone and is distributed to the convolutions of the superior and inferior turbinated bones and upper portion of the septum, in which region the lining mucous membrane of the nose (the pituitary or Schneiderian) is most developed, and productive of nearly the whole of the nasal discharges.

This special sense is only special, distinguishing only odors; perception of warmth and cold, itching, tickling, pain, etc., as well as the reflex action of sneezing, is given by the nervous trigeminus, or, to speak strictly, the nasal branch of the ophthalmic division of the fifth pair. The presence of a moist surface is essential to a perception of odor; in other words it has been proven beyond a question that a substance must be first gaseous (volatile), and secondly brought into solution, to affect the delicate papillae in which the ultimate filaments of the olfactory nerve terminate. Even aqueous solutions of gaseous odors will not affect the sense of smell if injected as such into the nostrils, the substance must enter the nostrils as a gas. Dark colors are capable of absorbing odors more readily than light. The same we know is true in regard to light and heat; the order as regards absorption of odor is black, blue, red, green, yellow and white. It has come to find its practical application in the use of white sheets and coverlids, white walls in hospitals, etc.; also warmth and moisture facilitate this absorption; so warm, damp atmospheres hold more odors in solution or suspension than cold dry ones.

Odors have been variously classified by Linnaeus as aromatici, fragrantes, ambrosiaci, alliacei, hircini, tetri and nauseasi; by Larry, as alkaline, acid, camphoric, aetheritic and narcotic; by Laller, very sensibly as pleasant, unpleasant, and indifferent. Our appreciation of odors and, hence to a certain extent, of the chemical composition of substances, often far excels any chemical tests, and rivals, if not surpasses in delicacy that beautiful test – the spectral analysis. In animals it is often developed to a far higher degree, owing to the special nerve development and the greater surface exposed to action. I must forbear to pursue this subject to a great length, nor can I now speak of the relation of the Eustachian tube to the sense of hearing; the arguments pro and con and the experiments are numerous and very interesting.

As bearing upon our pathology, there are, opening into the nose in the middle fossa, the ethmoidal cells (possibly also sphenoidal), frontal sinuses and Antrum Highmori, into the lower fossa the lachrymal canal, that sewer of the eye.

We must pass now to our principal subject, the pathology of the nasal passages, and I am constrained to remark that two weeks, in an exceedingly busy season of the year, when two consecutive hours are nearly unattainable, has given me hardly time to layout my work. I need not apologize therefore, for its hasty composition and lack of interest.

Anomalies of the Sense of Smell. – Anomalies consist in exaltation or increased susceptibility, depression or decreased susceptibility or total obliteration, loss of smell, or perversion.

Any of these conditions may be a condition or accompaniment of disease; the depression or loss may be an affection of the special sense or be brought about by mechanical obstruction of the nostrils; so also perversion may only be a normal exercise of the special sense in recognizing offensive secretions or the sense itself may be perverted. This latter point could not be settled with any certainty; we may recognize offensive discharges from a patient's nose, and the patient himself, be unconscious thereof, or the reverse may be true; the fact alone concerns us in the treatment of nasal catarrh, and is of great importance; as much so, as the character of the discharge, whether acrid or not, yet in this connection the reason for this perversion is of no more practical value than the chemical composition of the acrid discharge.

In one connection this abnormity of smell will be of great importance, as showing a general pathological condition, viz: in paralysis; as conditions of general nervous depression in which the special senses are in abeyance, as in Hyoscyamus, where the loss of smell has no connection with any organic change in the nose, but is in consonance with general loss of sense and vitality. We find special pathological or pathognomonic conditions of exaltation of smell under Aurum, Belladonna, Lycopodium, Nux vomica, Phosphorus; also Aconite, China, Coffea, Graphites, and Plumbum .

Aurum, everything smells too strong (also found in Sulph.)

Drosera, great sensitiveness to sour smells.

Graphites, intolerance of flowers.

Phos., exceedingly sensitive to bad smells, with headache.

Tabaccum, smell is very acute in the morning.

Sabadilla, sensitive to the smell of mice.

Sanguinaria, great dislike to the smell of syrup.

Belladonna, the smell of tobacco is unendurable.

Lycopodium, the smell of Hyacinth produces nausea.

Sulph. acid, the smell of Coffee is intolerable.

Sense of smell is diminished under Bell., Calc. carb., Sep., Sil., Sulph., Tab. and others.

Sense of smell is lost under Aurum, Causticum, Hyos., Kali bichrom., Lycopod., Natr. mur., Plumb., Sanguin. and Sulph.

Aurum in connection with extensive organic destruction; so also, Kali bichrom., smell diminished with frequent sneezing, blunted smell even of strong scents followed by frequent sneezing and incipient coryza, then loss of smell with great dryness and insensibility or numbness of the nose.

Causticum has loss of smell with impaired vision.

Hyoscyamus., with loss of taste.

Natr. mur. has loss of all smell and taste with severe fluent coryza.

Teucrium m. v. is reported by the late Dr. Wurmb, to have cured loss of smell.

Under Perversions of smell, I include those bad smells, resulting, not only from change of the function of the special sense· but from offensive discharges; it is impossible to draw the dividing line. I may remark here, that these different smells are not to be viewed as mere curiosities of disease or drug action, but are to be noted as practical indications in the choice of the remedy. They will often decide when we may be in doubt, between two or more drugs.

In general, perversions of smell belong to Bell., Calc. carb., Paris quad., Anac., Aur., Kali bichrom., Kreos., Graph., Menyanthes, Nit. acid, Puls., Sanguin. and Sulph.

Agnus castus, sometimes smell of herring, sometimes of musk. Smell of pus at night

Anacardium, smell as of dung or burnt tinder, on rising in the morning. Veratrum and Bryonia also have a smell like dung.

Arsenic., smell as of pitch, sometimes as of Sulphur before the nose .

Aurum, putrid smell on blowing the nose (very many Aurum symptoms are manifested on blowing the nose), momentary smell· as of brandy, with dyspnea; also a sweet smell.

Bell. has very especially a smell of rotten eggs, so also, Calc. carb., Kali bichrom. and Nux v.

Alum. has a sour smell in the morning.

Conium, a smell of pitch in the back of the nose, he fancies he can taste it also.

Graph., a smell of burnt hair mixed with Sulphur. A smell of burning soot. (Nux v. also has a smell of Sulphur.) Smell as of an old coryza at night.

Bry. The smell of dung is a frequent accompaniment of other Bry. symptoms.

Kali bichrom. Sensation as if she drew in sulphuretted hydrogen with each breath. Bad smell preceded by stuffing and increased secretion. Smell of rotten eggs. Putrid smell with a watery discharge and redness of the nose, smell of rotten eggs. Imaginary putrid smell. Sensation of fetid smell.

Lavendula vera. Peculiar indescribable smell and taste.

Lycopod. Smell like lobsters.

Kreosote. An indescribably bad smell in the morning on waking.

Nit. acid. Bad smell in the evening.

Nux vom. Smell like rotten eggs, rotten cheese. Sulphur, and candle stuff, all manifested and aggravated in the evening.

Menyanthes. Disgusting smell like rotten eggs in a room and in the open air.

Mercurius. Putrid smell.

Puls. Illusion as if he had smelt tobacco and coffee together, even in the open air. Bad smell in the morning. Smell like an old coryza.

Sanguinaria. Smell as of roasted onions.

Senega. Putrid smell.

Sulphur. Smell like shelled peas, burnt horn or like old coryza.

It may seem superfluous and even foolish to pay attention to these little smells, but I, for one, am as much interested in these peculiarities, as in the question of the microscopical character of tubercle whether it is hardened pus or undeveloped blastema; indeed more so, for the former, these smells, are practical, the latter theoretical.

We are accused of catering to a theory, I insist that we are eminently practical.

We pass from the anomalies of the special sense of smell to the abnormities of structure in the nasal passages. I will pass over all congenital malformations, multiplicities, hypertrophies, deficiencies of development, etc., to acquired anomalies.

1st. The lachrymal canal; bony, lined with an extension of the Schneiderian mucous membrane, affected by extension of inflammations from the nose, or the eye.

Severe inflammation of the lachrymal sac tends to produce imperforation; a pustule forms on the side of the nose near the inner angle of the eye; it may become a running sore, the tears constantly overflow the cheek causing excoriation. Lachrymal fistula, confirmed, has not been considered subject to medication, but the pathogenesis of Pulsatilla, guarantees to us that in very many, the majority of cases, it will arrest this formation, nip it in the bud; it is applicable in the first stage. So also Silicea and Natr. mur. ought to cure and have cured confirmed fistula.

Dr. Dunham related to me a case, in which there was no doubt of the diagnosis of a fistula of long standing, and the cure was complete and without mistake after the use of Natr. mur. This fistula does not cure itself.

There came to me to the Central Dispensary in this city, a German girl of eighteen, for menstrual troubles, especially menstrual headache and delaying menstruation of such characters that Silicea seemed to me to be the appropriate remedy. After deciding upon my remedy. I noticed on the side of the nose near the eye a small pustule somewhat inflamed. I asked her about it and she said it was of no consequence, it had been there three or four years, and came on after a severe cold in the head. On inquiry I found that the tears continually ran over the cheek of that side, the right, that there was no mistake about a lachrymal fistula on that side. I remembered that Hahnemann in his introduction to the proving of Silicea, recommends it for the cure of lachrymal fistula, and though somewhat skeptical about this case did not change the prescription; Silicea was taken twice a week. In less than three months the tears no longer overflowed the cheek, in less than one month the pustule entirely disappeared leaving smooth skin, red, but without tenderness. I made sure that tears were normally secreted by holding the lids apart and pressing on the caruncula lachrymalis.

Petroleum would doubtless prove curative under certain circumstances, though I have never heard of its administration.

The eustachian tube is liable to become occluded by extension of inflammation from the nostrils or pharynx, and here as in occlusion of the lachrymal canal I do not believe in the necessity of operation and, in anticipation, shall not believe it a sign of progress when people come to wear tubes from the posterior nares to the internal ear. I am unable to give an analysis of the drug pathogenesis on this canal; we infer their action from various correlative symptoms; there may be many, we must be careful however in our estimate of symptoms, for example, Lachesis has pain on swallowing going up into the ear, but the course of the pain is along the parotid gland, it is more external than internal. In Gelsemium the reverse is true, it is internal not external. To illustrate the action of Gelsemium I have a very striking and apt case which much astonished me and the patient.

A young lady of 22, in affluent circumstances, felt compelled to apply for relief from the terrible sick headache which preceded every menstrual period, appearing from twenty-four to thirty-six hours before the flow, and attended by profuse vomiting with bearing down pains in the abdomen; no pain in the back, the symptoms relieved., on appearance of the flow. Cocculus was prescribed which certainly relieved her somewhat and in time, I think, would have gradually cured her but after two months I was requested to take her throat in hand. For several years she had been having with increasing frequency, a sore throat coming on with a little fever and leaving her a little deaf. Lately every change of weather affected her throat and she was becoming more and more deaf and constantly so, when her throat was inflamed and sore, (confined to the upper part of the pharynx) pain on swallowing would shoot up into the ear. The family were becoming alarmed as one member, an old lady, formerly subject to like attacks of sore throat, became exceedingly deaf. I took down all the symptoms, was confident I did not have the right remedy with me (at least not in my head) and promised to send it up. I studied but could not make it out, at last Gelsemium was suggested to me and I sent it. It astonished us all; she had not a sick day with her menstrual periods nor has she had a sore throat since; and no difficulty of hearing in the slightest degree, from the time she began the Gelsemium. She took but little and it is now over a year; and a few weeks ago told me in great glee that she could go out in all weathers with impunity. I consider it a bona fide cure. You will of course ask the dose. I gave the only potency in the office then (I should have given lower if I had had it) the 1,000th, prepared by Dr. Fincke, of Brooklyn, which potency of Gelsemium I will swear to.

In passing to the consideration of the drug pathology of the nasal passages proper, I will refer to the abnormal growths within the nose, particularly warts or polypi; they may be hypertrophied states of certain portions of the mucous membrane and the submucous tissue or may be true adventitious growths, fibroid most commonly, in either case they may occur singly or in great numbers and produce more or less stoppage of the nasal passages. Teucrium mar. ver. Has been and is considered almost a specific for the removal of these polypi and many authentic cases are reported.

A remarkable case was reported in the Allg. Hom. Zeit, by Dr. Bojanus of Moscow in which the nostrils were entirely filled with large and small polypi, surgical removal had only increased the difficulty; after the use of Natr. mur. they all came away spontaneously, and the nostrils remained clear. [In this connection it is an interesting fact that several cases of distressing nasal polypus, so situated that extirpation was impracticable, have been cured by a long sea-voyage.]

In the American Homoeopathic Review for January 1864, in an article on "The Question of the Dose," by Dr. Dunham is quoted a case of a lady of 55, who suffered from a large polypus in the left nostril; various remedies had been given without effect, an operation was proposed, but one physician consulted, thought that a cure by internal remedies would be much more permanent, and having seen striking effects from Calcarea carb. wished to try it. The second trituration was given for four weeks with an intermission of four weeks, with no result. The first trituration was then prescribed, after fourteen days the polypus seemed to be a trifle smaller but an intermission of four weeks was followed by return of the tumor to its former size; at last the officinal lime water was given in milk, a teaspoonful twice daily, amelioration followed the first dose, in four weeks there was no trace of the polypus and the patient remained well.

We come now to the consideration of the pathological conditions of the nasal passages, commonly induced by inflammation acute or chronic, and characterized by the terms coryza, catarrh, ozaena, etc. The inflammation may be: 1st, croupous,, witness ordinary coryzas; 2nd, diphtheritic, extension from the pharynx; 3rd, scrofulous, hereditary and other catarrhs complicated with or showing a tendency to the production of Tuberculosis pulmonalis, and 4th, syphilitic. I shall not stop here to treat of these separately but pass on to the second division, drug pathology – and first the aconite pathology.

The action of Aconite is ephemeral. It produces locally, congestion of the Schneiderian membrane with heat and dryness of the nostrils; but curative as it is in this stage it is still more so, in the inceptive period, when, especially, if the coryza is to be a severe one, there will be great chilliness with other Aconite symptoms. The greatest results from Aconite are always obtained in the chilly stage, but we are seldom called upon to prescribe for this incipient coryza outside of our own families where we often have the opportunity to ward off severe coryza by the timely dose of Aconite. This Aconite congestion may resolve itself by hemorrhage, or pass on into one or more forms of stopped or fluent coryza.

Having mentioned the word hemorrhage, I will interpolate a few words on that subject.

We find epistaxis from Ant. crud., Bell., Brom., Calc. carb., Croc., Dulc., Graph., Hyos., Kali bi., Merc. Millefolium, Nit. acid, Puls., Rhus. and Sabina especially. Epistaxis, of bright blood, Millefolium, Bell, Sab., Dulc., Hyos. and Bry especially. Of dark blood, particularly Croc. and Nux vom. Of clotted blood, particularly Plat., Rhus, and Cham.

Millefolium, deserves to take the lead as a remedy for a vast number of nose-bleeds, the blood is light colored and thin, copious, and the absence of concomitant symptoms serves to lead us to its selection for this as well other hemorrhages from mucous surface, (e. g. menorrhagia) instead of.

Sabina, which also has bright red hemorrhage but, particularly the menstrual flow, in connection with tearing pains in the joints.

Bryonia, has epistaxis for several successive days, especially in the morning after rising. Now this is significant and in connection with other symptoms proves it to be of great value in vicarious menstruation; fully confirmed by experience.

Crocus, has discharge of black and viscid blood, with cold sweat standing in big drops on the forehead.

Agaricus. Blood is blown from the nose in the morning on rising, followed by profuse bleeding.

Ant. crud. Epistaxis, frequent in the evening on blowing the nose.

Argentum. Tingling and itching followed by bleeding; copious bleeding on blowing the nose.

Arsenic. Copious bleeding from the nose, from being in a passion, also after vomiting.

Actaea sp. Hemorrhage during oppression of the chest.

Baryta carb. Bright red epistaxis several times a day, bloody discharge on blowing the nose.

Berberis. A few drops of blood fall in the morning preceded by pushing pain in the temple extending towards the eye.

Borax. After itching in the nose, blood comes on blowing. Epistaxis in the morning, and at night throbbing headache.

Bromium. Painful swelling in the lamella, afterward in the ala, followed by formation of crusts. The parts bleed on being wiped. Epistaxis preceded by oppression of the chest.

Carbo an. Epistaxis in the morning preceded by vertigo. Epistaxis preceded by an aching and stupid feeling in the head. Epistaxis in the morning on sitting; the blood bright red.

Carbo veg. Violent hemorrhage in the morning, immediately followed by pain in the chest. Violent hemorrhage several times daily for three weeks preceded and followed by a pale face.

Coffea. Epistaxis with ill humor and muddiness of the head.

Crotalus. Epistaxis with vertigo (so also Lachesis).

Graphites. Epistaxis at ten, p.m., preceded in the afternoon by rush of blood to the head and heat of the face.

Hepar sulph. Epistaxis after singing.

Iodium. Epistaxis preceded by disgusting dreams and nightmare.

Indigo. Epistaxis in the afternoon with vanishing of sight.

Kali bichrom. Epistaxis preceded by burning in the right nostril and sneezing; also preceded by a sense of obstruction and heat of the expired air. Epistaxis followed suddenly by coryza. Epistaxis after eating; after exercise.

Lachesis. Epistaxis with vertigo and rush of blood to the head.

Mercurius. Epistaxis at night; epistaxis when asleep; epistaxis from coughing; epistaxis on blowing the nose.

Natr. mur. Epistaxis at night on coughing, with a bruised feeling in all the limbs.

Phosphor. Copious epistaxis while at stool in the evening Epistaxis with a sensation of dryness of the nose, with a yellow discharge.

Lycopodium. Epistaxis twice a day. Profuse bleeding from a small wound in the nose.

Silicea. Epistaxis in drops on stooping.

Sulphur. Epistaxis in the afternoon, followed by soreness of the nose to touch. .

Thuja. Epistaxis every two days. Epistaxis when overheated.

In presenting you the drug pathology of the nasal passages I shall follow a certain system according to the relations of the drug actions to each other, and to head the list present that potent drug Lycopodium; it produces much sneezing through the day, at night the nose is completely stopped with dryness of the nose and burning headache. The nose is swollen, the patient cannot breathe through it, he has to keep his mouth open; the burning headache becomes so severe that he must keep the eyes shut. After a day or two or more, the inflammation may extend down into the bronchi where the Lycopodium cough is developed loose with much expectoration, the coryza may then become somewhat fluent. I am inclined to think that the closure of the nostrils by Lycopodium is not at first, if at all, owing to the presence of lymph, I think the mucous membrane is enormously congested and dry, that only a scanty thick secretion is at first the result. It will be often found in practice to be of the greatest value, and in frequency of prescription only equaled by Nux vom. and Pulsatilla. On the one hand allied to Aconite on the other to Nux vom., but before Nux vom. comes Dulcamara producing a stuffed coryza which is exceedingly aggravated in the open air and followed by a loose cough.

Nux vom. produces a catarrh, which is at times stuffed, then fluent, then stuffed again; the nose will be completely closed by thick tenacious mucus, it will seem dry, but in a little time it will suddenly loosen and discharge copiously a moment or two and then close up again; all this accompanied by a dull confused headache in the forehead just over the nose; it feels as if a mass of cotton were there, the discharge may cause some redness of the nose and this condition is very likely to pass into the coryza of

Mercurius, which is characterized by a profuse discharge of thin or watery matter; the edges of the nose and the upper lip become very red and sore, but without excoriation. This form of coryza comes on with much sneezing the nose is red and swollen especially the left side, the patients are using the handkerchief constantly to which they attribute the redness of the upper lip and edges of the nose. In mercurial affections of long standing the bones of the nose become sore to the touch, the nose is swollen, bad looking pimples break out on the nose. It is allied to Aurum, Kali bichrom., and Nit. acid in connection with which group it will be again noticed.

Taking another step we find

Arsenicum, which produces a slimy discharge that seems to burn its way over the skin of the upper lip; the discharge is very biting and burning. This coryza commences with great dryness in the nostrils with excessive burning, which burning continues after the discharge appears and is quite characteristic of Arsenic. closely allied to this is

Senega, whose action on the nasal passages is quite characteristic; the coryza commences with the feeling as if red pepper were throughout the nostrils and even throat, with excessive dryness and sneezing; this condition extends itself into the bronchi producing a most distressing and obstinate cough. A lady was subject to attacks very like this, coming on with the feeling of red pepper in the air passages and followed in twenty-four hours by a distressing cough, which proved to many allopathic as well as homoeopathic physicians very obstinate. Senega not only arrested the course of this catarrh at once but from its repeated use the attacks became less and less frequent and severe, and finally ceased altogether. Another member of this group, closely allied to Arsenicum, and which will be called for in nearly as many cases in

Allium cepa, (the onion). It produces a most violent catarrh with profuse discharge of water from the nose and eyes. Singularly enough that from the nose is burning and excoriating, that from the eyes not so; in direct contrast is Euphrasia (that wonderful eye-brightner) which has very acrid lachrymation but bland nasal discharge. These discharges of Allium cepa are accompanied by a terrible laryngeal cough, which compels the patient to grasp the larynx with his hand, for it seems to him that the cough would tear it as if a hook were in there which pulled and dragged every time he coughed. He shrinks and dreads the cough. These are not rare cases and demand prompt action; instead, then of applying chloroform liniment, or giving laudanum and squills, or wrapping the neck up in an onion poultice, give a proper preparation of the onion and the work is done. It will not fail. (It may not be improper to say that the publication of the proving of Allium cepa in English, will immediately follow Aloes in the Review.)

Pulsatilla. Constant tickling irritation to sneeze especially at evening in sleep or in the morning while in bed; stoppage of the nose at night on going to sleep; in the morning discharge of thick yellow opaque mucus; coryza with loss of smell and taste; stopped coryza with ulcerated nostrils; chronic coryza, with discharges of yellowish-green, offensive mucus; discharge of green, offensive matter from the nose; an ulcerated condition of the nostrils.

The acute coryza of Pulsatilla follows the Aconite stage immediately, (as indeed Nux vomica or Mercurius coryzas may) it is marked by frequent sneezing and profuse discharge of thickish matter which is perfectly bland and only annoying by its great quantity; it may become dried on the nostrils and give rise to stoppage of the nose; this coryza is of daily occurrence, especially among children.

The Chamomilla, coryza has some distinctive points, though Pulsatilla and Chamomilla are given indiscriminately for snuffles; the coryza of Chamomilla is not so marked by profuseness, nor has it the excessive· sneezing of Pulsatilla. The nose is stopped, and as a result, prominently calling Chamomilla to mind, is the great uneasiness and fretfulness of the child; then the child is also apt to have the hoarseness and catarrhal Chamomilla cough. Pulsatilla seems to have a chronic coryza; of course it may have; but the same Pulsatilla condition may exist in the nose that exists in the vears, eyes, etc., a superficial inflammation attended by profuse bland discharges; Mercurius discharges excoriate. Arsenicum corrode.

Case of Chronic Pharyngites cured with Phytolacca Decandra^6. – Patient, a man aged 45, had had chronic follicular pharyngitis for several years. No remedies had done him much good.

Symptoms, physical: Membrane lining fauces and pharynx as well as the velum pendulum and the uvula, pale, puffed, and flabby. Uvula large, almost translucent.

Rational: Distressing sensation of enlargement of the caliber of the pharynx and esophagus from the choanae to the epigastrium. This symptom much aggravated by exposure to damp winds. It then begins at the choanae, and in twelve hours extends to the epigastrium. On reaching this point it provokes a cough, paroxysmal, extremely distressing, and attended by very profuse and exhausting expectoration of thick, starch-like mucus. The whole chest then feels like a big, empty cask; as if its calibre were enlarged tenfold. Great constitutional debility along with these attacks. The patient, who is intolerant of stimulants, can take whisky to any extent and with great temporary relief.

___Phyt. dec.6___ a dose every other night for a month, cured this condition.

I would now call attention to other drugs whose action seems more profound and lasting, so to speak the chronic drugs, which, nevertheless, are as suitable for the cure or certain acute forms of disease as Lycopodium, Mercurius, Arsen., and no more applicable in chronic forms than these or others; indeed the line is nowhere to be drawn. Silicea may cure an acute form of disease as well as Belladonna a chronic form. Nor further can we any where draw the line through the Materia Medica, and say that, on this side of it, remedies may be used for the cure of catarrhs (or any local manifestations of disease), on that side no drug will cure them. In presenting the action of certain selected drugs on the nasal passages, I have selected those only whose nasal symptoms were strongest marked.

To attempt to detail the symptoms of all the drugs that cure catarrhs, I should have to read the Materia Medica from beginning to end; not only read the nasal symptoms of each drug, but detail the peculiarities of each, noting all accessory symptoms: for if a patient presents himself to us asking to be cured of the catarrh, he makes a great mistake; he wants to be cured as a patient, and we are bound to cure him as such. If he speedily dies of consumption, the catarrh disappearing, we have lost the patient even though the catarrh be cured.

Further, the local catarrhal manifestations are of the least importance in finding our remedies. Six patients may, any day, come to us with organic changes in the nasal passages; the extent of change may be equally great and yet six different remedies will have to be given. The treatment must, in the highest sense of the word, be constitutional. The treatment in the old school today for catarrh, acknowledged best, is general constitutional treatment.

There is another point in this connection. How should we treat catarrh with a Materia Medica constructed on a pathological basis? This and that, and a hundred drugs are called "good" for nasal catarrh, and its subdivisions into ozaenas, syphilitic catarrhs; very applicable in scrofulous subjects; we should be at sea, we could only make a guess; further, a proving may have been made, giving no catarrhal symptoms, and six others may prove the same drug with more sensitive noses and give us a host of catarrhal symptoms. So as I have said, a drug without a symptom under the rubric nose may yet cure a catarrh; and to enlarge our knowledge let everyone keep an accurate record of all his cases, and if any drug removes certain groups of symptoms not down in the Materia Medica, by virtue of its general fitness to the case, let the world have the record, and what an advantage when we do such a thing, to know that this or that remedy did do it, and not go home wondering which, of the half a dozen, it was. Let our young practitioners begin with a broad liberal field, be careful, look on all sides, and, striking, hit the point. It is hardly safe for even an old man to generalize.

There is quite a large group of remedies that show a marked tendency to affect the deep tissues of the nose, the cartilages and bones. In some the action is unmistakable, in others only inferred from the proving, but confirmed by experience; these I propose to consider first, and as a type take

Aurum which may also be called for in catarrhs not yet involving the bones. We find the nose swollen, red, inflamed, sore to the touch, especially the right nasal bone and adjoining parts of the upper jaw are sore to the touch; there is a discharge of greenish yellow, offensive matter. The stinging biting pains in the bones are aggravated at night; jerking pains in the septum from above downwards; pains in the nose in the sunlight; pains accompanied by flow of tears; the nostrils are ulcerated, crusty, agglutinated, so as to impede respiration. Ulcers in the right nostril, covered with dry yellow crusts without pain.

We know the pains of syphilis are at night, and we may be safe in saying and practice shows that Aurum is useful in syphilitic ozaena and caries as in other catarrhs .

Asafetida has intermitting tearing pains from within outward in the bones of the nose, with a greenish offensive discharge. Experience has fully shown the utility of Asafetida in promptly alleviating such pains in the bones, also aggravated at night; it is an exceedingly useful remedy in all affections of the bones. Nearly allied is

Belladonna which has pressive pain in the nasal bones, worse at night and on touch; pain as if beaten from external pressure in the nose above the alae the left nostrils very painful and agglutinated, mornings; the upper lip is swollen, the nostrils and corners of the mouth are ulcerated, but neither itch nor pain; offensive smell in the nose as of herring brine on blowing it.

Hepar sulph. has sore pain in the dorsum, bones are sore to the touch; heat and burning in the nose; ulcerative pain in the nostrils; drawing pain in the nose passing into the eyes, becoming a smarting there; pain lasts far into the night; pains are drawing or burning.

Mercurius we have already considered; the bones are very sore to the touch, the septum is swollen and chapped, etc., etc.

Natrum mur. Burning pains in the nasal bones, especially at the root of the nose and in the region of the malar bones. Redness, heat and swelling of the left side of the nose, with sore pain especially on blowing the nose; burning in the nose; internal soreness; soreness and swelling of the inside of the nasal wings; many pimples thereon; loss of sensibility with a feeling of deadness of the inner parts of the nose; many small burning pimples under the septum, with the sensation as if acrid matter flowed from the nose; severe fluent coryza, with complete loss of smell and taste. The symptoms of this valuable drug in relation to lachrymal fistula were previously stated.

Natrum carb. Peeling of dorsum and tip which is painful to the touch; pains in the bones of the face, worse in the open air; sensation in the left nostril as if a hard body stuck there, which is not brought away by blowing the nose; ulceration of the upper portion of the nostrils.

Silicea. Stitches, tearings and crawlings in the nose, drawing into the right malar bone; itching; sore pain in the forehead, back of the bridge; throbbing in the nasal fossae, as if festering, radiating into the brain and causing frontal headache; the tip of the nose sensitive to pressure; sore spots on the septum; sore scurfy spots deep in the nostrils and under the alae, which are sore to the touch; much discharge of acrid water from the nose, which makes the inner nose sore and bleeding, with a smell of blood as of recently killed animals. Great dryness in the choanae, the food goes into the choanae; the patient is never free from catarrh, with an acute attack there will be swelling of the submaxillary glands; pain in the throat on swallowing; great chilliness; he must lie down, but when in bed a burning heat over the whole body; the pains are shooting, tearing or drawing.

Sulphur. Boring in the root of the nose; pressure on the right nasal bone, dryness of the inner nose; nostrils red and burning; nose inflamed and swollen, internally ulcerated and painful; cartilages inflamed and swollen; sense of congestion in the nose in the open air; yellow sticky strong smelling fluid drops from the nose; offensive smell of nasal discharge.

Zincum. Pressure on the root of the nose as if it would be pressed into the head; almost intolerable beating at the root of the nose with confusion of the head, with stitches in the jaw and drawing into the eye. Drawing and tearing in the right nostril; sore feeling high up in the nostril; tearing in the right side of the nose.

Near to Silicea is, I think,

Nitric acid. The malar bones become sore and painful; stitches in the nose as of a splinter on touching it; soreness and bleeding of the inner nose; nostrils are ulcerated, blood and bloody matter is blown out of them; unpleasant smell, evenings on lying down. On eating, pieces of food get into the choanae, producing a sickening sensation; they are afterwards drawn out covered with mucus; nasal mucus goes down into the throat with inflamed and swollen alae; acrid matter from the nose at night; blows yellow matter from the nose of a sickening smell; discharge of thick nasal mucus corroding the nostrils; severe catarrh with swelling of the upper lips and, especially, night cough; stuffed catarrh with dryness in the throat on empty swallowing. This is a very potent remedy for syphilitic catarrhs of the nose and throat. I have derived more real satisfaction in seeing the prompt and lasting effects of this drug, not only in syphilitic catarrhs but lichen, ulcers, glandular affections, falling of hair, etc., etc., than from any other remedy. I think it is oftener indicated than any other, especially before the bones become much affected. I have occasion to use it every day in dispensary practice and invariably the report is great improvement. Next comes

Argentum nit. Pain and swelling of right alae; the left nasal bones are painful; bleeding pimples on the septum; violent itching in the nose, compelling rubbing till it looked raw; ulcers in the nose with yellow scabs; scurfs in the nose becoming exceedingly painful, if detached they bleed; bloody and purulent discharge in the open air; stopped in the house and at night smell of pus at night; catarrh with constant chilliness, sickly look, lachrymation, sneezing and such a violent stupefying headache that she must lie down. Aching pain in the forehead going into the eyes. It seems to me to be nearly allied to Thuja and Phosphorus, they all have swelling and painfulness of the alae. Thuja states swelling and hardness of the left ala. Argentum nit. of the right. Argent. nit. sore pains, bruised pain of one side of the bridge of the nose; pressure like a stone on the dorsum; stiffness and clawing in the fossae. Phosphorus has severe pains in the forenoon. Thuja the peculiar pain drawing between the nose and mouth as it the periostenm were tightly stretched; the pain then spreads over the nasal bones as if a saddle were across it. The catarrh of Phosphorus, like that of Argentum nit., is attended with much headache and general sick feeling, there is a dry feeling in the nose as if it would be stuck together. I do not think the action of Phosphorus so extensive, organically speaking, as the Nitrate of silver, it does not affect the bones as Phosphoric acid does, though the action of Phosphoric acid on the nasal bones must be inferred to a certain extent. We all know its extent on the superior maxilliary bone, it probably would involve those of the nose by extension.

The number of Nitrate of silver catarrhs is not large, and the employment of it as a caustic, so much in vogue in the old school, is pernicious in the extreme; destroying the tissues of the nose that they cannot be inflamed or diseased, is as sensible as amputation for rheumatism or circumcision for syphilis. I have no doubt it sometimes cures and generally suppresses catarrh. Only a few weeks ago a gentlemen called for medicine for his wife. Knowing he had been under homoeopathic treatment for a catarrh of long standing, I asked him how he got along. "Oh, finely, but your little doses won't do, they are to slow for my case; they are the thing for my wife, but they didn't do up my catarrh. I went to an allopathic doctor and have had two injections of Nitrate of silver, pretty severe, but my catarrh is most well." I congratulated him and thought that if that old catarrh was being so suddenly stopped, such speedy cures are impossible, he would have trouble. Not long after, he returned to the slow method; he had become frightened, for after three or four applications he began to grow deaf. There is not one here but has noted the production of tubercles in the lungs following the suppression of nasal or laryngeal catarrh, the treatment drives it down out of reach as well as the patient. Intelligent persons are learning that it is dangerous to suppress hemorrhoids, scrofulous glandular swellings, etc., etc. They are finding out the same thing as regards catarrhs and, in fact, all local manifestations. We must keep in advance of our patients.

To finish this group we have those potent remedies, the Bichromate and Hydriodate of potash, especially the Kali bichromicum.

Aching pain at the root of the nose with an acrid discharge, pain across the bridge with stuffed nostrils; pain especially at the junction of the cartilage and bone; ulceration of the cartilage quite through, with great soreness; ulceration of the frontal sinuses with violent headache at the root of the nose and in the frontal prominences, if the discharge stops. On blowing the nose, sensation as if two bones rubbed together; sensation as if the nostrils were made of parchment; a spot in the right lachrymal bone is swollen and inflamed; internal ulceration with thin watery discharge, or collection of elastic plugs, which cause great pain in removal and leave the nose very sore. Watery discharge with redness of the nose and putrid smell; nose often painful and dry or a watery discharge, excoriating the nose and upper lip with sore and swollen alae; fetid smell and complete loss of smell, etc. It produces deep and extensive ulceration; the process carried on mostly in the cartilages, hardly producing caries of the bones. It is almost a specific for perforating ulcers of the septum and many cases of cures are on record. This deep ulcerative process seems to extend throughout the whole mucous tract. Similar to this is

Kali hydrodicum. Ulceration of internal nose, involving the frontal sinuses and autrum highmori; the nose is red and swollen with constant discharge of acrid watery colorless liquid, with violent lachrymation; anxious expression and restlessness; discharge of burning corroding matter from the nose; the inflammation extends into the eyes; there is much conjunctivities; painful hammering in the frontal region with compressed feeling of both sides of the brain. The action of the hydriodate is more intense, more superficial, not so deep as the bichromate; more applicable, I should judge, in the acute manifestations of scrofulous catarrhs or indeed any catarrh.

There are many other drugs that more or less affect the deeper tissues of the nose, especially the bones and very many that may be called for in practice from the relation of their symptoms to forms of this disease. It is impossible to draw a line, but following close unto this is a group which I will commence with.

Sepia. Pressive pains in the root or the nose; sore feeling in the nose on drawing the air through; nose swollen and inflamed; the nostrils angry and ulcerated; small ulcers in the nostrils; scurfy nostrils; a piece of yellowish green slime with bloody edges is blown out of the nose; discharge of yellow water from the nose, with cutting pains in the forehead; dryness in the nose and throat; dryness in the choanae (though there is much mucus in the mouth) with involuntary urging to swallow; a severe fluent coryza with severe pains in the occiput and painful drawings in the hips and thighs. It may be said in a general way that Sepia is often applicable for catarrhs arising from retrocession of an eruption. I note a few cases.

A severe catarrh came on after the disappearance of an eruption from the crown of the head, it lasted over a year. Phosphorus began the cure, but it required Sepia to complete it (what a pity more definite symptoms were not given). After washing the head in cold water (after having been heated), a throbbing pain in the forehead; then thin offensive discharge from the left nostril; scabs like small pox formed in the nostrils which were very offensive. Patient relieved by Belladonna but cured by Sepia. A case was reported with this which, though having no connection with Sepia, I will relate. Inflammation and suppuration of frontal sinuses and antrum highmori, with throbbing splitting pains in the nose and forehead; was not relieved by Iodide of potash nor Aurum, somewhat relieved or modified by Arsen., leaving a thick citron yellow discharge. Speedily cured by Lycopodium, which produced a red sandy deposit in the urine .

Ammonium mur. Ulcerative pain in the left nostril, with sensitiveness to external touch, frequently recurring; external swelling of the left side of the nose, with discharge of bloody crusts from the nose; persistent itching in the nose with irritation to snuffling, and feeling as if a raw large body stuck in the upper part of the nose; stoppage of the nose, with pain in the right nostril, at night and disappearing in the morning. Stoppage of only one nostril, from which much thick yellow matter comes, with tearing in the cheek bones and teeth of the left side; clear acrid matter runs from the nose; pains worse at night .

Alumina. Nostrils are sore and scurfy, with profuse discharge of much thick mucus; ulceration of the mucous membrane with pain in the alae and frontal sinuses; nose is red, swollen and painful to the touch; the nose is stopped at night, with dryness of the mouth; disposes to frequent coryzas, found very serviceable in scrofulous subjects. The pains are burning, stinging and biting, occurring mostly in the evening and on one side.

Antimonium crud. The nose is sore and painful, especially on drawing in the cold air, and on the right side dryness of the nose on going into the open air, so severe that he can scarce speak; must continually draw thick yellow mucus back into the throat and spit it out; the nostrils are angry, sore, puffy, crusty and painful

Borax ver. Dry crusts continually form within the nose, a discharge of thick green mucus; ulceration of the left nostril, with soreness and swelling of the tip; epistaxis in the morning, and at night throbbing headache.

Graphites, a very valuable remedy. Nose feels sore on blowing; blowing bloody mucus out of the nose; catarrh, with obstruction of the nose; heat in the forehead and face; oppression of the chest; numbness of the head and heat in the nose, with loss of smell; severe stuffed catarrh, with much nausea and headache, without vomiting; must lie down; fluent coryza, with frequent catarrh and frequent sneezing, with oppressive pains in the submaxillary glands; the exposed parts are sensitive to the air as if he would easily take cold; severe fluent coryza, with catarrh; much oppression of the chest; dull and hot head .

Magnesia mur. Burning of both nostrils, as if sore; nose is sore internally and sore to the touch; scurf in both nostrils, which is very painful to touch, with loss of smell; an oppressive stuffed feeling of the nose; severe coryza, now stopped, now fluent, with confusion of the head and complete loss of smell and taste. Discharge of offensive purulent yellow matter; must sit up in bed a long time; evenings cannot lie down for want of air.

Calcarea carb. The fore-part of the nose is red, inflamed and swollen; the nose is dry, very offensive; the nostrils are scurfy and ulcerated; catarrh, with internal heat of the head and with headache and oppression of the chest. Allied to Graphites, also,

Conium. Boring in the nostrils; smell of animals in back part of the nose; heat of face; congestion to the head, with catarrhal sensation; severe catarrhal fever, with inflammation of throat and loss of appetite.

Carbo veg. In connection with the upper portion of the pharynx, its field of operation is similar to Nitric acid, though not so extensive in its organic changes.

Stannum has a catarrh, with a sweet taste to the discharge; its clinical record is quite large. I believe its pathogenesis not satisfactory in its local manifestations, though marked in general peculiarities.

Lachesis, Bromium and Ammonium carb. affect the nose in a way that reminds us of the nasal aspect of diphtheria. The nose is raw; bleeds easily; acrid bloody discharges on blowing the nose .

Ammonium carb. Discharges more in one nostril, mostly morning, watery, with sensitive swelling and burning pain of the upper lip, aggravated during menstruation.

Bromium. The nose feels as if all the hair had been pulled out; edges very sore.

Lachesis. With running from the nose and eyes; discharge of blood, with violent headache; dryness of nose and throat; secretion of mucus increased in the nose and fauces, but diminished in the larynx; complaints from retrocession of catarrhs; a fluent coryza relieves a headache of long standing, with lachrymation and stoppage of the ears, in many respects similar to Hydriodate of potash.

In giving you these analyses, I know I am giving but little of practical value. There are many drugs whose local manifestations are not essentially different. Taking these symptoms alone, one will be often puzzled to know where to refer any case of catarrh. For the choice of the drug we must, as I said before, look outside of the local trouble in the patient as well as in the drug; the concomitant symptoms, the conditions of appearance, aggravation and amelioration, in fact everything that is peculiar to our case in hand; and the peculiar drug must be found, it exists somewhere, it may be in Japan, or in the Rocky Mountains, it is very likely in our pocket case.

I am aware that there are many remedies used by professing Homoeopathicians in an empirical manner, of which no proving on the healthy subject exist. Some are fashionable this year, some were last. Undoubtedly they have their sphere of action – therein are they valuable – now we wish to know how a physician can know when to use them; those who are In the habit of doing so must have some guide, something in the phase of the disease that leads them to prescribe this or that drug in place of any proven drugs. They have found, by experience, that this new drug will cure certain specific conditions. Now I would urge it as a duty upon everyone who relates a case, or notices this or that drug, to tell what the indications are, why to give it in preference to other drugs. Of what avail is it to hear the relation of fifty catarrhs cured by fifty remedies, unless we shall know why they were cured. I must say that, as a young man searching after knowledge, I have found it very unsatisfactory to hear anyone say that he has found this drug or that combination very serviceable in this or that disease. Is it to be supposed that if, the next day, I am called to prescribe for that disease I am going to give that remedy because he found it useful,

A certain drug has been known to cure catarrhs, let us, therefore, find out what kind of catarrhs it does cure and then we can use it. If we give it for a catarrh now to try it, make a note of the patient's state before giving it, and we may arrive at it perhaps, approximately, remembering that change in a disease is not always to be ascribed to the medicine – to reason from diseased conditions we need hundreds of cases – absolute knowledge of a drug from the healthy needs but comparatively few provers.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 09, 1865, pages 385-398, pages 453-465]

[Description: The Physiology and Pathology of The Nasal Passages.]

[Author: Allen, T.F.]

[Year: 1865]

CLINICAL NOTES ON AMENORRHEA.

BY JAMES T. ALLEY, M. D., NEW YORK.

The few clinical remarks under this head will be upon Amenorrhea Suppressa or suppressed menses, rather than that variety known as retention.

This perhaps is the form of the disease we most often meet, for the reason that its causes are more abundant and effective than those of retention. No function of the animal economy is so liable to temporary obstruction as this, from the fact that in most others, their action is a regular habit and not easily perverted, whilst this is critically periodical, so that the influence of the smallest causes whether physical or mental during the first hours of the commencing congestion are often sufficient to defer for another month the capricious impress of the vital forces. Doubtless the causes of this disease are far more often slight mental, than purely physical ones.

If severe and persistent paroxysms of ague, which have resisted the most powerful remedies, are suspended by a monopoly of the mind, if violent nerve-pains and other serious diseases are checked by common mental impressions, how much more easily may the occasional and gentle action of nature in establishing this function be frustrated in its course by the operation of any of the various passions of the mind. Accordingly in the treatment of this disease, regard should always be paid to mental quietude at the time of the expected recurrence. I report the following cases, not because of anything especially new, but as adding to the stock of clinical facts, the importance of which, in developing the pathogenetic action of drugs, is greatly disregarded. Our science is greatly in need of carefully reported cases, not that they may serve as precedents to follow, but that we may compare, and infer the specific action of the drug employed.

Case 1st. A girl 19 years of age, fleshy and strong in muscular development, of active habit and excellent health, had always been regular until 9 months ago, when, from a slight exposure to cold near the menstrual period, and from unusual anxiety of mind, the menses did not appear. After 3 months she began to show the usual constitutional disturbance, when she was placed under the care of two eminent allopathists, who treated her for three months and then decided that she would not recover without removing to another climate. This change she was unable at the time to obtain, and discouraged and low-spirited, she came to me for treatment. Her abdomen was greatly distended, so that her friends were fearful of reports against her character. Appetite impaired, occasional nausea, bloated red appearance of the face, red spots upon the cheeks, flushes of scarlet redness over the body, heavy, dull and languid in motion, confused, obtuse and forgetful in mind, rush of blood to the head, beating headache, especially when stooping, heavy pressed feeling of the head, humming in the head. These were the principal symptoms which she now presented. In looking at a case which had been of so long standing and appeared so obstinate, I was reminded of the cases I had seen treated at my old Alma Mater by Aloes, Myrrh, Quinine, Iron, hipbaths, leeches, mustard, &c, and felt thankful that these old ceremonies of the law were passing away, and that a psychical gospel is now the salvation scheme for the body. I prescribed Pulsatilla^6, dose every four hours. In less than 24 hours the menses made their apapearance in a natural regular flow, the patient convalesced rapidly; the succeeding periods have been normally observed and health is now re-established without a change of climate, and almost without moving from the house. Three years ago in another journal, I condemned Pulsatilla, because of its failure in certain cases in which it appeared to be indicated, but have since found the failures were rather to be attributed to my own neglect than to the remedy itself. Pulsatilla must be given in dilutions above the 3d if we desire to have the full benefit of its remedial powers. If thus given, and if the indications are such as to justify its administration, it will almost never fail.

Case 2d. is that of partial suppression in a married lady without children, active, lymphatic temperament, in whom the menses ceased sooner than usual, and who applied for treatment a few hours after the cessation. The few symptoms present were those indicating Opium. I gave her the 1st. dilution, and after two doses she returned, desiring me never to give her that medicine again, as she came near ' flowing away.' Opium was, many years ago, recommended in large doses for suppression, but generally combined with 'cathartics' or 'emenagogues,' and even thus empirically given in barbarous doses seemed to show somewhat of its specific operation. That it has a specific action upon the uterus cannot be denied. I have not sufficiently perfect reports to give the full indications for its use, but its merits in several cases of late, will certainly commend it to careful examination.

Case 3d. A woman, married, aged 23, large and masculine in appearance, lymphatic temperament, idle in habit, had been under treatment 9 months for suppression caused, as her former physician (a specialist,) told her, by disease of the neck of the uterus.

When she came under my care, the disease of the cervix if there had been such, was not so much as to prevent the menstrual discharge. All the appearences were healthy excepting thickening of the walls of the neck, the cause of which, from peculiar circumstances, I was not able to ascertain; neither am I aware what the treatment of the specialist may have been for the months during which she was under his care. I gave her Mercurius protiod. for the abnormal thickening and Thuja occidentalis for the suppression. Three days after giving the Thuja her courses returned profusely, and continued for nearly a week to the great relief of the patient. I omitted to mention that during the months of her former treatment she became anaemic, dropsical, and greatly debilitated, suffering greatly from palpitation and disturbance of the nervous system. Her periods were regular for three months, when again they ceased but were quickly restored by Pulsatilla^6. The special physical symptoms in this case it was impossible to observe and accurately meet, as they were hidden and overpowered by the dropsical condition of the patient. Thuja was given therefore more from the local indication and the circumstances in the history, than from the partially deceptive symptoms then present.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06, 1859, pages 267-270]

[Description: Clinical notes on Amenorrhea.]

[Remedies: Pulsatilla, Opium, Mercurius protoiodatus, Thuja occidentalis]

[Author: Alley, J.T.]

[Year: 1859]

TEACHINGS OF PATHOLOGY IN RELATION TO HOMOEOPATHY.

BY JAMES T. ALLEY, M.D., NEW YORK.

None of the departments of medical science during the last fifty years have been so rapidly developed as those of Physiology and Pathology. Modern investigation has not only given us an idea of the wonders of the human mechanism, but also of the seat and nature of disease. In our last we referred briefly to the facts of physiology as not merely sustaining but demanding only the doses of our school, in the present we shall mention some of the lessons of pathology or diseased physiology, with reference to the same.

When all the parts of the body are in health, and every condition is supplied for the proper performance of each function, there is nothing more beautiful than the uniform regularity with which each action is maintained, and nothing more wonderful than the endurance of these delicate parts to the irritating, oppressive influences to which they are subject.

From the external we have bruises and wounds, cold and heat, such as would destroy even mineral substances, and in the internal, miasm, noxious vapors, specific poisons of disease artificial stimulants and narcotics, continued violations of known physiological laws, and last though not least drugging the system with crude medicines; yet from the effects of all these it is the natural tendency, for parts to recuperate, to throw off their morbid action, and assume their normal condition. This tolerance is the Providential arrangement by which our lives are preserved. This is the peculiarity of the animal formation, that though it is succeptible to smallest influences and most delicate impressions, yet it will bear and apparently recover from the grossest imposition of foreign, substances. These are the facts when in health, but it is now our inquiry, with how much of an impression should a diseased organ be touched, or how much medicinal force does it require to remove disease.

Pathology, in a few words will answer this question, la our last article we showed that medicines in doses so small as not to be perceptable to the sight or touch, even on the healthy economy, prodiits.vi decided and permanent impressions, now let us see in what ratio the susceptibility of an organ is increased by disease or how much more impressible it is than when in health, and then we shall have the ratio by which the dose, even of these imperceptible medicines, should be diminished in order to produce a like impression.

Take the first example from the external. The hand when healthy, with proper surroundings, may bear the weight of 300 lbs. upon it without injuring a tissue or causing severe pain. But let it become diseased, let all the muscles, nerves, tissues &c. be brought to 3 high state of inflammation such as we constantly see by tumors, boils, and other local or constitutional affections, and what is the condition then. The sensibility is so far increased that the weight of a feather cannot be borne, even 1/2 a grain of the softest substance is really painful to the touch. This is not imaginary; it is not the raving of a deluded fancy, but something which everyone knows who has experienced these ills. What part of 300 lbs. is 1/2 a grain? It is 1/3458000 part of it. We find then that these tissues, which, when in a normal condition will bear a certain impression, when they are excited by inflammation they will only bear the 1/3456000 of that impression. This brings us unavoidably to the logical deduction, that where in health one grain of medicine has only a moderate action, these when diseased the 1/3458000 of a grain will produce even a painful sensation.

If we now take the case of Opium, mentioned in our last, which in common with many other medicines produces all its characteristic effects even in health, by merely smelling of the drug, in which process we perhaps receive the 1/500 part of a grain, we shall find that when the impressibility of that part of the brain, on which Opium has its specific action, is aroused by active inflammation, then the 1/1728000000 of a grain, will make quite as perceptible an impression, as the 1/300 of a grain did when in health. These figures cannot lie, and no one can object to the process by which they arc reached, for if there is this vastly increased susceptibility in, the tissues of the hand, in disease over that of health, then there is certainly a corresponding increase under like circumstances in any of the tissues of the body.

As another illustration of this principle let us look at the stomach. When that organ is in health, and ready for the digestion of food, it will receive and retail all that its size will admit; but when from either local or other causes there arises acute inflammation of its tissues, there it will nut retain. a particle of food. Every physician must have been at the bed-side of patients when they have said, I cannot take a drop of water without vomiting. It is common to see cases where even the smell of food produces nausea and emesis.

It is needless for us to compute the fractional part of the food thus received from the smelling, in respect to the quantity the stomach might contain, for invisibly small though it is, it is sufficient not only to more than satiate, but to be so repugnant as to be instantly dismissed.

Another illustration we might make is the eye. When all its parts are well and naturally formed, it is able to bear any quantity of light necessary for the most perfect vision, but when acute Ophthalmia ravages its parts, then every beam must be shut out from the apartment, if even a reflected ray enters the room where the eye is protected by the most careful bandage, the patient is immediately cognizant of it and cries out with pain. It is perfectly safe to say that the billionth part of the light which is agreeable and necessary in health will produce excruciating pain during the inflammatory stages of disease. In fact we cannot compute the quantity of light which is actually painful in Ophthalmia, that is, figures would fail us to tell what fractional part it is of that deluge of light which flows upon us in the ordinary process of vision, just as they say figures fail to tell what part of the crude mass is the 30th dilution.

We might multiply these instances much further, but these are sufficient to represent the facts. We have selected those which are plain and cannot be misunderstood or misconstrued, and they surely prove all that we ask of them, or else Pathology and Mathematics are a delusion, and pain a freak of the imagination.

In the foregoing instances we have shown that the susceptibility of an inflamed tissue, is, to the susceptibility of a healthy tissue, as 3,456,000 to 1, it consequently follows, that the medicinal impression upon the diseased tissue, must be to the medicinal impression upon the healthy tissue, as 1 to 3,456,000.

Let us now apply this principle to a few cases of disease, and see how large a dose Pathology tells us to give. Aloes and Colocynth are acknowleeged by writers of the old school to have their principal, or specific effect upon the bowels, the first more especially upon the larger intestines and rectum. They give these medicines in doses of 2 or 3 grains each, and even in these doses they are comparatively harmless, for the reason that the bowels are in health at the time of administering. They prescribe according to the principle of Contraria Contrarias Curantur, and consequently purge the bowels when the disease is in the head, lungs, heart, throat, or any other part of the body. They can give these doses therefore with impunity, as the bowels are in a condition to tolerate even a larger amount. The Homoeopathist also gives Aloes and Colocynth, but he gives them when the disease is in that portion of the bowels on which these medicines have their specific action, that is in irritation and inflammation of the larger bowels and rectum, or in Diarrhea, Dysentery, &c; and because of the acute inflammation of these parts, their susceptibility to medicinal impression is increased in the same proportion as that of the hand we have mentioned. Consequently, if the healthy bowel is only moderately affected by two grains of Colocynth, the inflamed bowel will be just as much affected by the 1/1728000 grain. This we find not merely true in theory but also in practice. Those who give the 3d dilution or trituration of Colocynth, in Dysentery, (a dose of which is about equal to 1/1000000 part of a grain,) find that it is very surely curative in the cases where it is indicated, unless the parts are too much inflamed, in which case it will be entirely too strong, and evidently aggravate the existing disease. Ipecac will often produce nausea in the healthy person, in doses of one grain. According to the law of impressibility then, when the stomach is already diseased and nauseated, we can only give 1/3450000 grain.

I have just returned from seeing a case with intensely violent neuralgia, affecting the right side of the head, and face. The patient had taken huge doses of Narcotics, Stimulants, and Nervines, but with no effect, excepting to leave her in a more tremulous condition. She had slept none for 48 hours and was almost distracted with pain. A few doses of the appropriate remedy, amounting to not more than the 1/50000000 of a grain, relieved and cured in the space of two hours.

The reason why the massive doses of Valerian &c, had no effect was, because they did not touch the part diseased. Their action was upon other and healthy parts of the system. But the homoeopathic dose was as nearly as possible the Similimum. It had its specific impress upon the parts affected by Neuralgia, and therefore the smallest influence only was necessary to cause a response from the tender tissue. I have no predilection for the above or any size of dose, but gave that which, considering the conditions, would be most quickly curative. I might mention other cases of disease illustrative of the same principle, enough to fill a volume, but this is unnecessary as they will readily occur to any one who will follow out these reflections.

Why then, does the Allopathist continue to ridicule our doses, and say there is nothing in them? Let him discard the theory of administration if he choses, let him say there is no such law of cure, but for his own honor and intelligence, let him no longer disregard the invincible, unmistakable teachings of Pathology, which should be stronger than even his own prejudices.

He does not sit down by the bed-side of a patient when suffering from Gastritis and say, "you are foolish and imaginary to vomit the few drops of water you have taken." He knows this irritability is an effect of the disease, and marvels not at the vomiting of the smallest quantity of water, even though he has seen him drink a quart of it when in health, He does not say to the patient with Ophthalmia, "you only fancy you cannot bear the light, but he knows the fact that what was before pleasant and necessary, is now in the billionth part of its strength excruciatingly painful to the eye; accordingly he sends him into a chamber perfectly darkened until the peculiar susceptibility is removed. Since then, he regards these pathological conditions, and graduates the disturbing influences to their impressibility, why should we not in every disease regard these eloquent teachings and graduate the strength of our remedies to the sensitiveness of the organ affected.

Admitting that we are sometimes compelled to carry our dilutions so high as not to be calculated with figures, why should we any more doubt their efficacy, than we do the numberless analogous facts in nature, and the lessons of other departments of Science to which medicine is so closely allied. In the present state of Homoeopathy, it may very occasionally be expedient to use medicines as low as drop doses of the tincture. But these can only be used as expedients, and we trust that soon this apparent necessity will be removed by the development of the powers of the other drugs which will be nearer the similimum than any we now possess, and consequently can be given in doses far removed from the tinctures.

Those who use the attenuations, high or low, will cure their patient much more surely and promptly than those who use the crude drug. 1st. because they who find it a necessity to use the crude have not selected the truly indicated remedy, and 2nd. because of the permeative size of the preparations of which we have spoken. There are also other reasons which we cannot here notice. It is undoubtedly true that the untriturated doses of the Allopathist, especially with the medicine which he calls specific, do cure some cases of disease and that without producing medicinal aggravations but these cure not because of the large quantity given, but by virtue of the very few atoms contained in the mass which happen to be sufficiently small to reach the part diseased. The bulk of such a dose is of no specific value and were better not administered, as it only acts as a foreign substance in disturbing healthy parts, and the few comminuted particles which wise nature selects are all that is necessary to produce a healing impression. If physicians will regard the lessons of Pathology and exercise a proper carefulness in selecting the remedy indicated, they may even now be done with the grosser materials with which the human system is still abused, and practice that which alone is rational medicine.

We are aware that some who have half investigated Homoeopathy are looking and waiting for the day when its doses shall become more appreciable. They desire that it shall be "liberalized," so as to meet the concessions of modern Allopathy. This can never be done. If allopathists change, they must drop arms and march in our ranks. No concession can be made. On the contrary, the size of the dose will continue to recede from that of all other systems of medicine, until the true remedies are found which meet every condition of disease. The Homoeopathy of Hahnemann and of today is the Medical Science of all time. It will be shorn of the inconsistencies which have gathered around it, and pruned of the imaginative powers of drugs, but its principles will govern all future discoveries, and appropriate them to their proper use. This is not sectarian or illiberal. It is not the invention of any man or class of men; but the imperative demands of the arbitrary laws of Nature. The law of healing and the pathological conditions are the antecedent, the doses the consequent.

The homoeopathist, for reasons which we have mentioned, could not if he would, give any larger doses than are now employed. On the other hand, the allopathist, if honest, can never give smaller doses than those he is now, and has been using for years.

It takes the same quantity of Rhubarb to purge, the same of Ipc. to vomit, the same of Cantharides to blister, the same of Nitre to produce diuresis, 'that it ever has, in any age of the world, and unless the constitution of man is changed, their doses can never be altered until they give up the contrary and adopt the similar doctrine.

All reduction in the strength of their drugs then, if there be any, is either merely catering to the good-will of the patient or a step in forsaking the doctrines they profess.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 12, 1859, pages 541-548]

[Description: Teachings of Pathology in relation to Homeopathy.]

[Author: Alley, J.T.]

[Year: 1859]

TEACHINGS OF PHYSIOLOGY IN RELATION TO

HOMOEOPATHY.

BY JAMES T. ALLEY, M.D., NEW YORK.

Homoeopathy is an admitted fact. A problem; which is being solved to the satisfaction of every earnest inquirer. Even if there was no theory by which we could explain the modus operandi of its remedies, the mere mention of what it does, the bare observation of numberless cases would be sufficient to give such undeniable evidence as to make any honest mind pause and investigate. But thanks to Hahnemann, there is a law discovered positive and certain by which we are directed to that remedy which will remove disease. The various symptoms point as so many fingers to the drug which by producing a similar condition in the organ diseased, eradicates the morbid process. Inseparably connected with this law, though not a part of it, comes the doctrine of small doses, dilutions and triturations. These dilutions &c, are a necessity arising from the perfect adjustment of the law, and not a binding obligation upon all who believe. We are all prone to materialism. In spite of all the lessons in dynamics we are receiving from the discovery of imponderable forces, we love to deal with things tangible.

The homoeopathist, if he could do so with impunity, would give just as large doses as the allopathists, but by reason of the tender susceptibility of the diseased organ and the specific operation of his remedy upon that organ, he is compelled by the force of circumstances to graduate his dose to the acute or chronic, sluggish or irritable character of the disease. The allopathist by giving medicines which affect other organs than the ones diseased may give almost any dose the patient will retain and yet not aggravate the existing disease, because the medicinal force is spent in disturbing healthy organs.

The misapprehension of the reason of the different doses on either side is the great stumbling block both to the professional and laical in accepting homoeopathy. What sense, say they, is there in giving the millionth or trillionth of a grain of medicine? What science or analogy is there for using the 3d or 30th dilution or attenuation? or is there common sense in supposing they have any effect?

Without giving the more popular reasons which have been often repeated, we reply, Physiology, Pathology and all of the collateral sciences not only justify but make it indispensable. The smallest molecular quantity of a drug is in perfect consonance with, and the crude and massive doses which are yet in vogue, are directly against, all the teachings of other departments of science. At present we shall refer only to the facts of physiology, as corroborative of the doses of Homoeopathy.

If every physician, before administering to his patient, would ask himself the three following questions, they would soon become dilutionists of some sort. They are these: 1st. What is the organism which I am about to dose? 2d. What is the cause of the disease? 3d. In the light of these answers how large ought the particles of my medicine to be?

1st. Let us look what is the organism which reguires this unnatural aid, and we shall see that it is not a self-operating-grinding machine in which poisonous plants and minerals are to be brought to a certain consistence, but an inconceivably fine, tender and delicate mechanism, fearfully and wonderfully made. The atoms of crude medicine which physicians have been and are still giving, are many times larger than the conduits through which they must pass to reach the part diseased. The Capillaries or vessels through which every atom must pass to its place of destination are only 1/3000 of an inch in diameter. The blood-globules are the carriers which take and deposit these particles, and they are 1/4000 of an inch. The walls of these globules or carriers are in thickness 1/12400 of an inch. The fibres in the nervo-centers are 1/14000, but become so small as to be immeasurable when they reach their peripheral distribution. The discoverable solids of the body, according to Majendie, are 1/9000 of an inch, but most of them are actually so small that they cannot be measured, even by the aid of a microscope. Majendie well remarks that they are beyond the ken of our senses, as the infusory animals, globules of fluids &c, were before the invention of the microscope. And he adds: He who shall discover an instrument by which we may perceive the intricate arrangement of matter, will enrich the field of human knowledge and immortalize himself. Seeing then that these parts, each of which however maintains its individuality, are so small as not to be discoverable by the microscope, where is the common sense in that professed science which crowds the system with crude and untriturated particles either vegetable or mineral which must either clog up or break down the delicate texture, in its futile effort to remove a lesser malady.

Many of the mineral remedies which are commonly administered untriturated, consist of particles, each of which are from 1/50 to the 1/500 part of an inch in diameter, These of course cannot undergo solution and absorption in smaller forms, for they are insoluble in the chemicals of the human system. They can only operate as mechanical irritants to the mucous membrane of the intestinal tract and thus punish the unoffending bowels for a disease in some other locality. If therefore we desire the atoms of medicine to reach the place diseased they must certainly be smaller than the vessels through which they are to pass; that is they must be less than the 1/4000 of an inch in diameter. It is a plain fact in Mechanics that a larger substance cannot pass through a smaller opening; and yet the dutiful children of Hippocrates neither heed nor practice upon this philosophy.

Our 2d question is: How came the disease? For the sake of brevity and illustration we shall here refer only to those diseases which arise from a specific cause; and if we show that they have been caused by the reception of some atoms or particles, so small as to be imperceptible by the microscope, it will surely give us some clue as to how large our medicinal particles should be, for the one must certainly penetrate to where the other has been lodged; the last should be smaller than the first. As representing one class of these diseases let us take Scarlatina. How is it produced? By a poison which enters the circulation, at least sufficiently to have its effect upon the nervous system. How large are its particles, or how much has entered the system? Alas no man can see or approach the calculation of its amount; it is so fine and so sparse as to be invisible and imponderable.

So with nearly all contagious diseases. So too in kind with Hay Asthma, the particles which cause it are imperceptibly small yet they are vegetable emanations or triturations which have an influence upon all persons but to which some are peculiarly susceptible. So with the diseases which are produced by contact with animal poisons as Syphilis, Hydrophobia, the bites of serpents &c, the molecules are so exceedingly small that they cannot be measured or weighed, and no one can tell how little may produce a ravaging disease, and horrible death.

If the objection be made that the medicines we give are far less active and severe in their operation than the specific causes of disease, we reply that this is more than counterbalanced by the increased susceptibility of the parts at the time the medicine is given. When the seeds of disease are introduced in the system, all its parts are in healthy action and comparatively tolerant of the foreign influence, but when the remedy is applied which has its specific action upon the part affected, then the susceptibility of that organ by reason of the disease is increased a thousand fold, and at least in a greater degree than the activity of the first exceeds that of the last.

Again, it is also true that medicine has all its specific action even when taken in health, in doses so small as not to be perceivable to the sight or touch. The gardiner need snuff the fragrance of the flower but once, in order to assign it to its particular class. A single grain of musk will scent a room for years and yet lose no perceptible size or weight. Here actual particles are continually being emitted and yet years may elapse without appreciably lessening the bulk.

Take a lump of opium or a bottle of laudanum and merely smell a few times of either and you will soon begin to feel the heavy head, the dizziness, the dreamy revery and all the peculiar effects of opium. Take a email quantity of the powder or tincture of Ipecacuanha, and treat it in the same way and you will soon feel nausea, faintness, and the usual effects upon the membranes of the respiratory organs. Use Belladonna and the peculiar headache, dryness of the throat & c. will soon be made apparent. So with the whole class of odoriferous drugs, a fact which any physician, or layman must admit to be true. Let us then ask the question again how large are the particles which you thus receive in merely smelling of these preparations? All must answer, they do not know; for they are neither seen nor felt, yet they are just as surely material as the rocks of the earth, and they are sufficient in size to produce a drug disease.

Does not common sense declare that every physician should regard and act upon these physiological teachings, and does not the same common sense declare that if these have an action upon the healthy economy, they should and must be triturated beyond the ken of our senses when we desire to have them exert a curative impress upon the tender and impressible organ diseased?

Not only is it true in regard to morbid physiological action, that infinitesimals are the moving influence, it is also true in the normal and healthy operations of nature. If we watch the secretory and excretory system in their regular action, we see the same truth as plainly taught. The grannies which are continually deposited to supply the place of those which are excreted and the rejected elements of perspiration and other secretions accord perfectly in size with the facts we have mentioned. The process of generation illustrates the same principle.

The imperceptible dust of the male plant is wafted by the gentlest breeze to its opposite and thus impregnates. Spallanzani and Arnold have shown that the 1/1000000 part of a drop of frog's semen fecundates the egg as rapidly as more. Harvey has also shown that rabbits are fecundated where not a trace of semen can be found. But this we cannot farther notice. Our concern is with morbid derangement. To be brief, it is safe to say that all idiopathic diseases are produced by what allopathists are yet pleased to call fanciful doses; yet there is something more than the workings of fancy in the effects they show. The various organic diseases which all physicians are called upon to treat are yet supposed to be real, though they are produced by influences which cannot be clutched by the hand or seen even by the most powerful glass. Since then we see the causes of disease or the influences by which they come this brings us to our-

3d question. What doses do we need to remove it? This needs no abstruse reasoning, nothing but the logic which common sense suggests. As has been the cause so must be the cure. This is plain and undeniable. If poison in imperceptible doses has been the exciting agent certainly our remedy ought to be in a like state of comminution; give as much and as often as you choose but let it be in such form that it may penetrate the finer meshes of the organism in which the disturbance exists. The physiology of the parts and the minute foreign influences introduced, both tell us in unmistakable language, let the antidote be such in size that it can follow the bane. There is or ought to be an adage, which says: you cannot send a dog in a rat-hole. Neither can you eradicate disease, by crude doses of drugs. It may sometimes be held in abeyance whilst nature effects the cure, but never by these radically removed.

The true homoeopathist will give enough medicine to obtain the end desired whether it be the 1st., the 3d., or the 30th. The particles of the 3d, 6th or 10th triturations are more perceptible to the senses than the disease producing atoms.

Why then is it unreasonable that we should find, as we do find, that these are quickly curative? It is natural for those who have no knowledge of attenuations to have more confidence in 5 grains of the pure drug than in five grains of the 3rd trituration, yet the last contains thousands more of particles than the first, and although they are very minute in size yet each contains all the distinctive characteristics and specific endowments of the original drug with the vast advantage that its parts may enter where they else would not. According to Mayrhofer, in one grain of the 3d trituration of Tin or Arsenic, there are 115,200,000 particles of the medicine. The same author by a glass of three hundred diameters has seen Platina in the 10 dilution; Gold in the 10th and 11th potency; Silver in the 12th attenuation; Mercury in the 10th; Iron in 7th and 8th; Tin 13th and 14th; Copper 12th. These are facts and cannot be avoided. Yet when we speak of the 3d or 6th attenuation our allopathic friends still stand back with horror and exclaim there is no medicine in them! They forget that rule in philosophy which says there is no limit to the divisibility of matter or else believe it to be true in every thing else but medicine. They are willing to take the microscope and search for the minute causes of disease or for its locality in the system, but when it is proposed to use the same means to observe the atoms which may cure, they are dumb with astonishment at the 'loose reasoners' of the age.

Here we see the inconsistency of modern Physiologists. The names of Majendie, Draper and Dalton, we mention with the highest respect and admiration of their talent, acquirement and triumph. By their devoted labor they have conferred an inestimable boon upon science and mankind. They will need no monuments but the fruit of their toil. And yet after having accomplished so much they refuse to use these facts for their highest end. They have helped to develop a beautiful science, but thus far it has served as much for amusement as use. It is the privilige and duty of homoeopathists to take these facts and appropriate them to their highest and legitimate use, namely, to corroborate the substantial facts connected with our law of cure.

In our next we shall speak of the teachings of Pathology in relation to Homoeopathy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 11, 1859, pages 481-488]

[Description: Teachings of Physiology in relation to Homeopathy.]

[Author: Alley, J.T.]

[Year: 1859]

AMERICAN PROVERS' UNION.

Philadelphia Dec. 8, 1859.

A stated meeting of the Union was held this evening at the house of Dr. G. Wolf. The President, Dr. J. K. Lee, In the chair.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

After going through with the regular order of business, and no new provings of medicines being presented, the subject of "Diphtheria" was taken up for discussion.

Dr. J. R. COXE, Jr.. having recently lectured before the students, upon this disease, was called upon for a few opening remarks.

He said (hat he had carefully consulted "Aretaeus," who describes Diphtheria as it now appears, In two different forms — light and severe — and with admirable correctness, under the name of "Ulcus Syriacum" and "Ulcus Egypticum" Forestus and Broncholi also correctly describe It — so does Fothergill of England, and Bard of New York. Our best modern authority Is Bretonneau of France.

He had had hut six cases. The first of these he lost, and, he was compelled to say that he lost it from his own neglect.

It was a boy about 6 years of age, croupy from his birth, and whom he had cured of not less than twelve attacks of spasmodic or non-membranous croup, and of three very severe attacks of Angina Membranacea.

When summoned at 3 A. M,, he was informed by the parents that the child had a very severe attack of croup. On his arrival he found it to all appearance labouring under that disease. He did not examine the case as closely as he should have done, and although he perceived patches of false membrane on the tonsils and palatine vault, he considered them as the exudations of croups nor did he discover his error until too late to save the child. About 8 A. M. he began to suspect the case was not croup, as the breath at that time became very offensive, and suspecting Diphtheria, he changed the medicines which had been Kali bichrom. and Bromium. Iodine both internally and by inhalation was then given, afterward Arsenicum and Muriatic acid — next carbo veg. and Mercurius iodatus rub; but all to no effect. The putridity increased with frightful rapidity, swallowing became impossible, and the child died at 10 P. M, asphyxiated.

The other five cases might or might not have been as severe as the first; but as the Doctor was now on his guard, he carefully examined the fauces and throat immediately on his arrival, and in all the cases discovered a whitish yellow exudation on the tonsils, which were swollen and hard. He could wipe off the exudation with a handkerchief, and the mucous membrane beneath appeared nearly natural, except rather deeper in color. There was no evidence of ulceration.

In four of these cases there was but little constitutional irritation. The children (all under 8 years of age) could eat and sleep, and did not appear to suffer.

The pulse was depressed, though not to any great extent. It was a typhoid pulse, quicker than natural but weak, depressed, and readily disappeared wader pressure.

The fifth case (a girl 7 years of age, large and well developed) had considerable constitutional irritation. She had severe ehills followed by flushes of heat, loss of appetite, great languor, restlessness and irritability and considerable prostration. Her natural temper was remarkably mild. In sixteen hours there was great pain on swallowing, the tonsils were greatly swollen, the uvula and whole fauces were scarlet red, and the false membrane was plainly perceptible on the tonsils, and afterward over two-thirds of the fauces. There was also a slight swelling of the parotid gland of the left side. In this case after giving Nitric acid and Merc. iod., with but little if any benefit, he gave Iodine, (1st decimal) and dropping 20 drops of the tincture in a saucer, directed inhalation every fifteen minutes. In an hour the symptoms were less severe, and under the same medicine at longer intervals, she recovered in about 3 days.

The other four cases were cured by Merc. iod. 3, and Nitric acid 4, (both decimals at first; afterward the centesimal dilutions).

He said the great difficulty is to prevent the disease from invading the larynx — since Dr. Abererombie says "all die when the larynx becomes affected." He thought Nitric acid., with Merc. solub., or Merc. iod., the best preventives; but if these fail, he recommended Muriatic aeid and Arsenicum, and Iodine by inhalation.

He further observed that great care was necessary in convalescence, with regard to taking cold — a draught of air not capable of injuring a babe will produce a relapse. The diet must be very liberal, with stimulants in small quantities.

Dr. S. S. Brooks remarked, that he had met with but two cases, which might be called Diphtheria. These were mild and terminated favorably.

The first was not recognized for two or three days, during which time it was viewed and treated as ordinary pharyngitis. The usual improvement not appearing, a more careful examination was instituted, which revealed an almost fiery bright redness of the whole pharynx, especially of the left side, with much enlargement of the tonsils and uvula, and the tonsil of that side was very hard to the touch. Numerous irregular-shaped patches of a greyish yellow color, were upon the tonsils and uvula, which appeared to be partly exudations and partly ulcers; they varied in size from that of a pin's head to a three cent piece. On the left side these patches extended forward upon the gum of the dens sapientia. There was great pain on swallowing, and considerable fever; but no prostration attended the case. The duration of the case was about two weeks.

Mercurius biniodatus, in about one grain doses of the first trituration every 3 hours, appeared more serviceable than any other remedy. Indeed, all others appeared of doubtful value. Dilute Nitric and Muriatic acids, and Chlorate of Potassa in solution, were each used; but their effects were so uncertain that he concluded not to use them in a future case. Other preparations of Mercury — as the Vivus and Solubilis were used for short periods, but they appeared to aggravate rather than relieve.

At that time Dr. Brooks had not seen, nor had he heard of Dr. Madden's remarks on this point — in the British Journal of Homoeopathy for April, 1859. He quoted from Dr. Henry R. Madden's article on the treatment of Diphtheria, as follows: — "Here I must take the opportunity of remarking that the Biniodide of Mercury has in my hands succeeded better in this complaint than any other Mercurial preparation. When I sent my notes to Dr. Black, I observed that in true Diphtheria I had found Mercury did decided harm. I had at that time tried Merc. sol., Merc. cor., Merc. oxyd. sub.; but I had not used Merc. biniodidus, and I must say that this last preparation has not disappointed me even in the fully developed disease."

His second case Dr. Brooks immediately recognized. It was similar to the first, though milder — so as to permit the patient to visit his office. In its treatment, he had been so well pleased with the effects of the Biniodide of Mercury, that he used it almost exclusively in this case. Nitric acid was substituted for one day, on account of his being out of the Biniodide at the moment of prescribing, and during this interval, the case seemed to grow worse. Its duration was about. one week.

Dr. B. W. James related a case of Diphtheria, occurring in conjunction with Malignant Scarlatina, that had come under his care in the Northern Home for Friendless Children. It was a child about 10 years of age, which was seized with violent vomiting and general prostration. When called in, 7 hours had elapsed since this sudden attack came on, and the following symptoms were present: Skin hot and dry, pulse small, frequent and very easily compressed; the tongue was somewhat swelled and much coated, except at the tip, where it was very red; the breath was feverish and disagreeable; there was a constant thin watery discharge from the nose, and a flow of saliva from the mouth. His eyes were prominent, with a staring look. He appeared to be almost unconscious of what was said to him. There was also an involuntary tremor of the whole body. An examination of his throat revealed a very red, inflamed condition of the fauces, velum palati and tonsils, with a hard swelling of the latter. Two whitish yellow patches appeared on the left tonsil, and one on the right. This was in the evening.

The next morning the whole of both tonsils were covered with the diphtheritic exhudation, and it was extending over the fauces. The pulse was very feeble; the hands and feet cold; the breath more fetid; the tongue thickly covered with a whitish coating, which could easily be wiped off; a dark incrustation was forming on the teeth and lips; the trembling of the body continued, and he was still more unconscious. Belladona and Kali bichrom. were given through the night without any effect. Merc. iod. rub. was given in the morning, and by evening a slight improvement was perceptible. Nitric acid was then given in alternation, with the Merc. iod. By this time a rash began to make its appearance on the surface of the body.

On the third day consciousness returned; the diphtheritic exhudation was thrown off; the scarlatinal eruption came out more fully, presenting a dark or purplish hue.

On the fourth day his condition was much improved, and likewise on the fifth day, except that the discharge from the nose (although somewhat diminished) had become acrid, and excoriated the adjacent parts, and an ulceration of the throat set in. The next day he was not so well — the pulse indicating greater debility. Up to this time Nitric add and Merc. iod. were continued; but were now discontinued and Arsenicum given, and a more nourishing diet ordered. The following day he was better, and the next day (Dr. James month of service having expired) the case passed into the care of the other attending physician.

Drs. R. Gardiner and J. G. HOUARD had attended in consultation two cases of the disease in a severe form — both children in one family The first case was held very much like one of croup, and received treatment for that disease, and it was not until the breath became excessively fetid, and the parotid and other glands of the neck swelled, that Diphtheria was suspected, and the remedies changed to those recommended for the latter affection. This case proved fatal.

The other commenced in the same way, followed with foul breath, prostration, great flow of secretions from the nose and mouth, and swelling of the parotid glands. The treatment however was different. Aconite and Merc. iod. were given at once, afterward Bell, and Merc. iod., and finally Nitric acid; under the use of which, the child rapidly improved and eventually recovered.

Dr. HOUARD remarked, that other cases in his practice had since proved Nitric acid a valuable remedy for this disease.

Dr. Lee had noticed a peculiar stretching out of the neck, and throwing back of the head; in cases of croup, which was not observable in diphtheria.

Dr. COXE observed, that in his first case, there was no difficulty of inspiration, but great difficulty of expiration.

On motion, adjourned. B. W. JAMES, M.D., Recording Sec'y.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04, 1860, pages 183-186]

[Description: American Provers' Union; Transactions 1859-12-08.]

[Author: Aprovunion]

[Year: 1860]

AMERICAN PROVERS' UNION.

Philadelphia Jan. 12, 1860.

An adjourned meeting was held at the House of DR. S. S. Brooks. The minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted and the usual order of business proceeded with.

There being no communications on Medicines to be proved, the subject of Typhoid Fever was taken up for discussion.

DR. S. S. Brooks having proposed the subject, opened the discussion. He propounded a few questions on which he desired the views of the members of the Union.

1st Is Typhoid Fever a disease "sui generis?" That is, a fever separate and distinct from all the other fevers, accompanied with prostration of the nervous system, such as Nervous Fever, Typhus Fever, &c.? He remarked that he had been very carefully and faithfully taught, and he thoroughly learned from his teachers, that it was a disease — "sui generis;" But his observations and experience during sixteen years of practice had not revealed to him a sufficient amount of difference between this and the other continued fevers to cause him to think it worth while, practically at least, to consider it a separate disease. Hence he was inclined to view Typhoid fever as only a modified form of all the other continued fevers which are attended with prostration, &c., of the nervous system The main, if not the only pathognomonic and constant lesion, with its concomitant symptoms, (being connected with the glands of Peyer and Brunner were not, in his mind, of sufficient practical importance to dignify this fever as worthy of a distinct name. Still he uses the term among his patients, especially when the abdominal symptoms are prominent.

2nd. Is Typhoid Fever contagious? He thought not, neither did he think Typhus or Nervous Fever contagious; but all were infectious. The practice of proper hygienic measures in connection with these fevers will prevent them from attacking the healthy, — but no influence of an hygienic character will prevent the spread of a contagious disease.

3rd. At what stage of its progress can it be detected? He believed about the third or fourth day.

4th. Does Typhoid Fever ever occur more than once in the same individual? Authors generally agree that it occurs but once; but he thought he had seen something of the kind the second time in the same person.

5th. May it ever exist in so mild a form as to permit the patient to be on his feet, more or less, throughout its course, or even to go out? He had met with a number of cases, in which the patient was able to drag about and attend more or less to his business, though it was in much weakness and accompanied with occasional pains. Such, were more lingering than the more aggravated cases, which required the patient to remain in bed.

6th. What is the usual duration of a case of Typhoid Fever? About three weeks, to the beginning of convalescence. Some cases begin to improve in two weeks and others are prolonged to the fourth week. He thought the duration of this disease coincided with the Septenary periods, i. e., if the case went on over the end of the second week no particular improvement appeared till the end of the third week, and so on to the fourth week. In all his oases, the fever appeared to have entirely subsided by the end of the fourth week, and when the patient did not recover at that time, there was as a product of the disease, an ulceration of the bowels, which in several cases terminated fatally.

7th. Can this complaint be arrested after it has once fairly set in? As a general rule, it cannot be arrested. But sometimes there appear remissions in about one, two or three weeks, at which time, it has seen to him that the exhibition of an antiperiodic, like Arsenicum, China, or Quinia at once arrested the disease. So much is this the case that he now watches for this remission, which his observation has taught him to think it hardly worth while to look for at any other than the Septenary periods before mentioned. The duration of the complaint may also be shortened by judicious treatment.

8th. Has any medicine been found to act as a prophylactic in this disease? Rhus tox. in his hands appeared to ward off the disease; though he used also Mercurius and Arsenicum at about the same time. He was inclined to believe that the prompt use of Rhus, and Mercurius vivus in the incipient stage, would prevent the confirmed disease. Of the two remedies, Rhus, is the most important, — used every three to six hours, in the first decimal dilution, for twenty-four hours.

9th. What are the most prominently useful medicines in the treatment of this fever 7 Of course every case will require its own particular medicines which will vary in its different stages; but he has been most pleased with the effects of Bryonia, Rhus. tox., Merc. vivus, Bell, and Are., in the majority of cases.

For the ulcerated state of the mucous membrane and of the glands o Brunner and patches of Peyer he found no remedy to avail. He desired an expression of the experience of others on this particular point.

Dr. J. R. COXE, Jr., considered Typhoid Fever a disease "sui generis" — not contagious, caused, in general, by vitiated atmosphere produced by large bodies of men crowded together, also by fatigue, either mental or bodily. The particular organic lesion of Typhoid Fever (which is never seen in any other disease) is, inflammation, swelling and ulceration of Peyer's and Brenner's glands. When this is not present, it is net true Typhoid Fever, however much it may in other respects simulate it. The blood in this fever is materially changed; it is decomposed, loses its red color, and its fibrine is more fluid, hence epistaxis, &c. The lungs are always more or less affected. The duodenum is never diseased and the stomach very seldom. The colon is healthy, but generates gas in very large quantities, (a curious feet). This gas produces great pain by the inflation of the abdomen.

When the cerebral system is attacked, the tongue is red and quivering; if the lungs, the tongue is saburral; if the abdomen, the tongue is dry and black with red edges. In true Typhoid Fever there is always an acute pain in the right illiac fossa, on pressure, while in general all the rest of the abdomen is insensible to it

The urine is of great value. In the commencement it is turbid and whitish, but leaves no sediment. It soon becomes limpid and natural in color, though close examination will disclose a slight turbidness in the upper portion. This turbidness descends slowly in a few days — the central portion then appears turbid, while the upper and the lower are clear. When this cloudiness descends slowly but surely, it is a very favorable symptom; but if it ascends, it is unfavorable. When the sediment reaches the bottom of the vessel and is changed into a sandy grey or greyish red color which adheres to the sides of the vessel, we may expect a perfect and speedy cure. We may now permit some nutritious food, gum-water only having previously been allowed. When the sediment becomes all sand and at the same time decreases in quantity we must order rich food, beef tea, mutton, Ac., with small quantities of wine and water.

If this is not done, pneumonia or colliquative diarrhea sets in and the patient may be carried off with it. If the sediment be very abundant, broth and rice only should be given.

The pulse varies greatly although it is quicker after sunset.

Pneumonia very frequently appears as a sequel of the disease and is known by a dry cough dyspnea, quick and feeble pulse, and a bright red spot on the cheeks; the skin varies, being cold in some portions and hot in others; the extremeties, however, are nearly always cold.

Sometimes, Petechiae, Maculae and Vibices appear (mostly on the body), continue for five or six days and disappear without leaving a mark.

Sudamina on the neck are so frequent as almost to be characteristic of true Typhoid Fever. The skin is always dry and sticky, and at times is ulcerated in spots. When a sweat appears all over the body, it is generally critical and is a favorable symptom.

He said the best remedies were: — In the first stage, Puls., Nux vom., Bry., Rhus, tox., Veratrum album, and cold sponging.

In the second stage, Pace, acid, Merc. dulcis, Bryonia, Rhus, tox, Bell, Sulph. and cold sponging. In the third stage, Are., Bry., Rhus. tox., Mure. acid., Opium, Phos. acid, China and Nitric acid.

Dr. Wm. Brown remarked that he had had a number of cases of the disease lately under his care, as many as eight at one time. He then related two or three of the most interesting of these.

He said that in all the oases he had been called to treat, he had not been able to give a certain and correct diagnosis for the-first two or three days. He did not think it could be done, because many of the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. The pulse was slower in this disease than in eruptive fevers. He thought it not contagious, although he had attended a family in which there were six down with it at one time. Three of which were under his and three under allopathic treatment.

He had never seen a case of Typhoid Fever convalescent in two weeks, and thought, where this was the case, we have reason to doubt whether or no it is Typhoid Fever. His cases began to convalesce in the fourth, fifth, or sixth week — some, sooner, in the mild form of the disease.

He then related the case., of a female, in which a violent hemorrhage from the bowels had set in, about the fourth week. He need Acon., Bryonia, Sabina, Rhus, and a number of other remedies with no perceptible benefit He then resorted to injections of Nitric acid with immediate relief.

He said, he had noticed a "peculiar smell" in this disease, which he could always detect, no matter how clean the chamber in which the patient lay was kept. He had at times even ventured a diagnosis on its presence alone, before he had examined the patient.

Dr. J. K. LER thought it was not possible to abridge true Typhoid Fever after it had once fairly set in, although we could meet unfavorable symptoms and conduct cases safely through the disease. The patient is never out of danger while the soreness remains in the right iliac region.

In his treatment of the disease, he attached much Value to proper hygienic regulations. He believed with Dr. Brown, that there was attending this disease an odor of a distinctive character. He considered the disease non-contagious. He could not agree with Dr. Coxe, that the miasmatic influence of this fever extended only a few feet from the patient; but believed it extended throughout the whole room.

Dr. Brown remarked, that in the nervous weak stage of the disease, he generally had his patients sponged off with soap and water, then wiped off and afterwards sponged with warm liquor.

Dr, C. B. Compton said, in reference to the urine in his experience, that while the thickness or turbid condition continued, his prognosis was doubtful; but when the cloud begins to settle to the bottom of the vessel, he has invariably been able to say positively that his patient would recover with proper care and good nourishment. This healthy phenomenon of the urine occurs about the third week. He never knew a case to get well under six weeks.

Dr. COXE considered a case cured when the fever and disease had left and the patient convalescing, although debility remained.

To the question — What would the disease be called after the fever had left, and the patient has not had nutritious food? He replied, that it would be strictly Marasmus.

DR. TOOTHAKER desired a description of the odor; but the pending motion to postpone the subject until the next meeting prevailed. After which, the meeting adjourned to meet at Dr. COXE'S in one month.

Philadelphia, Feb, 9, 1860.

An adjourned meeting was held, this evening, at the house of Dr. J. R. COXE, jr.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

There being no provings of medicines handed in and no reports from committees, the subject of Typhoid Fever was taken up and the discussion continued from the last meeting.

In reference to the odor which Dr. Brown said was noticeable in this disease — he stated he could not detect it before the second or third week, or when the disease was fully developed. The odor was of a peculiar character which he could not describe.

Dr. Brooks said, the books mention it as being a musty smell, and that in Typhus as a sour smell.

In regard to the duration of the disease, Br. J. R. Coxe remarked, that the average coarse was much shorter under homoeopathic treatment than under the allopathic, or even the "Do-nothing" treatment. He would not say that the disease cannot be cut short under our system of treatment.

The subject of Remissions in Typhoid Fever, spoken of by Dr. Brooks at the last meeting, was freely discussed.

Dr. Brown said, he had observed the remissions in several cases. He related one in which an excessive hemorrhage from the bowels took place at the end of the second and also at the end of the third week of the disease. In another case, a little girl, all the symptoms were much aggravated both at the end of the second and third week. He did not believe it was a constant symptom. His cases varied a good deal; some would have constipation for nearly two weeks, while others would have their bowels moved two or three times every day.

Dr. Lee differed from Dr. Brooks on this point. He thought such cases might be more of a hectic form of fever, in which we know there are remissions. So far, he had heard of these occurring only in some cases; to be a characteristic symptom they should be found in all cases. There are a great variety of concomitant symptoms in this disease, and we must not confound them with the characteristic ones.

Dr. J. R. COXE had not noticed a remission in any of his cases.

Dr. Brooks had observed it only in a few cases; but he hoped the members would in future notice this point, in order that we might gain information regarding it.

Dr. L. L. COXE desired to know what was to be understood by the word "remission," whether or not it was another term for "crisis" or the "critical days" which Hippocrates mentions, at which time there is a change in the disease; although this change might either be an amelioration or an aggravation.

Dr. Brooks said, what he meant was, that the disease would be apparently checked and all the symptoms show an improvement for several hours. It might be a step in a "crisis" but not a "crisis" itself.

Dr. Lee regarded it a turning point in the disease, and said the literal term meant — a turning back of the disease. There might be a moderate perspiration on the fourteenth day, this he supposed would be called a symptom of remission.

Dr. Brown had not thus understood the term. He had never seen a case of Typhoid Fever stop in this way before it ran its course. He had seen it in Remittent Fever.

On motion, the subject of "Aneurisms" was selected for discussion at the next meeting.

The Union then adjourned to meet at Dr. TOOTHACKER'S on the second Thursday in March.

B. W. JAMES, M. D., Rec. Secretary.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, pages 365-369]

[Description: American Provers' Union, Transactions 1860-01-12, 1860-02-09]

[Author: Aprovunion]

[Year: 1860]

BOSTON ACADEMY OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE.

November 28th, 1859.

The meeting was called to order by the President, Dr. Woodbury, at 7 1-2 o'clock.

There were present Drs. Woodbury, Russell, Talbot, Bellows, Walker, Weld, Neilson; W. P. & W. Wesselhoeft, Jackson, Farnsworth, Gregg, Fuller, Macdonald and Sanford.

In the absence of the Secretary, Dr. Chase, Dr. Sanford was appointed, protem.

The reading of the proceedings at the last meeting was necessarily postponed. A discussion regarding the establishment of an Homoeopathic Hospital was then entered upon.

Dr. Bellows made explanations concerning a fund held for that purpose.

Dr. Talbot followed with a series of resolutions, as follows:

Since in the opinion of this Academy a great advance has been made in the science of medicine by the discovery and application of the principle "s imi ia similibus curantur" now so generally known under the name of Homoeopathy, which, from its first introduction into this city twenty-one years ago by one of the present members of this Academy, has gradually spread until it has been adopted by thousands of the most intelligent families in this city and State, who with increasing confidence have tested it by experience in the most severe forms of disease; and since, in the daily routine of the members of this Academy a great need is felt for a Hospital where the poor and others may receive homoeopathic treatment, and believing, from the prompt and hearty support which has been given by the public to the Homoeopathic Medical Dispensary, that it would gladly respond to a call for the support of a Homoeopathic Hospital; therefore.

Resolved, That the time has arrived when an earnest and persistent effort should be made to commence, support and permanently establish a Hospital in this city, where such persons as prefer that method may receive homoeopathic treatment.

Resolved, That a committee of seven persons on the part of the Boston Academy of Homoeopathic Medicine, be appointed to consult with the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Hospital, and devise some plan by which this Hospital may be opened to the public at the earliest possible time.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted. In accordance with the second resolution, a committee was appointed by the chair, consisting of the following gentlemen: — Drs. Gregg, Russell, Geist, Jackson, Talbot, Weld and Fuller.

The Scientific Session was opened by the reading of the proceedings at the last meeting. The President, Dr. Woodbury, then read an essay upon Hydrocephalus, theorizing upon, and minutely describing an acute attack, tracing its progress to its final issue. An interesting and instructive account of the post mortem condition was given, after which the mode of treatment adopted by the writer was described. Dr. Gregg, in allusion to the symptoms of an acute attack related in the paper, added, that he had known instances where there was also some affection of the lungs; and that for a time he had been deceived in his prognosis. It was his experience, that when effusion occurred the case was hopeless. The remedies he has found most efficacious have been Acon. Bell. Hell, and Op.

Dr. Talbot alluded to the color of the urine, describing it as of a pinkish hue, especially about the border of the wet spot upon the linen. The iced pillow he regards rather as palliative than curative. Dr. T., by request, then related the case and exhibited a specimen, taken in todays' autopsy from a man. who many years since received a violent injury upon the head. The post mortem revealed the cause of death vis: tumor upon the brain, thus accounting for a persistent and severe cephalalgia, and also many obscure symptoms.

Dr. Neilson said he had noticed the urinary peculiarities in Hydrocephalus, first remarked upon by Dr. Talbot. Dr. Russell believed that an effusion of serum could not be absorbed. Dr. Talbot inquired why serum could not get out, if it could find its way in. Dr. Bellows regarded it as of minor importance to inquire whether there were any effusion or not. If he were positive there was effusion, he would not give up a patient. Dr. B. said he had never found in Hydrocephalus, a tuberculous condition of the brain, and asked for information. The President replied that some authors had mentioned the fact. Dr. Russell said he could not call tuberculous cases acute ones. Dr. Fuller said he believed he had had cases where there was an effusion of serum, and which had yielded to the exhibition of Cuprun aceticum. Dr. Walker related the case of a child of a scrofulous diathesis, the head was enormously distended. The first unfavorable symptom appeared in an excessive discharge of urine. The child's thirst was great, and every night he drank full two quarts of water. Any refusal to comply with his demend for water, threw him into a convulsion of rage.

Many other interesting cases were related by different gentlemen.

It was now moved and seconded that the paper read this evening be placed on file. Also, a vote of thanks was extended to the writer and the President.

Subject for next meeting — Carbuncle. Adjourned.

December 12, 1859.

Academy met, present, Drs. Woodbury, Weld, Puller, Scales, Sanborn, Talbot, Walker, Russell, C. & W. P. Wesselhoeft, Bellows, Gregg, Jackson, An gell and Chase. Dr. Jarvis by invitation.

The meeting was called to order by the President, and after reading the records of the last meeting, Dr. Talbot from the committee appointed on the Hospital, reported that the committee from the Academy had met with the Board of Trustees twice, it was deemed expedient at these meetings that a circular or pamphlet should be prepared and distributed among the friends of the cause, stating the object sought, and soliciting aid in its behalf.

After conversation by different members, it was thought that a circular would be the best form.

The Secretary then offered to the Academy two medicines which he had prepared for proving. Stating that the names had been enclosed in an envelope, which was in the possession of Dr. Talbot, to be opened when the proving shall have been finished.

Dr. C. Wesselhoeft of Dorchester, then read a paper on Popular Homoeopathic Literature, reviewing and critisizing the domestic publications on the subject of Homoeopathy.

On motion of Dr. Talbot, it was voted that the thanks of the Academy be tendered Dr. Wesselhoeft for his able paper, and that he be requested to publish the same in the American Homoeopathic Review.

Dr. Gregg remarked in connection with the reading of the essay in regard to Dr. Hering's Domestic Practice, that it was the first book which he had on the subject of Homoeopathy, more than twenty years ago, he at that time derived some benefit from its perusal, in regard to late editions he could say nothing because he had not examined them, there was certainly room for improvement in the earlier edition.

Dr. Weld said that this was the only book of the kind which he had ever used, he had obtained from it many valuable hints which was all a physician could expect from works of this kind.

Similar remarks were made by other gentlemen. The President then announced that the regular subject for discussion was Carbuncle.

Dr. Gregg said that he had not much experience in this disease, had treated a number of cases, and as Dr. Weld remarked they had got well, in regard to the treatment he could not say much, mentioned case of lady whom he treated last year, a very large carbuncle formed on the abdomen, the hardness of which was 6 or 8 inches in diameter, having a slough 2x4 in., it was exceedingly painful, he gave Apis and Crot. horidus mostly, as an external application green walnut leaves; after sloughing, used cold water dressing, and when granulating, strip of muslin wet with collodion, which contracted the edges so that the cicatrix was about 1-2 in. wide by 8 in. in length.

Dr. Talbot said that he thought it would be interesting to consider the malignant pustule in this connection. Spoke also of common boil, that it was developed from a small point of inflammation, around which lymph is thrown out, forming the core; in carbuncle the same thing took place only that there was a great number of points; it was the opinion of best French surgeons that free incisions, (crucical or stellate,) should early be made in these cases, that it was always followed by diminution of pain.

The President remarked that the relief obtained by incision was from relieving the tension of the skin, that the greatest sensibility existed in the dermoid texture, which in these cases was violently stretched.

Dr. Gregg said that years ago he used to treat furunculi with a very small blister, and generally cured them very promptly.

Dr. Russell spoke of a case of chronic carbuncle of nine months duration, on the thigh, which was an inch and a half in diameter, and several inches long, covered with a scab an inch high, he caused the mass to be removed by fomenting poultice, and treated the case with Ars., in five or six weeks it was well.

President remarked on the palliative use of Tinct. Hamamelis, and Dr. Jackson on Calendula. Adjourned.

H. L. Chase, M.D., Secretary.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04, 1860, pages 186-189]

[Description: Boston Academy of Homoeopathic Medicine Transactions 1859-11-28, 1859-12-12.]

[Author: Bahm]

[Year: 1860]

DRUG PROVINGS.

BY W. P. BAIRD, M. D., EVANSVILLE, IND.

In the majority report of the Central Bureau of the Materia Medica, it is recommended "that each prover who makes use of potencies in the provings, should make the trial with high potencies, afterward if necessary in his particular case proceeding to the lower dilutions and triturations, and even taking the crude substance and tincture if satisfactory results are not obtained with the attenuations." In the same report it is also asserted that "although the subject of provings has been so ably reported upon by a former member of this Bureau, it is very much to be regretted that many of the reported provings are so imperfect as to be nearly useless." The reason these provings are nearly useless, the Committee think, is because they are imperfect. Provers have not observed sufficient care in describing and locating the various symptoms elicited from the drug, while the attending circumstances, as age, temperament habit, constitutional peculiarities, &c.,, have almost in all instances been overlooked or disregarded.

That the foregoing may be one reason of the want of success which has attended the efforts of the physicians, when they have administered medicines which from the symptoms were peculiarity indicated, I think no one will deny. But this is far from being the only reason. Very many of our drug provings are imperfect, and therefore, useless; not so much from the desultory manner in which the symptoms are described, as from the circumstances that the provings themselves are often imperfect. The drugs have not been taken in sufficiently large doses to render the symptomatic as well as pathogenetic phenomena clear and decisive. We must know accurately not only the symptoms, but also the lesion of structure which the drug will effect, and the nature and character of that lesion. We must know the primary and secondary effects of the drug.

In the provings, shall drugs be taken in the higher potencies or in the lower and stronger preparations? Are the symptoms elicited from the potencies as valuable to the physician as those from the crude substance and tincture? Are not the symptoms obtained from the potencies rather calculated to deceive and perplex, than to subserve any useful purpose in our Materia Medica? These are important questions, and merit the thoughtful consideration of every well wisher of our science, for it is evident to every one that our provings, those detailed in our Materia Medica, and used now as our guide to practice, are too voluminous, and contain too much useless matter. Our drug symptomatology needs pruning. There is danger that our Materia Medica, like a thrifty and well-cultivated tree, may require to have the rubbish cleared away, and the supernumery twigs and branches lopped off by skillful hands, in order that it may produce available fruit, or that the fruit may be discerned. Where shall we begin the lopping off process? What shall we remove, what retain? In my opinion the lower dilutions, the crude drugs and tinctures alone should be used in the provings. Now let us see if our opinion is not borne out by facts. We appeal to those drugs the symptoms of which are already familiar to us, and whose curative power when given in a disease manifesting similar symptoms is well known to the profession. Let us for example refer to Tartar emetic. Now the most obvious symptoms of this drug when taken in moderate doses are nausea, vomiting, purging and secretion from the glands and from the bronchial mucous membrane; and it is found to be a most excellent remedy in certain diseases attended with like symptoms. But Tartar emetic would never produce vomiting and purging if token in the potencies, and the only effect would be that of an alterative, giving rise to no well marked symptoms. If this drug was not already proven, how should we find out by infinitesimal provings that it would be a remedy for nausea, purging, vomiting, &c. The same is true of Ipecac. In small doses of the crude drug, according to Dr. Wood, it is stimulant to the stomach, exciting appetite, and facilitating digestion. In larger doses it acts as a nauseant, and in still larger as an emetic and cathartic. But Ipecac is one of our most valued remedies in nausea, vomiting, in diarrhea, dysentery, &c. Opium furnishes a good example of the value of provings from larger doses. It produces profound sleep, a stertorous respiration, a dark suffusion of the countenance, a full, slow, and labored pulse, and an almost total insensibility to external impressions. In our Manuals I find opium recommended in just such conditions, and I can testify to its curative power in such cases. But when given in small doses, it produces no symptoms except those of general excitation of the system. Similar examples will readily suggest themselves.

I do not wish to be understood as ignoring entirely the provings from the potencies, but I do not think they are deserving of as much importance as some are inclined to give them. I have not myself been able to elicit any symptoms, perfectly reliable, from the trial of potencies. It has been a matter of astonishment to me, how so many symptoms could result from the use of a few pellets of the high potencies when I have read their details in the journals.

But I have found very many of these symptoms unreliable in practice, and calculated to perplex the practitioner in his search for the appropriate remedy. This may be obviated, I think, by proving our remedies from medicine doses of the crude substance and tincture.

The following conclusions may then be drawn in respect to provings.

1st. Drugs should be used in the lower preparations, and in moderated doses.

2d. The symptoms should be carefully noted both as to the time of their appearance and general character.

3d. The pathology of the drug, the lesions it causes, and the organs affected, &c., carefully noted.

4th. Drugs should be used for a long time in small doses, and the effect observed.

5th. The chemical change in the blood, as well as in the various excretions.

6th. The influence as to the amount of excretion and secretion produced.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 02, 1859, pages 66-69]

[Description: Drug Provings.]

[Author: Baird, W.P.]

[Year: 1859]

CLINICAL REMARKS ON HIGH POTENCIES. * [Allgm. Hom. Zeitung, 66, 102.]

BY DR. BATTMAN, GROSSENHAIN.

Carbo vegetabilis^200 in threatening Paralysis of the Lungs in Typhus, — Encouraged by my great success in treating croup, I have made further experiments with high potencies in acute diseases and believe that I have witnessed better results from them than from the lower potencies. As yet, however, I abstain from publishing the cases, inasmuch as their number and character are perhaps not sufficient to be decisive with colleagues who are, on principle, opposed to high potencies.

But, inasmuch as Carbo veg.200 has rendered me most remarkable service in threatening typhoid paralysis of the lungs, whereas I have never seen any similar good effects from the second and third triturations; and inasmuch as this morbid condition is one of the most dangerous that can occur in practice, I have thought it inconsistent with my duty to withhold any longer, from publication, facts which might induce my colleges to make trial of this remedy in such cases, in which but too commonly every expedient fails us, and inexorable death demands his victim.

A young man, aged 14 years, lay sick, two years ago, with a severe attack of typhus fever. His mother was ill with the same disease and was therefore unable to take care of him; so was his father, whose avocations compelled him to be always away from home. The entire task of waiting upon the patient devolved upon a maid servant, who had, besides, to look after the dairy and general house work and therefore had, as may be imagined, very little time to give him. In the third week of his illness, his condition was pretty desperate. His consciousness had almost left him, or was only recalled for an instant by a loud shout; his appetite was gone entirely; he had profuse, involuntary diarrhea; the abdomen was distended; the spleen was very much enlarged; the urine passed involuntarily. The tongue was dry, black, and cracked. Strength so completely exhausted that he could scarcely move himself. Respiration regular; in the lungs and bronchia a variety of mucous rales. Percussion on the posterior aspect of the thorax gave a dull sound; and the respiratory murmur was almost inaudible in that region. There was, in addition, a frequent rough, hollow cough. I found the patient in this condition one evening. The next morning he was found under the table, where he had fallen from the sofa on which he had been obliged to sleep. There he lay in the midst of. his excretions, cold and unconscious. When I arrived, some hours later (for the maid had been afraid to confess her negligence, and therefore I had not been summoned earlier), his condition was that of a moribund. After a few respiratory acts, there would be an intermission of several respirations. At each respiration, the patient, with distorted features, snapped at the air and gasped exactly like a dying fish. The pulse was small, and very frequent; the skin cold. The patient then received Carbo veg.200, two globules every two hours.

When I visited him again in the evening, his respiration was regular, his skin warm and soft, his pulse had risen in strength; the other symptoms were the same.

Two days afterwards, the same remedy being continued, the patient was incomparably better. Consciousness was less obscured, the lungs were more free, the cough was becoming loose, the diarrhea was less; the skin covered with perspiration, the pulse somewhat full and soft. The tongue was still dry and brown in the middle; the apex and margins, however, were moist and covered with superficial ulcers which were partly covered with loosening scabs. As I had on former occasions found Acidum mur.3 specific for this condition, I gave it to the patient in the same dilution, and under this alone, he recovered completely in a few weeks.

I have given Carbo veg.200 to five other typhus patients who were threatened with pulmonary paralysis and in the case of all, it effected this much at least, that they did not die of paralysis of the lungs. One recovered, three died of paralysis of the brain, one died of debility; all, however, lived more than four days and one woman lived three weeks. The irregular, agonized respiration, the mucous rales in the larynx and bronchia, the dyspnea, which the patient sought to have relieved by opening windows, change of position, assuming the upright position in bed — all these symptoms steadily decreased, and, if in all cases, life was not saved — at least, in all, time was gained, time which is so important aft element in typhus.

In conclusion I wish to say a word about the hostility which is felt against the treatment of disease by high potencies.

We, German Homoeopathists, with hardly an exception, were, all of us, at one time, Allopaths. The reason of our going over to Homoeopathy was, first of all, a conviction which came upon us, little by little, that, in certain diseases, our mode of treatment was inefficacious. In seeking after something better, we saw, perhaps, that a neighbor Homoeopathist, obtained better results than we did; or we heard or read that this was the case. We condescended then, in such cases as these, just to make a single experiment with Homoeopathy, and if, as generally happened, this experiment succeeded, we repeated it in similar cases. Little by little, more numerous experiments were instituted, until we finally became convinced that the homoeopathic mode of treatment, was throughout, more precious than the allopathic.

Furthermore, we are all convinced that if the Allopaths

would enter on the path of experiment on which we have travelled, their host would soon melt away to a minimum. The fact however that they do not do this, but that they prefer, without having made practical experiments, to deny, to ridicule, to laugh to scorn, and to chew the cud of a host of Bockiana (or Brodiana, or Holmesiana) — this we are justified in regarding as a wholly illogical position.

And now, I think, I have a right to venture the question, whether those among us, who, without making any experiments with high potencies, do not hesitate to utter denunciatory judgements respecting their use, are not acting just as those opponents of Homoeopathy do, against whom they as well as we, are contending? And whether it would not be better, if they would just once, sine odio et ira, make trial of the high potencies, at least in those cases in which we have no reason to be satisfied with the action of the lower potencies? If they would do so, we should, certainly, come by degrees to a clear knowledge of what cases require the lower and what the higher potencies and our science, our patients and ourselves would gain far more than by the present hostile opposition, which cannot fail to be in every view prejudicial to our true interests. D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 12, 1863, pages 567-570]

[Description: Clinical Remarks on High Potencies.]

[Author: Battman]

[Year: 1863]

INFLAMMATION OF THE CAPUT COLI,

Successfully treated with Belladonna 30.

BY EDWARD BAYARD, M. D.

In the month of February last, I was called to the Metropolitan Hotel, to see Judge C, and found him quite indisposed; with great prostration of strength; Pulse, 115; Tongue, coated yellow; Mouth, dry and thirsty; alternate chill and heat; Bowels constipated, together with pain and soreness to the touch, of the whole abdomen. He said he felt quite sure he was about to have an attack such as he had before experienced. As some account of these previous attacks will be of interest, it is here given in his own words – as he was kind enough to write it out, after his recovery :

"About fourteen years ago while residing near the city of Auburn, I suddenly felt an acute pain in the right side of the abdomen, at a point distant about three inches on a horizontal line from the most prominent part of the right hip bone. The seat of the pain seemed to be a little below the surface. At the moment of its access, I was on the point of leaving my house for a short drive, a purpose which I found it necessary at once to abandon, and soon afterwards I sent for a physician. .He recommended some external application -an infusion of hops and vinegar, I think. The acute pain subsided to a considerable extent, but was succeeded by preternatural sensibility, perceptible at every muscular movement of the part, and a sense of soreness to the touch. Three or four days afterwards I was obliged to go to Albany. The morning after my arrival, before I arose from bed, on pressing the fingers upon the sore part, I discovered, to my dismay, a swelling of circular form, nearly two inches in diameter, and apparently about half an inch below the surface.

In the course of the morning I called on a physician residing near my hotel, for advice. He seemed doubtful as to the nature of the malady, but obviously considered it of a grave character. Finding from my answers to his inquiries, that I had indispensable engagements that would occupy a day or two, he told me he could do nothing for me until they were completed, as the treatment, to which it would probably be necessary to resort, would require confinement to my room. Two days afterwards he commenced treating me, having in the mean time made up his mind that I was suffering under an inflammation of the head of the Colon. The treatment consisted of frequent applications of leeches, repeated cuppings, and, finally, of a very large blister, kept on for several days, and, I think, followed by one or two others. I was confined to my bed and low diet.

Another medical gentleman was called in for consultation. He seemed to concur in opinion with the first, and to approve his treatment. I was convinced from their language and manner, that they had little expectation of my recovery. A third very eminent medical gentleman, upon full information of the symptoms and the treatment, expressed his approbation of the latter.

At the expiration of about three weeks the tumor had abated but was still slightly perceptible, and then, with scarcely remaining strength enough for the purpose, and much emaciated, I returned home. Not long after, the tumor increased somewhat, and the parts continued preternaturally sensitive. I was accordingly again leeched and cupped. The same thing occurred several times subsequently, and it was a long time-I think two years at least, before I got entirely well.

In 1853, at Jalapa in Mexico, I got another attack of the same malady-owing, as I have no doubt, to my throwing myself upon a mattrass in a cool room, and lying there an hour or so without covering, after a rapid walk in the warm sun about the town. In this instance the whole abdominal region was affected at first, but the disturbance was soon concentrated at the point above described, and a tumor was at once formed. Under the friendly advice of an intelligent gentleman residing at Jalapa and whom I had the pleasure to know, I sent for a physician who was, of course, a Spaniard. What would have been his conclusions independently formed of the case I do not know-but because, whether wisely or not, I informed him of the antecedent attack and of the treatment of it, he resorted to a similar treatment, applying an enormous number of leeches which he confined in a pen that he made for them, about four inches in diameter-and then a very large blister. When the skin had been removed from the blistered part, he dropped a white looking cataplasm upon it that produced a burning sensation, I verily believe as painful as would have been caused by live coals. I was in his hands about a fortnight, when, if I recollect rightly, nothing of the tumor remained.

Since then I have escaped a recurrence of this malady until about a month ago, when I suffered another attack of precisely the same character, except that it was, in its concomitants at least, more violent than the second and far more severe than the first. The tumor had become defined and was rapidly increasing in density and soreness.

From this attack I had the good fortune to be entirely relieved in three or four days, by medicines which caused me no inconvenience."

After giving me the substance of the above narrative, he said that if the disease was of the same character, in a few hours a tumor would form at the head of the colon; he detailed to me the opinion of the medical gentlemen who had attended him in his former attacks, together with an account of their severe treatment, and expressed his fears, lest at his advanced age, the illness which he knew to be impending, might prove serious.

Aconite 30, was administered some three or four times, at intervals of three hours, followed by one dose of Nux vomica 30. The next morning, on calling, I found the Judge with less fever, and the diffused soreness of the abdomen less- but, as he had predicted, a tumor had formed, about the size of an English walnut, in the region of the head of the colon, hard and exceedingly tender to the touch. Tension of the abdominal muscles increased the pain, and the flexion of the legs upon the pelvis was his most comfortable position.

Inasmuch as the pains of Belladonna necessitate-"a bending of the body," and as the drug"produces much soreness and tenderness to the touch-(painful sensibility of the abdomen)-together with inflation and protrusion of the colon in the form of a pad- and inflation and tension of the abdomen chiefly in the region below the false ribs,"Belladonna was given in the 30th potency III doses at intervals of three hours.

Next day the sensibility, both of the tumor and abdomen, had greatly lessened, and all the symptoms had much improved. Under these circumstances the action of the Belladonna was permitted to continue without interference, Sac. Lactis being administered. The following day the bowels again became regular-and in the course of a few days afterwards the Judge was restored to his usual state of health.

We have published the above case that a paralell may be drawn between the old school treatment and that of the pure Homoeopathic system. The indications for Belladonna were well marked in the case above cited; and the satisfactory results which followed its administration are in admirable contrast with the entirely unnecessary aditional torture to which the patient had been subjected by his previous Allopathic treatment. We submit the case without further remark.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 03, 1858, pages 115-118]

[Description: Inflammation of the cecum (head of colon) successfully treated with Belladonna.]

[Remedies: Belladonna, Aconitum napellus, Nux vomica]

[Author: Bayard, E.]

[Year: 1858]

THE REMEDIAL AND PATHOGENETIC EFFECT OF DULCAMARA ON THE HORSE.

BY EDWARD BAYARD, M.D.

A horse-lack excursion to the White Mountains, made last summer, by a party of tourists from this city, under my care, furnished a very satisfactory refutation of the persistent plea against the efficacy of homoeopathic doses, that their action is due not to their own vigor, but to the imagination and faith of the patient. The witnesses in behalf of Hahnemann's theory of cure, must be accepted by the whole world as unimpeachable. They were two horses, one a thoroughbred reared at the south, fine-coated, with an excitable nature; the other a stout, Vermont-bred cob. We arrived at Montpelier on Saturday evening, and the horses of the party were stabled in good condition. During the night, one of those sudden atmospheric changes, for which July last was so remarkable, made fires necessary in the hotel, and overcoats indispensable out of doors. In the afternoon of Sunday, the thorough-bred was found in his stall with his forelegs spread apart, with great oppression at the chest, and difficult inspiration, trembling all over with a violent chill, nostrils distended, his remarkably silky coat staring, head that he carried so high, now drooping, ears and legs cold, mouth and tongue dry, and pulse hard, quick and small. The stall was surrounded with concerned men of the Vermont roads. An old stage-driver, of authority in equine ailments, gave his emphatic opinion, that, if the animal was not immediately bled "to fainting," there would soon be a dead horse to haul out of that stable. "Our Doctor," said the groom, "never wastes the strength of his patients by bleeding. He will never lance that horse."

Upon examination, it was discovered that an open window above the still where he was stabled, (not easy to be seen) had served to conduct a current of cold air upon the animal's head and chest, and had given rise to this attack of pneumonia; upon looking over the Materia Medica I selected Dulcamara for this reason: "sufferings from a chill in various parts — great oppression of the chest, especially when breathing — shaking as if owing to chilliness — feeling of coldness and actual coldness over the whole body, which warmth would not remove." The horse was doubly blanketed — I had but the 30th of Dulcamara in pellets. Six globules of this remedy mashed in Sac. Lac, and three powders thus made up, were given to him dry on his tongue, at intervals of two hours each. At 10 o'clock that night, I again examined him, and his condition had much altered. The oppression of the chest was removed — the chill had ceased — the pulse was full, not so hard, nor so quick — but the horse was still dull. In backing him from his stall, the animal seemed unable to move, having but little control of his legs, and it was necessary to support him or he would have fallen. The grooms thought the disease had altered and fallen on his limbs, and that he was foundered. I believed that the change was owing to the Dulc. acting upon a highly nervous temperament, and that we had a new action, and that the horse was under the pathogenetic effect of Dulc. as Dulc. produces "paralytic affections of the limbs." Acting on this conviction I ordered his bed to be made up, the stable carefully closed and the horse left quietly alone with nature — and the true law of cure. The next day at noon that horse was under the saddle, and doing heavy mountain work, and in a few days he recovered his usual strength and spirits.

One week after this experience, the party were caught in another just such change of temperature, in the midst of the last July weather, and, as before, in the night. The horse this time exposed, was of Vermont birth and nature. The place was farther north. and the cold more severe. Pneumonia, as decided as was that of the thorough-bred, was fully established in the morning. Treated in the same manner with Dulc., the cob speedily came out of the attack, fit for the severe work of the tour. Of a tougher and less impressible constitution than the southern bred horse, he showed no Signs of the pathogenetic action of the drug, and unlike him exhibited no symptoms of paralysis of the limbs.

The most obdurate objectors to Homoeopathy will not claim that horses have imagination, or are gifted with faith in their physician. It will be wholly impossible for them to controvert these strong proofs of the complete remedial action of an attenuated homoeopathic dose upon a diseased animal system.

There is one point worthy of notice in the care of the thorough-bred; he had no relapse, but seemed to be stronger after the cure, though the trial to his constitution was greater.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04, 1860, pages 155-157]

[Description: The Remedial and Pathogenetic effect of Dulcamara on the Horse]

[Remedies: Dulcamara]

[Author: Bayard, E.]

[Year: 1860]

PROVINGS OF RUMEX CRISPUS.

BY DRS. BAYARD, BOWERS, AND PAINE.

FIRST PROVING BY EDWARD BAYARD, M. D., NEW YORK. – Dec. 24, 1850. Took Rumex^30 in the evening, 8:40.

1. In 40 minutes the anterior part of the tongue felt dry and hot.

2. After 10 minutes more, sensation of heat over the body, especially in the cheeks; itching on the back of the hands.

3. In one hour more, soreness of the right edge of the tongue; pain in the right side about the lower rib, being like a bruised sensation; pain on the right side of the forehead in the region of causality.

25th, evening. 4. A feeling in the rectum as if a rough stick was forced up, painful on walking.

26th. 5. In the morning, looseness of bowels, with colic some time before their movement; stool of brown color.

6. Flushing of the face in the evening, with pulsations over the body; pulse 80.

28th. 7. In the evening, nausea, relieved by eructation, with sensation of fullness in the abdomen as if diarrhea was forming; restless.

29th. 8. A sharp pain in the fore part of the head in the open air.

9. After meals flatulency.

30th. 10. Feeling of dryness of the anterior part of the tongue, with a feeling in the stomach of repletion, and as if had eaten spice.

31st. 11. Depression, as if some evil was impending.

Jan. 1st. 12. Sensitive to the open air; all the symptoms of Rumex aggravated.

13. Went to bed with a sense of great weariness, nausea. fullness of the stomach with eructations with the taste of what had been eaten; with sensation of fullness of abdoman.

2d. 14. Movement of the bowels in the morning: watery, and of brown color.

15. Great languor; pulse 96; pain in the head on movement; chill down the back on motion; tongue coated yellow, with pain wandering over the belly; heavy drowsiness, with sleep and desire to lie down.

16. During the day face felt hot and pulsated, and the feet had a sense of coldness.

17. Towards evening, an aching pain, commencing in the right side of the umbilicus; went to sleep.

18. In the night woke with a pain all over the abdomen; it was excessively painful.

3d. 19. Afternoon, a dull aching pain in the occiput, which comes and goes.

4th. 20. Sensation of excoriation at edges of the tongue, which is sore when touched by the teeth, with a feeling as if the anterior part of the tongue had been scalded; an eruption on the vermillion border of the lower lip.

21. Palpitation of the heart after supper, and after conversation.

8th. 22. Sore throat on the left side on swallowing.

23. In the afternoon, constant chill on motion, running up and down the back and down the calves of the legs.

9th. 24. Headache in the region of causality; tongue coated yellow; sore throat on the left side during empty deglutition.

The late Dr. Wallace gave me the following symptoms after taking Rumex.

Pain in the abdomen, about the seventh rib, on the right side; a gone feeling and a weakness on each side of the umbilicus; the pains in the afternoon about five o'clock.

SECOND PROVING BY B. F. BOWERS, M. D., NEW YORK. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 1850. Took a few pellets of Rumex Crispus.12

10 P. M. 1. Awoke the next morning with pain in the bowels; relieved by the emission of flatus.

2. Pain a little below and anterior to the nipple, most frequently on the right side of the chest.

3. Pain in the larynx, mostly on the left side.

4. Rumbling in the bowels, and eructation of wind.

5. Burning in the palms of the hands at evening.

6. Itching in the anus.

7. Headache, with coryza.

8. Hawking up mucus from the larynx.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 9 P. M. Took Rumex,12 six pellets.

9. In three minutes itching in the left upper eyelid, and in both groins and various parts of the trunk, limbs, face and neck. In seven minutes afterward, eructation of wind; in twelve, hacking cough. No. 5 repeated.

10. Ringing in the ears.

11. Dream (of stealing a horse) of crime and trouble at night.

12. Flatulency in the morning on waking, with emission of flatus and sensation as if the tongue and mouth were burnt.

Dec. 24, 8:40 P. M. Took Rumex^30.

13. Eructation and sensation of distension in the stomach.

14. Sensation of heat in the left check.

15. Pain in the left side of chest.

16. Itching and stinging itching.

17. Sensation of breathlessness, as if the air did not penetrate the chest, or like what is felt when falling or passing very rapidly through the air.

18. The feeling of distension of the stomach subsides with motion of wind in the bowels.

19. Pain in the top of larynx.

20. Pain in right little toe, especially in corn on outside of it.

21. Sneezing.

22. Motion of the intestines with emission of wind; all these before 9:36.

23. Yawning.

24. Pain in right wrist, ulnar half; 10 repeated.

25. Stinging itching in various parts.

26. Eructation, empty.

On another day, at 9:20 P.M., took Rumex^12.

27.In first half hour felt vertigo, pain above umbilicus.

borborygmus, eructation, yawning, secretion of mucus in the larynx removed by hawking, flow of saliva.

28. At 10:20 pain over right eyebrow.

29. At 10:23 hiccough, pain in left temple, itching in the left side of the face in the whiskers.

30. At 10:30, yawning with rumbling in the bowels.

31. At 10:35, pain over right eyebrow, with sensation of stoppage in left ear. At 10:37, burning in palms (No. 5 repeated).

32. At 10:40, itching in face and right ear, movement of bowels as if an evacuation would occur, pain in larynx.

THIRD PROVING BY H. M. PAINE, M.D., CLINTON, N. Y.-The: object of instituting the following proving of Rumex was simply that of verifying the trials made two years since, and published in the last Report of the American Institute.

In order that the circumstances might be similar, as nearly as possible, I have employed the same preparation, and in corresponding doses and intervals of time.

Feb. 7, 1859. At one o'clock P.M., fasting, took 10 drops R^0 on sugar.

9th. At ten A. M., 10 drops R^0 on sugar.

1. For two hours after experienced a sensation as of a hard substance in pit of stomach. At nine P. M., 10 drops R^0. on sugar.

10th. Ten A. M., 10 drops R^0. in water.

2. During the day observed a frequent inclination to urinate attended with a sensation as if the urine could not long be retained.

Evening. 3. While undressing, and for some time after, considerable itching of the surface of the lower extremities.

11th. 4. Same troublesome itching of the surface of the lower extremities when undressing, and after retiring for the night.

16th. At half-past nine P.M., 10 drops R^0. on sugar.

17th. 5. After four A. M., very unpleasant dream-of burglars. At half-past seven, a short time before breakfast, 10 drops R^0. on sugar; also at nine P. M., 10 drops.

6. Observed the itching of the legs, as usual, as soon as exposed to the air while undressing.

18th. 7. Sleep last night was disturbed, wakeful, restless; short naps and unpleasant fancies, even when awake. At nine P.M., 10 drops R 0. on sugar.

19th. 8. The itching of the extremities commenced about half an hour before retiring last night, and again on waking this morning.. There is no appearance of an eruption until after irritating the skin by scratching, and then rather a diffused redness which soon disappears. Frequent scratching the surface has produced a number of little sores, which, however, readily heal, on the calves of the legs and about the knees, especially the posterior surfaces. The rash is not usually troublesome until after the surface is exposed to the air while undressing at night, and on getting up in the morning. The warmth of the bed soon relieves the itching.

9. For several days past have observed an unusual sensation of heaviness in the epigastrium. It occurs immediately after eating, and disappear in the course of half an hour.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 01, 1859, pages 30-29]

[Description: Three provings of Rumex Crispus.]

[Remedies: Rumex crispus]

[Author: Bayard, E; Bowers, F; Paine, H.M.]

[Year: 1859]

A QUESTION ON DOSES, REPLY TO DR. LIPPE

BY WILLIAM BAYES, M. D., CAMBRIDGE, ENG.

In the November number of the REVIEW, Dr. Lippe has professed to answer a paper addressed by me to Mr. Wilson, commenting on a "case of severe and complicated pneumonia, with remarks on a characteristic indication for the selection of Lycopodium," reported by him at page 420 of the Monthly Homoeopathic Review, of England.

In this paper Dr. Lippe has so completely distorted the purport of my questions, that I feel compelled to trespass upon your pages with a few words of reply.

The question is one of vital importance to the practical Homoeopath. I may, therefore, claim your forbearance for recapitulating the chief points of Mr. Wilson's case, and of my questions upon it, which, I may here state, still remain unanswered.

Mr. Wilson reported a case of Pneumonia, which he treated by dissolving live globules of Lycopodium^200 in a tumblerful of water, and of which he gave a teaspoonful every two hours.

Mr. Wilson informs us that he gave Lycopodium^200 in this case because there was a "fan-like motion of the alae nasi."

He tells us, on page 425, "when clearly marked, no matter through what organ or tissue the symptoms of any attack of illness may manifest themselves, in children, and young people" "the whole group of phenomena in such attacks will be found under Lycopodium."

On page 424, he speaks of the above symptom as being an "unerring characteristic."

And at another part of his paper says that "Lycopodium had never failed to meet and cure this symptom," through a twelve years experience.

Yet we see Mr. Wilson acting as though he had no faith in his own twelve years experience, nor in the unerring characteristic, nor in its never failing cure, for he draws a picture of himself searching through the pathogenesy of ten other medicines, notwithstanding the possession of all these advantages.

The contemplation of this painful state of uncertainty, called forth my plaint "are we never to arrive at certainty in the practice of physic?" and made me rise from the perusal of the case with a feeling of very considerable disappointment. If we are to abandon Pathology and Physiology as uncertain lights, we have a right to demand some more certain lights in exchange. Yet Mr. Wilson practically tells us to abandon the search after certainty — to be content with chaos of perpetual disorder — to distrust all experience, even the best tried and most often proved. I say, that after all that Mr. Wilson has told us regarding the "unerring characteristic," and the certainty with which "Lycopodium" has always cured it, we have a right to demand why he sought the pathogenesy of ten other remedies. His conduct belies his assertions.

Then, in the same paper, we find three other very grave discrepancies:

1st. Mr. Wilson treats the case of acute pneumonia, with frequently repeated doses of Lycopodium^200

2d. He professes to believe that pleurisy of an acute form may be cured by simple olfaction in five hours.

3d. He professes to believe that acute dysentery ought to be treated by one single dose of Mercurius corr. Sub.2^00

It is infantile in Dr. Lippe to say, that the answer to my question, as to "why pneumonia, pleurisy and dysentery are all to be treated on different principles?" is to be found in the case itself. Equally absurd was it in Dr. Hewitt, another of Mr. Wilson's apologists, to say that the Organon answers all these questions. I repeat that these diverse modes of administration shew an utter want of faith on the part of Mr. Wilson.

If olfaction will cure a case of pleurisy in five hours, ought Mr. Wilson to have been content to cure a case of acute pneumonia, with frequently repeated doses, in nearly three times as many days? Or, if a case of acute dysentery is cured by one single dose, ought a case of pneumonia to be treated by doses frequently repeated.

Again, Dr. Lippe writes as if I had claimed that I had improved on the Hahnemannian method. I refer him and your readers to my paper, page 592, Vol. VII, of the Monthly Homoeopathic Review, where he will find that it was in reference to this discrepancy in Mr. Wilson's treatment, that I asked: "Will some high dilutionist enlighten us on this point? Has Mr. Wilson discovered an improvement on Hahnemann's method? And if he has done so, how can we object to the practice of others who claim to have made still further improvements by giving low dilutions and even massive doses?"

I yield to no man in my ardent desire to see Homoeopathy assume its true place in the science of medicine, I am most anxious to see some more definite knowledge acquired as to those doses and dilutions which will most speedily remove disease and restore health. I am equally ready to administer the highest or the lowest dilutions if I can see sufficient bona fide testimony as to the superior efficacy of the one or the other; but I hold that Mr. Wilson's paper cuts at the roots of our faith, by the uncertainties and contradictions it contains throughout. We ought to set aside all party spirit in our search after truth; nor ought we to allow ourselves to be deterred from exposing error, even though we find it in high places.

For my own part, I disclaim all partizanship in the field of science. I am willing to accept Mr. Wilson's testimony that where there is "fan-like motion of the alas nasi," it indicates that Lycopodium is the true remedy. I have lately had two such cases in two young children suffering from the sequelae of badly treated scarlatina. I gave Lycopodium^30 in both cases with immediate and permanent good results. I am glad to add this testimony to Mr. Wilson's careful observation. This will give me confidence in Lycopodium should a similar case again come under my care.

My charge against Mr. Wilson does not lie in the fact of his having given Lycopodium, but in his having given way to vaccillation and uncertainty when he had recognized a "characteristic indication," and possessed a remedy which responded to it. In like manner, if olfaction will cure in hours, why give medicine in a form, which he confesses, takes days to effect the same end? So also, if to give one single dose and await the result, is the Hahnemannian and safe and successful mode for the admistration of medicines, why give frequently repeated doses?

I have asked these questions in vain of Mr. Wilson; he is so busily engaged in a game of hair splitting in a controversy with Drs. Hempel and Dudgeon that he has no time nor perhaps the power to explain his own very illogical paper. I therefore ask Dr. Lippe or some other high-dilutionist, which of these methods is that which has most recommended itself to his practical experience? olfaction? one single dose? or, frequently repeated doses?

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 09, 1864, pages 411-414]

[Description: Question on Doses, Reply to Dr. Lippe]

[Author: Bayes, W.]

[Year: 1864]

CHOLERA, AS TREATED BY DR. RUBINI. [From the London Monthly Homoeopathic Review, June 1866]

By Dr. Bayes.

In the last number of our Review, we alluded to Dr. Rubini's success in the treatment of the Asiatic cholera in Naples, during the epidemics of 1854-5, and during that of the past year. We pointed out that he claims to have cured every case which has come under his care – a statement so unique and extraordinary and one having so important a bearing upon the present health - crisis, now that we are again threatened with the irruption of this dreaded disease, that it is our duty to examine critically the basis of testimony upon which it rests.

We have before us Dr. Rubini's pamphlet, [Statisticsa Omiopatica dei Colerici curati colla ola Canfora, Negli anni, 1854, 1855. Napoli Stamperia e Cartiere del fibrene.] in which he details his method of treatment, its success, and the certificates of men in authority as to the truth of his statements.

In his preface, Dr. Rubini says, that he wishes to "impress on the mind of everyone the assurance that cholera is readily curable by one single remedy, provided it is administered in the earliest stage of the invasion of the disease. This most simple remedy is the saturated alcoholic spirits of camphor. If a man will only provide himself with this remedy, and carry it about with him when he leaves his house, he may thus quietly and securely go about his affairs and fear nothing, The rapid cure, in a few hours, wrought by me in 377 cases, without a single death, has firmly convinced me that Camphor is the specific against cholera, and that it will, with certainty, cure the disease. This experience gives me the right to affirm that this malady is little to be feared."

The author then proceeds to point out that cholera has yielded to no other remedy, and that it kills seventy out of every hundred patients attacked when they are subjected to the ordinary treatment, or rather by the conflicting treatments, adopted by the allopathic schools. He further shows that cholera kills ten out of everyone hundred patients even when treated by homoeopathic physicians, if they trust to any other remedy than Camphor alone. He claims Camphor, then, as the sole specific against cholera. Hahnemann, he says, "first proposed Camphor, and he and all the Homoeopathists who have since recommended its use, assert that Camphor corresponds with the stage of invasion alone; but that, on the appearance of the vomiting and diarrhea, we must prescribe other medicines to check the progress of the disease, and finally cure it. My own experience has led me, on the other hand, to know that Camphor preserves from and cures this otherwise lethal disease throughout all its stages, and the documentary evidence which I have annexed proves, the truth of my views."

"Resting solely upon facts, I assert that cholera observed by me in 1854-55 was not absolutely contagious; that Camphor is a certain specific as a preservative against the invasion of the disease; and that it cures it during the early and during all the successive stages, and fosters the force of reaction which nature places in man."

Dr. Rubini proceeds to divide his method into three parts.

1st. The process of preparing the Spirits of camphor.

2d. The method of prescribing it as a preventive agent.

3d. The mode of administering it as a curative agent.

Dr. Rubini thinks that the reason why Camphor has proved of less service in the hands of other physicians than it has done in his, is from the insufficient strength of the Spirits of camphor in ordinary use. He says that the spirits of wine of commerce is very seldom sufficiently pure for the preparation of homoeopathic medicines, and advises that it should be redistilled until it is of sufficient strength and purity to dissolve and hold in solution its own weight of Camphor. This forms the completely saturated Spirits of camphor advised by Dr. Rubini. A pound of alcohol should be distilled till it is so much over-proof, as to dissolve a pound of Camphor. All weaker Spirits of camphor Dr. Rubini thinks of little or no service. Hence the ordinary Spirits of camphor of the London Pharmacopoeia or that of our Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (which contains one part of Camphor in five parts of spirits of wine) he considers worthless.

2d. "The preventive method. When this scourge of epidemic cholera is in any locality, let those who are in good health (while living in accordance with their usual habits) take every day five drops of the saturated Spirits of camphor upon a small lump of sugar, and repeat the dose three or four times a day. Let them avoid spices, aromatic herbs, coffee, tea, spirituous liquors, strong perfumes, medicated tooth powder, etc. By these simple means many families were preserved from cholera, and many of my friends and patients both in the city and surrounding country. I had few casualities to visit in my private practice, which is very extensive."

3d. "The curative method. Two or three doses of saturated Spirits of camphor, of five drops each, administered every quarter of au hour, sufficed for a speedy cure."

Dr. Rubini was twice attacked himself, owing to excessive fatigue and depression, and very speedily cured himself by these means. The sudden invasion of the disease (when a man is over fatigued, or over excited, or depressed in cholera times) renders it desirable that everyone should carry about with him a few little pieces of loaf sugar and a little bottle of Camphor, so that he may take a dose whenever he gets a qualm or pain at the pit of the stomach.

"When a man is seized with cholera, he should at once lie down, be well wrapped up in blankets, and take every five minutes four drops of the saturated tincture of Camphor. In very severe cases, the dose ought to be increased to from five to twenty drops every five minutes. In the case of a man of advanced age, accustomed to take wine and spirits, where the drug given in drops had no effect, give a small coffee-spoonful every five minutes, and in a very short time the coveted reaction will occur. Ordinarily in two, three or four hours the reactionary fever will set in, with abundant perspiration, and then cure will follow."

"By these simple means alone, two hundred cholera patients were cured in the Royal Almshouse in 1854. Of these fifteen were especially severe cases, but I did not lose one. All the two hundred were saved from the scythe of death and quickly cured. By these simple means alone, in 1855, eleven infirm persons in the Royal Poorhouse, and one hundred and sixty-six soldiers of the 3d Swiss Regiment, were very speedily cured. The first seventeen cholera patients in this regiment sent to the Military Hospital of Trinita were treated allopathically, and fifteen out of the seventeen died. The one hundred and sixty-six treated by Camphor in the infirmary of the regiment were all cured."

"Of these patients many suffered, for a longer or shorter time, with bilious diarrhea; but one or two doses a day, of two drops of saturated tincture of Camphor; sufficed to cure this unpleasant symptom."

"Some also had relapses from abuse of food or other causes, but Camphor completed their cure."

Dr. Rubini allowed his patients to drink cold water in small quantities at short intervals. Then, when the reactionary fever passed off, he allowed a little light broth and farinaceous diet to restore the strength.

Dr. Rubini meets the objection that has been raised by some, that so large doses of Camphor, as those used by him, are not homoeopathic, by pointing out that all medicines prescribed upon the law of similars are homoeopathic, no matter what dose is used. He shows that a disease, of an extremely acute and transient character, such as cholera, is to be met homoeopathically by a remedy whose action also is very powerful and very evanescent.

After such extremely large doses of Camphor, some unpleasant symptoms occasionally remain; these may be speedily removed by a cup of black coffee, or a few drops of tincture of Opium.

The pamphlet concludes with the publication of certain documents, signed by the authorities, in confirmation of Dr. Rabini's statement, that the three hundred and seventy-seven cases treated by him were true cases of cholera. The following is a translation:

No. 1.

General Administration of the Royal Almshouse, and of the

Hospice, and of the United Establishments.

I, the undersigned Commandant of the above-named Hospice, hereby certify, that of the body of men placed under my care, composed of 1,268 individuals of every age, from the 27th of last July (1854) to the present time, there were two hundred individuals attacked by the prevailing, disease of cholera; of these there were fifteen in whom the disease was terribly severe, who, although they had passed into the last stage, were all perfectly cured by the treatment by Camphor alone, suggested to me by the homoeopathic professor, Dr. Rocco Rubini; there was not one single case of death.

I further certify that Dr. Rubini not only daily visited those that were Attacked, but that when his aid was often sought hurriedly, even during the night, he gave his immediate attention, and all this he offered gratuitously. In proof of the above statements, I give these presents.

Naples, September 11th, 1854.

II Generale Goveratore

Pucci.

(Here is the seal.)

III Maggiore Commandante

Nicola Forni.

(Here is the seal.)

No. 2.

General Administration of the Royal Almshouse, and of the

Hospice, and of the Reunited Establishments.

I, the undersigned Commandant of the above-named House, hereby certify, that by the help of the homoeopathic method of cure with the saturated Spirits of Camphor, prescribed by Dr. Rocco Rubini, eleven individuals were rescued from the cholera epidemic just ceased, which, during the months of September, October and November appeared in the establishment for the male sex, and of then none died. In corroboration of which I give these presents for the use of those interested.

Naples, February 10th, 1856

Visto il Generale Goveratore

Pucci

II Capitano Commandate

Cardo Sodero

(Here is the Seal.)

No. 3.

General Administration of the Royal Almshouse, and of the

Hospice and Reunited Establishments.

General Secretaries, Naples, September 30th, 1854.

Sir, – The generous assistance so prodigally bestowed by yourself, from sentiments of the purest philanthropy, to the male inmates of the Royal House during the invasion of the cholera, constitutes a trophy of glory that will not be overlooked by the Author of our being, and the whole force of human praise is wholly inefficacious for its amplification.

So often as it has pleased the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to crown with the happiest results your christian charity, in not having permitted that any of the two hundred patients under your care should have succumbed to the disease, to me, to whom is committed the care to this recluse family whom I represent, there only remains the duty to present to you this attestation of the sentiment of gratitude in the name and on the part of this same family, and to manifest to you on my side the sentiments of my highest consideration.

To Dr. Rocco Rubini,

Professor of Homoeopathic Medicine, Naples.

General Commandante,

Filippo Rucci

No. 4

Command of the Swiss Regiment of Wolff, No. 3

No. 1149

Sir,-When several cases of cholera, some of which were very severe, manifested themselves among the soldiers of my regiment, I expressed to Canon Schwertfeger, my chaplain, my desire to make your acquaintance in order to request you kindly to visit the invalids in the quarters of my regiment, and to treat them in accordance with your highly reputed method. You, Sir, had the goodness to attend to my request, and to come gratuitously every day to treat those of my poor soldiers who were sick of the cholera.

God, the remunerator of charity, has crowned your every labor with full success. All my sick soldiers recovered, and so also did Knusali of the second Cacciatori, of whose recovery little hope was entertained; he now feels himself in perfect convalescence. Therefore, not wishing to trespass on your valuable time. I write to beg that you will not further inconvenience yourself to come now every day to the quarters; but if this disease should again show itself. I shall then again request your most effectual and admirable assistance for the soldiers dependent on me.

Receive this document. Sir, as a certificate of service rendered, and as an attestation of my great esteem and gratitude.

To Dr. Rubini.

Colonel, Eduardo Wolff.

(Here is the seal.)

No.5 being merely a private note of thanks, accompanying the following statistical statement, we omit.

No.6.

Third Swiss Regiment of Wolff.

A detailed statement of the individuals of the above-named regiment treated in the hospital, as shown in the margin, and in the infirmary of the regiment, during the cholera beginning on September 30th. 1855.

(Here follow the names of 183 soldiers attacked by cholera.)

Colonel Commanding the Regiment, Eduardo Wolff.

Naples, December. 1855.

Among the above-mentioned one hundred and eighty-three individuals noted in the present list as struck down with cholera, s eventeen were sent into the Military Hospital of the Trinity, of whom only two had the good fortune to recover.

The remainder, then, were treated in the infirmary of the corps by the homoeopathic method of Dr. Rubini, that is to say with the saturated alcoholic tincture of Camphor, who were all suffering more or less severely, with the disease, and were all cured. Among the number I would specially mark Knusali Gaspare (page two, line twenty), who not only passed through every stage of this disease, but, in addition, suffered from typhus, and who, nevertheless, was perfectly cured by this method, and remains in a perfect state of health.

Naples, December 16th, 1855

(Here is the seal.)

The Colonel Commandant of the Regiment,

Eduardo Wolff

On the last page of the pamphlet is a tabular statement, showing that four other physicians, who adopted this method, met with equal success. Dr. Sabatini treated twenty-seven cases; Dr. Salutanzii, fifty-six; Dr. Spitelli, eighty; Dr. Ricci, one; and every case was cured.

We have deemed it our duty to place this method of treatment of cholera by Camphor alone, its numerical results, and the corroborative testimony by which these results are verified, fully before the English members of our profession. [Dr. Vernon Bell has born his own personal testimony to the high professional moral worth of Dr. Rubini, and expressed his own most perfect faith in the exactitude and integrity of the statements contained in his pamphlet.] It will also be remembered, that in addition to the five hundred and forty-one cases treated during the years 1854-5, Dr. Rubini has treated fifty-one during 1865 with an equally brilliant result.

We think that the evidence here adduced has a sufficiently wide basis, including as it does five hundred and ninety-two cases, all of which recovered, and resting upon such unexceptional testimony, will justify our repeating the treatment experimentally, if the cholera, which now threatens us, should become epidemic. The treatment here proposed has the advantage of extreme simplicity, ease of application, and of perfect safety.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 11-12, 1866, pages 401-403]

[Description: Cholera, as Treated by Dr. Rubini.]

[Remedies: Camphora officinalis]

[Author: Bayes]

[Year: 1866]

CLINICAL CASES.

By James B. Bell, M. D., Augusta, ME.

Case 1. Follicular sore throat. Miss H. D., aged 24. Mental temperament, dark hair, hazel eyes, fair complexion. General health good. The trouble from which she wished to be relieved has existed four or five years. She knows that if she resorts to her old physician, she will only get local applications of Arg. nit., and therefore has concluded to try Homoeopathy for the first time. Symptoms. Much uneasiness. Dryness and pain of an aching character in the throat worse in the morning. Some mucus and expectoration in the morning. Glands under right jaw somewhat enlarged and painful. Teeth sensitive. Much dull pain in the head, forehead and over the eyes. All the symptoms are worse in damp weather. The disease affects her spirits; when her throat feels worse, she feels "blue," also rather irritable and out of humor. A local inspection showed the mucous membrane of the pharynx somewhat reddened in spots with the mucous glands or follicles enlarged and prominent.

This is a state for which too many Homoeopathists (they are not Homoeopathicians) at once prescribe Mercurius protiodide, in large and frequently repeated doses. This case was entirely and permanently cured in four months with Sulphur^30 and Nux vomica^30Â·, given at intervals of three to four weeks and one dose of Spig.30. The disease had nearly disappeared under the first two remedies in less than two months from the first prescription. This case may serve to illustrate many. This is a common disease in our northern climate, and one which patients are anxious to be rid of. Like catarrh, and having the same origin, it is considered incurable by the allopathic school, (although they sometimes attempt a cure with astringents and caustic) and is dreaded by careless and routine prescribers of our own school. By adhering to the following rules I have had gratifying success with both follicular sore throat and chronic catarrh. 1st carefully individualize the case. 2nd, give the selected remedy in the thirtieth potency or higher. 3rd, give the remedies at long intervals. I am by no means convinced that the high potencies are the best in all diseases, but I am sure that no other will cure these two as quickly, as thoroughly and as permanently, and I doubt whether the low potencies will cure them at all.

Case 2. Aug., 1862. A. B. age 24, roused at midnight with an urgent desire to evacuate the bowels. Hastened to the water-closet where he had a profuse watery discharge and it seemed as though he had drained his intestines dry. He returned to his room, but scarcely had he reached his bed when he seemed full of water, as before, with gurgling in the abdomen, and had another discharge very profuse, like water. The discharge was unaccompanied by nausea, and was entirely painless. There was considerable prostration, but little thirst. These discharges continued about twice in an hour, unaffected by Verat alb.30 and 2 and Ars.30 and 2, which the patient took himself, until five, a. m., when I gave him one powder of Podophyllinea^1, and there was no discharge after that. Much debility remained and much thirst, both of which were entirely relieved in a short time by a single glass of A merican ale which he took by the advice of a friend. He was entirely unaccustomed to the use of any stimulant.

Case 3. August, 1864. Mr. A. S. aged 25, applied for medicine for diarrhea, discharges about once in two hours, watery, without pain, appetite good, but some prostration. Gave Podophylline^1, a powder after every discharge. He had occasion to take but two powders.

I could add many more cases but there are enough to illustrate the fact which I wish to notice, viz., that Podophylline cures painless diarrhea. Three other remedies are mentioned in our repertories as being curative for this state, China, Ferrum and Phosphoric acid. Podophylline is more often indicated than either. I gather the following symptoms from clinical experience with it. Frequent watery stools, mostly dark green or brownish, evacuated without effort, gushing and entirely painless. Concomitant symptoms. Some prostration, some thirst, but not ardent. No nausea, appetite frequently unaffected. These symptoms do not appear, except the color of the evacuation, in the only proving which we have which was published by the American Institute, but I have verified it again and again by use in disease. The presence of lienteria, or the production of the disease by unripe fruit, cucumbers, etc, are only additional indications if the above symptoms are present.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 08, 1865, pages 369-371]

[Description: Clinical Cases.]

[Author: Bell, J.B.]

[Year: 1865]

SCABIES.

BY James B. Bell, M. D., Augusta, ME.

The interesting article of Dr. Morgan, in the August number of the Review, effectually explains the vexed question of psora, and disposes of the not less troublesome question of the treatment of scabies.

In blind and unreasoning devotion to the master, some have not hesitated to deny the existence of the acarus entirely, while others have been driven to the fable of spontaneous generation. It is not thus that our cause is served. A weak point renders the whole armor weak, and those who so easily refute these views think they have refuted Homoeopathy and shown Hahnemann to be a charlatan; and they have, indeed, given us a dangerous shot, if these representations of the master's doctrines were true. But happily there are many men at the present time whose broader views and closer insight enable them to demonstrate the complete harmony between the homoeopathic and other scientific discoveries, and to inspire, therefore, a deeper respect for that far seeing intellect which looked so deeply into nature's mysteries; and I believe that thus all the chief Hahnemannian teachings will be found to harmonize with the added facts (not fancies) of science.

What is simpler than that the acarus or its ova should be transplanted from person to person, and should impart to each a specific poison – a miasm – and that the death of the acarus does not destroy this miasm, which continues to act under the name of psora until met by specific homoeopathic remedies. I believe the acarus to be the source of the psoric miasm, and that all the various eruptions and other consecutive effects accompanying and following scabies, are due to a specific poison imparted to the organism by the acarus scabici. If Psorin is to be used in medicine, therefore, I believe it should be prepared from the acarus, as the Apis is from the bee, Cimex from the bed-bug, etc., instead of from the secretions of scabies.

I confess I do not fully understand Dr. Morgan's views with regard to the communication of scabies. I think there can be no doubt that it is transmissable by the transplanting of the acarus or its ova, and, only thus. I know it is not communicable by contact. I have seen from three to four hundred cases of scabies in, the clinic of Hebra in the space of three months, and there was scarcely one I did not have my hands upon, and the only precaution I took was to take care not to receive any of the cast off scales or scabs, in which the ova and sometimes acari reside, upon my person.

It is the opinion of Hebra that not only the ova but also the acarus may retain life for months without nourishment, and be capable, of course, of reproducing the disease whenever they meet with the necessary conditions, viz.: living human epidermis and time to get under it.

That the disease is conveyed by the acarus and only thus, Hebra regards as a fixed fact, but I have not the means at hand to detail his experiment in proof of it.

There is one point only in diagnosis, and this is not rendered sufficiently prominent nor correctly stared by Wilson. The acarus burrows along the skin between the epidermis and its basement membrane, feeding upon the secretion that would otherwise form epidermis. This burrow raises the epidermis immediately over it, somewhat above the surrounding surface, causing the scales to separate and to dry, producing the following appearance:

A somewhat wavy line, of the diameter of a coarse hair and one-fourth to one half-an-inch in length, and of a dark color, not whitish as Wilson states. The color is owing to foreign substances or, in other words, dirt among the loosened scales of epidermis, and is never wanting because not easily removed by ordinary washing. The burrow or canicula terminates in a little papula, out of which a colorless fluid can be pressed. Here resides the acarus, and the papula and the fluid are both results of the irritation caused by his presence. These caniculae or burrows are best seen in the thin skin between the fingers, or better still if the case is several weeks old, and a male, upon the penis, which is the favorite resort of the acarus. It is easily mistaken for a scratch and thus generally overlooked, but once seen and recognized there is no longer any difficulty in diagnosticating scabies. The canicula is the diagnostic sign of scabies. Those who claim to have cured scabies by the internal administration of remedies in dilutions (and, therefore, not in sufficient doses to reach the animal through the circulation and poison him); must first prove to us the presence of this diagnostic mark in the cases thus cured and that they use no mechanical means, such as through washing with soap and nail brush, which are sometimes sufficient to destroy the acarus. There can be no better treatment than that of Dr. Morgan – first, kill the acarus then treat the miasm.

Hebra of course denies the psora theory, but his views of the pathology and treatment of skin diseases generally are even more inimicable to the old school theories than to ours, and his ridicule of the routine treatment is very cutting.

He regards all skin diseases as local lesions, accompanied by more or less systemic reaction. In combating those troublesome popular ideas, imbibed from the allopathic practice, of the necessity of "physicking the blood," "drawing out the humor," etc., etc., no better language could be used by us than that of this high authority in the allopathic school. His ideas would be regarded as decidedly heterodox by our allopathic neighbors if they came from us. I have heard him address the following language to a large class of physicians and students: "The prevailing pathology and treatment of skin diseases may be summed in two words shaerfe and sheissen." [Acridity and evacuations.] "All laxations of any kind, all saline and other purgatives have an injurious effect upon skin diseases." "All counter irritations, sinapisms, vesications, etc., are nonsense and stupidity (unsinn und dunmheit). If you must use them, apply them to the patient's seat, for there they will do little harm and the scars will not be seen."

"Not Homoeopaths, but Allopaths and humanity should raise Hahnemann a monument three times higher than St. Stevens. Had it not been for him we should now be sunk in such a swamp of dosing that a thousand hangmen could not free us from our debt to humanity."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 03, 1864, pages 145-148]

[Description: Scabies.]

[Author: Bell, J.B.]

[Year: 1864]

ANAMNESIS OF SYCOSIS. *[Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 65, 100.]

BY DR. C. VON BOENNINGHAUSEN, MUNSTER.

Every homoeopathic physician, the new as well as the old Homoeopath, understands and sets a due value upon that which we understand by the word Anamnesis.

The scope of this Anamnesis, it is well known, is not limited to mere external sources of injury, such as a fall, a blow, a contusion, a luxation, burns, getting wet and the like, nor to previous illnesses like measles, scarlatina, etc.; nor finally to various emotions, nor to all the other manifold inducing causes which are often followed by serious maladies. We avail ourselves of it in like manner and with just as decided results, in the prophylactic treatment of contagious pestilences, without needing to await the outbreak or at all events the wide-spread prevalence of the disease, in so far as this; that a fully developed case of the disease occurring in our vicinity enables us to select with certainty the appropriate remedy, and this remedy serves as the surest prophylactic against the contagion of the same malady.

If we admit the justice of what has been said, and uniform experience compels us to admit it, no person of sound reasoning powers can fail to see the great inconsistency of denying in chronic diseases what we admit and have proved to be true in acute diseases. And yet the much contemned and derided theory (as it is called) of the founder of Homoeopathy concerning the three miasms (Psora, Syphilis and Sycosis) is nothing else but a logical application of the Doctrine of the Anamnesis to chronic diseases, as is expressed in the most explicit words in the Organon, § 5 and § 206, 5th edition.

It is incomprehensible, then, how it has happened that this fact has been so completely overlooked, if indeed other and not very praiseworthy motives have not come into play. For all the fine phrases about exclusively following the fundamental principle of the homoeopathic mode of cure are of no avail to deceive the experienced practitioner, and to persuade him that he will in all cases be able to make the most exactly fitting choice of a remedy, by the aid of even page upon page of symptoms, in which, after all, nothing of a therapeutic-characteristic nature is to be found!

I will not deny the possibility that, in addition to the three anamnestic indications already named and in addition to the true drug cachexies, there may be one or several other miasms, to which a similar chronic influence upon health may be ascribed. But the existence of such a miasm has not hitherto been satisfactorily demonstrated, and it must be left for future investigations to determine its existence.

If, however, we adhere to that which we have already before our eyes, and make an unprejudiced estimate of the results of the homoeopathic practice in the treatment of chronic diseases in accordance with the Hahnemannian doctrine, it cannot be denied that the achievements of our younger science surpass those of her older sister.

The acute investigations and their results, which our colleague Wolf has laid before us in his Homoeopathische Erfahrungen (part 2-5), and in which the domain of Sycosis receives so general an expansion, explain to our complete satisfaction the failure to cure many cases that belong to this domain, because the true Anamnesis of those cases was not known and could not be taken advantage of. But since now the identity of Variola with Sycosis seems to be sufficiently demonstrated and the great extension of this miasm through the process of inoculation is placed beyond a doubt, the treatment of numerous chronic diseases, of which Psora had been hitherto erroneously regarded as the Anamnesis, has taken quite another aspect and has become much more certain.

On the other hand we must not disguise the truth that out of the facts mentioned a new practical difficulty arises, viz.: that we have as yet no certain means of knowing accurately whether the one or the other miasm dominates. For a large majority of the symptoms in chronic diseases are such as are found among the symptoms of all the three miasms, and we lack, up to the present time, that sifting and separation of them which are indispensable, inasmuch as many of them belong exclusively to the one or the other of the miasms and for that reason would serve for the establishment of the Anamnesis which is of so very great importance.

Inasmuch as I have probably used Thuja longer and more extensively than any living Homoeopathist and was the first to discover its almost specified curative virtues in small-pox, in diabetes mellitus, in certain malignant aphthae in children, in volvulus, etc., I shall not be considered presumptuous if I venture to offer in the following pages a contribution towards a list of those symptoms which are common to Thuja and the wide-spread Sycosis. They may enable us in many cases to recognize the anamnestic miasm in question, and thus enable us from the beginning to give a corresponding direction to the treatment.

In doing this however, less attention is to be paid to that which, even though it be more prominent, is yet common to two or three of the miasms, than to that which is exclusively peculiar to one of them and is found in connection with it alone.

Such a separation and isolation of the special phenomena makes it apparent that the entire picture of the disease must be in and of itself a very incomplete and defective one, but it will so much the more distinctly bring into relief before the eye those symptoms which enable us to recognize the anamnestic miasm.

In this work I have naturally, first of all, compared with one another the chief remedies for the simple forms of the three miasms above named (Sulphur, Mercurius and Thuja), and have rejected all which the first two remedies presented in common with the last.

But in the course of this comparison it appears at the same time that several of those remedies which Hahnemann enumerated among the Antipsorics, may with equal propriety be included also among the Antisycotic remedies. The names of these remedies are attached, in parenthesis, to the symptoms under which they belong and in this way the array of antisycotic remedies is considerably enlarged, a matter of especial importance when we have to deal with complications of the fundamental miasms — in which case we are enabled to attain our end with one chief remedy alone.

When a similar comparison shall have been made of the chief antisyphilitic remedy (Mercurius), and when the picture of Psora, as Hahnemann has given it in the "Chronic Diseases" (1, 58, 67), shall have been reduced to its own peculiar characteristics by the exclusion of the symptoms of Mercury and of Thuja, the treatment of chronic diseases will, I believe, have been rendered thereby much easier and more certain. I venture to hope, therefore, that the fore-going observations as well as the following modest experiment may not entirely fail of a favorable reception, but that rather the whole may be elucidated and expanded on the basis of more extended experiences.

SPECIAL SYMPTOMS OF THUJA.

Mind, Fixed Ideas

- that a stranger is always by his side. (Anac.);

– that mind and body are separated. (Anac.)

– that the body and especially the limbs are made of glass and are very fragile (?)

Vertigo

Vertigo, on closing the eyes, relieved immediately on opening them again. (Ap., Lach.) Internal Headache:

5. Feeling of numbness and emptiness, only in the vertex (!)

Pain in the vertex as if a nail were driven in. (Hell., Staph.)

The headache is ameliorated generally by "motion in the open air, by looking upwards and by bending the head backwards. (Ap., Bell., Rhus.)

External Head

Painfulness of the scalp, when touched, and of the parts on which one lies. (Nit. acid, Rhus.)

He desires always to have the head closely wrapped up. (Lach., Rhus.)

Eyes

10. Suffusion of the eyes, especially in the open air; the tears do not flow down, but remain in the eye. (Caust., Nit acid, Sep.)

Inflammatory relaxation of the inner surface of the lid. (Rhus.)

Vision

On one side, near the eye, an appearance in darkness as of flashes of lightning or of sparks, in day light as of dark drops (?)

Objects always appear smaller. (Plat., Stram.)

Hearing

Noise in the ear, as of boiling water. (Dig.)

Nose

15. Warts on the nose. (Caust.)

Eruptions in the angles of the nose. (Euphr., Rhus.)

Swelling and hardness of the Alae Nasi (?)

Smell

Odor in the nose as of herring brine or of fermenting beer. (Bell., Vit.)

Face

Glowing redness of the whole face, with a fine network of blood-vessels, as if it were marbled. (Calc. c, Carb., veg., Lyc.)

20. Eruption in the face which leaves bluish spots. (Ferr., Lachesis.)

Light brown spots (freckles) in the face. (Ant. cr., Gale, Graph., Kali, Natr., Nit. ac., Phos.)

The skin of the face is oily, (Natr. mur., Selen.)

Scaling off of the skin of the face, (Ap.)

Distension of the veins of the temples. (Chin., Ferr.)

Lips and Chin

25. Flat, whitish ulcers on the inner side of the lips and in the corners of the mouth. (Graph., Mez.)

Cracking in the maxillary articulation. (Nitric, acid, Rhus.)

Teeth

Crumbling of the teeth. (Bor., Lach., Staph.)

The roots of the teeth decay. (Mezer.)

The teeth become hollow upon the side, while the crown is not affected. (Mezer., Staph.)

30. Eating gnawing pain in the hollow teeth, aggravated by cold. (Rhus, Staph.) Tooth ache from drinking tea. (Ferr., Selen.)

Mouth

Painful deglutition, worse on empty swallowing or when only saliva is swallowed. (Lach., Rhus.)

Gelatinous ranula. (Mezer., Nit. acid, Staph.)

Aversion to potatoes. (Alum.?)

35. Bad effects from tea. (Chin., Ferr., Selen.); from sugar. (Merc., Selen.) from onions. (Lyc., Puls.)

Taste

Food tastes as if it were not salt enough. (Ars., Calc., Cocc.)

Bread tastes dry and bitter. (Ferr., Rhus.)

In the morning, a taste as from rotten eggs in the mouth. (Arn., Hep., Phos., Phos. acid.)

Eructations

Constant eructations when eating. (Nit. acid.)

Nausea

40. Fatty vomiting. (Ars., Mezer., Iod., Nux vom.)

Stomach

Induration of the stomach. (Mezer.)

Drink passes into the stomach with a noise (?)

Abdomen

A drawing inwards of the Epigastrium. (Ap., Staph.)

Abdominal Walls

Soreness of the Umbilicus. (Rhus.)

45. Herpes zoster. (Graph., Rhus.)

Yellow or brownish spots upon the abdomen, (Sepia.)

Groins

Swelling of the inguinal glands. (Calc., Nit. acid., Rhus., Staph.)

Flatulence

Like the crying of an animal in the abdomen. (Arg.?)

Stool

Ineffectual desire for stool, accompanied by erections. (Ignat.?)

50. In the morning, or forenoon, diarrhea recurring at the same hour, (Ap., Sabad.)

Fat, oily stools. (Caust.)

Anus

Offensive sweat at the anus and in the sulcus between the nates (?)

Painful contraction of the anus at stool. (Staph.)

Condylomata at the anus. (Nit. acid, Sabina, Staph.)

Perineum

55. Sweat of the perineum. (Alum., Carbo an.)

Knotty puffiness and excoriations in the perineum (?)

Urine

Frothy urine. (Kali, Lach., Lyc.)

Saccharine urine. (Chin., Phos.)

Continued dropping of the urine, after urinating. (Lach., Selen.)

Genitals

60. Copious sweat upon the genitals, of a sweet honey-like odor, and imparting a yellow stain (?)

Menstruation

Copious sweat before the menses. (Verat.?)

Abortion in the third month. (Apis, Sabin., Sec. corn.)

Coryza

Coryza, fluent when in the open air, and dry in the chamber. (Iod., Platina, Puls.)

Much mucus in the choanae. (Euphras., Nit. acid, Zinc.)

Fluent coryza and sneezing give immediate relief. (Lach.)

Respiration

Dyspnea, as if the lungs had become adherent to the thorax. (Mezer.)

Shortness of breath from fullness and constriction in the hypochondria and epigastrium. (Staph.)

Dyspnea from accumulation of mucus in the trachea. (Selen.)

Cough

He coughs only in the day time: also in the morning after rising and in the evening after lying down, but seldom at night. (Euphr,, Lach., Nit. acid, Staph.) 70. During the evening cough, after lying down, the sputa are dislodged more easily when he turns from the left side to the right. (Kali, Lyc., Phos., Sepia.)

The sputa taste like old cheese. (Chin., Kali, Lyc.)

Internal Throat

Swelling and feeling of obstruction in the throat. (Apis, Mezer.)

Sensation as if there were a skin in the larynx. (Lach., Phos.)

External Throat

Blue distended veins of the neck. (Ars., Lach.)

75. Oily brown skin in the nape of the neck. (Apis, Lyc.)

Internal Thorax:

Sensation of a hot rising in the thorax. (Phos.)

Sensation as of drops falling in the chest (?)

Sticking in the chest, after a cold drink. (Staph.)

Orgasm of the blood and audible palpitation of the heart. (Dig, Iod., Spig.)

80. Anxioxis palpitation in the morning on waking. (Rhus, Spig.)

External Thorax

Blueness upon the clavicles. (Lach.?)

Brownish spots upon the chest. (Lyc., Phos., Sepia.)

Back

Burning from the sacrum upward to the scapulae. (Phos., Sepia.)

Throbbing and pulsation in the back. (Bar., Lyc., Phos.)

85. Boils upon the back. (Caust, Graph., Hepar.)

Upper Extremities

Herpes upon the elbow. (Phos., Sep., Staph.)

Brown color of the dorsum of the hand. (Iod.?)

White scabby Herpes on the dorsum of the hand and on the fingers. (Lyc., Sepia.)

Hands covered with cold sweat. (Sepia.)

90. Warts upon the hands. (Lach., Nit. acid, Rhus.)

Erysipelatous swelling of the tips of the fingers with formication in them. (Rhus.)

The finger-nails are distorted, crumbling and discolored. (Graph., Nit. acid, Silic.)

Lower Extremities

Laxness in the hip-joints. (Apis, Calc., Staph.)

When walking, the legs feel as if they were made of wood. (Plumb., Rhus.)

95. Pain in the hip, the limb becoming longer than before. (Coloc, Rhus.)

The skin of the extremities assumes a brown color, especially on the inner side of the thigh (?)

The dorsum of the foot is as it were marbled, with a network of blood-vessels. (Caust, Lyc.)

Burning corns. (Ammon., Bar., Phos. acid, Rhus.)

Red swelling of the ends of the toes. (Chin., Mur. acid.)

100. The toe-nails are brittle and distorted. (Ars., Graph., Sabad., Sepia.)

Offensive sweat of the toes. (Bar., Graph., Kali, Nit acid, Puls., Sil.)

Suppressed sweating of the feet (Apis, Kali, Rhus, Sepia, Sil.)

General Symptoms

Emaciation and appearance of the parts affected, as if they were dead. (Ars., Carb. veg., Graph., Mezer., Plumb., Selen.)

Frequent startiny up of the trunk. (Natr. mur., Nit acid, Sepia.)

105. The flesh feels as if it were beaten loose from the bones. (Apis, Lach., Nitr. acid, Rhus.)

Feeling of lightness in the body when walking. (Chin., Rhus., Spig.)

Sensation of tenderness and fragility in the body (?)

Cracking of the joints when they are extended. (Lyc., Rhus.)

Abuse of Sulphur and Mercury. (Caust., Puls., Sep.)

110. Recurrence of the symptoms after the lapse of a year. (Ars.)

Aggravation in the evening and night.

Aggravation of certain symptoms about three o'clock morning and afternoon.

Cold moisture aggravates, warm moisture relieves. Eructations as well as fluent coryza with sneezing afford instant relief.

115. Many (internal and external) symptoms are relieved by turning from the left to the right side while lying down.

Bad effects from the use of beer, fat, acids, sweets, tobacco, tea, wine and onions. (Ars., Chin., Ferr., Lach., Sepia.)

Bones

Rachitic affections of the bones.

Skin

Dirty-brownish color of the skin. (Ferr., Iod.)

Brownish spots upon the skin. (Ant. cr., Carb. veg., Lyc., Mezer., Nit. acid. Phos., Sep.)

120. Brown-reddish (Nit. acid, Phos.) or brownish-white spots. (Ars., Phos., Sep., Sil.)

Fine network of blood-vessels, like a marbling. (Carb, veg., Caust., Lyc., Plat.)

Eruption only upon the parts that are covered. (Led.)

Pox (vesicoe). (Ant. cr., Ant. tart., Ars., Bell., Nit. acid, Merc., Rhus.)

Varicellae. (Ant. cr., Ant. tart., Carb, veg., Puls., Sep.)

125 All eruptions burn violently after cold-washing (?)

Condylomata, which often, smell like old cheese or like herring brine. (Calc., Graph., Hep.)

Large, jagged, often pediculated warts, which become moist and easily bleed. (Caust., Lyc., Nit. acid, Phos. acid, Rhus, Staph.)

Itching, scabby herpes. (Graph., Rhus, Sep Dry pityriasis, throwing off whitish scales..) (Ars., Calc Dulc., Lyc., Sep., Sil.)

130. Herpes circinnatus. (Graph., Iod., Natr., Sep.)

Flat ulcers with a bluish white bottom. (Ars., Lach., Lyc., Sep., Sil.)

The nails of the fingers and toes are distorted. (Caust., Graph., Nit. acid, Sabad., Sil.)

Corroding itching in the skin relieved by scratching, but then succeeded by burning. (Caust., Lach., Mezer., Rhus, Sulph.)

Luxuriant growth of hair on parts not usually covered with hair (?)

Sleep

135. Continued sleeplessness, with painfulness of the parts on which he lies. (Hep.)

Sleeplessness; visions appear as soon as he closes the eyes, but disappear when he opens them again. (Ap.? Lach.?)

Sleep comes late by reason of restlessness and heat. (Bry., Phos., Rhus.)

Anxious dreams, when lying on the left side. (Lyc., Phos., Puls., Sep.)

Fever; Circulation

Evening, orgasm of the blood.

Chill

140. Evening and night, cold creepings run often through the back. (Ars., Puls., Rhus.)

Chill, as if dashed with cold water. (Merc., Mezer., Puls., Rhus.)

Heat

Dry heat during deep. (Samb.)

Sweat

Sweet sweat, smelling like honey. (Bry.! Puls,! Selen.?)

Sweat imparting a brownish-yellow stain. (Ars., Bell., Carb, an., Graph., Lach., Magn., Selen.)

145. Cadaverous exhalations from the skin (?)

General sweat, except upon the head. (Bell., Rhus, Samb.)

In the morning when walking in the open air, copious sweat, chiefly on the head. (Calc.)

Sweat most copious upon the upper part of the body. (Carb, veg., Nit. ac, Nux v., Sec. corn., Sep., Sulph. ac.)

Sweat, either of those parts alone which are covered (Bell., Chin., Spig.) or of those alone which are uncovered (?)

150. Sweat during sleep, ceasing at once on waking. (Euphr., Nux v., Phos.)

From the foregoing series of symptoms which may be regarded as comprehending perhaps the most important of the symptoms peculiar to Thuja (and to pure sycosis?) as yet known to us, it will be perceived that a more or less close relationship exists between Thuja and the following remedies:

Anac., Ant. crud., APIS, ARS., Bar., Bell., Calc., Carb. an., Carb. v., Caust., Chin., Euphr., Ferr., GRAPH., Hep., Iod., Kali, Lach., Lyc. MEZER., Nit. acid, PHOS., Phos, acid, Plat, Plumb., Puls., Rhus, Sabad., SELEN., Sep., Sil., Spig., Staph.,

As these remedies by this very concurrence point to a Sycotic Anamnesis, so, experience has already established, by numerous cases, that their administration is particularly efficacious against symptoms which unquestionably originate in this source, provided always that in other respects they are selected in accordance with the fundamental principle of Homoeopathy. For we very seldom succeed, in practice, in destroying, by means of. Thuja alone, the entire sycotic miasm in all its manifold protean forms; just as rarely as we succeed with Sulphur alone in the case of psora or with Mercury alone in syphilis and its numerous sequelae.

Still less is this to be expected when, as so often happens, complications of two or of the three miasms present themselves, a circumstance of which Hahnemann speaks in his "Chronic Diseases" (1,115, 2d Ed.), and which, in truth, is not so rare as one might suppose.

Least of all, however, may we expect to accomplish the cure with but few remedies in cases in which many other remedies have already been used, and where, thereby, as we read in the Organon, § 75: "a perversion of the normal condition" has been induced such as, "when it has attained a considerable height," might, it would seem, be regarded as incurable by drugs alone and which one must therefore be prepared to subject to a long course of treatment.

It is worthy of remark, in conclusion, that in such cases the above-named remedies, as a general thing, deserve the preference even over other remedies which in like manner produce among their effects sycotic symptoms and even condylomata (although these are mostly of a different kind).

Among the latter are: Ant. tart., Apis, Bab., Bell., Bry., CALC., CAUST., CHAM., DULC., EUPHR., Hep., Iod., LACH., Lyc, Mezer., Nit, acid, Nux vom., Petr., PHOS. ACID, Rhus, SABIN., Sec. corn., Selen., Silic., Staph., Sulphur,

May there not perhaps be condylomata, just as there are many forms of gonorrhea which are not Strictly sycotic in their nature and have really nothing in common with it? Great and apparent as is the general resemblance between these two series of remedies, there are nevertheless important differences, as well in respect of the remedies themselves as of their relative value. Meanwhile it must not be forgotten that the sycotic anamnesis in its present extension is a new product of the ever blooming evolution of Homoeopathy, and that, after the lapse of a few years, when further experiences shall have been accumulated on the subject, many changes and additions in this department may be expected. Moreover, it must be obvious to every one that this subject is one of the greatest importance, and that we have reason to give it a careful consideration, since it is more than probable that the pure Homoeopathic Anamnesis will place us on the path of success in the treatment of several chronic diseases which have hitherto proved incurable even by us. Whoever therefore has at heart the farther expansion of our blessed science and the alleviation of many desperate maladies under which his fellow-men are suffering, will hardly lay this communication aside condemned in advance, unheeded or unproved.

Dunham.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 06, 1862, pages 241-254]

[Description: Anamnesis of Sycosis.]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.]

[Year: 1862]

HAHNEMANN'S THREE PRECAUTIONS. [From the News Archives.]

By DR. C. von Boenninghausen, Munster.

The now deceased author of Homoeopathy in his works the Chronic Diseases (Vol. 1, page 146, and also on the following pages of the second edition) has especially laid down "Three Precautions," and recommended them in the most urgent manner to his followers and disciples, designating the neglect of them (page 149) as the greatest error that the homoeopathic physician could be guilty of. These cautions are as follows:

1. To suppose that the doses which after many experiments and compelled by experience I have moderated even up to this present time, and which I have pointed out under each antipsoric remedy, are too small.

2. The improper selection of a remedy.

3. Hastiness in not allowing each dose sufficient time to develop and exhaust its action.

Whether it is superfluous and out of season to remind Homoeopathicians again of these teachings and warnings of the great acknowledged observer, I will certainly leave to the judgment of all true Homoeopathicians, for it is an acknowledged fact that these three precautions, especially the first and third, constitute the difference and contradiction of the practice of the present day with the original doctrine.

When, some years ago, the lamented separation among Homoeopathicians took place, and when it seemed probable that Griesselich and Co. were already gaining a complete victory in the dubious specificism over Hahnemannism, that portion of the Homoeopathicians who had adhered to the revealed truth, hoping for more enlightened times and tired of the literary cudgalings, retired for a period from the scene of action, and abandoned the field to the loquacious scribes and leaders of this newly established school, who seemed to take pleasure in exercising their ingenuity in the denial of the doctrines and practical rules established from long years of experience by the founder of Homoeopathy. In the place of the Organon, which the conscientious and qualified Hahnemann had uninterruptedly for the space of thirty years, purified and remodeled, they read the Organon of Rau, which having started up like a fungus disappeared as fast, and in the place of the doctrines contained in the work on Chronic Diseases, results of twenty years experience, they studied the hypotheses and contradictions promulgated in the ephemeral pages of the Hygea. Who can deny, or be astonished, that in consequence of the pernicious doctrines of that journal, the homoeopathic school in Germany lost a considerable portion of the ground which the original disciples of Hahnemann had conquered with so much honor and perseverance; for almost every homoeopathic practitioner was more or less carried away by the whirlpool, and I myself am indebted for a speedy return to the doctrines of true experience and science to the warning of my deeply regretted teacher and friend, who faithfully and in an uninterrupted series of letters helped me to distinguish truth from falsehood by careful experiments, comparisons and unprejudiced observations.

Many must have shared my doubts, but have probably been freed from them more slowly than I. The number of those who repel the errors that have been introduced in our school, and who defend them against the original and only true doctrine of the master, is increasing from day to day. A year ago and scarcely any one dared to speak in their favor; the impertinent, bold and frequently vulgar tone of the Specificals had intimidated the most capable and even the most experienced disciples of Hahnemann to the extent, that they finally kept their better convictions to themselves, and the Editor of the Archives is at liberty to impeach my veracity if I here deviate from the truth, but, out of fear of the strong dose men, they did not hesitate to advise that great cures by means of the smallest and rarest doses should be kept concealed.

During this period of weakness and ignominy when I should have been proud to struggle openly for the truth, together with other honorable men who shared my faith and convictions, circumstances unforeseen, prevented me from fighting the battle for truth and justice. My contributions to some numbers of this journal had therefore to be published anonymously. [They are all signed Dr. B., at D., and I make this remark to prove that even in small matters I respect the truth. D., Darup, is my country seat, three and a half leagues from Munster, which I visit almost every week, for a few days of relaxation and, where, not pressed by patients, I found more leisure to pen these contributions and give my time and attention to the study of homoeopathy without molestation.]

This induced a few mean opponents, although the Editor of the Archives gave my name afterwards as the author of those publications, to doubt the truth of my simple narrations, although I call at any time prove the facts by my journals. If I felt grieved by the proceedings of my opponents, it was not that the attack could injure either my honor or good name, the only sorrow felt was the evidence of the great decay of true Homoeopathy in Germany where cures were doubted which had formerly been credited, even at a time when the homoeopathic doctrine was less advanced than it is now.

Unless the signs deceive me, we are at the commencement of a new epoch, marked by the death of a master, whose genius hovers to inspire us all, epoch when the unity of the school shall be restored, when the excrescences shall be chopped off, and the genuine metal separated from the dross, which up to this time has been a check to the progress of the science. We must henceforth be more firmly united. Let all who desire the good, exclude from the ranks, and with unrelenting severity, those who ridicule the great cause, schismatics and all who attempt to substitute opinions and hypotheses for careful observations. But we may at the same time honor the memory of the great reformer in medicine, in a manner both practical and respectful, by subjecting the doctrines of a man thus gifted with rare talents, and who devoted fifty years to close observations and study to leave us the results, if after repeated and comprehensive examinations and trials, we candidly communicate our own experiences one to the other. This would be the best mode of preparing the monument which the great man has merited by the services he has rendered to humanity.

After this digression which time and circumstances have caused me to make, I return to my original proposition.

Precaution No. 1. – Smallness of the Dose

The debates relative to the smallness of the dose are further than ever from being considered closed. The more that has been written on that subject for some years past, the more contradiction has been heaped upon contradiction. A truly remarkable circumstance in this discussion – a circumstance which is by no means creditable to the opponents of the small doses – is the fact of the manner in which Hahnemann gradually arrived at the introduction of the small doses in practice, from repeated trials, observations and experience, and which seems to have been either forgotten or entirely ignored. It is therefore quite time to recall the precepts and opinions of the old master once more to mind.

My readers will certainly save me the trouble of showing by the Organon, from the first to the fifth edition, that it is experience only which led the carefully observing author of that immortal text book step by step to the minuteness of doses, which has now become an object of derision to the Specificals. As I may presuppose that this book is in the hands of all those who merit the name of Homoeopathicians, it will be easy to find in sections 275 and 288 (fifth German edition) what has been said on the subject. I cannot with the same certainty expect that Hahnemann's work on Chronic Diseases, and especially the second edition, should be in the hands of everyone, because at that very period views were expressed, to illustrate which is not the place here, and which two years later were alluded to by the author and will be fully understood by those familiar with the history of Homoeopathy when reading the preface of the third volume published by another publisher. It will, therefore, be advisable to quote the very words of the experienced investigator.

After Hahnemann had spoken of the homoeopathic exacerbation, he says, in the second edition of the Chronic Diseases, "If the original symptoms of the disease continue with the same intensity in the succeeding days as in the beginning, or if this intensity increases it is a certain sign that, although the antipsoric remedy may be homoeopathic, yet the dose was too large, and it is to be feared that no cure will follow. The remedy by the magnitude of the dose is able to produce an effect in some respects similar, but in consideration that the medicine by its too powerful action develops by its similarity not only effects extinguishing the disease, but also an unsimilar chronic disease in place of the natural disease, establishing a more painful and severe disease without curing the former.

That portion of the preceding quotation printed in Italics, embodies great truths which have never been denied, and which have been abundantly confirmed by the numerous results of the allopathic treatment of chronic diseases, and is therefore well worthy of attentive and serious consideration. Such results are even witnessed in the comparatively easy treatment of syphilis from abuse of Mercury, which is then termed secondary syphilis; but especially do we witness them in the treatment of primary itch with the simultaneous use of Sulphur internally and Mercury externally, which begets a monstrous chronic disease, and in most cases would even be inaccessible to Homoeopathy without Causticum or Sepia.

Hahnemann continues afterwards: "This pernicious effect of too large a dose may be observed already in the first sixteen, eighteen, or twenty days of the action of the remedy administered in too large a dose. In such a case it becomes necessary either to give an antidote, or, if the antidote should not be known, to administer a very small dose of such an antipsoric as corresponds most homoeopathically to the symptoms, both to the artificial and natural disease. If one antipsoric should not be sufficient, another one of course should be given after being selected with the same care.

To confirm this rule, and as a proof that it has been drawn from experience, the acute observer adds in a note: "The accident, above alluded to, which is very much in the way of a cure and cannot be sufficiently guarded against, I have witnessed in my own practice, at the time when I was not fully acquainted with the power and strength of the action of the remedy. I administered Lycopodium and Silicea in the billionth potency, in doses of four and six small pellets., 'Dicite moniti.' What Specifical, endowed with the acute powers of observation which characterized the genius of Hahnemann, has ever been able to give the lie to his master's teachings in regard to the magnitude of doses, by defeating Hahnemann's experience by his own! As long as Hahnemann has not been convicted of error, I should say that it is a gratuitous and foolish indiscretion to substitute a different practice for his, and even to demand that the experience of a few rash innovators should be credited more than that of Hahnemann, backed by the experience of a host of able and devoted practitioners of the homoeopathic healing art.

How little an excessive dose is capable of displaying its full curative powers, may be seen from the following remarks of the author of Homoeopathy: "The excessive action of the otherwise homoeopathic remedial agent having been subdued by the proper antidote or by antipsoric remedies, the same agent may be exhibited again if homoeopathically indicated, but of a much higher potency and in a more minute dose." But this agent would have no effect, if a first powerful dose of it had accomplished in the beginning all the good that the agent was capable of.

"Finally," Hahnemann observes (page 149), "Nothing is lost by giving even smaller doses than those which I have indicated. The doses can scarcely be too much reduced, provided the effects of the remedy are not disturbed by improper food or any other counteracting influences. The remedial agent will act even in its smallest quantity, provided, always, that it corresponds perfectly with all the symptoms of the disease and its action is not interfered with by dietetic transgressions. The advantage of giving the smallest dose is this, that it is an easy matter to neutralize its effects should the medicine not have been chosen with the necessary exactitude. This being done, a more suitable antipsoric may be exhibited."

This advice ought to be carefully considered especially by beginners, together with the warning which Hahnemann has expressed in the preface to his work on Chronic Diseases. "What would they have risked, if they had at first followed my indications, and had employed small doses? The worst which could have befallen them, would have been that the doses would prove of no avail. It was impossible that they should do any harm. But instead of exhibiting small doses, they employed, from a want of sense, and from their own poor knowledge, too large doses for homoeopathic use, thus endangering the lives of their patients and arriving at truth by that circuitous route which I traveled over before them with trembling hesitation, but the end of which I had just reached with success. Nevertheless, after having done much mischief, and having squandered the best portion of their time, they were obliged, when really desirous of curing a disease, to resort to the only true method which I had demonstrated to them without reserve, candidly and openly, a long while ago."

I should weary the patience of my readers if I were to continue this subject still further. He who is desirous of having an accurate knowledge of my views about the matter of the doses, may read my work entitled Homoeopathy for Intelligent Laymen. Page 203 of this work, a special chapter has been devoted to the "smallness of the doses," which I feel bound to approve of even now, after many years of experience, and after having suffered myself to be carried away for a time by the hue and cry against small doses, and having also prescribed larger ones with much less success, especially in the treatment of chronic diseases. The reasons for my adhering to the small doses may be found in my journal, which has now grown to the number of fifty-five large quarto volumes, and also in my communications to the Archiv., signed Dr. B., of D. I should observe here that Hahnemann has never deviated from this practice of giving small doses, even in the last years of his practice; and the insinuations of the Specificals to that effect are totally without foundation. These insinuations are not only contradicted in the preface to the Chronic Diseases, which was written at the end of 1838, but I can likewise show their falsehood by the letters which have been exchanged between Hahnemann and myself without any interruption, from the middle of the year 1830 until two months previous to his death, evidently proving that, so far from increasing the doses, Hahnemann had, on the contrary, steadly diminished them progressively until the last moment.

Inasmuch as we know but little of the cures performed by our late master, with the exception of the two cases reported in the preface to the second volume of the Materia Medica Pura, and a few more facts which have been but slightly touched upon, I may perhaps afford a pleasure to most Homoeopathicians, by communicating two extracts from Hahnemann's Journal, which he sent to me on the 24th of April, 1844, as proofs of the efficacy of small doses. Whenever the potency is not distinctly indicated in these two reports, the reader will please understand the sixtieth.

Case 1. Julie M., a country girl, 14 years of age, has not yet menstruated. September 12, 1842. Sleeping in the sun, a month ago. Four days after having slept in the sun, she imagined she saw a wolf; six days after this she felt as though she had been knocked on the head; she became delirious, frantic, wept a great deal, sometimes breathed with difficulty, spit up white mucus, was unable to express what she felt. She took Belladonna in seven tablespoonfuls of water, after shaking the dilution; mixing one tablespoonful of it with a tumbler full of water, taking one teaspoonful in the morning.

16th. More calm; was able to blow her nose which in her frenzy was impossible; she is yet delirious, but does not gesticulate as much, had wept a good deal the night previous. Stool normal. Sleep pretty good. Is yet restless but was a great deal more so previous to taking Belladonna. The capillaries of the eye are considerably injected. Appears to have a pain in the nape of the neck. One teaspoonful from the tumbler in which one tablespoonful had been mixed was poured into a second glass of water, and taken every morning from two to four teaspoonfuls of the second mixture, increasing the dose by one teaspoonful every morning.

20th. Much better, speaks more rationally, wants to do something, calls me by my name, and wants to kiss a lady who is present. This was the commencement of a sort of sensualism which now manifested itself. She is easily irritated, fault-finding, sleeps well, weeps very frequently, gets angry about trifles, eats more than usual; when she is in her senses she likes to play, but like little children. Belladonna, one pellet, to be dissolved in seven tablespoonfuls, one tablespoonful of which to be mixed in another tumbler full of water, taking one teaspoonful a day, early in the morning.

28th Considerable irritation on the 22d, 23d, 24th, day and night; great lasciviousness in manners and words, raises her frocks and wants to touch the genitals of other persons; gets angry easily and strikes everybody. Hyoscyamus X°, prepared as the Belladonna, one teaspoonful.

October 5th. Had not been willing to eat anything for five days past; complains of colic; is less angry and lascivious, more rational. Stool very soft, itching over the whole body, especially in the region of the genital organs. Sleep sound. Saccharum lact., for seven day, one teaspoonful as above.

10th. On the 7th She had a violent fit of an anger, wanted to strike everybody. Next day, fit of fear and tendency to start, as at the commencement or her disease (fear of an imaginary wolf); she imagines she is going to be burnt. Since then she had become calm, and had talked rationally and with perfect propriety for the last two days. Sacch lact., etc.

14th. Feels well and is rational.

18th. The same, has sometimes a little headache; disposition to sleep in daytime; less cheerful. Sulphur, one pellet in three successive tumblers; one teaspoonful early in the morning.

22d. Feels very well, has very little headache. Sulphur, next lower potency, in two tumblers.

She used Sulphur occasionally until November, and remained a healthy, sensible, lovely girl.

Case 2. O., actor, 33 years old, married.

January 14th, 1843. Has been frequently troubled with an affection of the throat for several years past; has a new attack, which lasted already for a month. When swallowing saliva, he feels a stinging sensation, tight and sore feeling.

When the throat is not affected, he suffers with a fissure in the anus, painfully smarting; the anus is then swollen, inflamed and narrower than usual; the expulsion of the feces is very difficult under those circumstances, and is accompanied by the protrusion of hemorroids. Bell. Xş dissolved in seven tablespoonfuls of water, one tablespoonful to be mixed in a tumbler full of water, one teaspoonful of this last mixture at a dose.

15th. The sore throat was worse in the evening.

16th. The sore throat had disappeared, but the affection of the anus had returned. Painful stool in the evening. He confessed that he had had a chancre eight years ago, the removal of which by cauterization had been followed by the above named symptoms.

On the 10th of January, he took Merc. Viv., one pellet prepared and taken as above.

20th. Sore throat had almost gone. Anus improved; – feels yet some soreness after the stools; pulsations, swelling and inflammation had disappeared. The narrowing was less Merc. Viv., one pellet, (2/0) of the second higher dynamization, prepared in the same way as before, and taken in the morning.

25th. Throat almost well, but smarting pain and violent stitches in the anus, violent pain in the anus after stool, some narrowing and heat.

30th. Last dose (one teaspoonful) in the afternoon. On the 28th the anus was better, the sore throat had returned; the smarting in the throat was pretty violent. One pellet in sugar of milk, dissolved as above, and taken for seven days, one teaspoonful a day.

February 7th. Considerable ulcerative pain in the throat. Colic, good stools, but several in succession, with great thirst. Anus is perfectly well. Sulphur 3/0 seven tablespoonfuls, as above.

13th. Had an ulcerative pain in the throat, especially when swallowing the saliva, which he now secretes in abundance, especially on the 11th and 12th. The anus has become a little narrower, especially since yesterday. Smelled of Mercury, and took Merc. v., second highest potency, one pellet to be dissolved in seven tablespoonfuls of water, to which was added half a tablespoonful of brandy; mix one tablespoonful in a tumbler full of water, and take one teaspoonful as above.

20th. The throat has been better since the 18th; great pains in tile anus; stool is painful when passing it; thirst decreased. Sugar of milk in seven tablespoonfuls, etc,

March 3d. No sore throat. When passing the stools, an empty hemorrhoidal tumor makes its appearance, with itching of the part (formerly with burning and smarting).

Smelling of Ac. nitr, and sugar of milk, in seven tablespoonfuls, etc.

20th. The pain after the stool has almost gone; yesterday he passed some blood with the stool (old symptom). The throat is sound; there is a slight sensation when drinking cold.

Smelling of Ac. nitr. – (Smelling is performed by opening a little vial containing one-half ounce of diluted alcohol or brandy, and smelling for one or two moments of a pellet which had been dissolved in it.)

Remained well ever since.

Hahnemann designates these cases as not being the most instructive. Leaving both the Hahnemannians and the Specificals to comment upon them, I pass to tile second precaution.

Precaution No. 2. – The Proper Selection of a Drug.

Let us first recall to our minds what Hahnemann says in relation to it, in his Chronic Diseases.

"The second fault, the improper administration of a drug, is generally owing to carelessness, laziness, and levity. Many homoeopathic physicians, alas! remain guilty of these trespasses to the end of their lives: they understand nothing of the homoeopathic doctrine.

"The first duty of the homoeopathic physician who appreciates the dignity of his character and the value of human life, is, to inquire into the whole condition of the patient, the cause of the disease as far as the patient remembers it, his mode of life, the nature of his mind, the tone and character of his sentiments, his physical constitution, and especially the symptoms of the disease. This inquiry is made according to the rules laid down in the Organon. This being done, the physician then tries to discover the true homoeopathic remedy. He may avail himself of the existing Repertories, with a view of becoming approximatively acquainted with the true remedy. But, inasmuch as those Repertories only contain general indications, it is necessary that the remedies which the physician finds indicated in those works, should be afterwards carefully studied out in the Materia Medica. A physician who is not willing to take this trouble, but who contents himself with the general indications furnished by the Repertories, and who, by means of these general indications, dispatches one patient after the other, deserves not the name of a true Homoeopathician. He is a mere quack, changing his remedies every moment, until the poor patient loses his temper, and is obliged to leave this homicidal dabbler. It is by such levity as this that true Homoeopathy is injured.

"This ignominious propensity for laziness, in the most important of all professions, determines these psendo-Homoeopahicians to choose their remedies ab usu in morbis, by the directions which are found recorded at the head of each medicine. This proceeding is entirely wrong, and smells strongly of Allopathy. Those general indications which are found at the head of each medicine in the different Repertories, only refer to special symptoms, and most of them have no other object, except to inform the homoeopathic physician that certain medicines, the virtues of which have been tried upon the healthy organism, have been found curative in the diseases named in the Repertories. Alas! there are even authors who advise this kind of empiricism."

These words of Hahnemann, together with what is taught in the Organon relative to the same subject, might be considered a sufficient demonstration in favor of the rule, but they imply likewise something favorable to the true disciples of our art, which it may be proper and expedient to mention, were it for no other reason than that of being impartial.

In glancing back to former years, we can easily find a period when cases and cures were reported in a far different way from what they now are. A large portion of the results which have been obtained in later years, point to great uncertainty in the selection of remedies, which is not met in a like measure in the so-called infancy of Homoeopathy; and, if we look at that difference a little more closely, we shall find that the progressively increasing magnitude of the doses, and the uncertainty in the selection of a remedy, go hand in hand. Can and ought this to be called a progress? – And if this be no progress, what is the reason that, this retrograding movement should take place?

The answer to this question is partially contained in the above-mentioned words of the author of Homoeopathy, where he warns his disciples against incorrectness, levity, and laziness in the selection of a drug, and it is perfectly just that those who commit those sins, should be despised and disgraced, as men faithless to their art and high trust. But it would be unjust and uncharitable to impute to the will, delinquencies which are, to a certain extent, occasioned by a want of means; I am convinced that the imperfect development of our Materia Medica bears a considerable portion of the fault which I have just now charged upon practitioners.

Without expatiating upon the uselessness of most of our modern provings, fragmentary lists of symptoms, or the hypotheses with which treatises on the modus operandi of single remedies abound, I beg leave to offer a few suggestions regarding the arrangement of the Materia Medica Pura, suggestions derived from vast experience, and from a careful study of the Materia Medica during a period of fifteen years.

Every beginning homoeopathic practitioner has probably shared the mistake, into which I, in common with many others, fell at the commencement of my homoeopathic studies, to imagine that the homoeopathic Materia Medica contained the symptoms of every disease. This allusion disappears after the differences of two or more remedies have been found out by a careful comparison of their symptoms. These differences are observed so much more accurately, when the remedies are to be applied; it is then that we perceive the incompleteness and uselessness of the present systems of pathology, which, at best, indicate in a very poor fashion the general character of the disease, but never point out the varieties and shades, according to which the remedy can alone be selected and administered with success. What allopathic physicians understand by the phrase "a remedy is indicated," is altogether different from what we understand by an agent homoeopathic to the disease. A number of remedies may be indicated in any given case of disease, and, indeed, a number of homoeopathic agents may bear upon a disease; but only one remedy can be truly homoeopathic to the disease, and correspond not only to the principal symptoms but to all the secondary circumstances and phenomena.

What I have here stated, is indeed nothing new, but it was necessary to mention it, because we may derive from it rules for the study of the Materia Medica, as well as for the selection of remedies. These rules are invested with peculiar difficulties, and have been rather neglected in modern times.

In comparing the known pathogenetic symptoms of drugs, we discover very soon a considerable quantity of differences, but they are not all of them equally useful. What is worse, in many remedies we have no point to start from in our comparisons. The drugs have not always been proved with reference to peculiar conditions, or for the sake of comparing their symptoms with the established analogous symptoms of other drugs. This deficiency has to be supplied by contrasting the totality of the symptoms of various drugs, and by studying the genius of a drug from its symptoms. This is rather a difficult business, and can only be accomplished by those who combine the requisite talent and perseverance in undertaking it.

To make my ideas the more intelligible, I will illustrate them by an example. Let us select the symptoms of Asafetida communicated by Franz in the Archive, and, for the sake of brevity, let us select among those symptoms all those set down as stitching pains, (stechende schmerzen.) These pains, which are quite characteristic of Asafetida, have not been especially marked out by the prover; I state this merely for the purpose of showing that a list of pathogenetic symptoms cannot be received with implicit confidence even when it comes from a distinguished man. In the Manual or the homoeopathic Materia Medica by Noack and Trinks, we find the stitching pains of Asafetida recorded in this way: "stitching pains, pricking or boring as with a dull instrument, frequently accompanied with accessory sensations; – paralytic, pinching, cramp-like pressive, tensive, darting, drawing pains easily passing over into pains of a different character." Jahr, in his new complete hand-book, mentions the stitching pains of Asafetida in the following fashion: "intermitting, pulsative, or pressive, lancinating, or tearing pains, from within outwards, either modified by contact, or transmuted into pains of a different kind, etc." Investigating the symptoms of Asafetida a little more closely, one will find that the stitching pains, which occur most frequently in the internal and external parts, are generally dull and intermitting, most generally, however, burning, more rarely pressive and tensive, most rarely drawing and tearing, and they are all characterized by the peculiarity that the stitches are directed from within outwards. The symptoms in the list furnished by Franz, ought therefore to be completed by having this peculiarity added to them. If no stitches have been recorded of the nose, ears, lips, teeth, etc., we ought not to infer from this that stitching pains in these parts, provided they are characterized by the peculiarities of the stitching pains of Asafetida and are accompanied by the other accessory symptoms, cannot be cured by Asafetida; I have cured speedily and permanently, burning pricking tooth, ear, and face ache, coming on in paroxysms and being felt only from within outwards, and accompanied by all the other characteristic symptoms, or, at any rate, without being accompanied by symptoms which seemed to counter-indicate the Asafetida.

The exacerbation and improvement of the symptom according to time, condition and position, is still more correct than the difference of the sensation and external phenomena. Many, or perhaps even all the drugs exhibit, when tried, all their symptoms, corresponding, in a greater or less degree, to all the ordinary symptoms of pain with which we are acquainted; but still if we were limited to the literal expression of those symptoms, we should frequently be at a loss to find the true homoeopathic agent. In such cases, the characteristic peculiarities of the drug will lead us to determine the Homoeopathicity in the case. If it be therefore of the greatest importance, to consider with the greatest care the conditions under which an exacerbation and improvement by the drug may take place – indeed no record of symptoms can be considered complete and sufficient to the proper selection of a drug, without those considerations being indicated with great precision – we have, on the other hand, frequently to supply those conditions, when they are not expressed, by means of the knowledge which we have gathered of the curative genius of the drug from the totality of its symptoms.

In completing and determining with more care the symptoms which the drug has yielded in proving it, we have especially to observe three points. The first point is that certain drugs do not manifest all their symptoms at the same time, but some symptoms at one time, some at another. For example, the head and chest symptoms of Amm. mur. have their exacerbation in the morning, the abdominal symptoms in the afternoon, and the symptoms of the limbs, skin, together with the feverish symptoms in the evening. The second point is, that when a drug produces opposite symptoms, we have to consider with great care, which of the two ought to be considered an exacerbation. Nux vomica, for instance, has most of its exacerbations in the open air. That form of coryza which is characteristic of Nux, frequently becomes a violent fluent coryza in a room and, in the open air, is immediately changed to a dry coryza which is not very troublesome; dry coryza, and a suppression of the secretions in general, belong to the principal primary symptoms of this valuable drug; fluent coryza, of itself, ought therefore to be considered as an alleviation of the symptoms. A third point, which ought especially to be considered, when several remedies compete in a case, is the careful investigation of the special parts, not only the general parts of the body, but even of every subdivision organ, etc. (including the special functions of the mind,) upon which every drug seems to have a special action; this investigation is very difficult in the case of a number of drugs, and can only be accomplished with ease after long practice.

It is in this and no other way – if I am not mistaken, and if my friend and teacher Hahnemann has shown me the true path – that the Materia Medica Pura ought to be read and studied; and not till the beginning practitioner shall have diligently gone through that preparation, will he be able to prescribe properly, safely and homoeopathically, without being obliged to spell the symptoms into a group, as the child does its letters. He will then be able to discover the differences and characteristic peculiarities of the antipsorics which seem to be so much like each other, precisely because they correspond to a vast number of diseases of a similar origin, and will not be obliged to choose a new remedy all the time, whereas it is so essential to let the antipsorics act a long while. He will then not be obliged to busy himself in hypotheses, and to consult such works as Noack and Trinks, full of sounding names for which the remedies are recommended, one remedy for a score of names; or finally, to experiment upon patients and to take an allopathic drug in the place of a properly selected homoeopathic agent.

I have now come to the" third precaution" of the old experienced master, "to let every homoeopathically selected drug act, until it shall have accomplished all it can."

Precaution No. 3. – The exhaustion of the action of the remedy.

"The third great mistake which the homoeopathic physician cannot too carefully avoid in the treatment of chronic diseases, is the too hasty repetition of the dose. This haste is highly indiscreet. Superficial observers are very apt to suppose that a remedy, after having favorably acted for eight or ten days, can act no more; this delusion is strengthened by the supposition that the morbid symptoms had shown themselves again on such or such a day, if the dose had not been renewed.

"If the medicine which the patient has been ordered to take, produces a good effect in the first eight or ten days, this is a sure sign that the medicine is strictly homoeopathic. If under these circumstances, an aggravation should occur, the patient need not feel uneasy about it; the desired result will be ultimately obtained, though it may take twenty-four or thirty days. It takes forty and even fifty days before the medicine has completed its action. To give another remedy before the lapse of this period, would be the height of folly. Let no physician suppose that, as soon as the time fixed for the duration of the action of the remedy shall have elapsed, another remedy must at once be administered with a view of hastening the cure. This is contrary to experience. The surest and safest way of hastening the cure, is to let the medicine act as long as the improvement of the patient, continues, were it even far beyond the period which is set down as the probable period of the duration of that action. [Note by Hahnemann. In case of chronic headache and which appeared periodically, and where Sepia was the truly antipsoric remedy, and much relieved it in intensity and duration, I gave another dose of Sepia when it returned, which suspended the attack for one hundred days. It then returned slightly, another dose of Sepia became necessary — the patient remained then well in all respects and had no further trouble for seven years.] He who observes this rule with the greatest care, will be the most successful homoeopathic practitioner. A new remedy should only be given when the other symptoms which had disappeared for a time, begin to appear again, and show a tendency to remain or to increase in intensity. Experience is the only arbiter in these matters, and, in my own long and extensive practice, it has already decided beyond the shadow of a doubt."

"Generally speaking, antipsoric remedies act the longer in chronic diseases, the more inveterate these diseases are; and vice Versa, etc." Hahnemann continues in a note:

"It will be difficult to induce physicians to avoid the mistakes which have been censured in these paragraphs. My doctrines in regard to the magnitude and the repetition of the doses will be doubted for years, even by the greater number of homoeopathic physicians. Their excuse will be, that it is quite difficult enough to believe that the minute homoeopathic doses have all the power to act upon the disease, but that it is incredible that such small doses should be able to influence an inveterate chronic disease even for two or three, much less for forty or fifty days; yea, that, after so long a space of time, important results should be obtained from those imperceptible doses. My proposition, however, is not one of those which needs to be comprehended, nor one which ought to be blindly believed. No one is bound either to comprehend or believe that proposition; I do not comprehend it, but the facts speak for themselves. The truth of my proposition is demonstrated by experience, in which I have more faith than in my intelligence. Who will undertake to weigh the powers that nature conceals in her depths? Who will doubt of their existence? Who ever thought that the medicinal virtues of drugs could be developed in an infinite series of degrees by means of triturating and shaking the raw materials? Does the physician risk anything by imitating a method which I have adopted from long experience and observation? Unless the physician imitates my method he cannot expect to solve the highest problem of medical science, that of curing those important chronic diseases which have indeed remained uncured up to the time when I discovered their true character and proper treatment. This is all that I have to say on this subject. I have fulfilled a duty by communicating to the world the great truths which I have discovered. The world was sadly in need of them. If physicians do not carefully practice what I teach, let them not boast of being my followers, and, above all, let them not expect to be successful in their treatment."

Page 156 of the first volume of the Chronic Diseases we read the following words well worthy of our serious consideration: "The whole cure fails, if the antipsoric remedies which have been prescribed for the patient, are not permitted to act uninterruptedly to the end. Even if the second antipsoric should have been selected with the greatest care, it cannot replace the loss which the rash haste of the physician has inflicted upon the patient. The benign action of the former remedy, which was about manifesting its most beautiful and most surprising results, is probably lost to the patient forever."

"The fundamental rule in treating chronic diseases, is this, to let the carefully selected homoeopathic antipsoric act as long as it is capable of exercising a curative influence, and there is a visible improvement going on in the system. This rule is opposed to the hasty prescription of a new, or the immediate repetition of the same remedy."

Considering that these remarks of Hahnemann, whose eminent powers as an observer no one will deny, contain truths which many of his best disciples have confirmed by their own experience, it is inconceivable that the doctrines of the specificals should have found such ready belief with beginners, unfounded as they are, and unsupported by experience. Why do not the older disciples of Hahnemann raise their voices against works, where the first or third trituration of Calc. carb., Caust, Graph., etc. is recommended as the proper potency, and it is advised to repeat the dose once or twice a day? The special symptoms for which the drug is to be used, are indeed indicated in consonance with Hahnemann's own teachings, but the doses and the duration of the effect which he recommends are not pointed out. Why do these Homoeopathicians who have studied and practised Homoeopathy for years, and might furnish an abundance of illustrations to substantiate the doctrines of Hahnemann, remain silent in the presence of the clamorous attempts of the specificals to substitute their own speculations in the place of the true inductive principles, and to support them by reports of cures which cannot by any means be considered as exemplary? I ask the gentlemen specificals, who once were Hahnemannians as well as others, upon their consciences, whether they now cure truly chronic diseases more successfully, speedily, and permanently, than they did at a time when they were yet practising under the banner of Hahnemann?

I have stated above that I too was carried away for a time by the torrent, and was induced to give larger and more frequently repeated doses. It behooves therefore that I should communicate to my readers two cures which interest me personally very deeply, and which, together with many other cures which my friend and teacher Hahnemann reported to me occasionally in his letters, led me back to the true path, and warned me effectually against the sophisms of his schismatic adherents.

The first case concerned myself. At the end of February, 1833, I began to feel indisposed. I had undergone excessive mental exertion; had sat up many a long winter night on account of my official labors, which were then yet incumbent upon me, and which left me scarcely any time, except the hours of night, to pursue my favorite studies of Homoeopathy and botany. My appetite was gone, I lost my flesh, the stools were very sluggish etc., and yet I was not sick, properly speaking. The symptoms being so little marked, I took no medicine, and simply changed my mode of life, in the supposition that my ailments had been brought on by my irregularity. My expectations, however, were not realized: my pain increased from day to day, and was made worse by the supervention of a spasmodically constrictive, violent pain in the right side of the abdomen, accompanied by violent distention and constipation. I smelled of Nux^30, without obtaining the slightest success, the symptoms even became worse. My sufferings increased from day to day. I had not had any passage for eleven days past; the horrid pains in the side of the abdomen, and other symptoms, distinctly showed that I suffered with a sort of Ileus, intussusception of the intestines. This condition was the more despairing, since the list of symptoms which I had continued to note down as they appeared in the course of the disease – and which I have lost, unfortunately – did not correspond to any of the remedies which I had hitherto successfully used against that disease. At this period, when my sufferings had reached their climax, I was visited by two older physicians, of whom I had made converts, and by two distant befriended homoeopathic practitioners; all advised me to use Nux in large doses, this being the remedy which had done the greatest good in the affection with which I was suffering. I followed their unanimous advice against my own conviction, and on the evening of the eleventh day, I took a whole drop of the 12th potency of Nux, but not only without obtaining any success, but causing a positive aggravation of my sufferings by the appearance of new symptoms which were evidently medicinal, and showed the injudiciousness and impropriety of my proceeding. My friends returned the next day, and seeing the mistake which they had made, advised a drop of the sixth potency of Cocculus. This drug, which did not correspond to my symptoms, had no more effect than Nux, and when my friends returned again in the afternoon and advised me to try other drugs, I declared emphatically that I should take no more medicine unless I was in the first place convinced of the perfect homoeopathicity of the drug. This was the state of things on the evening of the twelfth day. Having almost no hope of preservation, I made an almost superhuman effort, in spite of my increasing and excessive sufferings, to find out a remedy which would correspond to the symptoms of my case, and I was determined to persevere in my endeavors unto death. At midnight I at last discovered the remedy which was homoeopathic to my symptoms, it was Thuja. I had my medicine chest handed to, me, containing pellets which had been medicated years ago, and smelled of Thuja once with each nostril. After the lapse of five minutes my sufferings in the right side of the abdomen decreased, and after the lapse of ten minutes, I had a copious evacuation after a constipation of thirteen days. Shortly after I fell into a sound and refreshing sleep, of which I had been deprived so long. My improvement continued without taking any more, medicine, and in a few days I was able to inform my friend Hahnemann, of the danger to which I had been exposed, and from which I had been so happily delivered.

Before concluding my communication, I shall take this opportunity of furnishing to the followers of Hahnemann a new proof of his rare insight into the nature of disease and its relation to remedial agents. The letter which I sent to Hahnemann reached him in Coethen, at a time when he was suffering with a severe illness, so that he was not able to send me an answer till the 28th of April, which I received in the first days of the month of May. He uses the following language in reference to his and my own disease :

"However much I was on my guard against the consequences of the anger I felt on account of---,[I do not feel authorized to mention names. — Boenninghausen] nevertheless it may have been one of the exciting causes of a suffocative catarrh, which attacked me seven days before the 10th of April. [Hahnemann's birth-day] A fortnight after the tenth I was attacked with fits of intolerable itching in the larynx, which threatened to bring on spasmodic cough, but merely resulted in arresting the breathing which was restored by retching brought on by inserting the finger into the throat. There were other bad symptoms, such as difficult respiration (without asthma), total want of appetite and thirst, aversion to tobacco, sensation of faintness in all the limbs, and as if they were bruised, constant sopor, inability to perform the least work, apprehension of death, etc. The people of the neighborhood showed much attention to me by constant inquiries into my health. It is now four days since I have felt out of danger, owing to my smelling twice of Coffea cruda", afterwards of Calc.; Ambra has likewise done some good. The Guardian of truth and goodness will grant to me, as much life as he may deem proper in his wisdom."

"I have felt heartily sorry that you should have been so sick, and * * * [Modesty forbids my communicating the remainder of this sentence. Boenninghausen]. If you will permit me to give you my advice respecting the restoration of the activity of your intestines, I shall call your attention to Conium and Lycopodium;. I also recommend frequent walks in the open air. I am glad that you should have done justice to the eminently useful Thuja by your example."

A few days after the sending of my letter, in which I neither asked for advice nor said a word about the after-treatment which might be necessary in my case, I had taken Lycopodium, which was homoeopathically indicated; I had likewise taken Conium, eight days previous to the reception of Hahnemann's letter, taking one smallest dose of the highest potency (30) of those drugs. This is all that I ever took for my affection, except one other dose of Lycopodium about the same period in the year following. What extensive observation, what richness of experience, and what a rare divinatory power are required, to enable one, by simply knowing the outlines of a disease, and the first good effects which a remedy had produced, to name in advance for the completion of a cure, two remedies which were so decidedly homoeopathic, that none of the other remedies bearing upon this disease were required, and that those two remedies had already achieved the cure before I received Hahnemann's letter.

The second case concerns my oldest son, born on the 15th of September, 1814.

A few months after his birth, a sort of crusta lacteal broke out in his face, which increased very speedily, and soon covered the face with a thick crust; it was a case of crusta lactea of the worst kind. At the same time the mother was affected with suppuration of the mammae, which it took a long period to cure; still the cure was an imperfect one.

At that time the homoeopathic treatment of such diseases was not yet known. Knowing however several instances where the removal of such an eruption by external applications had done vast injury, I resisted their use in the case of my child with all my might. Nevertheless, in spite of my warnings; and very often against my knowledge, several honest and clever physicians recommended all sorts of remedies, decoctions of herbs "for the purpose of cleansing the blood," "innocent" ointments of oil and cream, cathartics "for the purpose of killing the worms," baths "strengthening the skin," etc. etc., and these preparations were often employed by way of experiment. The eruption, however obstinate it might be finally yielded to such a host of opponents, to the great joy of his excellent mother. But this joy did not last long. A few months after the suppression of the crusta, and when the red spots which the crusta had left upon the skin began to assume a natural flesh color, the child was attacked with oppression of the chest, the attacks being at first slight then more violent, and increasing in violence to such an extent, at the end of six months; that the death of the child was constantly expected when an attack came on, which generally lasted from eight to fourteen days.

Both celebrated and non-celebrated physicians were requested to relieve this affection, but in vain. The attacks returned with the same violence every fortnight, and although they only occurred once every four weeks in later years, they now lasted six, eight and more days, during which time the sufferer was only able to breathe in a sitting posture, and with the greatest exertion, the face being covered with the sweat of anguish. He was then not able, either to speak, or to move in the least without aggravating the spasmodic asthma, as the physicians called it, and had to sit upon his chair during the whole period of the attack, with his body inclined forwards, and without almost any sleep. .

Whilst I was borne down by the wretched condition of my then only son, who, even if he should survive his misery, seemed nevertheless doomed to live through a future full of woe, his sufferings bidding defiance to art, I was overwhelmed by a second misfortune; a cancer was forming in the breast of my wife. All the physicians whom I consulted on the subject, decided that the exsection of the cancer should be performed as speedily as possible, "in order to prevent the bad humors, (generated by the cancer?) from spreading, and making the evil incurable." I knew indeed that it was impossible to heal a scirrhus of the mammae by extirpating it with a knife, but being unable to point out a better remedy (I was ignorant of the homoeopathic practice at that time) I suffered that which was unavoidable to be done. The result was as usual; after the lapse of eighteen months, I was a widower, and the father of a boy whose death I apprehended every three or four weeks. .

I pass over a period of several years, during which I had again married, had become the father of several children, and had been placed in circumstances which brought me in contact with many allopathic physicians whom I consulted about my son, whose asthmatic condition had remained the same; all was fruitless.

At last, in the year 1828, I was fortunate enough, not only to hear of the advantages and cures of Homoeopathy, but to be snatched from the clutches of death by means of its aid, whereas the most distinguished allopathic physicians had given me up. There were no homoeopathic physicians in my place of residence. The allopathic physicians showed a decisive and persevering repugnance to the new art, of which they understood nothing; so that, after having made repeated attempts to induce one of our resident allopathic physicians to study the new doctrine, nothing was left to me, except to devote all my leisure hours to the study of that great science. I had indeed prepared myself for that business by studying with great care the natural sciences and even the old system of medicine.

The time was approaching when my son was to frequent the university. I had given him a few remedies of short action by way of experiment; but inasmuch as they remained without success, the affection was still the same, and I had become convinced that the cure of my son could not be accomplished without subjecting him to a careful and persevering treatment; I determined to postpone the treatment until he should have returned to his family, and I should have so far acquainted myself with Homoeopathy as to be able to conduct the treatment without making mistakes.

When this period had arrived, the doctrine of the large and oft-repeated doses had invaded Germany. It was a misfortune for the country, and I too had become its victim. I gave my son Phos., which was the specific in this case, a dose of a lower attenuation every eight days. But although this drug corresponded perfectly to all the symptoms, yet the large doses had not only no effect, but produced even considerable exacerbations and artificial symptoms, with which my son had never before suffered. I may point to the following symptoms, contained in the second edition. [Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases — Phosphorus.] Sadness in twilight, some evenings in succession, at the same hour. Frequently recurring attacks of slight anguish, as if she were sorry for something. Apprehensiveness as if misfortune would happen. Anguish, without knowing why. Out of humor; men and noise especially are repulsive to him. Slow ideas; emptiness of mind. Obtusion and heaviness in the fore part of the head, which inclines to bend forwards, diminished in the open air, and by knitting the brow, returning in the room and when stooping. Early in the morning when rising, he is unable to collect his senses; his head feels giddy, heavy and painful, as if his head had been lying low in the night. Feeling of vertigo in the afternoon, as if the chair upon which he was sitting were much higher, and as if he were looking down from a height, followed by a hypochondriac mood, with drowsiness and weakness, until nine o'clock in the evening. Headache early in the morning, recurring when beginning to walk, and during other slight movements. A number of scales on the hairy scalp, which occasionally itch. The eyes run easily in the open air. Clots of hardened mucus in the nose. Dryness of the lips and palate, without thirst. Dryness in the mouth, with very cold feet. Want of appetite, no hunger; eating is entirely, indifferent to him; he would not eat but for the hour of the meal having arrived; he neither relishes food nor drink; the ailments he takes have too little taste, they almost taste alike; spirituous drinks taste like water, and he has lost his usual desire for smoking. Pressure on the chest, and shorter breath after a meal. Oppressed breathing after the slightest meal. Difficult stool. Stool feels hot during the passage. Protrusion of varices during stool, painfully burning when touching them. Much desire for stool and micturition. The emission of urine is aggravated by a dull pain in the abdomen, early in the morning when in bed, preventing him from emitting the urine to the last drop; after a short pause, he constantly felt a new desire to emit urine, when only a little was passed, and drop by drop. Emission of urine when coughing, a few drops. The urine has a strong ammoniacal odor, becomes turbid and deposits a white-yellow sediment. Erections in the day-time and during the night. Nightly pollution, without any lascivious dream. Frequent sneezing. Water runs out of the nose in the open air, without any mucus. Frequent alternation of fluent and dry coryza. Hollow, generally dry cough, with pressure in the pit of the stomach which hinders sleep all night. Cough, causing a colic so that she is obliged to hold her abdomen from pain. Fatiguing cough, bringing on an expectoration of tenacious mucus. Cough with expulsion of flocculi of pus with burning behind The sternum, as if the parts were raw. Arrest of breathing when walking fast. Difficult breathing in the evening, in bed. shortness of breath and vertigo. Sensation across the chest as if the clothes were too tight. Spaam in the chest, constricting the chest for several days in succession. Spasm in the calf. Icy cold feet, which do not even get warm in bed. When crossing the legs, the left foot goes to sleep. He feels better in the open air. Heaviness of mind and body. Walking fatigues him a good deal. At night, he is not able to rest except on the right side. Spasm of the chest at night; he imagines he will suffocate. Restless sleep, with dreaming and tossing about, with anguish in the whole body when waking. At night he lies on his back, with his left hand under his head. In the morning he feels as if he had not slept enough. Stretching the limbs and expanding the chest, early in the morning, when in bed. Throbbing of the carotids. Before he took the Phosphorus, the chest symptoms did either not exist at all, or but very slightly during the attacks; now they continued almost uninterruptedly. I was indiscreet enough to continue my treatment for two months; then only did I perceive the great error into which I had fallen. What bitter repentance might have been spared to me, if I had been warned by a faithful friend. The illness of my son had been made much worse by my fault, and it is perhaps owing to the increased frequency and violence of the attacks, which overwhelmed my mind with anguish, that I so soon discovered my mistake. May kind Providence preserve every Homoeopathician from the remorse I suffered during the period of my transgression! Would that I had had more confidence in my never-to-be-forgotten friend and teacher, Hahnemann, with whose doctrines and principles I was fully acquainted, but whom I did not dare to inform of my sins, lest I should have to blush in his sight.

The first question now was to repair the injury which had been inflicted. Repeated doses of Coffea, Nux, Ipecac., Chin., Verat., and Ars., did something, but very little after all, towards effecting that result; many months elapsed before all the accessory symptoms which had never existed previous to the administration of Phosphorus, had disappeared, and the original asthma had resumed its former appearance.

When this condition of things had set in, I left my son without any medicine for three months in succession. The treatment was recommenced after the lapse of this period with a small dose of Sulphur, acting four weeks, and a dose of Nux^30, acting a fortnight. I then took another record of the symptoms and found it to concord perfectly with the one which I had taken a year previous. This was a sure sign not only that Phosphorus was still indicated, but also that the repeatedly given large doses of that drug had availed nothing. Not without fear of producing too great an exacerbation, and with trembling, I gave to my son, shortly after a new attack of the asthma, Phosphorus^30 [I always give two pellets, not because I deemed one pellet insufficient, but because it may happen that when a number of pellets are saturated together, one pellet may remain unmedicated. B]. The result showed that my apprehensions were not unfounded. Five days after the administration of the drug a violent paroxysm of the original sufferings set in again, accompanied by the reappearance of all those symptoms which are printed in italics. However, this homoeopathic exacerbation only lasted a short while; shortly after it was followed by a visible improvement progressing for upwards of three months, with only a few slight interruptions, and with constant decrease of the ordinary asthmatic fits.

Phosphorus, which had inflicted such great injuries upon my son on account of having been administered in too large doses - although infinitely small compared to the doses of the old school - proved nevertheless the only true homoeopathic drug, and showed the truth of what the father of Homoeopathy teaches in the first volume of his work on chronic diseases.

Phosphorus remained the specific in the case of my son until the termination of the treatment. It was administered in very small doses, one every three or four months, with occasionally an intermediate dose of Nux v. and Hep. s., highest potency. In one year and a half my son's affection, for which Allopathy could do absolutely nothing, was so completely and permanently cured, that not even the remotest trace can be discovered of it. He is now able to undergo every exertion, journeys on foot, hunting, dancing, etc., he may become hot or may catch cold, he may drink a glass of wine in addition to his usual allowance, without suffering from it in the least, although formerly the slightest exposure and irregularity would bring on the asthma. Even the characteristic appearance of asthmatic persons, sunken chest, drawn-up shoulders, stooping with the upper part of the body, etc., had disappeared so entirely during the treatment, that none of those who had seen him before, can realize that he should have suffered with such a severe affection in his former years.

This may suffice to show the unprejudiced reader that it is not without some good reason that I cling to the three precautionary rules of the experienced master of Homoeopathy. Posterity will decide whether the opponents of true Homoeopathy, especially the specificals, have as good reasons to reject, as the true disciples of Hahnemann have to cling to his rules of practice. One thing is evident, that there is not the slightest reason why we, the conscientious and faithful followers of the original doctrines of our great teacher, should be persecuted on that account with derision and scorn, and should be required to side with the schismatics, before they have demonstrated and substantiated the superiority of their wisdom. We have as perfect a right to show the weak points of our antagonists, as they have to attack us; we have a right to demand facts in the place of bold assertions, and not to take any notice of insulting jests or impertinent personalities as long as they are offered in the place of argument. On the other hand, we shall never shun an open and manly fight for Truth; for it always triumphs against opponents, and we know that it is on our side. May the champions of the true homoeopathic art never forget the motto of our old master:

"Aude sapere!" [A. L.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 05, 1864, pages 193-204, pages 298-309]

[Description: Hahnemann's Three Precautions]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.]

[Year: 1864]

HOOPING COUGH. [Translated by Carroll Dunham, M.D.]

By Dr. C. Von Boenninghausen, Munster.

Translator's Preface. – In the letter in which Dr. von Boenninghausen authorized the present English translation of his treatise on Hooping Cough, he says: "Although this professes to be a work on the homoeopathic treatment of Hooping Cough, it would be a great mistake to suppose that its usefulness is restricted to cases of cough called by that name. Inasmuch as we, Homoeopathicians, treat concrete diseases and not abstract names, so it follows that a work on Hooping Cough may be equally available and useful as a guide in the treatment of any and every cough of a spasmodic nature, whether it receive the name of Hooping Cough or not." And, in fact, scarcely a case of cough of any kind whatsoever has come under the care of the translator during the last three years, in prescribing for which he has not found it profitable to consult this valuable little treatise.

In the hope of making it still more complete and valuable, as an aid in the treatment of coughs in general, the translator has added to the original work of Dr. Boenninghausen, what he considers to be the characteristic cough symptoms of Allium cepa and of Rumex crisp., both derived from the Amerikanische Arzneiprufungen of Dr. C. Hering, and those of Kali bichromicum from the proving by Dr. Drysdale in the Hahnemann Materia Medica. In addition to these, Dr. Ad. Lippe, of Philadelphia, has kindly furnished the characteristics of two remedies which have rendered good service in several epidemics of Hooping Cough in this country, viz.: Coccus cacti and Mephitis.

To prevent the possibility of confounding these additions with the original work of Dr. Boenninghausen, they have been appended to the latter, instead or being incorporated with it. Moreover they are enclosed in brackets [ ].

For the sake of perspicuity, the Repertory of the translation deviates from that of the original in one or two particulars, e. g., in the repetition of a few headings under several rubrics, and in the separation of the conditions of amelioration from those of aggravation. For the same reason, the alphabetical arrangement has not, in all cases been strictly adhered to.

§ 1. THE NAMES. – As with many diseases, the nature and individuality of which are the subject of diverse opinions, and which are of frequent occurrence and yet present considerable difficulties in the way of a speedy and complete cure, so we find applied to hooping cough a long series of names, almost all of which refer to some common or obvious peculiarity of the cough, but which, for the most part, contribute but little to a sharp characterizing of it.

The most current and best known are the following:

1. Learned-Pathological, Latin. – Tussis convulsiva, T. spasmodica, T. cucularis, T. clamosa, T. clangosa, T. clangoroea spasmodica, T. asinina, T. ferina, T. canina; T. stomachalis, T. quinta, T. quintana, T. infantum, T. pueros strangulans, T. popularis et febris epidemica, Pertussis, Febris catarrhosa, Catarrhus epidemicus, Catarrhus suffocans, Cuculus, Amphemerina tussiculosa, Cephalalgia epidemica, Bronchitis epidemica, Bronchitis cephalaica, Orthopnoea tussiculosa, Morbis cucularis.

2. German. – Keuchhusten, Keichhusten, Kinkhnsten, Krampfhusten, Huhnerweh, Stickhusten, Schreihusten, Eselshusten, blauer Husten, epidemischer Kinderhusten, Schafhusten, Brechhusten, Kielhusten, Konvulsivischer Katarrh, spasmodischer Husten, asthmatischer Husten.

3. French. – Coqueluche, chant de coq, Mal des montons, Gloussement ou mal de poulet, Quinte, Vervecine, Mal de Castrone, Architoux des enfans, Bronchite convulsif, Bronchocephalite, Catarrhe suffocant, Catarrhe convulsif, Allure de follet, Follete, Pepie.

4. English. – Chin cough, Kink cough, Hooping cough.

5. Swediah. – Kikhosta, Hopfhosta, Kramphosta.

6. Dutch. – Kinkhoest.

It will be perceived that, in this list of synonyms, which is scarcely complete but yet is more than sufficient, the apodictic German and the figurative French designations stand next, in order of abundance, to the learned-pathological (Latin) names.

The title Hooping Cough, which has, in its favor the greatest number of authorities and which is universally understood, will answer our purpose, especially since, by adding the clause "in its various forms" we mean to intimate that we do not propose here to treat of an independent, unchangeable variety of cough, but of such a cough as distinguishes itself, in its external manifestations, from other coughs, only by its spasmodic character.

§ 2. HISTORY. – The history of Hooping Cough goes back into grey antiquity and is lost more and more in darkness and uncertainty the farther we endeavor to trace it; for in early days, as also now, to some extent, especially in cases of diseases that occur in various forms and are not of an independent and unchangeable nature, exact descriptions of each special manifestation were not recorded and we have but scanty and indefinite intimations of them.

Some authors assert that even Hippocrates (Epid., L, VI and VII; Morb. Mulier, L, I, and even in the Aphor., VI, 46,) intended to refer to this disease. Also the Arabians, Mesue (Jahiah ebu Masawaih,) in the ninth and Avicenna ( Al-Hussein-Alu-Ali-Ben Abdallah, Ebn Sina.,) in the eleventh century are supposed to have known and described this cough.

We find described with greater certainty a variety of it which prevailed in France in the year 1414 and which recurred nearly a century later, 1510, and subsequently at shorter intervals, 1557 and 1580. The records of diseases or a similar kind which prevailed at an earlier date render it to some extent probable, but not historically certain, that they were the same or a very similar affection.

On the first appearance of this disease, in 1414, it was very malignant, proving fatal to almost all adults who were attacked by it.

The epidemic of 1510 was very clearly distinguished by the accessory symptoms, viz.: very violent pains in head, stomach and loins, high fever, delirium, etc.

The later epidemic of 1557, which extended also over Germany, presented, in its turn, important distinguishing features inasmuch as it attacked, almost exclusively, children of whom a great many died of suffocation.

In the year 1580, it occurred simultaneously with the plague and appeared first in Italy, where, in Rome alone, 9000 children died of it. It thence extended over France and Germany. Here too, we come upon peculiarities which serve to distinguish this from the previous epidemics; for, this time, it was accompanied by a violent fever, and, as in the year 1414, very many adults and aged persons were attacked and carried off by it.

Subsequently, such epidemics of Hooping Cough occurred at continually shorter intervals. Among us, for example, they raged in 1709, 1712, 1732, 1747, 1755, 1768, 1772, 1775, 1777, 1780, etc., but with various degrees of severity, often in a milder form. The case has been much the same during the former half of the present century, and, at the present day, the disease scarcely at all ceases to prevail, but occurs, year in and year out, in rather a sporadic form, however, attacking isolated children or families, here and there; although periods do still occur in which the malady takes the complete form of an epidemic. [Similar facts, easily attested by a historical reference, are found in the history of several diseases both external (measles scarlatina, small-pox,) and internal (nervous fever, grippe, cholera), of which, in the course of time, the great wide-spread epidemics have pretty much disappeared; while, on the other hand, their sporadic appearance in isolated regions and individuals is an almost constant phenomenon. This circumstance seems worthy of especial consideration, when we come to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination hitherto practised, against which, of late years, so many and powerful voices have been raised.]

§ 3. THE PICTURE OF THE DISEASE. – An elaborate picture of Hooping Cough, completely finished even to the finest shadings, will hardly be expected in a work like the present. Such a picture would be superfluous, for the reason that everyone who may resort to these pages for connsel, will already have learned to recognize this cough, which occurs, alas, only too frequently; or if, by good fortune, he has not yet had an opportunity of learning to know it, he can easily do so, through the symptoms, which are herein presented in great abundance and in a form which admits of easy reference. On the other hand, a complete description would require an expansion of the work which would be out of place and would cause it, through diffuseness, to lose in comprehensibility and in facility for reference. Our purpose, then, will be sufficiently attained by a detail of the following principal features of the affection.

The true peculiarity of Hooping Cough, and which distinguishes it most definitely from all other varieties of cough, consists in the following, viz.: the cough appears in paroxysms, which last a longer or shorter time, are distinct from each other and independent, and are repeated, more or less frequently, by day as well as at night. During these paroxysms of cough, the individual coughs follow each other more or less quickly in a spasmodic manner and cease, only to admit of long and deep inspirations which are laboriously effected and are accompanied by various but, generally, peculiar tones, whereupon the cough is resumed in a similar manner until the paroxysm is entirely at an end. After each such paroxysm there follows a longer or shorter pause, during which, especially in the beginning of the disease, the patient recovers himself and a period of relative health ensues which endures until the next paroxysm. Only when the malady has already lasted weeks and months does a higher degree of ill-health ensue, in consequence of the repeated paroxysms; the patients, then, no longer enjoy the benefit of recovering their vigor during the pauses between the paroxysms of cough; the entire organism is sympathetically affected; the patient keeps growing sicker, weaker and more wretched; and either he passes away during a paroxysm or else the seed of one of the various, but for the most part, malignant diseases is deposited which often fatally undermine health and life.

It is customary to assume three stages of Hooping Cough, which, nevertheless, are seldom very distinctly marked, but generally pass gradually into one another, and are seldom, if ever, sharply defined.

The first stage, which is called the catarrhal stage, resembles, altogether, an ordinary catarrh, and gives no special indications of the threatening danger, which is generally to be suspected only from the prevailing epidemic character of disease at the time.

The second stage begins with the commencement of the spasmodic symptoms, which begin to accompany the paroxysms of cough, and which then increase from day to day, in an ever advancing ratio until the above described condition is fully developed.

The third stage, so-called, is the period in which, if the patient live to reach it, the paroxysms decrease in duration and violence and the health gradually returns; or else the disease undergoes a transition into a chronic malady which then gradually comes to bear some other name.

The duration of the proper Hooping Cough disease, when left to itself, is very various and may be from two months to a half year. But there are also cases which last still longer and in these, as a general rule, the sequelae are extremely deplorable. Allopathy has seldom succeeded in abridging this duration.

§4. THE SEAT AND NATURE OF HOOPING COUGH. — Investigations and observations upon the seat and the nature of Hooping Cough, have, from the first appearance of the disease to our own day, given occupation to numerous physicians; and, as generally happens, each one of them has expressed an opinion of his own and given it out for the only correct one.

It will hardly be expected that all these views should here be cited and elucidated. We gladly relinquish to the learned pathologist the task of pronouncing whether the nature (and seat) of Hooping Cough is to be sought for in the irritation produced by an insect (Rosentein, Linnaeus, Clesius), or in a hot exhalation of the blood (Sydenham), or in a peculiar miasm (Jahn, Bohme), or in the stomach or intestinal canal (Dauz, Waldschmidt, Stoll), or in spasm of the glottis and of the diaphragm (Gardien), or in the eighth pair of nerves (Hufeland, Wendt), or – anywhere else. We content ourselves with stating, in all brevity and without intending to oppose any other opinion, that we ourselves incline, in preference, to the view of Dr. Whatt, who, after losing his own three children from Hooping Cough, came to the conclusion that this disease consists in an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the trachea and its ramifications (Bronchitis [By reason of painful experiences in his own family, Dr. Whatt must, in this case, be regarded as just as good authority as the still more famous Sydenham, whose work on "Podagra" is still held in the highest esteem, because he himself suffered from, and although he himself died of, that same disease.]).

This opinion, which however should exert no immediate influence whatever upon the treatment of any concrete case, may receive some weight from the fact that the nerves which appear to be especially active during the Hooping Cough-paroxysms and so act upon their various organs, – as, the eighth pair, the facial nerve, the vagus, and the accessory of Willis, the phrenic nerve and the thoracic nerve, are the same which are most affected by respiration.

§5. CAUSES. – Physicians of the old school cite the following as predisposing causes of Hooping Cough:

1. Childhood and the female sex;

2. Habitual exposure to a too warm and relaxing temperature;

3. Sleeping too long, especially in a very warm bed;

4. Feeding children with too much moist farinaceous food;

5. Too frequent use of warm drinks, as tea and coffee;

6. Too close sedentary habits and application to study at too early an age;

7. Onanism, which is often practised by children of eight to twelve years.

Among the exciting causes are enumerated:

1. A moist atmosphere, warm as well as cold, especially when it suddenly follows a dry condition of the atmosphere;

2. Infection, which can scarcely be altogether denied, since the disease is often transferred by it to mothers and nurses;

3. Affections of any kind, the result of taking cold;

4. Helminthiasis;

5. Dentition.

We, Homoeopathicians, readily coincide with these views but would add to the list of the predisposing causes, the chronic miasms, especially Psora; and to the exciting causes, various items which are mentioned in section II, under II, 2 ("aggravation according to circumstances "), and which need no further notice here.

§ 6. TERMINATIONS AND PROGNOSIS. – The ordinary terminations of Hooping Cough, under allopathic treatment, and the prognosis which is based upon them leave very much, not to say everything, to be desired. If the disease run even the most favorable course and the patient escape from it, not only with his life, but even with his previous degree of health unimpaired – it is, nevertheless, while it lasts, a most tedious and tormenting affair and fills the days and nights of parents with anxiety and concern. Hence the unanimous complaints of all physicians, in all ages – that remedies prescribed with most circumspect care against this disease are utterly fruitless – are but too well grounded; and we often hear the most candid and the most experienced among them give utterance to the bitterest complaints of the insufficiency of the healing art against this foe of mankind, and preach only patience and again, and once again, patience!

In malignant cases, the patients often just escape, it is true, with their lives, but subsequently there appears a host of the most diverse sequelae or infirmities which the rescued patient must endure till his latest breath.

How fearfully great the number of children is, whom this scourge has snatched away, in many epidemics, by a most pitiable death, several authors have informed us by exact statistics. But we gladly forbear the repetition of these sad details because it is needless to speak of inevitable misery and it were wrong to add weight to anxious apprehensions, already but too well founded!

How entirely different are the prognosis and terminations of Hooping Cough, when the patients are so fortunate as to fall under the care of a skilful and experienced Homoeopathician! Fatal cases are hardly to be reckoned among the possible terminations. There must be a rare concurrence of the most unfavorable conditions, as well in the constitution of the patient as in the external influences to which he is subjected when the disease terminates fatally. But, in such cases, death is not to be ascribed to the Hooping Cough alone, to which only a greater or less share of this unfavorable termination, rare as it is, can be attributed; and death would probably, in such a case, have been the result, in like manner, of any serious disease whatever its nature might be.

From the sequelae too, so frequent and so lamentable, little is to be dreaded under the homoeopathic treatment. For, on the one hand, the power and energy of the disease are broken in a few days; and, on the other, the chronic miasm which is being aroused by it (call it scrofula, psora, or what we may) and in which the roots of these sequelae generally rest, may be speedily and surely removed by remedies which Homoeopathy, likewise, has in her possession.

In all cases, however, without exception, a great and incontestable advantage of Homoeopathy is found in the fact that it very considerably abridges the duration of the disease and, to speak with the utmost moderation, requires for a complete cure, not so many weeks, as Allopathy requires months.

We may then assert, with great confidence, that under homoeopathic treatment, the prognosis and terminations of Hooping Cough are thoroughly favorable.

§ 7. ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT. – The allopathic treatment of Hooping Cough lies too far from the object of this work, to admit of a special notice. We restrict ourselves therefore, to a few remarks, which, for the sake of completeness and of comparison with Homoeopathy, could not be entirely omitted. To avoid all appearance of partiality, we will confine ourselves to quotations from the leading allopathic authors.

"Hooping cough," says, among others, the late Dr. A. F. Marcus in his work upon this disease, and which, alas, was his last work, page 131, "presents a remarkable example of the labyrinth into which physicians are led at the bedside, when the nature and seat of a disease are unknown to them. There is no remedy of any consequence, no mode of treatment which has not, in its turn, been tried for this disease, extolled and finally rejected."

The same sentiment, in somewhat different language, has been expressed by Dr. F. G. Danz in his "Essay towards a general History of Hooping Cough," page 85; and by several other authors, who all present diverse views and recommend diverse remedies, which they sometimes proclaim to be infallible and stoutly contend for; and who, at the most, agree only in this one statement, that, of all remedial agents, a change of air and of residence is the best.

Of the endless number and variety of remedies that have been given and recommended a tolerably complete view is given in the comprehensive and excellent Medico-Chirurgical, Therapeutical Dictionary of Professor Dr. Barez, Vol. III, pp. 551 et seq. We there find that almost everything contained in the Pharmacopoeia has been tried and administered – from the deadliest poisons (Hydrocyanic acid, Arsenic,) to substances that have been declared inert and have, therefore, become obsolete (Verbascum, Veronica, and Black Wood-snails). This long list of remedies might receive no inconsiderable addition from the multifarious domestic and popular remedies, the number of which bears, generally, a direct proportion to the incurability of the disease.

§ 8. HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT. – The treatment of Hooping Cough, according to the laws of the homoeopathic system, is divided into two parts:

1. The choice of the remedy;

2. The administration of the remedy.

Each of these parts is well enough known to the instructed Homoeopathician, and might therefore be despatched with a few general remarks. As we flatter ourselves, however, with the hope that some physicians who are yet on the threshold of the new system of medicine and perhaps even some nonmedical men, in regions where as yet there are no homoeopathic physicians, may incline to avail themselves of this work; it seems to us fitting to state what is necessary on this subject, distinctly, though as briefly as possible.

1. The Choice of the Remedy. – This depends entirely and exclusively upon the symptoms, which are to be gathered with the greatest attention and the most careful investigation. These symptoms are by no means restricted solely to the character and peculiarities of the cough, as such; but it is imperatively and indispensably necessary that they include also the periods and conditions of the aggravation of the cough, as well as the other simultaneous (concomitant) morbid phenomena; and this must be done, even though these latter phenomena may appear to stand in no relation whatever or in a merely accidental relation with the cough itself and may not at present be susceptible of a physiological explanation.

This is not the place for a systematic exposition of the reasons for this unalterable rule, which holds good for all concrete cases of disease; nor for a demonstration of the great difference between this method of treatment and that which has been called in derision "symptomatic treatment."

In accordance with these requirements, we have endeavored so to arrange the first part of this work that under the name of each of the remedies which follow in alphabetical order, should be comprised the following items:

First: a brief but accurate diagnosis of the cough itself, involving:

a. The general character of the cough;

b. The exciting cause of the cough;

c. The expectoration, with reference to the manner of raising it and to its character.

Second: under the title "aggravation:"

a. The period of the day;

b. The circumstances that are especially observed to exist as conditions which exercise a greater or less influence upon the provocation and aggravation of the paroxysms of coughing, and which often very materially contribute to give to the cough an individual character.

Third: the third heading called "concomitants," comprises a selection of concomitant symptoms, some of which occur simultaneously with the cough; while others are observed as something abnormal or morbid, affecting the patient at other times. These, taken collectively, serve, by exclusion of other remedies which either do not present these symptoms or present them but incompletely, to assure the choice of the most appropriate remedy for the case in hand.

From a comparison of all these symptoms which however are but a condensed excerpt from the complete collection of symptoms, as far as they apply to this subject, it will be easy to see what an endless number of experiments upon healthy persons and of observations at the bedside were necessary, in order that the characteristic peculiarities of each of the various remedies could be so gathered and brought up to view.

But these very characteristics are unquestionably the most important element in the choice of the most appropriate remedy; and nothing attests more surely and conclusively the skilful readiness of a homoeopathic practitioner than the faculty of bringing to light, in his examination of the patient, those symptoms which, while they are of rare occurrence and belong to but few remedies - yet, and for that very reason, furnish definite and unquestionable indications for the selection of one single drug.

We have considered it indispensable to append to the first part, which, strictly speaking, constitutes the text of the work, a second part under the title "Guide to the Symptoms" (Repertory), which may serve to indicate where the very numerous symptoms are to be found, and to assist the memory in the search for them. This may also be conveniently used to distinguish, through the smallness of their number, the rarer phenomena from those which are more numerous and of more frequent occurrence and to direct investigation immediately to these rarer and characteristic symptoms.

Although what has been said seems clear enough and the mode of using this second part would follow from it as a matter of course, yet it may not be amiss to add a few words of more minute explanation.

Under I, 1, of part second, the designation "Hooping Cough" or "Spasmodic Cough" has, in itself, no great significance. When, however, this cough occurs, for example, in paroxysms, consisting, each, of two coughs (Pulsatilla) or, each, of three coughs (Stannum) or, when, for example (I, 3, a), a second paroxysm follows very soon after the first (Mercurius and Sulphur) there exist, in these peculiarities very useful, though by no means altogether sufficient, characteristic indications.

A further confirmation or ground for rejection of the remedy, may then be found by comparison with 1, 2, 3 and 4. and with II, 1 and 2, but especially with the last (II, 2, conditions) which furnish abundant data for rendering the choice of the remedy pretty sure, if not altogether incontestible.

This certainty is to be more definitely attained by comparison of the various rubrics under III (concomitants) which are arranged in the order familiar to every Homoeopathician. For, here are found the majority of the symptoms, which, taken collectively, belong to, and constitute the characteristic, and which furnish the means of coming to a definite conclusion. If, for example, lachrymation, epistaxis, or vomiting in general, does not serve to give an available indication, yet these symptoms may be of the greatest use, when the rarer peculiarities which are recorded in connection with them, are found to correspond in the case of certain individuals, and when, at the same time, no clearly contradictory indications are found in other symptoms.

The more accurately all these symptoms, which are easily found under the various rubrics, are reflected by the case under treatment, the more assured may we feel of the propriety of the choice of the remedy we have made, and the more confidently may we expect a happy result.

In general, however, the tyro in Homoeopathy cannot too earnestly take to heart the caution to avoid the great error of regarding a large numerical quantity of symptoms that are general in their character and that do not individualize the case, as a sufficient guide in the choice of the remedy. The keen perception and appreciation of those symptoms which, at the same time, correspond to the nature of the disease, and also designate that remedy which is exclusively or at least most decidedly indicated – this alone betokens the master-mind. For it is easier – very much easier – to select the right remedy after a picture of the disease, complete in every respect and fully meeting all requirements, has been drawn up, than, oneself, to obtain the materials for such a picture and to construct it.

The second part of the homoeopathic treatment, viz. :

2. Administration of the Remedy might be treated with still greater brevity, but we fear to give offense to some among the younger Homoeopathicians, if we pronounce for the higher and highest potencies and for the smallest doses, with more decision and confidence in this disease than in many others, without giving our reasons for so doing. Like so much which the honest and experienced founder of the Homoeopathic School left as a precious legacy to posterity of the fruits of his careful observation, the warning seems to have been forgotten to which he called the attention of his followers in a note to the preface of Drosera (Materia Medica Pura, Vol. VI, p. 238, second edition.) In this note, after designating this plant as one of the most powerful vegetable drugs, and deservedly extolling its great curative power in many epidemic Hooping Coughs and specifying that a single smallest dose of the decillionth potency (30th) is quite sufficient to effect a cure, he uses the following memorable words: "be careful to avoid giving a second dose immediately after the first dose, for it would infallibly not only prevent a favorable issue but also be the cause of considerable mischief, as I know from experience."

He uses altogether similar language with reference to another remedy which likewise stands in the front rank in the treatment of Hooping Cough, viz., Cina, and gives the assurance that "the thirtieth potency manifests, most completely, the curative power of the drug."

Supported by such weighty authority, confirmed as it is by an extended practice of many years, the results of which in this very disease have been so favorable that even the bitterest partisans of Allopathy, and those who have been most ready to fling ridicule upon Homoeopathy, have entrusted to our treatment their children when these were suffering with Hooping Cough, we surely need not hesitate frankly to declare that the very smallest dose, viz., two globules, moistened with the two hundredth potency of the properly elected remedy, and dissolved in a few spoonfuls of pure cold water and directed to be suitably succussed before each dose – a spoonful of this to be taken morning and evening – has always fully answered our expectations; and that we have never had occasion to descend to lower dilutions and more massive doses. It need scarcely be said that this remedy must not be interfered with in its action by any other drug and therefore the well-known homoeopathic diet, the sole object of which is to accomplish this end, must be observed. [The prescription of the homoeopathic diet which is throughout in accordance with the laws of nature (this is not the place to specify it in detail) requires of the patient nothing more than the avoidance of all influences which can be injurious to the living organism as well as a suitable moderation in the use of all things which conduce to the nutrition of the body. It is obvious that a small but, as experience shows, an all sufficient dose and what is very important – a dose which leaves all healthy parts of the organism undisturbed – cannot develop its action without hindrance if at the same time other drugs or poisons, which are the same thing, and for the most part in large doses, are suffered to affect and rule over the organism. Just as little propriety is there, on the other hand, in withholding or diminishing the supply of that which is needed for the normal sustenance of life and its forces, and which is accurately enough indicated by the Individual desires of the patient. Whoever in the latter case diminishes the appropriate measure (through hunger) or exceeds it (by inordinate indulgence) fails to recognize and disturbs the power and efficacy of the rightly chosen remedy and denies it the confidence it deserves. In the illiterate alone can we forgive the ridiculous confounding of "Homoeopathic" and "small," because to them the very essential distinction between health and disease, between drug and nutriment and finally between the laws and conditions or dead in contra-distinction to living nature are wholly unknown, and they are therefore in this respect anything but responsible.]

One word remains to be said respecting the brief remarks appended to each remedy, and which are intended to serve merely as indices for the use of the remedy, not at all as a universally applicable rule.

The following may be named as the chief remedies in real epidemics of Hooping Cough, at least as far as the experience of Homoeopathicians and of the author hitherto extends:

Ambra, Arnica, Baryta, Belladonna, Bryonia, Carbo anim., Carbo Veg., Cina, Cuprum, Drosera, Ferrum, Hepar, Hyoscyamus, Ipecacuanha, Kali, Nux v., Pulsatilla, Sepia, Silicea, Sulphur and Veratrum. Those whose names are printed in small capitals [italicized in this version] are the most important.

Nowadays, however, there seldom occur those diseases prevailing universally (we of course do not speak of names), in which the symptoms and phenomena being constant and identical for all the individuals attacked, the treatment may be limited to one or another remedy. Formerly this may, perhaps, have been the case much more frequently; now, however, when wide-spread epidemics, with uniform and definite character, and especially with constant accessory and concomitant phenomena seem to have ceased; such diseases, on the contrary, present themselves, for the most part, rather in a sporadic manner, but, on the other hand, seldom or never entirely disappear, as we see in the case of influenza, nervous fevers, intermittents and to some extent even cholera, etc. [We leave to learned-pathologists the explanation of this unquestionable Physiological phenomenon. To the minds of many of us the scrofulous diathesis (psora) will at once occur, which is constantly being extended by the practice of vaccination; and our new of the matter receives confirmation from the fact that, in very many cases of such diseases, which are essentially acute in character, it is only, by the administration of our so-called antipsoric remedies that rapid and durable cures ran be effected.]

An immediate consequence of this is that in various individuals a far greater variety in the characteristic symptoms presents itself, and consequently the number of remedies corresponding to each species of disease is proportionately greater. Among the remedies treated of in this work, the following correspond most closely though of course not exclusively:

To the First Stage. – Aconite, Belladonna, Bryonia, Carbo an., Carbo veg., Causticum, Chamomilla, Conium, Dulcamara, Euphrasia, Ipecacuanha, Mercurius, Mezer., Nux vom., Pulsatilla, Sabadilla, Veratrum and Verbascum.

To the Second Stage. – Ambra, Antimonium crud., Antimonium tart., Arnica, Cina, Cuprum, Digitalis, Drosera, Hepar, Ignatia, Iodium, Kali, Lachesis, Ledum, Lycopodium, Magnesia mur., Mercurius, Mezer., Natrum mur., Sambucus, Silicea, Sepia, Squilla, Stannum, Stramonium, Sulphur, Sulphuric acid, Veratrum and Zincum.

To the Third Stage. – Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, China, Conium, Dulcamara, Ignatia, Iodium, Kali, Kreosotum, Laurocerasus, Moschus, Muriatic acid., Phosphor. acid, Sambucus, Senega, Stannum, Sulphur, Zincum.

Among the remedies which correspond more or less to the period of childhood and may therefore be especially appropriate for it, the following may be named: Aconite, Ambra, Anacardium, Antimonium tart., Baryta, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Cina, Drosera, Hepar, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Kali, Kreosotum, Lycopodium, Magnesia, Magnesia mur., Mercurius, Natrum mur., Nux vom, Sabadilla, Silicea, Spong., Staphysagria, Stramonium, Sulphur, and Veratrum.

For adults and for old persons the following are more frequently indicated: Ambra, Antimonium tart., Baryta, Carbo v., Causticum, Conium, Ferrum, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Kali, Kreosotum, Lycopodium, Natrum mur., Nitric acid, Nux vom., Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Sepia, Silicea, Stannum, Staphysagria, Stramonium, Sulphur, Veratrum and Zincum.

When, notwithstanding the most careful selection from among the remedies indicated for the first stage, the transition to the second stage has proved inevitable it will be advisable, in most cases, next to direct one's attention to the following table in which those remedies are arranged, which are most frequently appropriate after those which are first named in each series, have been homoeopathically indicated and administered.

Aconite. – Arnica, Drosera, Lycopodium, Mercurius, Sepia, Silicea, Sulphur.

Belladonna. – Antimonium tart., Calcarea, Cina, Cuprum, Digitalis, Hepar, Iodium, Lachesis, Mercurius, Sepia, Silicea, Stramonium, Sulphur.

Bryonia. – Digitalis, Kali, Ledum, Lycopodium, Mezereum, Squilla, Sepia, Veratrum.

Carbo Animal. – Drosera, Ignatia, Silicea, Sulphuric acid.

Carbo Veg. – Drosera, Ignatia, Kali, Lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum mur., Sepia, Sulphur, Veratrum.

Causticum. – Cuprum, Hepar, Ignatia, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Natrum mur., Sepia, Silicea, Sulphur, Sulphuric acid.

Chamomilla. – Cina, Hepar, Ignatia, Lycopodium, Magnesia, Stramonium, Sulphur.

Conium. – Antimonium tart., Cuprum, Digitalis, Lachesis, Lycopodium.

Dulcamara. – Cuprum, Ledum, Mercurius, Sepia, Sulphur.

Euphrasia. – Arnica, Hepar, Mercurius, Natrum muriat., Senega.

Ipecacuanha. – Antimonium crud., Antimonium tart., Arnica, Calcarea, Cuprum, Drosera, Ignatia, Sulphuric acid, Veratrum.

Mercurius. – Antimonium crud., Arnica, Cina, Cuprum, Digitalis, Hepar, Iodium, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Mezereum, Sepia, Silicea, Sulphur.

Mezereum. – Mercurius, Silicea.

Nux Vom. – Ambra, Cuprnm, Digitalis, Drosera, Ignatia, Kali, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Magnesia, Mercurius, Natrum mur., Sepia, Silicea, Stramonium, Sulphur.

Pulsatilla. – Ambra, Antimonium crud., Antimonium tart., Arnica, Cuprum, Digitalis, Ignatia, Kali, Lachesis, Ledum, Lycopodium, Magnesia, Mercurius, Natrum mur., Sepia, Silicea, Stannum, Sulphur, Sulphuric acid.

Sabadilla. – Ambra, Antimonium crud., Cina, Pulsatilla, Sepia, Sulphur, Veratrum.

Veratrum. – Arnica, Cina, Cuprum, Drosera, Mercurius, Sepia, Stramonium.

Verbascum. – Ambra, Mezereum. Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Veratrum.

With regard to the indications of the remedies above enumerated for the third stage, but of which the number is far from being complete, it would be impossible to give more minute details than are afforded in the text and second part of this work, without greatly exceeding the limits of this introduction. The reason lies chiefly in the fact that Hooping Cough patients who have been from the beginning or from a sufficiently early period under homoeopathic treatment very soon experience a diminution of all malignant (?) symptoms; and a third stage strictly so-called, with symptoms of greater or less danger, never occurs except when the patients have been previously under allopathic treatment, or when, generally in consequence of proper aid having been too long delayed, the psora miasm is awakened into activity and then, as so often happens, a drug-cachexy, induced at an earlier period of the disease, has come to complicate it. For if we reflect how very great, as mentioned above, section seven, is the number of drugs, the powers of many of which are in great part unknown – to us at least – which are brought into requisition against this disease by the old school, and if we consider in addition, the just as numerous and various forms of disease which owe their origin to the awakened psora, we shall easily perceive that a treatise upon this subject, embracing, as it must, the manifold sequelae of Hooping Cough, would attain, even were it but half complete, an extent which would make it entirely out of place here.

We conclude then with Hahnemann's oft-repeated admonition: "Follow the example set – follow it full or confidence – but follow it precisely as it has been detailed!" And we do not hesitate to add: "If, after having done this, the expected result does not ensue, relate the whole course of proceeding, honestly, truly and fully, that every expert may pass judgment upon it and then venture, in fall confidence, to warn every one against the homoeopathic treatment of Hooping Cough."

THE REMEDIES AND THEIR SYMPTOMS.

Aconitum nap. – Clear ringing or whistling Hooping Cough, excited by burning sticking in the larynx and in the trachea; generally without expectoration; rarely in the morning and during the day, with expectoration of some mucus mixed with coagulated blood.

Aggravation. – At night, especially after midnight, vexation especially with fright. From being overheated. From taking cold in a dry cold atmosphere or in a current of air. East or North winds [these are dry winds in Germany]. Walking in the open air. In the winter. Assuming an upright position. Rising. Deep inspiration. Speaking. Lying upon the (painful) side. After sleep. Drinking. Tobacco smoke.

Concomitants. – Anxiety and restlessness. Fear and apprehension of death. Fearfulness. Tossing in bed. Whining and lamenting, Dizziness on assuming an upright position. Congestion of the head. Pressure outward in the forehead. Feeling as if the brain were loose. Eyes sparkling. Dilated pupils. Lachrymation. Epistaxis. Face red and puffed. The color of the face frequently changes. Sweat on the forehead and upper lip. Lips black and dry. Inflammation and dark redness of the gullet. Trembling, stammering speech. Unquenchable thirst. Vomiting of drink. Tension and pressure in the hypochondria. Distension of the abdomen which is painful to the touch. Dry nasal catarrh. Extreme dyspnea. Attacks of suffocation. Shortness of breath. Sighing respiration. Offensive breath. Hoarseness. Thoracic congestion. Stitches in the sides of the thorax. Palpitation of the heart with anxiety. Feeling as if beaten, and stitches in the back and loins. Swelling of the hands. Sensitiveness to touch. Cannot lie upon the painful side. Constant desire to maintain the recumbent position. Syncope on rising erect. Drowsiness with inability to sleep. Sleeplessness with constant tossing. Pulse hard, full, very much accelerated. General, dry heat. Internal chilliness, with dry, hot skin and disposition to throw off the coverings. Perspiration of the parts that are covered.

Applicable at the very beginning, but only when the moral and febrile symptoms above detailed are present. Seldom sufficient for the cure of the disease, but indispensable nevertheless for the removal or moderation of the fever that may chance to exist.

Ambra grisea. – Hooping cough, coming deep from the chest, excited by violent tickling in the throat, in rather long paroxysms; in the evening, without expectoration; in the morning, with expectoration, consisting, generally, of grayish white, seldom of yellow mucus, and of a salt or sour taste.

Aggravation, evening and night. – In repose and in a warm room, especially where there are many persons present. After lying down and on awaking from sleep. From reading aloud and talking. From warm drinks, especially warm milk. From keeping late hours, lifting heavy weights, music and in the spring of the year.

Concomitants. – Great seriousness, with aversion to talking and laughing. Headache in the temples from congestion of the head. Fugitive heat of the face. Offensive odor from the mouth. Complete loss of thirst. Much sour or ineffectual eructation. Heartburn. Pressure in the stomach and in the hypochondria. Pain in the region of the spleen, as if something there were torn away. Pains in the epigastrium and hypogastrium. Constipation. Sour smelling urine. Dry nasal catarrh. Shortness of breath. Itching, scratching and soreness in the larynx and trachea. Itching in the chest. Itching in the thyroid gland. The arms and limbs easily go asleep. Fugitive (flashes of) heat with anxiety.

This remedy, although not very often applicable, has yet approved itself in spasmodic coughs not only of elderly and emaciated persons, for whom it is particularly appropriate but also, sometimes, of children. Ambra is immediately indicated by abundant eructations accompanying the cough, a symptom which characterizes also Veratrum and Sulphuric acid – but the former (Veratrum) is sufficiently distinguished by the vomiting attended by cold sweat on the forehead, and the latter (Sulphuric acid) by the cough being increased in the open air.

Anacardium orientale. – Hooping Cough which shakes the patient thoroughly; paroxysms, every three to four hours, excited by tickling in the trachea, at night without expectoration, during the day with expectoration of mucus, which generally has a sweetish flat taste, is often bloody, at other times yellowish purulent and sometimes grey and acrid.

Aggravation. – Night and after (not while) eating; also evening in bed. Renewed every time one speaks. Often more violent every other day or every third day.

Concomitants. – Irascibility, ill-nature and want of moral feeling. Despondency and fear of approaching death. Feeling as if he were possessed of two wills, one of which hinders him from doing that to which the other impels him. Congestion of the head with pains in the hind part of the head. Stitches in the brain. Vomiting of food (with relief). Bursting pain in the abdomen. Fluent coryza. Much sneezing and long continued disposition to sneeze. Attacks of suffocation. Dyspnea. Violent oppression of the chest. Scratching and soreness in the chest. Violent concussion of the whole body. After the attacks, continued yawning and sleepiness.

Almost exclusively adapted to ill-natured children.

Antimonium crudum. – Hooping Cough, coming, as it were, from deep in the abdomen, with coughs which become gradually weaker and weaker as if from increasing closure of the fauces as if by a plug; in the evening without expectoration; in the morning with expectoration of tenacious mucus, mixed with dark blood, and having a flat taste.

Aggravation, morning. – From becoming overheated in a warm atmosphere, in the burning sun and from the radiation of a fire. From drinking (sour) wine and using vinegar. After measles, scarlet fever, chicken-pox, etc. After bathing and washing.

Concomitants. – Sensation of coldness in the nose on inspiration. Vomiting of drinks only. Involuntary discharge of urine. Hot breath. Soreness in the trachea. Great weakness of the voice. Absolute loss of the voice. Burning and sticking pain in the chest. Concussion of the whole body.

This remedy deserves a more extended proving than it has received.

Antimonium tartaricum. – Hooping Cough occurring in short coughs which follow each other in quick succession, excited by tickling and creeping in the throat and larynx; in the evening without expectoration; in the morning with expectoration of tenacious mucus generally somewhat salt, often also, only of a flat, sometimes of a sour taste.

Aggravation, at night. – From the child getting angry, weeping and crying. After eating. After warm drinks, especially milk. In damp cold weather. From remaining in vaulted chambers (churches, cellars). From lying in bed, especially on becoming warm there.

Concomitants. – Weeping and crying. Heat and sweat of the head. Retching. Vomiting of food and drink, even before the paroxysm. Diarrhea. Oppression of the chest. Paroxysms of suffocation. Difficulty in recovering the breath. Rattling in the chest. Pains in the pit of the throat. Burning of the hands. Great prostration. Much yawning. Drowsiness. Great heat. General prostration, most profuse in the face. After the paroxysms, dizziness, sweat of the forehead, yawning and great sleepiness.

Is often suitable for the spasmodic Hooping Cough of adults and requires generally to be followed by Ipecacuanha.

Arnica montana. – Paroxysm of Hooping Cough excited by a creeping in the trachea, generally dry, often with expectoration, generally of frothy blood, mixed with coagula, more rarely, in the evening, of a badly tasting slime which it is impossible to expectorate but which one has to swallow.

Aggravation. – Evening till midnight. Every effort of mind or body. Weeping and crying of children. Touch. Motion. Noise. Talking. Blowing the nose. Stooping. Deep inspiration. Becoming cold. Abuse of spirituous liquors and or China. Coal smoke. Warm rooms. Drinking. Yawning.

Concomitants. – Great anxiety and restlessness. Refuses to reply to anything. Rage and quarrelsome disposition. Compressing headache. Stitches in the head. Bleeding from the nose and mouth. Violent thirst after drinking cold water. Vomiting of food and drink. Vomiting of blood. Pains in the stomach. Offensive breath. Oppression of the chest. Dyspnea. Scraping in the larynx. Burning in the chest. Rawness in the chest. Stitches in the chest (left side). Sensation in the ribs as if bruised. Stitches in the loins. Yawning. Constant restlessness of the body and tossing. Chilliness with burning redness of one or both cheeks. Internal heat with external coldness. Ebullition of the blood with warmth of the upper parts of the body and coldness of the lower parts. Alternate quick and slow action of the pulse and heart.

Wailing, crying and weeping also proceed and follow the paroxysm.

A very important remedy in the most dangerous cases of Hooping Cough, in which the febrile phenomena and the bloody expectoration, even without the cough, would indicate it as the remedy to be selected.

Arsenicum album. — Clear ringing, crowing, or whistling Hooping Cough, excited by a burning tickling in the trachea and in the throat-pit, as if from the vapor of Sulphur, at night without expectoration, in the day time with expectoration of mucus, scanty and generally frothy, or in lumps, of various taste and color (bitter, putrid, purulent, saltish, offensive, grey, yellow), sometimes mixed with florid blood, returning periodically with increasing violence.

Aggravation. – Evening and night. Ill humor. Being spoken to by others. After eating. Drinking. Repose after motion. After lying down. Becoming cold. In the cold, open air. Turning over in bed.

Concomitants. – Before the paroxysm. Anxiety and restlessness, the face pale and cold. Vomiting of food and drink. Starting up in sleep, frightened, as by suffocation .

During the Paroxysm. – Crying and whining of children. Anxiety and despair. Cannot bear to be alone. Fear of death. Malice. Love of scandal. Burning and shocks in the head. Face puffed and blue. Stitches in the cheeks. Burning and roughness in fauces. Violent thirst, drinking but little each time. Nausea. Retching. Burning in the stomach with bitter eructations. Stitches in the hypochondria. Burning. Sticking and pain as if bruised in the abdomen. Involuntary, burning, offensive diarrhea. Involuntary burning micturition. Coryza of acrid burning water. Paroxysms of suffocation. Want of breath. Dyspnea. Oppression of the chest. Constriction of the larynx. Distention of the chest. Burning and itching in the chest. Palpitation of the heart. Twitching in the hips. Emaciation and great debility. Convulsions. Restlessness of the limbs. Trembling. Pulse frequent in the morning, slow at evening. External coldness, with cold, clammy sweat. Dry burning heat. The paroxysm ends with sweat. Internal heat, with burning in the veins.

This remedy, given in exact accordance with the above indications, sometimes rescues a patient at a time when all appeared lost – but only when given in the smallest doses and in a high potency.

Baryta carbonica. – Spasmodic cough, like Hooping Cough, excited by roughness and tickling in the throat and in the epigastrium; evening without expectoration: morning with difficult expectoration of a yellowish, tenacious, starch like, often saltish mucus (less frequently vice versa).

Aggravations. – Generally evening until midnight. The feet becoming cold. Eating, especially of warm food. Eructations. Lying upon the left side. Active motion and ascending. Stooping. In the cold, open air. Being in the company of (strange) persons. Thinking of one's illness.

Concomitants. – Aversion to playing. Dread of strangers. Disposition to weep. Indecision. Sudden ebullition of temper with cowardice. Dull redness of the face. Sore throat with swelling of the tonsils. Roughness in the throat. Much thirst. Pains in the abdomen, which is hard and swollen. Coryza, with thick mucus discharged from the nose. Dyspnea. Sensation as if there were smoke in the larynx. Hoarseness. Loss of voice. Chest obstructed by mucus. Soreness in the chest. Sensation as if something hard fell down in the chest. Sensation of soreness at the heart with violent palpitation. Stiffness of the nape of the neck. Drowsiness, day and night. Chilliness.

Is suitable not merely for old men but also for atrophic children, especially when, after the slightest cold, repeated inflammation of the throat occurs, with swelling and suppuration of the tonsils. This remedy certainly belongs among the polychrests, is as yet, however, too little used and hence is but little known.

Belladonna. – Spasmodic cough at night, occurring in paroxysms every quarter of an hour, each paroxysm consisting of but few coughs, with a rough, hollow, barking tone, excited by tickling in the throat, as if from down or, as it were, by constriction of the larynx; without expectoration, or only sometimes scanty expectoration of some florid coagulated blood.

Aggravation. – Evening and night; most violent just after midnight. Every movement or touch, especially at the larynx and throat. Talking. Crying of children. Deep inspiration. Awaking from sleep.

Concomitants. – Before the paroxysm. Weeping. Pains in the stomach. During the paroxysm. Great willfulness. Peevishness. Weeping and crying. Congestion to the head. Headache as if it would burst. Inflammation of the eyes. Sparks before the eyes. Photophobia. Face livid and puffed. Epistaxis. Much sneezing. Hemorrhage from the mouth. Salivation. Inflammation of the throat. Spasms of the gullet. Scratching in the throat. Taste of blood in the mouth. Retching. Vomiting, first of food, then of bile. Pains in the stomach. Stitches in the spleen. Stitches and soreness in the abdomen. Sensation of tearing away in the abdomen. Stitches in the loins. Involuntary passage of feces and urine. Fluent coryza. Dyspnea. Oppression of the chest. Pain and stiffness of the nape of the neck. Congestion of the chest. Rattling in the chest. Violent pains of the whole thorax. Pains in the hips. Concussion of the whole body. Spasms with rigidity of the limbs. Trembling. Starting in sleep. General dry heat, with restlessness. Violent palpitation of the blood-vessels.

This very useful remedy is suitable only at the beginning, or, in later stages, only when cerebral inflammation has supervened.

Bromium. – Croupy, rough, barking or whistling cough excited by tickling in the throat and, as if, by vapor of Sulphur, without expectoration.

Aggravation. – Day time (?). Deep respiration. Violent motion. Great heat in the bed. Use of sour food and of milk. Tobacco smoke.

Concomitants. – Depression and melancholy. Wailing and crying with a hoarse tone. Lachrymation. Paleness of the face. Salivation. Inflammation of the fauces with reticulated redness and denuded patches. Much frothy mucus in the mouth. Water tastes salt. Nausea and retching. Yellow, green or blackish diarrhea. Fluent coryza, with scabby nostrils. Attacks of suffocation as if from vapor of Sulphur. Great dyspnea. Gasping for air. Soreness in the larynx. Sensation of coldness in the larynx. The air inhaled is very cold. Oppression of the chest with palpitation. Convulsions. Great weakness. Yawning and sleepiness. Accelerated pulse. Chilliness, with shuddering. Sweat after the paroxysm.

This remedy also, which well deserves a more extended proving, has seldom been used. A leading indication would seem to be the sensation of coldness in the larynx, although Sulphur has the same symptom. In croup, also, Bromine has not fulfilled the expectations that were entertained of it.

Bryonia alb. – Spasmodic Hooping Cough, as if from vapor of Sulphur, or excited by tickling in the throat and in epigastrium; evening and night without expectoration, morning and day time with expectoration of mucus which is yellow, or mixed with coagulated, brownish blood, often cold, has generally an unpleasant flat taste and is at first difficult to dislodge.

Aggravation. – Evening and night. Exertion. Motion. Talking. Laughing. After every act of eating or drinking. Cold air. Becoming cold after being heated. In a damp room. By deep inspiration. After lying down. After measles.

Concomitants. – Peevishness, irritability and violence. Fear of death. Despair of recovery. Stitches in the head. Pressure and bursting pain. Swelling of the upper eyelids. Epistaxis. Puffy redness and heat of the face. Lips cracked and bleeding. Stitches and scratching in the throat. Violent thirst; he drinks a great deal at a time. Thirst for cold water. Bitter eructations. Flow of water in to the mouth. Nausea. Vomiting of solid, not of liquid food. Vomiting, first of bile, then of food. Pains in the stomach. Stitches and soreness in the epigastrium and in the hypochondria. Sticking pain in the liver. Distension of the abdomen. Stitches in the abdomen. Pressure to urinate and involuntary discharge of urine. Dry nasal catarrh. Shortness of breath. Dyspnea. Panting for for breath. Disposition to deep inspiration. Attacks of dyspnea and suffocation. Soreness in the trachea. Hoarseness. Inflammation of the lungs. Stitches, soreness and bursting pain in the chest. Soreness of the ribs, as if beaten. Palpitation of the heart. Stitches in the sacral region and the back. Sleeplessness until midnight. Chilliness, with heat of the head, red cheeks and thirst. Unctuous, oily sweat.

Indicated only in the first stage, or, later, in the case of an inflammatory affection of the chest supervening in the course of the cough.

Calcarea carbonica. – Short, spasmodic cough, in brief, but frequently repeated paroxysms, excited by a tickling as if from feathers or down in the throat and trachea; in the evening and at night without expectoration, but in the morning and during the day attended by copious mucous or purulent, yellow or greyish, sometimes bloody expectoration, having generally a sour taste and an offensive odor.

Aggravations. – Evening and night. In the open air, especially if it is damp and cold. From getting wet. From washing. From bathing. From eating. From drinking water. From talking. After lying down. During sleep.

Concomitants. – Susceptibility to fright. Disposition to weep. Obstinacy in the case of children. Vertigo. Rush of blood to the head. Feeling of coldness in the head. Sticking, tearing and bursting pain in the head. Sweat of the head. The eyes are suffused with tears in the morning, but dry at evening. Everything becomes black before the eyes. Dilated pupils. Spasms of the esophagus. Stitching pains in the hard palate. Roughness in the throat. Thirst at night. Thirst for cold drinks. Nausea after drinking milk. Sour vomiting. Vomiting of food and of sweetish mucus. Oppression of the stomach. Distension of the epigastrium. Inability to endure clothing tight about the stomach. Blows in the abdomen. Protrusion of the inguinal hernia. Dry nasal catarrh, with annoying dryness of the nose. Dyspnea. Hoarseness. Feeling as if something tore itself loose in the larynx. Roughness, sticking and soreness in the thorax. Palpitation of the heart, Hands covered with sweat. The fingers and toes become as if dead. Epileptiform attacks. Severe orgasms of blood. Palpitation of the arteries. Chilliness. Flashes of heat, with palpitation.

This remedy is seldom indicated during true Hooping Cough; but so much the more frequently for the sequelae often met with; and especially in cases in which Ipecacuanha, Belladonna, or Sulphur were previously indicated.

Carbo animalis. – Suffocating, hoarse cough, excited by rawness and dryness in the larynx and in the trachea, unattended by expectoration at night, but in the day time accompanied by a grey, greenish, sometimes purulent, expectoration of an offensive, somewhat sour, taste.

Aggravations. – Evening and night. During sleep. By lying upon the right side. By cold air. By damp cold weather. By deep inspiration. By tobacco smoke.

Concomitants. – Alternations of disposition, passing from excessive gaiety to an inclination to weep. Occipital headache. Sensation as if the brain were loose. Epistaxis. Offensive odor from the mouth. Roughness in the throat. Soreness and rawness in the throat. Concussion of the abdomen. Soreness in the abdomen. Outward pressure in the abdomen. Involuntary discharge of urine. Dry nasal catarrh. Sneezing. Dyspnea. Asthmatic respiration. Attacks of suffocation. In the morning, hoarseness; at night, aphonia. Constriction of the larynx. Sticking and constriction in the thorax. Feeling of coldness in the chest. Rattling in the chest. Palpitation of the heart. Sticking pains in the sacral region. Sweat which leaves a yellow stain.

Closely related to the following remedy (Carbo vegetabilis) possessing powers similar, yet appreciably different, as the symptoms prove, and much less frequently indicated.

Carbo vegetabilis. – Spasmodic, hollow Hooping Cough, in short hard coughs and infrequent paroxysms (4-5), excited by a feeling as if Sulphur vapor were inhaled, or by a creeping irritation in the larynx: and throat; in the evening, without expectoration, in the morning, with a yellow, greenish or purulent, sometimes brownish bloody expectoration, or, less frequently, a tenacious, whitish mucous or watery expectoration. The sputa have an offensive sour or saltish taste and an unpleasant odor.

Aggravations. – Evening till midnight. By motion. By walking in the open air. In damp cold air. By passing from a warm into a cold atmosphere. By becoming cold. After lying down. By expiration. By eating or drinking, especially of cold food or drink. By talking.

Concomitants. – Attacks of anxious despondency at evening, amounting to despair. Violent irritability. Rush of blood to the head. Drawing from the nape of the neck upwards and forwards. Blows and stitches in the head. Bleeding from the eyes. Lachrymation. Epistaxis. Paleness of the face. Cold sweat of the face. Drawing in the cheeks. Cracked lips. Sore throat on swallowing. Redness and burning in the throat and fauces. Scorbutic condition of the gums. Longing for coffee. Food has a saltish taste. Retching. Evening, vomiting of food. Vomiting of blood and bile. Vomiting of mucus. Bruised feeling in the hypochondria. Sticking in the liver and spleen. Distension of the abdomen. Stitches in the abdomen. Many offensive discharges of flatus. Burning hemorrhoids. Dry nasal catarrh. Evening, fluent coryza. Sneezing. Dyspnea. Constriction of the chest. Soreness and ulcerative pain in the larynx and trachea. Hoarseness. When talking, the voice fails. At night, aphonia. Ulcerative pain in the thyroid gland. Soreness and rawness in the chest. Burning, pressure and sticking in the chest. Whistling and rattling of mucus in the chest. Palpitation of the heart. Stitches in the back. Burning pains in the limbs. Sleepiness in the day and late going to sleep. Feeble pulse. Chill and coldness, with thirst. Flashes of heat. Cold, offensive sweat.

This is one of our best Hooping Cough remedies, especially in the beginning of the disease, and is applicable in many epidemics especially when they occur in damp and cold, or in cold and frosty weather.

It is often suitable after Veratrum. After it, China or Drosera are often indicated.

Causticum. – Unceasing, short hollow cough, excited by a creeping, tickling and by much mucus in the throat, for the most part in the day time without expectoration, at night with detaching (though this is sometimes reversed) of an acrid, fatty-tasting mucus, which however cannot be discharged but must be swallowed.

Aggravations. – Evening till midnight. More rarely early in the morning (alternate action). Expiration. Stooping. Talking. Eating. Drinking coffee. Getting warm after taking cold. Becoming cold. Cold air and being in a current of air. Waking out of sleep. (A swallow of cold water allays the cough.)

Concomitants. – Melancholy disposition to weep. Timorous anxiety and depression. Paroxysms of quarrelsome anger. Stitches in the temple. Rush of blood to the head, with roaring in the head and ears. Much mucus in the mouth and fauces. Roughness of the throat. Soreness and burning in the fauces. Speech is difficult. Aversion to any thing sweet. Vomiting of sour water. Distended hard abdomen in children. Disposition to constipation. Involuntary discharge of urine. Nasal catarrh, at night dry, in the day time fluent. Dyspnea. Spasmodic constriction of the chest. Soreness in the trachea. Hoarseness. Rattling in the chest. Burning, sticking and soreness in the chest. Palpitation of the heart. Sticking in the region of the heart. Stiffness and tension in the nape of the neck, down the back. Pain in the hips as if luxated. Children fall easily. Restlessness in the whole body Sleepiness in the day time and sleeplessness at night. Frequent waking on account of the cough. Starting up from sleep in a fright. Constant chilliness. Copious sweat on motion, especially in the open air.

Applicable only in the first, catarrhal stage. But in this stage, when the symptoms, in other respects correspond exactly, it cuts the disease short and prevents the outbreak of fully developed Hooping Cough.

Chamomilla. – A hollow suffocating cough, resembling Hooping Cough, provoked by tickling in the chest, throat, larynx and supra-sternal fossa, at night without, in the day time with, a scanty, tenacious, mucous expectoration of a bitter or offensive taste.

Aggravations. – At night. By ill-nature. By anger. By crying and weeping. By talking. By eating, By drinking coffee. By talking cold. By cold air. During the prevalence of dry east and north winds. [In Germany the East and North-East winds are dry winds, corresponding to our West and North-West winds.] In the open air, especially if it be windy. During sleep. (Relieved by becoming warm in bed.)

Concomitants. – Great restlessness and anxious tossing. Irritable whimpering. Violent crying and screaming. Aversion to music. Rush of blood to the head. Inflammation of the eyes (until they bleed). Rolling of the eyes. Redness of one cheek. Twitching of the facial muscles. Hot clammy sweat of the forehead. Frothing at the mouth. Dryness in the throat. Dark, inflammatory redness of the fauces. Constant thirst. Sour or bitter vomiting. Sour vomiting of mucus and of drink. Pains in abdomen with intolerance of touch. Green curdled diarrhea. Diarrhea of undigested matters. Fluent coryza. Attacks of dyspnea. Dyspnea as if seated in the supra-sternal fossa. Burning and stinging pain in the larynx. Rattling of mucus, purring and wheezing in the trachea. Hoarseness. Tickling and stinging pain in the supra-sternal fossa. Oppression of the chest. Burning, stinging pain and bursting feeling in the chest. Opisthotonos. Emaciation. Jerkings and convulsions. Oversensitiveness of the nerves. The child desires to be always carried. Yawning and stretching. Coma with groaning and starting. Sleeplessness from anxiety. Restless sleep, with weeping, crying and tossing. Shivering with internal heat. Burning heat with sour sweat.

Like the preceding remedy (Causticum) applicable only in the first stage, but then, likewise, when the symptoms correspond exactly, it exerts by reason of its special appropriateness to affections of children, the happiest effects.

China. – Hoarse Hooping Cough, excited by tickling in the trachea, or as if by vapor of Sulphur; in the night and morning without expectoration; in the day and evening with an expectoration of pus, mixed with dark coagulated blood, or of tenacious mucus, having a flat, saltish or sour taste, or more rarely a repulsive sweetish taste.

Aggravations. – Evenings, and also after midnight and in the early morning; less in the afternoon from two to four o'clock. From vexation; laughing; speaking for a long time; eating and drinking. From lying with the head low. From gently touching the throat. From taking cold. From exposure to a current of air. In damp cold weather. On awaking from sleep. From losses of animal fluids of whatever kind.

Concomitants. – Anxiety. Overexcitability. Crying. Apathy and indifference. Scheming. Congestion of the head. Bursting headache. Scalp sensitive to gentle touch. The head sinks backwards when an upright position is assumed. Paleness of the face. Sunken face with hollow eyes. Lips dry and with a black coating. All food has a bitter taste. Inability to digest the evening meal. Retching. Vomiting of blood or bile. Pains in liver and spleen. Diarrhea of watery mucus, or of undigested food. Involuntary stools. Dry nasal catarrh, with much sneezing. Respiration. Wheezing, crowing and snoring sound. Difficult inspiration and rapid expiration. Dyspnea. Attacks of suffocation. Oppression of the chest. Inclination to deep respiration. Soreness in the larynx and in the trachea. Husky, deep, voice. Hoarseness. Pressure and stitching in the chest. Threatening paralysis of the lungs. Palpitation of the heart. Pains in the sternum. Quaking pains in the scapula. Stitches in the back and in the shoulder. Sweat across the back and in the nape of the neck. Great weakness, with trembling. Emaciation. Orgasm of blood. Oversensitiveness of all the nerves. Numbness of all parts of the body on which one lies. Sleeplessness on account of crowding thoughts. Snoring. Coldness of the body, with heat of the face. Thirst increased during the sweat.

Indicated only in the last stage and when paralysis of the lungs threatens to set in, as well as when great exhaustion has resulted from loss of animal fluids of whatever kind. In such circumstances as these, it often acts with almost magical effect.

Cina. – True Hooping Cough, in violent, periodically recurring paroxysms, excited by a sensation as if down were in the throat, and by a quantity of adherent mucus in the throat; in the morning without, in the evening with an expectoration of a whitish slimy, rarely somewhat bloody, almost tasteless substance which is detached with difficulty.

Aggravations. – Morning and evening; in the night the paroxysms are less frequent. By drinking. Deep inspiration. By walking in the open air. By pressure upon the larynx. By running. By reading and writing. By lying upon the right side. By cold air. By yawning. On awaking from sleep. By eating pepper. After loss of animal fluids and by helminthiasis.

Concomitants. – Before the attack. Dread. Blue rings around the eyes. Itching in the nose, causing the patient to bore the nose with the finger. Ravenous hunger. Bellyache. Pappy diarrhea, with ascarides and lumbricoides. Itching of the anus. Sneezing with piercing pain in the temples. Fluent nasal catarrh with purulent mucus. Much mucus in the trachea, with hoarseness. During the attack. Loss of consciousness. Lachrymation. Dilated pupils. Pale face. Cold sweat of the forehead. Bleeding from the mouth and nose. Involuntary discharge of urine. Interrupted, crowing respiration. Want of breath. Dyspnea. Attacks of suffocation. Shocks in the trachea. Hoarseness. Spasms of the chest. Twitching of the fingers. Tonic spasms of the legs. Jerkings in the limbs. Rigidity of the body. Starting in sleep. After the attack. Whimpering and crying, especially when touched. Epistaxis with burning in the nose. Vomiting of food. Vomiting of bile. Vomiting of mucus with lumbricoides. Difficult deglutition of liquids. Clucking in the abdomen. Diarrhea after drinking. Audible clucking in the throat down to the abdomen. Clucking in the thorax. The thorax seems too narrow. Burning, piercing, and soreness in the chest. Epileptic attacks with consciousness. Sleeplessness with restlessness, weeping and crying.

Although Cina belongs to the class of remedies which are most important for the Hooping Cough of children and is frequently employed; still, nevertheless, it is never, like some other remedies, the almost exclusive remedy in certain epidemics of this disease, but is only indicated in isolated cases, which present its peculiar symptoms, and especially the symptoms of a worm-affection. For this reason the chief characteristics of this remedy are to be found in the symptoms which precede and follow the attack. It generally so modifies these symptoms, that Drosera is indicated after it.

Conium maculatum. – Powerful, spasmodic, nocturnal paroxysms of Hooping Cough, excited by itching and tickling in the chest and throat or as if by a dry spot in the larynx; at night without, in the day time with a difficult, bloody-purulent, sometimes hardened expectoration, or a putrid taste and smell.

Aggravations. – At night. When lying down. After lying down. From sour or salt food. From deep inspiration. From loss of fluids. After measles, and scarlatina and during pregnancy. In the case of old people.

Concomitants. – Disposition to weep. Anxiety in the case of pregnant women. Indifference. Pressing headache. Stitches in the vertex. Buzzing in the ears. Heat of the face. Eructations. Nausea during pregnancy. Vomiting of mucus. Distension of the stomach and abdomen after drinking milk. Stitches in the spleen. Soreness in the abdomen. Uterine spasms. Sneezing. Obstruction of the nares in the morning. Attacks of suffocation. Dyspnea. Oppression of the chest. Stitches in the chest and sternum. Sweat of the palms. Numbness of the hands and feet. Faintness. Pains in the, ulcers. Constant chilliness. Evening fever. Sweat during the first sleep.

Applicable only after measles or scarlatina as well as during pregnancy, in the first stage; under other circumstances only in the third stage, when namely a chronic affection of the trachea threatens and the attacks are confined to the night.

Cuprum metalicum. – Hooping Cough in long, uninterrupted paroxysms which last until the breath is completely exhausted, excited by mucus in the trachea, or by spasms in the larynx; in the evening quite dry, in the morning often with a scanty expectoration of mucus with dark blood, of a putrid taste and odor.

Aggravations. – Day and night, in attacks which recur every half hour to two hours. By eating solid food. By inhaling cold air. By deep inspiration. During the North and East winds. [In Germany the East and North-East winds are dry winds, corresponding to our West and North-West winds.] By laughing. By bending the body backwards. By taking cold. (Relieved by a swallow of cold water.)

Concomitants. – Before the attacks. Great anxiety. Alternation of gaiety and depression. Chilliness. During the attacks. Dizziness with disposition to sink forwards. Creeping in the head. Distortion of the eyes. Pale, sunken face. Blue lips. Frothing at the mouth. Retching. Vomiting of bile and blood. Hiccough. Pain in the stomach and abdomen with anxiety. Whistling respiration. Arrest of respiration. Attacks of suffocation. Constriction of the chest. Palpitation of the heart. Chronic spasms and convulsions, beginning in the fingers and toes. Stiffness and rigidity of the whole body. Trembling cold sweat. After the attacks. Headache. Audible gurgling of drink down the esophagus. Vomiting only of the solid food. Rapid, rattling respiration. Spasmodic asthma. Hoarseness. Rattling of mucus in the chest. Oversensibility of all the senses. Convulsions. Jerkings during sleep.

Cuprum is the chief remedy in one of the most malignant forms of Hooping Cough, which, happily, does not often present itself and which is similar to that for which Veratrum is indicated. The most striking difference between these two remedies, as between Calcarea and Causticum, is in the effect of a swallow of cold water.

Digitalis purp. – Hollow, deep spasmodic cough, excited by roughness and scratching in the roof of the mouth and in the trachea; in the morning without, in the evening with a scanty, yellow, jelly-like mucus expectorated with difficulty, of a sweetish taste, sometimes with a little dark blood.

Aggravations. – About midnight and about morning. From getting heated. From eating. From drinking cold fluids. From talking. Walking. In the open air. (Very warm air in a room.) On awaking. On bending the body forwards.

Concomitants. – Excessive anxiety. Raving excitement, alternating with melancholy. Disposition to weep. The head sinks backwards. Complexion bluish-pale. Lips blue and thin. Blue tongue. Offensive salivation. Bread tastes bitter. Inclination for bitter food. Vomiting, first of food, then of bile. Nausea, continuing after the vomiting. Feeling of weakness in the stomach. White diarrhea. Ineffectual desire to pass water. Dyspnea. Hoarseness early in the morning. Soreness in the chest. Audible palpitation. Pains in the shoulder and in the arm. Coldness of the hands and feet. Swelling of the feet during the day, decreasing at night. Drowsiness during the day, disturbed by attacks of vomiting. Pulse very slow, much accelerated by the slightest motion. Chilliness, with heat and redness of the face. Heat, with cold sweat of the forehead. Heat of one hand and coldness of the other. General sweat. After the attacks, the greatest prostration.

A remedy, which seldom presents itself as a candidate for selection, but which is sufficiently well characterized by the concomitant symptoms, to obviate any danger of error.

Drosera rotundifolia. – Violent Hooping Cough in periodically recurring paroxysms (every one to three hours), made up of quickly succeeding, barking or mute coughs, which do not permit the recovery of the breath; excited by tickling and a feeling of dryness or as of soft feathers in the larynx; in the evening without, in the morning with, somewhat of a yellow, generally bitter expectoration which the patient has to swallow.

Aggravations. – In the evening after lying down and yet more after midnight. During repose. When lying in bed. By warmth. By drinking. By tobacco smoke. By laughing, singing, weeping. By getting cold. After measles.

Concomitants. – Anxiety. Fear of ghosts. Dread of being alone. Obstinacy. Getting beside oneself with anger. Protrusion of the eyes. The eyelids are livid. Dryness of the nose. Bleeding from the nose and mouth. Bloody saliva. Face puffed and livid. Heat of the face. Cold sweat of the forehead. Dryness in the fauces, with absence of thirst. Difficult deglutition of solid food. Aversion to pork. Bitter taste of food, especially of bread. Nausea and retching. Vomiting, first of food and then of mucus (at the end of the attack). Vomiting of blood. Vomiting after drinking. Painful constriction of the epigastrium and hypochondrii, compelling to press with the hand. Drawing in of the abdomen (with the vomiting). Constriction in the abdomen. Bloody mucous diarrhea. The breath is offensive. Dyspnea. Asthma. Attacks of suffocation. Cannot recover the breath. Gasping for breath. Oppression of the chest, as if from holding back the breath. Dryness and roughness in the larynx and in the trachea. Mucus in the trachea. Constriction of the larynx when talking. Hoarseness. Constriction of the chest. Sticking in the chest. Coldness of the hands. Bruised feeling in the limbs. Sleepiness immediately after sunset. Shivering during repose, even in bed. General sweat.

Among Hooping Cough remedies, Drosera holds unquestionably a prominent place and it is suitable in many epidemics. But to give this remedy blindly, in every case of Hooping Cough, without previously taking proper counsel of the symptoms, shows a very imperfect knowledge of the true nature of Homoeopathy. By reason of its many alternate effects, a repetition of the dose of Drosera without an intercurrent remedy is seldom beneficial. (Sulphur and Veratrum are the most appropriate intercurrents.)

Dulcamara solanum. – Hooping Cough, excited by excessive secretion of mucus in the larynx and trachea; hence each paroxysm is attended by copious, easy expectoration of tasteless mucus, and often with florid blood.

Aggravations. – At night. By long repose and subsequent exertion. Deep respiration. Talking. Damp cold atmosphere. By taking cold from getting wet. From repercussion of eruptions of various kinds.

Concomitants. – Restlessness and impatience. Rush of blood to the head. Roaring in the ears. Epistaxis with light colored blood. Red cheeks and pale face. Dry, swollen tongue. Difficulty in speaking. Much mucus in the fauces. Salivation. Hunger without appetite. Excessive thirst for cold water. Vomiting of mucus. Mucous diarrhea. Involuntary discharge of fetid urine. Mucous sediment in the urine. Dry nasal catarrh in a dry atmosphere. The trachea is full of mucus. Hoarseness. Oppression of the chest from accumulation of mucus. Nocturnal palpitation of the heart. Convulsions beginning in the face. Inactivity of the external skin with excessive secretion from the internal mucous membranes and glands. Restless sleep after midnight. Dry heat with burning in the skin. Entire absence of sweat.

Dulcamara is seldom applicable except in cases in which, after the suppression of cutaneous eruptions, or after taking a violent cold, the above described excessive secretion of mucus in internal organs furnishes an indication.

Euphrasia officinal. – Attacks of cough, like Hooping Cough, excited by copious, flat-tasting, watery mucus, sometimes streaked with blood, in the chest and throat, which it is difficult to dislodge and which can be expectorated only in the morning.

Aggravations. – The cough occurs almost exclusively in the day – not at night; but the general condition is worse in the evening. On awaking from sleep. In repose. On lying down. When lying in bed. When sitting and standing. From deep respiration. From talking. From tobacco and other smoke. From wind.

Concomitants. – Introverted quiet. Aversion to speaking. Vertigo. Heaviness and dullness of the head. Inflammation of the eyes, with acrid, biting tears and photophobia. Soreness of the nostrils. Stiffness of the upper lip. Stammering and difficulty in speaking. Gurgling upwards in the throat. Nausea. Copious discharge of watery urine. Coryza, with acrid, watery discharge. The breath stops. Want of breath. Dyspnea. Short breath. Numbness of the fingers and legs. Trembling of the limbs. Early waking (about three o'clock). General sweat. Night sweat.

This, little used (and little known), remedy which is similar in many respects to the preceding one, is yet distinct enough through the acrid watery nature of its secretions (those of Dulcamara being always bland), as well as by several other symptoms indicated above.

Ferrum metallicum. — Spasmodic cough, excited by tickling in the trachea; in the evening without, in the morning with a blood-streaked purulent or albumen-like, slimy, sometimes frothy or greenish expectoration of a sweetish - putrid or a sourish taste.

Aggravations. – In the evening until midnight; during this period the sputa are not dislodged, but in the day time, during motion, they become loosened. By repose. By sitting and lying. By exertion; eating and drinking; (motion and walking in the open air). Loss of fluids. Abuse of tea or of China. Use of brandy. Tobacco smoke.

Concomitants. – Anxiety, like anguish, of conscience. On alternate evenings, excessive gaiety and sadness. Headache in the occiput. Throbbing headache. Epistaxis. Paleness of the face and lips. Puffiness around the eyes. No appetite for anything but bread and butter. Sour vomiting of food, relieved at once by eating. Vomiting about midnight. Oppression of the stomach each, time after eating and drinking. Contraction in the epigastrium. Flatulent colic at night. Undigested diarrhea. The breath is hot. Want of breath and constriction of the chest. At the end of a coughing-fit the breath fails. Roughness of the larynx. Hoarseness. Sticking and bruised sensation in the chest. Constricting spasm of the chest. Feeling of dryness in the chest. Pressure superiorly upon the sternum. Swelling of the hands and feet. Cold feet. Rapid emaciation. Great debility. Constant desire to lie down. Restless sleep, with anxious toss. Exhausting sweat.

Seldom applicable for children, but all the more frequently for drinkers of brandy, or for persons who have taken much China or have been accustomed to the excessive use of tea.

Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum. – Attacks of deep, dull, whistling Hooping Cough, excited by tickling in the larynx which feels as if it were caused by down; in the evening without, in the morning with expectoration or masses of mucus which are often purulent and bloody, and have generally a sour but sometimes a sweet taste, and, in the latter case, an offensive odor.

Aggravations. – Evening until midnight. Becoming cold even in one extremity only. Eating or drinking anything cold. Cold air. East and North wind. [In Germany the East and North-East winds are dry winds, corresponding to our West and North-West winds.] Lying in bed. Talking. Weeping. Tobacco smoke.

Concomitants. – Great anxiety. Disposition to weep and actual weeping (also after the attack). Irritability with hasty speech. Vertigo from shaking the head. Roaring in the head. A pressing outwards in the forehead. Protruding eyes. Weeping of the inflamed eyes. Heat of the face with redness. Shocks in the malar bone. Sticking in the fauces as if from a splinter. Much thirst. Nausea. Retching. Vomiting. Tickling in the epigastrium. Burning in the stomach. Contraction in the abdomen. Sour smelling diarrhea. Red and hot urine. Sneezing (also after the attack). Anxious, whistling respiration. Attacks of suffocation compelling to assume the upright posture and to bend backwards. Rattling in the trachea. Sensibility of the larynx to cold air. Pains in one spot of the larynx. Roughness in the throat. Hoarseness. Swelling below the larynx. Throbbing of the carotids. Shattering shocks and soreness in the chest. Rattling in the chest. Weakness in the chest, which makes speaking difficult. Numbness of the fingers. Swelling about the ankles. Profound sleep with bead thrown back. Starting up out of sleep. Chilliness in the day time in the open air. Dry beat at night, with dread of being uncovered. Copious sour sweat.

The form of Hooping Cough to which Hepar corresponds, and which may easily prove fatal in the space of even a few days, reminds one, in a general way, of the croup of children which is wont to prevail at the same time. It was never observed until within a few years and happily is not frequently met with. It is always cured by this remedy. The catarrhal cough which sometimes remains as a sequela is met by Belladonna, or less frequently by Nux vom.

Hyoscyamus niger. – Shattering, spasmodic Hooping Cough, with frequent, rapidly succeeding coughs; excited by a tickling as if from mucus firmly seated in the trachea; at night without, in the day time with expectoration of a somewhat saltish mucus or of a bright red blood mixed with coagula.

Aggravations. – At night, especially after midnight. In repose. When lying down (relieved by sitting up). During sleep. By cold air. By taking cold. By eating and especially by drinking. During and after measles and scarlatina.

Concomitants. – Anxious apprehensions. Disposition to escape. Loquacious, quarrelsome. Laughing at everything. Vertigo as if from drunkenness. Rush of blood to the head. Stitches in the forehead. The head sinks on this side and on that. The eyes protrude and are distorted. Epistaxis consisting of bright red blood. Livid, puffed face. Heat and redness of the face. Flow of saltish saliva. Froth at the mouth. Ability to swallow liquid only with difficulty and a little at a time with violent thirst. Vomiting of food or of bloody mucus. Retching. Painful distension of the abdomen. Soreness in the abdominal muscles. Involuntary discharge of feces and urine. Dyspnea. Catching, rattling or wheezing respiration. Loss of breath as after rapid running. Husky voice, as from mucus in the throat. Spasm of the chest, compelling to bend forwards. Soreness in the thoracic muscles. Trembling of the arms and hands. Coldness of the hands and feet. Convulsions. Sleeplessness. Distended veins. Coldness, with heat of the face. Coldness, alternating with heat. Sweat during the sleep.

Hyoscyamus, as is well known, is a remedy closely allied to Belladonna; but it is easily distinguished from it by the symptoms just cited. In Hooping Coughs, not only of children but also of adults, it is more frequently indicated than Belladonna.

Ignatia amara. – Hollow spasmodic cough, excited, in the evening, by an irritation in the supra-sternal fossa, as if from vapor of Sulphur or from down, and, in the morning, by a tickling just above the epigastrium; generally without expectoration; only in the evening, accompanied by scanty and difficult sputa, which taste and smell like the secretions of a chronic catarrh.

Aggravations. – Day and night about the same, somewhat aggravated in the evening. By the very act of coughing (relieved by suppressing the coughs). By lying in bed (relieved by changing position in bed). By lying down. By rising from the bed. By standing still. When walking. On awaking. By mental exertion. Speaking. Vexation with grief. Fright. Measles. Brandy. Tobacco smoke.

Concomitants. – Vacillating humor. Suppressed grief. Desire to be always alone. Disposition to weep. Dread of labor. Pressing headache. Bending the head backwards. Changing complexion. Sweat of the face. Sticking sore throat, relieved by swallowing food. Sensation as if a foreign body were in the throat. Hiccough after a meal. Vomiting of food. Feeling of emptiness and weakness in the epigastrium. Fullness and distension in the hypochondria. Spasms in the abdomen. Involuntary discharge of urine. Pains in the penis. Fluent coryza. Alternating perspiration. Dyspnea and attacks of suffocation. Deep respiration. Slow inspiration and rapid expiration. Soreness in the larynx. Tearing and contraction in the larynx. Pains in the whole trachea. Low voice. The chest feels as if too small. Palpitation of the heart. Opisthotonus. Jerkings in the arms, fingers and legs. Uncommon alternation in all the symptoms. Spasmodic yawning. Sleep after the paroxysms. External cold with internal heat and the contrary, quickly alternating.

The Hooping Cough for which Ignatia is appropriate seldom or never presents itself from the very beginning in the form described; but generally develops itself, as such, in the course of the disease under the influence of silent vexation, grief or shame, in which cases this remedy brings so much the more certainly a speedy recovery.

Iodium. – Spasmodic cough, excited by intolerable tickling in the larynx and in the supra-sternal fossa; in the morning without, in the evening with (frequently copious) tenacious, yellow, or bloody mucous expectoration .

Aggravations. – In the morning. By vexation; motion: walking; going up stairs; talking; lying upon the back; warm air; by getting heated; by tobacco smoke.

Concomitants. – Anxiety. Melancholy depression. Rush of blood to the head. Yellowness of the whites of the eyes. Epistaxis. Earthy-colored, brownish complexion. Teeth yellow and shiny. Inflammation of the fauces. Difficult deglutition. Salivation. Canine hunger. Great thirst. Water-brash. Nausea and retching. Vomiting of food renewed at every meal. Pain of the stomach and liver. Painful swelling of the spleen. Swelling of the mesenteric glands. Nasal catarrh, dry in the morning, fluent in the evening. Want of breath. Dyspnea. Hoarseness. Inflammation of the larynx and trachea. Burning and tickling in the throat. External swelling of the throat and of the thyroid body. Burning, itching and tickling in the chest. Violent palpitation. Cold sweat of the hands. Excoriating sweat of the feet. Orgasms of the blood. Emaciation, but nevertheless a good appetite. Great weakness and sense of prostration. Trembling of the limbs. Swelling and induration of the glands. Dry, dirty skin.

This remedy is so much the more rarely applicable, inasmuch as it is in its various preparations, a darling remedy of the Allopaths. Nevertheless, even in cases in which it has been already given by them, provided always it is exactly indicated, the high potencies of pure Iodine exert an extremely beneficial action.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 08, 1866, pages 281-291, pages 321-334, pages 361-370, pages 410-424]

[Description: Hooping Cough.]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.]

[Year: 1866]

JENICHEN'S HIGH POTENCIES.

BY DR. C. VON BOENNINGHAUSEN

(Translated from the Allgemeine Homoepathische Zeitung.)

BY A. LIPPE, M.D., PHILADELPHIA.

At the convention of the homoeopathic physicans of the Rhine Provinces and Westphalia, held at Dortmund on the 26th of July 1860, a report on Jenichen's high potencies was made by Dr. C. von Boenninghausen.

Jenichen's high potencies, which for the last ten years have almost been forgotten, have lately been spoken of, here and there, in a suspicious manner.

The principal fault, and one apparently just and based upon good reasons, was that Jenichen had not publicly made known his mode of preparing medicines.

It was therefore taken for granted — we cannot see for what reason — that Jenichen employed a method different from that one adopted by Hahnemann; and this assertion is sustained by calculations of probabilities and arguments exabsurdo. The hope that we should be enlightened on this subject by Dr. Hering, who is believed to be in possession of Jenichen's communications on his mode of preparing medicines, has up to this day not been realized, and no one else is able to give any authentic communication on this subject. We were in doubt, and continue to remain so, on this really important point, but scepticism was carried further than was admissible, and finally it was asserted that there was nothing in this subject but undignified mystification, which should be opposed with energy. We will not recount how great and good men, who are devoted to our new art went too far in extending this suspicion; and because the mode of preparation was unknown to them, declined to make experiments. Nor shall I relate the many and important testimonials in praise of these preparations. We are inclined to forgive this excess of caprice, if it originated in a desire for clearness and purity in science. But many, and I am sorry to say, a great many, have no other excuse for rejecting these preparations than the gradual increase in the administration of the low dilutions, and sneer at those who remain true to the forward progress of Hahnemann. Under these circumstances we feel constrained to throw some light on this subject, and as a small contribution to this purpose we give a letter from Jenichen.

No one can for an instant suppose that this letter was either written for this end or for publication at all.

We will first give his own words as far as they touch the question at issue, and mark with numbers the sentences to which we will add a few remarks.

The letter is dated Wismar, January 2d, 1846, written in Jenichen's well known handwriting and therefore original. It is directed to our well known and esteemed Staph, from whom we received this letter long ago. The part referred to reads as follows: "The words of our Gross, where will it end," (he meant the high potencies) "and who can mark the limit," induced me — because we cannot know a priori, and because the experiment alone can solve the question (1) — to resolve on the 22d ult., to potentize Arsenic from 2500 up to 8000, and my ever-faithful arm-strength accomplished it in 165000 strong arm shakes (2). I enclose you these allmeasure-overstepping preparations, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 thousand (3); the middle potencies 35, 45, 55, 65, and 75 hundred (4) I will send later, if necessary. It will be very interesting for you to ascertain if Arsenic 8000 has any effect at all, or if the limit of its action has been reached by a lower potency. I have sent the same preparations to Gross yesterday, and am sending them today to Hering (5). The trial will require but little time, because if there is no result in 12 hours, as was the case with other high potencies, the choice was wrong and Ars. 8000 has no effect (6).

On the 1st "of January, 1846, at 2-30 a.m., (7) Arsenic 8000 was born. I feel a great desire to know if this little child will soon die or reach an age of some hundreds of years, which will be decided by its having none, some, or very great effects (8). I believe the latter (great effects) will be the result, but among us that does not mean much, since belief is not of much value. Experiment, and experiment alone, must decide (9). And please give Arsenic 8000 where there can be no doubt that it is the remedy. I ask you also to send some of these preparations to Boenninghausen, so that he also may try them and give us his assistance in deciding this very interesting question (10). Were we only a month older, we would be able to draw conclusions in the range of potencies (11). If Arsenic 8000 cures, I shall potentize Chamomilla up to 4000, that we may expand our views. The triumph, for which I hope, does not belong to me, it belongs to Hering, who says "every year higher."

It is not enough that Arsenic 8000 cures, but we will then most certainly find cases in which Arsenic 3 and 5000 fail, but where Arsenic 8000 cures. I am therefore glad that the next number of the Archiv does not appear before three months."

This is the text of Jenichen's letter as far as it concerns this case: we will now give some short notes and explanations.

1. We will only say a few words about experiment and experience. If that which has been stated by Jenichen's (and our) adversaries is correct, that the highest potencies were only preparations of the same dilution more repeatedly shaken, he would not have been under the necessity first to wait for the experiment and the experience, as there is not the most remote supposition, based upon facts, that repeated shaking (or trituration) diminishes or suspends the previous efficaciousness. On the contrary there are thousands of facts known to the opposite, which induced Hahnemann to warn us against an excess.

2. From the 22d of December till January 1st are nine days, and if that part of the night of January 1st is counted, that much more. This space of nine days had Jenichen spent to elevate the potency of Arsenic from 2500 to 8000, that is, to make 5500 new potencies. If he applied, as he positively states, 165000 arm shakes it will give each number, according to plain calculation 30 arm shakes. In the same manner it is calculated (including the last night until 21/2 o'clock) for each day about 18000 arm shakes; for the hour, taking only twelve working hours in the day, 1500, and for the minute, 24 arm shakes, of which in this space of time 150 can be given by one accustomed to it. There was time enough left for one as experienced as Jenichen to empty the vial and fill it by a measure glass again. In these statements we can see nothing improbable, as some arithmeticians have tried to show by their calculations. What Jenichen says of his "ever faithful arm-strength" has reference to his unusual strength and endurance, well known to his friends and of which he has given frequent and astonishing proofs.

To further explain his mode of preparation I here annex a part of Jenichen's letter directed to me under date of the 8th of November, 1845.

"If the preparation, especially of the higher potencies, was not attended with so much toil, and took so much time. — The tiresome monotony is also a painful addition. — And moreover, there is no possibility of thinking of any thing else during the act of potentizing (in consequence of the counting of the shakes) if even preparations are to be accomplished. It would be no wonder that, before the end had been accomplished, the enthusiasm should begin to cool. But the knowledge that I make preparations for the whole sick world — (I at least hope that my preparations will be in the course of time, distributed all over the world), that I make preparations which no one else can prepare equally well, that is it which encourages me and revives my physical strength, and I therefore do not merit any special praise, because I only do my duty."

For those who are not satisfied with the words communicated in a confidential letter by a man of honor, I have nothing more to add.

3. The six preparations here-mentioned Jenichen did send our friend Staph, who (see 10) according to his wish divided them with me and also sent the above letter at the same time.

4. The intermediate potencies mentioned, Jenichen kept and later sent them to me. Herein lies a new proof that Jenichen made his preparations strictly after the Hahnemanian method, i. e. in the centesimal scale. The decimal scale was then almost unknown, an innovation by younger Homoeopathists never accepted by the strict adherents of Hahnemann, to which number Jenichen belonged, and which innovation, it is to be hoped, will never be accepted. It is more probable that Jenichen adopted Korsakoff's method; by this method the potency vial is every time emptied, (provided the potency is not to be preserved) and 99 to 100 drops of Alcohol are added to the fluid remaining in the glass. This would make no essential difference, as the proportion remains the same as if a fresh vial was taken for each number, which would only increase the expense.

5. Experience alone, as Jenichen very truly says, can here ascertain and decide where the efficacy of potentized medicine ceases. At that time he could have no forebodings, that by each further potentization the curative sphere of the medicine was enlarged, by developing powers till then latent. Something so marvelous and, a priori, entirely incredible could only be noticed by a few Homoeopathists, who for a number of years had employed high potencies, while they kept their journals exact. We are sorry that we are deprived of the testimony of two great defenders of the high potencies, Staph and Gross, who were convinced by experiment, both of whom are now dead. Nevertheless their testimony remains in the three volumes of the Neues Archiv fur Homoeopathische Heilkunst, forever a valuable legacy for the future, when we hope further experiments will be made.

6. What Jenichen here says about the quick curative action of the high potencies is so true and so entirely based upon facts, that I do not hesitate, after long years of experience, to endorse it unhesitatingly. But if this is true and if this is endorsed by all those without exception who have made continued experiments, we must find it incomprehensible, how many who have no experience at all, have the audacity to admit the applicability of the higher dynamizations in chronic cases, but not in acute diseases, where often the quickest relief becomes necessary. And this entirely erroneous and false view is daily repeated without the least proof, and with an assurance as if any contradiction was entirely inadmissible. But, if these assertions are properly sifted, we find readily that they are not based upon experiment, and that they are only a repetition of what somebody has said, who pretends to be a master of the art, and is not afraid of being contradicted by the inexperienced. Such bold and haughty propagandists of falsehoods are the most dangerous enemies of science, and deserve to stand on the pillory of literature as genuine forgers.

7. Mention as regards time has been made under 2.

8. Notwithstanding all the pains which have been taken to strangle the infant, the attempt to murder has failed and only so much has been accomplished, that for the present, until better and less prejudiced times come, it is to be nursed in a quiet retirement, where only the few initiated are admitted. It seems as if Homoeopathy for the last twenty years has undergone a process of fermentation and purification which will serve to separate falsehood from truth. For the present every one holds to his opinions and views; this is natural and excusable, though the reasons may not always be tenable; but consistency must not degenerate into blind obstinacy, and above all experiment must be allowed to decide the question. What experiment repeatedly confirms, cannot be denied by reasoning alone; and as we express ourselves today about the errors of our forefathers, so will posterity judge us; but then, as we doubt not, this child of Jenichen's will emerge from his present obscurity and fill the place which belongs to him by right.

9. Yes! experiment, and experiment only, must decide, and Hahnemann himself always appeals to it and always repeats the admonition "imitate faithfully:" this is also true in every thing Homoeopathy teaches or affirms. That in this doctrine we already possess so many things which we cannot comprehend and which seem even to be opposed to common sense, no Homoeopathist doubts — should he have a right to reject this small addition, solely the result of experiment, for no more weighty reason?

10. This communication was made because I had for the first time (in the first volume des Neues Archives fur die Homoeopathische Heilkunst, second part, page 30) already in 1844 openly spoken of the higher (the 200th) potency. Some of my adversaries, still living, have made it their business to bestow upon me and my two friends, Staph and Gross, who in a note in the same journal, declared their assent of this unheard-of and apparently nonsensical innovation, all sorts of abuse.

11. In this point Jenichen committed an error. Not one month, nor many months, but many years are required to collect facts in sufficient number to establish the experiment fully and without a doubt. Hahnemann has given us in this respect a most praise-worthy example. It required twenty years before Hahnemann thought proper to promulgate the 30th potency; he first tried the experiment and continued it twenty years with doses, which in our days are sometimes rejected by our young Homoeopathists after an experiment of only a few weeks.

Sufficient certainty can scarcely be arrived at with the high potencies in a shorter period; and as I began to make more extensive experiments with high potencies since 1843, there are three more years required to complete 20 years. Nevertheless we are now enabled to say with confidence that the result has been so satisfactory that we prefer them decidedly to all lower dynamizations, and that we shall never again return to the lower attenuations; we have treated a number of cases in which the usual 200th was insufficient and the cure was only accomplished by Jenichen's high potencies.

From the two above letters and from my remarks we may draw the conclusion that Jenichen prepared his medicines strictly after Hahnemann's directions, in the centesimal scale, and that he potentized each dilution with 30 shakes of an unusually powerful arm.

To contradict these conclusions in an admissible manner, we want facts to be brought forward; facts which merit belief; as long as such facts are wanting, it is allowable to hold the above as correct and true.

A FEW REMARKS BY THE TRANSLATOR.

In the continuation of this report Boenninghausen dwells on the communications of Dr. B. Fincke, in the American Homoeopathic Review of March and April 1860, as confirming the superiority of the high potencies.

The child of Jenichen, over since its birth, has been carefully nursed, and the time does not seem far distant when its opponents will have exhausted all their bitter slander, their false testimony, their boasting and malice against the custodians of the growing giant. The child born on the 1st day of January 1846 was not Jenichen's only child. The experiment resulted as he had anticipated, that the 8000th potency would do much — he potentized Arsenic up to 40,000, and experience has sufficiently confirmed the fact that this very high potency is not only not without effect, but that this surpasses all the other preparations of Arsenic. The testimony of Dr. B. Fincke was unexpected — but the cases, as he relates them, carry truth with them, and will be accepted as another link in the chain of evidence now collecting — an accumulated collection of evidences based on experience on one side, and empty, vain contradictions, without the weight of experience, on the other — who cannot forsee the result! The child nursed in the cradle of fundamental principles and nourished by experiment has grown a giant and will soon burst forth and stand before the world a victor and a blessing.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 12, 1860, pages 543-551]

[Description: Jenichen's High Potencies.]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.]

[Year: 1860]

KREASOTUM.

By the Late Dr. C. Von Boenninghausen, Munster.

[In 1836, Dr. von Boenninghausen published a valuable little volume containing a short review of what he regarded as being "the characteristic symptoms, and chief effects" of 123 of the principal remedies of our Materia Medica.

This work has never been translated into English. It was Dr. von Boenninghausen's intention to rewrite the essays of which it consists, and to add to them the analyses of many other remedies which had been proved since 1836. But the busy hours of his life went past and death took him from us, with this task, like many others, uncompleted.

Among the remedies for which he had made preparatory studies, with a view to the new edition referred to, was Kreasotum, a remedy which, he used frequently to say, was far from being estimated at its true value. The following pages are a literal translation of his manuscript study. – D.]

Mind. – Weakness of memory. Forgetfulness.

Head. – Roaring in the head. Headache after a carouse. Headache with sleepiness. Throbbing in the front part of the head. Pain, pressing outwards, in the forehead. The hair falls out. Sensibility of the scalp to touch and when the hair is combed .

Eyes. – Itching and biting in the eyes. Chronic swelling of the eyelids and of their margins. Heat in the eyes. Hot and acrid tears in the eyes, like salt water. Agglutination of the eyelids. Like a veil before the eyes.

Ears. – The external ear is ulcerated and feels hot. Moist eruption upon the ear with swelling of the glands in the neck and grey complexion.

Nose. – Epistaxis of thin, bright, red blood. Offensive odor before the nose .

Face. – Earthy, pale, green complexion. Acne in the face. Peeling off and cracking of the cuticle of the upper lip.

Teeth. – Drawing tooth-ache, which extends to the temples (and cars).

Mouth. – Scratchy sensation in the throat. Rough, hoarse speech.

Digestion. – Loss of appetite. Stomach-ache from acid food.

Taste. – Bitter or flat taste. Water, after it is swallowed, tastes bitter.

Nausea. – Morning sickness of pregnant women.

* Stomach. – Painful hardness in the region of the stomach.

Hypochondria. – Constriction of the hypochondria, which do not tolerate tight clothing.

Abdomen. – Ulcerative pain in the abdomen. Great distension and tightness of the abdomen. Pain in the region of the umbilicus.

Stool. – Constipation. Ineffectual, painful urgency to stool. *Constipation in case of uterine cancer.

Urine. – Frequent urgency to urinate with copious discharge. Frequent urination at night Diabetes.

*Genital Organs. – Soreness and smarting between the labia and in the vulva. Excessive itching in the vagina. Ulcerative pain in the cervix uteri. o Carcinoma uteri. o Prolapsus uteri.

Menses. – Disposition to abortion and Metrorrhagia. Menses too soon and too copious. Deafness during the menses. Before, during and after the menses, buzzing and roaring in the head. Leucorrhea both bland and acrid. Leucorrhea with great weakness.

Croyza. – Frequent sneezing with dry, nasal catarrh. Grippe. Chronic catarrh of old persons .

Respiration. – Dyspnea, as if from a feeling of heaviness in the chest, with a feeling in the chest as if one had been beaten.

Cough, – Fatiguing cough (in old persons) with copious expectoration of thick, yellow or white mucus. Cough with retching. Cough with discharge of urine. Cough with dyspnea. Cough at evening in bed.

Trachea. – Rough and scratchy in the throat.

*Thorax. – Anxious feeling of heaviness in the chest. Stitches in the chest, in the mammae, and in the heart. The chest feels as if it had been beaten.

Back. – Labor-like pains in the sacral region and in the lumbar vertebae with severe pressure to urinate. Pains in the back at night.

*Upper Extremities. – Luxation pains in the thumbs. The third phalanges of the fingers seem as if they were dead with a creeping sensation in them as if produced by ants.

Lower Extremities. – Pain in the hip joint as if it were luxated. Painfulness in the crista ilii, as if from a heavy burden, or after running. Sensation as if the knee joint would suddenly give way. Ulcerative pain, as if from an ulcer, in the whole leg. Ulcerative pain and burning in the soles of the feet. Cold swelling of the feet.

Generalities. – Stitches in the joints. Lassitude of all the limbs. Weariness as if from too long a foot journey. Heaviness in all the limbs, with tired sleepiness. During repose, a sensation as if all parts of the body were in motion. Great restlessness and excitation of the whole body, more in repose than during motion. Many symptoms are aggravated during motion and in the open air. Most of the symptoms vanish after sleep. She dares not remain fasting for a long time after getting up, nor keep quiet for a long time.

*Skin. – Eruption, dry as well as moist, in almost all parts of the body, especially on the backs of the hands and feet, in the palms of the hands, in the ears, in the popliteal region and on the knuckles of the hands and feet, which itch very much at evening and in the night. Putrid ulcers.

*Sleep. – Frequent yawning and great sleepiness. Much sleep, disturbed by dreams.

Fever. -Transient chill without thirst. After the chill, thirst.

Disposition. – Peevishness, ill-temper. Excited condition. Obstinacy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1865, pages 503-506]

[Description: Kreasotum.]

[Remedies: Kreosotum.]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.]

[Year: 1865]

MOTION AND REST.* [Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 65, 18.]

BY DR. C. VON BOENNINGHAUSEN, MUNSTER.

If we attentively read and study the long series of symptoms of the thoroughly proved remedies, we find therein, without giving them any forced significance, the material for a great number of the most various diseases. Almost all remedies exhibit in common this abundance of symptoms and it is repeated alike in the oldest and the newest provings. Only now and then does one come across one or another symptom, which occurs under only one or only a few remedies, but this is rarely sufficient of itself alone to completely characterize a morbid affection, still less a (generic) disease.

From these facts, of which every one may convince himself with his own eyes, it is easily comprehensible that besides the strictly morbid phenomena and sensations, still other items than the Physiological and Pathological indications must be taken into account, if we would be in a condition to make a correct choice of a remedy in any concrete case.

But these items are to be found, directly and especially, in the individual peculiarities as well of the disease as of the remedies; and the important problem is, to investigate and comprehend both with the utmost possible precision and to bring them into relation with each other so as to satisfy with the necessary perfectness the fundamental principle "Similia Similibus."

With what comprehensiveness the founder of the homoeopathic school and his early immediate pupils, recognized and met this necessity, appears most clearly from their writings. But many younger Homoeopathists appear not to have thoroughly understood the importance and necessity of this part of Therapeutics, but instead thereof, seem to lay a preponderating weight upon general Physiology and Pathology which in recent times have made such wonderful growth, sciences which teach indeed to recognize the disease with certainty but not to cure it. It needs only to compare the more recent records of clinical cases, even those which are published as model cases, with the earlier ones, to show that my assertions are just.

It would require too much space were I to attempt to delineate, even with the greatest possible brevity, all the peculiarities of the Homoeopathic Therapeutics, in which it differs from the Allopathic and to which strict regard must be paid in its practical application. But it may not be superfluous to touch, by way of illustration upon one point, of which for the most part no notice is taken by the Allopaths, for the reason that they do not understand how to make it available, but which is by us brought into constant use, inasmuch as it manifests a great influence upon internal and external symptoms, and hence demands the greatest consideration as a necessary constituent of the Simile. I mean the influence of Motion and Rest upon the aggravation of symptoms.

The occurrence or aggravation of (internal as well as external) symptoms, by motion of the whole body, or only of the part affected, in contradistinction to repose, is without doubt known in a general way to every Homoeopathist. No one would, for example, blindly give Bryonia in a so-called Nervous fever if the patient kept constantly tossing about and could And no rest on account of pains in the limbs which were relieved only by motion; neither would he give Rhus, in a disease going by the same pathological name if every motion, however trivial, aggravated to an intolerable degree the pains in the limbs and if the pains were only relieved by absolute repose.

It would, however, be a great mistake to suppose that with these general designations, Motion and Rest, the subject is exhausted. In this very particular it is most evident, as in like manner with regard to many other influencing circumstances, with what sharpness and precision the examination of the patient must be made, if we would select the remedy with as much certainty as that with which we desire to cure the disease. The following pages are devoted to a closer consideration of Motion and Rest such as has been alluded to. They are the fruit of careful experiment and observation for many years, and as such I venture to commend them to my younger colleagues.

When a patient, in reply to a question put to him, simply replies, "Motion aggravates;" this may be understood in a threefold sense. The aggravation, namely, may take place, first, on beginning to move, second, during continued motion, and third immediately after motion. These are clearly important distinctions which are wont to be predicated of motion and to be specified as legitimate sequences of it, but each o which has special relation to its own peculiar group of remedies.

When, for example, the aggravation takes place only at the beginning of motion, but diminishes gradually as the motion is continued, then Caps., Carbo veg., Caust., Con., Euphorb., Ferrum, Fluor. acid, Lyc., Puls., Rhus tox., Sabad., Samb., and Silicea are most frequently indicated. When, on the other hand, the aggravation occurs during motion and is increased by continuance of the motion, our first choice will fall upon Bell., Bry., Cocc., Colch., Ledum., Nux vom., etc. When however the aggravation occurs immediately after motion, that is, in the period of repose which immediately follows motion, still other remedies are to be preferred, such as Agaricus, Anac., Arsen., Cannabis, Hyoscyam, Kali carb., Puls., Rhus tox., Ruta, Sepia, Spong., Stann., Stram., Valer. and Zinc.

Important as it is to notice the above distinctions yet in many cases even this is not sufficient. There exist in reference to motion and rest still other points which require equally to be observed inasmuch as they correspond, like the foregoing to the individual genius of the different remedies.

First, it makes an important difference whether the motion is violent, involving much bodily exertion, in which case, while observing the distinctions previously defined, preference is to be given to Acon., Arn, Ars., Bry., Calc., Cann., Lyc., Nux vom., Rhus, Ruta, Sil. and Sulph.

If, further, there has been, in conjunction with the motion, considerable overheating, the choice will fall especially among Acon., Ant., crud., Bell., Bry., Camphora, Carbo veg., Dig., Kali, Opium, Phos., Sep., Sil., Thuja and Zinc. What might be said of the same character respecting taking cold (simultaneously with and immediately after motion) either in the entire body or in isolated parts, whether from getting wet through, or from some other causes — circumstances which might sometimes require the selection of still other remedies — this we must omit for lack of space.

It is necessary however to state, briefly, that the kind and manner of the motion likewise furnish their peculiar indications. Thus for aggravation from assuming the erect position, we have Acon., Bell., Bry., Ign., Nux vom., Opium, Rhus., Staph, and Sulph., while to aggravation from stooping, the following more frequently correspond: Alum., Ammon. carb., Arn., Calc., Lach., Mang., Sep., Spig., Thuja and Val.; although the desired favorable result may be wrought by still other remedies especially by such as produce alternate effects, when they correspond homoeopathically in respect of other symptoms.

The same is true of aggravation on rising from a sitting posture which requires especially Aconite, Apis, Caps., Conium., Fluor, acid, Lyc., Phos., Puls., Rhus tox., Spig.; and rising from the recumbent posture (from the bed) which calls for Apis, Bry., Carbo veg., Conium, Lach., Sulph. acid.

As a matter of course, under these heads, the beginning of motion is involved in assuming the upright posture; and in rising (from the bed) is involved also the aggravation of symptoms after sleep and thus still other remedies may come under consideration.

Furthermore it is to be observed whether the aggravation of symptoms takes place during or after the rising from a sitting or a recumbent posture, because in these cases, as has been before remarked of motion in general, different remedies compete for a preference.

The kind of motions must be carefully noticed; aggravation from extending the part affected is a verified indication for Alum., Calc., Coloc, Rhus tox., Sep., Staph., Sulph. and Thuja. And aggravation from flexing or turning it, for Ammon. mur., Cicuta vir., Ign., Kali, Lyc., Nux vom., Puls., Spig. and Spongia. The direction in which the motion of flexion is executed makes an important difference. If outward, Caps, and Canst, are preferable; if inward, Ignatia and Staphysagria; if backward, Calc., Kali, Puls., Sepia, and Sulph.; if sidewise, Bell., Natr. mur.; if forwards, Coffea and Thuja; or finally, if the part be retained in the flexed position, Hyos., Spong. and Valer. Under the head of Extension, belong also stretching and twisting for which likewise certain remedies are especially indicated, viz.: Amm. carb., Ran. bulb. and Rhus tox., as well as drawing-up a limb, which frequently indicates Ant. tart., Rhus tox. and Secale corn.

Under this general head come also aggravations from lifting the limb affected, for which Arn., Baryta, Bell., Fer., Kali, Ledum, Rhus tox. and Sil. are indicated; and in particular from straining, for which Arn., Bor., Bry., Calc., Cocc., Graph., Ign., Lyc., Natr. carb., Nux vom., Phos. acid, Rhus tox., Sep., Sil. and Sulph. stand in the first rank as remedies.

If walking in general is to be included under the head of motion, then the distinctions above specified of motion will apply to walking and aggravations occurring on beginning to walk, by continued walking and on ceasing to walk will have a corresponding therapeutic value. But there are certain additional varieties which furnish special indications by reason of their connection with certain accessory circumstances. For example, walking in the open air gives rise to aggravation of a great number of symptoms and hence serves as indication for a large number of remedies, but especially for the following: Anac., Bell., Carbo veg., Cocc., Colch., Con., Fluor acid, Hepar, Nux vom., Phos. acid, Selen., Spig. and Sulph. Dunham.

But even this is far from exhausting our therapeutic store. The additional question arises, whether this aggravation on walking in the open air occurs in a damp atmosphere or in rainy weather, in which case Amm. carb., Calc., Colch., Dulc., Fluor. acid, Lach., Lyc., Nux mosch., Rhus t., Sulph., or Verat., are usually indicated; or whether it take place in dry weather, in which event Asar., Bell., Bry., Caust., Hep., Nux vom. and Puls, are especially indicated. Moreover special indications are furnished — by aggravation from exposure to the hot sun — for Ant. crud., Bell., Bry., Lach., Natr. carb., Puls., Salen. and Valer; from exposure to the air just before a thunderstorm, for Agar., Natr. carb., Phos., Rhod., and Sil.; from exposure to snowy air, for Calc., Con., Lyc., Phos., Phos. acid, Puls., Rhus tox., Sep., Sil., Sulph.; and from exposure to fog, for Bry., Cham., China, Mang., Nux mosch., Rhod., Rhus tox., Sep., Sulph. and Verat. Under this head belongs also walking in the wind; and Ars., Asar., Bell., Calc., Cham., China, Euphras., Graph., Lach., Lyc., Nux vom., Phos., Puls., Rhus tox., Spig. and Thuja are especially indicated where aggravation occurs from walking in a strong wind.

Besides the preceding conditions which exert an influence in a therapeutic point of view upon the motion of walking, there are several others which sometimes accompany isolated symptoms and furnish indications that are all the more useful because in such cases leading concomitants are often altogether lacking. Such are, for example, under vertigo, the aggravation by walking over a narrow bridge, which indicates Baryt., Ferr. and Sulph.; or upon or over water, which indicates Ang., Ferr. and Sulph. The same is true of pains in the soles of the feet, aggravated by walking upon a hard floor or upon a cement-walk, a condition which calls for Ant crud., Ars., Con. and Hepar.

But motion upwards or downwards requires also very particular consideration. For motion upwards (ascending, going upstairs) among many other remedies, Arn., Ars., Bry., Cup., Nux vom., Senega, Sep., Spig., and Spong. are most prominent, while for motion downwards (descending, going downstairs) Arg., Con., Ferr., Lyc., Rhod., Ruta, Sabina and Verat. have in many cases proved to be indicated.

Driving and riding must be included among the varieties of motion. Various symptoms are induced or aggravated by driving in a wagon, which generally find their remedy among Ars., Bry., Cocc., Colch., Hepar., Hyos., Ignat., Lach., Nux mosch., Op., Petr., Rhus tox., Selen., Sep., Sil. and Sulph. On the other hand the remedies for sea-sickness, from motion in a ship, are pretty much confined to Ars., Cocc., Colch., Ferr., Hyos., Opium, Petr., Sil. and Tabac, although the motion of rocking which seems to nearly related to the above, corresponds only to Borax and Carbo veg. It may here be mentioned as something remarkable that some symptoms are relieved by driving in a wagon, and in such cases Ars., Graph., Nit. acid or Phos., are most likely to be indicated.

As regards riding (on horseback) the totality of the symptoms in those persons with whom this exercise does not agree, will generally be found to be of such a character that Graph., Nat. carb., Sep., Spig. or Sulph. acid, are among the remedies best indicated. In this connection, as above, we note a singular circumstance, viz.: that cases of exceedingly painful, inflamed and protruding hemorrhoids sometimes present themselves, in which, contrary to all analogy and to all reasonable expectation, riding (on horseback) affords the greatest relief. In such cases as these a single very small dose of a high potency of Kali carb. is generally sufficient to cure the disease rapidly and permanently.

Just as change of position may, through the aggravation of symptoms, furnish a useful indication for several remedies, most strikingly, for Caps., Carbo veg., Con., Euphorb., Lach., Lyc., Phos., Puls, and Samb., so it may also happen that it alleviates the symptoms. This affords a very characteristic indication for Cham., Ign., Phos. acid, Valer. or Zinc.

Turning over in bed is also a motion which produces more or less of aggravation under several remedies, and may therefore serve as an indication. It is most marked under Acon., Ars., Borax, Bry., Cann., Caps., Carbo veg., Con., Ferr., Hepar., Lyc., Nat. mur., Nux vom., Puls., Rhus tox., Sil., Staph. and Sulph. Closely related to this is the motion of looking around, although as regards aggravation it is as yet noted only of Calc., Cicuta vir., Con., Ipec. and Kali.

In addition to the above-named varieties of motion there are many others, which however we may pass by here the rather because they affect often only isolated portions of the body, a fact which constitutes in itself something of an individual characteristic and which therefore gives to the motion associated with it a somewhat subordinate rank. Among the number, are, for example, respiration, inspiration as well as expiration, swallowing, whether only of saliva, or empty swallowing, or also swallowing of food or drink; sneezing, yawning, coughing, speaking, writing, etc. Respecting all of these conditions, in so far as they exercise an influence upon the aggravation or amelioration of symptoms, our Materia Medica Pura contains a large quantity of observations which were first obtained by provings upon the healthy and then verified by administration to the sick. They have therefore sustained a double test, a priori and a posteriori, and they deserve just as much consideration, in the search for the most complete and perfect simile, as any other symptoms that have been discovered and verified in the same way. If at the present day this consideration is not commonly accorded, f, indeed attention is chiefly fixed on the pathological, the general symptoms, while the concomitant symptoms, which for the most part are very characteristic, are correspondingly neglected, assuredly such laxity and incompleteness in the application of our fundamental principle are utterly inexcusable and it is not; to be wondered at that even "experiments on the sick," to their great injury should be ever on the increase, while pure experiment is growing less and less frequent.

Thus much, for the present, I have felt constrained to say respecting the influence of motion and its varieties upon the phenomena of disease and respecting, consequently, the importance of regarding them and finding their correspondence in the drug symptoms in order to show to what extent and with what critical discrimination we are to avail ourselves of them. At the same time, what has been written will demonstrate, with what industry in a period of fifty years (the first volume of Materia Medica Pura of 243 pages, appeared in 1811, the third edition of the same volume with 504 pages in 1830) our therapeutic edifice has been extended, while every duly verified new observation or discovery finds always therein its appropriate place and must contribute to the further extension and completeness of the whole.

All that needs to be said concerning the influence of rest upon the aggravation of symptoms, may be done with considerable brevity, for essentially it consist in the converse of what has been already said.

One variety of rest, however, demands a brief consideration and all the more, because in the first place it affords for many internal and external diseases a truly indispensable characteristic, and in the second place because it must astonish every experienced Homoeopathist to see, as he reads the more recent descriptions of clinical cases, that many practitioners appear to leave it altogether out of account. I mean rest in the recumbent position.

I pass by simple lying, which is merely rest in contradistinction to motion, and also lying in bed and propose to consider the different recumbent positions, which are the points of greatest interest in this connection.

First under this head comes aggravation from lying outstretched in contradistinction to lying crooked or in a curved position. For aggravation in the former posture, Cham., Colch., Coloc, Platina, Puls., Rheum, Rhus tox. and Staph. are most likely to be appropriate. For aggravation in the latter, most frequently Hyos., Lyc., Spong., Teuc. and Valer.

Aggravation from lying with the head low indicates other remedies again, among which are Ant. tart, Arg., Ars., Caps., Chin., Colch., Hepar., Lach., Nit, Puls, and Spig. If in addition the horizontal position is most tolerable to the patient, then Apis, Arn., Bell. and Spong. may be added to the above.

But still more important than these, are the recumbent positions upon the back and upon the sides.

If lying upon the back aggravates, this indicates especially Amm. mur., Ars., Caust, Cham., Chin., Coloc, Cup., Cycl., Iod., Nit, Nux vom., Phos., Plumb., Rhus tox., Sep., Sil. or Spig. When, on the contrary this position affords relief, the most suitable remedy will generally be found among Acon., Anac., Bry., Calc. carb., Carb. an., Kali carb., Lyc., Merc., Puls., Seneg., Stann. or Thuja.

Aggravation from lying on the side requires in general Acon., Anac., Bry., Calc., Carb. an., Kali carb., Lyc., Phos., Puls., Stann., Sulph. and Thuja. But under this head there are two varieties which are of very great importance, viz.:

1. The aggravation may be produced by lying upon the right or upon the left side; or,

2. It may be produced by lying on the painful side or on the side which is not the seat of pain.

If we disregard these distinctions we grope about in the dark in treating many affections of the head, chest, abdomen and limbs, and we fail to select the correct and successful remedy until we have long sought it and experimented in vain, whereas we might easily have found it at the outset had we paid attention to the distinctions above indicated.

The following remedies correspond to aggravation produced by lying upon the right side; Amm. mur., Borax, Caust, Mag. mur., Merc., Nux vom. and Spong.; by lying on the left side, Acon., Amm. carb., Baryt, Bry., Colch., Ipecac., Nat. carb., Nat. mur., Petr., Phos., Puls., Sep., Sil., Sulph. and Thuja. But when this condition comes into collision with the following one, the preference is always to be given to the latter.

The most important distinction and one of which we may the most frequently avail ourselves in practice is that between aggravation produced by lying on the painful side, and that produced by lying on the painless side.

In the former case the chief remedies are: Acon., Amm. carb., Ars., Baryt., Calad., Cycl., Dros., Graph., Hepar., Iod., Lach., Lyc., Magn., Mag. mur., Mosch., Nit. acid, Nux mosch., Nux vom., Par., Phos., Phos. acid, Rheum, Ruta, Sabad., Selen., Sil., Spong., Staph. and Thuja.

On the other hand, aggravation when lying on the side which is not the painful one occurs uniformly under the following remedies; Ambra, Arn., Bry., Calc., Cann., Caust., Cham., Coloc, Fluor. acid, Ign., Kali carb., Puls., Rhus tox., Secale corn., Sep., Stann. and Viola tr.

All of these indications are so trustworthy and have been verified by such manifold experience that there are hardly any others which can equal them in rank, to say nothing of surpassing them. But the most valuable fact respecting them is this: that this characteristic is not confined to one or another symptom, but like a red thread it runs through all the morbid symptoms of a given remedy which are associated with any kind of pain whatever or even with a sensation of discomfort, and hence it is available for both internal and external symptoms of the most various character.

It is really a matter of surprise and wonder that an element so obvious and so very valuable for the appropriate selection of a remedy should have remained so entirely unheeded in many of the most recent details of cases so carefully drawn up in other respects and that instead of these, the results of auscultation and percussion should be recorded with the utmost exactness, notwithstanding the fact that the symptoms of our old and well-tried pure Materia Medica contain nothing whatever relating to these, then unknown methods of observation and that, consequently, they are almost worthless as items on which to base the choice of the remedy.

If the conscientious homoeopathic physician is more intent on curing his patient as speedily and as safely as possible, than on making a parade before him and astonishing him by a display of scientific accomplishments, he will, at least, first, seek out in the case those, I had almost called them therapeutic-pathological, characteristic symptoms by which he may make sure his choice of the remedy; and not until he has done this, will he seek to make available the general physiologico-pathological phenomena, for these, at least, can then do no mischief. And if he desires, in a laudable manner, to prepare the way for a future useful application of the stethoscope and the pleximeter, let him seek to bring the results of the employment of these new implements into relation with the above-mentioned old and verified symptoms, in such wise that both united may be employed in making the cure even more certain and precise than before.

He, however, who does not go to work in this fashion, but in contradiction of section 153 of the Organon, pursues his way over the barren waste of a pathology without characistic, should as little expect to be recognized as a true homoeopathic physician as those others who in opposition to section 245, et seq., of the Organon, by their, to say the least, unnecessary administration of massive doses, give our adversaries occasion to declare (as in the Allg. Preuss. Med. Zeit., 1861, and not altogether without reason) that the distinction between allopathic and homoeopathic remedies no longer exists, and to deduce from this the futility of the claim on the part of physicians to the liberty of dispensing their own remedies, since in fact the necessity for this liberty is denied to exist. If anyone, whoever he may be, has the audacity to proclaim to the world, that Hahnemann himself, towards the end of his life, returned to the use of massive doses and only maintained an outside semblance of adherence to his potentization theory from unworthy motives, such a man is nothing but a common slanderer, unworthy of respect and credit at the hands of any honorable man, whether Allopath or Homoeopath, and he will be nailed to the pillory as a malignant liar, by the publication, which we may very soon expect, of original matter from our great master's own journals. Dunham.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 07-08, 1863, pages 289-294, pages 351-358]

[Description: Motion and Rest.]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.]

[Year: 1863]

ON THE RELATIVE WORTH OF SYMPTOMS — WITH SOME REMARKS ON BORAX.

BY DR. C. VON BOENNINGHAUSEN.

(From the "Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung," Vol. 53, 1856.)

TRANSLATED BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M.D.

Among the various elaborations of the Materia Medica Pura of Hahnemann of which such an abundance have been made in modern times, I miss one whose importance has only of late years become fully evident to me. This is a statement of the time which elapsed after the taking of the remedy before a given symptom was observed. Passing over the value or worthlessness of all other alleged deficiencies — although younger critics have put forth nothing better or more serviceable — I have in view to say something on this topic only, because it appears to me to be of no little importance in practice.

If my old (72 years) memory does not mislead me, it was the genial C. HERING, I do not recall when or where, who first (and up to the present time he is the only one who has called my attention to it,) pointed out to me that the proving symptoms which manifested themselves last, were the most important for employment in curing, and were far from being only secondary and useless in therapeutics.

Certainly, at the first glance, there seems to be a paradox in this, as in many other things, that this indefatigable investigator has asserted. But to be willing to form an apodictic opinion prematurely, from the mere aspect of the thing, would in this case be all the more unreasonable, because every Homoeopath can, without great difficulty, obtain in the records of the provings sufficient certainty of the correctness or falsity of this assertion. He needs only to compare in the four volumes (2d edition) of Antipsoric Remedies, certain symptoms which were latest observed, with the brief indications which were given by Hahnemann himself in his introduction to each proving from his individual experience as preeminently belonging to these remedies, and which have been abundantly verified as such in our practice. He will thereby be convinced that the analogue to these indications is in most cases contained, and sometimes exclusively, in such late observed symptoms.

A truth appears therefore to lie at the bottom of this assertion of Hering's, which till now has been little observed, and which makes us regret that, in so many new as well as old provings, so little attention has been paid to a statement of the time at which the symptoms manifested themselves after the taking of the drugs, and especially in the case of those peculiar symptoms in which mainly the individual characteristics of the drug must be sought. Although the fact, that a knowledge of the importance of such a statement of the time must have been reserved to later comparative studies, may serve as an excuse for former provers, yet this omission is not, on that account, less worthy of regret, and we are often obliged to first discover by the long process of experience that which might then have been supplied us by the putting together of some little figures and letters.

It may be interesting to consider the above-mentioned observations with regard to other remedies also, namely to such as are seldom used, and about which Hahnemann has left us no especial teachings in this respect. Among others, Borax appears particularly fitted for such investigation, (Chron. Krankheit II, 28) where the time of the phenomena is almost throughout sufficiently specified in the symptoms observed by Dr. Schreter. I think I may be allowed therefore, as a proof of the above general remarks, to make a few observations upon it, which may serve at the same time as a contribution to the more precise characteristics of this perhaps too-much-neglected remedy. If therein I deviate from the newer (so-called scientific) fashion of proper treatment of the subject, I beg my readers to remember that my object here is only an especial and limited one, and above all that I make no secret of belonging to the old Hahnemannian school (now almost extinct).

BORAX.

At the very beginning in both symptoms 4 and 5, of which the first was observed during 5 weeks, the second during 3 weeks, a peculiarity meets us which belongs to no other remedy in the same way. It is anxiety on sudden downward motion, and is by no means to be confounded with the but lightly similar symptoms which we have of Carb. veg., Sep. and Sulph. According to my experience this anxiety clearly expresses itself in a swing, and most preeminently at the moment when the swing moves forwards, almost never when it moves backwards. I have observed this by no means unusual symptom not only in children, but also in two adult women, and in every case regarded it as a useful one, and it also by the result proved itself to be of value not simply for this, but also for the other existing troubles.*[I should too far overstep the limits of this communication if in every case I should particularize the form of disease. I therefore confine myself to briefly stating that one of these patients, a woman of 30 years, suffered from difficult menstruation; the other, a strong woman of 40, from frequent attacks of erysipelas.] Sickness from riding, especially on the back seats, as well as sea-sickness, has little in common with this, and evidently Borax will not be of use in these cases, although in some forms of the latter this remedy might well be tried.

2. Not less characteristic appears symptom 7 (without statement of time) as regards violent fright from the report of a gun even at a distance, and I mention this only as it were in passing, because in my experience it is an excellent remedy for hunting-dogs which are shot-shy, a fault which, as my hunt-loving colleagues know, occurs not seldom, and is often difficult to cure. Moreover there are persons, especially children, who start at every shot and receive from it a great and unnatural fright. Just so, excessive fear of thunder appears to belong here.

3. Among the symptoms which affect the Eye, we come upon two, viz: 77 and 78 which are pre-eminently peculiar to this remedy, and which until now were observed only in the working of Silic. and Puls. It is that peculiar kind of inflammation of the eyes which is caused and kept up by the growing-in of the eye-lashes, thus constantly irritating the ball of the eye, and which is not permanently cured even when allopathically the corpus delicti has been removed, and the lashes torn out by the roots. Every one of us has probably found the admirable working of Borax proved in many cases of this kind of inflammation, (of course the other symptoms must correspond,) and it only remains to be noticed that symptom 77 was first observed after six weeks, and symptom 78 after thirty-five days.

4. Among the morbid phenomena of the Ears from symptom 88 to 106, and in connection with which, symptoms 51 and 60 must be considered, those have, by the curative results, proved themselves to be the most marked which were connected with ulceration of the ear. But these are symptoms 95, 96, 97, which first showed themselves on the twenty-seventh day, and on the nineteenth day. Symptom 51, just mentioned in this connection first appeared after the thirty-second day, and at the same time with symptom 96.

5. Scabs in the nasal cavities with inflammation and shining redness at the tip of the nose, which are not seldom met with in (psoric) persons who have neither at any time been syphilitic nor been abused with Merc. often find (with Sep. or Sil.) their remedy in Borax, as many also of us may have experienced. But the symptoms which apply here, 109, 111 and 112, do not stand among those which appear in the first days after taking the remedy, but date from the tenth, sixteenth and eighteenth days. It is probable that many among us, have, like myself, had opportunity to cure by means of this remedy painful erysipelas, commonly on the left side of the face (the similar Bell, erysipelas generally occupies either the whole face or only the right half) which is unendurable especially when the muscles contract in laughter. The two symptoms which apply here, 120 and 121 were not observed until from the thirty-first to the thirty-fourth day.

7. Of the Toothaches which are cured quickly and lastingly by Borax, I recall only the one which corresponds with symptoms 137 and 139, connected with symptom 133 by reason of the influence of chilly weather, and with symptom 136 on account of aggravation by cold water. I call attention to the fact that the two first-named symptoms appear on the fortieth day.

Moreover this remedy according to symptoms 147 and 148, and in connection with symptom 125, is not unfrequently very successful in the teething of children, in which cases it must be ranked among the most useful of our remedies; especially in cases in which the symptoms 150 to 153*[Aphthae on the inside of cheeks, which bleed, during a meal — and on the tongue.] are present at the same time. Here also I remark that the symptoms 147 and 148 were observed after forty and thirty-six days respectively.

8. Borax has long been known to Allopathy as a frequently efficient remedy in aphthous mouth-affections of children, the practice being to pencil the mouth with it. Every one of us, too, must have seen its satisfactory operation in this often very troublesome disease of childhood, when, in other respects, it has been homoeopathically chosen, that is, when there has been no contra-indication There can consequently be no doubt of its relative curative action in this connection. Now the four symptoms which relate to this affection in the proving all appeared very late, viz: 150 after four weeks; 151 after thirty days; 152 after thirty-three days and 153 after five weeks.

9. Symptoms 218 to 223 correspond with great distinctness to a form of spleen-affection and indeed with clear and apparently exact indications which would appear to ensure the correct choice of the remedy in any given case. I must confess, nevertheless, that I have never seen in any kind of spleen affection, any result worth mentioning from the administration of Borax; and I mention this fact here only for this reason, because the symptoms to which I refer were all observed very early, and indeed only a few days after the drug was taken, and only symptom 22 occurred after fifteen days. This negative fact seems worthy of some notice.

10. Among the Urinary symptoms — 267 to 280, together with 434, those have best and oftenest approved themselves in practice, to me, at least, which were latest observed. Among these belong especially the frequent urination at night, observed according to 268 after twenty four days, and according to 434 after thirty-four days. The same is true of the symptoms occurring after micturition as detailed in 275 to 280 — among which the Soreness in the Urethra has presented itself to me as the most constant. Symptom 276 gives this as occurring after the thirtieth day, and 278 after the twenty-sixth day.

11. According to my experience the preference is to be given to Borax in too early and too long-continued menstruation; although with this remedy as with many others, the tardy appearance or short continuance of the discharge is no contra indication. The first mentioned peculiarity, however, is represented by symptom 294, as observed after twenty-five days, and by 295 — after seven weeks.

12. Among the Chest symptoms, the most marked is a painful affection of the intercostals, especially of the right side, with which the cough and respiratory symptoms stand in immediate relation — as well as the sneezing (34) and the sleep symptoms (435). Although the majority of these symptoms occurred within the first eight days after taking the drug, it must yet he observed that the question here concerns almost exclusively an acute affection, and that, nevertheless, symptom 349, according to which an aggravation when lying on the (right) painful side occurs, had lasted full four weeks. The contradictory symptom 435; which states the contrary, but which experience shows to have but little value, and which has never been corroborated in my experience, was observed within seven days. I think myself war-ranted in saying, therefore, that Borax can be profitably administered only in recent acute attacks of this nature, and in such I have never tried it, since for these, other approved remedies stand us in stead.

13. Although Galactirrhea of nursing women occurs under several drugs (Acon., Bell., Bry., Calc., Chin., Con., Iod., Lyc., Phos., Puls, and Rhus.; I have nevertheless in repeated cases found symptom 360, which occurred on the thirty-second day, of approved value, especially where, in addition to other corresponding symptoms, there was present the "unpleasant feeling of emptiness in the emptied (sucked-out) breast" which is mentioned in 360, and which occurs under no other remedy.

14. We have possessed hitherto, so far as I know, only one remedy which corresponds to the ulcers on the backs of the finger, and toe-joints, such as not unfrequently occur in chronic (psoric) patients, viz: Sepia; for under Nux vomica, relief in such cases is to be expected only in the finger joints and is seldom permanent. Borax furnishes us a second and a very efficient remedy, according to symptoms 385, the time of which is not given, 387 observed after thirty days, and 405 after fifteen days. It may be remarked here, that other symptoms corresponding, Borax deserves the preference when, according to symptom 408, the skin is very unhealthy, and the ulcer corrodes in its periphery, which is not wont to be the case in these ulcers under Sepia, at least to the same extent. Especially for children is Borax suitable.

15. It may finally be observed that the predominant chilliness which is quite peculiar to this drug, and furnishes an excellent indication for its use, was likewise observed very late, viz: after 23, 14, 33 days; and even after five weeks.

To avoid confounding the uncertain with the proved, I have confined myself in the foregoing statements to a comparatively small number of established facts, although surely among the effects of Borax are to be found many other objects of cure. What has been said, however, is quite sufficient to accomplish my immediate object, and to show that the statement of Hering referred to in the beginning is based upon fact, and is strikingly confirmed by experience. There is therefore abundant reason for a caution against the practice of regarding, as many do, the late-observed symptoms, especially of long-acting drugs, as secondary or curative symptoms; an over-hastiness, of which, though for the most part he subsequently corrected it, Hahnemann was guilty in some of his earlier provings, without at that time suspecting his error, and in consequence of this some symptoms still remain distinguished by this mala nota.

On pain of being charged with heresy by our younger colleagues, who, disregarding the repeated and urgent warnings of Hahnemann, operate only with low potencies and with frequent doses, I, by reason of my many-yeared and wide experience, hesitate not to affirm distinctly and assuredly, that precisely those morbid phenomena which are deepest rooted, are most quickly, most surely and most permanently cured by the administration of such remedies as (if appropriate in other respects) furnish corresponding indications among their latest observed symptoms; and especially is this the case when these remedies are given in very high potencies and in small and infrequent doses. Whoever has experienced the contrary, let him communicate his experience unreservedly but truthfully — for only by the honorable and frank interchange of manifold, even be they contradictory, experiences, can we bring the entire simple truth into the clear light of day, and only when this is done will genuine, pure Homoeopathy either fall away into deserved oblivion, or, finally victorious, unite under her banner the whole medical world.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04, 1860, pages 147-155]

[Description: on the Relative Worth of Symptoms; Remarks on Borax]

[Remedies: Borax veneta]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.V.]

[Year: 1860]

TABES DORSALIS AND ALUMINIUM METALLICUM.

BY DR. C. V. BOENNINGHAUSEN.

[Translated from the Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung.]

"No person sick with this disease," says the learned and experienced Dr. Romberg, speaking of Tabes Dorsalis, in his work upon diseases of the nerves, "no person sick with this disease can have the faintest hope of recovery; all are doomed. The only comfort for those who cling to life is in the fact that the disease is of long duration. If in any disease the activity and energy of the physician heightens the malady, it is especially so in Tabes Dorsalis. You seldom find a patient of this kind, without his back full of scars, who has not had volumes of prescriptions, and been at almost all the watering places, in the vain quest of health. It is but the dictate of humanity to tell him that by therapeutical interference his case becomes worse, and that it is only by the strictest care of his diet, that the progress of the malady can be stayed."

No further testimony is needed to the incurability of this not unfrequent, but unmistakable and clearly defined disease, although such may be found in all the works on Pathology, both new and old. So much the more, may the younger, purely German sister, of the two thousand years old, foreignborn Allopathy, congratulate herself, that in accordance with that principle in nature, similia similibus, which her founder discovered, she has found a remedy which has been successfully applied in several cases.

The importance of this discovery is sufficient to warrant its being mentioned again; and as the distance of the residence of the patient of whom I spoke in a former article (and of two others, who were treated in the same manner with the same results) may have created doubts in the minds of sceptics as to the accuracy of the diagnosis, I shall certainly be justified in detailing a recent case which I have had constantly under my own eyes, which I treated with the same remedies, and, as in the other cases, effected a perfect cure.

Miss Frances von. W., 19 years of age, and of one of the first families in Munster,-before coming to this city. 10 years ago,-had been subject to some complaints which exhibited clear symptoms of a chronic (psoric) Dyskrasia. At her former place of residence, besides the inevitable Cod liver oil, she had been treated by a Homoeopathic physician, since deceased, who had given her Puls., Sulph., Calc. carb., Carb. veg., Sil., and Lyc., with only partial success.

The first entry in my Journal, under date of Dec. 27th, 1848, is as follows: For four weeks past, an eruption on the head, always moist, especially behind and above both ears, with most severe pains early in the morning, and during the evening. Abdomen, hard and distended. She dislikes meat; and is fond of milk, bread and butter, and all kinds of green vegetables. Sleeps too long, till late in the day. Curvature of the spine, and protruding of the shoulder blade. Chillblains on her toes, not on her hands. She feels worst in the morning, not so bad in the evening.

To specify all the early treatment of this manifestly scrofulous child would be too lengthy; suffice it to say that the disorder assumed a very obstinate character. The eruption extended not merely over the head and neck, but over the upper portion of the body as far as the genitals; and it was only after the lapse of two years, that the eruption, as well as the curvature of the back, disappeared altogether.

In the years 1851 and 1852, from time to time, there again appeared slight symptoms of disorder, which were readily removed, but which went to show that the inveterate scrofulosis had not been wholly eradicated.

In the spring of 1853, she was attacked with a gastric fever, during which she had a great desire for milk, and on every occasion, she vomited immediately after partaking thereof. She recovered speedily however, and remained well until the winter of 1853-4, when the eruption, as well as the chillblains on the feet, reappeared, and was not removed until March.

The eruption again made its appearance in the beginning of 1855, but this time lasted only till the middle of February, at which time her courses appeared in great profusion. In the summer of the same year she was attacked with influenza, accompanied by severe pains in the abdomen, which were speedily cured by a dose of Zinc. A long interval followed of apparently perfect health.

During this period, she attended a boarding school four miles distant. While there, in September 1857, symptoms of disease reappeared. She then complained of severe headache in the evening, with bleeding at the nose; menstruation too copious, and at too short intervals; every motion, every mental or physical exertion, increased her suffering. Bell., Bry. and Phos., each in high potencies, and a single dose, almost entirely removed these complaints; still as sitting in a warm room in the evening seemed to occasion a slight recurrence of the former complaints, I prescribed Puls, in the same form with success.

About the middle of January 1858, a new symptom appeared, of which the teacher could give but very unsatisfactory accounts. She wrote that the patient had severe pains in the back, which were increased by motion, but disappeared at night. On one occasion they had resulted in Tetanus. Nothing more was said in the letter. Nux vom. 200. dissolved in water, three times a day, for three days in succession, effected an immediate and continued improvement; but she began to complain of "pains in the pit of the throat, and of difficulty in swallowing," without giving any more definite description. I had her repeat Nux vom.dissolved in water the same as before, a spoonful twice a day, morning and evening, for six days in succession.

This second prescription of Nux vom. was not only without effect, but the pains in the back reappeared, joined to a new symptom, failing of the voice, (which was at the worst, morning and evening,) rendering it impossible for the patient to speak a loud word. I now, for the first time, learned that while using the first remedy, her speaking had daily become more and more difficult; every effort was fatiguing, as if the tongue were lame, and the patient was obliged to take breath at every word, and a little speaking occasioned excessive fatigue.

Caust. was prescribed without the slightest effect; but a week later, after prescribing Sep., the voice would return for some hours, but still remained weak and low. All other symptoms remained the same, but by the patients own report, she was "a little better."

On the third of February, I sent a dose of Sulph. 200, which had the effect of producing headache (no more definite description,) with bleeding at the nose, which got better by sitting up in bed. All other symptoms were lost in the stereotyped phrase "a little better." They nevertheless still existed, but nothing more was said, by which I could be guided to the choice of the adequate remedies.

Under these perplexing circumstances, on the 17th of Feb., I sent a dose of Bell. 200, to be taken as before, and requested her parents to send for her, as the distance was not very great, and her disease was of a chronic character, so that she could venture home without danger, for I wished to give the case a personal examination. It is worthy of note, that among patients of the higher classes of society, especially when the disease is of a nervous character, the physician frequently can hear only the stereotyped phrase "a little better" when in fact there has not been the slightest improvement, but on the other hand new symptoms have appeared, which make the case more complicated. We are thus left without any clue to the selection of the remedial agent.

In compliance with my earnest request, my patient arrived on the 24th of February, and in the evening I went to see her. How great was my surprise, when I discovered that here was a perfect case of Tabes Dorsalis; for the letters I had received had not given the slightest hint that such was the fact. The loss of voice, on which most stress had been laid, is only an occasional symptom in cases of this disease; and as I had not heard a syllable of the palsy of the lower extremities, which was considerably advanced, I had of course been unable to recognize the malady.

When I saw the patient, her voice was certainly almost entirely gone, and her utterance was so indistinct, that I had to approach my ear closely to her mouth, in order to catch the words. But all the other symptoms were too distinct for me to mistake the nature of the disease; and the loss of voice went only to show to what an extent the affection of the spinal marrow must have proceeded.

What I gathered on this first visit was substantially as follows: sometime previous the patient had experienced great weakness in the lower extremities, accompanied more or less with pains in the back. The sensation in her back was like burning, as if a hot iron rod was being pushed up through the spinal column. In the earlier stages of the malady the feeling had sometimes been that of insects crawling upward. At the same time the soles of her feet had appeared like soft cushions, or as if her feet were placed on a soft blanket or cushion. By-and-by she lost all sensation in her feet, so that she did not feel the floor on which she stood, and would not have known that she stood upon the floor, had she not seen it. For the few last weeks she had been unable to walk; and for sometime previous she could do so, only in broad daylight; with her eyes closed, or in the dark, she had stumbled so that she had been obliged to hold on to something to keep from falling. At present, she could not, even in daylight, stand on her feet without support. When in bed, she has no knowledge of the position of her lower extremities, which assume various strange positions, without any sensation on her part. Before she lost the power of walking, when she attempted to walk a few steps in the dark, in rooms that were well known to her, she had always turned to the left, and thus missed her aim. She frequently has a sensation of contraction in the abdomen, as if a band were drawn tightly around it; this feeling, as well as the pains in the back, was more severe, when attempting to move, after resting for some time. Although there were no pains in the throat, the exertion required by her loss of voice, occasioned great exhaustion, so that she was obliged to rest several times during her recital of her symptoms.

In other respects I found the patient looking very well – in good flesh – blooming complexion – complaining very little, and not considering her case alarming, or of much consequence. Appetite and digestion good; passages a little slow and hard. The menses appeared regularly but rather copious. She feels rather better in the morning than in the evening.

The above complete and faithfully recorded symptoms were particularly interesting to me, as they were the first which occurred under my own observation, after my study of Alumina. They left no doubt on my mind, that this was a striking case of genuine Tabes Dorsalis; and in accordance with my former experience, I did not hesitate to administer, at once, a dose of Aluminium metallicum 200, (from the Pharmacy of Lehrmann in Schoningen.) I ordered the medicine to be dissolved in six tablespoonsful of water, and a spoonful of the solution to be taken three times a day, for two days.

The next time I saw the patient, on the 26th of February, a decided improvement had taken place, and I allowed the action of the medicine to continue without interference. On the 1st of March, I again left Alum. met. 200, to be taken as before, and the improvement still continued, and as her courses had come on, I delayed a third dose, until the 5th of March. My Journal mentions a continual improvement in the case; patient is up the whole day, and walks about the house; she even goes up stairs without much difficulty. But when I caused her to close her eyes and try to walk straight, she invariably turned to the left; nor could she walk in the dark without support.

On the 10th of March, Alum. met. as before. The difficulty in the lower extremities is decidedly better, but the voice often fails, especially in the evening, and her utterance is difficult and fatiguing. It is often the case, especially in chronic diseases, that the repetition of a single remedy, without alternation, does not effect a sufficiently rapid cure; and although the symptoms become less violent, they do not essentially change. As this seemed to be the case in the present instance, I administered on the 15th of March, Nat. mur. 200, to be taken in the same manner as the Alum. met. The effect was good, but not so decided as from the first remedy. It may be that there is too great similarity between the effects of Nat. mur. and of Alum, met.; as is often observed, if remedies too nearly related (as Ign., Nux vom., and Puls.) are given in alternation. Still the improvement continued, so that on the 21st of March, the patient came to see me at my office. I gave her Alumina 3000 (Jenichen's) after which the improvement went on more rapidly; but the pains in the back increased a little, showing that the effects of this were not so specific as those of Alum. met.

On the 28th of March, I gave Caust. 200; after which the pains in the back disappeared, and the voice and speaking improved, but at the same time the weakness of the legs, and the feeling of numbness in the soles of the feet, reappeared. I therefore concluded that this remedy does not exactly meet the case of Tabes Dorsalis. On the 11th of April, Alum, met. 200, again. With this, the symptoms almost entirely disappeared, and even her voice assumed its usual sound, and the freedom of utterance that belonged to her days of health. As the sensation of crawling in the back recurred now and then, and there was occasionally the sensation of transient numbness in the soles of the feet, on the 20th of April, I administered another dose of Alum. met. 200. On the 28th of April, I gave a dose of Puls. 200; and finally on the 7th of May, a dose of Sulph. 200, after which the last symptoms of the disease disappeared, and nothing of the kind has since recurred.

I watched this case with great interest, and from the above detailed statement, the energetic, almost specific efficacy of Alum. met. in cases of Tabes Dorsalis, appears unmistakable, and I do not see what objections can be raised against it. As, for a number of years, I have habitually treated all cases, with only the high dynamizations, in most refined doses, I cannot assert that the lower potencies of this remedy (as of many others, which the old school repudiates, as indifferent or ineffectual) may not be of as much, or even more, effect in this case. The fact that I accomplish more rapid and certain cures, even in acute diseases, with high potencies, which I have used since 1843, than I formerly did with the lower dynamizations, can hardly be deemed conclusive; for by my larger practice, and more thorough acquaintance with the nature of our drugs, I have acquired a greater facility in the selection of the remedy. But this I consider as certain, that it is not only possible to effect cures in the most difficult cases, with high potencies, but that such cures, especially in chronic cases, are more thorough and lasting, than those effected by lower solutions. I trust that some of my colleagues who prefer the latter, will try Alum. met. in this disease, which has so clear a diagnosis, and which is entirely beyond the reach of Allopathy. For, as Hahnemann has shown with Merc. and Thuja, it is only in individual diseases, and with specific remedies, that we can decide between the higher and lower potencies; and it is only under such circumstances, that experience can be considered conclusive.

It may not be superfluous to mention here, that of late years, especially in France, under the guidance of a learned and highly gifted man, a school has grown up, which, although claiming to belong to the Homoeopathic, questions the validity of symptoms observed in the healthy; or, in other words, denies the law of "Similia similibus" to be a principle of nature. Still the discovery of this remedy for Tabes Dorsalis was a result of the study of Alumina (in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases); for this is the only remedy among those which have thus far been proved, that has the most striking and characteristic symptoms of this disease. Of course it must be admitted that the provings of Alumina are far from perfect-that a great deal is left indefinite-that the effects of changes, and after effects, are not clearly defined-and that much remains to be ascertained, by careful practice, as to the true value and clear definition of the drug. Physicians should give their especial attention to the recognition and pointing out of those incidental and deceitful results, which render the study of the different remedies so difficult.

I have reason to believe that I have in this way discovered the most effectual remedy for Diabetes mellitus, but I forbear to give it publicity, until renewed trials have overcome all uncertainty about the matter.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 03, 1858, pages 107-115]

[Description: Tabes Dorsalis cured (mostly) by Aluminium metallicum.]

[Remedies: Mezereum]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.V.]

[Year: 1858]

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE HIGH POTENCIES.

BY DR. C. VON BOENNINGHAUSEN.

(From the "Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung," Vol. 59, Nov. 28, 1856.)

TRANSLATED BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M.D.

In No. 22 of the preceding volume of this Gazette I endeavored to show, first — that the high potencies of our remedies have their origin in the development of the science and in experience, and secondly — that their efficiency can no longer reasonably be called in question.

Hereby two things are established, viz.: first, a certain sort of progress in science, and secondly, the discovery of a hitherto unknown law of nature, in accordance with which it is evident that the medicinal power, in the stricter sense, does not belong at all to the category of the material and ponderable bodies, nor indeed to the realm of chemistry.

Regarded from the stand point of practice, these high potencies would, nevertheless, be regarded as a useless plaything, did they not offer advantages of another kind, which the lower attenuations do not possess. They would, to be sure, be of considerable interest in a natural historical point of view, but in practice they would appear to be quite superfluous, and in no way deserving of the great outlay of time and trouble which their preparation requires.

This latter view seems to have been adopted by many, who have not only boldly pronounced sentence of condemnation, a priori, upon everything which approaches the high potencies, but, instead of following the example of Hahnemann and of many of his older scholars who were at the same time his more intimate friends, in refining and diminishing the dose little by little, have made open retreat and have returned to the use of the lower dilutions, such as were used in the very beginning of Homoeopathy.

This would appear to be the place, then, first of all, briefly to examine certain assumptions and statements in regard to the higher and highest dynamizations which have gained currency of late. As a decided enemy to all unnecessary polemics, and still more to all personal attacks, I shall, in doing so, confine myself closely to the facts, and shall make no special mention of the frequently odious and unworthy tone, and of the arrogant presumption with which opponents are so often despatched. I cannot, however, avoid expressing my regret that such erroneous teaching and false assertions have found so many to adopt and repeat them without once subjecting them to an examination, and who simply ignore the assurances of men as rich in experience as they are worthy of honor and credit, or else seek to despatch them with contempt and ridicule instead of with reason.

Somebody — it matters not who was the first to do it — has given expression to the following assertion: "The higher dynamizations are applicable only to chronic diseases; in acute cases, the lower dilutions and even the strong tinctures must be given." This assertion, for which up to this time not a particle of practical evidence has been offered, and which is in no wise confirmed by experience, has long passed and still passes with many, for an axiom, and, what is more, it is handed along from one to another without it ever occurring to any one to interrogate experience on the subject. This latter course, however, is so much the more necessary, inasmuch as Hahnemann himself has pronounced a contrary opinion. For we find in a note at the end of p. 287 of the Organon (5th edition), the following words: "The higher the dilutions of a medicine are carried in the process of developing its power (by means of twice shaking) the more rapidly and with the more penetrating influence does it appear to affect medicinally the vital power and produce changes in the economy with an energy but little diminished, even if the process be carried to a great extent; for instance, if instead of the ordinary dilution X (which is mostly sufficient) it be carried up to XX, L, C and even higher dilutions — except that then the action appears to be less enduring."*[It is well known that the X dilution of Hahnemann is identical with the 30th of the centesimal scale; while the XX corresponds to the 60th, the L to the 150th, and the C to the 300th dilution. The decimal scale is a useless retrogression of recent times.]

The more rapid and more penetrating action of the higher and highest dynamizations which is here expressly signalized, has approved itself in the most decided manner during the 15 years that I have almost exclusively administered such potencies, and I can with the fullest conviction attest it on the ground of my own many-thousand-fold experience. Referring at the same time to the examples cited in my former article, I now adduce the following: Of ten cases of membranous croup in children, in at least nine, the first, or the first two powders of my high potencies, when promptly administered, suffice for the most complete cure. The necessity for three powders is very rare indeed, and among 300 cases, not 10 have occurred in which all the 5 powders, as I am accustomed to prescribe them, have had to be given.*[Dr. Boennninghausen is in the habit of prescribing for croup as follows: — He prepares 5 powders, to be given in the order of their numbers, dry on the tongue at intervals of a half hour — the remedies being, 1. Aconite — 2. and 4. Hepar sulph. — 3. and 5. Spongia — all of the 200th potency — the administration to be suspended as soon as relief is manifest. From the great number of cases which Dr. Boenninghausen speaks of having treated (300), it is evident that he applies the term "membranous" croup more indiscriminately than is warranted by current pathological notions. This, however does not affect his argument, since even in the milder forms of croup in which his first or first two powders suffice to cure, most Homoeopaths would employ the tincture or a low dilution. C. D.] * [These directions were later corrected and detailed in Vol 02 No. 12 issue of the magazine as follows: "Nos. 1 and 2 are Aconite, Nos. 3 and 5 Hepar sulph., and No. 4 Spongia, all in the 200th potency" – see the end of the article "Kenyon LM; Croup"]

The rapid relief of pain from burns by Ars. 200, and of pain from contusions by Arn. 200, borders in fact upon the marvelous, and is never attained in so short a time and so completely by the use of the lower dynamizations. Still more striking is the rapid action upon animals; when, for example, the cow distended by flatus from feeding on wet clover receives Colchicum,3 gtt.j; she recovers, it is true, but seldom does so in less than two hours, whereas after Colch.200 recovery takes place in a half hour at the longest. The (fatal) white diarrhea of the sucking pig which, under Merc. 3 gr.j often continues for a couple of days, is cured in 5 to 6 hours by Merc. 200 glob. j. & c. By these and numerous similar experiences which have been continued so long as to leave no room for individual illusions, the above statement of Hahnemann must be regarded as completely and fully corroborated. The last clause of it, however, with regard to the short duration of the action of the higher dynamizations, especially in chronic diseases, does not unconditionally and in the general correspond with my own experiences.

Other Homoeopaths, of the present day, have advanced the proposition "That the higher dynamizations of powerful drugs, especially of the earths and minerals may be efficient; that such is not the case, however, with the mild vegetable drugs, and that these, in the process of dynamization, soon become absolutely inactive." I know not, and cannot comprehend, how or whence this piece of wisdom was created or derived. Upon individual experience, as a result of careful comparative experiments, it assuredly is not grounded, for such researches in nowise substantiate it. We find in this again a statement which has been deliberately fabricated and thrown out without a particle of evidence to support it, and which, nevertheless, has found very many to echo it. Those who do so, lay themselves open to the reproach which they have been so ready to fling at us "jurare in verba magistri," and, indeed, are in direct contradiction to that which the first master has taught us on the subject in his writings. If we examine the first two volumes of the Mat Med. Pura. 2d and 3rd editions, we find the following; In the second edition (1822 and 1824) the 30th dilution is indicated as the proper dose in only 5 remedies, the 24th in 2 remedies, the 12th in 4, the 6th in 3, the 3d in 1, and the tincture in 2 remedies. On the other hand, in the third edition (1830 to 1833), the 30th dynamization and for the most part only a email part of a drop is expressly indicated as the most suitable and always sufficient dose of all the remedies (with the exception of Oleander, in which though a "high" dynamization is recommended, the number is not expressed). Among the remedies treated in those two volumes, there are, however, only a few very powerful and heroic drugs, such as Belladonna, Nux vom, Arsenicum, Rhus tox. and Bry, of all of which, even in the second edition, the 30th potency is indicated as the appropriate dose; on the other hand the majority of the remedies are from the vegetable kingdom and offer a less powerful action, as Cina, Cannab. Opium, Arnica, Ignatia, Pul. and Rheum — yet, in the third edition, the 30th potency is universally indicated as the best and sufficient dose (and almost always a small portion of a drop).*[It is of historical interest to call to mind here, that Hahnemann, in 2d vol of Mat. Med. Pura 2d edition (1824), under Arsenicum. first made mention of the use of globules, in order to make the dose as small as possible — whereas now-a-days, in many instances, whole drops of the lower dilutions are administered. Consequently, in this respect also there has been an evident retrogression.]

It will be remembered that, of late, when the selection of the remedy had begun to be somewhat made light of, certain Homoeopaths took the trouble to spread abroad the notion that "Hahnemann, in the later years of his life returned again to the lower dilutions and to drop-doses." It is not to be supposed that any body had the hardihood to fling suddenly before the world an untruth so groundless and so audacious. Its originator, moreover, is unknown, to me at least, and this is a subject for congratulation. Probably this falsehood, as often happens, was gradually fashioned and has slowly grown into its present complete unworthy proportions. The first who wishes that something of the kind were true, brings it on the carpet with a "perhaps," or a "possibly" — the second makes out of this a "probably," the third claims to have it "from good authority;" and then when the false-hood has served the turn of quite a number, it passes for "quite incontestible," and is generally believed, without further questioning of its authority, by all, who either wish it were true, or who know no better. Obviously, in such cases, all that may be asseverated to the contrary by men who have stood in uninterrupted communication with Hanemann, is ignored or is summarily denied. Alas! or rather thank God! such action cannot make truth out of falsehood, and I feel myself in duty bound, by virtue of my constant correspondence with Hahnemann up to a period just before his death, to express hereby the most emphatic assurance that the entire assertion alluded to is a gross falsehood. On the contrary, I can adduce testimony from his letters to me, which are carefully preserved, that in the very last year of his life, he was most zealously and untiringly earnest in carrying the dynamizations still higher, and in reducing the dose more and more. I demand some reasonable proof of those who assert the contrary.

Finally I must mention a class of opponents to the high potencies who have at least a show of justification. I mean those who understand under the name "high potencies" only those that were made by the late Jenichen of Wismar, of which, however, the mode of preparation has hitherto remained a secret and is likely to continue one. Considering this objection without prejudice, however, one must conclude that, in it, a very unessential affair is confounded with the question at issue, and as the proverb says, "The child is emptied out along with the bath." For who compels these opponents to make use of these preparations alone, when they would experiment with the high potencies? Hahnemann has always and justly insisted that every Homoeopath should prepare his remedies himself. Why should not this advice be followed above all in cases in which there may be thought to be reason for doubting the authenticity of the preparations of another, and when the question at issue is the settlement of an important controversy? I myself made my first cautious experiments with high potencies (200 centesimal) not of Jenichen's nor of any other's, but of my own preparation, and did not procure them from the pharmacy of Mr. Lehrmann in Schoningen, until I had satisfied myself thoroughly, that these, like all preparations previously procured from him, were uniform with my own and were powerful — and as such I unhesitatingly recommend them. Upon these of my own and of Lehrmann's rests my conviction of the excellent action of the high potencies and not upon the Jenichen preparations, of which I came into possession long after my experiments, and which I have very seldom used, because, like many others, I am repelled by the mystery which unquestionably is connected with them.

Hereafter, the above-mentioned objection can be regarded only as an empty (almost a malignant) pretence, and it can in no wise release the honest and progressive investigators among the Homoeopaths, from the duty of repeating with preparations of their own, these experiments the favorable results of which have been repeatedly and most emphatically proclaimed and confirmed by many men of unimpeachable character.

In all the many and long-continued contests which she has waged with Allopathy, Homoeopathy has ever rested victorious upon the stand-point of experience. This has been the indestructible bulwark which has afforded an unshakeable obstacle against all attacks, and it serves us, hence, solely and alone as a standard and a defense against assumptions of fact and errors of doctrine. In view of this well-grounded high estimation in which we hold experiment and experience, it is truly to be wondered at, that in this internal controversy, only assertions and counter-assertions should be forever dealt in, and experiments should be almost deliberately avoided. And no Homoeopath will deny that all conclusions a priori, all suspicions and probabilities, even all so-called incomprehensibilities and impossibilities are of no account whatever, if experience stands in contradiction to them. Why shall we not then here, and by this method of experience, now bring to a conclusion this vexed question of the high potencies?

In making these experiments two important precautions are necessary, which, however, are easily taken, viz —

1. Certainty as regards the preparation of the remedy. On this subject enough has already been said.

2. The right homoeopathic selection of the remedy. With regard to this second point, it will suffice to say in a few words that every experiment which shall be laid before the homoeopathic public for critical examination, must be presented with such clearness and precision in all essential and characteristic particulars that not the slightest doubt can be entertained of the judicious (homoeopathic) selection of the remedy. It is well known, that cases frequently occur, in which from the paucity or incompleteness of the symptoms, serious doubts may exist, and consequently the remedy cannot be chosen with certainty. Such cases are of no avail for these experiments, and may the more readily be excluded, inasmuch as others are not wanting in sufficient number, to which no such poverty attaches. Let the latter only be chosen for the testing of the high potencies, and let the picture of the disease and the remedy given, as well as the results and the action of the latter, positive as well as negative, be communicated truthfully and conscientiously, and all with such clearness and completeness that every expert shall be able to form a reliable opinion upon it. By this method of experiment, and by this alone — if practised bands and enough of them be set to the work — can and must the truth in a short time be brought to the light, and all doubts, and along with them all discord and enmity among us, be resolved into conviction and concord.

Since of all living Homoeopaths I possess undoubtedly the most numerous and the longest continued collection of experiences with the high potencies, and since the care with which my case-books are kept precludes any uncertainty as to their results, I consider myself called upon to communicate here, to my friends especially, in brief and general terms, the chief results of my experiments. It was simply the advantages of the higher dynamizations over the lower, even over the 30th potency — advantages which have been growing more and more evident to me for the last fifteen years — which have induced me to use these potencies almost exclusively, in acute as well as chronic diseases, and always with the most decidedly favorable results. If, under such circumstances I may venture to believe that, on the one hand any weight would attach to my honest assurance, it may at least also be permitted me on the other to call the attention of those who may propose to subject this matter to a closer test, to what I have found to be some of the more important advantages of the high potencies, in order that, in the course of their experiments, these may not escape their notice. These advantages which have also been observed by others, are the following: —

1. The sphere of action of the remedies becomes more extensive, the higher the dynamization is carried. This is observed most strikingly in those remedies which, in their crude condition, give rise to but few symptoms, e. g. Calc. Sil. Nat. mur. Aur. met. Argent.met. Alum.met. and others. If these substances even in the 30th potency effect far more than they do in the first and second triturations, which no attentive observer can deny, so their powers become more extensive with each higher dynamization and the immediate consequence of this is, that they correspond as homoeopathic similia in the same ratio to a greater and greater number of morbid phenomena and hence accelerate the cure in chronic diseases.

2. In acute diseases, the secondary or curative action sets in much more quickly. This peculiarity of the high potencies, so often denied, is so certain that every observer will find it confirmed. In addition to the facts above mentioned in this connection I could adduce countless others from my records. Hence nothing can be more false than the exclusion of these potencies in the treatment of acute and acutest cases — and whoever has once had occasion to observe this rapid action, will readily perceive the groundlessness of all assertion of the contrary. Whether, in chronic disease, the action is of longer continuance, I do not yet venture to assert, since in this, so much depends on other circumstances. I can refer to cases in which one dose has continued to act for three months, and this not merely with the high potencies (200) but also with those hitherto in use (30th).

3. By continued dynamization the remedies become more and more emancipated from the laws of chemistry. Hahnemann draws attention to this important fact in the 1st vol. of "Chronic Diseases" (2d ed.) page 181, and adduces as a fact the following instance: "A dose of Phosphorus, potentized to this degree in the ordinary manner, may lie in the desk, in a paper envelope, for a year and yet, on being administered it exhibits the full medicinal power not of Phosphoric Acid, but of unaltered, unmodified Phosphorus." I have often had occasion to note a corroborative experience with the crouppowders, which many families among my patients keep always on hand for immediate use, the effect being the more speedy and complete, the more promptly they are administered. Some of these powders, put up in simple paper envelopes, and protected in cupboards from moisture and from strong odors, have in several cases after the lapse of 12 years and more, exhibited an undiminished power and secured a completely satisfactory result.

4. A faulty diet, which often in cities and among the higher classes, spoils the most promising cures, does the less mischief the higher the dynamization is carried, and least of all when the minute dose is dissolved in water and given through several successive days, being succussed anew at each dose. It rejoices me, that my learned friend, Dr. Y. Meyer of Leipsic, has accorded to this advantage of the higher potencies the sanction of his testimony in the session of the Free Union for Homoeopathy of 19th May, and this without contradiction, and has published the same in No. 13, vol. 58, of this Journal.

5. The avoidance of all purely material primary effects, and hence of all dangerous accessory symptoms, lying without the circle of the disease under consideration. In particular, it will soon be perceived, by the use of the high potencies, that only the specific dynamic powers of the drug (which for the most part, appear later than the others, in the provings on the healthy) come into active play, while of the coarser physical properties (poisonous, revolutionary) not a trace is seen. How important this advantage is must be evident to every one who knows how injurious to life and health are even the smaller but unpotentized doses of such drugs as belong to the class of the most virulent poisons.

6. It must finally be reckoned among the signal advantages of the higher potencies thet they can never be administered as palliatives, which are always deceptive, always unavailing for a real cure, and always injurious.

All these points of superiority of which I could add to the number, by naming others not yet however demonstrated to be sure and constant, must, it seems to me, appear important enough to attract attention more and more to the subject. If these rest on a basis of truth, as I can assert with the fullest conviction that they do, since I have them daily before my eyes, then assuredly they richly deserve the title of a true and significant progress in Homoeopathy, and are worthy of being carefully and circumspectly tested by all who have at heart the welfare of suffering humanity, and the development of our beneficient science.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 05, 1860, pages 209-220]

[Description: The Advantages of The High Potencies.]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.]

[Year: 1860]

THE CHOICE OF THE REMEDY.

BY DR. C. VON BOENNINGHAUSEN.

(From the Algmeine Homoeopatische Zeitung. Oct. 17, 1859.)

TRANSLATED BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D.

The choice of the remedy for a given concrete case of disease is an affair at which one cannot go to work with enough care and circumspection. As well in Therapeutics as in Ethics, the rule holds good "Bonum ex omni parte, malum ex quorumque defectu."

Many failures to cure are made, especially by inexperienced beginners, because in taking down the symptoms, some one or the other of them is overlooked or disregarded. But not infrequently a similar inadvertence befalls even older and experienced homoeopathic physicians, especially such as are very busily occupied. This cannot however be regarded as affording any evidence either of the insufficiency of Homoeopathy or of the inefficiency of small and infrequent doses, and the experienced practitioner, to whom palliating allegations like these always appear suspicious, will in such cases first of all take pains to subject the notes of his case to a new revision, and will first seek to find in these the reasons of the fruitlessness of his prescriptions.

It lies not within my purpose to attempt to say in this anything that will be new to the experienced physician. But it appears to me that a cursory warning may not be thrown away upon our younger colleagues, and I therefore venture to lay before them a case of recent occurrence which will present what I mean in its true light.

Ph. M., merchant 32 years old, had taken cold the previous winter upon a journey. At first no attention was paid to it, but gradually as the symptoms increased he had recourse to medical aid. A course of allopathic treatment produced no effect, or rather during the three months of its continuance almost every symptom was decidedly aggravated, and then, as frequently happens, the patient determined to seek the aid of Homoeopathy. The symptoms were as follows:

For the last three or four weeks violent, hollow, dry cough, with hoarseness and much tenacious mucus in the larynx, most violent during the night. Dyspnea with stitches in the left side when he lies upon it; inward heat without thirst; copious exhausting sweats, remarkable susceptibility to fright; great sleepiness, but unquiet sleep with frequent wakings and an anxiety which prevents falling asleep again; face pale and sunken, with circumscribed burning redness of the cheeks; oppression at the stomach after eating, especially after milk, often with vomiting first of the food, then of bile. Increased watery urine; uncommon emaciation; warmth is most agreeable to him: he feels better when gently exercising than when in continued repose. He has never before had any serious llness. He can take a deep inspiration without any difficulty and feels a frequent need of doing so. Of the allopathic remedies which he had taken nothing could be learned.

After abundant reflection and careful comparison of the above collective symptoms with our materia medica, every Homoeopath will certainly agree with me that in this case Phosphorus appears to be the remedy most decidedly indicated, and indeed so clearly indicated that none of all the other remedies can at all stand in competition with it. I had not the least hesitation, therefore, in giving to the patient my usual dose (high potency) of this useful and very powerful remedy, which he was ordered to take in the ordinary manner (dissolved in water) with recommendations to observe the accustomed diet, and with instructions to inform me in person of the result at the end of a fortnight.

But how painfully did I find myself deceived in my best expectations, when the patient at the appointed time again presented himself to me. He was improved in no respect whatever; moreover the expression of illness on his countenance had increased, together with the threatening redness of the cheeks, and the febrile symptoms had been steadily and suspiciously waxing in severity. The remedy had nevertheless been taken in exact accordance with the prescription and no errors had been committed either in diet or regimen; wherein, then, lay the cause of this utter failure? Under the circumstances it could lie only in an uncomplete or an incorrect notation of the symptoms. These were therefore carefully reviewed seriatim. By this process the error was in fact discovered in the but carelessly noted fever-symptoms, the features of which in this patient were unusual, and therefore disregarded by him, but which were nevertheless very characteristic. He suffered constantly during sleep from a dry burning heat, which on his awaking immediately gave way to a very profuse sweat, and this continued without interuption until he fell asleep again, when the dry heat straightway reappeared. The whole riddle was now solved. This symptom is found, as every expert Homoeopath knows, only under the proving of Sambucus,*[Materia Medica Pura, vol. V. Sambucus sympt. 14, 15, 16, 19, (97).] while the exact contrary is found under Phosphorus. Inasmuch as all the other symptoms agreed, my patient immediately received a dose of my customary high potency of Sambucus, to be taken according to the directions already given for Phosphorus, and the result was so perfect that at the end of a fortnight he was relieved of all his symptoms and felt as well as ever before.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 03, 1859, pages 121-124]

[Description: The Choice of the Remedy.]

[Remedies: Phosphorus, Sambucus nigra]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.V.]

[Year: 1859]

THUJA AS AN INTERCURRENT REMEDY. *[A paper read before the Assemblage of Homoeopathic Physicians of Westphalia and the Rhine Country, July, 21st, 1861. – Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 63, 149.]

BY DR. C. VON BOENNINGHAUSEN.

Every Homoeopathist knows the value, indeed the indispensable necessity, of an intercurrent dose of Sulphur in many cases, of both acute and chronic diseases, in which a remedy, though accurately selected and strictly homoeopathic, does not act. However this experience may be sought to be explained, thus much is certain, that it often occurs and that the favorable result is often truly astonishing.

A somewhat similar observation has been made by myself and several others, in secondary Syphilis, and even in mercurial diseases, a new dose of Mercury being given in one of the highest potencies and in the smallest doses, whereupon the other remedies, which corresponded accurately to the symptoms and were for the most part antidotal began to unfold anew and actively their healing power.

On the other hand, so far as I know, a similar use of our great anti-sycotic remedy, Thuja, has not hitherto been customary, and it may not be amiss to call attention to it. If it is true that

1. Variola and Cow-pox belong naturally to the order of Sycosis: that

2. This miasmatic poison must have received a prodigious propagation through the customary process of vaccination, and that finally

3. Many chronic affections of the worst character prove intractable under our best remedies and show no signs of improvement, until recourse is had to a remedy which has the power of acting favorably upon diseases of a sycotic character – If these things be true, then the circumstance is of sufficient importance to warrant a few words. "We shall therefore briefly discuss the three propositions already stated

1. If I am the first to utter the conjecture that Condyloma and Variola (or Vaccinia) belong to one and the same disease, I base my hypothesis on the fact that both affections, so long as they present themselves without complication, find their surest and most complete cure in one and the same remedy, viz.: in the juice of the Thuja occidentalis, and in no other. The specific curative power of this remedy, in Small-pox, which, so far as I know, was first discovered and published by me (Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 37. 21 and 22, 1849,) has since been confirmed and demonstrated in manifold ways and from various sources. Even though the results of the experiments of certain Allopaths, who, induced thereto by my publications, have washed and painted their small-pox patients with the juice of Thuja, have been unsatisfactory and pitiable, no Homoeopathist would wonder at this nor would he be led thereby to cast any doubt upon the repeated facts which have followed its proper administration, and have corroborated our favorable views of it. On the contrary, thus much is certain, that no one of all our numerous remedies possesses so great and uniform a curative influence over Small-pox, and that therefore the above proposition is not without justification even though these facts be no incontrovertible demonstration of its truth. Moreover we are entirely supported by the profound investigations of the experienced Dr. C. W. Wolf. (Hom. Erfahrungen, 2-5, Heft.) which accord with my own.

2. The general distribution of this sycotic poison, which was indicated even by Hahnemann as one of the miasmatic poisons out of which chronic diseases spring (Chronische Krankheiten, 2d ed., 1, 104) through the practice of vaccination, needs no further discussion if it be conceded that our first proposition is correct. We need only call attention to the thousand-fold experience, that many children who were previously in perfect health, begin, not long after vaccination, to become ailing and, what is most remarkable, they become ill of such varieties of chronic diseases as require most frequently such remedies as are related to Thuja and such as may even be called in play in treating real Condylomata. – It is worth while here briefly to point out what these remedies are, and my long experience has taught me the value of the following in particular; Ant. crud., Ant. tart., Calc. c, Caps., Caust., Cham., Dulc., Euphr., Hepar sulph., Iodine, Lach., Lycop., Merc., Nitric acid, Nux v., Phos. acid, Ran. bulb., Sab., Sassap., Sec. corn., Sep., Sil., Staph., Sulph. and Thuja. Those remedies of which the names are printed in disconnected type* [italicized in the computer version] are those the value of which has been proved by actual experience in condylomata. The others furnish the clearest indications of being useful in sycotic affections. In the therapeutic writings of our predecessors, we find moreover the following remedies expressly recommended for Condylomata: Achillea millefol., Aloe (perfoliata), Anethum graveolens, Artemisia vulgaris, Ballota nigra, Cynoglossum officinale, Ficaria ranunculoides, Geranium robertianum, Juglans regia, Nicotiana tabacum. Plantago major, Primula officinalis, Ruta graveolens and Valeriana officinalis. It will be observed that some of these remedies (Artem, Juglans and Valer.) are being given with good results by the Allopaths in so-called scrofulosis.

3. If now it be true, and the experience of the majority must have satisfied us that it is true, that many chronic diseases offer an obstinate resistance to remedies chosen with most accurate observance of the homoeopathic law, and administered with the utmost propriety, and only manifest improvement and that often incomplete and unsatisfactory – when one or another of the above remedies is administered, it seems to me we are almost justified in concluding – risum teneatis amici! – that in such cases Sycosis lies hidden in the background and hinders the cure, just as in other cases Syphilis and Psora do.

It appears then of no slight importance, so far as practical results are concerned, in certain cases and especially in those in which the above remedies are indicated, to administer an intercurrent dose of high potency of Thuja, just as we give in parallel circumstances a dose of Sulphur or Mercurius. I can myself, from my own experience, strongly affirm the advantages of such a treatment, and even though the soundness of the above propositions should be on many grounds called in question, nevertheless, in this view, indisputable facts speak in its favor – facts, which have for us a greater weight than simple ratiocination or an individual hypothesis.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 03, 1862, pages 117-120]

[Description: Thuja As An Intercurrent Remedy.]

[Remedies: Thuja occidentalis]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.]

[Year: 1862]

TOOTHACHE. [Written by Dr. von Boenninghausen about two months before his death, and sent to Dr. Mouremann's of Brussels, for L' Homoeopathe Belge; translated from Revista Omiopatica.]

By Dr. C. Von Boenninghausen.

The partisans of Allopathy no longer deny that Homoeopathy, when practised by skillful and conscientious men, may afford great help in the commonest sufferings and affections which resist allopathic treatment.

This is a fact which we have occasion to verify most frequently, and in a most astonishing way, in the treatment of those diseases which, in spite of their variety and their differences, are comprised under one single general denomination – a denomination, too, which savors more of catachresis than of science.

In the first rank of these affections we place toothache, the treatment of which so often affords to the Homoeopathicians an opportunity to demonstrate the superiority of their doctrine, over Allopathy. This affection, one of the most painful and at the same time most frequent of maladies very rarely yields to the ordinary medical treatment.

A sufferer with toothache applies to an Allopathist; the latter tries to relieve him – now with Opium, now with Kreasote, now with chloroform, now with other heroic remedies which generally fail to produce any curative effect. Often indeed the physician, before proceeding to any treatment, imagines that he perceives it to be necessary to extract the tooth. Wherefore, to avoid this torture, the patient recurs to every variety of more or less absurd domestic remedies, or to secret remedies proclaimed infallible by force of advertisement. He finishes by seeing that it is all useless trouble and that he has thrown his money away. The pains increase; they have reached their culminating point and become insupportable. The execution of the criminal tooth is decreed. A skilful hand accomplishes the task with all possible dexterity. If all goes well, the pain ceases (but this does not always happen) and the unhappy one is freed for the moment from his scourge. But he is far from being radically cured; for the mechanical operation can never destroy the true internal cause of the malady, which will reappear sooner or later with increased violence. It is not a rare thing, moreover, for matters to assume, from the very beginning, a much more unfavorable aspect; as a sequel of the extraction of the teeth the pains augment; with them become conjoined pains of a neuralgic character; the irreparable loss of one tooth involves that of several others; and then comes the recourse to artificial teeth, a most insufficient and impotent equivalent for the natural apparatus.

The result is different when the patient, from the first, seeks the aid of a Homoeopathician. If the malady is of recent date and origin, the simple olfaction of a remedy which corresponds exactly to the totality of the symptoms is often sufficient to cause the cessation of the pains.

This effect manifests itself the more rapidly (often in a few minutes) the more care has been taken to use the remedy in none except the highest potencies. If the toothache is of longer standing or has been treated with palliative remedies which have served only to make it obstinate, the cure will not be so rapid. But it will not be, on that account, the less certain. It will be also radical and enduring, to this extent, that the toothache will not recur with the same character. Moreover, and this is most important, the treatment does not involve other inconveniences; the diseased tooth is not sacrificed; no neighboring tooth becomes hollow or carious; no dental fistulae form; in fine, the treatment never induces any of those long maladies which constitute the martyrdom of certain patients. On the contrary, with the removal of the toothache are put to flight, radically and forever, the affections and the pains which had engrafted themselves on the diseases of the teeth, such as diseases of the eyes, of the ears, and of the head; pains of the face (often very terrible), pains of the throat, fevers, etc. Health becomes re-established and florid, as in the patient's best days.

Every Homoeopathician knows this; in countries over which Homoeopathy has succeeded in diffusing its blessings, all those who have suffered from toothache know it. If, from lack of experience or because they follow the fashion, they have recourse to Allopathy for the cure of other diseases, the treatment of toothache they always entrust to Homoeopathy, knowing well the happy result they may expect from it.

These considerations, based on facts well known and confirmed everywhere and every day, may convince every Homoeopathician, that among the more common diseases, there is none more fitted to cause Homoeopathy to be appreciated by the public, than toothache. Although the merits of our method have already been fully established in many other diseases, often of the most dangerous character, (nervous fevers, cholera, croup, scarlatina, whooping cough, etc.,) these rarely present themselves in a sufficiently great number to enable the public to intelligibly judge the two modes of cure, and to form a conclusion founded on results, astonishing, rapid and impossible to be denied. It is not the same with toothache; the opportunity of curing it is presented every day, and the patients, once cured, never fail to repeat, to their similarly afflicted friends, the story of their sufferings and of their cure.

Every Homoeopathician who understands his own interests seeks to obtain, in the treatment of toothache, those results which our doctrine authorizes him to expect. But it seems to us that this alone is not enough; there is something more which should cause all those who would contribute to the ever-increasing prosperity of our fair science, to attach a special importance to this part of our curative method. We believe, therefore, that we are fulfilling a duty in submitting to the enlightened consideration of our colleagues, some advice on the subject the fruit of a great many years of practice.

1st. The totality of the characteristics of the remedy ought to correspond as completely as possible to the totality of the characteristics of the malady, and of those of the patient. This is a principle of which it is needless to remind the majority of Homoeopathicians, but which, nevertheless, it is always well to repeat and to place at the very beginning of these remarks, inasmuch as it constitutes the first condition of a proper selection of the remedy for each particular case. In this connection, the various symptoms of the pains in the teeth are rarely important, unless they impart to the totality of the symptoms that determinate character which Hahnemann designated by the words, characteristic, strange and extraordinary. [Organon] Among the number of these characteristic symptoms, are to be enumerated, for example, the sensations of fracture, (Ignatia, Natrum mur.), as if polished, (Phosphorus, Selenium, Sulph. acid,) of paralysis, (Sulphur,) as of a current of air, (Natrum carb.,) of sponginess, (Causticum,) of tension of the nerves, (Colocynth, Pulsatilla,) of softening, (Causticum, Mercury, Nitric acid, Nux mosch.,) of stiffening, (Rhus,) of insensibility, (China,) and others.

Nevertheless, these symptoms ought not to be taken into consideration to the exclusion of all the others, because these symptoms observed and verified in other organs and in other parts of the body, indicate still other remedies.

These latter remedies, therefore, possess the faculty of producing the symptoms in question, and consequently, they should not be excluded, even although the symptoms have not been hitherto classified under the title of pathogenetic symptoms, among the pains of the teeth.

As regards the more common morbid sensations which are experienced in the teeth, they possess, as a general rule, but very little importance when the question concerns the more certain selection of the remedy. They are common to many remedies, and scarcely ever deserve to be denominated characteristic symptoms. This inconvenience is not the only one; few persons are capable of describing, in proper words, their subjective sensations. The same difficulty has undoubtedly been experienced by all those who have proved remedies upon themselves and who have sought to express, in writing, the results of their provings. The experimentor who is much more experienced in this respect than the patient is likely to be, finds himself often much embarrassed when he desires to give an exact description of a sensation which he has himself experienced. This is the reason why the larger portion of the terms in which the pathogenetic symptoms are expressed, are borrowed from mechanico-physical phenomena, and may be reduced to the words, pressing, tearing, stitching, pricking, stretching and their compounds. When they are applied to sensations alone, it is extremely difficult to attach to them a clear and precise idea. The patient moreover, adheres obstinately to the word "pain," declaring that it is impossible for him to designate with greater precision, the kind of suffering which he is experiencing.

Several of our proved remedies and even some of those which have been diligently proved in all their peculiarities, are wanting in symptoms relating to pains in the teeth. We mention, in this connection, only Asafetida, Chamomilla, Cicuta vir., Digitalis, Dulcamara, Ledum, Moschus, Opium and Valerian. And yet our literature contains notices of cures of toothache effected by Asafetida, by Cicuta vir., by Dulcamara, by Opium and by Valerian. [We may add Coffea. (See American Homoeopathic Review, Vol. V, pp. 164-214.) D.] Among the five-hundred-and-forty-one symptoms attributed in the third edition of the Materia Medica Pura (Vol. I.) to Aconitum nap., that perfectly proved and variously used antiphlogistic, there are enumerated only two true symptoms of toothache. [114. Stitching pain in several teeth, after thirty-six hours. Wahle. 115. Pressing toothache in the left upper jaw. Wahle.]

Dr. Wahle, senior, published them, but no other author has confirmed them; and moreover, they are couched in terms so general, that it is absolutely impossible to make a special use of them. Nevertheless the clinical experience of Ruckert (1.449) and the supplement published by Oehme (204) mention several cures of toothache obtained by the use of this remedy, while, among us, it has never been used, and its efficacy has not been confirmed. It is probable that other Homoeopathicians, have effected, like myself, the cure of toothache by the administration of Dulcamara, of Ledum, and of Valerian, when the symptoms derived from the history of the case, and likewise the actual symptoms, indicated, exclusively, one of these remedies.

We see, then, that the symptoms of the pain in the teeth, such as they are presented in our Materia Medica Pura, are not of themselves, alone, sufficient to give us complete information touching the appropriateness and the efficacy of a remedy.

It is equally clear that they greatly deceive themselves, who pretend that, to conduct a homoeopathic treatment, it is enough to confine ourselves to mere mechanical researches, among the list of the symptoms.

2nd. From what has preceded, the second head of advice naturally follows. It comprehends the facts which, independently of the characteristics common to the remedy and the disease, ought to be recognized with clearness and precision, when the question concerns the cure of toothache. These facts may, it seems to me, be classified under the following three rubrics:

a. Aggravations according to time and circumstance.

b. Ameliorations according to time and circumstance.

c. Concomitant symptoms.

The restricted space at my disposal, does not permit me to develop these three points, important as they are. Nevertheless, I shall manage to say, at least, what is necessary to indicate their great value.

a. We may reasonably wonder that Hippocrates, the founder of the science of medicine, while he attached so much importance to the days called critical, should not have thought of the different periods of the day at which diseases are aggravated or ameliorated and that he should have tacitly denied the influence which phenomena, often very precise and characteristic, exert on the treatment of diseases. Without doubt the aggravation and the diminution in the violence of maladies were manifested at different periods of the day then, and in the same manner, as at present, inasmuch as these facts are evidently founded upon nature, which has not suddenly changed since those very ancient times. If the father of medicine, just like our contemporaries, the Allopathists, was unable to draw, from observations of this kind, indications generally useful in the happy selection of a remedy, the same was likewise true of the critical days; the one might, as well as the other, have been made useful for the purposes of prognostics. This omission in the Hippocratic works is very sensibly felt especially by us; the successors of the physician of Cos have not succeeded in supplying it satisfactorily, although they have expended great efforts in discussing, in all its particulars, another question, that of the pulse, concerning which, likewise, not a word is said in the authentic works of Hippocrates, and which has for us only a secondary importance. Hahnemann himself, when making his first provings of medicines upon the healthy subject, seems not to have attached particular importance to the period of the day in which the symptoms appear, or are aggravated; indeed he does not mention it. The experiments which he made subsequently have, in part, supplied this omission. They are in this regard much more complete and more useful than the first. Instead of purifying (as some are pleased to speak of doing) the Materia Medica Pura, it would be much better worthwhile to complete and perfect it before eliminating a few symptoms which are, for the most part, useless or superfluous and which proclaim themselves to be erroneous or doubtful.

The same is to be said concerning the aggravation of the sufferings by external circumstances. This important branch of the homoeopathic doctrine has been hitherto almost always neglected. Allopathy, likewise, has for the most part neglected it, up to the present day. It is, in truth, very rarely that, in reading ancient or modern works written by non-Homoeopathicians we meet positive indications under this head and when, as an exception, we encounter an isolated indication, the quantity and the diversity of the compound remedies hardly ever permit us to derive from it any instruction. It is not to be denied, meanwhile, that this individual character of the medicaments and of the diseases ought to be taken into consideration much more frequently than the symptoms gathered at all the different periods of the day. It has been our ignorance of these facts that rendered the certain cure of the various forms of toothaches as impossible to us as it is, at this very day, to Allopathy. Placing a just value on the necessity of possessing these items of knowledge, Homoeopathy has set herself to the task of completing, more and more fully, that which remained incomplete, and of verifying, by means of facts, all the doubtful, uncertain or contradictory symptoms; she will never select the remedy at hap hazard; but will always depend upon the experiments which have demonstrated its value. Our Materia Medica Pura has, in this way, received a considerable augmentation and the instructed Homoeopathician of the present day, is in a position to prescribe the efficacious remedy for a majority of cases of toothache.

The object which I have in view and the limits to which I am restricted, do not allow me to enter into all particulars and to make, of this little essay, a complete treatise. I will merely observe, that the larger part of the conditions and of the circumstances which provoke or which aggravate all kinds of pain in other organs, or in other parts of the body, find their application equally here also, and that some among them refer exclusively to pains in the teeth.

Among the latter may be enumerated especially those sensations which are provoked by taking warm or cold food or drinks; coffee, tea, wine; by eating fruit, bread, sugar, sweet, salt or sour food; by using tobacco; by biting, chewing, respiring; by opening, closing or moving the mouth; by rubbing, picking or sucking the teeth; by touching them with the tongue; by speaking, etc. All these circumstances have revealed an aggravating or an ameliorating influence, in a greater or less number of remedies. These points ought all to be consulted, until we shall have succeeded in uniting, a well as possible, all the symptoms that are present in one single remedy, which will then be the remedy of which we are in search, unless indeed the point which we considered, under rubric 3, should absolutely oppose it.

b. As regards the ameliorations, according to time and circumstance, it suffices to mention that their examination serves solely to complete and to verify the preceding researches. Such investigations have the most intimate relations with those of which we have treated; and, moreover, it has been equally neglected by Allopathy, and is of the highest importance to the homoeopathic doctrine.

c. The concomitant symptoms constitute a tolerably independent part of this second head, although already somewhat comprehended in the first.

Homoeopathicians understand, by concomitant sufferings, those which, independently of the general character of the disease and of the patient, accompany the pains in the teeth, or alternate with them. These concomitant sufferings may, on the one hand, extend throughout the entire series of symptoms provoked by the medicine, from the moral symptoms even to the febrile; they serve, in like manner, as a complement of the common symptoms which were the subject of consideration under the first head. On the other hand, although they may be peculiar to many other remedies, they seem to show a very especial tendency to associate themselves with pains of the teeth; it might be said that they spring from the same origin. Such are those which are manifested in the proximity of the painful teeth; notably in the various parts of the head and of the face, in the jaw, in the malar bones, in the nose, in the eyes, in the ears, in the temples, in the cheeks, in the cavity of the mouth, and in the neck. Although many affections of this kind are observed in other diseases, there are certainly some which seem to accompany by preference the affections of the teeth, and these present consequently an almost special importance, although they do not of necessity absolutely exclude the others.

I will limit myself to these brief observations, in order to occupy myself with two cases which do not often present themselves, but which yet may sometimes be met with. First, there are symptoms in our Materia Medica Pura which do not offer a complete simile to the pains of the teeth, and do not contain a sufficient characteristic to correspond with the concomitant symptoms; then again there are others which present the desired conditions, but the remedies which seemed to correspond have been administered without any effect.

In the former case, the defects should rarely be attributed to the insufficiency of our experimentations. The difficulty springs, most frequently, from the empirical use, not only of allopathic remedies, and of secret nostrums recommended as infallible in popular books and in the journals, but even also of homoeopathic remedies prescribed by dilettanti, whose impatience has driven them to experiment with several remedies successively, and at short intervals. There results from this procedure a sort of monstrous affection, compounded of the natural disease and of a medicinal disease; an abnormal totality, in the midst of which one can neither find a convenient starting point, nor form of it an intelligent image. Help is not then possible, except on condition of having recourse to the preliminary rational use of antidotes of short action, by means of which to reconduct the entire malady to its natural and primitive state. When this end has been attained, we may select and employ, with confidence and efficacy, the remedy which corresponds to the case.

Sometimes the failure of a well selected remedy is due to a chronic miasm, which pervades the whole organism. This is observed equally in other diseases. In such a case we shall never attain our object, at least with certainty, unless we first administer a suitable anti-miasmatic (sit venia vcrbo), and then afterwards give the remedy which may be homeopathically indicated. This will infallibly act, often indeed in a very few hours, if the dose is small and sufficiently dynamized. For the rest I propose to return, in discussing the fourth head, to this point, so often neglected and even disputed.

3. According to what we have stated, Homoeopathy satisfies the first and third of the duties which Celsus imposes upon the good physician, when he says (III. 4): "Asclepiades Officium esse medici dicit, ut tuto, ut celeriter, ut jucunde curet;" it cures with certainty, and avoids the opposite of jucunde, while Allopathy is guilty of this, every day, in her manual operations. The duty remains of curing quickly (celeriter), of putting to flight as quickly as possible the pains in the teeth, which are often violent in the extreme. But it would be to involve onesself in a vexatious contradiction with the duty of cuing safely (tuto), if one should understand by a rapid cure the alleviation of the pains by the use of palliatives. Our adversaries understand it in that sense, when they use opium, chloroform, etc.; but this treatment has for its inevitable consequence the reproductions of the pains, the exacerbation of the evil, and, most frequently, affections still more serious. The signification of the saying of Celsus is simply that the existing malady ought to be completely cured in the shortest possible time; but, on condition that there result therefrom no immediate or future injury.

According to my own views there cannot here be any other question, except that respecting the size of the dose of that remedy which has been recognized as the only appropriate one. This dose ought to be sufficiently strong to cure the malady, and weak and innocuous enough to insure that the cure be not uselessly protracted, or that no damage is occasioned by the excess of the medicinal force.

The third head, which has this important fact for its object, cannot be discovered and confirmed except by experience, that is, by the results of very numerous experiments, comparative in their nature, and decisive as regards their effect. Deductions and presumptions, or suppositions, ought to be rigorously eliminated.

At the present day it can no longer be denied that the most skillful and experienced physicians of all countries, when they have made these comparative experiments uninterruptedly and with prudence, have pronounced almost unanimously for the high and the highest dynamizations in the smallest dose. And in this indeed they do but follow the example which the brave and learned founder of our school gave them in the last years of his long and noble career.

America pursues the path of progress, especially in the matter of questions of experience. In fact, she has outstripped in this regard the venerable Europe which continues to advance with tardy footsteps. Already in the month of November, 1856, Dr. B. Fincke, of Brooklyn, in the State of New York, a practitioner of honorable fame, communicated to me a series of thirty-eight magnificent cures, which he had achieved by means of the high and highest potencies prepared by himself. C. Hering, A. Lippe, Carroll Dunham and others, who justly rank among the illustrious of our school in America, have verified similar happy results, and have removed all doubts which might have been entertained of the superiority of the high potencies over the low. Dr. Fincke has gone still farther in the Am. Hom. Rev., Dec. 1860, pp. 561, et seq., he has unfolded a new plan for preparing the high potencies, and he designates the product by the name of contact-potencies. He obtains them by succussing a quantity of dry globules, non-medicated, with a small number of dry medicated globules: the medicinal force of these latter is communicated permanently to the non-medicated globules. This method, as the author himself has taken care to observe, differs a little from that of Korsakoff (long ago forgotten). We read in the same work an account of nine excellent cures, obtained by means of these contact-potencies. The article ends with a series of twenty-two conclusions and observations, which are worthy of being received and discussed, and a short resume intended to give a clear view of the various advantages of the high and the highest potencies.

4. In the conclusion of the second head, I said a few words about the hurtful influence which a chronic miasm, penetrating and dominating the organism, may exercise upon the action of remedies, which are otherwise homoeopathically indicated. This case presents itself most frequently when an amelioration occurs which proves not to be permanent, and which, therefore, resembles the result of a palliative. We may, in such a case, be sure that we have to do with a chronic miasm, and which must be cured, if we desire to radically and permanently remove the actual malady.

In many cases of this kind, I may even say in the great majority, we may obtain a radical cure of the toothache, by giving the patient, immediately after the cessation of the pain, one or more doses of the antimiasmatic indicated. It is the same with many other diseases of which we cannot ignore the chronic, and, at the same time, miasmatic nature. Hahnemann employed this precautionary measure in the latest years of his life, whenever he had the least suspicion of the chronic nature of the malady, whether from a knowledge of an antecedent contagion, or from the fact that the sufferings and the morbid condition were extraordinarily protracted. This precaution almost always gave him the advantage of being able to add to the maxim of Celsus the idea of permanence, (stabiliter perdiu), which was always satisfactory to the patients.

In several other maladies, common enough, the remedies that are otherwise homoeopathically indicated bring no amelioration, but leave the disease, as it were, untouched. This fact affords the most certain proof that the organization is dominated by a chronic miasm to such a degree that the latter successfully opposes every foreign individual action. We should here, without delay, make use of the various antimiasmatic remedies. I will allow myself to add some further observations on the signs of the one or the other miasm, observations which are, in great part, the fruit of my own experience.

It is not, indeed, possible to construct, with a few salient strokes, a satisfactory, characteristic picture of the "innumerable varieties of pains in the teeth, and of their various causes "(Chronic Diseases, I. 73), which have struck their roots in a psoric soil. This miasm, from its long existence in the most varied conditions, has acquired, much more than all the other miasms, a true Protean nature; almost everywhere, and under every form, it has passed the limits of every state of normal health. It is necessary, then, independently of the anamnesis of the exanthemata, to classify under this head all those diseases of the teeth, with their concomitant symptoms, which, although they may be chronic, do not present the character of one of the two following miasms.

The syphilitic toothaches occur, no doubt, less frequently. Those which we encounter, far from being pure, are almost always complicated with the mercurial disease. They may be recognized by the fact that it is the roots of the teeth which are the first and principal seat of suffering; from the swelling and ulceration of the gums, from the enlargement of the tongue, from the salivation and from the offensive breath, and finally from the fact that these pains break out with greater violence at night.

Independently of the use of Mercury for purely syphilitic toothache, it will be proper, according to the existing symptoms, to administer the corresponding antidote, because the patients have, as a general rule, abused Mercury, and the malady is, often enough, complicated with psora and sycosis.

Toothaches of a sycotic nature are the most frequent. Since the discovery of the great resemblance, rather, indeed, the identity of sycosis and variola, we have been able to recognize the enormous diffusion of this miasm; for inoculation has spread it wherever this procedure has been practised. The characteristics of toothache of a sycotic nature, in so far as I have been able to determine them, comprehend the following signs: the teeth begin to become carious, and to decay on the middle, so that the consequent cavity starts, not from the crown but from the side, immediately above the gum. After that the destruction extends in the direction of the root, which decays and crumbles, and then reascends towards the crown, which breaks and falls into little pieces, while the surface of the tooth is entirely unaffected. The teeth become by degrees yellow and black, get loose in their sockets, and are very sensitive when the patient bites, or when he masticates or drinks cold solids liquids. These signs are often accompanied by ulcers of a whitish blue color, which are seen upon the gums, on the inside of the lips, and in the angles of the mouth, without, however, containing true pus. Up to the present time the first and chief remedy for pains and diseases of this character is Thuja occidentalis. There are various reasons for supposing that the mineral kingdom (perhaps also the animal kingdom) will one day furnish us a remedy still more energetic than those which we oppose to the two other miasms. The Thuja alone will be as insufficient against this miasm, as Sulphur or Mercury against those. Therefore, to obtain more complete and permanent success, it is necessary to resort, besides, to Apis mel. Calc. Caust. Lach. Lyc. Mezer. Nitr. ac. Rhus. Selen. Sep. Sil. or Staph.; all of them remedies which have sycotic symptoms, and among which we must choose, according to the similarity of the symptoms.

From the preceding observations it will appear that we are in a position to afford the rapid, safe, convenient and enduring aid which is justly to be looked for in every variety of pains and disease of the teeth, aid which it is entirely out of the power of Allopathy to afford. Wherefore we have the greater reason to keep in great honor the conquest that we have made, and to combine all our efforts to cultivate and complete this important branch of our beneficent science. Experience will be our guide; and the precious treasure that we have collected will afford us numerous opportunities to demonstrate the value of this especial advantage, and, at the same time, the excellence of our science of Homoeopathy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 03, 1865, pages 97-103, pages 133-141]

[Description: Toothache; written by Dr. von Boenninghausen about two months before his death, and sent to Dr. Mouremann's of Brussels, for L' Homoeopathe Belge; translated from Revista Omiopatica.]

[Author: Boenninghausen, C.]

[Year: 1865]

WARTS. *[Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 67, 125.]

BY DR. BOJANUS, MOSCOW.

Wera Pochwalinskaja, seven years of age, was the daughter of a sexton; she was of good robust constitution and blooming appearance. On the 7th of November, 1862, her mother brought her to the dispensary with a request that I should rid her of the warts on her hands and face, which she had had for several years and which were yearly increasing in number. On inspection the right hand, particularly the dorsum, was found covered with not less than seventy warts of different sizes; on the left hand there were fifty-eight, while on the face, lips and even on the mucous membrane of the mouth there was such a quantity that I did not take the trouble to count them. On the body there was also a considerable number, of which I was willing to receive the mother's testimony, if only to spare the child the trouble and shame of undressing before a multitude of other patients.

The selection of a remedy in this case was difficult I had the choice between Natrum carb., Natrum mur., Causticum, Calcarea carb., Sulphur, Thuja, Lycopodium, Dulcamara, and many others. I chose Natrum muriat^24 If correct, it would show to a young allopathic physician, visiting the dispensary, that a material, constituting a part of the nourishment of the body, and taken, in quantity, daily, for years, only manifests in the homoeopathic attenuations, its peculiar and characteristic specific action and this even when, during its use as a remedy, it belonged uninterruptedly to the food nourishing the organism; that, therefore, the homoeopathic doses are by no means nothing, because they must be especially prepared to make them accessible to the senses by the microscope and spectral analysis; that farther it wants no certain unit of weight nor any special chemical and decided destructive properties to authenticate a medicine which should be able to bring about reaction in the organism. For these reasons I prescribed five globules of Natrum mur.24 in sixteen powders of sugar of milk, one powder to be taken daily.

On the 25th of November, the mother reported that no effect was to be seen. She received sixteen more powders of the same remedy, in the same potency.

On the 12th of December, the mother reported that after a while the warts began to pain, then to bleed and finally to fall off. In this way all on the face disappeared and five had also fallen off from the right hand.

On the 30th of the same month, the mother returned to get another lot of the same powders, but did not bring her daughter with her. She got the desired remedy as before, with the injunction not to come the next time without her daughter.

On the 27th of January, 1863, ten days after taking the last sixteen powders she brought her daughter, and we could convince ourselves conclusively of the scarless disappearance of all the warts without exception. Whereat the young allopathic physician neither could nor would deny the effect of common salt? Was it nature or art? S.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1864, pages 549-550]

[Description: Warts.]

[Remedies: Natrium muriaticum]

[Author: Bojanus]

[Year: 1864]

BOSTON ACADEMY OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE.

Jan. 10, 1859. Apis mellifica being the subject for discussion, the President commenced by remarking that, a few years ago he took an oz. of the tincture of the whole bee, commencing with 10 and Increasing to 30 drops at a dose. His only symptoms were burning and constriction of the throat, increased flow of urine, and great aggravation of a long, standing. gastralgia, (15 years.) Since this proving he has not had an attack, while previously he used to have it 2 or 3 times daily-had used it successfully; in linea capitis, anasarca, intermittent fever, angina and other diseases; had also known it produce miscarriage He thought that the tincture was worthless after standing 6 months, the alcohol completely neutralizing the poison.

DR. GEIST said he thought this did not hold good in the case of attenuations, as he had used the 30th (made several years) with very good effect.

DR. WOODBURY read a letter, detailing a case of general anasarca cured by Apis.

DR. McFARLAND spoke of its topical application for mosquito bites, and small pimples on the face; acting in these cases like a charm.

DR. GREGG: that considering the well known fact of the antidotal effect of alcohol on animal poisons, he had always felt that they should be prepared in some other manner.

On motion of DR. TALBOT, it was voted that the President be requested to report on the best method of preparing Apis for medical purposes. Several gentlemen spoke of the symptoms produced by the sting of the bee. Dr. Talbot said it would be a question well worthy of discussion, how far the symptoms produced in this way were pathogenetic and therefore reliable as internal curatives.

On motion of DR. McFARLAND, it was voted that the Secretary furnish the Editors of THE AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW a copy of the letter read by Dr. Woodbury.

DR. WOODBURY,

DEAR SIR: – You ask about the symptoms, treatment and cure of my dropsy-I will give it you as fully as I can; not being a medical man you must not expect it to be very scientific.

In the early part of April last, (1858) I took a severe cold while engaged in making maple sugar in the woods, and in the course of a day or two I found myself suddenly growing very stout, so that my clothes would not go on, in fact in two weeks I had not a single garment that I could wear, except a shirt, and I filled that very full. There was water every where except where it ought to be, and there it was almost entirely wanting, for in three days I passed no more than a 6 oz. vial full of urine, and this state of things continued more than three months : but everywhere else I was full of water, it was round my head, in my eyelids which hung down like sacks of water or a blister, in my cheeks, around my neck, in the chest, so the Doctors said-I could not lie down at all for six weeks, and my breathing was a constant labor, till finally it became a constant pant and nothing more in my bowels, for I girthed as much as a small ox, in my legs and feet which were so unwieldy that I could scarcely raise them from the floor, and the former burst open in many places discharging a great deal of water in that way; my hands and arms were also in the same condition; in short I expected to die, and this opinion was strengthened by the assurance of my physicians that this would soon be the case. As to the treatment, I took with heroic fortitude every thing they ordered, black spirits and white, blue spirits and grey, bitter, sour, sweet, puckery or nauseous, but all to no purpose; as a last resort they proposed tapping, but when in reply to my inquiry, as to what good that would do; they said it might prolong my life a few weeks and nothing more. I turned them all out of doors together, Allopathic, Homoeopathic and Botanic, and for a few days gave poor old nature a little rest; but the infernal dropsy was fast getting the better of her, when a lady who has traveled much at the South and West, called on me and told me that she had heard the honey bee spoken of as a remedy in this disease, and had in fact seen a lad who had been cured by its use. I at once determined to try it, though I knew nothing of its preparation I concluded that whatever virtue it might possess I could soak it out of him, so I pursued this course: I caught a working bee in the morning, put him in a 2 oz. vial and shook him till he was fully enraged, then I filled it with gin and let it stand in the sun till noon, when I drank it, then prepared another for night, and then one for morning and so on taking three a day. Now for the result; for the first 3 days I could see no effect, after that I began to pass more urine, and it increased until I passed more than two gallons in a single night. In addition to this I was taken with a watery diarrhea, which passed off a large quantity of water, so that in three weeks my skin hung on my bones like a ready-made coat on a countryman. In a few weeks I could walk a mile and began to do a little work, which I have continued to increase up to the present time. I can now breath as well as ever, and lie in my bed again like a Christian.

I took the bees about eight weeks in all; for one week I took drone bees, but in that time I did not progress at all. From this I conclude it is the virus of the sting that does the core, the drone bee has no sting. I am 58 years old, my usual weight is 160 lbs., never was sick before; I do not know how much I weighed when I was the worst, I tipped the largest pair of steelyards in this neighborhood, and they weigh 220. I know nothing of the chemical analysis of my urine when I was sick, but it was the color of strong lye from wood ashes and would float an egg. I had taken gin regularly before I took it with the bees but without any effect.

H L. CHASE, Secretary.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 05, 1859, pages 235-237]

[Description: Transactions of BOSTON ACADEMY OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE; Dropsy cured by Apis.]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: BostonAHM]

[Year: 1859]

In commencing the third volume of The American Homoeopathic Review we have to deplore the loss of one whose name was a tower of strength to the publication, and whose active aid would have insured its success, our dear colleague and senior editor, Dr. B. F. JOSLIN. Those who knew his purity of soul, his sterling justness of thought and action, his exactness in speech and writing, his widely diversified, clear and accurate knowledge of science in general and especially of the principles and practice of Homoeopathy, and above all, and through all, his unvarying kindliness of heart, can well appreciate our sense of bereavement.

The following extracts from an address delivered before the Homoeopathic Societies of New York and Kings Co., on the 10th of April, 1862, by Dr. B. F. Bowers, of New York, formerly partner in business and always an intimate personal friend of Dr. Joslin, will express better than any words of ours could do, the extent of the loss which the community and our school of medicine have sustained.

__________

LIFE AND CHARACTER OF DR. JOSLIN.

BY B. F. BOWERS, M. D., NEW YORK.

By a rule of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of New York, it is made the duty of the President of the Society to deliver an annual public address on the 10th of April, the anniversary of the birth of Hahnemann. He who last was elected to that honorable office, no doubt would have performed the duty with his usual ability, but his work is done and he has gone to his reward. By your action the speaker has been "selected to do public homage to" his memory — "the memory of our lamented and distinguished Colleague Benjamin F. Joslin, M.D., by a memorial of his useful and honorable life and career."

A simple delineation of his character and a brief review of his life and labors will establish his claim to respect and admiration.

Benjamin Franklin Joslin was born at Exeter, R. I, in 1796, on the 25th of November. Homoeopathy was first promulgated in Germany in the same year. Thus he was co-eval with the system which so largely occupied his attention in after life, and which he so ably illustrated and defended.

He descended from Thomas Joslin, or Joslyn, who sailed from London for New England in the ship Increase, April 17, 1635, with his wife Rebecca, four sons and one daughter.

In 1799 with his parents he removed to this State and resided at, what is now named White Creek, and at Hoosick until 1820.

He assisted in the cultivation of his father's farm and showed considerable taste for agriculture, but not enough to devote his life to it. From early boyhood, his candor, truth and honesty were proverbial. He showed such a decided taste for study and applied himself so assiduously, and seemed to have so little inclination for the amusements and sports of boys of his own age, that he was marked as singularly abstracted. He might have been seen, tending his father's sheep, with book in hand, intent upon his studies; and at the evening fireside, by the light of a pine knot, poring over his Greek. In his minority, he relinquished his interest in the paternal estate in consideration of having his time for study. He was soon qualified for teaching, and for several winters taught school, at the same time pursuing his own studies. He was considered one of the best teachers, always insisting upon the faithful employment of the time of his pupils in their studies, and enforcing, so far as his influence could extend, their strict observance of truth and honesty. With him the man or boy who would talk merely for amusement, without regard to truth or probability, was entitled to neither credit nor respect.

Such was his proficiency and aptitude for study that after a year's attendance at the Cambridge Academy, under David Chassel, A. M., and Alexander Bullions, D. D., he was prepared to enter the senior class in Union College, where he graduated in 1821. After leaving College he followed the occupation of teaching as principal of the Schenectady Academy, 1821-22, and as Tutor in Union College, 1822-24. He studied medicine in the City of New York, 1824-26, at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he graduated in 1826.

Having finished the regular course of professional study and being declared by diploma, properly qualified and duly authorized to practice and teach, he accepted the professorship of Chemistry and the Natural Sciences in the Polytechny, Chittenango, where he practised and lectured the same year. In January 1827, he was called to the Chair of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Union College, which he occupied for ten years. He filled the office with marked ability and at once took rank as a man of science. At this time also he was happily married to Phoebe Titus, a young lady of cultivated mind, who could sympathize with his devotion to science and aid him in his literary career.

He was strongly attached to his profession, and the hours not occupied with college duties were devoted to medical practice, as he intended to make that the business of his life. In 1835, he moved from the College into the city and gave up a part of his recitations in College for the purpose of attending to practice. For a number of years he gave lectures on Anatomy and Physiology with dissections. One of these lectures, Physiological Explanation of the Beauty of Form, published in the Transactions of the State Medical Society, is a very ingenious attempt to give an original and satisfactory explanation of the beauty of form on principles purely physiological. "It is based on the proposition that the action of every muscle is attended with a sensation which is at first agreeable, but which, if the action is continued for a short time with intensity and without intermission becomes painful."

In scientific and professional journals and in the transactions of philosophical and medical societies, a considerable number of articles from his pen have appeared, consisting chiefly of original observations and theories in Physics, Meteorology, Mechanics and Medical Science. He had a taste for Mechanics and possessed inventive genius. Some valuable mechanical improvements now in general use were invented by him. He attached the highest importance to facts, and in all his articles his reasoning is based upon admitted facts, or upon original experiments and observations generally made by himself and brought forward to illustrate some law or explain some principle.

The operations of his mind were quick and logical, although his mathematical studies and the habit of looking all round a subject and considering its various relations, sometimes gave an appearance of slowness which really was owing to the comprehensiveness of his mind and to a wise circumspection. His character was pure, without reproach, a blessed inheritance for his children, a bright example for all. He had a quick perception of the ludircous and a quiet humour, which was sometimes very amusing, and which he could turn against an adversary with great effect. He spoke and wrote with care, gave force and precision to his expressions, and conveyed his thoughts with great clearness.

Kind and benevolent, with a strong sense of duty, he willingly wronged no one but rendered justice to all. He set a high value upon time. Every hour had its appropriate duty, and every duty its appropriate hour. His industry was remarkable. No man more faithfully discharged his duty to his patients, examining with critical care and ascertaining all the facts, and giving to every symptom its due influence in the selection of the remedy. Fair and honorable in consultation, no one had cause to fear any design on his part to supplant or injure a professional brother. He promptly declined any case to which, from previous engagements he felt unable to do justice.

I first became acquainted with Dr. Joslin in 1835, and in 1837 we formed a partnership and removed to this city.

But his scientific reputation however, had proceded him and led to his appointment, in 1838, to the Chair of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the University of the City of New York, which he held until 1844.

Believing that I should be doing the State good service, in 1839, I was induced to undertake a course of experiments for the purpose of proving the fallacy of Homoeopathy, and in order to make the proof conclusive I determined to make the experiments fair and thorough. Very much to my surprise and very much against my inclination, as the result of my experiments, I became an Homoeopathist. In 1840, our partnership was dissolved. Dr. Joslin was prejudiced against Homoeopathy and of course was not convinced by my experience. He believed Homoeopathy would die out in ten years and said it would be very much against the reputation of any physician to have had anything to do with it.

I knew from my own experience that this was a grand mistake, that being founded in nature Homoeopathy was eternal; that the evidence of its truth and importance was perfectly conclusive, never having failed to convince ever competent inquirer who made the necessary investigation. With perfect confidence, therefore, knowing his ability and honesty, I assured him that he could very soon satisfy himself of the truth of Homoeopathy, and that the easiest way of testing it was to try it on himself.

A physician of his acquaintance having published an attack on Homoeopathy wrote to Dr. Joslin for his opinion of the system, intending to publish it. With his characteristic circumspection, Dr. Joslin was unwilling to publish an opinion which was not founded on a knowledge of the subject. He determined therefore to make the experiment in the way proposed to him.

"I took," he says, "the third attenuation of a medicine, and avoiding the study of its alleged symptoms as recorded in books, I made a record of all the new symptoms which I experienced. When this record was completed, I examined a printed list of symptoms, and was surprised to find a remarkable coincidence between them and those I had experienced. I at first thought it probably an accidental coincidence. I repeated the medicine, and again found a coincidence equally striking. Another medicine was then tried, with similar precautions and similar results. There was a new set of symptoms, very different from the former, but generally corresponding with the printed symptoms of the last medicine taken. Thus the evidence accumulated, from week to week, until I became thoroughly convinced that such a number of coincidences could not, on the theory of probabilities, be accidental. There were thousands of chances to one against such a supposition. I knew that the attenuated medicines were efficient, and the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, so far as I had tested it, substantially true.

"The incredibility of the power of the small doses and of the attenuations, had been my greatest stumbling block. This being removed by actual and direct experiment, I felt confidence in Hahnemann and justified in making therapeutic experiments to test his grand law of healing. The result was equally satisfactory, and gave me a firm confidence — which every year's practice has tended to strengthen — in the exact truth and inestimable value of the homoeopathic law, and the superiority of the homoeopathic method of practice over every other system and combination of systems."

These experiments were made in 1842, after sixteen years experience in Allopathic practice. From this time a new field was opened to him. Here was an improvement in his chosen profession which far exceeded his most sanguine hopes. His mind was so strongly impressed by his first trials that he ever after attached the highest importance to the proving of drugs as the best way of convincing unbelievers and as a means of advancing the art. Having arrived at the truth in this practical way, no merely theoretical objections had power to disturb his faith.

In 1842 Dr. Joslin was elected President of the New Fork Homoeopathic Physician's Society, and in 1844 he resigned his Professorship in the University of New York and devoted himself exclusively to medical practice to the close of his life. The numerous articles on Homoeopathy from his pen are among the ablest and most important of his writings.

His theory of potentization he believed to be an addition to physical science, and he said, "the knowledge of the process invented by Hahnemann, will give Homoeopathy rank in physical science." The volume on the Homoeopathic Treatment of Epidemic Cholera, by him, is a standard work, has gone to a second edition and been republished in Europe. His volume entitled Principles of Homoeopathy in a series of lectures, also republished in Europe, is a masterly explanation and defence of the homoeopathic doctrines which will place the author in honorable companionship with the great founder of the system, Hahnemann.

In the affairs of his country he felt a deep interest and by his steady devotion to justice and liberty, was true to his puritan blood. His general health was good and seemed to give promise of continued life and usefulness, although for many years he occasionally had indications of disease of the heart.

On the 25th of last July a slight attack of paralysis gave the first alarming indication that his constitution was breaking down. This attack soon passed off, but left a debility from which he never fully recovered. This was followed by a heavy blow on the 27th of August in the death of his wife, a companion and friend to whom he was ardently attached and who for many years had been so devoted to him. When anticipating her death, he said they would not be separated long, he should soon follow her.

On Sunday the 22nd December, he felt unusually well, as I learn from his son Dr. B. F. Joslin, jr., attended church in the morning and after a very moderate dinner was attacked, while in the act of lying down, with a severe pain in the spine between the scapulae, prostration and cool perspiration. The prostration went off but the pain continued; it prevented him from lying down and seemed to induce him to move, as he walked up and down the room for four or five hours, afterwards walked up-stairs, laid on the bed and walked alternately until about seven p.m., when the pains became intense so as to extort cries, and as they increased apparently took away his breath; as respiration ceased, action of the heart stopped, he became pulseless and blueish. Profuse cold sweat broke out generally, spasms drew the head to the right, eyes were fixed and he seemed to be dying. He gradually recovered, but was much prostrated, and it was some time before his mind became clear. Monday, 23d, pain was moderate. Tuesday, 24th, had three paroxysms in the twenty-four hours, but on Wednesday and Thursday, 25th and 26th, was more comfortable. Friday, 27th, improving in strength. Saturday, 28th, p.m., threatened with paroxysm which was prevented. Sunday 29th; last night restless but no pain; thought himself better. Monday, 30th, was pretty comfortable but was evidently doubtful of recovering. I was with him through the evening, until one o'clock, a. m. He listened with interest to the reading of Mr. Seward's letter to Lord Lyons on the Trent affair, which he desired to hear and which he thought an able paper; asked for the Manual and looked out some symptoms for himself, walked across the room, laid down and slept quietly. After one o'clock part of the time he was restless and said we must study his case over again in the morning. At half-past five, a. m., he started up with dyspnea, moaned as if in pain, breathing became more and more labored, and about six o'clock on Tuesday morning he ceased to breathe.

During his short sickness, when not overpowered by the severe paroxysms, his mind was active and clear; he enjoyed the society and conversation of friends and the consolation of religion. Some medical attendant was with him almost constantly, as it was feared every paroxysm might prove fatal.

The post mortem examination made by Dr. Wetmore, in the presence of Drs. Bayard, Belcher, Gray, Joslin, Kellogg, H. M. Smith, T. F. Smith, Bowers, and Mr. J. T. S. Smith, showed extensive ossification of the Aorta, and as the immediate cause of death, rupture of the Aorta near its arch.

He left two sons both in this city, Rev. Titus Joslin, a clergyman, and B. F. Joslin, jr., M.D., a physician. Both have attained distinction in their professions

The worldly wise may doubt the policy of his course, but wisdom is justified of her children, and in her bright record will be found inscribed the name of the skilful physician, the honest man, the sincere christian, Benjamin Franklin Joslin.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 01, 1862, pages 001-009]

[Description: Life and Character of Dr. Joslin.]

[Author: Bowers, B.F.]

[Year: 1862]

ARSENICUM AND DYSENTERY.

BY C. W. BOYCE, M. D., AUBURN, N. Y.

On Tuesday the 22d day of June, 1858, at nine, p.m., in Auburn, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Hugh Wilson, 50 years of age, and in full health, took a teaspoonful of Arsenic. Mr. Wilson had been habitually intemperate and was undoubtedly under the influence of alcoholic stimulus at the time of taking the poison. He was with his family, but having often threatened to kill himself, pretending to take poison, they paid little attention to what he had done. They were, however, watchful, fearing that he might harm them and did not go to bed. Mr. Wilson retired as usual and strange to say went to sleep. The first intimation that anything was wrong with him was at two, p.m., the 23d (Wednesday), five hours after the poison was taken, when his son, a bright lad of 15 years, went to his father's room and found him in spasms. The muscular system generally was convulsed, but the limbs suffered principally. This young man was with his father from that time until his death, about twenty-four hours later.

The writer was with Mr. Wilson a part of Wednesday. The spasmodic condition lasted without complication until about six, a.m., or nine hours after the poison was taken, when there came on five or six vomitings of ingesta and fluid very offensive; closely following these were as many passages from the bowels of stinking watery fluid. This brings the case to eight, a.m., when there commenced to pass from the bowels, almost constantly, slime and thick green mucus, mixed with what looked like scrapings from the mucous membrane, with more Or less blood.

These passages continued until he died some eighteen hours later. Cramps continued until the end, but in diminished degree. There was no smell to these green passages, except the fresh smell of mucus. There was great pain in the bowels and pain in the limbs when cramping. Mr. Wilson was almost constantly at stool, yet was so exhausted that he could not sit alone, needing the assistance of two persons to keep him in a sitting posture. When he left the stool he seemed in a fainting condition, and did at times faint. There was moderate thirst, and at the last extreme restlessness His mind was perfectly clear, and he talked about what he he had done and why he did it There was no fear nor desire to avert what he know to be the inevitable result He died gently and without a struggle. Here was an undoubted case of Arsenicum dysentery. From these indications, the cases of dysentery calling for Arsenicum would seem to be clear. All writers on dysentery, who treat the disease homoeopathically, give the same indication for Arsenicum, and that is the offensive evacuations. This is a true one; but when are they so offensive? Only the first or watery ones are necessarily so. The dysenteric passages proper in the above case were without the bad smell, and in the majority of cases will they be found in actual dysentery unless they are mixed with watery fluid or ingesta. Exhaustion is perhaps the most constant symptom found when Arsenicum is the remedy. Thirst and restlessness may or may not be found. There is almost constant desire to be at stool, yet the exhaustion is so great as to mask this symtom. The two cases given below are in illustration.

Two children, twins of 18 months, were attacked with dysentery. The first was taken on Tuesday, September 22d, 1863, with vomiting of ingesta followed by very offensive watery stools, described by the nurse as smelling like rotten eggs. On Wednesday morning commenced to pass the peculiar stools of dysentery, and from that time until the next Wednesday, when the child died, there was no cessation of the green mucous passages. The passages were almost black yet retaining the distinct green color, nor did any treatment, including Chamomilla and several doses of the sixth dilution of Arsenicum, make the least impression on the case.

On Thursday, October 1st, the other child was taken with the same disease. There was high fever; the treatment of this case was commenced with Aconite and cold water compresses applied to the abdomen, repeated quite often through Thursday night and Friday forenoon. Friday, p.m., the fever abated and the stools were arrested. These first stools were of the same offensive smell, and were mixed with blood and mucus. Before daylight on Saturday, commenced those peculiar green mucous stools, which continued every hour and hour-and-a-half until Monday morning. There was continued fever, with little thirst; there was extreme exhaustion, the child lying without motion between stools. There was entire aversion to food of all kinds.

Nothing so far had arrested the onward course of the disease, and it must have proved fatal had the same treatment been pursued as with the first. The case seemed clear for Arsenicum, but the ill-success with the first did not seem to warrant any hope from that remedy. At four, p.m., of Monday, when reading Teste on Arsenicum, the following sentence attracted attention:

"The symptoms caused by Arsenic seem to assume a nervous form, the higher the attenuations with which the provings were instituted; thence it follows that the lower attenuations of Arsenic are more particularly adapted to organic affections, arid especially the very acute affections of the bowels"

The disease under treatment was very severe and with no nervous manifestations. The above suggestions of Teste led to the administration of Ars. in the third trituration. Two doses of a solution of one grain of Ars^2, in one-third of a glass of water, was given a teaspoonful each time. The effect was prompt and decided. There was less prostration almost at once, and the evacuations were less often. The change was so great that at two, p.m., when a consultation was held, there seemed to be metastasis to the brain. Bell.20 was given for thirty-six hours and Arsenicum omitted. On Wednesday, at four, a.m., the disease was as acute and dangerous as on Monday. The evacuations were as often and the prostration as great. Arsenicum in the same preparation as before was again given. Two doses at four hours intervals arrested the disease as promptly as before; this time the effect was not interrupted. On Thursday there was much less prostration and the stools were at intervals of three hours, but there was more tenesmus. On Friday the condition was so changed that Merc. dulc. seemed called for; two doses were given at four hours interval. Under its action the stools gradually changed from green to yellow. As the stools became yellow they smelled more natural and began to assume the nature of feces. The case was evidently improving and no more medicine was given for the dysenteric condition.

Perhaps this paper ought to end here as the condition calling for Arsenicum was cured, yet as the child was still very sick and remained so several days, it may not be uninteresting to follow the case further.

Sunday, October 11th. On a careful review the case disclosed the following symptoms: no disposition to move except to stool, which must be attended to at once; the stool is followed by worrying and moaning. Fine red rash on the head, neck and face, with great itching. Uneasiness during sleep, which was short and light. Excessive irritability when awake. Continued fever, with hot hands and body, and cool arms. Pulse 150 through the twenty-fours hours. The lips are deep red, cracked and ulcerated. The tongue is red, dry and ulcerated with inability to protrude it. The throat is sore and dry. When commencing to swallow, there is crying and unwillingness to renew the effort, yet afterwards this ceases. Discharge of clear ropy saliva. Every motion of the body causes the child to cry out. Urine natural. Coughs occasionally, which is always attended with crying. There is coryza and rattling respiration, — Lachcsis^12 was given.

Monday, no change. Lachesis^200 one dose was given. Tuesday, pulse 140, otherwise same condition. From this time the child took no medicine, as it grew gradually better from day to day and no new remedy was called for.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1863, page 223-226]

[Description: Arsenicum and Dysentery.]

[Remedies: Arsenicum album]

[Author: Boyce, C.W.]

[Year: 1863]

CATARRH. [Report to the Hom. Med. Society of the County of Cayuga, N. Y., June 23d, 1864.]

BY C. W. Boyce, M.D., Auburn, N. Y.

The Committee, having in charge the subject of Catarrh, finds itself, at the end of the second year, in the same condition as at the close of the first – able only to report progress. During the two years of its continuance, it has presented six written reports, four of which have passed into the literature of our school; in addition, several verbal reports have been made. These have comprised all parts of the body liable to catarrhal diseases, except the vesico-genital organs of the male. The committee, far from having exhausted the subject in these reports, feels that it has only made a beginning, the completion of which must be left to abler minds. By catarrh, or by this term, we express the idea of an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane, generally caused by exposure to changes of temperature. Lately, however, the term has been more restricted, and perhaps justly, being used to convey the idea of an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, larynx and chest.

How common this inflammation is may be inferred from what Watson says: "There is scarcely one in a thousand who passes a winter without an attack." Such being the frequency of the disease, we may be pardoned if we trespass on your time by further consideration of it.

Let us review. Catarrh of the air passages is an inflammation of the mucous membrane, which is prone to pass, erysipelas-like, to other portions of the same, and which often implicates the whole of it. Strictly, the primary condition is one of decreased secretion. The membrane is dry and thick, even impeding respiration by lessening the size of the passages. The secondary condition is one of increased secretion, which is not, however, followed necessarily by relief; for the first flow is generally thin and acrid, poisoning all the parts over which it passes. Following this is a bland, thick mucus; which marks the period of improvement. The first of these periods is marked by fever, with its common accompaniments. This continues a longer or shorter time in proportion to the severity of the case and its extent; with the decline of the fever generally appears the increased secretion. We will pass over the treatment of the primary stage, as this, in the experience of the committee, is not generally difficult; but when the primary condition has not been cured, and the disease has passed into the secondary, uninfluenced by treatment, we have a condition which requires careful investigation.

The inflammation, from being acute, is now sub-acute with tendency to continue indefinitely; there is pain and soreness manifested on sneezing and coughing. All the sufferings are generally increased in the afternoon and fore part of the night, when the secretion is lessened, and the membrane becomes dry and thickened. The latter part of the night, and through the morning, all the sufferings are lighter, and there is a more or less free discharge of comparatively thick, yellowish mucus. Without comparing the symptoms and the pathogenesis of Pulsatilla, side by side, let us assume that the condition described and the effect of Puls. on the healthy are nearly the same; so much so, that perhaps no remedy in the materia medica is so often prescribed for it a Puls. According to our law, Puls. ought to cure the totality of the symptoms, but in many cases, and perhaps in the majority, it fails to do so; nor have we any remedy in common use which has all the symptoms nearly as fully as Puls., Sulph., Calc., Hepar, Carb. veg., etc., in many things resemble the case under consideration, but none so well as Puls. One case of this kind, from practice, will bear detailing, and perhaps serve to express the view of the committee better than in any other way.

Mrs. Smith, fifty years old, had for years been subject to catarrhal attacks which came on early in the fall, upon the first change from warm to cold weather. These lasted until warm weather came again next summer. Any exposure, even the slightest, aggravated the condition severely. The result was that the lady was sick all winter; there was soreness and pain of the whole chest, worse at the superior portion; cough was more or less constant, but increased when lying or during exercise. There was shortness of breath; the cough was almost constant in the morning, attended by expectoration of slime and yellowish mucus of a salt taste. The cough was spasmodic and attended with retching and inclination to vomit; there was discharge from the nose of thick, yellow mucus.

This case was prescribed for repeatedly every year, and she got Puls., Sulph., Calc., Hepar. and several other remedies, with no decided benefit. The symptoms were palliated by Calc., but not cured. This was the history for years. The patient came to feel that there was no help for her, and that the end of her disease was consumption.

In searching for the curative, after many hours a remedy was found whose pathogenesis contains the following: "Scraping and dry feeling in the larynx, increased toward evening, and accompanied by hacking cough and hawking; cough which wakes him at six a. m., having remissions of a minute. It is at first dry, clear and barking; subsequently some thick mucus is detached, and the effort of doing this desire to vomit, accompanied by an excoriated feeling in the throat, and pressive headache. Easy expectoration in the morning; expectoration of a yellow mucus of an acrid taste." These symptoms are found in the pathogenesis of Coccus cacti. Two grains of the Cochineal of the shops were triturated up to the third. Two powders of one grain each were given, one to be taken every evening. The first dose aggravated the case; consequently the second was not taken. After a few hours there was amelioration, followed by entire relief in two days. Mrs. S. has had no return of the catarrh for two winters.

Cases similar to the above have been common with us, and Coccus cacti has seldom failed to cure in the same prompt manner.

On the authority of Dr. Lippe, of Philadelphia, we recommend this remedy in the troublesome coughs of drunkards.

Another form of catarrh, which is new to the committee, has been observed during the past winter and spring. The symptoms defy classification, and appear without order or regulation. There would be excessive dryness of the mucous membrane lining the nose and soft palate; deglutition difficult from a feeling as if the soft palate were stiff like leather. Occasionally, with great effort, a piece of dried, hardened mucus would be discharged, looking like a scab. After this mucus was dislodged, the stiffness was somewhat less, but for a short time. The feeling of dryness became painful toward evening and at night; generally by morning the distress was little. The patient would feel nearly well, yet before night his complaints would be more than ever. Sometimes these spells of dryness and distress alternated with periods of entire relief several times a day. This peculiar type seems inclined to become chronic. No remedy seemed to be of decide benefit until Sticta pul. was used; this had a powerful effect, and in some cases immediate relief followed its administration. The first account of its use was in the North American Journal of Homoeopathy. This was copied into the London Homoeopathic Review.

Mention of it was also made in the American Homoeopathic Review. Some western physicians have used it, and given the results in the Investigator or Observer. It is undoubtedly a remedy of very great value in catarrhal difficulties. The committee desire to call your attention especially to this remedy, and to urge members of the society to prove it on themselves and others. Dr. Robinson has had some very pleasing results from its use, and perhaps by proper solicitation he might be induced to give the results of his valuable experience.

Another remedy of special importance in catarrh is Kali. hyd. Dr. Robinson, Jr. being the special champion of this valuable medicine, we shall only point you to him as a source of information on which you can draw at sight, and the draft will not be dishonored.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 02, 1864, pages 67-71]

[Description: Catarrh]

[Remedies: Pulsatilla, Coccus cacti]

[Author: Boyce, C.W.]

[Year: 1864]

LACHESIS IN BRONCHIAL CATARRH. *[Report read before the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Cayuga County, December 8th, 1863.]

BY C. W. BOYCE, M. D., AUBURN, N. Y.

The subject of the committee is so extensive that it is practicable in the short time allowed at a society meeting, to treat only a single division and that for which one remedy is homoeopathic. The condition chosen for this time is one not uncommonly met, and has perplexed the writer more than any other. The patient, sooner or later, after taking cold, complains of a tickling or irritation behind the sternum or in the throat-pit, which is constant, causing cough. The only interval is perhaps from midnight till morning. There is very little or no expectoration, yet the cough seems to come from a region filled with fluid. Old and young are alike subject to such attacks. In children the cough is short, constant and continues during sleep. Infants often cough for hours at night so loud that no one can sleep within hearing. This catarrhal condition often lasts for months, unless cured by the proper administration of medicines. In adults the cough is so wearing that they often seek relief from Morphine. The following cases are respectfully submitted:

I. Mrs. D., 50 years old, large and fleshy, at the critical period, had Buffered several years with dilitation of the left ventricle, aorta and carotid artery.†[She finally died of aneuriam.] The beats of the heart weae audible over the whole chest, and the respiration in the bronchial tube which crosses the aorta was very loud. When perfectly quiet the patient could lie down-and sleep soundly for one or two hours. When the nervous or circulating systems were in the least excited, she was obliged to sit by the open window and the stronger the breeze upon her the better the breathing. There was very little disposition to cough, unless she took cold, which was sure to travel from the nasal membrane to the utmost ramifications of the bronchiae. The thickening of the mucous membrane seemed to fill her lungs completely. She could only breathe in the upright posture, and that with great labor. There would be constant cough from titilations behind the sternum, seemingly at the bifurcation of the bronchiae. There would be no expectoration, yet the chest seems full of fluid when she coughed. In this condition several remedies were tried without success. My experience with Lachesis at this time was quite limited, but as no remedy had done any good so far, it was given in solution every three hours. The result was gratifying in the extreme. The first few doses completely removed the cough and irritation, and allowed her to lie down and sleep which was very grateful to the patient, after seventy-two hours in the upright posture.

II. A maiden lady, 40 years old, has been for fifteen years subject to attacks of catarrh; she is large and fleshy. The symptoms are as ordinary, manifesting themselves at first in the nose. The mucous membrane is thickened, with much sneezing; she expresses it as a dry stuffed feeling through the whole front part of the head. This condition gradually passes to the fauces and chest. There is constant cough night and day; sitting, lying or walking. The cough is short and dry, with wheezing respiration. The face is red and puffed, while the eyes seemed almost pressed out. None of the ordinary domestic remedies have the least effect. This case has been prescribed for by homoeopathic physicians here, and in New York and Brooklyn with no relief. The attacks always last for weeks. She had come to feel that there was no relief for her. The family passed into my care some four years ago together with this interesting case. My success with Lachesis before led me to give it now. The twelfth dilution had no effect; the two hundredth controlled the cough, but did not cure it; one pellet of the two thousandth in six tablespoonfuls of water, and one table spoonful taken night and morning cured the condition before the six doses were taken. Lachesis^2000 always has cured the attacks since, and so sure is she of relief that now, when there is the least appearance of cold, one pellet of the high dilution in water always arrests the development. In fact the Lachesis has cured the disposition to take cold, the patient having had no attack for the last year.

III. A lady, in Utica, N. Y., 70 years old, had an attack of influenza in October, 1862, which left her with a dry, harrassing, concussive cough, lasting all winter and the spring following. In the month of May, 1863, she placed herself in the care of Dr. L. B. Wells, who prescribed for her until June. Several remedies were given, including Lachesis^200, with no curative result. The peculiarity of the case was that after sleeping the cough was more dry and decidedly worse. On consultation it was decided to gave Lach.2000 One pellet was dissolved in six table-spoonfuls of water, of which one table-spoonful was to be taken night and morning. Dr. Wells tells me this day, now six months since, that before the six doses were taken the cough was permanently cured.

IV. A lad, of eight years, got cold in bad wet weather. There was constant cough from titillation behind the sternum. The writer sat by the little patient more than an hour during which time there were no fifteen seconds passed without coughing. The mother said this was the case both night and day. There was no expectoration. The appetite was good. No uncomfortable feeling was complained of except the uneasiness behind the sternum. Acon., Bell, and Ipecac did no good. Six pellets of Lachesis^12 were dissolved in one-third of a glass of water, and one tea-spoonful ordered every three hours until the cough ceased or lessened, when no more was to be given. The child slept during, the entire interval of three hours, which had not been the case before for three days. The case was cured in forty-eight hours.

V. A child of twenty-one months, with light hair, and complexion, and blue eyes, took cold last Christmas. During the night of the 26th, there was fever and rapid respiration. At eleven a.m., December 27th, the child had a spasm lasting fifteen minutes. From this time until January 8th, there was continued lever, greatly increased at night, with pulse 150. The respiration was 70 per minute on actual count, and at no time was itless. Generally there was a red spot on one cheek frequently changing sides; when one cheek was red the other was generally white. All this time the left lung was impervious to air. Auscultation revealed slight bronchial respiration but no vesicular murmur. The right lung was not implicated. There was constant cough yet much increased in violence at night. The case had gradually but surely got worse until the 8th of January, when the right lung began to be affected. This day the child became uneasy and restless; throwing itself in all directions and in all positions, in its efforts to get breath. The face grew dark. There was constant spasmodic cough with labored breath; the little thing in its agony striking its mother for controlling it at all. When it fell asleep for a few moments the throat became so dry that a condition resembling croup came on, and all the sufferings were increased. This fearful condition was rapidly hurrying the sufferer to its grave. All the prominent remedies for the condition had been given, including Lach. 200, with no result. At this juncture, Lach.12, three pellets, was given, dry on the tongue; instantly the cough stopped and the breathing was relieved for four hours. At the end of this time the cough gradually returned with all the sufferings, when another dose of Lachesis 12 produced the same decided relief which lasted sixteen hours. Four doses, at twelve hours intervals, so changed the condition that the child slept nearly all night, and the air again passed freely to all parts of the before obstructed lung.

There is a lady, at No. 18 South Street, who for integrity and truthfulness has never had a superior, who will tell you word for word what I have here written, if any of you need confirmation of this case as here detailed. And here let me add, that in those troublesome night coughs of children, where they wake and cough continually for one or two hours, Lach.12 hardly ever fails at once to stop it.

VI. Cannot be considered conclusive, but as it was decidedly influenced by the remedy under consideration, perhaps it is better to give it. A child, tour and a half years old, complained in the night of November 1st, 1863, that worms were in her throat. During the night of November 2d, there was constant swallowing and restlessness, with slight fever. November 3d, there appeared on the right tonsil a white spot. The mucous membrane of the whole fauces was red and thickened. For three days the inflammation increased and the white spot appeared until nearly the whole throat was covered; with this condition there was continual fever. At eleven, p.m, of the seventh, the child started from sleep and gave one single hoarse croupy cough. There was no cough the next day, but next night it had several spells of dry hoarse coughing. The cough increased and became continuous, but always worse at night, when there came to be no rest at all. On the 13th there was but little difference between the night and day. There was continuous croup, but always worse after sleeping and generally before midnight. The white spots were yet in the throat and as far as could be seen a white, film extended down into the larynx. At this time the case was considered hopeless. Mercurius biniod. certainly controlled the inflammation of the mucous membrane but not the cough. Brom., Kali bichrom., Spong., Hepar, nor Lachesis^12 did any good. All these dangerous symptoms gradually increased until the 13th or six days after the first appearance of croup. There was no expectoration. The same characteristic was always present. The child would wake with crying, which resulted in a paroxysm of croup. During the night of the 13th, four doses of Lachesis^200 were given, which held the case for the first time. November 14th, on consultation, other remedies were given but with no benefit. November 16th, Lach.200 was given every six hours; five doses completely stopped the cough for twenty-four hours; after this the cough came back but never as bad as before. Lach. did no more good but every dose was followed by fever, dry mouth and yellow coated tongue. Spongia^6 then acted favorably and completed the cure.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 09, 1864, pages 415-419]

[Description: Lachesis in Bronchial Catarrh.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Boyce, C.W.]

[Year: 1864]

OBSERVATIONS ON SPIGELIA.

Read before the Onondaga County Homoeopathic Medical Society,

October, 1864, by C. W. Boyce, M.D., Auburn, N.Y.

To take a general view of the action of Spigelia upon the organism, it may be said to be manifested chiefly upon the nervous system of animal life. Spigelia is eminent among the remedies of our Materia Medica for the extent to which its action seems to be exerted upon the nerves themselves or their envelopes. Upon the substance of the nervous centres however, its action is probably very slight.

1. Spigelia excites the nerves of special sense in a marked degree, and this, without any clearly defined inflammatory affection of the organs of special sense. In this regard, it differs from Belladonna, Rhus, and other remedies which excite particularly the nervous system of animal life. But there is an exception to this statement. In the tissues of the eye Spigelia excites inflammation, its symptoms giving a well marked picture of rheumatic sclerotitis.

Spigelia exerts a marked action on the trifacial nerve, producing prosopalgia, which involves the orbit, the zygoma and the superior maxilla; also upon the nerves of the tongue; perhaps also upon the portio dura. The prosopalgia of Spigelia, is distinguished by sticking, burning pains with subsequent swelling and soreness of the parts affected. In this respect it closely resembles the prosopalgia of Colchicum, from which however it is distinguished by the remarkable exaltation of the special senses and by the general nervous erethism and excitement and intolerance of pain which characterize Spigelia, whereas Colchicum on the other hand has an equally remarkable tolerance of pain and patient, enduring disposition, with a general semi-paralyzed condition.

2. There is no evidence of any definite modification of the organic substance of any part of the body, unless such action upon the pericardium be inferred ex usu in morbis.

3. The sphere of action of Spigelia is not extensive. It embraces the nerves of animal life, and of special sense and the fibrous and perhaps the muscular tissues of the heart and of the smaller extremities.

The effect of Spigelia upon the heart's action seems to be due to a morbid condition which the drug excites in the pericardium, and hence its value in pericarditis.

4. The pains of Spigelia are sticking, tearing, and burning pressing. They are aggravated by motion and in the afternoon and at evening. They often prevent sleep. There is great lassitude and heaviness of the limbs. Great sensibility of the whole body to touch; the least touch on any part of the body, sends a shudder through the whole frame.

5. There is no marked periodicity in the symptoms. Let us now examine more closely the different parts of the body chiefly affected.

Head. – There is vertigo when looking down and when walking. The memory is impaired, and mental effort is very irksome.

The headache is very characteristic and presents a good picture of a form of so-called "nervous headache." In general, the sensations are dullness, heaviness and pain in the head; the pain is much increased by shaking or jarring the head, as by walking, especially if one make a misstep or cough or sneeze; by moving the facial muscles, by speaking aloud or by any loud noise, as well as by touch or by a bright light. These things increase the pain so that it seems as though the head would burst; the patient is compelled to support it with the hand, or to bind it around. (Here we have headache with over-sensibility of the senses of sight, hearing and touch, with relief from binding the head. These symptoms resemble the headache of Silicea which has likewise exaltation of the special senses and relief from binding up the head, but it is to be carefully noted, as characteristic, that the relief to the Spigelia headache comes from the pressure of the bondage, while to the Silicea headache, the relief is from the warmth; for warmth relieves the Silicea headache, while it rather aggravates the headache of Spigelia.)

The pains are a heaviness, and feeling as of a load or weight in the head; a pressing from without inwards, aggravated by stooping forwards unless the forehead is supported by the hand; a sensation of swashing and surging of the brain within the cranium (compare China, and Rhus and Apis) at every step or on the least motion or when speaking loudly, and very severe when a false step is made or the body is jarred; relieved by repose. This swashing sensation is often accompanied by a tearing, digging pain in some small well-defined portion of the head; generally, semi-lateral, as, for example, in the left parietal region, or the space extending from the left occiput to the left forehead. As regards the localities affected, the pain is generally circumscribed and is often confined to one side; more frequently the left.

The occiput is the seat of many pains which extend into the nape of the neck causing stiffness and at the same time restlessness. In the forehead and in the frontal protuberances we find pulsating stitches; pressure from without inwards; boring and burning pains; the latter are probably superficial and seated in the super-orbital nerve. In the frontal protuberances tearing pain extending into the eye and aggravated by motion of the globe of the eye.

In the temporal region, we find pulsating stitches, pressure inwards and burning, extending into the zygoma.

We pass now to the Eyes which are acted upon not only as regards the tissues, especially the muscular and fibrous tissues, but also as regards the special sense of vision.

In addition to the affections of the eye proper, we find in the left orbit pressing neuralgic pains extending down to the zygoma and leaving on the zygoma a tumor which is sensitive to touch.

The conjunctiva is moderately inflamed. There is moderate pain as if sand were in the eye, a slight secretion of muco-pus and bland lachrymation.

The affection of the deeper tissues of the eye-ball is shown by the dull and flat aspect of the eye, the supra-orbital pains, redness and inflammation of the sclerotic with ptosis, pain in eye and brow; the eyeball is painful when moved and feels tense as if too large for the orbit (Paris quad.); sticking pain in the eye. The eye is painful when moved in any direction (Bryonia) an intolerable pressive pain, so great that, rather than endure it, the patient, when desirous of looking from side to side, moves the whole head, instead of merely the eyeball. Heat and burning in the eyes.

Vision. The sensibility of the retina is increased, inducing photophobia. It is likewise perverted, causing illusions, as if hairs or feathers were on the lashes, and these illusions are increased by wiping the eyes; sparks and a sea of fire. The pupils are dilated.

The sense of hearing is exalted in connection with the headache.

In the zygomatic region of the left side of the face, burning or tearing pressive pains which leave a dull sensation of swelling as the pain abates. There are stitches from the upper maxilla to the vertex.

We pass now to the symptoms of the thorax.

There are stitches in the chest in various parts; and on-both sides, most frequently the left. These stitches are generally from within outwards, and are aggravated by respiration (most by inspiration) and by motion. They occur under the nipple of either side, and, on the left side, are directed towards the scapula and left arm.

The following symptoms: violent stitch in the left side just under the heart recurring periodically; stitch in the diaphragm on the left side, so violent as to arrest breathing; dull stitches, synchronous with the pulse, in the region in which the heart's impulse is felt; stitches between this spot and the epigastrium; - these symptoms, together with those which denote modified action of the heart, viz.: very violent pulsation, audible to the patient and visible to the bystanders; violent palpitation and anxiety; tremulous motion of the heart; palpitation increased by sitting down and bending forwards, and by deep inspiration and retention of the breath; palpitation as soon as he sits down after rising in the morning, and, in the precordial region, a heavy painful pressing load causing constriction and anxiety with cutting and griping as from wind in the abdomen; – these symptoms all clearly point to an affection of the heart and pericardium, and, in such diseases, clinical experience has shown Spigelia to be of exceeding value.

Clinical Indications. – It is evident from our hasty and partial review of the symptoms, that Spigelia may be clearly indicated in cases, that would come under the following groups.

1. Headaches; generally semilateral, so-called nervous; accompanied by great exaltation of the special senses; (compare Silicea, Conium,) aggravated by motion, noise, light and thought; involving generally the left eye and orbit without congestion of the head. In such affections (if attended, as frequently, by nausea and vomiting they resemble "sick headaches ") Spigelia, compares with Silicea, Belladonna, Apis Ignatia, Thuja, Sanguinaria.

2. In Sclerotitis. Also in nasal catarrh when the discharge is chiefly from the posterior nares into the pharyux, and attended by neuralgic affections of the pharynx and region of the ear and lower jaw provided always the general symptoms correspond.

3. Above all, in acute or subacute affections of the heart which present symptoms similar to those of Spigelia above quoted, it is an invaluable remedy; as for example, in acute pericarditis, with anxiety and weight in the precordia, stitches through the heart arresting respiration, oppressed and accelerated palpitation so forcible as to be audible and visible and excited or aggravated by change of position or by the slightest motion. In such cases, Spigelia compares with Aconite, Bryonia, Kalmia, Lachesis, Naja. [And with the new remedy Cactus grandiflorus. – D.]

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1865, pages 537-542]

[Description: Observations on Spigelia.]

[Remedies: Spigelia anthelmia]

[Author: Boyce, C.W.]

[Year: 1865]

POISONING BY A WASP.

The following symptoms were produced by the sting of a common yellow wasp. I send you a minute of the case.

Master — , aged 16, sickly, has had what has been termed scrofula ever since he was born. Has had caries of the bones, severe rheumatism and suppurating glands. For a few years he has been better and has taken exercise and has been able to work some.

August 4th, he was at work painting, when in disturbing a "hornets nest" one of the yellow jackets as they are called, stung him on the hand. In less than an hour his hand became greatly swollen and painful, which was followed immediately by swelling and puffiness of the lower lids and scrotum, together with the integument of the penis. The parts were swollen more than twice their usual she. Almost immediately the skin on the abdomen, anus, legs, neck and nearly all the back turned purple (almost black), which was followed by an eruption of urticaria which completely covered the body. Two or three hours after the sting, his eyes were nearly closed and this dark color and urticaria were fully developed. They all continued for about twenty four hours, when they gradually disappeared in the order in which they came on. He took Apis 0, one drop every four hours.

Yours respectfully, C. W. BOYCE, M.D.

Auburn, N. Y., August 9th, 1862.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 04, 1862, page 192]

[Description: Poisoning by a Wasp.]

[Remedies: Vespa crabro]

[Author: Boyce, C.W.]

[Year: 1862]

PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA. [Reported to the Onondaga County Homoeopathic Medical Society May 2d, 1865

By C. W. Boyce, M. D.

Gertrude Clark, aged seven, a perfectly healthy child, who has never been sick since she was born until the present disease. About March 12th, 1865, the pillow on which she had slept at night would be found, in the morning, somewhat stained with blood. After a few days, she began to spit bloody saliva, and on examination, March 17th, she was found to have small spots of extravasated blood all over the body. When she had the least hurt there would immediately follow a large spot in the vicinity, which would be quite black from the extravasated blood. Any little scratch bled profusely and continuously. The accidental scratch of a pin would bleed so as to saturate cloth after cloth. Little red points appeared on the tongue and on the whole buccal cavity, and these oozed continuously. Blood settled beneath the conjunctiva and the eyes appeared entirely "blood-shot." The breath became peculiarly offensive. The discharge from the mouth of bloody saliva was filled with shreds of decomposed or disorganized blood. The pulse was regular but quick. The appetite was good and she slept well. She was inclined to play and only became exhausted after considerable exertion. She had been entirely well before, for all that her parents had seen, and, but for the blood they would not at first have known that anything was the matter. This was the condition, March 17th, 1865. It had been five or six days coming on. The appearance was frightful; even ordinary handling would leave the marks of the fingers, as though a powerful blow had been struck on the child, and these spots were inclined to extend indefinitely. A slight knock from a doll baby's head near the eye involved the whole eye and its surroundings in a black, unsightly spot. All the secretions were bloody.

On investigating the case, several remedies presented claims for use, and as there were few or no subjective symptoms there was great difficulty in choosing between them from the objective symptoms alone.

It is claimed for Erigeron that it is adapted to arterial hemorrhage. This case is not one of arterial bleeding.

Hamamelis has many hemorrhagic symptoms, but no published symptoms in the possession of the writer would lead him to prescribe it is a case like that before us. The same is the case with Turpentine.

Lachesis has some close indications but not so many as Phosphorus.

Hahnemann's great characteristic indication for Phosphorus "small wounds bleed much," led to the investigation of this remedy; that and the following symptoms were found to correspond.

"Small wounds bleed much.

The gums bleed from small causes.

Much bleeding from the nose from exertion and especially while straining at stool.

Blows much blood from the nose.

Swelled and easily bleeding gums.

The saliva is bloody mucus.

Great discharge of blood from the rectum at stool.

Expectoration of bloody mucus.

Extravasation of blood from all tissues.

Vicarious hemorrhages."

So many of the symptoms were found in Phosphorus that it was given in the case March 18th. Up to this time the hemorrhagic condition had grown rapidly and continuously worse. So very weak had she become that she tottered when attempting to walk, and she was obliged to sit down.

For twenty-four hours after the Phosphorus was given there was no change in the condition. This dose held the case exactly the same.

March 19th, Phosphorus was again given. Immediately the disease began to diminish and the blood disappeared as it had appeared. In fact the case was so surely under cure by Phosphorus that it was dismissed from further care as certain to get well, without further medication. Thus two doses of Phosphorus^200 cured this really dangerous disease.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1865, pages 566-568]

[Description: Purpura Hemorrhagica.]

[Author: Boyce, C.W.]

[Year: 1865]

UTERINE CATARRH.

BY C. W. BOYCE, M. D., AUBURN, N. Y.

"Like every organ covered with a mucous membrane, the uterus-is, upon its internal surface, exposed to those catarrhal and croupy inflammations which generally affect mucous membranes.

"The symptoms of a congestion of the organs of the pelvis, ordinarily precede acute catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterus. The patients complain at this period of a disagreeable sensation of tension about the sacrum and both inguinal regions, and of a heat and fullness in the pelvis, with a frequent desire to urinate. Little by little the pains are concentrated around the uterine region, which is very tender on pressure, without our being able on examination to discover through the abdominal walls any augmentation in the volume of the uterus. About the fourth or sixth day, or sometimes earlier, a flow, more or less copious from the genital parts is observed, a hypersecretion of the mucous membrane of the uterus. The secreted liquid is at first not dense, almost limpid, slightly viscous, and it leaves upon the linen stiffened and clearly defined spots. At length it usually becomes yellow. "Scanzoni's Diseases of Females.

This condition, like every catarrhal disease is liable to become chronic; and as in connection with the uterine difficulty there is usually an extension to the vagina and urinary organs, it is a matter of some difficulty to diagnosticate when we have purely a uterine catarrh. This is only possible by the use of the speculum, or sometimes by the state of the secretion from the genitals. If the fluid is purely alkaline, the disease is uterine; if acid, it is vaginal. Chronic uterine catarrh finally produces the systemic condition known as anaemia, the prominent symptoms of which are exhaustion and general emaciation, a marasmus of the entire organism.

The following cases may be considered a type of the disease which is curable by the remedy here used. They are selected from several cured by the same remedy, as they yielded promptly and remained permanently cured.

I. Mrs. G., forty years old, and the mother of seven children, December 31st, 1862, was aroused at midnight by the house being on fire. She ran out in her night-dress and bare feet with her youngest child in her arms. She staid in the cold nearly an hour, or until the house completely burned down, when she walked to the nearest house half a mile distant. The ground was covered with snow and ice. She was op and down after this exposure for three or four days, complaining of a soreness of the whole body The flesh felt sore. She had spells of falling down when she would remain insensible for hours. She had fainting spells whether she was up or lying. This condition lasted nearly three weeks when she became confined to her bed, from which she did not assume the upright posture until the time soon to be mentioned. There was constant discharge from the genital organs, which finally became dark and very offensive. When she was moved, the discharge was more profuse and looked like fresh blood, indeed she had several alarming floodings. There was great soreness of the bowels and she could not endure to be raised. When attempting to rise or stand up, it seemed as though the bowels would fall out. There was constant cough and the posterior portions of both lungs were completely congested and dull on percussion. Auscultation revealed only bronchial respiration. Every exertion was followed by expectoration of dark blood, with faintings and cramps. A vaginal examination revealed congestion of the neck of the womb and prolapsus. This was the condition May 7th, 1863. The case looked so hopeless that my advice to her was to send for the neighboring physician (she lived seven miles from Auburn) and let him do for her as well as he could. I gave her Lach.12, twenty pellets in half a glass of water, two teaspoonfuls every four hours.

On the 9th of May, I was again Bent for, and with great reluctance went to see her. The change was perfectly surprising. The whole case was improved, and strange to say on the 16th of the same month, just nine days from the first prescription, she went about her household duties and has continued to do her work ever since. There have been several cases of severe disease in the family since and she has nursed them all, the most trying ordeal to which she could be put. She got no medicine after the first two, days, but took Sacch. lact instead.

II. Mrs. R., forty-five years old, took cold about the middle of January, 1864. January 28th, she presented the following symptoms: prostration, especially when exercising and lifting; weight on the top of the head and back of the neck; pain in the small of the back, worse on exercising; appetite good; sensation of bearing down; leucorrhea, thick yellow, which had continued for years, more between the menstrual periods. At this present time (January 28th) it is constant. No menses for two months. The leucorrhea was worse during the day and when exercising.' There was evidently congestion of the womb with catarrh of the mucous membrane. Mrs. R. was so as not to be able to go about the house. Lachesis 200 in water, a tablespoonful night and morning for five days cured her of all complaints, even including leucorrhea. She is now about her house attending to her ordinary household affairs.

If these cases should call attention to this valuable remedy, it will not be in vain that this hasty sketch has been made.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1864, pages 542-545]

[Description: Uterine Catarrh.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Boyce, C.W.]

[Year: 1864]

CLINICAL CASES.

BY A. JUDSON BREWSTER, M. D., CATO, N. Y.

I. Mr. S., aged seventeen years, of light complexion and blue eyes, a farmer, was attacked early in the spring with pneumonia which was of a typhoid character. The cough was attended by profuse expectoration; there were profuse sweats and great debility. He was cured by Aconite and Phosphorus".

In autumn of the same year I was called to him again' and found him suffering with abdominal dropsy. So great was the effusion that his weight was thirty-six pounds in excess of his greatest weight in health. He had been three or four months in this condition; had frequent attacks of watery diarrhea, lasting several days and leaving the patient exhausted, emaciated and unable to leave his bed without help. He would then rally and the filling-up process would recommence., His parents were much alarmed and thought him sinking. He had been treated for ulceration of the liver with drugs, during the whole summer. Several remedies were given without effect. On a closer examination I learned that, during his childhood, he had presented various symptoms of scrofula which, though they had long since vanished, induced me to give Silicea. He received Silicea," a dose morning and evening, and was cured. In the space of six days he lost fourteen pounds in weight

II. Mr. B., aged thirty-three years, dark hair and skin, a mechanic, had been suffering for years from a difficulty of the throat. A tickling in the left side of the throat, producing a short dry cough, which was aggravated by reading, singing or any use of the voice. Even listening to any one reading aloud would induce the same disposition to cough. Hoarseness, at times entire loss of voice. The whole difficulty was referred to a small spot on the left side of the throat, a sensation as from something sticking in that spot, and which cannot be removed.

All the symptoms were relieved by eating, the patient often remarking that if he could eat all the time he should feel well.

He was emaciated, debilitated and evidently sinking under the disease. The case had preserved its characteristic individuality for years, although it had been treated with all the caustics of the old school.

Lachesis^200, a dose every morning and evening, was administerd for a few days. To the great astonishment of the patient all his symptoms, as above related, gradually disappeared. He can now sing, read or talk aloud with his original strength of voice, and some two years have elapsed since he received the medicine. There has been no recurrence of the disease.

III. Mr. K., aged twenty-eight years, of a dark complexion, with black hair and eyes, had been suffering, when I was called to him, for fourteen days, from an attack of typhoid fever, under allopathic treatment. I found him, September 10th, 1863, as follows: tongue, very yellow, clean smooth, partially paralyzed. He swallows and articulates with great difficulty; has a dry short cough with lameness of the chest; partial paralysis of the left side; the arm and leg were left wherever the nurse might chance to place them; motion caused great pain. He muttered while asleep, had but little thirst; the pulse was small and rapid; the bowels hopelessly constipated" After a careful examination of the case, I could think of no other remedy but Lachesis of which I gave the twelfth, one drop in water every three hours.

On visiting the patient next day, I found he had passed a better night and his symptoms were all better. I continued the same remedy for six days, when my patient was convalescent, able to sit up and to walk about a little.

IV. Mrs. V., about forty years old, had had cardialgia for several months. I found her [pale, much emaciated. She had been pronounced hopelessly ill of tubercular consumption, although she had no cough. She had the most excruciating pain commencing in the region of the stomach and radiating over the entire chest and bowels, relieved by eating, but returning from one to three hours afterwards with great severity. I gave Lach.12, three powders each day, and saw the patient again on the third day. To my great joy she was comparatively well, had had no paroxysm, and since the second dose none whatever. Two years have now elapsed and she has had no recurrence of the pain but enjoys very good health.

In conclusion I may state summarily that I have found Lachesis of greatest value in the treatment of hydrothorax with swelling of the feet and dyspnea, especially when the trunk is raised, and bent forward; in erysipelas with a tendency to gangrene; in deep sloughing erysipelatous ulcers and also in chronic bronchial catarrh. Lastly, I have found it indispensable in diphtheria.

V An Obstetrical Case. — In the town of Lysander, Onondaga Co., during the month of January, 1864, after a natural labor, Mrs. A. was delivered of a fully developed and perfectly healthy child. She made a good convalescence and was about the house within the usual period. After the lapse of about seven or eight weeks, she was again seized with labor pains and delivered of a second child as perfect in every particular as the former. The mother and both children were, at last accounts, alive and in good health. This case is well known throughout the neighborhood, and the above statement can be perfectly authenticated in every particular.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1864, pages 571-573]

[Description: Clinical Cases.]

[Author: Brewster, A.J.]

[Year: 1864]

POISONING BY A COBRA.-The following extract from Buckland's Curiosities of Natural History, we copy from the Evening Post.

Mr. Buckland placed a rat in a cage with the snake to witness the effects of the poison. After it had been bitten he examined it and says: –

"No external wound could I see anywhere, so I took out my knife and began taking the skin off the rat. I soon discovered two very minute punctures, like small needle-holes, in the side of the rat, where the fangs of the snake had entered. The parts between the skin and the flesh, and the flesh itself, appeared as though affected with mortification, even though the wound had not been inflicted above a quarter of an hour, if so long.

Anxious to see if the skin itself was affected, I scraped away the parts on it with my finger-nail. Finding nothing but the punctures, I threw the rat away and put the knife and skin in my pocket, and started to go away. I had not walked a hundred yards before all of a sudden I felt just as if somebody had come behind me and struck me a severe blow on the head and neck, and at the same time I experienced a most acute pain and sense of oppression at the chest, as though a hot iron had been run in and a hundred weight put on the top of it I knew instantly, from what I had read, that I was poisoned; I said as much to my friend, a most intelligent gentleman, who happened to be with me, and told him if I fell, to give me brandy and eau de luce, words which he kept repeating in case he might forget them. At the same time I enjoined him to keep me going, and not on any account to allow me to lie down. I then forgot everything for several minutes, and my friend tells me I rolled about as if very faint and weak. He also informs me that the first thing I did was to fall against him, asking if I looked seedy. He most wisely answered, "No; you look very well." I don't think he thought so, for his own face was as white as a ghost; I recollect this much. He tells me my face was of a greenish yellow color. After walking, or rather staggering, along for some minutes, I gradually recovered my senses, and steered for the nearest chemist's shop. Rushing in, I asked for eau de luce. Of course, he had none, but my eye caught the words "Spirit, ammon. co., or hartshorn, on a bottle. I reached it down myself, and pouring a large quantity into a tumbler with a little water, both of which articles I found on a soda-water stand in the shop, and drank it off, though it burnt my mouth and lips very much. Instantly I felt relief from the pain at the chest and head. The chemist stood agast, and on my telling him what was the matter, recommended a warm bath. If I had then followed his advice these words would never have been placed on record. After a second draught at the hartshorn bottle, I proceeded on my way, feeling very stupid and confused.

On arriving at my friend's residence close by, he kindly procured me a bottle of brandy, of which I drank four large wine-glasses, one after the other, but did not feel the least tipsey after the operation. Feeling nearly well, I started on my way home, and then, for the first time, I perceived a most acute pain under the nail of the left thumb; this pain also ran up the arm. I set to work to suck the wound, and then found out how the poison had got into the system. About an hour before I examined the dead rat I had been cleaning the nail with a pen knife, and had slightly separated the nail from the skin beneath. Into this little crack the poison had got when I was scraping the skin to examine the wound. How virulent, therefore, must the poison of the cobra be! It already had been circulated in the body of the rat, from which I had imbibed it second-hand."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06, 1859, pages 287-288]

[Description: Poisoning by a Cobra.]

[Remedies: Naja (?)]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA.

BY FRANCES BURRITT. M. D., NEW ORLEANS, LA.

Some years ago Dr. A. H. Burritt of this city had his attention directed to this remedy, by an old school physician, as a substitute for Arnica in wounds, sprains, bruises, old ulcers on the legs, &c, and as the best application in cases of burns. We prepared a tincture of the bark, twigs, and leaves, and employed it in several cases of burns with the happiest effects. One case was that of a child which put its hand into boiling preserves. Hamamelis relieved it immediately and there was no more suffering experienced after the first application. In applying the tincture to my own burnt fingers the suffering was instantly relieved. Some of it running down my hand I thoughtlessly arrested it with my tongue. It produced immediate coldness of the whole body and was not followed by any sudden re-action-no heat or fever followed but the system gradually recovered its accustomed heat. Immediately after the sensation of heat was felt, a tearing pain across the small of the back was experienced, and a painful fullness of the joints of the legs as if they would burst, which soon extended to all the joints of the body; at the same time a painful fullness of the brain was felt, especially at the top, with a desire to hear lofty, sublime conversation attended with perfect indisposition to talk myself. After the fullness of the joints disappeared there was a dread of moving the limbs as if it would cause suffering, with a weary, stiff, full feeling. There was also a dry, thirsty feeling of the throat which water would not relieve, lasting full twenty-four hours.

I afterwards gave a lady, for pain in the hypogastric region, one drop of Hamamelis of the 15th dilution which at once established a pathogenetic action. The same pain was felt across the back, the same suffering of the joints, and the same distress of the head as was experienced in my own case, with a feeling as if a bolt was passed from temple to temple through the head and tightly screwed. This was accompanied by a feeling that she ought to be reverenced by all around her and have great respect paid to her opinions. This condition continued for about one hour. This lady had no knowledge of what she took nor of what might be expected from the action of the remedy.

At this stage of my experience, my attention was called to the articles found in the Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy, pages 460 and 536; after which my experience with Hamamelis as a therapeutic agent was as follows: –

CASE 1. A lady who had been expected to die, for several days, from hematemesis. I had none of the Hamamelis with me and ordered a decoction of the bark – a tea spoonful every three hours. It cured the patient immediately.

CASE 2. A colored woman aged 35. Two years previous, at the time the menses should have appeared, she experienced severe pain through the lumbar and hypogastric regions and down the legs; fullness of the bowels and brain with severe pain through the whole head, resulting in stupor and deep sleep, lasting twelve to thirty-six hours, from which it was impossible to rouse her; after which she gradually returned to her natural state and so remained till the time for the next menstrual period, when the same suffering was repeated. She was brought to me at the commencement of one of these paroxysms; the pain in the back, pubic region and head had already commenced. I gave eight globules of the 15th dilution of Hamamelis, to be taken at two doses, four hours apart, which established her menses perfectly without any further medication, and she continued to menstruate regularly afterward.

CASE 3. An Irish girl aged 18-strong, robust make. She had never menstruated, but had suffered instead with hematemesis, constant constipation and varices of the legs. I gave her Hamamelis 15th to be taken, three times a day. Her menses appeared immediately, her legs got well, and I knew of her perfect health for three years afterwards, during which, time she became a mother.

CASE 4. A woman pregnant with her seventh child in her fourth month. She was compelled to labor for a livelihood, suffered almost always with varicose veins; at this time she was very lame, suffered much pain and could scarcely move about. I gave twelve globules of Hamamelis, 3d dilution, and a wash of diluted tincture.

She took four pellets at a dose, two doses a day. The first day she felt entire relief from pain, and could exercise with ease. She required no further treatment. I attended her in confinement and found no trace of her former malady.

CASE 5. A lady of plethoric habit had Epistaxis 24 hours, which all ordinary means had failed to relieve. At a previous attack she came near bleeding to death. I gave her Hamamelis 3d, and a wash of diluted tincture for her nose. The hemorrhage was arrested in a few moments but returned, by coughing, the next day. It was again arrested by the same remedy and did not return.

CASE 6. A lady pregnant with her fourth child. She complained of a painful stiffness and a sensation of swelling and weakness in her left leg which continued to some extent during pregnancy, but the Hamamelis gave her prompt relief and there was no return of it after confinement.

CASE 7. A woman pregnant with her fifth child. During her last three pregnancies she had been troubled severely with varicose veins which, after the fifth month, had burst above the ankle and bled profusely. When I was called to her she was only four months advanced in pregnancy, but the bleeding had commenced and she was anticipating a serious time: I gave her Hamamelis three times a day-diluted tincture for a wash. She had no more bleeding and is now well.

These are only a few of the many cases in which I have used this remedy with great success.

In Phlegmasia Dolens it has proved efficatious. I have also found it of great benefit in hemorrhoids, uterine hemorrhage, hemorrhage from the lungs, dysentery, sore nipples and inflamed breasts.

I am satisfied of the great benefit of this agent in venous congestions and believe that in the hands of skilful physicians it is destined to work wonders.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 11, 1859, pages 511-514]

[Description: Hamamelis Virginiana.]

[Remedies: Hamamelis virginiana.]

[Author: Burritt, F.]

[Year: 1859]

PRESCRIPTION BASED ON A CHARACTERISTIC SYMPTOM. — We republish with great pleasure the following detailed and lucid narrative of a very successful prescription, by Mr. D. Wilson, of London. It was based, as will be seen, on a single characteristic symptom of the remedy which was strongly marked in the patient. D.

CASE OF SEVERE AND COMPLICATED PNEUMONIA.

By Dr. CAPPER, Ipswich.

Concluded with Remarks on a Characteristic Indication for the Selection of Lycopodium. By Mr. D. WILSON.

"On the 13th April, 1863, I was sent for, fourteen miles, from home, to see a young lady, a patient of Mr. Wilson's, of London. She was spending the Easter holidays at the sea-side, when she became very unwell, and as Mr. Wilson was so far off, I was sent for to see her.

"She was 11 years of age, of Indian birth, very thin, pale complexion, strumous diathesis, and of a highly nervous temperant.

"On the evening of the 10th, up to which time she had appeared in her usual health, she was sick two or three times, and brought up some rice she had token for dinner. The following day she seemed out of sorts, and on the 12th complained of uneasiness down the right side of the chest and abdomen, and she had a slight hacking cough.

"When I saw her on the 13th, at three, p.m., I found her in bed, very hot, and feverish; pulse 120; tongue dry and coated white; dyspnea; extreme tenderness over the right side, from the clavicle to the crest of the ileum. — There was no dullness on percussion over the chest. The respiratory murmur was feeble on the right side posteriorly, but there was no crepitation.

"The cough was short and hacking, increased on the least movement, and she expectorated without difficulty a small quantity of clear frothy mucus tinged with bright arterial blood.

"Acon. 3, three ter. horis, for three doses, then Bryonia 3 in the same way.

"14th, 4: 30, p.m. She had a restless night. After taking each dose of Bryonia she appeared relieved, and perspired slightly. Cough and expectoration the same, but there is some dullness over the lower part of the right lung posteriorly, but no crepitation. She has taken a little arrow-root. The bowels have not been relieved for two or three days. Rep. Bryonia.

"15th, 4, a.m. Has been very restless; skin dry and hot; pulse 120; respiration 52; alae nasi in rapid motion; posteriorly, dullness over the whole of the right lung, with crepitation; crepitation also over the lower third of left lung; anteriorly, dullness and crepitation over the lower third of the right lung, the liver, and the abdominal cavity on that side; expectoration very tenacious, frothy, and rust-colored. The bowels were relieved this morning' Phosphorus 12, three horis.

"As I considered her now in great danger, Mr. Wilson was telegraphed for, and on his arrival at two, p.m., undertook the further treatment of the case, I continuing my attendance, in order to report to him of its progress.

"When we saw her together this afternoon, there had been but little change since the last report. The dullness on percussion, and the crepitation, had not extended. It gave her pain to lie on the right side. Mr. Wilson gave her Lycopod. 200, in solution, every two hours, and in the way of diet ordered her to have nothing but barley-water."

"ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS BY MR. D. WILSON. — The foregoing case, succintly reported by Dr. Capper, forms one of many similar cases, some of great severity and danger, that I have treated by Lycopodium alone. I shall in the present case give the details just as they occurred, and point out what I believe to be a genuine characteristic of Lycopodium, hitherto overlooked, and by which I have been led to prescribe that remedy during the last twelve years, with great success. in the treatment of several affections occurring chiefly amongst children and young people.

"The patient of whom we write came on a visit to London from school at the Christmas holidays, in very indifferent health, the symptoms of which I was informed had been manifesting themselves before vacation, through the mucous membranes of the stomach and bowels. She had, I believe, taken recently under advice several doses of Calc. carb. When I saw her in town the symptoms then certainly corresponded with those of that remedy. Her condition passed on very speedily to an acute attack of dysentery, which yielded to one dose of Mercur. corros. 200 (Lehrmann's), which was allowed to act without interference, as Hahnemann recommends. Subsequent to this, her symptoms indicated Graphites, which she took, and finally returned to school quite convalescent. An occasional report informed me of her well doing until the present occasion.

"On the 13th of April, I was informed by letter in the morning that my patient, while spending her Easter holidays at a sea-coast rather exposed to the keen east wind, had been seized with an illness requiring the attendance of Dr. Capper. Before he had time to reach her, however, I received the following telegram: 'Fever came on in the night; cannot move in bed, or breathe deep without pain in the right breast, going down and round about the liver; loose cough and slightly streaked expectoration.'

"I prescriped Lycopod. by return of telegram, which reached just as Dr. Capper arrived. He wrote to inform me that he found the patient suffering from a pulmonary attack and congestion of the liver, and that he had not administered the Lycopod. His next letter gave me the details which he has already recorded. On the evening of the 14th I received, too late to catch the lost train, the following telegram: "Disease advancing; danger increasing; let nothing prevent your coming by mail train." Dr. Capper remained all night with the patient.

"I saw her on the 15th, and noted the following condition: She was lying on the curve of her left ribs, midway between her spine and side, the legs drawn up and abdominal muscles relaxed. Her countenance was anxious, as also the breathing, which was very quick — 50 to 60 per minute; the skin burning hot; tongue coated brown, red at tip and margins; her nostrils were in rapid fan-like motion; her answers were quick, anxious and tremulous; there had been some wandering.

"There was great sensitiveness to the pressure over the right side of the chest, but most over the liver in particular, extending also over the abdomen. In the latter locality the sensitiveness manifested that acute kind which we have in peritonitis. The pulse was quick, and not very steady, ranging from 120 to 130 and more while I remained (about two hours). There was great thirst.

Auscultation revealed extensive bronchophony extending to under the right shoulder-blade. The crepitus was as yet but moderate, but the absence of vesicular breathing and the general heaving of the contained lung too clearly, independent of percussion, confirmed Dr. Capper's diagnosis and revealed the extent and serious nature of the active pulmonary congestion, complicated with an inflammatory condition of the liver and peritoneum. The cough was frequent and hacking in character, provoked by putting the tongue far out. — The expectoration was streaked with red blood and rusty to some extent, also very tenacious.

Upon this record I noted the following remedies for study: Acon., Arn., Bry., Con., Cup., Dulc., Euphras., Lyc., Mag. m., Nat. mur., Scill. It would be too tedious, and without any advantage, were I to detail the reasons that led me to single out these remedies for study. There is very little difficulty, however, in selecting from amongst them Lycod. as the only appropriate remedy, if that which I regarded as an unerring characteristic of it should be confirmed by future well-observed clinical experience.

"The symptom to which I allude, and which has never deceived me, is the fan-like motion of the alae nasi. When this is very marked, the expression of the patient is often much pinched, and the entire expression of the eyes and general features is most characteristic, and once clearly recognized is never to be overlooked. Hahnemann in his introductory remarks on Lycopodium has called our attention to this remedy in shortness of breathing in children (Kurzathmigkeit bei Kindern). The symptom, however, which has guided me to its selection in the diseases of children has been that of

"311. Nasen-Muskeln erst wie ausgedehnt, dann wieder zusammengezogen und verkurzt, wie aufgestulpt, i.e., the nasal muscles are first expanded then again contracted and shortened, as if turned up [but not turned over like the brim of a hat! as Hempel translates it in the Chronic Diseases].

This is the symptom, I presume, which has been translated in the British Repertory, at page 85, under 'movements,' as belonging to Ledum; but that drug, as far as I am aware, has no such symptom. The liberties that have been taken with this symptom by compilers and translators are a very fair specimen of what we frequently meet with, and bear us out in our structures as to the manner 'in which the magnificent works of Hahnemann and others have been so hacked and hewed and cobbled up again.'

"Jahr, for example, in his Symptomen-Kodex der Homoeopathischen Arzneimittellehre, changes Hahnemann's text (Symptom 311), which I have already quoted, into the following: 'Nasenkrampf, muskel erst wie ausgedehnt, dann Wieder zusammengezogen and Verkurzt wie ausgestulpt.' Here we have 'Krampf' manufactured, and interposed between Nasen and muskel, with an altered punctuation to which we might fairly take exception — and what is the result? The result is we find Hempel in his supposed translation of Jahr's aforesaid Symptomen-Kodex giving the English student of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica the following incorrect version of the symptom: 'Spasm of the muscles of the nose, which feels distended, then again contracted and shortened, forming a thick bundle.' By the unwarrantable use of the word 'feels,' the symptom, which is purely objective — symptoms for which there has been so much clamor — is converted into one that is subjective. Dr. Hempel probably considers his last translation in the American Jahr an improvement since he translated the same words in the Chronic Diseases accurately enough, with exception of the rather too impressive expression "like the brim of a hat turned over"

"It has been well remarked in a translated article in the British Journal of Homoeopathy: 'Truly we ought to be ashamed to endure any longer such shameful specimens of book instruction And it is by means of such asses bridges that the Homoeopathic Materia Medica is to be studied and is actually practised by very many medical men! Shall this scandal last longer?' In the year 1848 a' Homoeopathic Publishing Society' was instituted by a few English Homoeopathists, but their promises have not yet been realized. Their undertakings have indeed been of a very desultory character. We should like to have some information in regard to the future intentions of this society, now called we believe 'THE HAHNEMANN SOCIETY.' Two of the most active members of that society are the journalists who, through the article to which I have referred, hare given their readers some insight as to what is thought of the existing state of our educational literature. Yet some foremost men have been so wanting in circumspection as to solicit help in the construction of a 'New Repertory,' compiled as it must necessarily be, when existing translations are used, from such 'hacked and hewed and cobbled up' rubbish! It would seem as if compilers and translators, whether they be English or Foreign, with a very few honorable exceptions, are nearly on a par when fairly tested by the rules of just and rigid criticism. Book-making and trade seem in most cases to have been hitherto the one grand object in view.

"To proceed with our case.

"This alternate contraction and dilatation of the nostrils, when it accompanies hurried and anxious respiration in cerebral and thoracic affections, constitutes a perfectly quick and fan-like motion.*[This symptom is one of no mean importance when we examine its anatomical and physiological relationships. It is not surprising that the nasal wings should be in a state of increased and peculiar action during difficult inspiration when the nervous centres belonging thereto are deeply involved.' We will do well to remember that the compressor muscles of the nose are supplied with nerves from the fifth pair, which arises from the crus cerebelli, by two roots (motor and sensitive), thus resembling the spinal system of nerves.] When clearly marked, no matter through what organ or tissue the symptoms of any attack of illness may manifest themselves, in children and young people, I venture to submit that the whole group of phenomena in such attacks will be found under Lycopodium. This has at least been my experience, which has been abundantly confirmed in my private practice as well as by my dispensary records. In hooping-cough I have also found it a valuable indication for the selection of Lycopodium. My experience of the value of the symptom as regards adults is as yet incomplete.

"I will not longer trespass on the patience of the reader, but proceed with details.

"For the treatment of the case in hand I selected, as Dr. Capper states, Lycopodium 200 (Lehrmann's), prepared by contact instead of saturation;†[On this question and dilutions generally, I shall offer some observations at a future time. My plan however merely carries into practice Hahnemann's statement of I drop being adequate to medicate 300 globules.] five globules were dissolved in an ordinary tumbler of water, and one tea-spoonful ordered to be repeated every two hours until the fan-like motion of the nostrils ceased, then to be repeated at longer intervals, until Dr. Capper pronounced the patient convalescent. Barley-water and milk and water were ordered for diet, but subject to his discretion. I need not say that we were aided in our attendance upon this most anxious case by the unfailing vigilance of a lady superintendent of acute perception and judgment, as the report will I think testify.

"Her first report to me was as follows: 'April 15th. First dose of Lyc caused a little more cough and sputa — decreasing in the second hour. Second dose of Lyc., followed by great quietness, very little cough, but the sputa purer blood, redder and clearer; breathing in the chest 46, as near as my unpractised fingers and watch can count; pulse 100; breathing in the chest, not from stomach; no change in the nostrils; wandering after dosing. Third dose — still greater quietness, until an attempt to lie on the left side, and to extend the limbs across the bed caused cough, producing a voluntary return to lying on the back. Then cough became quiet; deep sleep under this third dose, with quick loud breathing, and finally a turning on the right side, with a little cough, which passed off without change of posture.

"'The sleep continuing with knees drawn up, and the figure curled up thus across the bed; breathing very quick but not so loud; this at eleven o'clock at night. In about ten minutes the cough began again — she turned, threw off the bed clothes, and said she must get up. On being soothed, she settled down again on the back in the old attitude. Fourth dose at 11: 30, whilst making another effort to lie on the right side. This was accomplished without coughing, but she soon resumed her old posture again from evident discomfort.

"'Thursday morning, nine o'clock, April 16th. During this interregnum I have been dozing by her side, the coachman's wife watching. She has had a night of quiet alternating rest, coughing occasionally and raising the same sort of sputa, but so different from any previous night; proved by my venturing to lie down. I have again been watching her for some time; the nostrils are more quiet; but the same fan-like action is undoubted; the respiration seems to be 36 and the pulse 90 in the minute. The whole face looks relieved, and the darling says, 'So much better, I can lie on my side — could I not have some pictures to look at Half-past eleven, a.m., last report before noon-post. No action of the bowels since yesterday afternoon; tongue unchanged; coughs when putting it far out; lies on the back chiefly, but turns a little on either side occasionally; sputa whiter, more frothy, not so stringy and tenacious; breathing from 30 to 35; pulse 85: no breathing from the stomach, but the right lung heaves more than the left, the breathing varies.

"'Two o'clock, p.m. Steady improvement; now lying calmly asleep on the left side, knees drawn up, arm thrown naturally over the stomach; breathing quiet and easy, though far too quick; the cough slightly increasing, more power. and effort, and the sputa less and less tinged, whiter, freer and more frothy Has borne the changing of linen of the bed nicely. The day is balmy, warm summer and sunshine — a great help to us.'

"'At 4:30, p.m., Dr. Capper reports:

"'Our little patient is certainly better; pulse 92, respiration 42. The inflammation of lungs certainly not extending. Moist crepitation all over the right side posteriorly, also the lower part of the left. Ditto over the lower half of the right arteriorly. The sputa is less tenacious and much less bloody. There is less twiching of the alts nasi, and if anything less tenderness over the liver. She has much less pain all down the right side. I believe all the other symptoms have been already mentioned to you.'

"Dr. Capper was aware I believe of the copious notes of events made by our lady superintendent, just as they occurred; and which form a very interesting study, as it is seldom that practitioners have such a favorable opportunity of seeing the minute and elaborate workings of a remedy as we have in the present instance.

"Our lady assistant observer continues after Dr. Capper's visit: '7: 30, p.m., last time for post. Pulse and respiration still 92 and 42; both more than in the earlier morning, as has always been the case. A good deal of heat this afternoon, but the day has been oppressive.

"Surely such details of marked improvement, confirmed too by Dr. Capper, in a case of extreme gravity within the short space of twenty-four hours, ought to make men cautious before they venture lo express rash opinions ridiculing the healing influences of attenuated doses of appropriate selections. Those who differ from us will see the folly of their idle assertions when they write that the men who cure their patients with the 30th and 200th dilutions are myths nowhere to be found. Such sneering detractors must surely never have read their Master's Organon, when they say that practitioners who administer dilutions above the 30th have abandoned the Hahnemannian creed.

"In the Organon there is to be found upon the most undoubted testimony evidence that 'Hahnemann appeared in the latter years of his practice to employ his whole dexterity in diminishing the dose more and more.' Then again in answer to those who sneer at inhalation, Dr. Croserio writes: 'My own wife was cured by him in this manner of a violent pleurisy in the course of five hours.' And again with regard to the assertions implying that Hahnemann did not prescribe dilutions higher than the 30th, I beg to quote from Dr. Dudgeon's translation of the Organon, page 331: 'The higher we carry the attenuations.... with so much the more rapid and penetrating action does the preparation seem to effect the vital force and to alter the health, with but slight diminution of strength, even when this operation is carried very far, — in place, as is usual (and generally sufficient) to X, when it is carried up to XX, L, C, and higher; only that then the action always appears to last a shorter time.'

"Does this not give a satisfactory answer to all such foolish assertions with regard to Hahnemann never employing dilutions above the 30th? The statement made by Hahnemann, that the higher the attenuation the shorter its action is, in my opinion, perfectly correct as regards its action in acute disease, and herein lies one of the great advantages of attenuated doses, as I shall hereafter explain, should a wrong selection have been made. same time the high dilutions enable us to repeat the remedy at short intervals of even a few minutes, with perfect safety in acute attacks, and with the most marvelous success if the remedy be correctly chosen.

"To conclude with our case: the report of April 17th, 11: 30, a.m., says, 'Progress seems steady; a little heated and restless last evening, ending in a little fretful crying and sobbing [action of Lyc] After this she was comforted and seemed like herself; at one o'clock she began to sleep quietly, scarcely waking or coughing till seven, a.m. Then much better, though a little more cough, as if to raise the accumulation of the long sleep. The sputa white and frothy, with a little coloring inside the piece thrown up by each cough. This has passed off, and she is now beautifully quiet, happy and amusing herself with pictures. Pulse feels to me weak and low — scarcely 70; respiration 88. She is losing flesh fearfully. The tongue is as you saw it — only the red tip and sides extending, and the coat thinner — breaking up — and the edges getting greyer. She lies on both sides easily; breathes softly; puts out the tongue without coughing, and the fan-like movements of the nostrils are much diminished. The action of each dose is wonderful. Friday evening, Dr. Capper is astonished at the rapid progress, be said: pulse 72; respiration 88;

" Dr. Capper's own report to me dispatched April 17th, Friday evening, says:

"'I am glad to find our little patient decidedly better today. The pulse only 72; steady, and respiration 38. Very little tenderness over the liver; less dullness over the right lung; moist crepitation as before.

"Expectoration frothy, with hardly a tinge of blood. Bowels relieved slightly once. Her tongue looks much as when you saw it, but moister. The twitching of the ale nasi has ceased. She is tired of the barley-water, and I gave her leave to have some gruel, and we spoke of chicken broth to-morrow. I have now ordered the Lyc. to be repeated only every three or four hours;

"April 20th. Dr. Capper continues: 'Steady improvement; she has no pain; hardly any cough or expectoration, and what there is of the latter looks purulent. Crepitation has almost disappeared all over the affected part of the lungs. She can now lie in any position, and sit up without pain; pulse 60; respiration 28. Her tongue is still coated, but clearing nicely from the tip. — There is slight tenderness in the liver on deep pressure. She had some pain after taking some thickened barley, so that she has taken nothing since but barley-water. She is very hungry and craved for a biscuit, which I have allowed with boiled skimmed milk. We have not ventured on chicken broth yet. She is taking a dose of Lyc. every four hours.'

"23d April. Dr. Capper says: 'There is no crepitation, and no pain any where. There is more dullness than there ought to be at the lower part of both lungs posteriorly, and the respiratory murmur there is feeble. Pulse 56; respiration 20. She feels faint at times. I have ordered more food frequently. There is no cough nor expectoration. The Lyc. is taken every five hours.' On the 24th, Dr. Capper allowed her to be dressed. She was taking beef-tea and chicken. On the 28th of April, Dr. Capper informed me that he had seen our patient, and that the lyc. was only repeated night and morning. She complained of a slight sensation of stiffness through the right lung on taking a deep breath (Lyc.) The appetite is good, and she can read, write, work, etc., without any difficulty. On that day she was removed back to her school, a distance of seventeen miles. Dr. Capper adds, 'she has certainly made a most excellent recovery.9 I recommended all medicine to be suspended for a week, and the report was a perfect recovery.

"I have since been informed that the patient looks better than she has done of years. Such improvement is the general result I have usually observed after a severe attack of illness, that has focussed, as it were, the entire morbid taint of constitutional dyscrasia, known amongst the disciples of Hahnemann as the psoric element, which has been met and overcome by its true homoeopathic analogue during the treatment of the patient"

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 03, 1863, page 136-143]

[Description: Case of Severe and Complicated Pneumonia.]

[Remedies: Bryonia alba, Phosphorus, Lycopodium clavatum]

[Author: Capper]

[Year: 1863]

A CASE OF ACUTE ALBUMINURIA.

BY H. J. CATE, M.D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

The formidable character of the disease of which it presents a specimen is my only apology for copying the following case. Bright's disease of the Kidneys, has been classed among the incurable diseases so universally, that we are perhaps too often discouraged from making any earnest effort to treat it effectively. The following case has its only interest in the promptness and permanency of the, recovery, fortified as it is by the successful termination of several cases reported by Drs. Henderson and Kidd, in the British Journal of Homoeopathy, treated by the same remedy.

J. L., aged 6, had an attack of Scarlatina during the month of June last, running safely and mildly through all its stages, and apparently ending in perfect recovery. He was at once taken to the country, where, on the fourth of July, about two weeks after perfect convalescence, he was exposed to a cold north-west wind. On the 5th, it was observed that his urine was dark, almost as red as blood, scanty, and passed more frequently than usual. On the morning of the 6th, his face was swelled and urinary symptoms about the same. On the 8th, I saw him.

The urine was very dark, looking very much like the darkest brandy; almost black when looked down upon in the vessel, dark red by transmitted light. It had a brownish dingy sediment. The usual tests revealed the presence of albumen, forming one-third of the contents of the test-tube. Face puffy and pale; the feet, limbs, and bowels bloated; urine passed without pain fifteen or twenty times daily, not more than one ounce at a time; bowels moved three or four times daily; had a slight hacking cough; was dull and languid, and inclined to sleep constantly; skin warm and dry; pulse 90. Prescription, Cantharides, every 3 hours.

On the 9th, I found the symptoms unchanged, except that the swelling was slightly increased. Continued Cantharides.

On the 10th, urinary symptoms about the same; swelling and drowsiness increased. There is not now, nor has there been, any pain or difficulty in passing the urine, nor is there any pain in the region of the kidneys. Prescription, Terebinthina, every 3 hours.

On the 11th, the urine was slightly increased in quantity, decidedly lighter in color, while the albumen formed one-third of the contents of the test-tube.

To condense the reports of the following days, the turpentine was continued at lengthened intervals until the 14th, when it was finally discontinued. On that day there was not the slightest haze in the urine, under the action of heat or Nitric acid, and the albumen remained absent. No remedy except the Terebinthina was given after the 10th, and all the symptoms rapidly disappeared, leaving him in the perfect health which he still enjoys.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04, 1860, pages 162-164]

[Description: Case of Acute Albuminuria]

[Remedies: Cantharis vesicatoria, Terebinthiniae Oleum]

[Author: Cate, H.J.]

[Year: 1860]

PROVING OF RHUS VERNIX. [Read before the Hom. Med. Society of the State of N. Y., May 10, 1864.]

BY LYMAN CLARY, M. D., SYRACUSE, N. Y.

As by a rule of the society it is made the duty of every member to make some communication at each regular meeting, I shall comply by giving a proving of the Rhus vernix or Poison Sumach. This is a beautiful shrub growing in low swampy places to the height of from ten to thirty feet, and is indigenous to the northern and middle states. Rhus vernix produces much more powerful and poisonous effects than Rhus toxicodendron or Rhus radicans.

Though we have but few provings, I am satisfied, when they are more extended, we shall perhaps find it more valuable as a remedial agent than the other varieties. My experience in its proving was involuntary, precluding me from claiming martyrdom in the cause of medical science. It was brought about in the following manner:

On the 22d of November, 1863, a stick of Rhus vernix, as large as my wrist and two feet long, was brought into my office by my friend Dr. Hawley, that I might make a tincture, he having taken the bark from one half, for the same purpose.

I held it by the part which retained its cuticle for half a minute, handing it back, saying I was very susceptible to Rhus tox. Dr. H. shaved off a small spot of cuticle, from which exuded a globule of juice as large as a pinhead, which I touched with the tip of my tongue, remembering the teaching of the books, that it would protect against the poisonous effects induced by contact with the skin. These teachings, like many others from the same source, proved false, as I found to my sorrow. The stick was put away, and the occurrence passed from my mind.

On the 30th of November, eight days after the experiment, while at dinner, my tongue felt as if scalded, and during the afternoon this feeling extended to the entire mouth and fauces, producing great dryness in the mouth, and stinging pains, which increased rapidly till I retired at night. At two o'clock next morning severe pains in the stomach and bowels came on, but being in a half-waking and half-sleeping state, I remained in bed about two hours, when I was suddenly forced from my bed, and had a large watery stool, passed with great force and attended with violent colicky pains. During the next two hours had three more profuse stools of the same character, and from that time the pain and stools ceased. In the morning I rose, feeling weak and as though I had taken a drastic cathartic-appetite gone and chills over the whole body.

During the day, December 1st, I often scratched my neck under my shirt collar, and on getting warm in bed I felt, stinging and itching about my chest and back, as though some insect was biting me.

On the morning of the second, inspecting my face, I found the forehead swollen and red; during the day this extended to the whole head and face. The upper lip was terribly swelled and the itching greatly increased, especially in the septum narium; had burning pains and swelling in the eye. During this day hemorrhoids came on, and four small tumors appeared, which remained out for several weeks, with extreme itching and burning. I had had nothing of the kind for more than two years. No movement of the bowels this day, but the itching extended to the whole body, though no eruption appeared. At night the itching was so great that I could hardly endure it, but up to this time, and until the next morning, the third of December, I had no suspicion of the cause. I had entirely forgotten the Rhus. I passed a sleepless night, and in the morning discovered the vesicular eruption characteristic of Rhus, showing itself on the forehead. Then for the first time occurred the idea that I had been poisoned. It may be thought that I was very stupid not to have sooner recognized the cause, and I must acknowledge it now appears so to me.

During this day, fourth of December, the eruption spread over the body and extremities, with a desire to scratch that was irresistible.

The scrotum, prepuce and glans penis, became covered with vesicles; transient, shooting pains in the sternum and chest, added to those of the preceding days, which continued in an aggravated form. Now lameness and soreness of the muscles came on, and 1 could hardly walk. The hemorrhoids continued – nausea and loathing of food, with entire loss of taste and smell. The pharynx and esophagus became so irritable that it was painful and difficult to swallow; food, in passing, caused pain and seemed to stop midway to the stomach; even cold water produced the same feeling that very hot tea would, and the same aching pain that is often felt after drinking very cold ice water, though the thirst was great.

December 5th dryness and pain in the larynx came on, with hoarseness and a harsh, dry cough, attended by stricture in the chest, and for more than two weeks there was pain over the sternum. I may also say that for the same time the itching, cough, lameness and hemorrhoids all continued, and

I was tormented night and day.

Now, gentlemen, if anything can be made out of this medley of symptoms, which shall add to the pathogenesis of the Rhus vernix, I shall rejoice, though sure am I that I shall not soon be induced to try the same experiment. I think I was not free from perceptible effects of this poisonous drug for six or eight weeks. Is it not remarkable that eight days should have intervened after the application of the virus to the delicate mucous membrane of the tongue, before the least symptom of its violent effects should have made itself manifest, and then that the tongue to which it was applied should have been the organ first to suffer? Where was this subtle poison all this time, which we will call the latent period?

Was it coursing through the vascular system to the extreme capillaries, ready to bite and sting when that unruly organ, the tongue, should fire up and direct it?

I leave this for wiser heads than mine to solve, and would direct the question to our allopathic friends who have ascertained that touching the tongue to poison will prevent injurious effects upon the system.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 01, 1864, pages 23-26]

[Description: Proving of Rhus Vernix.]

[Remedies: Rhus venenata]

[Author: Clary, L.]

[Year: 1864]

ALTERNATION.

By M. D. Coe, M. D., St. Charles, Ill.

Much has been written of late on the subject of the alternation of remedies, and as it is a question which must be decided by experience, as must every other question of medical practice, no dogmatism will satisfy or bring together those differing in opinion. I conceive that the discussion in the February number of the Review does not cover the whole ground, nor does Dr Hawley touch some reasons which have most influenced me to alternate. I purpose in this article to give some of the principles which have governed me in my practice.

Specific action pertains to every organ and tissue of the human system. Each gland, each membrane has its specific office, selecting and secerning from the blood or the cast off elements, its own appropriate secretion. In each tissue are arrested by some elective process, just such elements as are necessary for its growth or maintenance. The avenue is closed to all other unless some toxical agent is thrown in which has power to arrest the normal process.

It is an established principle in Homoeopathy, demonstrated by drug-proving and clinical experience, that each drug has its own specific sphere and manner of action, hence that each remedy acts in a particular manner, upon a particular organ or tissue, or upon a particular set of organs or tissues. Another recognized principle in Homoeopathy is, that attenuated remedies act upon the system only by virtue of their homoeopathicity to the disease by which the system is at the time affected; hence they are inert when taken by persons in health.

When I visit a patient, I endeavor to get a perfect impression, or image, if you please, of the disease, of its symptoms and pathology. Then applying my governing law "like cures like," I endeavor to find a pathogenetic picture which will exactly correspond to, or be a likeness of the image of the disease. If in searching my drug-provings, I find in the pathogenesis of a single remedy a picture which is a perfect likeness, I administer that remedy alone. When I lay the picture upon the image, it exactly covers it. But supposing after exhausting my pathogenetic lore, I find no single remedy that will complete the picture; some part is still defective, it either wants a head, a body or a limb, what am I to do? What I do is this, I finish out the picture with something that will complete it. If the head symptoms are unmistakably Aconite symptoms, and nothing else, the chest symptoms, unmistakably Bryonia symptoms and nothing else, and the symptoms of the lower limbs unmistakably Rhus symptoms and nothing else, I can finish my picture in no other way, nor can anyone else. Now in this case what is to be done? If I use only one remedy, I move only one group of symptoms at a time and they must be taken in succession, while if 1 alternate, I act upon all at the same time. But the single remedy objector says, one of my medicines will modify the action of the other in such a manner that I cannot rely upon their doing what their pathogenesis would indicate. I think he is mistaken. If attenuated remedies only act homoeopathically as we all hold, only act upon those organs and tissues which are affected by disease in a manner similar to the drug affection, then my Aconite, Bryonia, and Rhus each goes to its own place, and performs its own office without interfering or being interfered with by the others.

The objector may ask, "Why not then combine your remedies and administer them all at once after the manner of the old school? Because they might chemically affect each other, and effect a change of substance, so that we should be administering something different from the original remedies. If we could be certain in any case that there was no chemical union, no modification of the substance, but simply a mixture, I am satisfied that we might administer combined remedies, upon the basis of their individual pathogenesis, and trust to the animal economy to do its own selecting and appropriating. But as we cannot be satisfied that there is no modification of substance, we cannot be certain of effects until we have provings of combined medicines. "But," says the objector again, "may not your remedies administered at short intervals chemically combine and produce a change of substance after they are taken?" No, for each does its part, by making its specific impression upon the nerves which it specifically affects, and this nerve force or impression is communicated to the cells specifically adapted to receive it; and that force or impression for which they have no specific affinity cannot affect them. I, therefore, have always preferred, when I could not find a drug whose symptoms completely covered the symptoms of disease, to use two, and 1 have even used three in alternation. If we had a Materia Medica so perfect, that a perfect likeness of each abnormal condition of the animal economy could be found and in the pathogenesis of distinct drugs, then I should have no controversy with the advocates of the single remedy system, and in fact the only reason why I practice alternation, is this want of perfection.

To exemplify a little further our meaning, we will change the figure. I find my patient being preyed upon by a disease in the form of a double-headed monster, each head, as far as I can discern, possessing independent vitality. My patient asks to be delivered from its power. Being anxious to relieve him as soon as possible, I seize a club in each hand, determined to deal a blow to each head at the same time. Just as I have raised my clubs to strike, my arm is arrested and I hear a voice frantically exclaim, "Hold, Dr.! What in the name of science and the master are you about to do?" I reply: "You see that double-headed monster prying upon the vitality of my patient. He asks me to rescue him and I am taking the shortest method of doing so." "But," says my interrogator, "you make an awkward appearance with a club in each hand, you cannot strike scientifically with two clubs at once, and then the master always taught that you should only use one, and after that was used up to take another. I would use one club, on one head, until I had killed it, then I would take the other and kill the other head." In reply I tell him that by using two clubs at once, I can kill both heads in the same time that he would require to kill one, and as the relief of my patient is my only object, not caring how it is done, I shall not hesitate to use both clubs at once even if my attitude be not as graceful and my procedure as scientific as you could desire. I practice homoeopathically. Feeling conscience-striken because I have kept my patient so long in waiting, I fall to belaboring both heads of the monster by using both clubs simultaneously; and after I have dispatched him, I turn round and see standing behind me one of the editors of the Review, with sorrow depicted in his countenance and exclaiming, "You are not a Homoeopathician."

REMARKS. – This article very justly affirms that the question of alternation, being a practical one, "must be decided by experience;" that no dogmatism will satisfy those differing in opinion. The writer then straightway proceeds to dogmatize, on the basis of two assumptions, which he claims to be "established principles in Homoeopathy," but which very few will concede in the terms in which he has expressed them.

Having referred the question to experience, he makes no appeal to experience, whether his own or his neighbors. If he have experience which can throw light on this question, it ought to be comparative experience. He ought to be able to say, "for a certain period of times I avoided alternation, selecting my remedies as Hahnemann directs; then, for a period, I alternated. My success under the latter method was the greater." Such a statement as this would carry weight. But we gather from this article that Dr. Coe has always practiced alternation, deriving his ideas of its propriety and necessity from the assumed "established principles" upon which he bases his arguments, and upon the assumed imperfections of the Materia Medica.

If our conjecture be correct, then his experience, being confined to the practice of alternation and not bearing upon the opposite method, can have only a negative value. It merely shows that a measure of success does attend this faulty form of practice, a point which was freely conceded to Dr. Hawley. But inasmuch as no advocate of alternation claims invariable success, the question remains, "might not the success have been greater if alternation had been avoided?"Not having any comparative experience by the light of which to answer this question, the alternator-ab-iuitio, could not reply.

Our editorial note to Dr. Hawley's paper expressly referred to Hahnemann's experience, and to the experience of the writer, as being of this comparative character and as therefore bearing on this question, and as showing, so far as they go, that the results of adherence to the single remedy are more satisfactory than those of alternation.

Some of the points touched by Dr. Coe are too important to be treated in this annotation. They will be discussed in a future number of the Review.

Suffice it now to say that, when he states that "the only reason why he practises alternation is the want of perfection of the Materia Medica," – he concedes, if he will allow us to add one other analogous reason, viz., "want of perfection in the knowledge, possessed by practitioners, of the Materia Medica which we already have," all that the opponents of alternation contend for. For this position admits that alternation is wrong in principle and is only necessitated by a temporary emergency, we contend that the emergency instead of being common, is rare, if not altogether imaginary and we appeal to our practice.

How dangerous it is to discuss a question of science with rhetorical figures!

Dr. Coe makes merry over his imagined double-headed monster, for each head of which he provides a club, and he grows happy at the thought that by his two-handed energy he will have destroyed this figurative disease much more quickly than the luckless editor could do it, whom he restricts to the use of a single club to be applied to but one head at a time.

Now we have always supposed that the efficacy of an armament depended not so much upon the number of efficient weapons as upon the skill with which the weapons existing were used, and one club in a vigorous right hand might do more execution even on a double-headed monster, than two clubs even in the hands of our ambidexterous correspondent. But why restrict the monster to the "two-headed" form? If we are to admit the dual or multiple independent co-existence of disease, why not liken it to do centipede, each foot "possessing independent vitality." With what armament now will our friend cope with his antagonist? Shall he call Briareus in consultation and arm him with one hundred clubs? We do not believe in the multiple co-existence of disease. Leaving out of view traumatic affections which may supervene during idiopathic sickness, as Drysdale shows, we believe in the unity of disease and we expect to find one remedy of which the characteristic symptoms cover the whole case.

The figure of the two-headed monster is, therefore, in our view, defective. But, admitting the figure, why must we use clubs at all? In the days when brute force reigned supreme they were well enough. But surely, in this day of enlightenment "clubs are not trumps."

Hercules was the embodiment of brute strength as distinguished from intellectual acuteness and skill. Surely his subjugation of the Lernean Hydra should not serve us as an example in treating disease. We cannot afford to spend so much time as the club-treatment requires; for both the experience of Hercules and that of our Irish friends at Donnybrook fair, prove that the breaking of heads by clubs is a tedious and uncertain affair. We decline to enter into competition with our friend in the use of his favorite therapeutic agent, the club, whether he use it single, double or a hundred-fold. But, if he insist on a mechanical figure, we will suggest that, while he is counting the heads of the monster and is casting about in his club-room for a bludgeon adapted to each head, and is fitting his hands for the arduous effort and is so getting his balance, as to make sure that the complex wielding of his numerous weapons shall not trip him up, we shall humbly survey the monstrous form with the intent to study the controlling characteristics of its anatomical structure, and when we shall have learned to what type it belongs and what are its characteristics as an individual, then with one single weapon (a slender sword, it may be, or a bodkin, or a drop of Prussic acid) we shall touch the vital part (the heart, or the medulla, or a delicate mucous membrane), on whose integrity depends the life of all the heads and all the rest — and presto – before the ponderous clubs have time to fall on those devoted heads" belaboring them simultaneously" — the work is done.

Multiplicity in armament is generally inconsistent with simplicity and efficiency and is characteristic of a barbaric age or race.

Thus the double-club array is known as the "Indian clubs."

The Japanese wear two swords, and yet cannot stand a moment before the single rapier of the Frenchman.

The savage of the Southern States glories in his belt full of six-shooters, and his boot legs bristling with bowie-knives. Before the single purpose of the Northern farmer, he is rapidly passing into the realm of history. [Eds.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 10, 1865, pages 446-453]

[Description: Alternation.]

[Author: Coe, M.D.]

[Year: 1865]

BIGELOW, EXPOSITION OF RATIONAL MEDICINE

BY ISAAC COLBY, M. D., CONCORD, N. H.

I have recently seen a small volume by J. Bigelow, M. D., of Boston, entitled "Exposition of Rational Medicine." With its main features I am well pleased -it abounds with valuable suggestions. He takes a calm, common sensepractical view of the subject; shows that he understands some of the errors and deficiencies of the allopathic practice, and fearlessly exposes them. The -public, he thinks, misjudge the true mission of the medical profession, and expect more of its practitioners than they generally realize. The Dr. says: "The cure, the relief and the safe conduct of patients, involve the great objects for which medicine has been striving for thousands of years. Yet even in the present advanced state of science, physicians are not agreed as to the means by which any one of these is to be accomplished or attempted; and a man who falls sick at home or abroad, is liable to get heroic treatment, or nominal treatment, or random treatment, or no treatment at all, according to the hands into which he may happen to fall."

This is indeed a gloomy prospect for a sick man, and all because in the "various diversities of practice which occupy the greatest share of attention," no discriminating symptom marks out the remedy for the disease. And this is the confession of a mature mind, well understanding the popular science of medicine. But fortunately for mankind there exists a system, with the principles of which Dr. B. seems to be unacquainted, and which has not escaped the satire of his pen, that throws over the suffering victims of disease, a rainbow of brighter promise.

The science of medicine had its origin in the dark ages of the human intellect, and was in harmony with the learning that then prevailed. But while the arts and sciences in general are advancing to a high state of perfection, and now reluctantly acknowledge relationship to those of that period bearing their names, the physician fails to elevate his profession to an equal standard. The success of the healing art has not kept pace with the progress of the human mind, nor with its own accumulating resources, nor yet with the expectations of this enlightened age. Notwithstanding all its discoveries, its best efforts are still attended with nearly the same disappointments and uncertainty they were ages ago; facts which argue a defect in the fundamental principles of medical science; a defect which can never be reached till it is remodeled and founded on philosophical principles, adopting remedies to diseases more in accordance with natural laws. This grant result, homoeopathy both in a theoretical and practical point of view, is fully adequate to accomplish. Yet Dr. B., unmindful of its true principles defines it "a specious mode of doing nothing." And alluding to its adherents he says:

"There is great reason to believe that, at the present day, homoeopathic faith is not always kept up in its original purity by its professors. Traces of the occasional use of very heroic remedies are often detected among the most unsuspected of its practitioners. And it must not be concealed that there are instances in which the temptation is very great, even for the most resolute convert, to come to the aid of the sick with reasonable and efficient doses of real medicine. The man must be somewhat of a stoic who can look upon a case of severe colic, or of the multiform distresses which result from over-tasked organs of digestiou, and quiet his conscience with administering inappreciable globules instead of remedies."

Such a stoic I confess myself to be, in proof of which I will present a few cases from my practice.

First let me say that I commenced the practice of medicine as early as the year 1817, and followed it, according to the rules of allopathic science, till 1846, when I adopted and have since practiced the system of homoeopathy.

As Dr. B. has so significantly alluded to what he is pleased to represent as inappreciable globules instead of remedies in cases of severe colic, I will give some of my experience in the homoeopathic treatment of this disease, in its various shades of character. In all of which I have strictly adhered to the Homoeopathic Law in the selection of remedies. And in no case have I prescribed a potency below the third dilution, and I think I have more frequently given the thirtieth than the third.

Soon after my attention was directed to the subject of homoeopathic medicine, I was called to see a man who, for several years, had been subject to periodical attacks of colic. The disease had been in the habit of returning every four or six weeks, when he laid by, took physic and after a few days, with much feebleness, returned to his accustomed labors. The visit referred to was the first time I was called into his family. I treated him allopathically and he was able to resume his business in about the usual time. The next time the disease returned I had obtained knowledge and confidence in homoeopathy, and gave him a few globules of the thirtieth dilution of Colocynth. The pain left him in less than ten minutes and did not return. Until the time I lost sight of the man, six years after, he had not had another attack of the colic.

Subsequent to that I had another case, precisely similar in all its essential features. It was periodical, had existed a considerable time, and the return of the attacks were about the same in regard to periods as the other. One dose of Colocynth 30th dil. immediately stopped the pain. I left a few others but it was the first dose that effected the cure. Three years afterwards the colic had not returned. Some change must have been produced by the medicine on the pathological condition that had previously favored the return of the disease.

I was called to a young man suffering intensely with colic. As I could not immediately decide on the medicine specific to the disease, I gave Colocynth, that being the remedy for more cases of colic, perhaps, than all other medicines; but in this it had no effect. I then made an accurate record of his symptoms, in a manuscript I keep for that purpose, and which I always use when the right remedy does not immediately occur to me, that I can have the cure, whatever may be the disease, fairly before me. He had constipation with disposition to evacuate without result; distension of the abdomen, with sensitiveness on pressure, &c. The group plainly indicated Nux vom. I gave him a few globules and in fifteen or twenty minutes the pain had left him, soon followed by free evacuations from the bowels. The tenderness of the abdomen subsided and he was well.

A man, about forty years of age, in a rural neighborhood, was attacked with colic. He employed his family physician, but obtaining no relief soon sent for another. After a few days being still no better, he sent some fifteen or twenty miles for one who had obtained some notoriety in the treatment of difficult cases. Obtaining no relief his family and friends expected he would die. After two weeks from the attack, being advised to try homoeopathy, I was sent for. On the investigation of his symptoms I found the bowels were open, rather loose, gripping rumbling pains and flatulence; also a disposition to cramp pains in the muscles. Colocynth was plainly indicated, and I had no hesitation in relying upon it as his remedy. In less than twenty minutes the pain had left him. And during the time I remained, nearly two hours, waiting for the cars, no return of pain occurred, nor did it afterward. Being reduced by so long suffering it was many days before he could sit up, and some weeks before he recovered his strength, but the cure was perfect.

One day, at noon, I was called to visit a man attacked with colic. He could give me no symptoms, only colic, a severe pain in the bowels, worse at times. I could obtain nothing more, and in the absence of discriminating symptoms, had to try different medicines, as I could best judge of their relative importance in colic. Being soon sent for again I tried still other remedies with no better success. I saw him four or five times during the afternoon and evening, and tried to induce him to tell me all the feelings he experienced, whatever they might be. In the morning before light I was called again-he had no relief, nor could he describe any more symptoms. I was obliged to make another random prescription, and called again immediately after breakfast. He was still no better. But a comparatively trivial circumstance now came to my aid and his relief. His wife sitting with a child in her arms, having occasion to do something, was about putting it on the bed when he said, lay the child on my stomach, pressure makes it feel better. Ah! said I, why did you not tell of that before? Oh! he did not think that was anything. On referring to the symptoms of Belladonna, it has colic, griping, seizing as with talons. In Jahr's Repertory, under the head of abdominal sufferings is found, amelioration from pressure-Belladonna. Of this I immediately gave a few globules, and in less than ten minutes the pain left him and did not return.

A man aged forty, had severe colic-pain, intense. I attended him two or three days but failed to obtain symptoms that would point out the remedy. He called another physician, who prescribed Opium and Calomel, followed by Castor Oil. After the medicine had operated the pain left him, and he supposed he was cured. Some six or eight weeks afterwards he called at my office saying his turns of colic had continued to occur once or twice a week during all that time. He could stop the pain with the same prescription, but in a few days it would return, and was becoming more frequent. His appetite had failed, he was losing strength, and felt discouraged. Making another effort to get his symptoms, he told me he felt as though there were a cord bound tight round his body just below the ribs, and that his stomach and bowels seemed to grow fast to the back bone. On inquiry I found he had always had these symptoms, but did not think it important to mention them. In the pathogenesis of Plumbum we find, excessive pains in the abdomen, sunken abdomen, tearing colic pains, abdomen drawn in so its walls seem to be glued to the spine. I gave him Plumbum, third trituration, and furnished him with a few powders, for which he had no use, as the pain left him and did not return. Six or eight months afterward he was suddenly attacked, in his shop, with the same pain. He took a coach, called at the door of my office and finding I was absent, not to return for an hour, he said he did not see how he could live an hour without relief. Mrs. Colby, learning his situation, sent him out a powder of Plumbum, she happening to be in the office at the time I prescribed it for him, had fortunately remembered it. When I arrived at his house, he told me that the pain almostly immediately left him, and had not returned. The next day he was able to resume his work.

Several years ago I was called to see a man who had been afflicted with colic forty-eight hours. He had during that time been under treatment, not homoeopathic, without relief, and had not slept since the attack. Colocynth relieved his pain and in fifteen minutes he was asleep-slept an hour; but awoke with return of pain. Col. gave no farther relief. I closely attended him twenty-four hours, when, as he was about dismissing me to try some other treatment, I prescribed an injection of two quarts of cold water. I told him to be sure to retain it, which he could easily do. He had the injection, the pain immediately left him, and did not return. If we consider the pathogenesis of the remedy and the indications to be met, it is evident it must cure. It is strictly homoeopathic. Colic is the spasmodic contraction or irritation of the muscular fibres of a portion of the intestinal tube, by which the canal is closed, or unequal peristaltic motion caused. Here we have an agent that, when applied so as to -make the part cold, never fails to remove spasms, and arrest all irritation, because, for the time being it takes away the muscular powers. In this case, beside the relaxing principle of colic, you have the mechanical power of pressure, and the whole intestinal canal may be filled as tight as a bladder without a disposition to expel the water. There will then remain little opportunity for colic, or iliac passion, or intersusception of the intestines to be developed.

Among the cases reported above, are the only ones I have treated in this disease that have not promptly yielded to the medicine prescribed. Failures of success will be seen to have originated, not in the inefficiency of homoeopathic dilutions, but in the difficulty of obtaining discriminating symptoms, that would designate the necessary remedy. If the prescription fail to relieve in ten or fifteen minutes, it is evidence that it is not the specific for the disease, and another selection must be made. Cure by the dynamic remedy is prompt and perfect-The perverted action constituting the disease being reversed, its effects cease without farther loss of strength, a result, to obtain which persevering efforts should be made to discover the true specific, instead of resorting to Dr. B.'s "reasonable efficient dose of real medicine."

Has Dr. Bigelow, by well directed experiments, proved, that homoeopathic remedies are destitute of curative influence in those identical groups of symptoms in which its friends believe it possesses dynamic power, and upon which they exclusively rely? If not, is he competent to decide that the practice consists only in "leaving the case to Nature, while the patient is amused with nominal, and nugatory remedies?" Is he not aware that thousands of intelligent and well educated homoeopathic physicians, in all parts of the civilized world, many of whom were once popular in the allopathic school, now profess and believe its remedies possess dynamic and controlling power, in all cases where medical practice can avail, and to be willing to rest their popularity and the safety of their patients on their faith in the homoeopathic practice? Can he furnish satisfactory reasons for the belief that this large class of medical men are the victims of delusion, or, as he strongly intimates, that they are guilty of attempting to impose on the oredulity of an undiscerning public.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 08, 1859, pages 370-374]

[Description: Bigelow, Exposition of Rational Medicine; Cases of colic cured by Colocynthis, Nux vomica, Belladonna, Plumbum metallicum]

[Remedies: Colocynthis, Nux vomica, Belladonna, Plumbum metallicum]

[Author: Colby, I.]

[Year: 1859]

CHRONIC GASTRITIS.

BY M. MC. COLLUM, M. D., NEW YORK.

Albert S., aged 38, has been troubled with impaired digestion for nearly two years. He had enlisted in the Union army where he was treated by an old school physician, pronounced incurable and discharged from the ranks, the brigade surgeon alleging that he was insane. He came home to this city and entered the hospital and was under treatment for three months, but with no success.

On the 6th of April he came under my care. He had never been treated homoepathically to any extent. I found him rapidly sinking. The system was fast losing its vitality, and my hopes of his ultimate recovery were few. I could learn nothing definite concerning the cause of his disease, nor as to what remedies he had taken. I inquired carefully into the case, and found, as near as I can recollect, the following symptoms. Excessive prostration, much anxiety, small pulse, violent vomiting immediately after eating or drinking, great thirst with desire to drink but a small quantity at a time, burning pain in the stomach and epigastrium, brownish and cracked tongue, and most obstinate constipation. I was not long in selecting my remedy. Every symptom pointed to Arsenicum. I accordingly administered it in the third potency five drops in a tumbler full of water, a teaspoonful to be given every two hours.

Two days after I returned, but found my patient no better. The medicine had produced no impression whatever, unless it was an aggravation of the existing symptoms. Still I could not convince myself that there was any other remedy which would reach the conditions of the case so well as that one which had been given. I resolved to try the thirtieth potency. This was done, but with no better effect than before. I doubted whether I should be able to afford the the patient any relief. I reviewed the diagnosis, and came to the conclusion that I would give Arsenicum one more trial. I took eight globules of the two hundredth potency and divided them in two doses, one dose to be given at night and the other in the morning. This was on Sunday. He took one dose, and about three hours after he had a slight attack of vomiting. On the following morning, he took the other dose, and to my surprise he has not had a return of any of the afore-mentioned symptoms since that time. His strength is increasing, his appetite good, his bowels better, and, to use his own words, 'he feels better than he has done for the past six months." I considered him cured. It is now nearly four weeks since he began to recover, and he is now able to attend to his business.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 12, 1863, pages 570-571]

[Description: Chronic Gastritis.]

[Remedies: Arsenicum album]

[Author: Collum, M.Mc.]

[Year: 1863]

HOSPITALS, DISPENSARIES AND COLLEGES.

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL, SAINT LOUIS.

Report of the Attending Physician for the Year 1859. During the year 1859, we have treated two hundred and thirty-seven; of these one hundred and seventy-five have been cured, and twenty have died, giving a mortality of 8 percent.

Intermittent typhus and remittent fevers, have predominated over all other diseases; after these come in order diseases of the respiratory organs, dysentery, diarrhea, inflammations of the abdominal organs, and rheumatism; all of these-cases have been unusually severe.

The cases which were fatal, were mostly organic diseases of the lungs, or of the abdominal organs, the sequel of longstanding attacks of intermittent fever, and such patients have come under our treatment in many instances after they had exhausted all their means in resorting to medical aid, and without relief. We have then taken them in with constitutions broken down, and done all in our Power to restore them to health, and out treatment has usually been attended with success, except where they have been affected with serious organic lesions of the lungs, chronic inflammation of the bowels, or dropsy, depending upon some primary disease of the heart. Among the acute diseases of the respiratory organs, pneumonia has been most frequent, and the remedies there for have been universally in the first stage of simple hyperaemia, Aconitum; in the second stage, of hepatization, Bryonia, especially if the pleura was involved (pleuropneumonia); in such cases this latter remedy will be always indicated. If edema of the lungs was present, or to prevent paralysis of the lungs, Tartarus emeticus was used; where the patient expectorated the rusty colored bloody sputa, Phosphorus was our remedy, and this last named medicine is especially indicated where the auscultatory examination shows a tuberculous complication, or a threatened tubercular deposit; in the stage of infiltration, Tinct. Sulfuris was always our remedy, and with the same eclatant results, as we have seen from its use when employed in the hospitals of Drs. Wurmb and Fleischmann, in Tienna. It exerts a specific influence in promoting the absorption of exudations either into the pleural sac or the bronchical ramifications of the lungs.

In intermittent fevers our remedies were usually Arsenicum alb., China, Chinoidine, Ipecac., Nux vomica, Ignatia. Pulsatilla, Veratrum or Carbo vegetabilis. fifty-six cases were treated; and forty-seven cured; five remain under treatment, and four left irregularly.

In typhus our principle remedies were Bryonia, Arsenic, Rhus tox., and Acid phosph.

In rheumatism we have found the best success from Rhus tox., Bryonia alba, Actaea racemosa, Spigelia and Colchicum: sometimes Tinct. Aconit. nap. or Tart. emet. one-tenth was employed, and with success.

The medicines are usually administered in the second attenuation or in the third trituration; as occasion requires, we employ the higher attenuations up to the thirtieth, and in other instances the mother tinctures, always upon the homoeopathic principle of "Similia simlibus curantur."

The success of our Hospital is thus far most encouraging, and is intended as an asylum or home for the poor sick, without respect to religion or nationality Here the poor sick are taken in, nursed, fed and clothed and their maladies prescribed for according to the most approved rules of medical science and art, and "without money or price;" if the patient is in a condition to pay, the sum of three dollars per week he demanded from him.

We wish to appeal to a generous public for assistance in the forwarding of this enterprise, as our Hospital is supported alone by the liberal donations of charitable persons. In our present house, we can accommodate only twenty-five patients; in the new Hospital, we shall have accommodation for one hundred and seventy (possibly two hundred). In the summer months. we daily have applications from at least four times as many as we have room for, and during the past summer months, the City Hospital has been usually overfilled, so that numerous patients, sick and in distress, who have applied to us for a card of admission, when it was impossible for us to accept them for want of room, have left our office with tears in their eyes, telling us that they "had not where to lay their heads."

The hour for the daily visit is between half-past eleven, a.m., and one, p.m., at which time physicians as well as all humane persons are invited to visit our Institution.

From the first of November to the first of March, upon each Saturday in the week, at twelve o'clock, m., clinical instructions will be given gratuitously to all medical students or physicians that may be pleased to attend.

T. G. Comstock, M.D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, pages 373-375]

[Description: Hospitals, Dispensaries and Colleges; Good Samaritan Hospital, Saint Louis, 1859 Report]

[Author: Comstock, T.G.]

[Year: 1860]

ALTERNATION OF REMEDIES.

BY J. R. COXE, JR., M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

The alternation of remedies in the treatment of disease is now, and has been for a long period, a very fruitful source of controversy among the best and most distinguished physicians of the homoeopathic school. It is, confessedly, a subject of very great importance and demands our most serious attention.

The general philosophy of Homoeopathy, its law — Similia Similibus Curentur — plainly indicate that each individual case of disease ought to be attacked and conquered by one remedy. Hahnemann says, "In each and every case of disease, before the remedy can be selected with confidence of success, the totality of the symptoms, a perfect image of the disease, is to be obtained, and the homoeopathic remedy is that drug capable of producing a similar totality — an exact image. This great truth is the foundation stone of Homoeopathy and reasoning, a priori based upon it leads irresistably to the conclusion that a single remedy is all sufficient for the end we have in view."

Thus, theoretically, the question appears to be settled, but in a practical point of view, in such cas esas we are daily called to treat, how does this question stand? We are all of us perfectly aware that the cases of any disease, acute or chronic, where a cure is effected by one single medicine are rare indeed, in fact somewhat like angels visits. We have to use during the progress of the disease two or more remedies, in alternation or in succession, before we are able to effect a cure, and this is the case even in the acute form of nearly every disease, at least such is ray experience after an extensive practice of twenty-five years. Now, how are we to reconcile this discrepancy, or, can it be reconciled? If not, then, assuredly must theory yield to facts. Our illustrious founder has made a very clear and marked distinction between the nature and the origin of acute and chronic diseases. He ascribes the origin of all chronic diseases to Psora, Syphilis and Sycosis, and he produces an amount of evidence in its favor, certainly sufficient to satisfy any impartial man, though parts of the evidence may be defective in logical strength or may even be denied in toto.

It is well known to all physicians of every school, that when Psora or Syphilis are once well developed in the system they will continue, unless removed by the attending M.D., during the whole life of the individual, in this they differ from many acute diseases which are often, I may say very often, cured by nature alone — vis medicatrix naturoe; and, as Dr. Forbes very truly remarks, the physician receives the credit, thus defrauding nature.

By his psoric theory, Hahnemann did not mean the Itch as certain ignorant physicians have asserted; on the contrary he calls it the multiform Psora, and says it includes all the scaly, papular and herpetic eruptions described by Willan and others. The itch theory is an old medical dogma, and was very prevalent long prior to the birth of Hahnemann. It was very strongly supported by Autenrieth, and by Schonlein the celebrated allopathic professor in Berlin.

The psoric theory was not original with Hahnemann; on the contrary it was also an old medical dogma and was strongly advocated by many eminent physicians before he was born. This is clearly proven by his quoting a very large number of his predecessors in medicine, and all that he claimed was that he furnished additional proof of its truth, and of its value to the physician in his treatment. I, therefore, do perfectly coincide with the opinion of Professor Henderson, of Edinburgh, who states, "This psoric hypothesis is, substantially one of the most incontrovertible doctrines of modern Pathology. It was held by nearly all the distinguished predecessors of Hahnemann, is now held by a vast number of learned allopathic physicians and by them only is it held as an itch doctrine. We have now all the essentials of Hahnemann's psoric pathology in the doctrines of his allopathic successors. It is nearly identical with the Dyscrasic pathology of the present day which recognizes a morbific admixture, taint, or poison of some kind, as the cause of a vast number of chronic diseases, and this is, in fact, all that Hahnemann contends for."

It is a merciful provision of the Almighty that the more acute and potent forms of disease are, in general, removed from the central portions of the body to the circumference where there is less danger to life. The bones, the skin and the muscles bear far better, and for a longer period, the disorganizing effects of disease than the heart, the lungs, etc. When, then, these effects of Psora, or Syphilis, are suppressed and driven inwards by lotions, etc., as is yet done by the Allopaths, they invariably have a strong tendency to attack some one of the central and vital organs, in very many instances producing sudden death, and this is the experience of every medical man of every school for hundreds of years, and these different diseases thus thrown inwards were, as a rule, transmitted from parent to offspring from generation to generation with as much certainty as mental peculiarities, and thus became far more difficult to eradicate or cure. All medical men agree that Phthisis, Schirrus, Epilepsy, cum multis aliis, are hereditary, and nearly all chronic diseases are said by numerous very distinguished men to pursue the same course. The disease, whatever it may be, when thus hereditary, is aroused from its latent and quiescent state by various circumstances, in fact, by whatever has a tendency to disturb the normal functions of life.

It is this state of mankind, it appears to me, as it has appeared to many others, which, absolutely, compels the physician to alternate his medicines, to give two or more, as in his judgement may be necessary at intervals varying from five minutes, as in Croup, to five hours. Dr. Boenninghausen gives three remedies in croup at short intervals. He is an experienced man and he cannot be called an half Homoeopath, at least he ought not so to be; Hering, certainly in my estimation the most distinguished of American Homoeopaths, cured a case by the alternate use of Ruta tinct. and Ignatia. Would any man call him an half Homoeopath? Hahnemann cured a case by the alternate use of Bryonia tincture, and Pulsatilla. Was he an half Homoeopath? I could mention many more distinguished physicians who find it absolutely necessary to alternate their remedies, in fact they could not cure the case without alternating; yet some of these men say they do not alternate, but merely give different remedies in succession — Pooh, pudor! Here is a distinction without a difference," a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," and I can use either word to express the same idea.

In an article written by our worthy Colleague, Dr. Payne, of Bath, and published some years since in the Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy, Vol. II, June, Sept. and Oct. 1853, upon the alternation of remedies, he establishes, in my opinion, the absolute necessity of alternation. I would call the attention of the profession to this essay of Dr. P.; it is well worthy of republication and of attentive perusal.

Payne says, "The alternating remedy in acute diseases is for the purpose of holding in check the hereditary or acquired latent disease, either psoric or syphilitic, or in both combined, as is often the case, until the acute disease can be overcome. In this consists the importance which Hahnemann attaches to the history of the case, or, in other words, the history of the abnormal manifestations, both mental and physical. All the symptoms in a given case may be acute, and we may readily find a remedy which completely covers them. The symptoms are for a time ameliorated, but eventually they increase. We repeat the remedy with no result. What are we now to do? Many of the Lest homoeopathic physicians tell us to give Sulph.30 and then repeat the former remedy. We do so; if Sulphur is the remedy we succeed, if not, we fail; ultimately some of the more noble organs are attacked, perhaps Phthisis or some other equally dangerous disease is developed and the case becomes hopeless. In the commencement if we had carefully enquired into the previous history of the patient and also of his parents, as Hahnemann advises us always to do, and had selected the remedy which covered the abnormal condition thus found as an alternating medicine, we might, and probably would have succeeded in preventing the fatal termination."

Aye, say hundreds and thousands of the best homoeopathic physicians, alternate and save your patients. No, say, those who disapprove of alternation, a very trifling minority, go on with the medicine, don't alternate, no matter what may be the result — no one but a half Homoeopath will ever alternate. Payne also thinks that the alternating remedy should be an anti-psoric and in this, as a general rule, I fully agree with him, though I have found the exceptions in my practice somewhat frequent.

We may all say, and I believe we do all say, that a single remedy is sufficient for the cure of a single case of disease, that is, when uncomplicated and when there is neither a Syphilitic nor a Psoric taint. I have no doubt every one of us would fully agree in this, but of such uncomplicated cases, how many do any of us see in the course of one year? For my own part, I can safely say, not more than three or four, and I doubt whether any general practitioner sees more. From this I conclude that we are ex necessitate rei compelled to alternate our remedies and in this opinion, I am happy to say, I am fortified by the approval of so distinguished a man as our colleague Dr. Payne, as well as many, very many others, the opponents of alternation being not, as I believe, more than five or six percent of the whole number of homoeopathic practitioners throughout the civilized world.

We must, however, never forget that there is a very important distinction and a very great difference between acute and chronic diseases. Acute diseases arise from outward impressions and are never transmitted, being frequently cured by the vis medicatrix naturae alone. While chronic diseases are in general inherent and are born with the individual, having been transmitted, in numerous instances, from his ancestors, and are never cured without medical aid. Now Hahnemann alone has furnished the profession, by his theory of chronic diseases, with a key to this difference, and he alone has given us the exact direction in which we must look for the origin of most, if not all, of the chronic diseases which afflict the human race.

In conclusion then, I protest in the name of Homoeopathy against the charge brought against nine-tenths of the profession of being half Homoeopaths. This charge too brought by a very small minority who seem to suppose that they are Popes or Dictators, and that their dicta are to be adopted under the penalty of anathema maranatha, while they forget that their equals, at least in our ranks, after as long an experience as their own, differ from them toto coelo. In medicine as in most other pursuits, nothing is so abhorrent to the human mind as dictation or an attempt at coercion, and in this day and generation it will never be submitted to or endured.

Personalities, or generalized personalities, ought never to be admitted into the pages of a scientific review, they invariably do far more injury than benefit and I earnestly recommend their discontinuance.

Note. — In a preceding article our colleague has given some views adverse to the alternation of remedies. As the subject is one of great importance we shall continue it in a subsequent number.

Eds.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 08, 1863, pages 358-363]

[Description: Alternation of Remedies.]

[Author: Coxe, J.R.]

[Year: 1863]

REVIEW.

BY J.R. COXE, JR., M. D., PHILADELPHIA.

MANUAL OF HOMOEOPATHIC THEORY AND PRACTICE, with an elementary treatise on the Homoeopathic treatment of Surgical Diseases-Designed for Students, and Practitioners of Medicine, and as a guide for families, and an intelligent public generally, by C. J. HEMPEL, M. D., Prof, of Mat. Med. and Therap., in the Hom. Med. College of Pennsylvania, and JACOB BEAKLEY, M. D., Prof, of Surgery, in the Hom. Med. College of Penn., Philad. & New York. Radde, 1858.

We are well aware of the great difficulty attending the production of a Domestic Physician. In fact such a work, perfect in every respect, has never yet been written, and in all probability never will be. The inherent difficulties attending the composition of such a work, are, in the present state of our science, almost, if not altogether, insuperable.

We have had these domestic treatises usque ad nauseam, from the large work of Laurie, to the pocket manual of Malan, each and all containing something valuable, and each and all failing to be a true and perfect Domestic Physician. Nevertheless, we are of those who sincerely welcome them-since we are well convinced they have been of great service to our noble science, in introducing it to the notice of those who otherwise would have remained in utter ignorance.

The present work of Dr. Hempel, is an enlarged edition of his first, and is much more pretentious than either of the two former editions. It commences with an admirable, but concise essay on the most important Physiological functions and Anatomical relations of the human body, which will be perused by all with pleasure, and by the student with profit. This is followed by a short dissertation on the Homoeopathic law of cure, in which we perceive a master mind. The essay on Hygiene, which comes next in order, will be very valuable to the non-medical reader of this work, as well as to the inexperienced medical student-both will here find the experience of the most celebrated Physicians in a concise, but perfectly clear form.

The chapter on Diagnosis is sufficiently full and explicit to meet the requirements of the non-medical and other student. It is of course, not intended for Medical men in general, since a work on Diagnosis intended for them, would necessarily have occupied the entire volume.

The Special Therapeutics, with the description and treatment of diseases, commence with diseases of the mind and run through nearly every disease with which the human race is afflicted. This is very well for students, but is somewhat out of place, when intended for laymen, who will find it exceedingly difficult to comprehend the directions though they are in themselves sufficiently explicit. And here lies the insuperable difficulty in writing a Domestic Physician. If too concise, as is Malan, it becomes from that very conciseness almost useless for those it was intended for. If too diffuse, as is Laurie, it becomes again nearly useless to the lay-reader, because he lacks the necessary Anatomical, Physiological, and Pathological knowledge. Dr. Hempel has endeavored to hit the happy mean, and in many instances, he has certainly succeeded – in others, he, as certainly has not. Under the head of Menstrual Headache, after giving in a few lines, a very good description of this distressingly painful malady, he says: – "These Headaches require principally Acon., Aloes, Bell., Puls., &c." with not a single clue to guide the non-professional reader, which is the one to be employed. The necessary consequence of this conciseness will be, that the patient will take the different medicines one after the other in the order mentioned. But will she be cured? We very much doubt it. Tis true indications are given a few pages onward, for every medicine mentioned, and many more, but even with these, the non-medical, male or female, will be terribly puzzled to chose the appropriate remedy. Dr. Hempel is by no means culpable in this. It could not be otherwise in fact, and is only another illustration of the inherent difficulty above mentioned. With the exception of these minor faults, we can cordially recommend this book to our readers-though our esteemed friend the author, has in this, as in his first and second editions, shown too great a predilection for Aconite, but this may be said to be an Idiosyncracy on his part. He is so fully alive to the admirable virtues of Acon., that he is unable to resist the idea of its almost panaceal virtues. As wo also are special admirers of this inestimable drug, we can understand the feelings which induce the author to eulogize it in the manner he has done. Tis very true, without Acon. we should be unable to practise Homoeopathy, without it we should be compelled to resort to venesection, and therefore we consider the use of it by Dr. Hempel in nearly every disease, a very venial fault.

On the whole we can sincerely recommend this work to the non-professional world, as one of the best which has yet appeared. Its faults are inherent, not in the author, but in the difficulty of any work of a like nature. Its virtues- and they are many-are all the authors own. To students and to young medical men, it will be of great advantage, and even to those who are well advanced, it will at times, be very serviceable.

The concise essay on Surgical Diseases and their Homoeopathic treatment is an admirable little brochure, and we were much pleased to find from the preface, that it may be looked upon as the precursor of an original work on the same subject, by Dr. Beakley, than whom, few in our ranks are more competent to write a work which will do credit to himself and honor to the cause of Homoeopathy.

This essay is distinguished throughout for brevity and clearness-its diagnosis is as complete as it was possible to be in so short a compass, and the treatment, though we think the author at times, runs too high in his potencies-is in our opinion all that could be desired. To the student, it will be in the first year of his career, invaluable, and we hope every student and every young practitioner will study it with attention. There is one paragraph in this essay which deserves to be written in gold, and we cannot resist the temptation to extract it entire.

"To tamper with symptoms and with remedies under such circumstances would be criminal, and finds no palliation in the puerile chimeras, that are too frequently substituted for sense, by the mere symptomatologists of our school, who seek a different remedy, for every sensation and pain, without regard to pathological conditions, and vainly hope, that by chasing each in quick such cession, though their erratic wanderings to overtake and exterminate them ere they shall have inflicted their death dealing blow upon their agonized victim, and vanquished him. These symptoms and their antidotes, are too often meteors of the brain. The characteristic symptoms of disease are based upon pathological conditions, and they only are confused, or confounded, who do not, or cannot comprehend the sympathetic relation of organs, and character of those sensations which are awakened through this peculiar relation, when a distant organ is invaded by disease.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 84-86]

[Description: Book review of MANUAL OF HOMOEOPATHIC THEORY AND PRACTICE by J. Hempel]

[Author: Coxe, J.R.]

[Year: 1858]

DR. A. M. CUSHING, BRADFORD, VT., reports the next cases to which we wish to call attention. Two cases of Whooping cough, treated successfully by him with the Mephitis putorius, related in a letter to the REVIEW, bear out the favorable opinion of many of our best practitioners of this drug in this disease.

Dr. Cushing was called on the 16th Sept. 1857, to visit and prescribe for a child five months old, who had been suffering for two weeks from a very severe attack of Whooping Cough. The little patient had been subject to the varied treatment of several physicians of the precise nature of whose prescriptions Dr. C. was uninformed. The multitude of counselors had, however, failed of any essential service to the sufferer, and the family at length consulted our correspondent. Mephitis putorius in, the third dilution was ordered-two globules every two hours. The child visibly improved after the first two doses, and after twenty-four hours' use of the remedy, the cough entirely ceased, and the patient rapidly convalesced. The peculiar symptomatic phenomena which constituted the indications for the Mephitis, in this case, are not given, but in the following one they are very evident.

On the 28th December, 1857, Dr. Cushing was called to visit a boy ten years of age, living in a town adjoining the one where Dr. C. resides. The patient had been given up by most of his friends. It was supposed he must die of Whooping Cough, and our professional brother seems to have been called in as a sort of last resort. The excellent success which followed his prescription fully justified the experiment, if such it was, on the part of those who had the care of the boy.

When first seen, the patient had been ill with Whooping Cough for eight weeks. He had had the disease very violently for all the latter part of this period, and was now the subject of half-hourly paroxysms, of extreme severity. The poor little fellow had become pale and emaciated; his eyes were blood-shot and askance, through the violence of his cough. Every paroxysm was very severe, accompanied by vomiting, and followed by great prostration. The pulse was quick and weak, and the little fellow showed signs of approaching exhaustion.

Mephitis putorius 3d was prescribed. Half a drop of the third dilution was placed in half a tumbler of water, to be administered in doses of a teaspoonful every hour until decided improvement took place, when the intervals were to be lengthened. Those having charge of the administration of these doses were so discreet, and the good effect of the solution was so immediately manifest that the Doctor was not again called to the case. Another patient in the same house, however, having been in need of his services ten days after the above prescription, the little patient was found quite well, playing out of doors, and with no sign of the cough about him.

Dr. Cushing writes that he has never seen the Mephitis fail in the cure of Whooping Cough, and is satisfied it is to be preferred to Hypericum perfoliatum, Drosera, etc., inasmuch as no lingering cough is left behind after the worst symptoms disappear. We are ourselves disposed to think that this disease as found in any particular epidemic and in any particular locality, follows the same law as to its therapeutics, as do all other diseases of endemic character. That the endemic of one section and of one season will require one remedy, and that that one remedy, in some one or other of its potencies, will cure every case we do not doubt. And we are equally sure that another epidemic, occurring in another locality and during another season, may require a different remedy, which different remedy will cure all the cases as did the first. Mephitis was evidently the remedy in the cases above narrated, and would doubtless have cured all the cases occurring during that particular epidemic. We do not mean to say that no other remedy than the purely homoeopathic one will cure a case of Whooping Cough in an epidemic to which Mephitis is antidotal, but the proper drug is more certain, and in our view should always be exhibited. If it fails in the lower potencies as it may, it is best to give it in the higher, et vice versa.

With us, in New York, the present epidemic of Whooping Cough seems to correspond very nearly to Belladonna. In one case accompanied with very serious convulsions, in which Mephitis in the third dilution had failed to make any impression on the disease, a single dose of Belladonna 200 accomplished a perfect cure. Whooping Cough in cities, however, is very apt to be complicated with Psora, and we hardly ever expect a cure of the lingering cough, which is apt to remain after the worst symptoms have subsided, without Sulphur, Calcarea, or some one of the great antipsorics.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 05, 1859, pages 206-209]

[Description: Treatment of Whooping Cough.]

[Remedies: Mephitis putorius, Belladonna]

[Author: Cushing, A.M.]

[Year: 1859]

CASE OF CONVULSIONS.

BY M. D. CUSHING, M.D., BRADFORD, VT.

Dr. Cushing sends us the following report of a case of convulsions, he was called upon to treat in a child. December 15th, 1858, at the age of fiv e months, she had two teeth and on the 23rd had a convulsion lasting several minutes. The next day she had several spasms and they continued to increase in frequency from day to day, until she had daily 25 to 30 attacks. She was treated allopathically, and as a last resort calomel was given as "the only thing that could save its life," which for the time apparently afforded some relief. Purgatives were then administered for a week but with no benefit, and the physician was dismissed., Then followed a course of empirical treatment, and almost every nostrum recommended for fits was given, with no benefit. The doctor says: —

"On June 3rd, 1859, I was accidentally at the house and invited to see the child, when I learned the above facts. I also ascertained that since December 23rd, 1858, there had been but eight days when she was exempt from her attacks, having had, with this exception, five to twelve fits a day lasting from one to several minutes. Some days they would not occur till near night, and then were very severe.

The child was of medium size; left arm and hand small, and emaciated; fists continually clenched; limbs emaciated and useless; was deaf, except when cramped; voracious appetite; bowels costive; cried and moaned every moment when awake day and night, with constant rolling of head and shoulders; had not smiled since the first attack; had a calomel sore-throat, so that by opening the mouth the saliva would spirt a yard; sublingual glands were enlarged to nearly the size of the tongue; eyes looked bright.

At the mother's request I took the child under my care. Four o'clock, p.m., had had no fits today, but has the premonitory symptoms. Prescribed Nux vom.6, a powder to be dissolved in water and given each day for five days.

June 9th. She had had no fits or spasms since the first dose of Nux. Appeared better; gave no medicine.

June 25th. Has cried at times, as if from pain in the bowels. Gave Chamomilla^3, three doses a day.

June 30th. Would laugh and play; no fits; did not cry when awake; hand and arm nearly well, could hold playthings; limbs better; could hear quite well.

July 20th. Seemed well; could bear its weight upon its "feet, and, contrary to the expectations of its mother and nearly every one, bids fair to be an intelligent and healthy child."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, pages 360-361]

[Description: Case of Convulsions.]

[Remedies: Nux vomica, Chamomilla]

[Author: Cushing, M.D.]

[Year: 1860]

MEDICAL EDUCATION *[A report to be presented to the American Institute of Homoeopathy, at its meeting in June next. Published in accord once with a resolution, passed at its meeting in June, 1859, requesting committees on scientific subjects to publish their reports before presenting them to the meeting.]

BY D. M. DAKE, M. D., PITTSBURGH, PA.

On the subject of this report much, very much, has been said and written both as to what constituted it, and the means of obtaining it; so much that it would seem that little, if any thing now could be said to make more distinct the pathway to a correct, and thorough medical education. Homoeopathy presents its pure and complete formulae by which all the objective elements of study, in this field of science and art, are to be comprehended by the human mind, and made available for the accomplishment of their legitimate and final purposes in the economy of life.

This system of rules presents to the student of medicine the human body and its functions, or vital phenomena, as the centre and radii by which to find the several arcs in the circle that surrounds said centre, that can in any way affect it for good or for evil. The centre and radii being given to find the arcs; the thinking and honest inquirer may proceed to the solution of the problem before him with the greatest certainty of reaching its logical consequences; and the result required, providing always that each process of observation and reason shall be directed by the rules of our school, or those by which Hahnemann's method of investigation was distinguished from those of other observers preceding him. The foregoing remarks apply equally to each of those branches of study a knowledge of all of which constitutes a true medical education.

Anatomy and physiology, constituting the centre and radii, of course, compose no part of the circle, nor do normal phenomena in any way indicate the existence of the circle that bounds the physician's field of inquiry. It is only when objects in the circle are brought to bear upon the centre, and leave there their legitimate impression, that we obtain a clue to the fact that such a circle has an existence. The vital mirror, reflecting the objects impinged upon it, gives the likeness of things of which the circle is composed. And it is not until each object in the circle has thus set for its likeness that our knowledge of the types which complete the circle, will be perfected. As will be seen at a glance, the circle contains all that can affect the human body and its functions, favorably, or unfavorably to its normal integrity; the likeness of each of which, as reflected in modified vital phenomena, and arranged in order around the centre gives the circle, or the great object sought. Phenomena, thus reflected from the centre, take their respective places in the circle by no arbitrary generalization of human invention, but as naturally as water seeks its level, giving the several arcs of which the circle is composed. These arcs are symmetrical, and antagonistic. That is, the causative and curative arcs occupy opposite segments of the circle, and are the natural opponents of each other, and when equally ballanced, the centre is maintained in its normal integrity, to announce through symptoms the active presence of neither, but of health unimpaired.

We have in one segment of the circle, specific or dynamic causative; opposed to this, one which embraces all dynamic curatives, the Materia Medica. We have also an arc of general causatives, and opposed to it, general curatives, and lastly, mechanical causatives, and oppose to it, mechanical curatives. Facts and phenomena, at first view, seemed to indicate a chemical, and an antidotal arc, or an arc of toxical causatives and curatives, but on reflection they seem to take their place in the arcs of dynamic causatives and dynamic curatives, but should such disturbing and harmonising agents require separate arcs in the circle of sciences, in order to a clear understanding of their relations to the vital centre; let the distinction be made; for it is unimportant to my present purpose. My object is to give a distinct view of the objective elements of study, that go to make up a true medical education. One half of the circle embraces pathology, which investigates the causes; nature's symptoms and effects, or foot prints of disease; the opposite half embraces the materia medica, surgery and regulated regimen. Thus grouped into six co-ordinate branches of study, or branches sustaining to the centre and radii, equal relations; all the wide world of objects that sustain distracting, or harmonising relations to the economy exist before us, as objects of study for the physician. All other branches of study not embraced in these, we will denominate the subordinate or collateral sciences — as chemistry, botany, etc., which merely aid the student in his acquisition of medical knowledge.

Operative obstetrics finds its place, contrary to usage, in the surgical arc. Pathological anatomy in the arc of specific or dynamic causatives, giving the foot prints of disease, when the sound of its steps are no longer heard in the deserted citadel of life. Toxicology finds its place in the materia medica, etc.

The human body with its functions has constituted the point of reference, or standard of comparison by which in all past time men have sought the relations of things around, to the human economy. And they have been compelled at every step of their progress to heed physiological signs as the only language spoken by which could be communicated to the human mind the information sought.

It must be clear to the reader how it is that physiological signs, or symptoms, point as radii to their respective arcs in the circle as they are influenced, modified, or controlled by one or another of the wide range of causatives or curatives, as they are brought to bear upon the vital centre. By what other process of observation and study, is it made possible for the mind of man to work problems in medical science, or in the wide range of therapeutic detail.

The six co-ordinate branches of study referred to, constitute the scientific basis of therapentic art. The physician takes his place amid the phenomena that play between the vital centre and the circle, regulating the application of forces, in the latter to the former, that he may effect the modifications of vital action requisite to health. Science answers to what is to be done? And, WHAT with? Art, to the How! The student of medicine begins his course of study with anatomy and physiology. The body is dissected; the organs, tissues, and component parts of it, with their continuities and relations to each other, are brought to view; from this point he turns his eye to the functions, positive and relative, performed by the organism; here all the phenomena that distinguish the living from the dead, are expressed through the term physiology — whose enchanting volume opens to his delighted gaze the alphabet to the language, whose study he is commencing, and he will only know the alphabet when his knowledge of these branches of study (anatomy and physiology) is complete. He is, after all this study, only just prepared to understand the statement of problems to be solved through years of close observation and attentive study, in order to that degree of medical education which constitute the standard of his age, or the generation from which he receives it. Starting here, ho receives anatomy and physiology in their normal conditions, as the centre and radii given, by which he finds the disturbing, and harmonizing rotations of all things else to it, that can, in any way, change its decrees, or modify the qualities of its action or functions. What is true in this respect of the whole is so of its parts. Not a successful step can be taken, without constant reference to the conditions and functions we would appreciate, or correct, by means of art. The fractured bone, the dislocated joint, and gaping wound, alike speak by symptoms, thereby announcing the nature of the injury sustained, and every thing that is requisite for the physician in order to find his indications of cure. And how would he find the appropriate dressings, and know the degree of force requisite to place and retain injured parts in the positions most favorable to the cure, in any given case, without accepting the parts to be treated, as the standard of comparison, by which to find and know the appropriateness of means to be employed? Splints must be fashioned after parts they are intended to fit, and the force requisite to the reduction of dislocated parts, must be determined by the resistance offered. The abnormal conditions arising from the abuse of the ordinary and general necessaries of life are given to find the use requisite to restore physiological harmony to the disordered system, as general curatives. Knowing the mechanism of labor, i.e., the parts, organs, and principles involved in the process of parturition, the points, from which to reason to the means required for the removal of obstructions, to the completion of, or by which to aid the process, are furnished. The shape, size, and relative position of maternal and fetal parts, directly involved must be accepted as the centre and radii, given to find the object sought. Thus science, instead of empiricism, becomes the basis of art, directing by principles the same in all time to a correct judgment on the fitness of means to ends, sought by the interference of art. By the same process of observation and reason, all mechanical curatives or aids to cure, must be arrived at, and when fully known we shall have the complete and perfect science and art of surgery. Knowing the pathogenesis of all drugs, and the pathology of all diseases arising from general and specific causes, what is lacking to complete the scientific basis of therapeutic art? It will be complete, when our knowledge is perfect of all diseases and all cures; and when we know the disturbing and harmonising relations of the external world to the human economy.

The distinction hitherto recognized between the direct branches of science that compose the true science of medicine, and those that are merely collateral, subordinate, or subservient to it, has never been made sufficiently clear in the literature of the old school, to bring before the student the whole field, and exhibit at one view, the relations of its various upon the human body as the central object; upon physiological phenomena, as the indicating radii, pointing to objects of al kinds in the external world that sustain to the centre disturbing or harmonizing relations; and, lastly, upon all such objects grouped into six co-ordinate branches of study Thus we have all that can cause and all that can cure united into one complete structure, as the everlasting basis of medical art chemistry composes no part of the structure. Botany enters not into its composition; though these branches of science afford important aid in the investigation of medicinal materials, they secure by their tests and descriptions, uniform articles for the materia madica. Chemistry opens the human system, and exhibits its silent depths: Where the eye, assisted to the utmost, by philosophy, has never been able to go; philosophy brings to view the combinations of atoms, separately invisibile, and gives is insight into the formative processes of the tissues, imperceptible by the senses unassisted. Thus chemistry and physiology, assist in laying road and deep the foundation of physiology, whose province it is to give us the value and true signification of the normal phenomena of life.

It will come home to the reasoning mind with all the force and clearness of an axiomatic proposition, that nothing can be known of the disturbing or harmonizing relations of agents in the external world to, independently of phenomena elicited through, the human economy. The human body announces through modified vital phenomena the influence exerted by any agent upon it; and the language of signs or symptoms is the only one spoken, by the correct rendition of which it is made possible for the mind to find the rotations sought, between causes and cures, and the human economy. Thus indicated, the pathway of the student is too plain to be mistaken; and the absurdity of adopting eclecticism as a new, true, or important doctrine, by which to find the fitness of therapeutic means, will be detected at a glance. The in flexible demands of exact and rigid scientific formulae for scientific purposes, must be heeded, and the logical mind will pronounce them just. The law of Homoeopathy will yield in nothing to those who would liberalize its formula by the adoption of a political instead of a therapeutic rule by which to select, apply, and know the appropriateness of curative means. Let us not be deceived, gentlemen, by the delusive word eclectic, for it expresses at most, in its recently popularized signification, but a political rule, and in that expresses nothing new, for no one knows better than the true and thoughtful Homoeopath the right of each, as well the duty, to select what, according to his chosen and the best means of judging, will best accomplish his object — the cure of the sick.

Nor let us be deceived by that other word benevolence in View of doctrines and laws at once inflexible and immutable. If pathogenesy and pathology are given to find one law of cure or curative indications, we must heed their pointing with strict fidelity to our chosen, logical and scientific formula, in distinction from the empirical. We should be consistent. The term "liberality," when used for the purpose of bringing together in harmony, opposite and incompatible doctrines and systems of medicine, becomes a burlesque upon our nomenclature, and stultifies the man in our ranks who would employ it for such a purpose; though by the free use of the word he might convince the world of his goodness of heart, he would be no less sure to convince the reflecting of his logical debility, or asthenia of intellect. To try all things and hold fast that which is good, is the fundamental rule of our creed, but its teaching is not to be mistaken. It means not that haphazzard trial, whose fruits reach us upon the tongue of fitful gossip, but that which elicits the truth-telling phenomena of vital action. Universal observation confirms the truth, that the fruits of empiricism are unreliable, bearing upon a brazen face the ineffaceable word "false," so plainly stamped, that no close observer can fail to read, heed and profit by it.

The Institute should place its protest upon every effort of its members calculated to obscure the distinctive truths and doctrines of Homoeopathy. And when any of its members are found harping upon useless adjectives, like "rational," "eclectic," or "conservative," liberal," etc. the eye of suspicion should be fixed upon them, for it is more than presumptive evidence of their ignorance of Homoeopathy, and its clear teachings.

It is beneath the true dignity of this scientific body to behold with unconcern, influences at work calculated to tarnish the rising glory of Homoeopathy; Her intrinsic value as a system of medicine, distinguished from all others by her scientific and artistic principles and laws, has carried her through, against all opposition, to a proud position in the confidence of nearly every enlightened community in the world; and if men wish to reap the fruits of her popularity — and for this take her name — they should by no means insult her spirit, like selfish cowards bent on treason. They should not seek to disgrace her by attempts to bring about an illicit intercourse between her and any empirical monster, to secure hybrid and uncouth offspring, and as a scientific body we should offer our solemn protest against all such attempts on the part of members.

Having shown of what a Medical Education should consist, the course of observation by which the student of medicine should investigate its objective elements, the distinction necessary to be made between the direct and collateral branches of study, and, lastly, the futility of all attempts to blend in one the opposite and totally incompatible doctrines of the various schools of medicine; the method, means, and course of study and instruction requisite to a thorough "medical education," next in order demand our attention.

We are aware that scarcely anything will be found more difficult of accomplishment than a revolution in the long established methods of thinking and doing things, among men. That few change their notions after forty years of age, has passed into an aphorism, so nearly an axiom, that rare exceptions only oppose the general rule. That the controlling influence over human affairs is ordinarily exerted by men over forty, is, therefore. a discouraging circumstance, and yet all experience goes to show that the few who step forward as rare exceptions to the general conservative rule, with truth and right on their side, have, in all ages of the world, found their way to the conservative masses, bearing the seed of revolution and reform before the steady and mighty trade-winds of human thought, and successfully planted them in the cold soil of conservatism, to spring up and bear fruit in due time. "Truth is mighty, and it will prevail;" "Knowledge is power;" "Time corrects the caprices of human opinion and confirms the decisions of nature." These are the elements that propel the car of progress, and smoothe its way to the culminating achievements of genius, and truth-armed effort. Then why should we fear to call in question the adaptedness of means to the ends sought, by the methods and course of instruction pursued in the schools? Why should we, in this, ape our allopathic cousins? Is it because there is no better plan or order of instruction than that handed down through successive generations, and ergo, fashionable? We should do our own thinking, and accept nothing because old, reject nothing simply because new, but busily seek after truth. Reformers should refuse to split rails twenty-four feet long, simply because their fathers have done so, and adopt whatever is better.

That the present system of teaching in our medical institutions is defective, and wofully inefficient, is most keenly felt by all who reflect, and who have the honor and utility of the profession at heart; and who will undertake to sustain the negative of this proposition in the unmistakable light of facts? Look at the array of young physicians sent out annually from the colleges to assume a position between the living and the dead, to guard the dearest earthly interests of the suffering and afflicted of mankind,

And health bring back when organs truant prove,

And life's warm currents from their channels more.

How many of that number reach that post of trust and duty, with head and heart prepared for the work? You will answer, and rightly, not one in one thousand. And why? Simply because "the dead tell no tales," and the darkness of the grave hides from the scrutiny of mankind the work of doctors. For these evils there is a remedy; and their correction is the only salvation left for the profession, and guarranty of safety for suffering humanity. It becomes us as members of the American Institute of Homoeopathy to think and apply our energies diligently to elevate the standard of "medical education," and redeem the profession from the too well deserved sneers of enlightened manhood. The student leaving school with his mind prepared for the work, turns his thoughts to the medical profession. In the library before him, he finds works on all the various branches of study that make up a medical education. To master a knowledge of their contents appears to him a great undertaking, and so it will be found, a work he will never accomplish; nor need he, for in so doing it would require the remnant of life to unlearn the errors imbibed; but he may accomplish vastly more; he may become a true medical philosopher, to look forth upon the phenomenal in his field of inquiry, as into a volume in the type of his own language, as the handwriting of an author whose infinite iiberality allows, yea, invites him to transcribe its unalterable truths so far forth as they can be made subservient to the true interests of humanity. To accomplish this mastery over the elements of medicine, there is but one course for the student to pursue. He must study nature; like a child in the lap of its mother, he must listen to her language whose enunciation, at every step, will become more and yet more distinct, comprehensible and instructive, until he may talk with her as friend to friend. Thus will he learn to read phenomena as the language of nature, and treasure up the lessons of wisdom and knowledge she is ever ready to impart, to those who ask aright the information sought.

Once in the right path, to grapple facts and phenomena, to aggregate, sift, coordinate, and generalize, becomes a comparatively pleasant and easy work. Books will aid the student, and chiefly in acquiring skill in grappling facts and phenomena. As books are the repository of a world's cumulative facts, forms of expression, and nomenclature, the student must read, and thus obtain a tangible mode of expression of his own, and be enabled to appreciate the thoughts of others. By observation, and by faith in the honesty and ability of other observers, the student acquires facts as the basis of all his reasoning. To enable the student to go on with his work readily and understandingly, is the great object of teaching. The student should become an independent thinker, and his course of study should enable him to cut from his mooorings in the harbor of authority, that with chart and compass he may make the voyage of professional life alone, prepared at every turn, and in every storm, to know his work and do it well. That his studies may be directed to the best advantage, the method, the means, and the course or order of study should be a matter of the deepest solicitude with his teacher, who should never be unmindful of the fact, that useless forms murder the spirit of any enterprise as surely in science as in religion. Yet without method, but little can be accomplished in any undertaking, especially in attempts to discipline the mind and its various faculties in order to careful observation, quick perception, ready reason, and deliberate action; requirements so necessary to the physician.

The present and universal method of teaching is by lectures, delivered from five to seven each day, and each an hour long. In this mode, the rapid succession of ideas presented, precludes the possibility of retaining the matter, even by the most retentive memory. In attempts to retain the nomenclature, the ideas are lost, and vice versa. In this way both the names and the thoughts they convey are lost, or exist in the mind in unintelligible confusion. Time is not allowed for the digestion of what little is retained, and in a few days an almost universal and complete intellectual indigestion seizes the class, home sickness follows in many instances, and in most, the choice passage in the course of each professor, is the last made by the students, from the chair to the door. However efficient, as a means of instruction for the advanced student, lectures may prove, they can never be made of much utility to the newly-initiated of a class. A more familiar method of teaching should take the place of lectures; one, more likely to elicit a feeling of interest, rouse the thoughts, fix the attention, and hold the mind in active contact with the teacher, and subject of instruction. This may be done as in any literary college, the method and course of instruction in which it would be well to imitate. There should be two courses of instruction, the preparatory and final. In the preparatory, the subservient and collateral branches of science should be taught, and on the same plan of instruction as that adopted in academics and colleges generally. There should be regular recitations before the teachers of the several departments. In this way each student would imbibe a feeling of individual responsibility ample to fix the attention, which is the basis of memory, and secure a thoughtful frame of mind, the great secret of successful teaching and study; while formal lectures murder feelings of interest by holding the class at arm's length from the teacher and his subject.

The direct or co-ordinate branches of science that compose the immediate basis of therapeutic art, together with the rules of art, should be taught in a final course, and where ample means are in requisition for the demonstration of both the sciences and the arts. There may be a primary or preparatory school in every town, village, or city throughout the country, not so with the final course institutions for teaching, which could flourish only in large cities and in connection with hospitals. In New York and Philadelphia, schools or colleges for teaching the final course might be well sustained, if backed by from twenty to fifty preparatory schools, located in various parts of the United States and the Canadas.

In the preparatory schools should be taught Botany, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, and the History of Medicine. With a thorough knowledge of these, the mind would be prepared to enter upon the final course of study, and appreciate the teachings of those higher branches which link them to their final purposes, the prevention and cure of disease. In most of our schools, as now organized and conducted, the student is seldom brought in contact with the sick, that he may witness the phenomena of disease, sees but few operations upon the living body, has very meagre opportunities for the observation of symptoms and conditions that point to rules of practice, or indications of cure, and direct the judgment of the physician or surgeon where, and for what, to medicate or operate. Nothing can supply the deficiency. Actual contact with disease whose phenomena and treatment are c' early pointed out by competent teachers only can answer the purpose. Such facilities for the study of the higher branches can be furnished only in connection with hospitals, and, though in a more limited way, in private practice. If the student would make the best use of the advantages furnished in institutions of the kind, his mind should be thoroughly prepared, by the preliminary course, to enter upon the study of materia medica, pathology, obstetrics, surgery in all its departments, and the institutes and practice of medicine. Facilities for teaching and demonstrating the preparatory department exist everywhere, and may be obtained at small expense; and to establish schools throughout the country in every important village and inland city, would be a trifling work, requiring no chartered privileges for its success. It may be made an individual enterprise, and if properly conducted, its influence upon medical education would soon be made apparent.

The final department, or central colleges, would be fully sustained, and so amply as to secure the best of teachers or professors, and the best means of instruction. And as a result, our entire country would be supplied with thoroughly educated phsicians, alike an ornament and a benefit to society. As the schools are now conducted, students are sent out by thousands, not one in ten of whom is qualified to take a position in the world, honorable to himself or useful to society. The fact is humiliating, that in nearly every neighbourhood they come in contact with half a dozen observing old ladies, vastly their superiors in skill, and in every thing but the use of a few big words, almost, and in many instances quite, as meaningless to the M.D. as to his more unpretending auditors.

Allusion is had to no particular school nor class of physicians; it is a failing of all, and a fault of ours, as medical reformers. We are aping, and thereby popularizing, the antiquated method of the old school, with no higher or better reason than that it is old and fashionable. This should not be. It behooves us as medical reformers to seek diligently for ways and means by which to elevate the standard of "medical education," and give to suffering humanity thoroughly educated physicians. In no other way can we recall and deserve the confidence of mankind and make the profession truly honored and honorable with the well-informed. Each of us, and every physician, should make the future, no less than the present, of the profession, his own, and see to it, that when finally called from his field of labor by the "pale messenger," whose superior tactics he can no longer resist, others may be prepared to take his place, and discharge its duties with increased ability and improved skill. In this way the profession may compel the respect of the laity, deserve their support, and drive from the field the fearful number of ignorant, yet too often successful, competitors of the men of learning and merit. We have a system of medicine which, rightly understood and skilfully applied, must secure confidence: of this we have ample proof in every day's report, and all we need to work a speedy revolution in the practice of medicine throughout the world, is well educated physicians. The prejudices of mankind give way before the fearful tread of the "king of terrors," and when they witness the successful management of the physician, in the averted step of the dreaded foe, insanity may, but nothing short can, stay their confidence in the better way and in the man of improved skill. This fact, with the knowledge that Homoeopathy offers to the world the only true and enduring philosophy, and use of curative means, gives us a deep, broad, and everlasting foundation of hope, that should inspire our thoughts, nerve our efforts and sustain us, even in the discharge of our duties to this, and ages approaching us in the vast future.

We should cast off the useless forms, that murder the spirit of our enterprise, and like the primitive christians, who saw in their mild and better way, the moral and physical regeneration of our race, start forth with burning, yet doubly rational zeal, work for the physical redemption of diseased and afflicted mankind; a redemption, not only from disease, but the heavy yoke and the bloody and disgusting rites and ceremonies of the old dispensation, imposed by a benighted and bigoted priesthood. Let us feel, practice and teach truth, and we have nothing to fear for our cause, not even the in consistencies of the few who would retain circumcision, and a few other of the vagaries of a system and dispensation they profess to have discarded, in their adoption of Homoeopathy. Let us go to work and reform our method and course of instruction, educate our students thoroughly, make each an independent thinker, a true medical philosopher, and our literature will no longer be tainted with the expressed willingness of our physicians to have called. in consultation this, that, or the other allopathic doctor, in any case, over any patient however known to literary fame or obscure in social life, Let the student be educated to know the powers, properties and modes of action of all therapeutic means, specific, general and mechanical, and to observe and appreciate the value of morbid phenomena. Let him be taught that all drugs exert upon the system two, and opposite influences as indicated by the phenomena of their action; that the paramount influence excited must indicate the law by which to apply them for curative purposes; and that that law finds its adequate expression through the phrase "Similia similibus curantur"Then will we have a class of physicians who would as soon ask in the aid of a jackass to tune a piano or play a church organ, as seek the advice of an allopathic physician with regard to the dispensation of drugs for the cure of their patients. None would be found harping on a "compromise" between systems, "liberality" of views on self-evident propositions; "eclecticism," as one of the fundamental laws of medical creed; or "tolerance" of antiquated error and discarded vagaries of empirical medicine. We will not stop to point out all the advantages that would flow from a more efficient mode of teaching than that now employed. They are many, and obvious. They would urge every physician past that contemptible half-way house where so many now stop to accommodate themselves to the ignorance and caprices of those who "believe a little in all systems," to the high and ultimate aims of the profession, rightly understood and faithfully developed in practice. It would make the principles of our science, and the law of our art, the physician's guide, instead of the good opinion of allopathic neighbors on the one hand, and on the other, the ignorance and blind desires of those who invoke his aid in the hour of need. No longer the slaves of passion, but relying upon the omnipotence of truth, nothing could interrupt our march against the long-fortified temple of antiquated medicine.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 03; 05, 1859-1860, pages 97-104, pages 201-209]

[Description: Medical Education.]

[Author: Dake, M.]

[Year: 1859]

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS OF HAMAMELIS.

BY J. M. DAVISON, M.R.C.S.

(From the Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London.)

The following case of severe Hemorrhoids, treated successfully by Hamamelis virginiana, will perhaps be interesting to the readers of the Review, because of the marked pathogenetic symptoms which were developed, during the administration of the drug.

In a method of cure, based upon the principles of homoeopathy, ("similia similibus curantur") it. must be evident that the correct "provings" of our remedies, and the careful observation of all their pathogenetic effects, are matters of the utmost importance: and, therefore, it would be well if those who are in the habit of watching the therapeutic effects of the homoeopathic medicines, upon their patients, would record, for the benefit of their fellow practitioners, and for the confirmation of the systematic "provings," already published, any aggravation of symptoms, arising out of the dose, or potency, employed; or, any morbid disturbance of the organism, indicating the presence of pathogenetic, rather than of curative force.

Notices of the pathogenetic and curative effects of Hamamelis virginiana have appeared, at various times, in the North American Journal of Homoeopathy (vol. iii. p. 461; vol. iv. pp. 115 and 302; vol. v. p. 438; vol. vii. p. 114); in the Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy (vol. i. pp. 460 and 536); in the Homoeopathic Review (vol. i. pp. 249, 315, and 525; vol. ii. p. 205); in the British Journal of Homoeopathy (vol. xv. p. 168; vol. xvi. p. 173).

My friend, Dr. Thomas, has also drawn out an excellent schema, in extension of the one in the British Journal of Homoeopathy. This schema is given as an appendix to his Additions to the Homoeopathic Materia Medica.

It is with the view of confirming, by my own clinical observation, the correctness of some of the provings already recorded, that I send the following short case.

Mrs. — aet. 37, of a nervo-bilious temperament, the mother of eight children, consulted me October 30th, 1857, during a severe attack of "burning, painful," hemorrhoids. To similar attacks she had been subject during the previous ten years; and, although she sought help from various allopathic medical men, yet, her success had been so small, that she had given up all idea of obtaining permanent relief.

One of her children, aet. 5 years, a short time before the mother's application to me, on her own behalf, had been laboring under psoas-abscess; and the case having been pronounced hopeless, by the allopathic attendants, it was, at the earnest request of the child's father, put under my care, as a last resource. Happily, the child recovered under homoeopathic treatment: and the mother, gathering, from that circumstance, some hope for herself, sought my help.

Oct 30th, 1857. — Present symptoms are, — great suffering from weight, and pressure, at the anus; hemorrhoids protruding; great exhaustion from frequent hemorrhage from the rectum; bowels constipated; severe frontal headache; restless nights; mouth parched, and dry, on awaking.

Prescribed Hamamelis virg.6, two drops in six ounces of water: one tablespoonful three times a day.

Nov. 3rd. — The hemorrhoidal symptoms are somewhat relieved; but she complains of severe pains in the back. Continued the medicine.

Nov. 8th. — Today, the hemorrhoids are painful and protruding. A new symptom has also developed itself; and, my patient wished me to examine her arms, as, during the past two days she had suffered severely from a peculiar pricking-pain, from the wrist, to the shoulder, which pain is increased on pressure. On examining the arms, I found that the patient indicated the direction of the pain along the course of the superficial veins.

Ordered Sacch. lactis. to be continued during the next three days.

Nov. 12th. — Somewhat better; the pricking-pain has quite left the arms; the hemorrhoids are still troublesome.

Hamamelis virg 4 — thirty drops, in six ounces of water, to be used as a lotion. A pledget of lint, saturated with this lotion, to be applied to the protruded hemorrhoids every night.

Nov. 18th. — The patient reports herself quite well, and able to pursue her domestic duties, with case and comfort.

It will be seen, however, that in this case the cure was not complete; for on the 25th of January, 1858, this lady again consulted me. On this occasion she was suffering from protruding hemorrhoids, accompanied by severe inflammation. She also complained of catarrhal symptoms, and was very desponding.

Prescribed Ham. virg.6 — two drops in six ounces of water: one tablespoonful to be taken every three hours. The lotion also to be need as before.

Jan. 27th. — Since my last visit, two days ago, only five doses of the medicine have been taken; because, after the fourth dose, the patient became very much alarmed by a pricking pain in the region of the heart. The hemorrhoids, however, were much relieved.

Ordered Sacch. lactis.

Jan. 29th. — The pricking pain "about the heart," is very severe; it is also now felt in the course of the superficial veins of both arms.

These pricking pains continued for a period of ten days, increasing in intensity, during that time. At length I prescribed Arnica^12 — twelve gl. in six ounces of water; one spoonful to be taken three times a day.

Feb. 15th. — The patient states that she feels better than she has done for years; and the hemorrhoids, to use her own expression, "have been completely vanquished."

I must not forget to record, that while under treatment, this patient had been relieved, by the Hamamelis, of a peculiar tightness of the chest, from which she had suffered from childhood.

June 5th. — I have today seen Mrs. — , who continues quite well; the symptoms of hemorrhoidal disturbance having never returned.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 02, 1859, pages 83-86]

[Description: Clinical Observations on Hamamelis.]

[Remedies: Hamamelis virginiana]

[Author: Davison, J.M.]

[Year: 1859]

ADMINISTRATION OF HIGH POTENCIES.

Correspondence – The questions contained in the following letter, recently received, represent a class of queries that are frequently propounded both orally and in correspondence. It has appeared not inappropriate to publish a general reply to these and similar questions: "October, 1864.

"Dear Sir: I recently had brought to my notice your two articles on "The Use of High Potencies in the Treatment of the Sick, which appeared in the American Homoeopath Review, for December, 1863, and January, 1864.

"If you will pardon me for intruding upon your time, I will take the liberty of putting a few questions to you in order to gain a little information.

"I have never used the thirtieth and higher potencies in the treatment of acute diseases, simply because I was afraid to trust them.

"Since rending your articles, however, which I did with great pleasure, and, I trust, profit, I have fully determined to give the high potencies fair trial; in fact I cannot do otherwise when I behold such powerful testimony in their favor. Now allow me to ask you:

"1. In what form do you use these potencies, in the shape of pellets or liquids?"

"2. Do you use the decimal or the centesimal scale in the preparation of the high potencies?"

"3. Do you repeat the high potencies in rapid succession in acute disease, as you do the low preparations?"

"4. If you use pellets, do you consider them perfectly reliable? and how many, as a general rule, constitute a dose, either dry or taken in water?"

"5. Do you alternate the high potencies, or do you rely upon the single Remedy?"

"6. Do you believe that the high potencies, from your own experience in the use of them and from what you have beheld in the practice of others, are far superior, in all respects, to the low preparations as remedial agent?"

"Some of these questions may seem in themselves to be insignificant, but I do not consider them so, for in making my first trial I wished to start right, that the experiment may be made fairly, with a sincere desire to know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth."

"In conclusion let me say that you may rest assured your answers to this communication will be kept perfectly private, and no publicity (as coming from you) given them."

"Permit me to repeat that it is only a sincere desire to seek out and find the truth that has led me thus to trouble you."

We heartily respect our correspondent's earnest desire to get at the "whole truth," and to "start fair" in his experiment; and we respect his hesitation to use the high potencies until he should have a reasonable assurance that, in so doing he would not be hazarding the interests of his patients. We take this public manner of replying to his questions, partly with a view of convincing him that we have no wish that our "answers to this communication" should be "kept strictly private." On the contrary we should be glad to have "publicity (as coming from us) given them." For they are expressions of our honest convictions, the result of as careful observations and as cautious and complete experiments as we have up to the present time been capable of making. They express our present opinion, those views in accordance with which we shape our daily practice.

But we hold ourselves bound by them only so long as they shall continue to be our honest convictions. Should further observation and more extended experience satisfy us that any or our present positions are untenable we shall gladly abandon them for others, and shall then, likewise, be not only willing but anxious to have "publicity (as coming from us) given" to these new views. The object of our professional life is to find out the truth and to shape our practice accordingly. Consistency to this object is true consistency – while consistency to any form of opinion or doctrine that may at one time have been supposed to be the truth and proclaimed by us as such-consistently to such opinion merely because we may have once publicly uttered it, this is the basest and most ignoble bigotry and cowardice.

In the articles to which our correspondent refers we had no object but to express frankly and plainly the views which govern us in the practice of medicine. We would call his attention to the fact that the greater part of the articles, consisted of citations of the opinions and experiences of other practitioners whose conclusions were but corroborated by our own. .

1. In what form do you use these potencies, in the shape of pellets or of liquids?

As a matter of fact, we use them In the form of pellets. As a matter faith, we know no difference between pellets, pills, triturations or liquids. The pellet is merely a convenient means for dividing a drop of liquid into a number of equal parts, and it is for this object that we use them. We have been in the habit of buying unmedicated pellets or globules at Smith's Pharmacy, and medicating them with liquid potencies of our own preparation. Pellets thus medicated we find retain their remedial powers for several years at least, – exactly how long we cannot say. They are so much more portable and more convenient to administer than liquids, that this furnishes us a sufficient reason for preferring them to the liquid form of prescriptions. A writer in the British Journal of Homoeopathy, some years ago, published an essay on the Globule versus the Pillule, making out a very bad case for the unlucky globule as calculated to bring Homoeopathy into contempt in the eyes of persons not indoctrinated. There is something laughable, if it were not deplorable, in this argument, the pith of which is this: "We give small doses to be sure, but let us not, by using the pellet, appear to give small ones; let us use as big a pill as anybody that we may not seem to give a small dose, and may not rudely Jostle the prejudices of our patients." But surely, if contempt would have damaged Homoeopathy, this luckless science, despised, scorned, ridiculed and, scores. of times, extinguished by Homeric laughter, should have been done for long ago! To adopt and defend this much contemned science, and yet to shrink from the obviously smallness of a pellet-dose – is not this "to strain at a gnat and swallow a camel."

Nothing will gain confidence of a patient so surely as success! His confidence, once gained by success, cannot be shaken by the form of your dose! Yes, it may though! If he sees that while your doctrines require you to give small doses, you yet dissemble and juggle, and, by using large pills and lozenges and mixtures, try to make it appear that you are giving as large doses as your old school neighbor, he will suspect that your faith in the system you profess is not really strong, and he will have doubts of both you and your system. The sick man who feels that you are curing him cares not a straw for the logical improbabilities of your doctrines, nor for the scientific difficulties attending the explanation of the action of your little dose. Large or small – much or nothing – if, under your auspices, his health return, he will have faith equally in yourself And in your methods.

We have been amazed at much that has been said and written on this subject. Our own patients have rarely remarked upon the pellet. One, Who had never seen them before, once said to us, "Do you really hope to cure me with those tiny pills? "Yes, certainly." "I should not believe they could possibly have any power." "Why? Because they are so fine and small for pills? " "Yes." "Then, my dear Sir, instead of regarding them as 'fine pills,' consider them to be very coarse granular powder, and you cannot fail to be impressed, a priori, with their immense power!" He perceived the absurdity of his objection, which was to the outward form and not to the inherent power. The success of the prescription satisfied him of the virtue of little pills.

Another patient objected to the very small vials of my pocket case. I replied, they were a matter of convenience to me, but if he would be better satisfied I would, next day, bring his dose in a quart bottle and pour out the same quantity (pellets). He also perceived that his objection was frivolous and was content.

2. Do you use the decimal or centesimal scale in the preparation of the high Potencies? As a matter of a fact, we used the centesimal scale in preparing the high potencies and all the potencies which we use, and have used since we began to practise medicine. As a matter of opinion we see no reason to prefer the decimal. It does not ensure a more uniform gradation as has been claimed. The use of it leads to confusion and is to be regretted. We prefer adhering to Hahnemann's scale. It is easy to convert the one into the other in reporting cases or in reading reports. If our correspondent will refer to the articles which prompted his letter, he will note that in the treatment of pneumonia, Wurmb and Eidherr used potencies prepared on the decimal scale, which fact we there stated and we reduced their numbers to the corresponding ones of the centesimal scale. In general in this country where the facts are not specifically stated, it is understood that the centesimal or Hahnemannian scale is intended.

Our own preparations were made in strict accordance with Hahnemann's Directions and so are the high potencies of Lehrmann, as we have learned from Dr. von Boenninghausen, who directed their preparation, and from Lehrmann himself.

3. Do you repeat the high potencies in rapid succession in acute disease, as you do the low preparations?

How shall such a knotty question be unrivalled? It involves two assumptions two beggings of the question, viz.: 1. That we do repeat the low potencies in rapid succession in acute diseases; and, second, that we make any such distinction between acute and chronic disease, as to admit of a radical difference in our principle of prescribing.

1. We recognize but one rule touching the repetition of the dose. It was laid down by Hahnemann and is as follows: Do not repeat the dose of the remedy given until the effects of the previous dose shall have ceased to be evident. Our most grievous failures have come from a violation of this rule. — Our most brilliant and complete success have coincided with a strict observance of it. If we are sure that our remedy has been rightly selected, we sometimes direct, particularly in cases that have been actively treated by allopathic physicians before we were called and in which we apprehend a sluggish response to remedies, repetition of the dose every few hours, until some amelioration or decided aggravation appear, but we always order a suspension of the remedy as soon as either is manifest.

2. We know of no clear distinction between acute and chronic diseases on which to base a difference in treatment. Indeed no difference whatever, unless it be one analogous to that which Hahnemann hid down, viz.: that chronic diseases are based on the awakening of miasms that had hitherto lain dormant in the system.

For instance, is scarlatina an acute disease? Assuredly it is so regarded. Yet, on the third day, scarlatina often shows that it has awakened and engrafted itself upon the scrofulous (or psoric?) taint in the patient's constitution and then, surely, it becomes typically chronic. This is an example of what we see happen in all forms of disease. It prevents an available distinction between acute and chronic diseases.

We can assure our correspondent that it is safe and advantageous to strictly follow the Hahnemannian rule about the repetition of the dose in acute no less than in chronic diseases. But let us anticipate a possible confusion in his mind. Some writers, Dr. Drysdale we are surprised to see among them, seem to think that Hahnemann, when he said, "wait till the first dose shall have exhausted its action," meant to say "do not repeat the dose until that period shall have elapsed which I have indicated in the Materia Medica, as the duration of action of each drug." This period for some drugs is several days, for others several weeks or even months. We do not so understand him. The duration of action of a remedy on the healthy subject (prover) furnishes no criterion of the duration or its action on the sick. Again, the duration of its action on one sick person furnishes no criterion of the duration of its action on another sick person. Surely the vital processes are much more rapid in acute pneumonia than they are in tuberculosis. Is it not probably that the duration of action of a dose of medicine would be shorter in the former than in the latter?

We suppose Hahnemann meant as follows: "If amelioration follows a dose of medicine, do not repeat the dose until the amelioration ceases to progress, then, if the symptoms be the same as before, though mitigated in severity, repeat the dose. If the symptoms be different, study the case anew and make another selection of remedy. It is in the sense that we have understood and that we apply Hahnemann's rule. Not pretending that we do not often, through errors of judgment, infringe it, we are sure that whenever we do so, misfortune follows, and that in proportion to our faithfulness, so is our success.

In respect of the repetition of doses, as well as of the form of the prescription, we have no difficulty with our patients. Patients are like soldiers, they believe in a man who believes in himself. We say this in all humility, for, in a matter of science, belief in oneself is faith in the laws one has undertaken to carry out in practice. And if the physician shows confidence in his methods, his patients will yield themselves implicitly to his guidance. The prejudice in favor of large and many doses is a relic of past ages, when the practitioner was paid, not for his skill and personal services, but for the medicines he furnished, a barbarous usage which, along with slavery, we received from our British progenitors. Unlike them, we have discarded the former but not the latter.

4. If you use pellets do consider them perfectly reliable? Assuredly, or else we would not use them. We medicate them ourselves.

And, how many constitute a dose? If properly medicated, one is as good as one hundred. As there is a possibility that, in medicating several thousand at one operation, a pellet here and there may fail to get saturated, we usually give about four to six. We use the smallest pellets as most easily and surely medicated.

5. Do you alternate the high potencies or do you rely upon the single remedy? Here again our friend confounds a principle and quantity. If it be right and advantageous to alternate the low, it is right and advantageous to alternate the high potencies. But, in fact, we do not alternate at all. We always rely on the single remedy at one time. Dr. Drysdale says that everybody alternates and, therefore, there must be some necessity for the practice. But his illustrations are so far-fetched, and his definition of alternation is so contrary to the conceptions which all other Homoeopathicians, from Hahnemann down, have had on the subject, that, notwithstanding our respect for Dr. Drysdale, we must repeat, in the very face of his learned paper, that we do not alternate.

Our understanding or the practice of alternation and our objections to it were stated, all well as we are able to state them, in the number of the Review, June, 1863, Vol. III, No. 12

We are opposed to it in theory and we abjure it in practice. It is on abominable heresy. As a shot-gun maims, where the rifle would kill, so alternation may change and modify and maim the disease, but it never does nor can affect the clean, direct and perfect cure that a single remedy, exactly homoeopathic, will accomplish. As a relic of the polypharmacy which has been the stumbling block of the old school, we loath it. As a refuge of the careless prescriber, and slothful student, we despise it. As an anomaly in homoeopathic practice, a fatal obstacle to progress in the clinical portion of our Materia Medica, we deplore it.

6. Do you believe that the high potencies, from your own experience in the use of them, and from what you have beheld in the practice of others are far superior in all respects to the low preparation as remedial agents?

An affirmative answer is involved in the statement that we use the high in preference to the low preparations. For details we refer again to the articles which prompted our correspondent's letter. Personally we have suffered and do now suffer from chronic organic disease and from occasional very violent acute attacks. We always use the high potencies in these cases, preferring them to the low. We use them in our family and among our friends. We use them in general practice. Many of our friends and patients, non-professional persons, know the fact and freely say that they and their children are more speedily cured by the high than by the low potencies.

N.B. The imaginations of our friends aforesaid are not more lively than those of, the average of other people. Indeed, they are plain matter of fact persons, possessing much common sense but, for the most part, no genius. — They prefer high potencies.

And now, having replied in detail to the queries of our correspondent, let us add a few remarks which we beg him to receive in good part.

To change the aspect of a case, to cause the original symptoms to be supplanted by other symptoms, this is no more a cure than "a strategic change of base" is a "victorious campaign". Yet this may be effected by repeated doses of a drug in a low potency, whether the drug be strictly homoeopathic to the case or not. And a succession of such changes and supplantings may be effected, day after day, until finally the patient gets well or nearly so. Meanwhile the patient may be amused by the varieties which each day brings forth, and if he know nothing of a true homoeopathic cure but have heretofore had only the heroic treatment, he may fancy he has been doing finely.

Now, in this way, with low potencies, a practitioner may do quite a business on a very slender capital of knowledge.

Not so if he use the high potencies. With these no change is effected in the case unless the remedy have been strictly homoeopathic to the case. They are like the rifle ball – if they hit, they kill – if not, there is no record of the shot. There can be no good luck from scattering.

Now it will be perceived that the question of cures with high and low potencies is not merely a question of potencies and our friend's trial will not be a fair one unless he make sure that his selection of the remedy in each case in which he tries the high potencies, is strictly homoeopathic. If he make sure of this and be correct in it, then let him go on in confidence with his experiment. We bid him God speed. D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 04, 1864, pages 233-238]

[Description: Administration of High Potencies.]

[Author: Dunham, C]

[Year: 1864]

ALOES IN DYSENTERY.

Day after day, those who effect to disbelieve the doctrines of Hahnemann, are dishonestly adopting his practice. In fact, we scarcely ever take up a work on medicine, or a periodical issuing from the allopathic press, without haying such instances of dishonesty revealed to us. We use the word "dishonesty" in this sense, that while those who have really discovered the curative effects of drugs possessing a homoeopathic action, are contemned and ridiculed because they avow such discoveries — their opponents are mean enough to enter into their labors, and without even an acknowledgement. A recent instance of this kind of appropriation is to be found in the following statement in the Lancet of January 81, 1863.

"The Fresh Juice of the Aloe and the Parenchyma of the Aloe Leaf in Dysentery."

"A correspondent (Agathon) had forwarded us an extract from a Barbadoes paper, in which it is asserted that the fresh juice of the Aloe is a valuable remedy for dysentery. An incision is made into the leaf, and the juice which exudes collected and given fresh in half ounce doses in half a pint of milk; or the end of the leaf being cut off and all the juice drained out, it is peeled and the parenchyma, which is gelatinous and transparent, cut into pieces and chewed.

"This is not bitter, but imparts a sense of coolness to the throat, as the exuding moisture is swallowed.

"In both these forms. the writer asserts, the Aloe exerts a soothing, almost narcotic effect, arrests the bloody discharges, restores the natural action of the bowels and effects a speedy cure in all stages of dysentery.

"If there be any truth in this, it is a happy coincidence that Aloe flourishes in the greatest abundance where the disease most prevails."

Now, in the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, we find under the head of Aloes:

"Abdomen. — Malaise, pressure, tension and heat in the region of the liver. Fullness, heat and distention of the abdomen; beating, boring and stinging in the umbilical region, stool is preceded by colic, emission of a quantity of fetid flatulence. Violent cutting in the abdomen.

"Stool and Anus. — Bilious papescent stools, the whole body becoming hot during the evacuation, with a feeling of malaise in the region of the liter. Evacuation consisting of foecal matter, bilious, not aqueous, not very profuse, having a peculiar putrid smell. Discharge of mucus by the rectum, looking like membranes. Discharge of large clots of mucus by the rectum. Frequent watery, sanguineous stool*. Bloody stool with violent colic. Pinching previous to the diarrhea, which is accompanied by tenesmus."

The foregoing are the results of the "proving" of Aloes on previously healthy subjects — and in accordance with the Hahnemannian dogma "Similia similibus curentur " — Aloes is the fit remedy for similar symptoms, the result, not of Aloes, but of a natural disease.

As this drug has been thus proved by Homoeopathists — and has, by them, been used in cases of dysentery so long — why should our allopathic brethren so unfairly, nay so dishonestly, appropriate a remedy so homoeopathic, without a word of acknowledgement?

Nor must our lay-readers suppose that, in speaking of the juice of the leaf, our allopathic colleagues are referring to some portion of the plant which differs in its medicinal action from the officinal Aloes; for, "the finest kind of Aloes is obtained by evaporating the juice which flows spontaneously from the transversely-cut leaves" (Pareira).

Homoeopathists and Allopathists have both long known the Aloes was a purgative, holding rank, according to Vogt (Pharmaco-dynamik, Bd. II. $ 334 — 2le Auft.) between Jalap and Rhubarb; or, according to Pareira, between Rhubarb and Senna. Homoeopathists, however, have long known, also, that Aloes is remedial in certain forms of diarrhea and of dysentery, the natural result of its homoepathicity to those states; but, it is only now — post totidem annos — that some allopathic practitioners discover accidentally — (for surely no Allopathist could stultify his creed by claiming in this case the merit of inductive reasoning) — that a drug which will cause symptoms resembling dysentery, will, also, cure such symptoms when they result from natural disease. — Monthly Homoeopathic He view, London, March, 1863.

The symptoms quoted in the above article, from the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, are taken from the American translation of Jahr's Symptomen Codex (Jahr's New Manual), and the proving is, in this work, credited to the Allg. Hom. Zeit., Vol. XX. Here we find an extract from a fragmentary proving by Dr. Buchner, of Munich.

Since these works were published however, we have the very admirable proving of Aloes contained in Dr. Hering's Amerikanische Arzneiprufungen, and which comprises all that Buchner and Kurs published in the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, and Roth in the Revue Specifique at Retrospective de la Matiere Medicale, and in addition the excellent contributions of Helbig and those of Hering himself and the physicians of the United States, besides all that is valuable on the subject in allopathic treatises on Materia Medica. We hope, with Dr. Hering's kind permission and co-operation, to present in future numbers of this Review, more or less complete summaries of this and other valuable provings contained in the volume referred to. At present, it may not be amiss to quote some symptoms of Aloes, bearing immediately upon the relation of that drug to dysentery.

"Tenesmus, the whole day.

"A constant desire to go to stool.

"Feeling of tenesmus in the rectum near the anus, rather towards the perineum.

"Tenesmus without evacuation.

"Tenesmus with simple evacuation of wind.

"Tenesmus with soft stool — with scanty stool.

"Violent tenesmus with the stool which was preceded by cutting in the abdomen, and attended by burning in the anus.

"Bloody, slimy stools, with catting in abdomen and tenesmus.

"Tenesmus of the rectum when passing water.

"He must go to stool very soon after eating.

"Sensation at if stool would pass, when standing

"After stool, sensation in the rectum as if more would come." D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 12, 1863, pages 574-576]

[Description: Aloes in Dysentery.]

[Remedies: Aloe socotrina]

[Author: Dunham, C]

[Year: 1863]

ALTERNATION OF REMEDIES.

By Carroll Dunham, M.D., New York.

When, in the February and April numbers of this Review, Vol. III, 1863, we published Dr. J. R. Coxe's article on Alternation, and our own modest objections to what we regarded as unsound argument and inaccurate statement on the part of Dr. Coxe - we had no idea that we were entering upon the discussion of a question about the terms of which there could be any chance for a misunderstanding. Subsequent publications, from various quarters, have shown that all practitioners do not understand the same thing by the word alternation, as applied to the mode of prescribing homoeopathic remedies. We think we shall be able to show that the practice which some writers defend, under the name of alternation, is not properly called by that name. But, before entering upon the subject itself, we desire to make, once for all, two statements of general principles by which we are governed not only in the treatment of this question but of all questions that concern the practice of medicine; premising that we utterly disclaim any disposition to dogmatize or to speak as with authority on any question of medical practice. If the earnestness of conviction should betray us into too positive warmth of language, this is our misfortune; and none can disapprove it more decidedly than we regret it.

1. The business of the physician is to cure his patient; this is the great practical object of his labor. We believe that nature is not always restricted to a single path – and that while some cases are so severe that there is but one way in which it is possible to cure them, there are often several ways in which it may be possible to effect the cure of some other case; each way having more or less of inconvenience attaching to it and of detriment resulting from it, in proportion as it differs, more or less widely, from the best way. Thus, we believe that Allopathy, with her heroic Antiphlogistics, her Revulsives (borrowed from the "circumlocution office") and, still more frequently, with her blind and blundering misuse of specifics does sometimes "cure" her cases; but this is not the kind of cure that should satisfy the physician's desires. It is neither safe, inasmuch as it is debilitating in itself and is likely to involve damaging sequelae; nor rapid; nor pleasant. Thus, likewise, we know that Homoeopathists who mix medicines, whether in the tumbler or in the patient's stomach (conglomerators or alternators), do often "cure" their patients. These cures, if our observations be correct, are neither so rapid nor so pleasant (free from sequelae) as cures might be; and we are confident that by these methods not nearly so large a proportion of the sick may be cured as by adherence to the simple, single remedy. Still, we admit that when a physician has cured a patient, by whatever method, he has, in so far as that patient is concerned, done the chief part of his duty. Though his method were not the best of known methods, he is not to be blamed without qualification.

2. But, although, from the ethical stand-point, we may concede that:

"Tis better to have" erred and cured

"Than never to have "cured "at all."

We think there is abundant reason for cautioning the practitioner to beware of confounding the misfortune of the error with the good-luck of the cure.

As one to whom have been confided the interests of that individual patient, he may justly rejoice in the cure; but do his functions cease here? By no means. He is a man of science, to whose care are to be entrusted, every day of his active professional life, case after case of disease which he is to bend his energies to cure. What is it to be a man of science? It is to be one whose mind is stored with an array of facts carefully observed by others as well as by himself, and methodically arranged, in such wise that principles have been and may be correctly inferred from them — principles by virtue of which new observations may be arranged along with these facts – principles by the aid of which the facts which will result from operations observed to be in progress, or intentionally put into activity, may be accurately predicted, and, conversely, may be produced at pleasure.

Such is the scientific physician. Let us note the difference between the action of his mind and that of the patient, after a cure of the latter has been accomplished by the former. The patient says to himself, "I was sick and now I am well. I will pay my doctor and then, to my work again!" This is all his sickness is to the patient.

The soliloquy of the doctor will depend very much upon the nature of the mental process by which he arrived at the mode of treatment that cured the patient. It may be,

1. "How can I ever be thankful enough for the lucky accident that made me give him Ledum! May I be as fortunate when I guess again!" or,

2. "When I gave Bryonia alone and Sepia alone, though each seemed to correspond pretty well, still the patient did not get much better. But when the happy thought of alternating them occurred to me, and I did it, she recovered. From this I shall learn that two remedies, each of which corresponds to part of a case, may cure the case if given in alternation, when neither, if given singly, would cure it;" or,

3. "A year ago I should have given, for such an angina as this, Belladonna and Mercurius in alternation, as Rummel recommends, and the patient would probably have gotten well in two or three days and I should have been satisfied; but since I have studied Lachesis, I find that remedy covers the whole case much better than Belladonna and Mercurius would do; and lo! he is well in twelve hours. From this, I learn to shun, more earnestly than ever, those expedients which, like alternation, are borrowed from the polypharmacy of the old school and which, being opposed to sound principle, must be inferior in their results to some better way which accords with sound principles and which way I shall be most likely to find out if I make my practice follow principle. This case, then, gives me fresh zeal in my study of Materia Medica;" or,

4. "This case cost me much study. I saw that the symptoms of the abdomen and digestive canal as well as those of the lumbar region and of the hip and thigh and the general conditions of aggravation and amelioration corresponded admirably to Colocynth, but then, the patient had, in addition, an enlarged ovary (from which, possibly in some way, the other symptoms sprang), and I had never heard of Colocynth in connection with enlarged ovary. I might therefore, have been tempted to alternate Colocynth with some remedy which is known to have cured and perhaps produced enlarged ovary, such as Lachesis, Apis, Graphites, Lycopodium, Staphysagria, etc. – but for my aversion to disregard what seems to me the well-established principle that maladies are not local affections, but general, pervading the entire organism – that the individual man is, not an aggregation of independent monads, each of which may be ill or get well "on its own hook," without its neighbor being thereby jostled, and against which may be discharged a corresponding load of medicinal monads each of which will find its own particular target without hitting any other – not this, but an individual being, whose functions and tissues are so intimately connected, that, "if one member suffers, all the members suffer;" and conversely, if we get the key to the malady by finding the characteristic symptoms which will point us to the true remedy, we shall cure the entire suffering, to whatever member we may address ourselves. In this faith, regarding the characteristic symptoms as calling unmistakably for Colocynth, (there was nothing characteristic of any remedy in the ovarian symptoms; the ovary was enlarged, that was all,) I gave that remedy. And now, while in a few days, the other symptoms which plainly called for Colocynth disappeared (permanently, as the event proved), in the space of two months the ovarian tumor had likewise disappeared, and the patient who had been confined for six years to her room and couch, could now walk, drive, and go about the house as well as ever. [See in a future number "Observations on Colocynth."] From this I learn the unity of disease, and by this I am strengthened in my belief that adherence to well settled principles will, in the end, carry one farther and faster, even over dark and uncertain ways, than any makeshift and irrational expedient would be likely to do;" or,

6. "In this case of dysmenorrhea the symptoms of the head and eyes are very characteristic of Cycl. But, surely, the menstrual symptoms are too important to be overlooked in this case, and the remedy must correspond to these symptoms in order to cover the case. I looked for the symptoms of Cyclamen on the female sexual organs and, lo! none are recorded in the Materia Medica Pura. It seems that there was not a woman among the early provers of Cyclamen. What was to be done? The menstrual symptoms corresponded pretty well with those of Pulsatilla, though the head and eye symptoms did not correspond. Should I alternate Cyclamen and Pulsatilla which jointly cover the case? I should have high authority for such a course! But, I reflect, that the same kind of a human organism which, under some disease-producing influence, experiences, at one and the same time, the amenorrhea and the head and eye symptoms of my patients – the same kind of human organism, I say, experienced also, when proving Cyclamen, head and eye symptoms exactly like those of my patient. Is it not fair to presume that, if this disease-producing cause and the specific properties of Cyclamen are so nearly alike as to produce identical symptoms in the head and eyes, they would have produced identical symptoms, likewise, in the female sexual organs, had the prover of Cyclamen been a woman? So strongly did probabilities seem to me to favor this presumption that, regarding alternation as an unsound and irrational expedient, I was about to take the risk of giving Cyclamen alone on the strength of this anticipated result of some future proving by a woman, when, chancing to meet with the new Austrian proving of Cyclam., I found that provings by women are there recorded which confirmed my presumption in every particular. The case recovering speedily under Cyclamen, I learn from it that in many cases we are tempted to alternate, because we cannot cover every feature of the case with either of the remedies which we think of alternating. But, in some of these cases, the symptoms which are really characteristic are fully met by one of these remedies and there is ground for assuming, as clinical records show, that subsequent and more extended provings will demonstrate to us that this remedy, if fully proved, would really cover the entire case, characteristics and all. This experience fortifies me against a temptation to alternate and leads me to rely more confidently on the indications furnished by characteristic symptoms."

If we review these cases and analyze the operations of the physician's mind, we shall see that, in number one, he confesses that he has been the "accident of an accident," and he invokes his "good luck" to stand him in stead again. He does not exercise his reasoning faculties at all. Let him pass.

In the other cases, there is, besides a thanksgiving for success, an effort of the mind to arrange the facts which the case presents in order, along with some other facts already stored there and to infer from the aggregate store of facts, some principle or plan of action which may be profitably brought to bear on some future case. It is thus and only thus that "experience teaches."For, since no two cases are ever met with that are in every respect precisely alike, the experience acquired in treating one case can never be available in treating another, except through the intermediate application of the reasoning powers. We hear and observe facts, collect and arrange them, analyze and reflect upon them, induce principles from them, and prepare ourselves to make practical application of these principles when a new case shall call for it.

Now, what is this but theorizing? When we analyze a case in such a way as to suggest to our minds its proper mode or course of action, or to infer from it any principle that might help us in a future case, we form a "theory." We cannot think, indeed, about collecting facts without theorizing.

Yet the defenders of alternation invite us simply "to look and see," to "establish facts. These, once fixed, any theory which will perfectly account for them is good." These are Dr. Hawley's words (American Homoeopathic Review, Vol. V, p. 338). And the London Homoeopathic Review, Vol. IX, p. 432, quotes Dr. Hawley's words approvingly: "The homoeopathic system of medicine," * * says Dr. Hawley, "bases itself, not on theories but on facts as they are observed in the world of man. It frees its disciples from all dogmas and simply asks them to look and see." Well, being thus invited, we "look and see." What do we see? Why we see Dr. Hawley giving Bryonia and Sepia in alternation in one chronic case and Arsenic and China in another case, and curing both in a way which satisfies him well. This is what we see. But what does Dr. Hawley see when he looks at these same facts? Why he sees something which proves to him that "for him, the use of remedies in alternation is better than the use of a single remedy." And the London, Review sees in the same facts something" which proved to him (Dr. Hawley) that the alternation of medicines is not only admissible, but that cases now and then occur which Can Only Be Cured By Such Alternation."

Is not this "theorizing" pretty strongly and on a rather slender basis? Our friends warn us against "theory" and yet, from two facts, Dr. Hawley concludes that, "for him, the use of remedies in alternation is better than the use of a single remedy." From the same two facts the London Review makes Dr. Hawley conclude that "cases now and then occur, which Can Only Be Cured by Such Alternation." This is a broad generalization on a very narrow foundation. But Dr. Hawley admonishes us that "we have not yet any such collection of facts as will warrant any generalization."

For ourselves, we should not feel justified in drawing, any such conclusions as these from Dr, Hawley's cases or from any of the cases already narrated, cured by alternation. When adduced in evidence, we accept them as facts and give them what we consider to be their full value. They prove to us that cases may be cured by alternated remedies, but they prove no more than that. They prove that two remedies in alternation cured a case which neither of those two remedies singly had cured. Beyond this they prove nothing. Assuredly they do not prove that a physician could not have cured each case more quickly with some other remedy, given singly. How could such evidence be held by us to justify such conclusions as Dr. Hawley and his reviewer draw from it, when our daily experience furnishes case after case which had been treated ineffectually by physicians who always alternate and which yields promptly to the single remedy. Evidence of this kind whether For or Against alternation, will not settle this question.

These remarks, extended as they are, have been made for the purpose of showing that clinical experience is available as a means of improvement in medical practice only in so far as it is analyzed, thought about and in fact "theorized" about; that those who deprecate dogmatism and would put off the formation of generalizations, do, themselves, dogmatize and theorize and from the nature of the case they must do so in the act of reasoning about the evidence they bring forward.

If this be inevitable, then, it must be allowed us likewise to theorize and in what we have to say about alternation we shall hold ourselves justified in basing our arguments on generalizations from a multitude of collated facts. We hold that the argument from theory is in order. And regarding a Science as being a connected and independent series of generalizations based on an analysis of methodically arranged and collated facts, we require the advocates of alternation to rest their cause, as we do our opposition to alternation, on such a generalization. Failing to do this, they have no claim for their method as a part of the Science of Therapeutics. Failing this, the facts which seem to justify alternation can be used in no other way than in the blind, empirical way of literal imitation, in which accuracy and certainty are quite out of the question. But our whole object in study and labor, beyond the direct need of our patients, is to complete the structure of our science, such as we have defined a Science to be, a means of attaining accuracy and certainty.

Some of the advocates of alternation have failed to perceive the necessity of raising their procedures to the level of a scientific method. They still rest on the rude empirical ground of unmethodized experience. Their argument is: "I have alternated remedies which, singly, had failed and I cured. Henceforth I shall alternate." Or, as the London Review varies the argument (9, 432), "The practice of alternation of remedies is one so widely adopted that it would appear to have the sanction of very extended practical experience.* * Experience has proved abundantly that the alternation of remedies increases the rapidity of the cure," etc. The same argument was used by Dr. Coxe (American Homoeopathic Review, III. 359) who claims to have alternated for twenty-five years, and to have been successful. As we have before remarked, the same argument may be used by Allopathists, and by the advocates of every form of practice, whether pure, mixed or wholly vicious. The same argument may be, and is, advanced by those who oppose alternation.

Others, however, have seen the necessity of basing their advocacy of alternation on some general principles, among them particularly Dr. Drysdale, (Annals of British Homoeopathic Society) and Dr. Coe (The American Homoeopathic Review, Vol. V. April, 1865) and to these statements of principles we wish to devote some attention.

But, first, let us have a clear understanding of what is properly meant by alternation of remedies.

As we have stated, the term is used in different senses.

1. Dr. J. R. Coxe (loc. cit.) seemed to think that the opponents of alternation contend that each case of sickness should be treated with one single remedy, and that, if during an illness a change in the symptoms should compel a change in the remedy, this, by whatever name it be called, is, in fact, alternation. He scouts the idea of any real distinction between alternation and succession of remedies. Well, if this be all that alternation means, we have no reason to oppose it. But, what is a case of disease in this sense? Does it comprise all that may ail a man from the time that he takes to his bed, to the time that he goes to his work again? Suppose a patient sick of dysentery and recovering finely under the single remedy Mercurius cor. When just convalescent, he is seized with rheumatism and requires Rhus tox. Is it "alternating" to give it to him? And then, suppose him safely over rheumatism; but just before he goes to work again, he has a return of dysentery, requiring Mecurius cor. Is it "alternating" to give it, if the symptoms require it? And if, when cured of this relapse, he gets the measles and Requires Euphrasia, is it "alternating" again to give him this remedy? Why, according to this definition, if you call this all one sickness, it has been a case of alternation. If you call it four sicknesses, perhaps not. To the patient, certainly, it is "all one," whatever you call it! Now, suppose the symptoms in a case to have changed just as decidedly as in the case supposed above, but yet not so definitely as to induce you to give to the changes these nosological names of dysentery, rheumatism and measles. The medicines, Mercurius, Rhus and Euphrasia will have been just as clearly indicated by these successive changes and just as imperatively required as though the patient were regarded as having had four successive diseases. Is it "alternation" to give these remedies successively just as they become clearly indicated? We think it is not, but some say it is. We are sure it is sound practice.

2. Dr. Quin, of London, (Annual Address, Annals of British, Homoeopathic Society) calls the method of prescribing successive remedies in a case as the changes of symptoms may require them: "alternation a posteriori" and sanctions and defends it. But he reprobates, under the name of "alternation. a priori" the practice which, it seems to us, is the only one which can properly be called "alternation" viz.:

"Prescribing at the very outset of the treatment – at the very first visit and also, not unfrequently, almost at every subsequent visit, two or more medicines, to be alternated every quarter, half hour, or every two, three or four hours. It is difficult to believe" he coutiuues, "that such practitioners are in the habit of carefully considering the cases under treatment, or have well studied their Materia Medica or to divest oneself of the idea that they resort to such slipshod practice in the hope that if one of the medicines does not hit off the complaint, some one of the others may. One meets with instructions for similar alternation laid down in popular books on Homoeopathy, showing that this a priori style of alternating remedies is, with certain practitioners, more a rule than an exception."

3. Dr. Drysdale defines alternation to be "the giving a second medicine while the sphere of action of the first is still unexhausted."But Dr. Drysdale, while advocating alternation, in this sense, in certain specified cases, does not propose to give his second medicine except after a careful re-examination of the symptoms of the patient and a comparison of them with the Materia Medica. It is clear, then, that alternation as he defines and defends it, is not the same thing as the alternation a priori which Dr. Quin reprobates and to which we would restrict the term. Dr. Drysdale's definition seems to us very vague and impracticable. How are we to know when the sphere of action of the medicine is exhausted? By inferences from the proving? But we have reason to believe that the speed at which vital processes go on in sickness may be very different from that during a physiological proving. Reduced to a practical rule, Dr. Drysdale's reasoning would amount to this: If, on our second visit, symptoms shall be found to have arisen which seem to call for the second medicine, we should suspend the first and give the second, and then, if, at the third visit, the symptoms be found to have changed again, .so as to call again for the first medicine, we should give it. But this, he says, is "alternation."With certain qualifications we agree to his rule of practice, but we object to the name he gives it. And here names are important. It is of great consequence to avoid giving to two radically different procedures, one and the same name.

Now, what do we mean by "alternation?" Let us give a practical answer. We have before us a prescription label filled up by Dr. John Doe. It reads thus:

"No.1, Acon.3; No.2, Bellad.6; of each, twelve powders. Take the powders alternately as numbered, every four hours."

We have another paper containing directions prepared by Dr. Busy, for a chronic patient:

"Take as follows: Mercurius hydriod., first decimal trituration, every night for seven nights;

"Then Sulphur^2, every night for seven nights;

"Then Collinsonia^1, every night for seven nights;

"Then Podophyllum pelt.2, every night for seven nights;

"Then Ignatia^3 and China^1, alternately every night and morning, for seven days; .

"Then Aurum met.1, every night for seven nights;

"Then Pulsatilla^1, every night for seven nights;

"Then Phytolacca dec.1, every night for seven nights."

- We object to these, and to all kindred procedures, that they rest on hypotheses which are not warranted by the present possibilities of science. Dr. John Doe's first prescription of Aconite may be all right; the symptoms probably call for it. But the physician cannot know in advance that, in four hours, the symptoms will have so changed that, if he were present, he would perceive Belladonna to be indicated; and that, in four hours later, Aconite will be indicated again; and that the symptoms will go on, oscillating between these two series of indications, each oscillation consuming just four hours.

And "Dr. Busy," by what wonderful gift could he foresee that seven days of Mercurius hydr. would bring his patient to a state requiring Sulphur, and seven days of Sulphur to a state requiring Collinsonia (whatever that state may be), and seven days of Collinsonia to a state calling for Podophyllum (and for just seven days of it too), and seven days of Podophyllum to a state of complex misery that calls for China and Ignatia in alternation (for just seven days likewise) and so on to the end of this long chapter!

"Oh, wad some power that giftie gie us!"

These instances, and the comments upon them, comprise our definition of "alternation," and our objection to it. It is a practice very prevalent in the United States and in England. It is exceptional in Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

The principles which govern the selection and administration of homoeopathic remedies are very simple.

The great law, Similia Similibus Curentur, teaches us to select a remedy the characteristic pathogenetic symptoms of which are very similar to those of the patient. This is a grand generalization, supported by a multitude of facts. We accept it. It takes no heed of names of diseases, nor of pathological theories of the seat and origin of diseases. Giving a broad and liberal signification to the word "symptom" so as to include everything abnormal about the patient, whether it be historical or actual, this law pays regard to the symptoms alone. It requires that the symptoms shall be collected and compared with the Materia Medica every time a prescription is made, and that the drug that has produced symptoms most similar to those of the patient shall be chosen and given. This is a true homoeopathic prescription. No matter how often during the sickness of a patient this process be repeated; no matter how many remedies be given in succession; no matter if the first remedy be recurred to after the second and the second after the first – if each prescription have been the fruit of a special collection of symptoms and comparison of them with the Materia Medica – call it "alternation," or by whatever other wrong name you please, it is a sound and defensible homoeopathic prescription, such as Hahnemann taught and practised and his followers adopted.

But the physician sometimes leaves a second remedy to be substituted for the first under certain specified contingencies. Is this alternation? By no means. In so doing, he makes the attendant his deputy, and describes the series of symptoms which, in his judgment, will be an indication that another remedy is required. He is merely instructing and empowering another person to make, in his stead, the study and selection of a remedy which should precede and be the basis of every new prescription.

And wherever, in his writings, Hahnemann has seemed to authorize or sanction alternation, his directions have been of this character. He has mentioned that a certain group of remedies is likely to be indicated in a certain disease, and although he has sometimes used the word " alternate" (abwechseln), yet, in every case, he has specified the particular symptoms, or groups of symptoms, which would specially indicate and authorize the preference to be given to one, or another remedy of these groups.

In this Review, (April 1863,) we showed this to be true of Hahnemann's direction for the use of Spongia, Hepar and Aconite in croup, and also for Bryonia and Rhus in typhoid fever. The same is true of his directions touching cholera.

The London Homoeopathic Review (9, 432) says, "Those who combat 'Alternation' on the ground that it is opposed to the practice of Hahnemann, fall into a grave error." In the introduction to Belladonna in his Materia Medica Pura, he advises the alternation of Aconite and Coffea cruda in purple rash, in these words: "Aconite and Coffea should be alternately given every twelve, sixteen or twenty-four hours, in proportion as one or other remedy is indicated."

It is true that the above words are contained in the introduction to Belladonna, but they are not all the words contained in the sentence from which they are quoted. This sentence, complete, is as follows: "there (in the purple rash) Belladonna, naturally, does no good, and the other, common, charlatan treatment must also allow the most of the patients to die of it, whereas they might all be cured by the alternate use of Aconite and of the tincture of Coffea cruda, the former for the heat and the increasing restlessness and agonizing anxiety, the latter for over-excessive pains with a lachrymose humor; the Aconite in the 30th dilution of the juice and the tincture of Coffea cruda in the 3rd dilution, both in the dose of the smallest part of a drop, the one or the other every twelve, sixteen or twenty-four hours, according as the one or the other is indicated."The two groups of symptoms which Hahnemann gives as indications, respectively, for the one or the other of these remedies, are omitted by the London Review. They are the essence of the whole matter. Following this advice of Hahnemann, it would not be possible for the practitioner on meeting a case of purple rash to begin with a blind a priori alternation of Aconite and Coffea. On the contrary, as we understand Hahnemann's direction, he should examine his case to see whether it presented the groups of symptoms "heat, increasing restlessness and agonizing anxiety," in which case he would give Aconite; or whether the characteristics of the case were "over-excessive pains with a lachrymose humor," in which case he would give Coffea. Suppose at his next visit, twelve, sixteen or twenty-four hours after, he should find, as might well happen, that the group of symptoms first observed had disappeared and had given place to the other group, he would, for this reason, change his remedy. Or, if he lived at a distance from the patient, he might make the nurse his deputy, and, instructing this deputy as to the distinction between the groups of symptoms, might direct her (as Hahnemann has directed us) to make changes in the remedies when corresponding changes in the symptoms should call for them. In this way there would be no assumption and no a priori "alternation." The practice would be sound, fulfilling the conditions of a sound prescription, viz.: that each prescription be preceded by a fresh collection of the symptoms of the case and comparison of them with the Materia Medica.

Is it suggested that Hahnemann meant to intimate that these groups of symptoms might coexist in the patient at the same time and might make a "totality of symptoms" that would require these two remedies to cover it? But these groups are pathologically incompatible. No one conversant with the phenomena of sickness could conceive of a patient presenting, at one and the same time, "heat, increasing restlessness and agonizing anxiety," and likewise over-sensibility to pain and a disposition to Weep and despond. No! patients in a waxing fever often swear; but they seldom pine and weep; they feel general anguish but make light of specific pains. But when the fever has waned, there often succeeds it a stage of over-sensibility and of proneness to weep; and this succession may be repeated again and again, and we suppose Hahnemann recommended these remedies to correspond to this succession. We cannot comprehend his words in the sense attached to them by the London Review. In the signification in which we have understood them, they correspond precisely to all of his other directions which have been quoted as favoring "alternation."

But, now, suppose it conceded that, while Hahnemann's practical deductions from scientific principles were opposed to "alternation," his practice sanctioned it. Is the argument from his practice all powerful against his principles? This reminds us of what the Chairman of the British Society calls Dr. Drysdale's" Socratic irony 'you all object to alternation, and, yet, you all alternate.'" We have seen that Dr. Drysdale's definition of alternation is such as to cover almost every actual case of treatment and is different from that of every other writer. But, the argument from the universality of a practice, in favor of its propriety, is a dangerous one to play with. Place it in the mouth of a theologian and see how it reads: You all condemn sin, and yet, you are all sinners! "

Does the weight of this argument lie on the side of sin or on the side of the condemnation of sin! Does propriety necessarily follow from universality? Are the majority always right, just because they are the majority? If so, all hail, Allopathy!

The conditions of a true and defensible homoeopathic prescription require, in our opinion, that the symptoms of the patient, at the time of prescribing, shall be collected and compared with the provings in the Materia Medica, and that the drug whose symptoms correspond most closely with those of the patient shall be selected. Perhaps no Homoeopathician would object to this statement. But let us see what it requires.

First. It requires that before every prescription, the symptoms of the patient shall be studied anew. In some way or other, whether it be done by the physician or by a provisional deputy specially instructed for the case (as we have explained that the nurse may be), more or less perfectly, this must be done. We have seen that in the ordinary method of alternation (apriori) this is not attempted to be done and cannot be done: it is not proposed to do it.

Second. It requires that the aggregate of the symptoms Presented; by the patient be regarded as one malady, for which an analogue is to be found in the Materia Medica. We have no authority in science for arbitrarily dividing this aggregate of symptoms into groups, for each of which we are to find an analogue in the Materia Medica, and then giving these analogues, in combination, or in alternation. This requirement is perhaps the most difficult of all to fulfill. In collecting the symptoms, our utmost sharpness of insight and our deepest and most extensive learning in every department of physiological, psychological and pathological science will be tasked to construct, from the patient's history and from his present condition, a complete picture of the morbid phenomena which he presents, from which the physiological idiosyncracies of his peculiar temperament and personality shall all have been eliminated, and in which his symptoms shall be duly arranged with regard to their mutual relations and dependencies. Then, furthermore, inasmuch as we cannot hope to find, in the proving of any drug, a duplicate symptom for every symptom of the patient, the rarest judgment and most extensive knowledge of semeiology are required to analyse the patient's symptoms and to detect those which are truly characteristic of that individual case, and for which an analogue must be found in the proving; and to set these characteristics apart from the other symptoms, the analogue of which it may be less imperatively necessary to discover. It is here, undoubtedly, that the greatest knowledge and ability are required of the physician and here that failures are most frequently made. It is, probably, from failures in this analysis of symptoms that the supposed necessity of alternation most frequently arises.

Third. It requires that a drug shall be selected which has produced, on the healthy subject, symptoms very similar to those of the patient. The substance given must have been proved in the same form (not necessarily the same dose) as that in which it is proposed to be given. If Hepar sulph. calcareum correspond to the case, this requirement is, by no means, fulfilled if' we give Sulphur and Calcarea carb. combined or alternated, on the ground that these substances are the constituents of Hepar sulph. calcareum. For, this involves the assumption that the Sulphur and the Calc. carb. have undergone no changes during the process which made, out of them, that third substance – Hepar sulph. No! Hepar sulph. was proved as such. If we select it, for the reason that the symptoms which it produced correspond to those of the patient, then we must give Hepar sulph., the very substance that was proved. Otherwise we plunge into a sea of speculation and hypothesis and forfeit that certainty which it was the sole object of our science (as of every science) to attain. In like manner, if the Iodide of Mercury had been proved on the healthy subject and its symptoms were most similar to those of our patient, it would not be a compliance with the demands of our science should we give, instead of Iodide of Mercury the very substance that produced these symptoms, the Mercurius vivus and the tincture of Iodine, assuming that, because Iodide of mercury is a compound of these two substances, therefore the conjoined or alternate action of the elements from whose union it sprang, must be identical with its own. From instances like these, it is clearly to be seen that we may not, consistently with the principles of our science, prescribe drugs in any other form or combination, than that in which they were proved. If drugs had been proved in alternation, we might then with propriety, perhaps, prescribe them in alternation. Until this is done, the method is a hap-hazard, chance operation – successful, no doubt, at times – but in such a way that success could never be foreseen or ensured, nor could the experience of the practitioner in any way serve to establish or confirm any principle of medical science.

A homoeopathic prescription, as we have defined it, is a deduction from a generalization, which has been established by induction from a multitude of instances. This is the law Similia Similibus Curentur, in accordance with which the remedy is selected, under the three requirements that we have specified. So well established is this law of nature, that if we are so fortunate as to be able, in any given case of disease, to comply closely with those requirements, and particularly with the second, we may with certainty predict, and in confidence await, the favorable result of our prescriptions. Such certainty of foresight and such confidence it is our great object to attain, and nothing but a scientific method can afford them.

But we have shown that alternation, as we use the term, and as we have described the process, is incompatible with this scientific method. It does not meet the requirements of the law. It does not take the aggregate of the symptoms as the single basis of prescription. It does not give the remedy, single and simple, such as it was used in the proving. But it permits itself to act on two assumptions – that the aggregate gate of the symptoms may be arbitrarily divided and separately prescribed for; and that two or more drugs which have been proved independently of each other may be used conjointly as a sort of composite analogue to the aggregate of the symptoms; and all this with equally good and sure results. These two assumptions are not even alleged to be based on any collection of facts. Their introduction deprives the proceeding of all claim to a strictly scientific process.

The advocates and defenders of alternation are naturally divided into two classes. The one frankly disavow any pretension that alternation is a scientific deduction from a general principle, and defend it on the simple ground of experience. They have alternated successfully in a case or cases like the present, and therefore they do it again.

Now, obviously, with this class we cannot discuss the question on scientific grounds. There is no reason in their method, because there is, in it, no reference to general principle, to natural laws: it gives no means of foreseeing and providing for future results; it is the simplest form of literal empiricism. We can do nothing more than show, as has been done, its unreasonableness and the precarious and contradictory and disappointing character of its results. We can only point out how far it falls below the standard of action to which practitioners of medicine should hold themselves, and how unworthy, in our judgment, such methods are, of reasoning and conscientious men.

The second class accept our definition of the requirements of a sound prescription, and our statement of the obligation of scientific men to abide by natural laws. But they claim that alternation does not necessarily, as we have maintained, contravene the requirements of such a prescription: and they claim that there are certain established principles in accordance with which we may, with scientific accuracy, determine when and how to alternate. This class defend alternation "on principle."As the former class comprises some of our most conscientious and estimable colleagues, so does the latter embrace many of the most gifted and learned of our school. Their opinions are worthy of the most earnest and respectful consideration.

We have, in our last number, stated that some who defend alternation on principle designate by that name methods which, we think, ought not to be so-called, and which we do not find fault with; as, for example, Dr. Coxe; likewise Dr. Drysdale, in so far as his definition is concerned. Their methods do not always, of necessity, conflict with the requirements of a sound prescription. There are still other procedures, called "alternation," but which are not always necessarily liable to the objections urged against "alternation," properly so called, as we have defined it (a priori).

The occurrence of complications, and especially of tranmatic complications, such as a burn of the hand, during the course of a pneumonia – a contused vulva simultaneously with a milk fever, are mentioned by Dr. Drysdale, as instances which may require alternation; as, for example, Urtica urens to the burned hand, while Phos. is being given internally for the Pneumonia, and Arnica to the vulva, while Aconite is given for the milk fever.

Now, of such cases as these it might perhaps be properly said, that they do not come under the scope of our inquiry, inasmuch as the burn and the contusion might be regarded as purely local, and not at all constitutional affections, and the respective applications might be viewed in the same light, and as not capable, when thus used, of affecting the general system, and of thus being, in fact, alternated with the remedy which the patient is taking internally. But, waiving this reply, we may say that the teaching of our own experience is, that, in such cases as these, the best way is to follow the one great rule which governs homoeopathic prescription; after the occurrence of the complication, collect and scrutinize the patient's symptoms anew. If the burn shall have been so slight as to make no impression on the general system, to produce no modification in the symptoms of the previously existing pneumonia, then there is no reason for doubting that simple protection from the atmospheric air will be all that is needed in the way of treatment for the burn.

If, on the other hand, the burn have been of a serious character, so as to produce constitutional disturbance, it will assuredly have modified the symptoms of the pneumonia, and we shall perhaps find, on taking the aggregate of the symptoms again, that some other remedy than Phos. is now indicated to meet the new state of things resulting from the pneumonia and the shock, of the burn combined, and that this new remedy will meet both troubles. For it must not be hastily assumed, as Dr. Drysdale seems inclined to intimate, that Urtica urens locally applied is always the best (or a good) remedy for burns. They are often (at least) best treated, as Boenninghausen has shown, by an internal remedy. Singularly enough, it once chanced to myself to meet the complication which Dr. Drysdale here supposes. The burn was severe, and the effect of the shock so modified the symptoms of the pneumonia that the resulting aggregate of symptoms called unmistakably for Arsenicum, which was given with most gratifying results, as regards both pneumonia and burn. The same may be said of the application of Arnica to contused vulva. Indeed, there is too great haste among us to recur to topical applications.

The second "principle," upon which, according to Dr. Drysdale, "the practice of alternation rests," is "the maintaining the susceptibility." Dr. Drysdale says: "In disease we generally find that the susceptibility to the homoeopathic remedy is present from the nature of the case, and our great object should be to manage the doses and repetitions so that it shall not be exhausted before the natural period essential for a cure. This unfortunately, however, not unfrequently happens, in spite of varying the dilutions or originally having chosen the best. In this case the plan has been adopted of interposing doses of another remedy as nearly as possible homoeopathic to the case. This must of course be an antidote, but, as in the case of natural disease, it may tend to revive the susceptibility to the first remedy. * * * Without the use of occasional alternation and intermediate remedies, we should be almost deprived of the use of a large class of serviceable remedies in chronic disease, such as Opium in constipation, Lobelia, Lactuca, etc., in asthma, Coffea and Aconite in neuralgia, etc."

This question of the propriety of alternating for the purpose of reviving the exhausted susceptibility may be treated in much the same way as the question of alternating to meet complications. When we have a case under treatment, we shall not be led to suspect an exhaustion of susceptibility, except by a change in the symptoms. Now, if the symptoms have changed, this very change furnishes us the basis for a new prescription. Why shall we not at once proceed, in accordance with the great rule of our art, to select a new remedy corresponding with these changed symptoms? Why should we prefer, to this certain method, the pathological hypothesis that the susceptibility to a remedy which we have assumed to be suited to the disease has become exhausted and needs a stimulant? This hypothesis may be correct, but can never be a certain basis for practice.

But let us take an example: Cases of dysentery not unfrequently occur in which Nux vomica or Mercurius seemed in the beginning to be very clearly indicated. The patient improves for a few days under the use of one of these remedies, and then ceases to improve. On a careful scrutiny of the case it appears that the prominent characteristic symptoms (most or them subjective, of course) have disappeared or become obscure. Even the evacuations have ceased to be characteristic of any remedy. The entire system is dull, languid, unimpressible. In such a case as this, we are told that the susceptibility of the patient has become exhausted; that a few doses of Opium will arouse it so that it will again respond to the appropriate remedy, and will be cured.

As a matter of fact we know this treatment does succeed, in many cases, but the rationale of the process is by no means satisfactory to us. And this is not a solitary instance of a successful practice following, through good luck, from a very faulty theory. If we analyse the case described we shall find, that when the patient ceases to improve under the Nux or the Mercurius which was first given, his symptoms changed in such a way that their totality furnished a satisfactory indication for Opium, and a capable prescriber would accordingly have selected Opium and cured his case, even though the notion of "exhausted susceptibility" had never entered his head. Simple adherence to the great principle of homoeopathic prescribing, viz., that each prescription is to be founded on a new collection of the symptoms, and a new comparison of them with the Materia Medica leads to success in all such cases, without the intervention of any pathological hypothesis whatever; at the same time it excludes all danger of appearing to sanction the bad habit of alternation.

As regards the use of Opium for constipation in chronic diseases, and Coffea in neuralgia, these being used as intermediate or alternated remedies, they, like topical applications in traumatic complications, are much abused, and often altogether needless if not hurtful. A single example will illustrate this point: A patient, not long ago, while under a friend's treatment, came under my observation. Her symptoms corresponded exceedingly well with those of Conium mac. It was a chronic disease of long standing. She had troublesome constipation, which was sometimes so bad that it seemed to completely neutralize the good effect which Conium was evidently producing. A dose or two of Opium^30 would relieve the constipation, and the patient would seem for a while to improve again under the Conium. This might be called an illustration of what Dr. Drysdale refers to, as the necessity for alternated or intermediate remedies in either "complications of chronic diseases," or "exhausted susceptibility." It was not, however, satisfactory to my friend, nor to myself. He could not regard the regularly recurring constipation as a foreign complication. Believing in the unity of disease, he looked upon it as an integral portion of that patient's sickness and did not rest contented until he had found a single remedy which covered both the symptoms to which Conium corresponded and the constipation besides. This remedy was Alumina, under which the bowels became, and they have remained, perfectly regular. The patient's improvement, in other respects, was all that could be desired. In this case, as in most cases narrated of cures by alternation, the Opium and Conium, in alternation, seemed to work very well, and promised to effect or cure in the fullness of time. I doubt not that if, to all the other histories of cures by alternation, a sequel could be written, it would be found that each of these cases has, in the Materia Medica (actual or future), its own particular Alumina, which would effect a cure in as few days, as the most sanguine alternate would expect to accomplish it in months.

Having thus shown our belief that the alternation which Dr. Drysdale defends, for the purposes of "meeting complications," and of "awakening susceptibility," is not alternation a priori, not alternation properly so called, but is compatible with sound doctrine, although explained by the use of unsound pathological hypotheses, we shall pass, next, to the two general principles on which alternation, properly so called, is really based and defended

Before proceeding further in the discussion of the subject of Alternation, let us briefly recapitulate the positions already taken.

1. We have assumed that the propriety of Alternation can be argued about only by those who regard the practice of medicine as an art based upon scientific principles, by reference to which it is to be regulated and exercised. We have not considered it possible to discuss the question with those who make their practice a series of repetitions of individual experiences, without the intervention of general principles based on and inferred from a large number of individual instances.

No discussion can be sustained with this class of practitioners, for the reason that argument involves, in its very nature, an appeal to principle and the exercise of reason. When, consequently, an advocate of Alternation objects to our condemnation of his method, that he regards the subject from a practical point of view, while we persist in ignoring the practical, and in looking only at the question as one of science, we feel driven to the conclusion that, if excluded from the ground of scientific principle, we have no ground left on which to stand for the discussion of this or of any question of medical practice; and further than this we have nothing to say.

2. We have stated our belief that many writers have defended, under the name of Alternation, modes of practice which are, in our opinion, not properly called Alternation, and which certainly are not open to the objections that we entertain to what we have defined as Alternation, properly so called.

3. Defining Alternation, as we understand it, we have taken occasion to state the requirements of a sound Homoeopathic prescription, requirements which cannot be met by the process of Alternation.

We come now, in conclusion, to consider certain statements of principles by which Alternation, as we define it, has been sought to be justified and defended.

Dr. Coe (Am. Hom. Rev., Vol. V., p. 447), states: "It is an established principle in Homoeopathy, demonstrated by drug proving and clinical experience, that each drug has its own specific sphere and manner of action, hence that each remedy acts in a particular manner upon a particular organ or tissue, or upon a particular set of organs or tissues. Another recognized principle in Homoeopathy is that attenuated remedies act on the system only by virtue of their homoeopathicity to the disease by which the system is at the time affected; hence they are inert when taken by persons in health." [One of our best provings of Natr. mur. on the healthy was made by Dr. Wurmb with the 30th decimal dilution!] * * * "But, supposing I find no single remedy that will complete the picture [corresponding to the picture of the disease]; some part is still defective, it either wants a head, a body, or a limb, what am I to do? What I do is this; I finish out the picture with something that will complete it. If the head symptoms are unmistakably Aconite symptoms, and nothing else, the chest symptoms unmistakably Bryonia symptoms, and nothing else, and the symptoms of the lower limps unmistakably Rhus symptoms, and nothing else,][ Humano capiti cervicem pictor equinam Jungere si velit, et varias inducere plumas Undique collatis membris, ut turpiter atrum Desinat in piscem mulier formosa superne, Spectatum admissi risum teneatis, amici? Horat. Epist. ad Pisones.] can finish my picture in no other way, nor can anyone else. * * * But the single remedy objector says, one of my medicines will modify the action of the other in such a manner that I cannot rely upon their doing what their pathogenesis would indicate. I think he is mistaken. If attenuated medicines only act homoeopathically, as we all hold, only act upon those organs and tissues which are affected by disease in a manner similar to the drug affection, then my Aconite, Bryonia and Rhus each goes to its own place, and performs its own office, without interfering or being interfered with by the others,"

Dr. Drysdale appears to agree with Dr. Coe, for he says (Annals of British Hom. Society, xvii. 375): "There are, therefore, no a priori physiological grounds for doubting that two medicines, whose physiological spheres are sufficiently dissimilar, can display their effects without interference, when given at intervals. Let us apply this to the treatment of complications in disease, and by this we may chiefly understand those symptoms or morbid states that are not necessarily dependent on one common proximate cause, but are connected merely by their happening to co-exist in the same individual;." [We protest against this cool assumption that two or more "morbid states may co-exist in the same individual," connected merely by their accidental co-existence!] "After exposure to cold we may be attacked with inflammation of the nasal, tracheal or bronchial mucous membrane, or parenchyma of the lungs or the pleura or the parietes of the chest or the liver or peritoneum, etc., according to the specific susceptibility of the tissues attacked; and each of these diseases may exist separately, and be attended with the appriate essential and sympathetic symptoms of the case. In such cases we ought properly to rely on one medicine, which may be reasonably expected to meet the specific susceptibility of the part primarily affected. But, on the other hand, from exposure to the same cause inflammation may be set up in several of those tissues at the same time, and thus several trains of morbid symptoms set up that have no necessary [would the author have better expressed his real meaning if he had said, 'pathologico-anatomical?'] connection, except that of occurring in the same individual. In that case, how can any one medicine be homoeopathic to the case which does not show its specific relation to all those different tissues in health? * * *

"Dr. Cate also brings forward inflammation of the mucous coat of the colon. When it extends to the peritoneal coat of the gut, he gives Merc. corr. in alternation with Sulphur, corresponding to their specific action on their (these) different tissues. Also in inflammation of the membranes of the brain, threatening effusion, he finds Bryonia, alternated with Hellebore, more efficacious than either singly. But this is already recognized in Homoeopathy, without stepping into the doubtful regions of pathology. "

In discussing these statements, we desire to use great moderation of expression, conceding freely that they involve questions of pathology and pathogenesy, of which our knowledge is only, and perhaps can be only proximative, and concerning which, instead of absolute Facts, we have only Probabilities.

Among those who discuss questions of medical philosophy may be distinguished two characters of mind, corresponding to similar classes among intellectual philosophers – the Analytic and the Synthetic.

The tendency of the one class is to divide an independent group of phenomena, such as a sick man or a drug-proving presents, into elements each one of which it inclines to regard as independent of the others. To the researches of this character of mind we owe our knowledge of Histology, both physiological and pathological, and much else that is of inestimable value in medical science. The same disposition being carried into clinical investigation, the symptoms of the sick mall have been analyzed into the perversions of function of the various organs, and the alterations of the different tissues of the body, as well as the formation of tissues not found in the healthy body. As a result, we have the precious sciences of Pathology and Pathological Anatomy.

Based, as these analyses are, upon material changes of structure and of product, the danger to which those who engage in them are liable is this: that having their attention exclusively directed to material changes, or to visible and tangible results of material changes, they overlook two points to which it is equally important that observation should be directed.

1st. That inasmuch as healthy tissues exist, and healthy functions are performed, by virtue of an imponderable force, called, for lack of a better name, "Vital Force," and which is inherent in each tissue, and gives to it its specific properties, there must have been a change in this force preceding every material change.

2d. That this force, though it seem to impart to each tissue and organ a susceptibility to stimulus peculiar to that tissue, yet so pervades and vivifies the entire organism, as to give rise to what is known as sympathy – a property of living organisms, by virtue of which there results, from the serious modification of any function or alteration of any tissue, a corresponding and definite modification of most if not all of the functions of the body, and an alteration of at least many of the tissues. It is by virtue of this property that each individual man is a living unit, and not a collection of independent monads, which merely chance to co-exist in one human form.

No physical research can detect this vital force, nor reveal the nature or modus operandi of this function of Sympathy, and hence it happens that those whose minds incline to rest upon the data of physical analysis are prone to overlook them, or, even though they admit them in their philosophy, yet to practically ignore or underestimate them. From this tendency results a disposition to regard the proximate cause of disease, that is to say the material change of tissue and product, as the essence of the disease, forgetting the modification of vital force, which must have preceded and been the occasion of this proximate cause – and a further disposition to look upon the alteration of function and tissue of each organ or system, of the body as a separate disease, thus easily admitting the idea of the co-existence of several independent diseases and of complicating diseases without number.

From the standpoint of this class of mind it is not easy to perceive the mutual relations and interdependencies of apparently remote groups of symptoms – such, for example, as ulceration of the Cerux uteri and chronic conjunctivitis, which, if they co-exist in any patient, would be likely to be regarded as independent diseases, and to be treated by independent courses of medication; whereas, in fact, they are so intimately connected that they are best treated by a single remedy.

Nothing is farther from our purpose than to make light of Pathology, which, as an aid in the investigation of disease, is of inestimable value. It is evident, however, that Hahnemann was right in warning his disciples against making it the basis of medical practice. Its investigations cannot, in the nature of things, go beyond material, changes. Yet disease begins in dynamic changes; and the connections of different groups of symptoms are dynamic, and beyond the reach of physical research.

And then, even where the subject is material and amenable to physical research, to base the prescription upon a determination of the organ or tissue affected by the drug and by the disease, is to go backward from the certainty afforded by a comparison of the symptoms to the uncertainty of a double hypothesis. For, as in the cases supposed by Dr. Drysdale, we have first to assume that the symptoms produced on the healthy subject by Merc. corr. and by Sulph. respectively; show that the one of these drugs acts especially on the mucous membrane of the colon, and the other on the serous covering of it; and, secondly, we must assume that, in the patient before us, the inflammation which began in the mucous membrane has extended to the serous membrane; and on this double assumption our alternation is to be based and defended. Suppose, that in its progress from within outwards, the disease also affected the muscular coat — should we give Nux vomica also? or the glands likewise? Shall we give a fourth remedy, say, Rhus? Then the vascular system of the gut is probably simultaneously affected — would this call for Hamamelis, or for Aconite for the Arteries and Hamamelis for the Veins? Here we should have six remedies to be alternated, the selection of each being based upon its "specific relation to the tissue" affected, etc., etc. Now, what is all this but a revival of the old method, against which Hahnemann so earnestly protested, of prescribing upon the basis of an hypothesis of the nature and seat of the disease — an utter throwing overboard of the whole system of Inductive Philosophy, as so logically and so successfully applied to medical practice by Hahnemann?

It may be worth our while to dwell for a few moments longer on this very important branch of the subject, for it is a point on which very many practitioners have gone astray. Indeed, we have seen an attempt to reconstruct our entire Materia Medica pura, on the basis of the specific action of the drugs respectively upon certain organs and tissues of the body – almost all symptoms not anatomically explicable being excluded (the so-called "American Mat. Med.")

The statement of a "general principle," which we quoted, viz., "It is an established principle in Homoeopathy, demonstrated by drug proving and clinical experience, that each drug has its own specific sphere and manner of action, hence (!) that each remedy acts in a particular manner upon a particular organ or tissue, or upon a particular set of organs or tissues," contains, it seems to us, a fallacy. While we admit, of course, that each drug has its own specific sphere and manner of action, it does not seem to us that this is equivalent to saying that each drug acts in its peculiar way on "a particular organ or tissue, or a particular set of organs and tissues," leaving – (for this is implied in the statement, as the rest of the article from which we quote shows) – leaving the other organs and tissues of the body wholly unaffected by the action of the drug or disease, as the case may be. Yet it is necessary to assume this fallacy, in order to justify the practice of Alternation.

On the contrary, we have never met with, and we do not believe in, the possible existence of a case of sickness in which, as adduced by Dr. Coe, the head could be affected in one way, so as to unmistakably call for Aconite, and yet no organ of the body show Aconite symptoms; while at the same time the chest presented exclusively Bryonia symptoms, and the extremities Rhus symptoms. The uniform tendency of our own practical experience goes to satisfy us that, if any concrete case should present clear characteristic Aconite symptoms in any portion of the body, then not only would symptoms of disease be found in most of the other important organs or systems, but that these systems would present more or less well defined characteristics of Aconite: or even should they not present characteristics which we recognise as those of Aconite, the symptoms would nevertheless speedily disappear under the use of Aconite, if that drug were clearly indicated by characteristic symptoms in the other organs. So abundantly has our experience confirmed this view, that if we find clear characteristics of any drug in the symptoms of any organ of the body, no matter what symptoms may be presented by other parts of the body, and no matter how little these latter symptoms may seem to indicate this same drug, we never dream of alternating remedies. We are confident that a remedy, which is clearly indicated by characteristic symptoms, though they be but few in number, will cover the whole case, and will remove the entire disease. Nor do we, as is assumed by the alternators, expect to accomplish by "succession" what they aim to effect by Alternation. We so thoroughly believe in the unity of disease as to be confident, that, in however many organs and tissues morbid symptoms may present themselves, they still spring from and depend upon one and the same unknown and inscrutable cause, just as the multifarious symptoms of a drug-proving depend upon the one cause, viz., the drug; and that though the characteristic symptoms which furnish the indication for the remedy may be observed only in the symptoms of one organ or system, yet the symptoms of all the rest of the body will be equally controlled by the action of this remedy. It is remarkable, however, to how great an extent, if we observe carefully and intelligently, we may recognize, in the various groups of symptoms affecting the various organs of the patient, the characteristic mode of action, and the conditions of that remedy, the characteristic indications for which we find in some one organ alone of the patient!

2. The tendency of the second of the classes of minds into which we divided medical philosophy is to Synthesis. They are, perhaps, in danger of underestimating those material changes of tissue which are the proximate cause of disease, because they are intent upon observing and tracing out that perversion of the vital force, which must have preceded and induced all the organic and material changes which the case presents, and which perversion they regard as essentially the disease itself. They study this perversion in its various manifestations, viz., the symptoms. They do not seek to analyze these groups of symptoms, for the purpose of forming a theory respecting the tissues affected, so as to select a remedy which affects, as they suppose, identical tissues, and in the same way. They do not thus admit hypothesis into their method. They study the groups of symptoms to get at their peculiarities and conditions. Profoundly impressed with the intimate connection of all parts of the body, through the all-pervading Vital Force (whatever it may be), and with the fact, observed every day, that change of function in one part of the body speedily brings about corresponding changes in almost every other part, they seek, by the light of one group of symptoms, to find in the patient other and corresponding groups. In these investigations Physiology and Pathology, which teach the relations and mutual dependencies of different organs, are of inestimable value, enabling the student to find in remote organs parallel groups of symptoms; the characteristic which determines his choice of a remedy being often in an organ very remote from that to which his attention was first called as being the seat of disease. Having thus been led, by his philosophy, to collect the various groups of symptoms presented by the entire body, as constituting one single disease, the practitioner surveys this collection in search of the characteristic symptom, or group of symptoms which shall point to his remedy. Ninety of the symptoms might be found among many remedies, ten perhaps may be peculiar to, and characteristic of, a single drug. This he selects, without hesitation, as his remedy for the entire malady of that patient.

Suppose the patient to have taken cold, and to present, in consequence, a malady which, anatomically, is made up of a pneumonia and hepatitis. It is all well enough, and doubtless important for the purposes of diagnosis and prognosis, to make this pathologio-anatomical analysis of the case. But when we come to regard the case from the standpoint of Therapeutics, we are not surely to follow the plan which Dr. Drysdale seems to sanction, viz., to look among the drugs which are shown by provings to act on the tissues of the lung, and select the best from among them, and then to look among remedies which act on the tissues of the liver, and select the best from among these remedies, and to alternate the two thus selected. What if, as would be likely in such a case, the pleura, likewise, were inflamed? Should we have a third remedy? Or the kidneys also? Should we have a fourth? "Quousque tandem -?-"

On the contrary, we should collect the various groups of symptoms, as well those from which the Pathologist infers that the tissue of the lung is affected, as those from which he infers that the tissue of the liver is affected. All other symptoms likewise would be gathered. We should examine these symptoms, in the manner so often described, for the purpose of finding in them the peculiar characteristics of some particular drug. In thus dealing with the case, we should have this advantage over the Pathologist, that whereas his inferences may lead him astray, since the lung tissue may not be affected as he thinks it is – and likewise the tissue of the liver – we, on the other hand, taking into account only the obvious symptoms, avoid at least one very patent source of fallacy. Our own experience has altogether misled us if we do not find, in the case supposed, that if the lung symptoms give us characteristic indications for a remedy, the liver symptoms not only will not contradict this indication by affording one for some other remedy, but they will corroborate the indication, so as to give us no pretext for alternating.

But another case is supposed, viz., that a pneumonia is present, and a remedy has been well selected for it, and now a hepatitis supervenes to complicate the case. Here, we are told, is a new disease, which can have nothing to do with the previously existing pneumonia, and which must require a distinct treatment, in the way of alternation. This is in no way different from the complication of a bum, of which we have already spoken. If the complication is serious enough to produce constitutional symptoms (as a hepatitis would surely be), it would always (or our observation has uniformly deceived us) modify all existing symptoms. For example, a severe burn would give a typhoid character to an existing pneumonia. We must then make a new collection of the symptoms, and proceed as before to select a remedy.

Under any other plan – if we are to select our remedy according to correspondence of known drug-action and disease-action upon the tissues of the body – not only are we liable to errors already pointed out, but our scope is wonderfully restricted. How could we find remedies for changes of structure, such as we can never expect to see in drug-provings, such as cancer and heterologous growths of all kinds? How, for affections which do not depend on or involve any definite known change of tissue, as Intermittent fever, Epilepsy, Hysteria, and the host of chronic ailments?

The two principles on which alternation has been sought to be defended, have been stated as follows:

1st. "Each drug has its own specific sphere and manner of action; hence that remedy acts in a particular manner, upon a particular organ or tissue or upon a particular set of organs or tissues."

2d. "Attenuated remedies act upon the system only by virtue of their homoeopathicity to the disease by which the system is at the time affected." * *

The artificial disease intentionally produced by a drug, and the natural disease which results from the usual morbific predisposing and exciting causes may, for all purposes of argument, be regarded as identical. Principle No.1 might therefore, with equal propriety, be expressed thus. "A disease has its own specific sphere and manner of action; hence that disease acts in a particular manner upon a particular organ or tissue or upon a particular set of organs or tissues."

A corollary of this proposition is, that, inasmuch as the drug and the disease respectively act in a particular manner and upon particular organs or tissues, they leave other organs and tissues of the body altogether unaffected, in their normal state and performing their healthy functions, and liable to be themselves attacked by some other disease, which may affect them in its own particular manner, and may run a simultaneous and independent course.

This is the argument for alternation which is constructed upon these principles: a certain disease affects in a peculiar way certain organs or tissues of the body, leaving the other organs and tissues in the fulfillment of their normal functions. Attenuated medicines may be administered to cure this disease. Attenuated medicines "act only by their homoeopathicity to the disease." "They are inert" so far as action on the healthy organs or tissues is concerned. Homoeopathic medicines act only where, says Dr. Drysdale, they find that preternatural susceptibility to their action which inheres in organs or tissues diseased in a manner similar to the morbid state which those drugs can produce on the healthy.

These attenuated medicines then may be given for the case we have supposed. They will act upon the diseased organs and tissues, but will not affect the healthy ones at all. Now then, during the existence of this disease which, as stated, affects in a particular manner certain organs and tissues, and leaves all the rest undisturbed, a second disease may attack the individual (may we call one who may be thus divided up an individual?) acting in some other particular manner, upon some other particular organ or tissue.

To meet this new disease, coexistent with the original, it is affirmed that a. second remedy homoeopathic to it may be administered simultaneously with the former remedy. Or rather, since to administer it simultaneously might involve the risk of the chemical reaction of the drugs, the remedies may be alternated. It will not interfere with the former remedy, because attenuated medicines act only by virtue of their homoeopathicity to the disease (to which they are respectively homoeopathic). Thus each drug "will go to its own place," like the respective members of a well-trained coach team when the winding horn announces that the coach is ready for the new relay!

Such is the argument for alternation succinctly, and, we think it will be conceded, fairly stated. In a former discussion of this subject we showed that, assuming natural disease and drug disease to be, for the purposes of this argument, substantially the same thing, it was proving too much to demonstrate that two or more diseases coexisting in the body could not and do not affect each other. This would render a cure of a disease impossible; for in the act of curing, we propose to cure a natural disease by creating in the body a drug disease which shall annihilate the natural disease and shall, in that very act, be itself annihilated. When a certain form of rheumatism exists in the body, we give Bryonia, and our intention is that Bryonia shall so act upon the body (producing therefore, virtually, a bryonia disease) as to cause the disappearance of the rheumatism and at the same time not to leave in its stead a bryonia disease nor any other disease. But if two diseases coexisting cannot react upon and modify each other, how could a cure take place? The proposition is evidently too broad; the argument proves too much.

Dr. Drysdale provides against this objection by limiting the alleged possible independent coexistence of diseases, to diseases which act in a dissimilar manner upon remote or unrelated organs and tissues.

According to this view, two diseases might coexist and not modify each other, if seated in organs distant from each other or, which is equivalent, a natural disease may exist, and a drug may be given which acts only upon organs remote from those which are the seat of the disease, and (if the doses be strong enough) may produce its peculiar drug disease without at all affecting the natural disease which is already present.

In other words, it is only diseases (whether natural or drug diseases) which are homoeopathically related to each other, that are incompatible and may not coexist without modifying each other.

Dr. Drysdale and several other physicians hold these views, and appeal to their own observation and experience. If we may be allowed to draw an inference from Dr. Drysdale's remarks (Annals of British Hom. Soc., No. 17, p. 375), he believes that a hepatitis may supervene upon an already active pneumonia, and that each may run an independent course, and be treated independently by alternated remedies, without modifying each other or blending into one morbid state.

Our own experience has led us to very different conclusions, and we have on our side the names of colleagues, who, not having deviated from the modes of practice observed by Hahnemann's early disciples do not feel compelled to acknowledge and lament, as Dr. Drysdale does, that their practice is "not proportionally so successful as was that of Hahnemann's early followers." (New Repertory, Introduction.)

How can this direct contrariety of inferences from observation be explained? We have altogether too profound a respect for the observing and reasoning powers of our dissentient friends, to set them a particle below our own! There must be an opposition in some of our methods of observation, or principles of inference. It will be found, we think, in the fact that to the word "disease" we respectively attach very different ideas. We mean by disease the aggregate of those symptoms presented by the sick man, which are characteristic of his particular deviation from a healthy state. The colleagues from whom we differ speak of disease as denoting a definite pathological and pathologico-anatomical change of the functions and tissues of some definite organ or system of organs.

In this latter view the patient might present evidence of those pathological changes in the organs and functions of respiration, to which the name pneumonia has been attached. Here then is one disease, pneumonia.

He may also present evidences of those pathological changes of function and tissue in the liver which give rise to the name hepatitis. And here would be another, coexistent disease hepatitis; and these two pathological and pathologico-anatomical conditions might, we freely admit, from the pathological and nosological standpoint, run their course to resolution or to destruction without so modifying each other as to coalesce or in any way blend or be confounded; for the lungs and the liver can never collide.

But, let it be borne in mind, we are discussing a question of practical medicine and not one of pathology or of nosology.

How would this case look from our standpoint? The patient has, we suppose, dyspnea, stitching pain in the thorax, hard, dry cough from tickling behind the sternum, scanty and occasionally bloody sputa – headache on the vertex, and sharp fever. He is worse at night; his pains are much aggravated by motion, and are relieved by repose and by warmth.

We have selected Bryonia for him – had previously diagnosticated pneumonia (physical signs aiding or confirming our diagnosis). Now he gets, in the hepatic region, sticking pains, fullness and tenderness; he has bilious vomiting and bitter taste. Ailed again by physical signs, we diagnosticate hepatitis, complicating the pneumonia; but the symptoms still indicate Bryonia, and so we continue that remedy.

But, we shall be asked, suppose the new symptoms do not indicate Bryonia, but, on the contrary, some other drug, will you not give that other drug for the liver and continue the Bryonia for the pneumonia!

To this we reply that in so far as our observation has taught us, in such a case the supervening of these new symptoms (of the liver namely) will have so modified the whole organism, including the diseased respiratory organs, that Bryonia will no longer be indicated by any symptoms; but the aggregate of characteristic symptoms of the entire sickness will now indicate some other remedy which will apply to and will cover the whole morbid state of that individual.

Here we are again at issue. Dr. Drysdale and his friends appeal to certain observations which we will now briefly discuss.

In the discussion which followed the reading of Dr. Drysdale's paper in the British Hom. Society, Dr. Russell took the same ground as Dr. Drysdale. He said, "that two morbid specific actions could occur simultaneously in the human body, and each pursue its course without arresting or modifying the other, is a proposition entirely at variance with the opinions of the old pathologists who flourished before the time of Hahnemann. * * It is of great importance to us to know whether this pathological doctrine be in accordance with the larger experience and observation to which we now have access."

We could hardly have two diseases more specifically distinct than Typhus and Smallpox, yet, in the following narrative, we have a description of the two running their course, side by side, without either interfering with the other." The case occurred in the London Fever Hospital, and is quoted by Dr. Murchison.

Dr. Russell proceeded to say: "There are many instances of a similar kind on record, and we must frame our theories so that they shall embrace this new category of cases. Suppose we encounter a case, and there are such on record, of a combination of scarlet fever and of typhus, how are we to deal with it? Are we to engage only one of the two destroying agents, and let the other alone until the first be entirely subdued? If we believe it is impossible for two medicinal actions to proceed pari passu in the animal economy, this is the rational course to pursue, and the one recommended by Hahnemann!" (This is an inexcusably lax statement. Hahnemann nowhere ever recommended that we should make only a part of the patient's ailment the basis of our choice of a remedy; he always strongly insisted on our considering the "totality of the symptoms," and this would include both scarlet fever and typhus.)

"But, if two entirely different natural morbid processes can coexist in the human body without the one affecting the development of the other, what reason is there why there may not be two artificial simultaneous series of morbid phenomena, each equally independent of the other? If scarlet fever, or if smallpox, can each run its course, while at the same time typhus is doing so likewise, why may not Belladonna and Arsenicum each run their course when given in alternation?" (Annals British Homoeopathic Society xvii., p, 399 et seq.)

In reference to this last question, we may ask would Dr. Russell expect to get pure symptoms of any drug if it were proved simultaneously with another drug; would he believe that the two drug-diseases would run an independent, simultaneous course in a prover? Would he practically believe it by consenting to rely upon a materia medica pura made up in this way? Or, which is the same thing, would he trust to a materia medica composed of the results of an artificial (drug) disease running" an independent course simultaneously" with "a natural disease?" In other words, would he trust proving made on sick persons?

We know he would not; for he is one of those who reject or suspect the provings of many of our most valuable drugs, because symptoms observed on the sick are included in the list, or because the provers were not careful enough to exclude other morbific or toxic agents while proving.

But, this inconsistency aside, let us take notice that in these remarks, and in this citation of a case of the coexistence of two diseases, Dr. Russell speaks altogether from the standpoint of the pathologist and nosologist, and not at all from that of the practical physician – the standpoint of therapeutics. He thinks he has proved his case if he has established, what nobody is disposed to deny, viz., that two nosological abstractions, called by distinct names (to wit, scarlet fever and typhus), may coexist.

Does he forget that nothing is more firmly established in homoeopathic practice than that the "name" which we may feel authorized to give to do sickness in "no wise determines our treatment of the sickness. Because we call the sickness typhus, we do not therefore, of necessity, give Arsenicum, or scarlet fever Belladonna! We may as often have to give Arsenic in a case that we should call scarlet fever, and Belladonna in a typhus.

What then guides us in selecting a remedy? Nothing save the aggregate of the characteristic symptoms. W e might divide and subdivide the symptoms and signs that the sick man presents (including under the designation "symptoms and signs" everything that distinguishes that sick man from himself when not sick) into a dozen nosological groups each having a distinct name, and yet the aggregate of these symptoms might (and we think it always would) point to one single remedy as corresponding to, and indicated by the entire morbid state of that sick man.

To prove his case by the argument and instances quoted, Dr. Russell must show that the symptoms of the scarlet fever and of the typhus, respectively, were incompatible in the case cited by him, and that they did not combine to present the characteristics of one common remedy.

For this is the point of the whole discussion. No matter how many of the pathological groups which are dignified by the names of distinct diseases, may coexist in a patient, if they be so blended and mutually modified as to indicate, in the aggregate, one single remedy, there can be no call for alternation.

Inasmuch as Dr. Russell rests his argument for alternation on the possible and frequent coexistence of distinct specific forms of disease, it is incumbent on him to show that these coexistent, distinct forms of disease, do not, by their coexistence, modify each other and blend into one harmonious aggregate of symptoms, the characteristic ones of which may be covered by a single remedy. In our experience this has always seemed to be the case, and we shall adduce other evidence to the same effect.

But before citing authorities, let us point out how far Dr. Russell's argument, even allowing it full force, comes short of being a defence of alternation, as it is actually practised here and in England! Dr. Russell allows it where "two distinct, specific forms of disease" coexist, such as scarlet fever or small pox and typhus – a phenomenon that no physician in ordinary family practice is likely to observe more than once a week! Yet how many times a day do a majority of our colleagues alternate? It is safe to say that, with very many, the giving a single remedy is the infrequent exception! Their case is exactly met by the following remarks of Dr. Russell, one of the champions of alternation:

"The objection usually urged against alternation, is that it leads to laxity of practice. True, if we give two medicines instead of one and let the system take its choice, as it were, to which it shall submit – if, in a given case, for example, we find two medicines pretty nearly indicated, and, instead of ourselves selecting the one and rejecting the other, we toss them both in, trusting that the right one will act, and the other be a nonentity or negative quantity. No One Who Deals Conscientiously With Himself Will Deliberately Approve of so Simple a Method of Evading the Difficulty of Choice."

A few instances and citations may serve to recall to the minds of practitioners of medicine, the frequent instances in which two varieties of disease, coexisting, modify each other. A young person whose parents died of consumption, and who has himself had abscesses of the cervical glands and eruptions of the face and who takes cold readily — is feeble and pale – who, in short, has scrofulosis and is a predestined victim of consumption, gets an attack of enteritis or of pneumonia. Is it not notorious that the joint action and reaction upon each other, of this chronic scrofulosis and the acute enteritis or pneumonia, will be such that instead of the acute affections running the short and sharp course which they would follow in a robust subject, they will almost surely degenerate into tuberculosis of the mesenteric glands with colliquative diarrhea, and of the lungs, respectively? And would anyone dream of treating these acute affections in such a subject, just as they would treat them in a subject otherwise and previously healthy

But why not? Because the previously existing disease, modified and (so far as symptoms are concerned) blended with the acute attacks. No doubt one single remedy will cover this blended case.

When a patient has suffered from paroxysms of intermittent fever, and on the cessation of their regular recurrence he is still sallow, feeble, dyspeptic and full of malaise, there can be no question that he still suffers from the disease — the result of marsh miasm. If now this patient get a pneumonia or a neuralgia, here will be a second and a distinct and dissimilar disease coexisting with the former. So different, however, will be its course from what it would have been in a patient not laboring under miasmatic disease – so blended will it be, from the beginning, with the latter – that, though a wholly distinct "pathological form" of disease, it will require the identical treatment of miasmatic disease and will yield to nothing else. The same thing is eminently true of syphilis in the system.

Bonchut says (Pathologie Generale, p. 269,):

"Syphilis, herpetism, scrofula, the marsh-miasmatic disease. ete., often appear under forms not habitual. * * * * We imagine that we are dealing with acute or chronic inflammations, and we treat them as such until, some day, changing our method, we see them recover, one under Mercury, another under Sulphur, another under Sulphate of quinine, another under Iodine, etc. Is there anything stranger than those observations in marshy countries, where pneumonias, fever, encephalo-mewingitis, are cured by Quinine rather than by bloodlettings and by antiphlogistics?"

Another instance of the modifying power of two morbid influences, cooperating on the same individual, is furnished by the fact that when an epidemic prevails not only are almost all healthy persons, to some extent, affected by the epidemic influence, but the maladies of all sick persons, whatever their nature may be, are modified and changed into a greater or less conformity with the epidemic, whatever it may be.

Dr. David Hosack uses these words (Copland's Dict. Prac. Med., 2, 404, Note,): "The fact stated by Sydenham and other writers on epidemics, that the prevailing disease swallows up all other disorders; that is, that during the prevalence of an epidemic plague, typhus, dysentery or other diseases of this class, every indisposition of a febrile sort readily assumes the character of the prevailing disorder. We know this to be experienced in the diseases of other countries, and we see it daily exemplified in our own." * * *

Homoeopathicians especially, since their observations are finer and are less exposed to fallacy from drug poisonings, have opportunity to make observations of this kind, and they have often noticed how, at one season and under one epidemic, a single drug or group of drugs corresponds to the most diverse pathological forms of disease, while at other seasons – and under other epidemic influences, very different groups of remedies are indicated by the same pathological forms of disease.

And we believe that most Homoeopathicians who have dealt much with chronic cases, must have fallen in with patients who labor under such a constitutional affection as herpes or cancer, and which, under favorable circumstances, is kept in a latent condition by the occasional use of some clearly indicated remedy. If these patients get an acute disease of whatever kind, this disease is almost sure to present, at an early period, symptoms which indicate this same remedy that suits their chronic malady. Does not this argument a posteriori show that these two independent, coexistent maladies blend and modify each other, at least in the view of the therapeutist?

The entire homoeopathic doctrine of chronic diseases, and the use and necessity of so-called antipsoric remedies, are based upon this same idea of the mutually modifying influence of two coexistent maladies.

Hahnemann says he found that in some persons acute disorders did not yield promptly to remedies which seemed indicated and which quickly cured them in others. On examining closely he found these patients presented, in the present or in the past, symptoms indicating their infection by certain miasms which he reduced (whether rightly or not is immaterial) to three miasms-psora, syphilis and sycosis. He sought for remedies which would meet the indications of these chronic miasms and the acute affections combined, and this led him to prove and use the remedies known as the antipsorics. Our success with those remedies might be taken as another a posteriori proof of the blending of two coexisting diseases.

Dr. Drysdale, apologizing for the practice of alternation, says:

"We have not a few examples where the patient has, through ignorance or design, unknown to us, taken large doses of heterogeneous drugs, such as Quinine or Opium or purgatives, and yet our higher dilutions have taken effect notwithstanding. On this subject Trinks confirms Kampfer's remark, that, in chronic diseases which have been long treated with excessive doses of allopathic medicines, we often find a great susceptibility to the action of homoeopathic medicine."

Are these writers to be understood as maintaining that chronic drug poisonings, such as the mercurial, the sulphur, the iodine, the quinine, the iron or the opium cachexy, do not cause acute disease to be most difficult of cure? The contrary is notoriously the case, as the literature of physicians of every school abundantly shows. How can this be, unless the artificial chronic disease, viz., the cachexy, blend with and modify the supervening acute, natural disease!

These remarks might be extended to great length by multiplied instances. They suffice, however, to show distinctly the practical conclusions to which, what we conceive to be sound principles, as well as accurate observation, have led us. With them we conclude what we have to say concerning the alternation of remedies, taking our leave of the subject in the spirit of Bishop Chillingworth's declaration:

"I will take no man's liberty of judgment from him; neither shall any man take mine from me. I will think no man the worse man, * * I will love no man the less for differing in opinion from me. And what measure I mete to others I expect from them again."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 03, 1865, pages 81-96, pages 125-133, pages 166-177, pages 206-218]

[Description: Alternation of Remedies.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1865]

ALTERNATION OF REMEDIES.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEW YORK.

The following remarks upon the interesting, but, in our judgment, unsound paper on this subject by Dr. J. R. Coxe, jr., published in the February number of the current volume of The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW may serve at least, it is hoped, to call attention to this very important approach to Polypharmacy in the customary method of prescribing, and perhaps to stimulate a discussion of its necessity and propriety.

In admitting that the alternation of remedies is incompatible with the theory of a true homoeopathic prescription, our colleague has granted all that the opponents of alternation could reasonably ask. That our practice has not yet come up to our theory, and that we are not yet fully possessed of the means and knowledge to bring it up to that degree of perfection, and that therefore some prescribers may feel constrained sometimes to alternate remedies, as it were under protest, may not be denied. But to urge that because our practice lags thus behind our theory, we are to rest satisfied with it, nay, to defend it and to conform our theory to it, is a position that would be fatal to all progress, and which we can not think of conceding. Nor is the appeal to experience in the sense in which our colleague uses it, valid. He "has alternated remedies in a practice of twenty-five years, and his practice has been generally successful." We do not doubt this. But we believe his respected father practiced Allopathy for a much longer period and was a successful practitioner; would this fact be a valid argument in favor of Allopathy?

Alternation and succession of remedies are not generally understood to be identical processes. By alternation, we think, practitioners generally understand the prescription, at one and the same time, of two or more remedies to follow each other at short intervals, the symptoms of these remedies taken altogether being thought to cover the symptoms of the case more completely than those of either remedy alone would do. The prescription is the result of one single examination of the patient and of one single comparison of the symptoms with the Materia Medica.

But when a succession of remedies is given, in either an acute or a chronic disease, the understanding is, that, the first remedy, having been carefully selected, is allowed to exhaust its action alone, and then a collection of the symptoms which the patient then presents is made, and the case is prescribed for afresh, almost as if it were a new case; and this process is repeated, each new prescription being the subject of a special study, until the case is cured. Such a process is equivalent to prescribing for a number of new and independent cases, and it is evidently not incompatible with the theory of a true homoeopathic prescription.

The very thoughtful article by Dr. Payne to which reference is made by Dr. Coxe, contains nothing incompatible with these views. He instances cases in which a remedy which had covered all the symptoms, acts well for a time, then ceases to act, and leaves the case still uncured. He advises then a fresh study of the case and especially a study of the previous history of the patient and the prescription of a suitable antipsoric or antisyphilitic — in fact, a strictly homoeopathic prescription de novo. Now, in many such cases, acute though they appeared at the outset, if the prescriber had studied thus carefully at the very beginning, not only the present symptoms, but also the previous history of the patient, a single antipsoric prescribed at first might have sufficed for the case. For although chronic diseases may be incurable except by an antipsoric, antisyphilitic or antisycotic, yet these remedies may also be required in the very beginning of diseases that appear to be most acute. I can certainly testify, from repeated observation, to the efficacy of Sulph.30 in most violent puerperal peritonitis, that remedy being all that was required to bring the cases to a speedy and favorable issue. This calls to mind Hahnemann's admonition — Organon, §257. * * The physician "should never lose sight of this great truth, that of all known remedies, there is but one that merits a preference before all others, viz.: that, whose symptoms bear the closest resemblance to the totality of those which characterize the malady." *[Experiments have been made by some Homoeopathists in cases where, imagining that one part of the symptoms of a disease required one remedy, and that another remedy was more suitable to the other part, they have given both remedies at the same time or nearly so; but I earnestly caution all my adherents against such a hazardous practice, which never will be necessary, though, in some instances, it may appear serviceable.]

Be this as it may, Dr. Payne's advice clearly contemplates a new study of the case for every new prescription, and if this plan be pursued the treatment will be strictly homoeopathic, even though a dozen remedies were required in succession before the case is cured.

Alternation, however, as generally understood and practiced, does not contemplate this new study of the case before a second remedy is administered or before every change of remedies; and herein it fails to come up to the requirements of a true homoeopathic prescription. And this is the kernel of the whole controversy.

Suppose a case of pleurisy. Bryonia covers all the symptoms. The patient improves for a time and then ceases to improve. The case is studied anew. Some symptoms are found to have vanished; some new ones have appeared. The physician studies the previous history of the patient more closely; he may or may not conclude that there is a psoric taint. At all events he perceives that Sulphur corresponds to the symptoms better than any other remedy. He prescribes Sulphur, therefore, just as though this were a new case that had just come under his treatment. This is an instance of succession of remedies. But each prescription is a strictly homoeopathic one and in every respect commendable.

Suppose another case. A patient has acute tonsillitis. The physician collects his symptoms and prescribes "Belladonna, to be followed in four hours by Mercurius, and that again in four hours by Belladonna and so on." These two steady nags, so familiar to all, in this relation, are sometimes enlivened by the company of Aconite and Coffea (pro re nata) where the prescriber has no scruples about driving "four in hand."

This is an example of alternation of remedies and is objectionable on the following grounds: Suppose the first dose of Belladonna to have been a judicious prescription and to have had an effect. How can the prescriber know before hand, that this effect will be just such as to cause the totality of the symptoms at the end of four hours, to correspond exactly to Mercurius, and, what would be still more wonderful, how can he foresee that the effect of the Mercurius will be just such as to cause Belladonna to be better indicated than any other remedy, at the end of another period of four hours? The second remedy (a fortiori a third or fourth!) in such cases must always be prescribed without a preliminary study of the actual condition of the patient, as modified by the action of the first remedy. It cannot therefore be an exact homoeopathic prescription.

Hahnemann has expressed himself fully on this subject in the Organon (fourth edition, British translation), as follows:

Sec. 272. "In no instance is it requisite to employ more than one simple medicine at a time."*

Sec. 169. "It may easily occur, on examining a disease for the first time and also on selecting for the first time the remedy that is to combat it, that the totality of the symptoms of the disease is found not to be sufficiently covered by the morbific symptoms of a single medicine, and that two remedies dispute the preference as to eligibility in the present instance, the one being homoeopathic to one part of the disease and the other still more so to another. It is then by no means advisable after using the preferable of the two remedies, to take the other without examination, because the medicine given as the inferior of the two, under the change of circumstances, may not be proper for the remaining symptoms; in which case, it follows, that a suitable homoeopathic remedy for the new set of symptoms should be selected in its stead."

Sec. 167. "In short, if the application of an imperfect homoeopathic remedy used, in the first instance, cause any accessory symptoms of some importance, the action of the first dose is not allowed to exhaust itself in acute diseases; the altered state of the patient is then to be examined and the remainder of the primitive symptoms to be joined to those which have been recently discovered, to form of the whole a new image of the disease."

Sec. 168. "A new remedy that is analogous may then be easily discovered among the medicines that are known, a single application of which will suffice, if not to destroy the disease entirely, at least to facilitate the cure in a great degree. If this new remedy is not sufficient to restore the health completely, then examine what yet remains of the diseased state and select the homoeopathic remedy that is most suitable to the new image that results from it. In this manner, the physician must continue until he attains his object — that is to say, until he has fully restored the health of the patient."

The name and practice of Hahnemann, Boenninghausen and Hering have been adduced in support of alternation. Hahnemann's views on the subject we have already quoted from the Organon. The case to which Dr. Coxe refers, as cured by Hahnemann by "the alternate use of Bryonia tincture and Pulsatilla" has escaped our notice, and we should esteem it a favor if Dr. Coxe would inform us whereabouts in homoeopathic literature it is recorded.

Hahnemann published very few cases. In Vol. II of the Materia Medica Pura, third edition, 1838, he relates two cases, one of which was cured by a single dose of Bryonia tincture, and the other by a single dose of Pulsatilla. May Dr. Coxe have, possibly, referred inaccurately to these cases and, by a fault of memory, blended them?

It is often stated, however, that Hahnemann used Bryonia and Rhus tox. alternately in his very successful treatment of the typhus or hospital fever which prevailed so extensively in Northern Germany, in 1813-14, after the French invasion. A reference to his article on the "Treatment of the Typhus or Hospital Fever at present prevailing," originally published in the Allgem. Anzeig. der Deutschen number six, 1814, and translated by Dr. Dudgeon among "Hahnemann's Lesser Writings" (pp. 631 et seq. American edition) will show how erroneous this statement is.

He says, "this fever has two principal stages," of which he gives the distinguishing symptoms; the first stage being characterized by "pains and consciousness;" the second stage by "delirium, and mania."

"In the first stage," he continues, "two vegetable substances are of use and generally quite remove the disease at the commencement — the Bryonia alb. and the Rhus tox."

He proceeds to give the special indications for each of these remedies. "If the patient complains of dizziness, shooting (or jerking-tearing) pains in the head, throat, chest, abdomen, etc., which are felt particularly on moving the part — in addition to the other symptoms, the hemorrhages, the vomiting, the heat, the thirst, the nocturnal restlessness, etc., we give a single drop of Bryonia^12. Improvement takes place in the course of four and twenty hours, and as long as the improvement goes on, we give him no other medicine, nor even repeat the same dose.

"If now the amendment produced by the single dose of Bryonia goes off in the course of two, three or four days, that is to say, if the patient then complains of shooting pains in one or other parts of the body whilst the part is at rest; if the prostration and anorexia are greater, if there is harassing cough or such a debility of certain parts as to threaten paralysis we give a single drop of Rhus tox.12 and no more, nor any other medicine so long as the improvement is mani fest and continued." "Or, if the symptoms I have just described occur at the very commencement of the attack, we give at its very commencement a drop of Rhus tox.12"

"The whole disease will generally be removed by a single dose of the first or of the second medicine (according as the one or the other is indicated, without the addition of any other)."

"If, notwithstanding, the disease should pass into the 'second stage' of delirium and mania, then Hyoscyamusniger meets all the indications of the case."

These detailed directions for the treatment of an epidemic disease, give a perfect picture of a true homoeopathic treatment. They state, in substance that the generic symptoms of the disease are always accompanied in the commencement by one or the other of two groups of characteristic symptoms. Accordingly as one or the other of these groups is present, Bryonia of Rhus is to be given. When the consequent amelioration ceases, then the case is to be examined anew, and according to the characteristics then found to present themselves, a new remedy is to be selected and thus the practitioner is to go on until the case is cured. But alternation is nowhere advised or allowed.

Hahnemann's brief and very general hints relating to the treatment of croup are of the same general character. In the introduction to Spongia (Materia Medica Pura, Vol. VI, second edition, Dresden, p. 199), he says, "Homoeopathy has found, in symptom 145 and in other symptoms, the most remarkable applicability of Spongia to that terrible acute disease — membranous croup — provided however the local inflammation has first been diminished or subdued by a very small dose of Aconite. The additional use of a small dose of Hepar sulph. will rarely be found necessary." Nothing is here said or in any way intimated, concerning alternation.

In giving general directions beforehand for the treatment of this disease which usually presents a very uniform group of symptoms, he shows that the symptoms while the local inflammation is still raging call for a very small dose of Aconite; that when this has acted, it will generally be found that the local inflammation is subdued, leaving a group of symptoms which correspond best to the symptoms of Spong.; that sometimes there may be such a modification as to call instead or subsequently for Hepar sulph.

When a physician has it in his power to visit his cases frequently and to watch their course, he has no excuse for deviating from the methods of a true homoeopathic prescription. If it prove necessary to give a succession of remedies, he is bound to make each successive prescription the subject of a special study, both of the symptoms of the patient and of the provings in the Materia Medica and to select on each occasion the remedy which corresponds best to the symptoms of the case.

But, where, as sometimes happens, the physician is unable to. see the case at all, or where he is giving general directions for the treatment of a case which it is supposed may, at some future time, occur, this accuracy is impossible. His duty is then to describe to his client the symptoms which will probably be present in each stage of the disease, if it appear in the ordinary form and follow the ordinary course; to point out the indications for the appropriate remedy in each stage; and to instruct his client to give only one medicine at a time at each stage and never to repeat the dose, or to give any other remedy so long as amelioration is manifest. This is the best the physician can do when treating disease under the disadvantage of never seeing the patient. This is the method adopted by Hahnemann with reference to the hospital typhus. It is the method of Dr. Boenninghausen in treating croup.

It is well known that Dr. Boenninghausen does not visit his cases but prescribes chiefly in his offices. He knows that the first symptoms of croup are almost uniformly combined with a local inflammation which, along with all the other symptoms, forms a group to which Aconite corresponds better than any other remedy. His first powder therefore is Acon. And his instructions are explicit. The second powder is never to be given until the amelioration, consequent on the first, shall have ceased and so with the remaining powders. The recipients of "croup powders" are especially and carefully instructed under what circumstances alone it is proper to give any or all of the subsequent powders. This is as near an approach to a new study for each change of remedy as is possible when the physician does not see the patient.

It does not really amount in most cases even to a succession, much less an alternation of remedies, for in a large majority of cases the Aconite alone cures the patient.

That Dr. Boenninghausen does not regard this method as an "alternation of remedies" is Shown in Vol. ll, p. 561, of the American Homoeopathic Review.

Indeed in theory and in practice Dr. Boenninghausen is as decidedly opposed to alternation, as we have shown that Hahnemann was.

We believe we could say, that Dr, Hering's views are similar to those we have expressed, but we prefer to await a statement from his own vigorous pen of those arguments, both theoretical and practical, which none could give so well as he.

In conclusion, we hope it is hardly necessary to add, that inasmuch as offensive language and odious epithets lend no strength to argument nor sweetness to persuasion, we entirely agree with our colleague in his closing paragraph. Nay! for that very reason, he will allow us to say, we could almost wish his own expressions had been a very little less emphatic.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 12, 1863, pages 529-537]

[Description: Alternation of Remedies.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1863]

CLIMATE.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M.D., NEWBURGH, N.Y

The subject of climate in its relations to diathesis and to disease has never received the philosophical considerations which its importance demands, It is well known to every attentive observer, that in some climates certain diseases are very active in their development and rapid in their course, and but slightly amenable to treatment, while in other climates the same affections are mild in form and easily controlled by remedies. Moreover, an individual case which has resisted treatment in one climate, may yield satisfactorily to the same treatment, when removed to a more congenial climate. Well as this fact is known, we are still almost absolutely ignorant of the conditions which govern the suitableness of different climates to different diseases. Our knowledge on the subject is fragmentary and experimental, and we have no law by the aid of which we can form an a priori judgment respecting the probable effect of any given climate upon any given case of disease.

It is not my purpose to attempt the formal proposition of any such law. I desire rather to call the attention of our school to the subject in the hops that, by simultaneous observation in different localities upon the prevalent diatheses and upon the comparative average amenability to treatment of various chronic diseases which depend on dyscrasias, we may gather materials from which such a law may be deduced.

These investigations are peculiarly important and appropriate to Homoeopathists, because in questions of treatment of disease in various climates, as in questions of prognosis, the statistics of the old school afford us no aid.

The diseases with reference to which I would invite observation are especially-

1. Diseases of the Respiratory organs, acute and chronic.

2. Rheumatism and cognate diseases.

3. Fevers.

4. The Exanthemata.

In making observations the epidemic tendencies of the year and place in which the observations are made should always be noted.

By observing the severity of a given disease in a given climate and observing at the same time the peculiarities of that climate as to the temperature and alternations of temperature, as to the weight and humidity of the atmosphere, and as to the direction and violence of the winds, we may arrive at some constant relation between climate and this disease, which may serve as one element at least in the construction of the desired law. To give an instance; Phthisis pulmonalis, the treatment of which, in Brooklyn, was in my hands most unsatisfactory, is here, in Newburgh, very amenable to treatment, and although in cases in which the disease is far advanced and can boast of no cures, yet the relief afforded even to such cases is very remarkable, constant, and enduring for a period to which my previous observation of the disease offers no parallel. Since my treatment of the disease is the same as that to which I had recourse in Brooklyn, the difference in result must be attributable to differences in the climate of the places, and it becomes a matter of great importance to note these differences. What they are, I hope to be able to show in a subsequent paper.

Appended are some observations on the climate of the Bahama Island, which I had an opportunity of making at Nassau, their capital, during the months of Feb. & Mar. 1859.

Situated on the E. edge of the Gulf Stream in about the latitude of the Southern extremity of Florida, Nassau enjoys a climate totally different, from that of any portion of our own country, and quite different also from that of the West Indies proper. The sudden alternations of temperature, the searching damp chilliness suddenly succeeding a scorching heat, the humid penetrating N.E- winds sweeping down our Atlantic coast on the W. edge of the Gulf Stream-which make the climates of Charleston, Savannah and St. Augustine so trying to invalids with pulmonary or rheumatic diseases having the same effects as the alternations of Sirocco and Tramontane winds at Rome and Naples) are utterly unknown at Nassau.

The temperature is remarkably uniform, a circumstance which appears to be of very great importance in pulmonary and rheumatic affections.

While the climate of Nassau is free from the occasional cold of even our Florida coast it is, at the same time free from the extreme heat of Cuba and Santa Cruz.

The sanitary condition of the island speaks remarkably well for its climate. Yellow fever which has of late been so prevalent in the West Indies and in our Southern States has long been unknown at Nassau. Intermittent Fever is never seen and Bilious Fevers are rare, occurring only during the months of August and September and are mild in character. Cases of Phthisis, though not infrequent among the blacks, as might be expected from the peculiar condition of that race, are rare among the whites.

The experience of invalids resorting to Nassau corroborates the favorable impression which the above facts create. For incipient Phthisis a climate like this, which, by its mildness allows the patient to spend his whole time in the open air, while at the same time the bracing trade wind prevents him from falling into the lassitude so common in tropical regions, cannot but present conditions most favorable to recovery of vigor; and I know of no place more favorable for such cases during our winter and spring months. Cases of Phthisis fully developed and far advanced, I should not incline to send to a warm climate. In my opinion the progress of the malady is thereby accelerated.

The island is so small (9 miles by 17) and so far removed from the continent as not to be liable to the objection which obtains against the "mixed air" of the sea coast in its action upon Phthisis. The same considerations apply to Rheumatism, and abundant experience has shown the favorable action of the climate on both these diseases.

As a place of resort for invalids, this island presents peculiar advantages: – 1. In the fact of its proximity to the U. S., being within 4 or 5 days steaming of New York. 2. In the fact that, as it is an English colony, the comforts of life as we understand the terra, can be there obtained, and the society of a most kind and hospitable people enjoyed. 3. In the security one may feel against attacks of epidemic and contagious diseases such as one is exposed to in the Southern United States and in the West Indies.

Table of Meteorological changes in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, Feb. 13 to April 1, 1859.

Feb. 14-28

8 AM.

2 P. M.

8 P. M

Average Temperature,

75°

79 1-2°

76°

Dew-point,

70 1-2°

72 1-8°

72 1-2°

Extremes of Temperature,

71° and 78°

74° and 85°

72° and 80°

Wind constant N. E. No rain.

March 1-31

8 A. M.

2 P. M.

8 P. M.

Average Temperature,

76 1-2°

82°

76 2-3°

Dew-point,

71 1-2°

76°

72 1-2°

Extremes of Temperature,

73° and 80°

75° and 90°

70° and 83°

WIND-2 days calm; 12 days N. or N. E.; 6 days W. or N. W.; 11 days S. or S. W.; 4 days showery.

During S. wind the dew-point is higher and the air more-oppressive.

The changes in temperature from day to day were singularly constant. Thus in February the lowest temperature 71°, was noted on the 15th inst.: the highest 85° on the 28th and the ascent from one to the other was uniform. So in March, 73° was noted on the 3rd, and the highest 90° on the 31st inst. These tables for Feb. and March are of value since these are the months in which one would expect, and in which in fact one finds the greatest variations from uniformity in temperature and humidity of climate.

It will be seen that the average daily range even in March is 5?°. At Pau in the South of France it is 7?°; at Nice 8?°; at Rome 11°.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 12, 1859, pages 549-552]

[Description: Climate.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1859]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTION.

A. J., aged 30, strong, muscular and hitherto healthy sent for me. He had been exposed about eight weeks before, while on the isthmus of Panama, to unusual vicissitudes of weather and three weeks after he left Panama had sickened with chill, fever, vomiting, &c. more or less severe, which however he succeeded in suppressing by large doses of quiniue so as to be able to travel for a few days at a time. Three days before I saw him he was taken with an unusually severe chill followed by high fever and alternations of chill and fever, with severe constitutional symptoms, which continued notwithstanding large and repeated doses of quinine, until I found him in the following condition:

Though still quite stout he had lost flesh greatly, having decreased in weight thirty pounds during the last month. His face was of a dusky red hue, hot and dry, eyes injected, dry, and ferrety, the pupils contracted, with a very restless anxious expression. The patient had constant thirst though satisfied with a single swallow of water at a time. The stomach was excessively irritable — drink was rejected as soon as taken; a profound disgust for food of all kinds. The tongue was covered with a thick brownish coat and felt to the patient dry, though not actually so. When protruded, the tongue trembled and was moved involuntarily back and forth, in spite of efforts to keep it still. The hands trembled excessively when held out and the patient complained of indescribable weakness and prostration. Nevertheless there was uncontrollable restlessness, it being literally impossible to remain for more than an instant in one position — the recumbent posture was intolerable — alternations of chill and heat, partial and fugitive in character, were experienced, each lasting about fifteen minutes, the heat yielding for a few moments to a partial clammy sweat which was soon succeeded by chill again. There were dyspnea and short, dry cough. The spleen was much enlarged and dull on percussion. During the last two nights the patient had been unable to sleep at at all, but had been exceedingly restless and uncomfortable, tormented by thirst. The pulse was 140, very quick, small and wiry. The head was confused and I found the sensorium much clouded, it being difficult to get definite answers to my questions; there was however a constant effort to give expression to a sense of great uneasiness and vague apprehension of severe illness.

No one who has been at all conversant with Panama Fever could fail to recognise the gravity of the above. I expected to have a long and perhaps a doubtful battle with the disease and proceeded accordingly to make arrangements for an indefinite sojourn on the part of my patient who was not a resident of this place. From the symptoms as detailed there could be no doubt of the prescription required at the moment. The excessive prostration conjoined with the great nervous and vascular erethism, the irritability of the stomach, the great thirst, satisfied for the moment by a small quantity of water — the intermingled heat, chill and partial sweat, presenting at no time a definite paroxysm of intermittent, along with the dyspnea and anxiety, and the peculiar pulse, weak and yet excited, made it a matter of course that I should give Arsenicum, which, as the indications were so clear that the selection of the remedy could not be a matter of doubt, I gave in the 200th potency, deeming this a very fair case, both as regards the clearness of indication and the severity of the disease, for the demonstration of the power of the high potencies. I gave at four p.m., a powder of Sac. lactis containing two globules of Ars.200 to be taken dry, and to be followed by a similar powder every four hours.

The following day I found that my patient had slept three hours the night before — his stomach, no longer irritable, tolerated beef tea and toast, the chills and heat occurred about once in four hours, lasting for a few moments only; cough and dyspnea had disappeared. Prostration still excessive, restlessness, moderate, intelligence good, tongue and hands less tremulous. Ars.200 as before every six hours.

The third day. A better night, no chills or heat to day, strength increasing; no restlessness. Ars.200 every eight hours.

The fourth day; slept well last night, feels like walking out; appetite good, tongue clean. Sac lactis.

The fifth day feels quite well and strong.

The next day he resumed his journey. In such a case one would apprehend a relapse after the expiration of one, two or three weeks. I have made especial enquiries respecting my patient and find that nothing of the kind has occurred. It is three months since I prescribed for him and he has steadily gained strength and flesh and is to all appearance well.

Newburgh, N. Y. DUNHAM.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 11, 1860, pages 505-507]

[Description: Clinical Contribution.]

[Remedies: Arsenicum album]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1860]

DATURA STRAMONIUM.

Of the following collection of provings of Stramonium and cases of poisoning with the same plant, some have been furnished by Dr. C. Hering, one came under the personal observation of the writer, and the balance have been gatherered from various medical journals.

I. A fragmentary proving by the late Dr. J. R. Cox, Jr., of Philadelphia, aged fifty-seven; furnished by Dr. C. Hering.

September 20th. At eight, a.m., and at two and ten, p.m., ten drops of the first decimal dilution; the same on the 21st, and 22d; and on the 23d, at eight, a.m., two and eleven, p.m.

20th. No symptoms except pain in right temple, sticking and stabbing, at eight, p.m.; felt until I fell asleep at eleven, p.m.

21st. Out of temper; irritated all day; the headache was in both temples, shooting to the back of the head, with considerable thirst; drank much more water than usual; eyes inflamed, and weep much, particularly the right eye. Face slightly swelled and eyes puffed (the skin below them); head all day wet with perspiration.

22d. Violent headache; great confusion of ideas; very irritable; right eye weeps very much, left eye a little; hardness of hearing much better, hear better today than for a long time; dryness of mouth; drink a great deal. A kind of burning pain in the stomach comes and goes, lasts for half an hour, then intermits for an hour or more, and mouth full of saliva; unable to pass urine freely, had to strain; dryness in throat; pains in lumbar region, like rheumatism; back very stiff, but not very painful, pulse usually 72, was, at nine p.m., 84; skin felt hot.

September 23d, 24th and 25th. All the above symptoms continued in a decreased degree until the morning of the 26th. In addition, on the 23d and 24th. hands, and feet up to the knees were effected with slight spasms or jerks, especially the fingers of the left hand, which jerked repeatedly and without pain; numbness and stiffness of left leg, with a tickling creeping feeling under the cutis, which passed off by rubbing and stretching.

Charles Chauncey Coxe, aged eleven years.

September 21st, 1857. At two, p.m., and nine, p.m., twelve drops of the third decimal dilution; and on the 22d and 23d, nine, a.m., and at two and nine, p.m., the same.

September 22d. Great pain in head; stiffness of neck and sore throat; head perspired more than usual.

23d, 24th and to 29th: Headache and stiff neck, gradually wearing off; pain in right leg, worse at patella; has much saliva in mouth and throat, feels sore with neck stiff, during the whole time. On October 1st, had only slight pain in the right temple and sore throat, which disappeared on the 3d of October.

II. Case of poisoning observed by Dr. W. Williamson and furnished by Dr. Hering.

October 8th, 1846. Dan Beidelman, Jr., five years old, ate two or three seeds of Stramonium at seven o'clock in the evening, and in half an hour his face and breast were of a coppery red color, somewhat mottled, similar to the color of the skin of the North American Indian, the sclerotic coat of the eyes was of a pink color. I saw him at nine o'clock, and noticed that the left eye was most discolored and the eruption was visible on the left knee, but not on the right one; an old cicatrix on his forehead was very red; he complained of his head hurting him; the eruption was on the decline, the also nasi and space around the mouth and a spot on each temple were white; he was inclined to smile and jest; pupils were dilated; restlessness with itching of the skin; pulse quick, hard and frequent; great restlessness with moaning; tossing about the bed; throwing of the arms and legs but most with the arms, with opening and shutting of the hands and many motions of the fingers; repeatedly said there were "big sores" on him; starting in sleep with rising up in bed and vacantly looking around with incoherent talking; in spells of restlessness he would drink when it was offered to him, but did not ask for it; complained of being tired on waking up in the morning: got up and went to bed again two or three times; swelling of the left cheek and that side of the face generally; no appetite for breakfast; very irritable and quarrelsome with his brother and sister; exceedingly irritable and fretful, nothing pleases him; very passionate; feebleness; spasmodic cough worse in the evening and again in the morning with dark color around his eyes; dry cough; his irritability and fretfulness still continue for six weeks.

III. Case of poisoning from the application of Stramonium leaves to an ulcer, observed by Dr. Carroll Dunham.

A mechanic, about forty-four years old, whose health had suffered greatly in consequence of a severe bilious remittent ever and the heroic doses of Calomel prescribed for its cure, had been under my care several weeks for large irritable ulcers upon both legs. I was called in haste, early one morning, and informed that my patient was "not right in his mind."

I found him dressed and lying on a lounge. He recognized me and immediately apologized for not rising, stating that his limbs were not under his control; and, in fact, I found afterwards that they were paralyzed. His face was covered with patches of an irregular shape, not elevated above the rest of the skin and of a brilliant fiery red color. The conjunctiva was injected, the pupils immensly dilated; the whole expression of the eye was brilliant, restless, suspicions and roving. The brow was corrugated. The appearance of the patient suggested mania and I might at once have pronounced it a case of delirium tremens, had I not well known the temperate habits of my patient. The tongue was moist, the papilla enlarged and projecting through a soft white fur. The limbs were motionless. The arms on the contrary constantly reaching forwards and upwards with an uncertain tremulous motion, as if the patient were endeavoring to size some object which he indistinctly perceived in the air. As I hat observing him, he suddenly turned towards the wall, exclaiming, "there are those bugs! help me to catch them!" "What bugs?" I asked. "There," he replied, "a long train of bed bugs — and after them a procession of beetles — and here comes crawling over me a host of cockroaches." fie shrank back in much alarm. Then suddenly he turned to me, saying," I believe I know they are not really hugs; but, except once in. a while, they seem real to me! "This scene was many times repeated. For some time I was at a loss to account for the condition of my patient At length the peculiar, almost convulsive, motions of his upper extremities while the lower extremities were nearly paralyzed, together with the aspect of the face and the mental condition, suggested Stramonium to my mind. His family knew nothing of his having used it, but when he heard me mention the name, he pointed to his legs, where, on examination, I found a quantity of the bruised green leaves which he had applied to the ulcers, it seems, the night before, in the hope of relieving pain.

The poisoning not being very serious, I contented myself with removing the leaves and allowing the effects of the poison to pass away without administering any antidote.

The mental symptoms produced in this case by the Stramonium so closely resembled those of the second stage of delirium tremens, as to strongly point to Stramonium as a valuable remedy in that disease.

IV: From a case of poisoning by Stramonium, recorded by Br. Meigs, in the North American Medical and Surgical Journal, January, 1827.

"The face became of a deeper scarlet than is ever seen in starlet fever, and the neck and throat, as well as the face, were covered with a multitude of small spots of a brilliant red color, many of which were star-shaped."

V. Frank's Magazine, Vol. II, page 230.

"A woman, twenty-two years old, ate freely of Stramonium seeds, one evening. The seat day, about noon, a half hear after eating, she complained of having had headache and vertigo all the morning; that after eating she had seen all objects double and had nausea. She soon vomited, began to talk widely and to make very rapid movements with the eyes and hands. These symptoms soon increased so that she was regarded as insane. At three, p.m., the physician first saw her. She was in bed; the respiration was slow and deep, the face intensely red the features altered; the aspect staring the eyelids wide open, the eyes protruding, the pupils dilated to the utmost degree, entirely immovable and insensible to light; the conjuctiva was traversed by numerous blood vessels which seemed to be injected with a dirty fluid, giving the patient a very repulsive aspect She recognized nobody, paid no attention even when loudly called, kept continually tuming the head from one side to the other. The head was hot, sweat standing on the forehead; the skin of the rest of the body was reddened, dry and hot; the pulse pretty frequent and hard. There were continual jerkings in isolated muscles of the face and in the fingers and toes; even the whole body sometimes shuddered as from an electric shock.

"An emetie was ordered but could not be given for a long time, it being found that the lower jaw was spasmodically pressed against the upper jaw. Moreover the patient's head was in constant motion, and she strove with both hands and feet to repel the offered dose. When it was finally introduced into the mouth, she evidently swallowed with the greatest difficulty.

"From this time the treatment was vigorous and heroic, and the patient's symptoms are not to be ascribed to the Stramonium alone. Among the symptoms were convulsive movements of the upper extremities, carphologia, distortion of the eyes; effort to grasp at the anterior surface of the throat. During the whole sickness she had great difficulty in expressing herself, was evidently conscious, desired to say something but appeared unable to find the right words. The mucous membrane of the fauces was red, and deglutition was difficult The tongue had a white fur; the patient saw objects but sometimes only a part of each object; sometimes the objects were double;

VI. A case of poisoning by the seeds of Stramonium by Br. Johnson, American Medical Times I,22,1860.

A boy, seven years old, ate the seeds in the afternoon. At five, p.m., it was noticed that there was some hesitation in % his speech, and his face was flushed. His fingers twitched and the hands jerked as in chorea. On biting a juicy apple he said it was dry like flour and hurt his throat. To a question he replied in loud and violent tones. The twitching increased, he staggered and tell.

At seven, p.m., he was tossing violently in his father's arms and his hands were twitching as if from chorea. The pupil of the eye was enormously dilated, the face and especially the mouth much swollen. The patient was perfectly blind. The heart's action was feeble and not frequent. There was no perspiration. The feet and whole lower extremities were cold and palsied and hung powerless over the father's lap in marked contrast to the rest of the body, which was so much agitated.

Dr. Johnson says, "the points of interest in the case were: 1. The long continuance of the dilitation of the pupils, viz.: from Tuesday evening till Friday morning, and they were not fully restored until Saturday. 2. The picking at imaginary objects and the choraic movements of the upper extremities in marked contrast to the coldness and loss of motion in the lower extremities: 3. The absence of perspiration and the torpor of the bowels. 4. The remarkable expression of the voice which was loud and violent, and the maniacal actions as the effects of the poison supervened and as they passed away. D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1864, pages 559-565]

[Description: Datura Stramonium.]

[Remedies: Stramonium]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1864]

DEAFNESS.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEWBURGH, N. Y.

G. W. W., aged 17 years, small, but well proportioned and of good constitution, healthy since his 9th year, has been deaf since he was 4 years old. When 3 years of age, he had an eruptive disease of the whole scalp, which, after resisting for a year all the milder methods of allopathic treatment was finally caused to disappear, in the following manner: — A tar-cap was placed upon the head, and, when firmly adherent to the scabs, was violently torn off. The scabs came with it, leaving the whole scalp raw. This raw surface was moistened with a saturated solution of nitrate of silver. The eruption did not reappear; but from that time, the child was deaf.

"The condition of the youth now excites the earnest solicitude of his friends, if is inability to move in society, or to get a situation in business, on account of his deafness, has produced a morbid state of mind. He broods over his infirmity, and secludes himself even from his own family."

Under these circumstances, he applied to me to be cured of his deafness. His present condition is as follows: — He is quite unable to hear ordinary conversation, and has never heard a sermon in his life. A loud-ticking lever watch can be heard at a distance of 3 1-2 inches from either ear. On application of the watch to his forehead, or to the teeth, he hears it distinctly. Occasional buzzing noises in front of the ears. A physical examination of his ears reveals the following condition: — The external meatus is abundantly supplied with soft, normal wax. The membrana tympani is white, opaque, and evidently thickened. When the patient attempts to inflate the middle ear, (which he accomplishes, with great difficulty, by closing both mouth and nose and making a forcible expiration,) the membrana tympani becomes but very slightly convex, and it is impossible to distinguish its distended blood vessels. There has evidently been a deposit in the substance of the membrane. On examination of the throat, it appears that the orifice of the eustachian tube is free.

Feb. 3, 1857. Patient received a powder containing 3 globules of Mezereum 30, to be taken on retiring.

Feb. 24. Thinks he hears better — "every sound seems much louder than before." Hears my watch at a distance of 4 1-2 inches from the right ear, and 4 1-4 from the left ear. Sac. lactis.

March 1. Has not improved during the last week. Mez. 30, 3 gl.

March 27. Hears my watch, with the right ear, 6 1-2 inches, and with the left ear, 7 inches. Sac. lactis.

April 20. Hears my watch, with the right ear, at a distance of 10 inches, and with the left, at a distance of 14 inches. Hears ordinary conversation easily, with attention. Sac. lactis.

Sept. 28. Has been steadily improving until three weeks ago, when he became more deaf again, without apparent cause. Mez. 30, 3 gl., on retiring.

Jan. 26, 1858. Hears my watch at a distance of 14 inches from the right ear, and 24 inches from the left ear. Deafness returns when he takes cold, but disappears with the cold. Mez. 30, 3 gl., on retiring.

March 19. To his surprise, on going to church, although seated at the extreme end of a very large building, he distinctly heard the whole sermon — for the first time in his life. On physical examination, the opacity of the membrana tympani is found to have disappeared, and its elasticity to have sensibly increased.

May 24. Patient writes me that he has obtained, without difficulty, a situation in a store, and that he is no longer conscious of being deaf. His sole difficulty is that, as he has the reputation of being deaf, everybody shouts at him. His father writes, that the son's hearing is "perfectly restored."

Remarks. — The success of the treatment resorted to in this case, warrants a few remarks upon its rationale. Here was a case which presented to the practitioner apparently nothing on which to base a prescription. There was a thickened membrana tympani — nothing more. The work of thickening had probably been accomplished years ago. Here was a pathologico-anatomical condition, but no pathological process and, consequently, there were no abnormally performed functions — or, in other words, no symptoms of disease — from which to draw indications for treatment. The pathologico anatomical condition threw no certain light on the pathological process which had produced it — just as a knowledge of the town, at which a traveler has arrived, gives no certain clue to the road by which he reached it.

But, as Hahnemann advised his disciples, the history of a case is often of the utmost importance in determining the treatment. In the case before us, the coincidence between the violent removal of the tinea capitis, by nitrate of silver and the appearance of the deafness, was too marked to escape notice. It could not fail to occur to the practitioner that the scalp disease was one phase of a psoric affection, as Hahnemann would have called it — or of a dyscrasia, as the modern school of German pathologists would say (for the doctrine of the dyscrasias is but a re-hash of Hahnemann's psora theory,) and that this affection, disturbed in its localization upon the scalp, had transferred itself to the tissues of the ear. It further occurred to me that, since in this latter localization there were no sufficient indications for a prescription, I might find such indications in the phenomena of the former localization upon the scalp. I accordingly addressed myself to the task of getting a complete picture of this affection, which had disappeared thirteen years before. By good fortune, the mother of the patient was possessed of a good memory, and of very excellent powers of description, and from her I learned that "thick, whitish scabs, hard and almost horny, covered the whole scalp. There were fissures in the scales, through which, on pressure, there exuded a thick, yellowish pus, often very offensive. There was great itching, and a disposition to tear off the scabs with the finger nails — especially troublesome at night."

The remedy which corresponds most closely, in its pathogenesis, with the above group of symptoms, is undoubtedly Mezereum. In the introduction to the proving of that drug, in the Chronic Diseases, Vol. IV, Hahnemann recommends it for moist eruptions of the scalp. In the proving, in the Archiv., Vol. IV, many symptoms point to a similar eruption — itching, especially, at night; but the conclusive group of pathogenetic symptoms, is the following, from a new proving of Mezereum, by the late Dr. Wahle, of Rome, of which the manuscript was shown me by his son, the present Dr. Wahle:

"Head covered over with a thick leather-like crust, under which thick white pus collects here and there and the hair is glued together; on the head, great elevated irregular white scabs under which pus collects in quantity and becomes offensive and breeds vermin. The child keeps scratching its face and head at night, and continually tears off the scabs."

The resemblance between these groups of symptoms was so striking that Mezereum was at once selected, as the remedy for this case of deafness, just as if the scalp affection had been still in its original form, and had been the immediate object of the prescription. —

It not unfrequently occurs that we are called upon to prescribe for what seem rather results, of morbid actions, than active diseases — In such cases, it would seem that we may often successfully base a prescription upon the symptoms of a diseased condition which no longer exists but which form in reality a part of the case. It may not be amiss to call attention to the completeness of the corroboration which this case affords/were any needed,) of Hahnemann's psora theory. It is hardly necessary to say that Hahnemann had no idea of restricting the appellation psora to itch, as we understand that term, that is to the disease caused by the acarus. On the contrary in his Chronic Diseases Vol. IV, he expressly includes under it various forms; as "Itch, Tinia Capitis, Herpes, &c."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 23-26]

[Description: Case of deafness cured by Mezereum; suppression of eruption by nitrate of silver (Argentum nitricum); importance of the history of a case]

[Remedies: Mezereum]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1858]

DEODORIZING AGENTS.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M.D., NEWBURGH, N. Y.

A deodorizing substance which shall be at once efficient, safe, devoid of irritating and noxious properties, and itself free from odor, is a great desideratum in the sick-room. It is of great importance to the attendants upon the sick that the atmosphere of the apartment should be freed as much as possible from the foul odors that arise from morbid secretions or exhalations in cases of fever, of cancer, of urinary diseases, and of colliquative diarrhea. These odors, if not specifically morbific, are at least nauseating and eminently disgusting. And it can hardly be doubted that their effect on the patient is very deleterious.

The various deodorizing substances hitherto in general use are liable to serious objections. The Chloride of Lime (so-called) has itself an odor very offensive to many persons, and extremely irritating to a sensitive pulmonary apparatus, or to eyes predisposed to strumous inflammation. The Nitrate of Lead gives off gasses which are peculiarly irritating to the eyes and throat, while the solution of this substance is very objectionable in domestic use, from its corrosive properties. The Chloride of Zinc is liable to similar objections, and all of these substances interfere very decidedly with the action of our remedies.

In the British Journal of Homoeopathy for April, 1859, Mr. Evan Fraser, M. R. C. S., calls attention to the Chlorate of Potassa as a deodorizing agent, free from all the objections which obtain against the above named substances. Mr. Fraser in addition recommends it as an application to cancerous and ill-conditioned ulcers. As a topical application I have no experience in its use and I should hesitate so to employ it while unacquainted with its pathogenetic action, but as a deodorizing substance for use in the sick chamber I have had satisfactory experience of its admirable efficacy, and I have as yet seen no reason to believe that its presence in the room is in any way injurious to the patient, or that it interfers in any way with the action of our remedies. My habit has been to disolve a half ounce of the Chlorate of Potassa in a gallon of water, and to cause towels saturated with this solution to be hung in various parts of the chamber or swung gently to and fro, whenever an unpleasant odor is perceived. By this means, in a few moments the most offensive odor is entirely removed.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 11, 1859, pages 516-517]

[Description: Deodorizing agents.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1859]

DR. C. VON BOENNINGHAUSEN.

With deep sorrow we record the death of this distinguished physician. For many years a warm personal friend of Hahnemann — associated with Hahnemann's immediate pupils, Stapf, Gross, Muhlenbein, Hartmann and Ruckert, in those early labors which placed Homoeopathy on an immovable foundation as a practical method — he survived, an indefatigable laborer in the good cause, long after Hahnemann and his pupils had all passed away.

To the day of his death he was in constant intercourse, by correspondence or through the journals, with all the earnest hard working younger homoeopathic practitioners. He was, therefore, the link connecting the past generation of the Master, and the active generation of today — at once the venerable relic of the former and a trusted leader of the latter.

And now this link is broken. The last "Veteran of the Old Guard" has gone to his rest. The genial voice is hushed forever. The clear, serene and honest eye is closed. The sagacious judgment which so rarely erred — the ever active brain — have ceased from their labors on earth. The kindly heart, whose even beat no selfish impulse over quickened, pulsates no longer.

For us remain — for those who were his personal friends — a deep and abiding sense of a great loss — for the profession in general, the ripe fruits of his experience and scholarship in his published works, and the bright example of his busy life.

CLEMENS MARIA FRANZ, BARON VON BOENNINGHAUSEN, Doctor of Civil and Criminal Laws and of Medicine, was born March 12th, 1785, on the ancestral estate of Heringhaven in Overyssel, a province of the Netherlands. His ancestors, whose names and arms may be traced back into the thirteenth century and one of whom was made an Austrian Field-Marshal by Ferdinand II, in 1632, belonged to the oldest nobility of Westphalia and the Rhine. Inasmuch, however, as for three hundred years past, they had devoted themselves exclusively to the profession of arms, their property always remained quite moderate in amount.

Von Boenninghausen's early youth was passed in the country, where his bodily vigor was fostered by riding, swimming, hunting and other manly exercises, while his mental faculties were but sparingly cultivated. When, therefore, in his twelfth year, he entered the high school in Munster he found his place at the foot of his classes. But his diligence during the first half year was so great that, at the end of that period, he had reached the head, a position he always retained.

After remaining six years at this school, von Boenninghausen went to the University of Groningen, where he spent three years, devoting himself not only to the studies proper to the profession of the law, to which he intended to devote himself but also, and with great zest, to the study of Natural History and of Medicine.

On the 30th of August, 1806, he received the degree of Doctor of Civil and Criminal Laws, and about the 1st of October in the same year he began his career as advocate.

This career was destined to be brief. In August, 1807, von Boenninghausen accompanied his father to Utrecht, whither the latter was sent as delegate from the Electoral Committee of Overyssel to the then king of Holland, Louis, Bonaparte (father of Napoleon III), who at that time resided at Utrecht. Being more familiar with the French language than his companions, the young von Boenninghausen was admitted to the audience to act as interpreter. In consequence of this circumstance he soon received the quite unexpected appointment of Auditor to the State Council. From this time on, his career, at the Court of Holland was a remarkably rapid one. Within a year, he was promoted, over the heads of some colleagues much older than himself, to the post of Auditor to the King, and a fortnight afterwards to that of Secretaire generate des requetes. This laborious but influential office, to which were subsequently added the duties of royal librarian and chief of the topographical bureau, he continued to hold until the abdication of the King of Holland, July 1st, 1810.

After the loss of his very kind and benevolent chief, of whose council he was the youngest member, under circumstances so very painful to him, von Boenninghausen declined every position that was offered him in the service of Holland and returned in 1810 to the paternal estate to devote himself to the study of Agriculture and of the auxiliary sciences, especially that of Botany which gradually became his favorite pursuit.

He married in 1812, and in 1814 removed to his inherited estate of Darop. Here he gradually entered into correspondence with the most prominent Agriculturists of Germany, especially with Thaer and Schwerz. Several essays from his pen appeared in the Moglischen Annalen.

He endeavored by advice and example to improve the agriculture of Westphalia. Among his efforts of this kind, was the founding of the Agricultural Society for the district of Munster, which still exists in a more extended form and which was the first association of the kind in the Western part of the Prussian Monarchy. On the organization of the Prussian provinces of the Rhine and Westphalia in 1816, the position of Landrath for circle of Coesfeld, in which his estate of Darop lies, was offered to von Boenninghausen. He accepted it and filled it until 1822. During this period, the necessity of an appraisement of the two above named provinces of the Rhine and Westphalia was recognized and von Boenninghausen, being the only Landrath, was summoned to the conferences held on the subject at Godesburg, near Bonn, in order that he might testify, as both a theoretically and practically educated agriculturist, on the technology of the appraisements. He was subsequently, in 1822, papointed General Commissioner of Appraisements for the two provinces.

This new office involved almost constant traveling about in these provinces; but this, again, gave him increased opportunities for the study of their flora. He published, in 1824, a "Prodromus Flora Monasteriensts," which contained much that was new, and which showed the similarity between the Westphalian flora and the English. At this time, also, was entrusted to him the direction of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Munster, which he conducted for many years and through which he came into relations with many of the first Botanists of Europe. In consequence of his agricultural and botanical writings, he received many diplomas from learned societies, and C. Sprugel (Syst. veg., III, 245), and Reichenbach (Uebers. des Gewachsreich, 197), awarded him the highest honor known to a botanist, by each naming a genus of plants after him.

In the autumn of 1827, his health, which had hitherto been very robust, became seriously impaired and his disease, which was pronounced by two most distinguished physicians, to be purulent consumption, grew so rapidly worse that in the spring of 1828 all hope of his recovery was abandoned. This was the first occasion of his acquiring a knowledge of Homoeopathy. Having given up all hope of recovery, he wrote a farewell letter to his old and cherished botanical friend Dr. A. Weihe, of Herford, who was a homoeopathic physician the first in the whole of Westphalia and the Rhine, a fact, however, of which Boenninghausen was not aware, inasmuch at their frequent correspondence had treated only of botanical subjects.

Weihe, much concerned at the intelligence of Boenninghausen's illness, requested an accurate description of the case, expressing the hope that he might be the means of saving his valuable friend through the aid of the newly discovered method of cure. Boenninghausen complied with his request, followed implicitly the directions he received, and gradually recovered, so that, by the end of the summer, he was regarded as cured.

From this period he was not only a decided adherent, but an active and earnest advocate of Homoeopathy. After ineffectual endeavors to arouse an interest on the subject among the physicians of Munster with whom he came into frequent intercourse as member and one of the founders of the Medical Society, he put his own hand to the work, revived the half forgotten knowledge of medicine acquired at the University of Groningen, and had the good fortune to be of service to many who sought his aid. He had not, however, a license to practice as a physician, a fact which might have subjected him to many impediments and disamenities had he undertaken to engage in a general medical practice. For this reason, for a few years he expended his energies to a great extent upon literary labors which had for their object to study thoroughly the practical part of Homoeopathy and to facilitate and extend its application. At length, so generally were his learning and success acknowledged that, by a cabinet order of His Majesty King 'Wilhelm IV, dated July 11th, 1843, all the rights and immunities of a practising physician were bestowed upon him.

It was during the former period, from 1828 to 1843, that most of the systematic works, for which we are indebted to Boenninghausen, were composed and published. These were of a practical nature, designed to aid the student of Materia Medica and the physician at the bedside. They were cordially received, were preferred by Hahnemann to all others, and were used by him to the time of his death. They have served as models, originals, or points of departure for most of the manuals, guides and repertories that have been published. During this period too, Boenninghausen was a constant and prolific contributor to the Archiv., of the new series of which, the Neues Archiv., he became associate editor along with Stapf, after the death of Gross; to the Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung and to the Homoeopathe Belge.

In these labors and in the discharge of his functions as a practitioner, his days were filled with honorable toil. His fame as a successful practitioner and as the acknowledged master of our Materia Medica, brought him many visitors from among professional men. These his genial cordiality converted into warm and steadfast friends. Advancing years dealt with him tenderly and death has at last overtaken him at his post of duty, still earnest in his labors, warm in his friendships and at peace with God and man.

Boenninghausen was in constant correspondence with Hahnemann from 1880 till the death of the old master, and he more than once permitted the writer to examine a large volume of letters from Hahnemann, the last of which was written six weeks before Hahnemann's death.

In 1848 he founded the society of the Homoeopathic Physicians of "Westphalia and the Rhine, the yearly meetings of which still continue. Almost every homoeopathic society has elected him a member. The Homoeopathic Medical College of Cleveland, in 1854, conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine, and, on the 20th of April, 1861, the Emperor of the French, Napoleon III, whom, when a boy, Boenninghausen then, Councillor to Louis of Holland, had known, made him Knight of the Legion of Honor.

Of Boenninghausen's seven sons two have chosen the profession of medicine. The elder (Karl, born November 5tb, 1826) after practising for a year or more in Westphalia, in his father's neighborhood, where his success in treating a severe epidemic of typhus demonstrated his possession of rare endowments and great knowledge, is now settled in Paris under most fortunate circumstances. He married the amiable adopted daughter of Hahnemann's venerable widow. He resides with Madame Hahnemann and has access to the literary relics of oar illustrious master. From these we may hope that, "in the fullness of time," much that is most valuable and interesting will be made public.

The second son Frederick (born April 14th, 1828) had at first determined to study law, and had actually made considerable progress therein. The example of his brother however induced him to abandon this profession for that of medicine. He repaired to the University of Berlin, where after the usual period of study, he graduated as his brother had done, with great distinction, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine with a license to practice. Having up to this time paid little or no attention to Homoeopathy, he now returned to the paternal roof for the purpose of watching the result of his father's practice, and of comparing these results with those with which he had become familiar in the allopathic hospitals in Berlin. He proposed after sufficient comparative observations of this kind, to make his choice between Homoeopathy and Allopathy. The nature of the choice could not be doubtful. His unqualified and enthusiastic preference was given to Homoeopathy. After one year of careful study he engaged in general practice near Munster, where, we believe, he still resides.

It will be perceived, from the above sketch, that the life of our friend and colleague was full of a diversified activity. In his official employments, as well as in his agricultural and botanical studies, he had always in view some well defined practical object, and this was generally something of a beneficent character. And when he began to labor in the field of homoeopathic medicine, his energies were exerted in a corresponding direction. Although deeply learned in ancient and modern philosophy, his mind was essentially of a practical turn. Those subjects had most attractions for him which presented the problem of definite labor for definite results. The theories and speculations and system making which have charms for many Homoeopathists, seemed to Boenninghausen to have but a secondary importance. He perceived that the matter of prime necessity was such a study of the Materia Medica as should bring out into bold relief the characteristic peculiarities of each individual remedy, so that the practitioner might easily and surely single out that remedy which might be most similar in its symptoms to the disease under treatment. To such a study he devoted himself. The success of his practice is the measure of the success of these studies as well as an indication of Boenninghausen's sagacity in selecting this as the most important subject of study.

As a result of these studies he published a small work containing the "Characteristics of Homoeopathic Remedies" and also a "Concordance of the Relations of the Remedies to each other." About the same time he published his "Therapeutic Pocket Book, or, manual for the student of the Materia Medica and for the physician at the bedside," a work designed chiefly to aid the student of the Materia Medica in following the course which Boenninghausen had found so successful. He published also a "Repertory of the Materia Medica," and which is on the whole the best yet constructed. In these works Boenninghausen brings prominently into view, the great importance of the characteristic symptoms and the value of the conditions aad concomitants of the symptoms, as marks of individualization.

It may be remarked that the work on "Characteristics" has never been translated into English, a similar but immeasurably inferior book of Jahr's having been unhappily preferred by the publishers. The "Therapeutic Pocket Book was translated into French and into English. But Boenninghausen pointed out to the writer the fact that the French translation was so carelessly made that the lists of remedies in several cases are placed under different headings from those under which they properly belong, thus making the work a false guide. This was done by Dr. Roth, the same who in his studies of Materia Medica is now making such charges of inaccuracy and carelessness against Hahnemann, and whom Dr. Hering has just convicted of grossly careless misquotation in his remarks upon Sabadilla. The English translation by Dr. Laurie has the same faults, having been translated from the "improved French" translation, and not from the original German. In America, two translations have appeared by Dr. Hempel and Dr. Okie.

Boenninghausen published also a little pamphlet on the "Treatment of Intermittent Fever," which was translated by Dr. Hempel.

In the last letter which the writer received from him, dated November 9th, 1863, he says, "I have now in press, at Leipzig, a treatise (as complete as possible) on the 'Treatment of Fevers,' a new edition of my pamphlet on this subject published in 1833, but not only considerably enlarged, but better arranged."

It is believed that he had nearly completed a work on the "Treatment of Epilepsy," as well as a new and enlarged edition of his "Repertory."

An essay on the treatment of "Hooping Cough" was published in 1856. An English translation with additions is now in the hands of the publisher.

The crowning literary work of his life however was that which appeared early in 1863, the "Aphorisms of Hippocrates, with the glosses of a Homoeopathist," a large octavo volume so full of learning and of sagacious observation as to have won enthusiastic commendation from the entire allopathic press. A French translation will soon appear at Brussels. Boenninghausen was anxious that the English translation should be made and published in America, where he believed that Homoeopathy had made greater and sounder progress than in England, and, but for the disturbances in business occasioned by the existing war, it is probable the translation would already have appeared. He desired that it should be proceeded by a biographical sketch of the author, and it is from materials furnished him for the compilation of this sketch that the writer has derived the data for the foregoing hasty memoir. The English translation will be adorned by a finely engraved portrait, from a painting by Roting in the possession of the writer.

Boenninghausen began to practise Homoeopathy according to the practical rules laid down by Hahnemann. When the high potencies were first introduced, he, at the instigation of Gross, began very cautiously to make experiments with them first upon domestic animals and afterwards, when encouraged by the results, very cautiously upon his patients. Seven years was devoted to these experiments, the results of which were always recorded and carefully collated. Finally he became convinced of the superiority of the higher over the the lower potencies and for twenty-two years, up to the time of his death, he used only the high potencies, at last, exclusively the 200th in all cases. It was his custom to record every case for which he prescribed. In 1862, he informed the writer that he had just begun the 112th volume of his "Clinical Record." Of these 112 volumes it is safe to estimate that at least eighty contain records of cases treated almost exclusively with high potencies. A rich mine of experience for the conscientious and intelligent explorer!

Boenninghausen adhered closely to Hahnemann's practical rules in prescribing. He was careful never to repeat the remedy until the effects of the dose already given were exhausted. He thoroughly disapproved of alternation of remedies.

In a work on "Domestic Practice" by Lutze, Boenninghausen has been referred to as recommending a combination of remedies. This is utterly false. The writer has in his possession, and will ere long publish, a letter in which he utterly denies any such recommendation, expresses most hearty reprobation of the practice and gives a history of the origin of the proposition to combine two or more remedies in a single prescription.

On resigning the offices which he held under the Prussian Government, Boenninghausen removed to Monster, where he built the house in which he lived when the writer visited him and in which he died. In. this house it was his custom to receive patients daily from nine, a.m., to two, p.m. From two to five, p.m., he spent in diversion, generally in walking about the suburbs, or along the beautiful promenade which surrounds the city, occupying the site of the former rampants, or else in the Botanical Garden attached to the Ducal Residence. It was in these hours of relaxation that his genial social qualities, his wit and his full and varied knowledge were seen to best advantage. The writer will ever remember how, in course of one of these walks, Boenninghausen, having gently rallied him on some evidences of home-sickness which he thought he had detected, gravely told him that he would take him to see a compatriot who resided in Munster. He accordingly led the way to the Botanical Garden, and there, with charming courtly ceremony, presented the writer to a stately Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), which he said he had imported from America forty years ago, and which he said he believed was the only immigrant from the United State in Westphalia.

His interest in the history and progress of Homoeopathy in all parts of the world was very great. Especially was he interested in its development in America, a country from which he had received many tokens of esteem and admiration.

On receiving a copy of the volume of "Transactions of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York," published in 1863 by the Legislature of the State, he expressed great pleasure, using the following language:

"I have been very agreeably surprised by the progress of Homoeopathy in your country. Your Government, indeed, does not cease to favor everything which is truly salutary to mankind. In truth it may well serve as a model for all other Governments. Its merit is all the greater, in that the calamity of war does not hinder it from extending a protecting hand over the public weal."

Thus, active, earnest in every good work, filling with honor positions of high public trust, but devoting his faculties with equally conscientious fidelity to the cure of peasant and noble, indifferent to nothing that concerns the welfare of mankind, ever ready to point out to the seeker after knowledge the paths which he had himself so successfully trodden, thus lived trusted, honored and beloved this distinguished physician and christian gentleman who has now gone to his rest. D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 10, 1864, pages 433-443]

[Description: Dr. C. von Boenninghausen.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1864]

FUNGI AND MEASLES.

Dr. Salisbury (Allopath), of Newark, Ohio, has, within the past year, made some very interesting investigations on the connection of measles and the fungi which constitute the mould, mildew, or mustiness of wheat and rye straw.

He observed, among other instances, in which the inhalation of the dust arising from mouldy straw had appeared to produce "fever, catarrh, and an eruption like measles, to the natural infection of which no exposure could be traced," that, at the military camp at Newark, measles appeared in December, "succeeding a week of cool and damp weather, with sleety rain and snow. During this time (600 or 700 men in camp), many of the tents were furnished with ticks, which were filled with straw for the men to sleep on. In the centre of each tent was a fire. The ticks were arranged around the fire. During the wet weather the ticks became damp. December 4th, the measles first appeared. No infection could be traced. * • In every case in

which our soldiers have gone into camp,' camp measles' have appeared in the same way. * • Similar symptoms are common among farmers after thrashing wheat."

In consequence of these observations, Dr. Salisbury made careful experiments which are detailed in the American Journal of Medical Sciences, July, 1862. He says, "I inoculated my arm with the spores and cells of the fungi of wheat straw, obtained by placing a straw covered with fungi on a plate of glass and hitting it a few taps. Next day, perfectly well, no inflammation or itching around the point of inoculation. Next day, slight nausea, redness and itching at point of inoculation. Next day, got up with feeling of lassitude and nausea, which continued all day; the redness and itching of the wound increased — difficulty in keeping warm — chilly all day; occasional sneezing; eyes sensitive; had peculiar feeling about the scalp as if red pepper or mustard had been rubbed into the pores.

"Fourth day. Nausea and lassitude continue; flashes of heat; the peculiar feeling of the scalp, increased and extended. A few blotches appeared on the face and neck. Eyes weak and inflamed. Heavy oppressed feeling about the chest; I felt as if I had a severe cold."

In short a smart attack of measles ran its course. Subsequent inoculations produced no effect. D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 02, 1863, pages 86-87]

[Description: Fungi and Measles.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1863]

Editorial Correspondence

St. Jago De Cuba, Jan. 27th1866.

This city lies in a basin on the South side of the Island of Cuba. It is surrounded by lofty mountains on all aides except the South, in which direction the bay, on which it lies, finds its way to the ocean about six miles distant, Being thus sheltered from North, East and West, the Northers which cause such sudden changes of temperatures on the North side of the Island and are so detrimental to invalids, pass over St. Jago almost without effecting any appreciable change in the atmosphere, and there results a uniformity of climate which is in the highest degree desirable for invalids. On the other hand, the heat is great, and inasmuch as the city lies at the head of a bay into which empty a number of small and rather sluggish rivers, the air at night and in the early morning is quite damp and there is a good deal of malaria. These objectionable features do not obtain in the climates of the suburbs on the slopes of the adjacent mountains. As we are informed and from what we have been able to observe, these afford just the climate, which invalids who seek to avoid the cold of the North, need. In cases of pulmonary weakness the atmosphere of the sugar-houses in which at this season the cane-juice is being boiled is said to be peculiarly beneficial, as is likewise the habit of drinking the hot cane-syrup, freely, in the early morning.

The highest temperature noted here during the latter two-thirds of January was, at noon of the 20th, 86°. The dew-point at that time was 78°. Taking the period, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., as constituting a day, the mean temperature has been 78° and the mean dew-point 73°. The extremes of temperature have been 86° (dew-point 78°) and 75° (dew-point 70°). This latter temperature was during the prevalence or a Norther. There has been rain but once in two months, a sudden shower on the evening of the 22d, lasting two hours.

Except when a Norther is blowing, the winds are a uniform land breeze during the night and early morning, and a sea breeze during afternoon and evening.

The nights are warm until about midday, when the air becomes cool and damp. These remarks apply to the city.

The accommodations for strangers are fair, according to the customs of the country, which, after all our prejudices to the contrary, it is always safest, in a strange country, to respect and follow. Expenses about as in New York.

Homoeopathy thrives better in St. Jago than elsewhere on the Island of Cuba; chiefly because of the great success it has achieved in the treatment of cholera in 1851, and or the yellow fever which is endemic here every summer. There are three homoeopathic physicians here, one of whom is the Subdelegado of the district or the head physician; the one through whom all communications from the government to the medical profession are made. Besides these three, there is a priest, who is a strong Homoeopathician and a learned and successful practitioner. He has practised here for fourteen years past.

The physicians here all use high potencies more or less, from the 80th to the 600th. All use globules, and indeed I am told that if a patient should see his physician prescribe a drop of the tincture or a mass of a trituration, he would decline the treatment as not being homoeopathic. It is also the custom to give infrequent doses, waiting the effect of the dose before repeating.

Alternation is not the fashion here. Unquestionably much of the success and of the consequent good repute of Homoeopathy in this city, springs from the purity of practice

Physicians here are of opinion that the residents of such warm climates respond very readily to attenuated remedies, and do not bear well the low potencies and massive doses. Let me remark, in passing, that these experiences controvert the assertions of some of our colleagues in the Southern states, who are went to assure us, that though the high potencies may do in the mild (?) diseases of temperate regions they are not strong (!) enough for the violent maladies of the torrid zone. And yet what disease more violent than yellow fever, which is here easily and promptly controlled by one or two doses of the 12th, or 30th, or 200th, as I am assured by my colleagues here? Or, what disease more sudden, more violent, and more to be dreaded than tetanus, which is very prevalent here and uniformly fatal under allopathic treatment, but of which one of the homoeopathic physicians here has cured twelve cases out of thirteen, with high potencies of Secale cor.

A few years ago a Dr. Iturraldi practised in St. Jago, a Spaniard and a very zealous Homoeopathician. He made extensive investigations of the properties of the plants indigenous to this region. Among those which he proved was one which he conceived to be a specific for the yellow fever, as it appears in this district. His success in the treatment of yellow fever with this remedy was very remarkable. He gave the remedy freely to his colleagues, whose success with it was equal to his own. From that time, yellow fever in at Jago has ceased to be a formidable disease under homoeopathic treatment. It is a very rare thing to lose a case. Dr. Iturraldi died without having informed any of his colleagues what was the remedy which he and they, following his example, found so efficacious. It is supposed that his son, who is a lawyer, in Spain, possesses the desired information, and efforts are making to obtain it from him. Meanwhile the medicine is to be obtained here in the potencies.

The Flora Medica of this Island furnishes a rich field for the drug-prover.

Besides the Mancinella and the Guao of which we have already some knowledge, there is a plant said to be used by the negroes to poison their obnoxious overseers or comrades whom they wish to destroy. It is a slow poison, producing dropsy and finally death by default of nutrition.

In its relations to the Government, Homoeopathy has little to complain of here. None are allowed to practise medicine here without a diploma or license from the University of Havana. But, this once obtained, no distinction is recognized, based on varieties of practice. Homoeopathic physicians are eligible to offices in the appointment of the Government and do, in fact, obtain them.

During one severe epidemic or yellow fever, they obtained control of a charitable hospital and met with a success which attracted the especial notice or the Government, so that permission has been accorded to establish a homoeopathic hospital here, an enterprise which, it is hoped, may soon be carried into effect.

C.D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 08, 1866, pages 316-318]

[Description: Homoeopathy in Cuba]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1866]

HOMOEOPATHY THE SCIENCE OF THERAPEUTICS.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEWBURGH, N. Y.

Homoeopathy claims to be "the Science of Therapeutics." This claim involves the assumption that prior to the establishment of Homoeopathy on a scientific basis, Therapeutics, as a science, had no existence. It is incumbent on Homoeopathists to show the justice of this assumption. To accomplish this it will be necessary to prove that such a science is possible, to demonstrate what its nature and conditions must be, and to show that medicine hitherto has not furnished the means for the construction of a science which fulfils these conditions.

It is the object of this paper, first, to discuss the nature and conditions of the only possible science of Therapeutics, to show that these conditions are not fulfilled by what is called rational medicine, and to inquire in what degree they are fulfilled by Homoeopathy. And, second, to examine the methods by which this science may be most successfully studied and made subservient to the practical art of medicine.

But on the threshold of the discussion we are met by the necessity of defining the term Therapeutics. It will be found that, though still sufficiently comprehensive, it is used by us in a much more restricted sense than that which, in popular thought, is attached to it.

Therapeutics being etymologically the science of curing diseases, it would seem to comprise the entire function of the physician. It is evident, however, on slight consideration, that the medical man in general practice brings into requisition too great a variety of scientific knowledge to admit of comprehension under a single term. To show how great this variety is and at the same time to give an indirect definition and limitation to the term Therapeutics, let us analyze a series of cases which shall not be ideal cases, but drawn from records of actual practice.

The physician is called in haste to an elderly person whose only intelligible complaint is of great anguish in the precordia, and which appears by its violence to endanger his life. If he be in immediate danger of death, the state of his affairs renders it desirable that his family should be informed of the fact and how long he will probably live. The prognosis is demanded and its correctness is a matter of great importance. The medical man must rely on his knowledge of Pathology* [Throughout this paper, as always by its author, Pathology is used with a meaning totally distinct from that of Pathological Anatomy. The former is the science of morbid processes and functions and is abstract; the latter is the science of morbid organs and tissues and is concrete. A corresponding distinction obtains between Physiology which is the science of healthy processes and functions and Physiological Anatomy, which is the science of healthy organs and tissues] for a conclusion respecting the nature, cause and probable termination of the disease. With this, if it be a fatal case, the function of the physician ends. Yet how important may this function be to the survivors! Here is as yet no question of Therapeutics. It is merely a problem in the natural history of disease which the physician regards just as a Naturalist would a problem in Physics, and just as if the idea of curing disease had never entered the head of man.

Again, he is called to a man who lies in an epileptiform convulsion. It is well known that convulsions may arise from the most various proximate causes. They may result from physical irritation of the nervous centres or of the extremities of the nerve-filaments, and in this case they will cease to recur so soon as the cause of irritation is removed; or, on the other hand, from modifications of the vital functions, such as are beyond our observation and which we can rectify only indirectly by the action of specific agents. The first problem before the physician is to determine by a study of the phenomena which the patient presents, to which of these great classes the case before him belongs. It is indispensable to determine this question, because the treatment of the case must depend directly upon it — in the former case it may be mechanical or hygienic; in the latter it must be therapeutic. He determines, we will suppose, in the case before us, that the convulsion is eccentric in its origin and reflex in its nature, and he sees reason for suspecting that it depends on some cause of irritation in a nerve-filament of the lower extremity. He seeks, in the history of the case, and by a physical examination for this irritating cause, and discovers that the patient had, years ago, received a gunshot wound in the thigh. There is no evidence that the ball was ever extracted. A close examination seems to confirm the conjecture that it still lies embedded in the muscles of the thigh. An exploratory operation is performed and the ball is actually found lying upon a branch of the sciatic nerve. It is removed and the patient has no more convulsions.* [This occurred in the practice of a distinguished Surgeon of Massachusetts.]

In this case the physician's knowledge of pathology enabled him to discriminate between the varieties of convulsion as to their proximate causes; his acquaintance with physiology familiarized him with the phenomena of reflex-nervous action and enabled him to detect the seat of the irritation, and finally his dexterity in practical surgery placed it in his power to cure the patient of a dreadful malady. But, in this case from beginning to end, Therapeutics were not call into play.

Again, the patient, a child of two and a half years, is subject to epileptiform convulsions, which occur daily, often twice a day. They first appeared when the child was fourteen months old and soon after it was weaned. They are now producing a very sad effect upon the child's intelligence. The same question of proximate cause, which the last case gave rise to, suggests itself, first of all, to the mind of the physician. Careful investigation satisfies him that there is probably a constant or a frequently repeated source of irritation in the digestive apparatus. What so probable cause of irritation in these organs as improper food? The question is put at once, "What food does your child take? Nothing whatever, except molasses cake and milk. How do you make molasses cake? Three cups of flour, one of butter, one of milk, one of molasses, one egg and a teaspoonful of pearlash! Very bad for your child! Give it good wheat bread and milk and nothing else, except this powder" (of sugar of milk as a placebo). The diet of the child is thus reformed, but no medicine is administered and the case is carefully watched. For one week the spasms steadily decrease in frequency and in violence, at the end of that period they cease and they never recur.* [This case occurred in 1857. There has been no recurrence of spasms. The child on good diet is healthy.] Thus an abnormal state of things, which would certainly have had a fatal issue, is rectified by the application of a knowledge of Physiology, Pathology and Hygiene; but Therapeutics has no part in it.

Errors in diet being perhaps the most numerous of all of which the community are guilty, instances like this might be accumulated to an indefinite extent. It is clear that a large part of a medical man's practice is made up of similar cases, and consequently that a great many serious cases may be successfully treated without recourse to medicine — without the aid of Therapeutics.

Again, a patient presents herself with the following history: Within three months she has rapidly emaciated; her sleep is disturbed, her appetite gone; she has night-sweats, is prone to diarrhea; takes frequent deep inspirations, which fatigue her; has a dry, hacking cough; complains of extreme weakness and despondency. A careful physical examination fails to discover organic disease of thoracic or abdominal organs, nor does an investigation of her domestic or social relations disclose any source of mental or affectional anxiety. The case is perplexing as to its inducing cause, and the physician inclines to ascribe it to dynamic causes and to have recourse primarily to specific remedies for its cure — in other words to call Therapeutics to his aid — when he discovers that the patient is nursing an infant of twelve months. Her milk is very abundant, but a microscopic examination shows that it is extremely deficient in oily matter. It is now clear that the patient is unequal to the drain to which nursing subjects her; she is suffering from consequent anaemia. It is ordered that she wean her babe at once. As soon as she does so, appetite returns, the cough and night-sweats disappear, and strength and flesh are restored. Now it is true that, in such a case, the decline of vigor may be retarded and after weaning, the restoration may be accelerated by a judicious application of Therapeutics; but it is unquestionably true that Therapeutics would play a very subordinate part, since no administration of medicines could be an offset to the drain which is exhausting the patient.

In cases of similar exhaustion, facial Neuralgia of a regularly intermitting character sometimes occurs and bids defiance to Therapeutics, the patient meanwhile declining rapidly in strength and health until, medicine being perhaps altogether discarded, but the patient induced to wean her infant and thereby enabled to take hearty food, strength and flesh return, and the Neuralgic pains cease. In this case, also, the restoration may be accelerated by a judicious recourse to Therapeutics, but here too Therapeutics must be subordinate to Hygiene.

Once more, a patient, who exhibits signs of depraved nutrition, complains of a burning pain under the angle of the right scapula, with a tight aching across the back between the scapulae. I fear that repeated prescriptions will fail to relieve this burning pain unless the physician's knowledge of pathology shall have suggested to him that the symptoms result ultimately from a too steady use of the needle with too rapid a motion, and unless his skill in Hygiene shall have enabled him so to order her mode of life as to combine due recreation and exercise in the open air with her necessary labor. Here, as in other cases, Therapeutics may of course come in and play a subordinate part.

Finally, a patient has severe darting and aching in the shin, especially at evening, with coldness of the extremity, and, after the pain has lasted an hour, great sensibility to touch, relieved by warmth and by continued motion. This case has been treated by a variety of Therapeutic agents in the hands of several learned practitioners, but with no success. It is noticed that the patient, in the course of his business, incurs great exposure to dampness and cold. A woollen stocking is advised, and he enjoys ever after adopting it almost complete freedom from suffering, and which is rendered absolutely complete by a few doses of Rhus tox. It must be remarked that this remedy had been previously administered in every variety of potency and dose.

Instances of a similar character to these might be indefinitely multiplied. They go to show — not that medicines are vain or unnecessary — but that very many cases of severe suffering and even of what threatens to become fatal disease occur in general practice, which call for and are successfully met by the application of scientific knowledge apart from Therapeutics. They show that an extensive and thorough knowledge of Physiology, Pathology and Hygiene are indispensable to the physician, to enable him to make that preliminary analysis of a case by which he shall determine under what category the case belongs, and whether or not it calls for treatment by medicines in part or entirely, whether it comes under the domain of Therapeutics or not. They show, moreover, that, in as much as Homoeopathy directly involves the science of Therapeutics alone, there is a large field which is occupied and cultivated in common by Homoeopathists and practitioners of the old school. They serve in part, also, to mark the boundaries of that field in which "Rational Medicine" may legitimately claim dominion, in which her chief honors have been won, and in which the great advances which she boasts of having made in the treatment of diseases within the last thirty years have almost exclusively been achieved — the field of Hygiene. It is fitting that we study for a few moments this territory of Hygiene which is common to practitioners of all the varieties of Therapeutic faith and practice; this science on which, together with the science of Therapeutics, the whole art of medicine is based; its subjects, limits, conditions and mode of growth.

The Nature and Limits of the Sciences of Hygiene and Therapeutics. — The living organism possesses a susceptibility to the action of certain general stimuli such as light, heat, electricity, aliment, atmospheric air, etc. The action and reaction of these stimuli and this susceptibility are the conditions of life. So long as they act upon it in a due relative proportion as regards intensity and quantity, the equilibrium of the functions is preserved and the organism continues in healthy action. The absolute withdrawal of one of the stimuli for any considerable length of time results in death. A disturbance of their due proportion in respect of intensity or quantity produces an abnormal performance of function in the organism — a deviation from health — disease. But these stimulti are continually varying in proportion, or, in other words the relative susceptibility of the organism is continually changing. Why does not disease constantly exist? Because the organism is endowed with either a faculty of provisionally supplementing to a limited extent one stimulus by another or with a kind of elasticity, a power of enduring for a certain time a disturbance of the equilibrium of these stimuli, and. of rebounding to a normal performance of functions again so soon as the natural proportion of the stimuli is restored or the deficiency made up. In this respect the living organism differs from an inorganic machine which cannot, in the nature of things, possess any power to endure a disturbance of that equilibrium of forces which is the condition of its normal working, without a disorganization from which it has no inherent power to recover.

But, in the organism this elasticity has its limits. This "vis medicatrix natures" is not inexhaustible. If the due proportion of the stimuli remain too long disturbed, the functions of the organism become permanently deranged — at least to such an extent that no restoration of the balance of the stimuli will cause a return to their normal performance. The functions are and remain deranged — disease has occurred; or, if we choose to call every deviation from a state of equilbrium disease, then we may say that now disease ensues which has no tendency to revert to health, without the intervention of some extraneous influence foreign to the organism and different from the general stimuli aforesaid. Since, then, the general stimuli will not bring back the organism to a healthy action, a new element must be sought for and introduced, the action of which upon the susceptibilities of the organism may cause a restoration to health. This new element will be a special stimulus. Being foreign to the organism and different from the general stimuli, not only must it act upon susceptibilities in the organism which the latter do not awaken — but the formula which shall express its relations to those susceptibilities, and which shall furnish the rule for its employment, can never be discovered by a study of Physiology, for Physiology concerns herself with the relations of the general stimuli aforesaid and the general susceptibilities of the organism. This formula of the relations of special stimuli and special susceptibilities can be discovered only by the application of induction to a multitude of instances of the action and reaction of such stimuli and susceptibilities and confirmed by subsequent deductive verifications. This formula will constitute an empirical law, which will be the law or fundamental principle of Therapeutics. For the application of special stimuli to the diseased organism is the domain of the science of Therapeutics, while all that concerns the restoration and maintenance of a proper equilibrium of the general stimuli appertains to the science of Hygiene.

These propositions may be more intelligible if illustrated by a reference to daily experience. A healthy man is exposed to an unusual degree of cold; in other words, there exists for him a deficit of heat, one of the general stimuli which are necessary to maintain life. Nature has anticipated variations in the supply of this stimulus from external sources by her liberal provisions of calorific apparatus within the organism. Despite the operation of this provision, he is chilled and suffers from rigors, etc. After a time he seeks shelter, sits by a fire, takes a warm drink; in other words receives from external sources an excess of that general stimulus from deficiency of which he has been suffering. His functions resume their normal play. He is in perfect health. Here the equilibrium of the functions has been disturbed and (if we use terms with extreme rigor) disease has been produced, but not to a degree beyond the provision of the vis medicotrix noturoe, the natural tendency to a restoration of the balance of the functions. The case was treated upon "general principles" in accordance the maxim causa sublato tollitur effectus. And this maxim represents, in fact, the great law of Hygiene, viz.: that it be ascertained what stimulus has been deficient or excessive in quantity or abnormal in quality and that the equilibrium of the stimuli be restored.

But let us suppose that the same man has again been exposed to cold, perhaps to a greater degree. He seeks shelter and essays to restore the lost heat, but without avail Despite the fire and warm drinks, the rigors continue and are succeeded by fever and quickened respiration, cough, etc., or by rheumatic pains, redness and swelling, etc. Why this difference between the cases? This case too has been treated on "general principles" The cause has been removed, why has not the effect ceased? The equilbrium of the general stimuli has been restored and the loss made good, why is not the normal equilibrium of the functions re-established?

The normal proportion of the general stimuli, it is true, has been restored, but during the disturbance a new element had been introduced into the problem. The organism had suffered a dynamic and then an organic change. The functions are permanently modified. The general stimuli may henceforth be balanced never so carefully, and in strictest accordance with the rules of Hygiene; the organism will not respond.

Its functions are performed after a new fashion. The organs are not susceptible to the wonted stimuli applied according to the laws of Hygiene. The organism has passed from a state of health into one of permanent disease. The general stimuli which, modified and balanced under the laws of Hygiene, sufficed to steady it as it rocked and swayed in its rapid course along the rough and crooked railway of life, will no longer answer the purpose, for in its rocking it has run off the track and is now bumping along over the crossties, making headway it is true, but towards its own destruction. It needs now the intervention of some new agent acting under a new law — of a jack-screw and levers operated by forces from without — to reinstate it on the road of healthy action. The wonted general stimuli under the laws of Hygiene being insufficient, new stimuli of a special character must be applied according to a new law. This new law, whatever it be, is the Therapeutic law, and these new stimuli are Therapeutic agents and the study of the law, and of the agents constitutes the science of Therapeutics.

Having thus marked out its limits, we have next to inquire what the nature of any possible science of Therapeutics must be. Its subject is the modified functions and organs of the body. Its agents are special stimuli drawn from whatever region of the external world. By what sort of a formula can these agents be applied to that subject? Can the Therapeutist act on "general principles" as the Hygienist does? Can he act on the maxim causa sublata tollitur effectus! Obviously he cannot In so far as the cause of disease can be discovered in external influences, the treatment falls within the limits of the science of Hygiene as already discussed. In so far, however, as the cause of disease is identical with the essential cause of the modification of function or organ which we recognize as the disease, it can never be discovered for it is the same, in its nature, as the cause of healthy functional or organic action; in other words, it is life itself, the nature of which, as of every first cause is inscrutable. It being impossible then to ascertain the essential cause of disease, and to apply a remedy according to the rational method — as the Hygienist does — the Therapeutist is necessarily thrown back from an attempt to investigate causes, to the study of phenomena and to the adoption of the empirical method. In accordance with this method the subject of his researches will be respectively the phenomena manifested by the patient, and the phenomena produced by the special stimulus, and his endeavor must be to discover & general formula which shall express a constant relation between these two series of phenomena and shall serve as the Therapeutic law. In thus acting, and upon this method, he will do precisely what the student of every branch of Natural Science does and has done. For in his inability to find out the essential cause of the phenomena that form the subject of his study, the physician finds himself in the very same predicament as the Naturalist who likewise has vainly sought to discover the essential causes of the phenomena of gravitation, of light, of chemical action, and of electricity. As the physician is unable to discover the essential nature of life and organism, whether normal or modified, to ascertain the cause, of health or of disease, and is therefore unable to treat disease upon the principle "tolle causam" (except in matters of Hygiene as before stated), or "on general principles;" so the Naturalist has been compelled to abandon the rational method such as Aristotle proposed and philosophers elaborated up to the time of Bacon and Newton, and to adopt an empirical method in which the fundamental principle is an empirical law or generalization expressing the relation between two series of phenomena. The science of Physics, for example, consists of the phenomena respectively of two bodies, or series of bodies, so far as density and volume are concerned, and of the law of gravitation which expresses the relation between these respective phenomena.

The Therapeutist, then, abandoning all idea of constructing a science of Therapeutics on the rational method, must have recourse to the empirical as the elaborators of other natural sciences have done. The elements of his science will be as follows: He has to deal with a subject known by its phenomena — the sick body; with an agent known also by its phenomena — the drug; and with a law which shall tell how to apply the agent to the subject for the accomplishment of a cure — a law which shall express the general relation between the drug and the morbid organism.

The following tabular statement will show more clearly the nature of Therapeutics as a science and its harmony with other Natural Sciences; for every Inductive Natural Science (except those of classification) consists elementarily of two series of independent phenomena, connected by the formula of their general relation:

THERAPEUTICS

Morbid Functions & Organs Or, Pathology and Pathological Anatomy, Or, Sick-Phenomena,

Therapeutic Law.

Toxic Functions & Organs, Or, Pathogenesis & Pathogenetic Anatomy. Or, Drug-Phenomena.

PHYSICS.

Phenomena of the Sun, as regards Volume and Density,

Law of Attraction,

Phenomena of the Earth, as regards Volume and Density

CHEMISTRY.

Properties of Potassa,

Law of Chemical Affinity and Definite Proportion

Properties of Sulphuric acid

OPTICS.

Properties of the Luminious Body,

Law of the Diffusion of Light.

Properties of the Light-receiving body.

Though thus simple in theory, Therapeutics is in reality the most complex of all the natural sciences. Each of the classes of phenomena requires for its study the aid of several auxiliary sciences. Thus, in order to know thoroughly the phenomena of disease, we must call to our aid Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology. To know and understand thoroughly the phenomena of artificial disease or pathogenesey, we must avail ourselves of the same auxiliary sciences. The more imperfect our knowledge of these sciences, the less complete will be our acquaintance respectively with the phenomena of Pathology and Pathogenesy and the converse. But, however complete or partial may be our knowledge of these two classes of phenomena, the relation between them, as known, remains the same and is always expressed by the therapeutic law. The same is true of Physics and of all the natural sciences. Our knowledge of the physical properties of matter is continually increasing. The more complete it is the more exact will be our application of the law of attraction. But complete or incomplete the law is equally applicable and pro tanto available.

The Conditions of a Science of Therapeutics. — We come now to consider two conditions to which every natural science must be subject, and which may therefore serve as tests of its fitness to be regarded as a "Science" The first of these is a capability of infinite progress in each of its elements without detriment to its integrity as a whole. — We have already seen that the science of Physics is capable of such progress in the phenomena with which it deals. (Our knowledge of these phenomena is continually growing more comprehensive and more minute, and new elements of knowledge are continually coming into our possession with regard to them; yet their relation to each other through the law of attraction remains the same, and the science in its nature and structure receives no modification. But not only are its subjects, the phenomena, capable of progress; the law itself may advance from a minor to a grander generalization, as it was advanced step by step, by Newton, and still without destruction of the previous steps. The same is true of Chemistry. As our means of investigation become more exact and extensive, our knowledge of the properties of bodies increases; yet the law of Chemical Affinity in definite proportions remains undisturbed. Furthermore, this law itself becomes the subject of more extended generalizations. The law as established by Black and Cavendish was suspended, yet not overthrown (nor the science disturbed) by the wider generalization of Dalton's Atomic Theory; and this again forms but a part of Faraday's Theory of the Identity of Chemical Affinity and Electrical Attraction, and amid all these revolutions in abstract theory, the science of practical Chemistry has held an even way.

In the science of Optics, again, the phenomena of the luminious body and those of the light-receiving body are connected by the law of the transmission and diffusion of light. This structure of the science and all that is based upon it, rests undisturbed through all the mighty changes which recent discoveries have wrought in our knowledge of Optics — enriched but not revolutionized by them. But while the progress of the science has been thus rapid and uninterrupted, philosophers have been and remain at variance respecting the very nature of light and its mode of propagation. One school holds to the theory of emission; another to the undulatory theory. Now, let us suppose that the science of Optics instead of being based upon an empirical law, the result of induction, and which expresses the relation between two series of observed phenomena had been based upon a theory of the essential nature of light and its mode of transmission. It is very evident that the whole structure that might be built upon the theory of emission would be toppled over so soon as the theory of undulation should be established. And should subsequent observation again lend countenance to the theory of emission, down would go, of necessity, the whole science as built upon the undulatory theory. And, thus, inasmuch as experience and sound philosophy render it tolerably certain that we shall never attain absolute knowledge on this subject, we should have, through all time, an endless succession of half completed fabrics and hopeless ruins, but no infinitely progressive science of Optics.

This furnishes an exact illustration of what would be the history of any science of Therapeutics not constructed upon the empirical plan already elaborated. Let us suppose that instead of taking as the subject of action, the phenomena of disease as derived from observation with all the aid which auxiliary sciences can afford, we should take a theory of disease — its essential nature and mode of development — and upon this theory should construct a science. All would go well, until facts should show that our theory was insufficient and untenable (and facts would show this since, as we have already seen, the essential nature of disease is inscrutable). Now our whole structure would be overthrown, nor would the fragments even be available for the construction of another science on another theory, for they would consist of observations made, not independently, but on the basis of a theory and with reference to it There could thus be no possibility of steady, uninterrupted, infinite progress in the science. There would be a succession of dynasties of theory, each based on the overthrow of a former, and each in turn demolished by its successor. That this is the history of the Therapeutics of the old school of medicine up to the present day is admitted by common consent. It will continue until attempts to erect a rational science of Therapeutics upon a theory of disease, confounding the law with the phenomena, shall give place to the construction of an empirical inductive science.

"What then!" it may be asked, "shall we not investigate and theorize upon the nature of disease in general, or of diseases in particular?" By all means investigate and theorize just as physicists do upon the nature, properties and transmission of light — but do it as studying the science of Pathlogy, not that of Therapeutics — and avoid most carefully, making these theories which can be at best no more than temporary aids to the observation and grouping of phenomena, the basis of a practical science. If, however, they throw light on the study of phenomena, render our observations of them more keen and more exact, or afford no connecting links between isolated groups of phenomena — and they will do all this — they will render valuable indirect aid to the science of Therapeutics, just as similar investigations of light have advanced our knowledge of Optics.

A second condition or test of a natural science, and therefore of any proposed science of Therapeutics, is that it shall provide for the prediction of future events within its own domain. It must furnish means of prevision. The problem must be as follows: Given the law and one series of phenomena, to state the corresponding series of phenomena on the other side. This condition is admirably stated by Whewell: "Men cannot help believing that the laws laid down by discoverers must be in a great measure identical with the real laws of nature, when the discoverers thus determine effects beforehand, in the same manner in which nature herself determines them when the occasion occurs. Those who can do this must to a great extent have detected nature's secret — must have fixed upon the conditions to which she attends and must have seized the rules by which she applies them. Such a coincidence of untried facts with speculative assertions cannot be the work of chance, but implies some large portion of truth in the principles on which the reasoning is founded. To trace order and law in that which has been observed, may be considered as interpreting what nature has written down for us and will commonly prove that we understand her alphabet. But to predict what has not been observed, is to attempt ourselves to use the legislative phrases of nature; and when she responds plainly and precisely to that which we thus utter, we cannot but suppose that we have in a great measure made ourselves masters of the meaning and structure of her language. The prediction of results even of the same kind as those which have been observed, in new cases, is a proof of real success in our inductive processes "Whewell Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, Vol. II, pp. 64, 65.

The discovery of the planet Neptune by Leverrier and Adams affords an instance of this prevision, in Astronomy, the details of which are familiar to all. The problem was: Given the law of attraction and a series of phenomena, consisting of certain unexplained perturbations of Jupiter — to find the other and corresponding series of phenomena. The calculations were made; the resulting phenomena were stated to be those of an undiscovered planet of a given size and orbit and a definite location, the existence of which was accordingly affirmed and its discovery predicted. Physical investigation confirmed the induction.

This condition applies to all natural sciences, and of course to Therapeutics. The problem would be: Given the Therapeutic law and a certain series of phenomena of natural or drug-disease, to find the corresponding series of phenomena of drug or natural disease.

Does "Rational Medicine" Fulfil these Conditions? — This being the nature and these the conditions and tests of the only possible science of Therapeutics, we come now to inquire whether the old-school Therapeutics are of this nature or will sustain these tests. The works of the foremost men of the old school abound in admissions of their lack of a Therapeutic law and of the chaotic state of their practice. See Forbes, Bennett, Tod, Holmes and others. But the efforts of these men to remedy this sad state of things show a constant misapprehension of the philosophy of the science they are striving to construct.

We may divide old school Therapeutics into two methods. The one bases the plan of cure upon a theory of the nature of the disease,*[Thus Prof. Geo. T. Elliott in his recent Valedictory to the Graduating class at Bellevue College Hospital says: "In these wards, by those bedsides, hare you seen the patient application of the searching analytical laws by which we seek to discover the essentiality of disease."] endeavors so to study the pathology of the disease as to form a sound hypothesis of its modus operandi and then essays the cure upon "general principles." It undertakes in fact to act in Therapeutics upon what we have seen to be the true method in Hygiene. There are three objections to this method, any one of which would be conclusive were there not a prior difficulty in the simple impossibility of arriving at a knowledge of the nature of disease, which is modified life. A simple example will show this impossibility. In Pneumonia, the blood contains an excess of fibrine. How happens this? Why, either the elimination of fibrine has been retarded or its fabrication has been accelerated. What are the agents of these respective processes? Cells — which are essentially similar in all parts of the body — and yet whose structureless walls possess the power of separating from the circumambient fluids the most diverse substances in different organs, nay, even of manufacturing new substances. Now, until we can learn the secret of this mysterious power of the cell-wall, which begins and ends with life, which we can neither comprehend nor imitate nor simulate, we shall not-arrive at an understanding of the nature of any disease.

Of the other objections to this method the first two are somewhat paradoxical. The method constitutes rather a congeries of sciences of Therapeutics based on theories of isolated groups or types of disease, than a single, all embracing science founded on one comprehensive theory of disease. Hence a new science must be formed for every new type. It is too special. On the other hand, it is too general to embrace all the phenomena of each individual case. For observation shows incontestably that, so great are the varieties of temperament and relative organization and condition among men, that no two cases of the same disease, so to speak, are exactly alike.

Such a Therapeutics must be necessarily based on a theory which is a generalization and which therefore overlooks those phenomena of a given case which are peculiar to the individual patient and takes cognizance only of those phenomena which are common to a great number of cases. Now a method which requires such generalization and makes no provision for the strictest individualization is radically vicious.

The eye of science regards natural phenomena with the most absolute impartiality. In her view there are no trifles no events, subjective or objective, which are "irrelevant" and "of no moment." A method of Therapeutics, however, which selects a few symptoms, calls them pathognomonic of Pneumonia, constructs upon them a theory of the disease and from this deduces a mode of cure, must disregard many phenomena of every individual case. It arbitrarily pronounces them "accidental" — but Nature knows no accidents.

So far is this method from meeting the requirements of inductive science, that it is not too much to say that this process of generalization actually leads to the treatment of cases which have no real existence and never had any, in fact, to the treatment of abstractions. For who ever saw a case in which none but the pathognomonic symptoms of Pneumonia were present — or of Rheumatism or Dysentery? Who ever saw ideal cases of these diseases? We all see cases which present the pathognomonic symptoms plus certain others peculiar to the individual, but these vary with the individual and thus make each case different from every other. We see and treat the Pneumonia or Rheumatism of John Doe or Richard Roe, each of which presents, in addition to the pathognomonic signs of the disease, certain peculiar modifications impressed upon these signs by the temperament and idiosyncrasies of these persons, along with with other symptoms peculiar to each. For such an individualization of disease as would give equal (or, as they deserve higher) rank to these peculiarities of the individual patient, the method under consideration makes no provision. This fallacy was perceived and well exposed by the Leipsic Professor, who recently exclaimed to his class: "Gentlemen, we have to do with patients and not with diseases"

The next objection to this method is that it does not fulfill the first condition of a physical science. It is not capable of infinite progress. This point needs no elaboration. It was fully considered when the condition was stated. In confirmation of what was then said, I need only refer to the successive rise and decline of Brunonism, Broussaisism, the humoral and solid pathology, the theory of the dyscrasias and the reign and decadence of Iron, Iodine, Cod Liver Oil, etc.

The second method of Old School Therapeutics is the Methodical which discards theory and founds its rules for treating disease upon numerical data obtained from observation or by experience upon the sick.

Given records of three series of cases, 1000 in each, and under three modes of treatment. Under treatment A 500 recovered; under B, 300; under C, 200. A is adopted as the established mode of treatment for the disease — "Risum teneatis, Amici?" An elaborate criticism of this method is unnecessary. It is enough to say that it does not fulfill either condition of a physical science. It is incapable of infinite progress. The addition of 500 cases to the 3000 above named might modify all conclusions and place treatment C in advance of A or B. There would result a complete revolution in practice and in the direction of investigation.

But it utterly fails to enable us to foresee and provide against new forms of disease. If a thousand or two of cases must be seen and experimented upon, in all conceivable ways, before definite and trust-worthy conclusions as to the best treatment can be arrived at, who would not pray that his turn might come among the third or fourth thousand? Who would not pity the victims among the first thousands?

Notwithstanding these obvious objections, this method of constructing a science of Therapeutics upon observation, whether at random or based on experimentation upon the sick, has the sanction of some of the highest names in the profession — among which it is sufficient to name Louis and Forbes. It demands therefore a more extended consideration. As it involves the application of both Mathematics and Logic, the opinion of the highest authorities in these respective sciences should be conclusive as to the soundness of the method and we content ourselves with quoting two of them:

M. Auguste Comte, one of the first living mathematicians and who would therefore be disposed to apply mathematical methods to the natural sciences wherever this were possible, expresses himself in the following manner concerning the numerical method in medicine:

"Indeed, the spirit of calculation tends in our day to introduce itself into this study (Physiology), especially into that part of it which relates to medical questions by a far less direct method under a far more deceptive form and with infinitely more humble pretensions. I wish to speak of that assumed application of it which is called the Statistics of Medicine, from which so many savans expect great things and which, from its very nature, can lead only to profound and direct degradation of the medical art (which would be reduced by it to a method of blind enumeration). Such a method, if we may be allowed to call it by the name of method at all, cannot in reality be anything else than absolute empiricism, disguised under the frivolous garb of mathematics. Pushed to its extreme logical consequences, it will tend to make all rational medication radically disappear from medicine, by conducting the practitioner to make random trials of certain therapeutic measures with the object of noting down, with minute precision, the numerical results of their application. It is evident, on principle, that the continued variations to which all organism is subject, are necessarily more pronounced in pathological than in a normal state, and as a consequence of this fact, the cases must be even less exactly similar, whence results the manifest impossibility of making a judicious comparison between two curative methods derived from data, furnished by statistical tables alone, independent of some sound medical theory. No doubt some direct experimentation, restrained under proper limits, might be of great importance to medicine as well as to Physiology, but it is precisely under the strict condition that it shall never be merely empirical, but shall always attach itself either in institution or in its interpretation to an entire system of corresponding positive doctrines. Notwithstanding the imposing aspect of the forms of exactness, it would be difficult to conceive of an opinion in Therapeutics more superficial and more uncertain than that which rests solely on the easy computation of fatal and favorable cases, to say nothing of the pernicious practical consequences of such a manner of proceeding, when one could not beforehand exclude any kind of attempt.

It is really deplorable that geometricians have sometimes honored with some kind of encouragement, such a profoundly irrational aberration by making vain and puerile efforts to determine by their illusory theories of chances, the number of cases sufficient to make these statistical results legitimate." — Cours de Philosophie positive par M. Augusts Comte, Tom. III, pp. 418, 420.

And with a direct reference to the method of obtaining a correct system of Therapeutics by experimenting with individual medicines and individual cases of diseases, and forming of the results statistical tables from which deductions are to be drawn by the numerical method, the highest modern authority in philosophy, John Stuart Mill, speaks in his System of Logic (Harper's edition, 1848, p. 260). "Let the subject of inquiry be the conditions of health and disease in the human body; or (for greater simplicity) the conditions of recovery from a given disease; and in order to narrow the question still more, let it be limited, in the first instance, to this one inquiry — Is or is not a particular medicament (Mercury for instance) a remedy for that disease?

The experimental method would simply administer Mercury in as many cases as possible, noting the age, sex, tem perament and other peculiarities of bodily constitution, the particular form and variety of the disease, the particular stage of its progress. etc., remarking in which of these cases it produced a salutary effect and with what circumstances it was on those occasions combined. * * *

When we divise an experiment to ascertain the effect of a given agent, there are certain precautions which we never if we can help it, omit. In the first place, we introduce the agent into the midst of a set of circumstances, which we have exactly ascertained. It need hardly be remarked how far this condition is from being realized in any case connected with the phenomena of life; how far we are from knowing what are all the circumstances which preexist in any instance in which Mercury is administered to a living being. This difficulty, however, though insuperable, in most cases, may not be so in all; these are sometimes (though I should think never in Physiology) concurrences of many causes in which we yet know accurately what the causes are. But when we have got rid of this obstacle, we encounter another still more serious. In other cases, when we intend to try an experiment, we do not reckon it enough that there be no circumstances in the case, the presence of which is unknown to us. We require also that none of the circumstances which we do know of, shall have effects susceptible of being confounded with those of the agent whose properties we wish to study. We take the utmost pains to exclude all causes capable of composition with the given cause; or if forced to let in any such causes, we take care to make them such that we can compute and allow for their influence, so that the effect of the given cause may, after the subduction of those other effects, be apparent as a residual phenomenon.

These precautions are inapplicable to such cases as we are now considering. The Mercury of our experiment being tried with an unknown multitude (or let it be a known multitude) of other influencing circumstances, the mere fact of their being influencing circumstances implies that they disguise the effect of the Mercury, and preclude us from know whether it has any effect or no. * * *

In phenomena so complicated it is questionable if two cases similar in all respects but one ever occurred; and were they to occur we could not possibly know that they were so exactly similar.

Anything like a scientific use of the method of experiment in these complicated cases is therefore out of the question. We can in the most favorable cases, only discover, by a succession of trials, that a certain cause is very often followed by a certain effect."

Has "Rational Medicine" Accomplished Nothing? — But it may reasonably be asked, can it be possible that a large number of men of every generation since Hippocrates, and among them some of the brightest intellects the world has known should have been engaged in the study and practice of medicine, with no better result than this — a simple vacuity? I admit the rare intelligence and devotion of the laborers. But, in the first place, the task is mightier than any other essayed by man; may it not reasonably require ages to complete its plan? Again, labor however intelligent and devoted, if misdirected, must fail of its end. If one generation of intellectual giants erect a towering fabric and their equally lusty successors demolish it, what does the third inherit save a heap of rubbish which it may require the best years of its life to clear away. Generation after generation of wise men labored to construct the physical theory of the universe, yet not until the recent day of Newton did we learn how to begin aright. True, Newton's predecessors from the earliest ages observed and stored away a mass of isolated facts of the greatest value, but they knew not the magic word wherewith to charm them into order. In like manner, it is not denied that we are indebted to our predecessors for a vast number of isolated facts of incontestible value as materials to be Used in the construction of a science of Therapeutics. We are indebted to them also for the elaboration of those subsidiary sciences — Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Chemistry and the like, in which, indeed, the great glories of the medicine of today have been won, and without which, we cheerfully admit, Therapeutics as a science could not exist.

But it is said that Therapeutics must have advanced in as much as the rates of mortality have steadily diminished. One sort of improvement we gladly acknowledge. Simultaneously with the spread of Homoeopathy, old school physicians began to learn to abstain from mischievous modes of treatment formerly pursued, and which terribly enhanced the natural fatality of diseases. Professor Bennett in the the introduction to his work on Clinical Medicine, specifies following diseases in treating which he says: "Great improvements have been made, and he adduces this as a a proof of the advancement of medicine, Apoplexy, Pneumonia and Pleurisy, Syphilis, Small Pox, Phthisis, Bright's disease and Favus." A reference to the chapters in which ho treats of these diseases shows that he conceives the improvement in their treatment to consist in abstinence from methods which were formerly employed and which he clearly proves were very mischievous. For example, Blood-letting in Apoplexy, Pneumonia, Pleursy, Phthisis and Bright's disease — the immoderate use of Mercury in Syphilis — heroic medication and external warmth in Small Pox, and avoidance of all internal medication for Favus which he conceives to be a vegetable parasite. This improvement then is purely negative, a very poor ground on which to claim positive advancement in the construction of a science, however deserving of the gratitude of suffering humanity. The formula for improvement of all kinds is, "Cease to do evil; learn to do well." We admit that the old school are learning to obey the former, the negative clause. We invite them to advance and join us in the latter, the positive.

Again, an extended knowledge of the remote causes of disease and of the principles of Hygiene have enabled medical men to prevent the occurrence or the spread of many forms of disease. And far be it from us to undervalue, through any love of a newly constructed science of Therapeutics, this branch of a physician's function, the forestalling or arrest of maladies by Hygienic means. As increased knowledge in this department of science has enabled us to dispense with therapeutic agents in many cases in which they were formerly resorted to, so we firmly believe that, with the advancement of learning, Hygiene will more and more curtail the boundaries of Therapeutics until the day shall come when the physician shall be prized as the preserver rather than solely the restorer of health, and shall be consulted respecting the means of preventing rather than solely of curing disease, and the "family doctor" shall be regarded as the confidential adviser, valuable in proportion as he keeps his client out of bed, just as the family lawyer is confided in, for the purpose of keeping his clients out of court! In that day there will be fewer apothecaries.

Does Homoeopathy Fulfil the Conditions of a Science of Therapeutics? Returning now to our argument, we find that the field is open for a science of Therapeutics. In the light of what has been said we proceed to examine the claims of Homoeopathy to the honor of being that science.

In its structure as a science, Homoeopathy conforms to the model we have delineated. It consists of a law or formula which expresses the relation between two series of phenomena, those of a given case of disease on the one hand and those of a given drug-proving on the other. The elaboration of each of these series is the province of various subsidiary sciences, and they are analogous in their mode of elaboration. Each series, however, is entirely independent of the other. Each may be pursued independently, as a branch of Natural Science and under the heads of Pathology and Pathogenesy respectively, researches may be made in each without any view to a practical application in the cure of the sick. It is only when connected by the law of their relation (the formula of similarities) that they constitute the science of Therapeutics.

Their application moreover, in obedience to this law is based upon no hypothesis respecting the essential nature of either variety of phenomena or of their modus operandi where brought into operation. This may surprise some who know how earnestly Hahnemann argued on these very points in his Organon. But these arguments were no essential parts of his system. They were the results of an endeavor to commend his discovery to the prevalent way of thinking. They constitute the only controvertible part of his writings and are the only positions of his which have not triumphantly withstood the assaults of his critics.

Coming now to apply to Homoeopathy as tests the condition to which we have shown that every inductive science must conform, we find in the first place that it is capable of infinite progress in each of its elements, without' such progress involving the destruction or denial of what has been previously constructed or received. The study of the phenomena (whether of disease or of drug-action) was limited at first to the observation of external manifestations and subjective sensations as these might present themselves to our senses unassisted by any of the aids by which modern science has sharpened them, or to our minds unaided by that knowledge of the connection and mutual relations and dependences of symptoms for which we are indebted to modern discoveries in Chemistry and Pathology. But these advances in Pathology, great as they have been, have not altered the relation which the phenomena of natural disease bear to those of drug-disease. These phenomena respectively, whether rudely apprehended or clearly and fully understood in all their relations and inter-dependencies still bear the same relation to each other — expressed by the law Similia Similibus Curantur. And we can imagine no possible development of the sciences of Pathology and Pathogenesy which could alter this relation.

And then the law itself may be but a stepping-stone to a still wider generalization which shall one day embrace both it and something beside, and which shall make clear some things which we now see darkly. But should this occur, as the like has occurred in other Natural Sciences, there will be, there can be, no revolutionary action in it. It may be that the edifice, as we now occupy it, is still unfinished — it may be that other stories are one day to be added — but assuredly, as the tower is to the spire, as the buttress to the pinnacle, bo will this generalization be to that which may be constructed upon it — a basis — an indispensable first step in the construction of the science.

The complete manner in which the second condition, that of prevision, fulfilled by Homoeopathy is a source of inexpressible benefit to the race. It follows from the very terms of the science that if the phenomena of a given case of disease be known, the law of relation will at once point to the appropriate remedy (if this be contained in the Materia Medica) and this indication may be relied upon with implicit confidence, even though no such case of disease have ever heretofore been subjected to treatment. Conversely, when the properties of a given drug have been investigated and its toxic phenomena well ascertained, the physician is able to pronounce with certainty what form of disease it will cure, even though no such disease has ever been witnessed or treated by himself or by anybody. An illustrious example of this prevision was afforded by Hahnemann. The terrible fatality of Asiatic Cholera on its first invasion of Europe is well known. In extenuation of their lack of success, physicians of the old school pleaded that the disease was new to them — they had had no opportunities to study it and to ascertain by experiment the effects of remedies upon it. The plea was plausible, but fatal to the pretensions of their science. In fact it was good for nothing. For surely the first thousand cases should have afforded means enough for learning the pathology of the disease and how to cure it, if this were to be learned from Pathology. But hundreds of thousands perished and yet the percentage of mortality remained the same.

While the disease was still on the confines of Europe — before it had invaded Germany — long before either he or any of his disciples had ever seen a case of it, "Hahnemann guided by the unerring therapeutic rule he had discovered, at once fixed upon the remedies which should prove specific for it and caused directions to be printed and distributed over the country by thousands, so that on its actual invasion the Homopathists and those who had received Hahnemann's directions were fully prepared for its treatment and prophylaxis, and thus there is no doubt many lives were saved and many victims rescued from the pestilence. On all sides statements were published testifying to the immense comparative success that had attended the employment of the means recommended by Hahnemann before he had seen or treated a single case. This one fact speaks more for Homoeopathy and the truth of the law of nature on which the system is founded than almost any other I could offer, viz.: that Hahnemann from merely reading a description of one of the most appallingly rapid and fatal diseases could confidently and dogmatically say such and such a medicine will do good in this stage of the disease, such and such other medicines in that; and that the united testimony of hundreds of practitioners in all parts of Europe should bear practical testimony to the accuracy of Hahnemann's conclusions." — Dudgeon's Lectures on Homoeopathy, p. 37.

We may add that in the second Epidemic of Cholera in 1849, the old school, despite their experience in 1831-34, had but little better success, while again the justice of Hahnemann's conclusions and the claim of Homoeopathy to that prevision which characterises a true science were vindicated by the splendid success of the homoeopathic treatment.

John Stuart Mill, in the portion of his work on Logic from which we have already quoted, in speaking of the three methods of investigation — that of observation, that of experimentation and that of deduction — after showing conclusively that the two former are inapplicable to medicine, speaks of the deductive method in terms which are (unintentionally of course, and for this very reason they are the more conclusive) a description of the philosophy of Homoeopathy. "If, for instance, we try experiments with Mercury on a person in health, in order to ascertain the general laws of its action upon the human body, and then reason from these laws to determine how it will act upon persons affected with a particular disease, this may be a really effectual method, but this is deduction"

III. How to Study the Science of Therapeutics. — The method of studying the two series of phenomena which, together with the law of relation, constitute the science of Therapeutics, follows from what has been said.

When first brought into the presence of a concrete case of disease, the business of the physician is to ascertain what branch of medical science he is called upon to exercise. Is the case one which requires Hygienic management or Therapeutic, or both, or is the patient beyond the reach of art? To answer these questions a diagnosis and prognosis must be made and to make these a knowledge of the remote and proximate causes, and of the course and termination of diseases is required. In a word a knowledge of Physiology and Pathology is indispensable on the very threshold of medical practice and before any question of Therapeutics has arisen.

When these preliminary questions have been settled and the case has been found to come within the domain of Therpeutics, its phenomena are to be studied in such a way that all deviations from a normal state may be perceived as well those which are common to a number of similar cases, as more particularly those which seem to be peculiar to the individual case in hand, and which therefore serve to give it individuality and to distinguish it from all other and similar cases. The case is to be then individualized as sharply as possible, and a complete picture of the morbid phenomena obtained in their natural groups and connections.

Now morbid phenomena are deviations from healthy phenomena. How can we recognize the deviations unless we are familiar with the standard? How can we appreciate morbid phenomena save through a knowledge of Physiology which is the science of healthy phenomena?

In like manner, we are able to get a complete picture of the morbid symptoms only by an orderly and methodical investigation; and such an investigation is possible to those alone who are familiar with the relations and sequences of morbid phenomena — that is to say with Pathology, A simple reference to practical experience will prove this. A patient complains of pain in her left hypochondrium, distress and faintness in the epigastrum, vertigo and various symptoms of dyspepsia but never thinks of mentioning — perhaps is unconscious of — certain evidences of uterine disease to which the attention of the physician is instantly directed through his knowledge of the connection and sequence of symptoms. So of the connection of certain forms of vomiting with disease of the brain or of the kidneys, etc., etc.

Clearly then Physiology and Pathology are quite indispensable to the physician, and they speak with little thought who affirm that these sciences are of no value to the Homoeopathist and are disregarded by him. They are the sciences respectively of healthy and morbid phenomena. He cannot take the first step in the study of disease or of Materia Medica save by their aid. But, he restricts them to their legitimate function. Pathology is for him not a guide in Therapeutics, but an instrument which he uses in studying those phenomena which are to be respectively the subject and the agents of his therapeutic operations.

Having, by the aid of Pathology, arrived at a complete and comprehensive knowledge of the morbid phenomena, he passes on beyond the confines of that science to a higher and more complex science, whose domain is the relation of the phenomena of which he has thus acquired a knowledge, with other phenomena. Through Pathology he learns to know disease, but it is through Therapeutics alone that he can cure it! And it is quite time that it were well understood not only by the profession but also by the public, that to know the nature and course of a disease is not of necessity to know how to cure it! It may be a necessary preliminary step — but it is nothing more. Nor is this true of medicine alone. My carriage breaks down, I well know where it has broken and why and how, yet this knowledge does not involve the knowledge how to forge and weld the iron that has broken and so to mend it. For that I require knowledge of another sort. The nature of Pneumonia, of Cholera, or Rheumatism is as well known as those of any disease can be; "their Pathology," as Doctors say, "is well understood," yet this gives no clue to their therapeutic treatment — it is no guide to the special stimulus which must be brought to bear on the diseased organs to lead them back to healthy action. This stimulus must by discovered by quite another method; its discovery is the object of a distinct process.

Thus Pathology restricted to its proper sphere is an indispensable auxiliary to the study of the subject of Therapeutics. It may be further subservient in enabling the physician to group the symptoms of a case in such a way as more readily to marshal and retain them in memory. Nor is generalization of this kind at all repugnant to the letter or spirit of Hahnemann's method or of homoeopathic science. The generalization to which Hahnemann objected was to that of disease in general upon nosological hypotheses made on theoretical grounds, and then applied a priori to individual cases. That to which we refer is a generalization made specially in each case, consisting of a grouping of connected symptoms under one general term and extending only to such pathological states as are well defined and constant, such, for example, as Anaemia, Plethora, the proportion between the affections of different parts of the nervous system, etc., under which we may group a number of generic symptoms to the great relief of our memory, while at the same time the individual or characteristic symptoms are not only not obscured by the process but are even brought more sharply into view, as will be evident when we consider this matter more at length under the head of the Study of the Materia Medica.

The Study of the Materia Medica. — The method by which any subject may be most successfully studied must depend on the use which is to be made of the knowledge thus gained. It is proper then to enquire at the outset in what way the knowledge of Materia Medica is to be made subservient to the treatment of disease.

In accordance with the homoeopathic law we select for the cure of each individual case of disease, that remedy of which the pathogenetic effects are most similar to the symptoms of the case. In the process of making this selection we must pass in mental review the various drugs which compose the Materia Medica, take a comprehensive view of the pure effects of each and institute a comparison between each in turn and the case for which we are prescribing. This is the theory of the process.

Now it is evident that, in order to select from a number of candidates one which most nearly resembles a given standard, we must be familiar, not merely with the general properties of all the candidates or of certain classes into which they may be divided, but also with certain properties more or less peculiar to each one of the candidates, and which shall serve to distinguish each of them from all the others. In fact our method requires the strictest individualization of both disease and remedy. We are so to study Materia Medica as, above all, to bring into strong relief and fix firmly in memory those peculiarities of each drug which are not met with in any other, and which therefore serve to individualize and give character to the drug that produces them and which are called its "characteristic symptoms"This term having been much and loosely used of late, it may not be unprofitable to devote a few words to the subject of characteristic symptoms.

By some writers the leading and most obvious and most frequently recurring symptoms are called characteristic. — Thus Bennett calls fever a characteristic of the Exanthemata. By others the pathognomonic symptoms of a class of diseases are called characteristic. By others the Pathological Anatomical.

Now the signification of such a word as characteristic is not absolute. It depends on the connection in which you please to use it and which is determined by the question "Characteristic of what?"In the instances just adduced, the varieties of symptoms cited may indeed be called characteristic but — characteristic of what? Of classes (the Exanthemata) of groups (nosological) — but not of individuals. But the only sense in which Homoeopathists can use the term is in its application to individuals. Hence a characteristic symptom must mean one which is possessed by none other than the individual drug of which it is predicated, and to which therefore it gives character as an individual. In this sense it corresponds precisely to those features of a man by which his friends are enabled to distinguish him from other persons and to recognize him at a glance.

It is obvious that these characteristic symptoms so precious to the Therapeutist may seem to be of little or no pathological value — may even seem accidental to those who forget that there are no accidents in Nature. They would be valueless if we did not need to individualize but could be content with grouping our diseases and remedies.

To the Naturalist whose object it is to group his specimens, it is sufficient to know that John Doe has a vertebral column is a mammal, has two hands and is a Caucasian — because this enables him at once to place John Doe in the variety Caucasian of the species man, and his analysis goes no farther. From this his whole physiological status follows. But these items of general knowledge would hardly enable the sheriff to recognised John Doe in Broadway. It is of no importance to the Naturalist that he has such "accidental" peculiarities as an aquiline nose, black eyes and hair, and a brown mole on the left ala nasi; but these very peculiarities are all important to the sheriff, for they give him the means of detecting the object of his search upon the crowded street. It must not be forgotten, however, that the points on which the Naturalist laid stress are equally important to the sheriff; for if the latter should bear in mind only the individual peculiarities of the object of his quest and should forget that he is a Caucasian, he might find the former in the person of an Indian or if he should forget that he is a bimanous creature, he might arrest a monkey!

To drop the figure, then, it is evident that we must seek to discover among the symptoms of every drug certain ones that are produced by no other drug, and which shall serve to distinguish it from all other drugs similar in other respects; that these symptoms will often be unimportant and trivial in a physiological point of view; furthermore, that we must, for convenience sake, when the number of drugs in our Materia Medica has become considerable, endeavor so to group them, on the basis of certain clearly defined symptoms or collections of symptoms, that for the purpose of preliminary examination and comparison, these groups may be regarded and compared as though they were individual drugs.

Let us suppose a case of uterine hemorrhage. As many as forty drugs probably produce uterine hemorrhage. On the basis of this symptom they form a group isolated from the three hundred and forty remaining drugs of the Materia Medica. We select this group from the Materia Medica and now we must select a remedy from the group. It were a tedious task to consider and compare them one by one. But we group them again; ten of them produce dark colored and ten florid hemorrhage, ten a limpid and ten a clotted discharge. Our case has a dark colored discharge. Our choice is now restricted to ten drugs. But of the ten which produce a dark discharge only five produce simultaneously a congestive headache. Thus we are limited to five drugs. Thus far the distinctions on which our grouping has been based (or which have been characteristic of the groups) have had a pathological significance and importance. We can find no such basis for any further sub-division into groups. But we observe in the case a peculiar subjective symptom. The patient complains "as though a living body were moving through the abdomen." This may seem trivial. It is equally however a symptom produced by Crocus which is one of the five remedies to which our choice had been restricted, and it is produced by no other drug in the Materia Medica. It is, then, a characteristic symptom of Crocus, enabling us to individualize Crocus and to distinguish it from all the other drugs which in many other respects agree with it.

It will be observed that dark colored uterine hemorrhage though produced by Crocus cannot be said to be characteristic of it. It is a characteristic symptom of a group to which Crocus belongs, but not of Crocus, for it is produced by the other members of this group as well as by Crocus.

Characteristic symptoms must of necessity be for the most part subjective and seemingly trivial phenomena. A list of them alone, if presented as the pathogenesis of a drug would be as meaningless and at first sight as ridiculous, as a list of the colors and marks, and angels and curves by which friends recognise each other would be if presented alone as the sum total of the properties of certain genera and species of the Animate Creation. As a background to the latter, there must be a series of phenomena capable of morphological and organic arrangement, and as the basis of the former we must have a series of objective and organic symptoms capable of physiological and pathological arrangement and of approximate explanation. But it must never be forgotten that without the characteristics, as we have described them, there can be no individualization and without this there can be no accurate homoeopathic prescription.

The truth of this is made apparent by a glance at the history of Homoeopathy. Certain of Hahnemann's followers discarded the apparently trivial subjective phenomena from the provings of drugs, retaining only the objective, organic symptoms. They thus lost the means of distinguishing between the individual members of the groups of remedies. It was thence-forward useless for them to discriminate closely between individual cases of any one type of disease. Hence inevitably arose the fashion of prescribing a specific remedy for a disease — as the phrase went — putting the leading members of respective groups of drugs and diseases to represent the whole groups. These were the so-called "specifikers" who had one or two remedies for dysentery, one for hooping cough, one or two for scarlatina, etc., "of whom the world is weary."

But the characteristic is not always a definite symptom. Sometimes it is so as in the case of Crocus and as in the peculiar diplopia of Stramonium. But sometimes it resides in a peculiar condition which attaches to some symptom common to two or more drugs. This condition may be of time, or circumstance or concomitance. Thus if two drugs have the symptom "dry cough from tickling in the suprasternal fossa" — but to one is added the condition "occurring only in the evening" — this condition of time is the characteristic of that drug in so far as the dry cough is concerned — or if one have this condition of circumstance that "the cough is aggravated by inspiring cold air" — this condition is the characteristic — or if one have the concomitant that the cough is attended by retching — this condition of concomitance is the characteristic.

Sometimes the characteristic resides in the conditions collectively. "We borrow examples from Dr. Drysdale's admirable Introduction to The British Repertory:

"Pain in the stomach with nausea occurs under twenty-eight medicines.

"Pain in the stomach in the morning under thirty-seven.

"Pain in the stomach with nausea in the morning under four only."

Or it may reside in a concomitant.

"Dry retching occurs under forty-five drugs.

"Dry retching in the morning under five.

"Dry retching with eructation under one only — Ledum."

Every drug-proving then is to be studied in a two-fold way. — On the one hand, so as to enable us to attach it in our memory to certain groups of drugs to which it shows marked general resemblances; and on the other hand, so as to bring out clearly into view those characteristics which distinguish it from all the other drugs of these groups in particular and of the Materia Medica in general. Our study will be at once synthetic and analytic.

Such a study is of necessity comparative in its nature. Each positive step in the study of a drug involves a question of the correspondence or difference of other drugs in respect of that step. An isolated study of all the remedies would not give us an available knowledge of the Materia Medica. It is not enough to know that Pulsatilla, Nux vomica and Chamomilla each produce diarrhea of a certain kind. We must also know and fix in our minds the similarities and differences of each of these diarrheas to those of the two other and of all other drugs. The study of one drug if, in fact, then the study of the whole Materia Medica. One is never so competent to thoroughly master a proving as when he has already mastered all other provings. The first effort must necessarily be the least satisfactory, the most imperfect.

This is the task to which the student of Materia Medica is invited and at which his predecessors have been laboring for fifty years. Why, he may ask, has not this been wrought out and systematised by those who have gone before? Why is the Materia Medica left in the same state in which Hahnemann placed it fifty years ago?

Our Materia Medica consists of the provings of drugs upon the healthy, made by Hahnemann and his disciples. These provings, as we have them, are, for the most part, a formal arrangement of the symptoms subjective and objective observed by the prover or his friends. No attempt is made, with but few exceptions, to trace any pathological connection between symptoms, or to give any physiological explanations or to distinguish between characteristic and generic symptoms. The symptoms alone are given, just as the symptoms of a case of disease would be given by an intelligent but uninstructed patient who unfolds his case to us in as plain untechnical words as he can, leaving to us the task of tracing connections and contriving explanations. There they stand, records of facts made in the plain vernacular. intelligible so long as the language shall endure. But Hahnemann had a much higher idea of the kind of knowledge of Materia Medica which a physician requires than this statement would imply. In an Essay on "The Power of Small Doses," in Hufeland's Journal, he describes this knowledge as follows: "What organs it (the drug) deranges functionally, what it modifies in other ways, what nerves it principally benumbs or excites, what alterations it effects in the circulation and digestive operations, how it affects the mind, how the disposition, what influence it exerts over some secretions, what modification the muscular fibre receives from it, how long its action lasts, and by what means it is rendered powerless, etc., etc." Why then did he not construct his Materia Medica on this model? Unquestionably because, with a wonderful sagacity which together with his brilliant genius and his prodigious learning made him the "double-headed prodigy," which Jean Paul Richter called him, Hahnemann clearly perceived the following truths: that the positive facts with which a physician has to deal in constructing a Materia Medica are the observations of the prover recorded in plain, unfigurative, non-hypothetical language. That the construction which he saw to be so desirable must be the result of the application of the sciences of Physiology and Pathology to these facts. That the facts of the proving being of the nature of positive observation are enduring and unchangeable. But that the sciences of Physiology and Pathology, being incomplete and progressive, are continually undergoing change and that their terms must therefore be ever varying in significance as the theories on which the sciences are based vary. That, consequently, a Materia Medica constructed by him out of these two elements, one constant and the other variable, would of necessity be transient — could not be enduring — would soon grow obsolete and in its decline would carry out of sight the constant element also, and thus the labor of the provers would soon be lost to the world. Such a structure would have involved an intermingling of the current physiological theories with the facts derived from observation. The precise point and extent of the intermingling would soon become undistinguishable and thus a vitiated record would be transmitted to posterity such as the advance of science would soon render useless. A comparison of the present state of Physiology with that of 1800, of which the very terms are almost obsolete, makes the great wisdom of this view apparent. On the other hand the pure records of observed facts, untainted by theoretical speculations, come to us from the Master's hand as pure, as intelligible, as available as when first recorded.

We have the same material for the construction of a physiological theory of the drug-action that Hahnemann had, and we can construct it with the advantage in our favor of the great advances which Physiology and Pathology have made since Hahnemann's day. This is the work which each of us must do for himself. No other can do it for him. The result of his labor may and will differ somewhat from that of every other student — for with the light of the auxiliary sciences he forms a judgment concerning observed facts — and the significance of a fact is measured by the capacity of the observer.*[Lest by an omission I expose myself to misconstruction, I may say that inasmuch as advances in collateral medical sciences are affording continually new aids to observation, it is incumbent on each generation to reprove to a certain extent the remedies of the Materia Medica so as to bring these aids to bear on the study of Pathogenesy.]

The Study of the Materia Medica Continued. — The student should seek his knowledge of Materia Medica at the fountain head, in the original publications of Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura and Chronic Diseases in the provings in Stapf's Archiv and in the Austrian and other journals.

The Manuals, however convenient for reference in the hurry of practice are not suitable for systematic study. In some of them, the phraseology of the prover has been altered. In others, the symptoms, as reported by the prover have been arbitrarily sundered into fragments and these fragments are scattered throughout the record. Or symptoms ex usu in morbis have been introduced and the names of diseases supposed to have been cured by the drug are incorporated with the pure symptoms. In all of them, the arrangement is somewhat altered. In many, attempts at abbreviation have been made; and with no better success than if one should squeeze one's lemons to lessen the bulk of one's luggage and yet hope to have good lemonade at the end of one's journey; for it always happens, and must from the nature of the case, that the skins are the part retained while the juice is thrown away.

If a Manual must be employed, that of Noack and Trinks seems preferable; for it preserves the phraseology of the prover and does not to any great extent sunder groups of symptoms, while it places under distinct headings the pure symptoms, and the clinical effects of the drugs and the theoretical speculations of the compilers, so that the student is in no danger of mistaking the one for the other, a danger to which Jahr's Manual does certainly expose him, and for which reason Jahr's work is less desirable than that of Noack and Trinks.

We have dwelt at some length on the sources from which the student should seek his knowledge of Materia Medica — and with good reason! "For can a bitter fountain send forth sweet waters?" "Do grapes grow on thorns, or figs on thistles?" If the student should fall among false or incompetent teachers, could the doctrine and practice he learns be true and successful? Now it will be observed that the records of provings and the Manuals of Materia Medica to which we have commended the student are all German works, while nine-tenths of our American and English practitioners and students are unacquainted with the German language. It is humiliating to us to be compelled to say that there are no trustworthy manuals in the English language and no translations of the German works which we have named on which reliance can be placed. We have translations of Hahnemann's Materia Medica and Chronic Diseases and of Stapf's Contributions to the Materia Medica, by Dr. Hempel. But either (perhaps we should say both) from lack of moral capacity or of intellectual and professional acquirements, or from haste and carelessness, the translator has so marred these works by errors of omission and of translation that they are to the student and practitioner what false lights on a difficult coast are to the unsuspecting mariner.

Dr. Hempel translated also Jahr's New Manual or Symptomen Codex, and claims to have incorporated with it nearly all that is valuable in the Manual of Noack and Trinks, thus making it the most complete and perfect work of the kind in existence, and the best possible in the present state of our science. This translation was published with a preface by Dr. C. Hering and under the high sanction of his name and that of Dr. Gray, of New York. It is almost universally used in this country and in England, and the knowledge of the Materia Medica and of the true practice of Homoeopathy possessed by the rising generation of practitioners is, in the main, what this manual is capable of affording.

If now, I should say that this translation and compilation contains all the errors, omissions and perversions which rendered Dr. Hempel's former translations untrustworthy, along with many others peculiar to this work, I should surely hear in reply that Dr. Hering has expressly in his preface commended the diligence and accuracy and zeal of the translator, and I should be referred to page six of the preface (Jahr's New Manual or Symptomen Codex, pref. vi) where Dr. Hering is made to say, "the Editor has, with extraordinary minuteness and labor, compared the two manuals and has transferred to the manual of Jahr all additional drugs and pathogenetic effects contained in Noack and Trink's work." What could I say in offset to this endorsement by Dr. Hering? There is a word to say on the subject of this preface. It was unquestionably written originally by Dr. Hering in German. The English translation, by whomsoever made, seems not to have been altogether satisfactory to Dr. Hering (as well it might not be), for the German original was published by him (a verbatim copy" as he says) in The Hom. Allg., Zeitung, Vol. XL, Nos. 23 and 24, February and March, 1851. The English preface to Jahr's New Manual differs from this German original far more widely than the license of scholarship will at all justify. In a foot note to the original of the passage we have quoted above in commendation of the Editor and translator of Jahr's New Manual, Dr. Hering says (Allg. Hom. Zeitung), "After comparison of the translation with the original, the above endorsment is hereby altogether and completely withdrawn."*[Dies wird hiermit nach Vergleichung der Uebersetzung mit dem Original ganz und gar zuruckgenommen.] Thus, in an obscure foot note in a German periodical, seen by not more than one in a hundred of those American and English students who are induced by Dr. Hering's commendatory preface to place confidence in Dr. Hempel's translations and compilations, Dr. Hering vindicates his fame as a good scholar and a faithful champion of our science by withdrawing his commendation of Dr. Hempel.

If those whose confidence has been misplaced by reason of this endorsement in English, canceled in German only, should, with a measure of just indignation, demand of me why the retraction was not made in the language and in the country in which the commendation was suffered to be published — why Drs. Hering and Gray, acknowledged leaders of our school in America, did not suppress this so-called translation or expose its false pretensions, in words as intelligible and as widely read as those in which their support of it was permitted — Alas! I have nothing to say.

To plead that, in a matter which involves the education or perversion of a whole generation and the healthy progress and soundness of Homoeopathy wherever the English language is spoken, in such a matter the engrossments of business or tenderness towards a delinquent individual kept them silent, would be to cast a doubt upon the estimate in which they hold scientific truth, a doubt inadmissible in gentlemen of their position.

It avails not to say, why find fault with these translations and this manual, inasmuch we have no others. Had the unworthiness of these been made known, had they not, on the contrary, been endorsed by high authority, we had long since had others and trustworthy. An exposure of the imperfections we have spoken of would have created a demand for other works, and it is not less true in science than in trade that "demand creates a supply."

Having selected a remedy on which to commence his studies, the student should gather together all the reports of provers whether in the form of their daily records, in which form our dear and lamented colleague Dr. Joslin published his admirable proving of Rumex crispus as did also the Austrian provers, or in the Hahnemannian anatomical scheme and should carefully peruse them. We will assume that he has selected Pulsatilla and will use this remedy to illustrate what we have further to say. We have no other proving of this drug than the very perfect one of Hahnemann in Vol. I of Mat. Med. Pura.

During the first perusal, and several may be necessary for the purpose, the student should endeavor to make a general analysis of the proving. This analysis would enable him to place the drug along with several others in one or other of certain groups into which he will find as he advances in his studies the Materia Medica arranges itself. Among the chief points of this general analysis will be the following:

I. Sphere of action in the drug. It will be seen that every drug affects some organs or systems of organs or tissues more decidedly than others. Pulsatilla, for example, acts preeminently upon the vegetative system, upon the organs of reproduction and their appendages and upon the composition of the blood, depressing the action of the former systems and producing in the latter a condition similar to that of one form of chlorosis. We learn these facts by bringing a knowledge of Physiology to bear upon and interpret the symptoms of the intestinal tract and of the urino-genital organs — those of the vascular system and the symptoms of the head and disposition. For in these we have retarded digestion, vertigo, audible pulsation of the carotids, momentary loss of sight and hearing on sudden exertion, palpitation, paleness, retarded and scanty menstruation with syncope and exhaustion; depressed melancholic disposition. On the other hand, the student will notice that Pulsatilla exerts but little action upon the bones, skin and glands, and this will be another important step towards grouping.

II. The extent to which the organic substance is affected. From some provings it must be gathered, Spigelia for example, that the organic substance is but slightly affected or only in isolated localities — while in other provings the effect is profound and general; Carbo veg. and Lachesis. In others again, the affection of the organic substance and the irritation of the nervous system are equal in degree and both are great, Arsenicum. Conclusions on this head are drawn from the following symptoms: those of the complexion and of the skin generally, as regards color and temperature, which enlighten us respecting congestions, if there be any, and the color and character of the congesting fluid. Those of the evacuations from the bowels, bladder, uterus and all secreting glands and surfaces. Those of the cutaneous eruptions and ulcers. Finally, those which denote the existence of dyscrasias of whatever variety, e.g., dropsies, phthisis, cancer, gout, rheumatism, etc. Under this head we find in the proving of Pulsatilla no evidence of any further action than that above mentioned — a hydraemic dyscrasia and which is further corroborated by the abundant serous or thin mucous discharges from secreting glands and surfaces.

III. The action of the drug on the vital power, correlative of the above, and shown in the symptoms of the nervous system as they are given conjointly with the symptoms of the various organs to which the different parts of the nervous system are distributed. He may consider the nervous system under five heads, a. The sensorium of which the symptoms are found chiefly under the rubrics Head and Disposition. b. The general sensibility. c. The general mobility. Data respecting these heads are found in the symptoms of the tissues to which the nerves of sense and motion are distributed. d. The special sensibility, as exhibited in the symptoms of the organs of special sense — the eye, ear, nose and tongue. e. The sympathetic system — as exhibited in the symptoms of organs containing involuntary muscles — in the intestinal tract and in all the sphincters.

In forming conclusions on any one of these points, regard must be had to the entire remaining action of the drug. We should otherwise reach a very false judgment. Pulsatilla, for example, produces blindness and deafness. We might regard these as very important affections of the special senses, did we not learn also that these phenomena occur simultaneously with scanty and difficult menstruation, and with palpitation and throbbing of the carotids, and conjointly with great pallor and frequent syncope. These concurrences compel us to regard the blindness and deafness as sympathetic symptoms occurring in a chlorotic patient, and connected perhaps. with a hydraemia produced by Pulsatilla.

These three sections of a general analysis having bee elaborated during a first perusal, the student will already be in a position to arrange many drugs in groups by their similarities and differences in these respects. He will note, for example, that in their sphere of action Pulsatilla and Nux v. are closely allied, while again they differ widely in their mode of action both on the organic substance and on the vital power, etc.

The practical use of such an analysis is this: that when such fundamental facts are known of two or more drugs, it is enough to have clearly in mind, in any case of disease, what are the effects of the disease in these three fundamental respects. If then, the action, for example, on the organic substance, be similar to what we have seen to be the effect of Pulsatilla, there can be no possibility of Nux vom. being applicable in the case and no need therefore of studying that drug further for the case. This process of elimination by means of a general analysis may be relied on wherever we have good and complete provings of drugs, and where the case of disease presents clear and definite symptoms. — When we are dealing with fragmentary provings and obscure cases it is of course not practicable.

As further examples we may adduce the following: Spig. and Sil. both affect the special senses remarkably and similarly; yet they are extremely different in their action on the organic substance. Hyoscyamus and Carbo veg. affect the sphincters similarly though in other respects so unlike.

After thus generalizing in a comprehensive way, the student will observe certain phenomena of a more special character, for example, that among the variety of sensations recorded as having been produced by the drug, there is a certain uniformity in general character throughout most of the organs affected. But here he meets difficulties arising from inaccuracy of provers, or rather from the fact that, all descriptions of sensations being clothed in figurative language, the imaginations of different provers suggest to them different modes of expression. The wealth of the German language in synonyms has not diminished this difficulty. An approximate analysis of sensations such as has been made by Dr. Dudgeon would be of service in this regard. The individuality of some drugs is much more strongly marked than that of others by this feature of their effects, and pro tanto it serves as their characteristic. Thus Bryonia and Squilla are distinguished by sticking and Ars. by burning pains.

Another point to be noted and which may serve still further to individualize the drug is periodicity, which in many drugs is well marked and of a definite type, e.g., Ars., Ipecac., Nat. mur., Nux vom. In Pulsatilla it is very marked but the type is not constant.

But, perhaps, the most important of all the considerations in which resides the individuality of a drug are the conditions and concomitants of the symptoms. The conditions are the phenomena of time, place and circumstance on which the symptoms depend. For example, Pulsatilla produces tearing pain in the hip. So do several drugs, but that of Pulsatilla occurs in the afternoon, condition of time; it occurs and is aggravated in a warm room, condition of place; occurs during and is aggravated by repose, condition of circumstance. A concurrence of this phenomena and these conditions is found only under Puls. Here these conditions are the characteristic. The concomitants are those phenomena, whether we call them sympathetic or secondary, which always accompany any symptom or group of symptoms. Absence of thirst is a concomitant of many groups of symptoms under Puls. So likewise are chilliness, cold feet, wake fulness in the evening and sleepiness in the morning, etc., Nux vom. has the reverse. So is cold sweat of the forehead under Verat.

Having thus made a general analysis of the proving, obtaining, first, a general view of the action of the drug on the great divisions of the organism and of the pathological conditions which it produces; and, second, a general view of the characteristics of its action, the student may proceed to a special analysis, which will involve a similar study of the action of the drug on each organ and anatomical region of the body. In this he cannot do better than follow the Hahnemannian scheme.

The points to be considered in each region and under each rubric are the following: the organic changes; the sensations, their nature, locality and direction; the conditions of time, place and circumstance and the concomitants. Thus, for example, in studying the Head he may consider

a. The Sensorium under which the sub-divisions may be

1. Vertigo, its nature, conditions of time, place and circumstances and its concomitants. Thus the vertigo of Puls. is a staggering; it occurs after eating, in a warm room and during repose (there is a rare alternate affect); the concomitants are heaviness in head on stooping, paleness and internal heat in the head.

2. Intelligence with conditions and concomitants as above.

3. Memory " " "

4. Illusions of the imagination " "

b. Headache under which the points to be noted are

1. Character of the pain.

2. Locality.

3. Its course if it move.

4. Conditions and concomitants as above.

c. The Organic Changes which are to be studied in the same way. These comprise all objective and material phenomena.

In this manner the student will examine the effect of the drug upon each organ and tissue of the body, as will be more clearly shown by a schema for the study of the Materia Medica which will be appended to this essay.

The result will be an accurate knowledge of the action of the drug, in so far as the proving is complete, upon the whole organism in general and in detail. The special analysis will serve to correct certain errors into which the general analysis might lead the practitioner. Conditions are not always uniform for all the organs. Thus although the general conditions of Puls, are occurrence and aggravation in the afternoon and evening, during repose and by heat, with relief by motion and cold, and must be so stated in a general analysis, yet there are a few special symptoms to which the opposite conditions attach and this fact is brought out by the special analysis.

The study of a proving to be practically available must be comparative. After ascertaining the properties of each drug by positive investigation and analysis in the manner detailed, the next step is to ascertain what drugs resemble it and in what features they are like and how they differ. To make such a comparison as this in studying the Materia Medica, a repertory is indispensable and this need alone, if a repertory were not equally indispensable in daily practice, would be a sufficient reply to those who idly talk about such a work being superfluous or mischievous.

Such is a method of studying the Materia Medica which after much reflection and trial of various plans I venture with unfeigned diffidence to unfold. It is elaborate and requires a wearying application which those alone can appreciate who have engaged in similiar tasks. To complete such a systematic study, even in comparative leisure might require seven years of unremitting labor — just the period for which a lad is apprenticed to learn his trade! Should we shrink from devoting so long a time to the mastery of the most complex and difficult, and the noblest science and art which are possible to man on earth.

I desire to add a few words of a practical nature. Prescribers are liable to two errors of an opposite kind; the possibility of which will be apparent from what has been written.

The one consists in prescribing from a general analysis of drugs without regard to the characteristics which individualize them. This is equivalent to prescribing any member indifferently of a whole group of drugs, and necessitates a corresponding generalizing view of disease. It is the method of the old school which seeks to arrange drugs and diseases in groups and which ignores characteristics and individuals.

The other error consists in prescribing on the strength of one or two characteristics which may be detected, without however examining whether the general effects of the drug correspond to the general features of the disease. Now, characteristics, for the most part, as we have seen, derive their value from their association as concomitants or conditions with some symptom which is not in itself a characteristic. Disconnected from this, they are as void of significance as a man's nose would be if cut off from his face, though while on his face, it might have been the chief feature by which his friends recognize him. I will not deny that by this method, great successes, "lucky hits" I would call them, are sometimes made. But I do stoutly affirm that atrocious and inexcusable blunders are much more frequently the result.

I admit too that in certain cases of disease there is no possibility of making such an analysis as we have advised, and that certain drugs are so incompletely proved that we know of them only one or two characteristic symptoms and cannot study them as recommended. All that can be said of such cases is that they are incomplete and come under no rule. We must do the best we can and adopt a defective method, which is nevertheless sometimes successful rather than make no attempt to cure. Better cure by a "lucky hit" than not at all. But let not this lead us astray where we might do better.

If one had to traverse a wilderness he would desire first of all a compass. If this were not to be had, he might "steer by the stars." If these were obscured he might judge from the direction of vegetation and of hills and rivers. Failing these, he might even "guess" and his guess might lead him right. Nevertheless few travelers of sound mind would be led by such a success to prefer a "guess" to a "compass."

A Scheme for the Study of the Materia Medica. — In the hope that what has been written may serve not only to explain the method in which I have thought the study of Materia Medica may be best pursued, but also to assist those who are entering upon that arduous study, I publish herewith a schedule drawn up originally for my own guidance and which, I think, was a great assistance to me.

A. — GENERAL ANALYSIS.

1. Action on the Vital Power — as exhibited in the action of the remedy upon — a. The sensorium; b. The special senses; c. The sphincters; d. The other involuntary muscles; e. The power of locomotion.

2. Action on the Organic Substance; as exhibited in a. The complexion (showing, viz.: the state of vessels and the nature of their contents); b. The evacuations; c. Ulcers, if any which previously existed are modified by the remedy or if any are produced by the remedy; d. Eruptions; e. General affections of a dyscrasic nature, such as dropsy, tuberculosis, etc., etc.

3. The Sphere of Action of the Remedy. What organs or systems of the body are affected in a general way and in what order they are affected.

4. Sensations. What kind of sensations predominate among those ascribed to the remedy in the proving and what relation, if any, appears to exist between certain varieties of sensation and certain classes of organs or tissues.

5. Periodicity. If there be any periodicity in the symptoms it is to be particularly noted and its character defined.

6. Peculiarities. There are few good provings which do not ascribe to the remedy certain peculiarities of action which are incapable of classification, which run through the whole action of the remedy and which are peculiar to one remedy and are therefore important characteristics.

These peculiarities constitute the conditions of time, circumstance, aggravation and concomitance, which are attached to the symptoms and often give individual character to them as belonging to one remedy in particular, and as incapable of being ascribed in mass to any other drug. A symptom being recorded as produced, for example, by Pulsatilla, the questions "When did it occur?" "When was it aggravated?" "When was it ameliorated?" When did it cease?" give the conditions of time which attach to that symptom. In like manner the questions "Under what circumstances (viz., of rest or motion, of heat or cold, etc., etc.,) did it occur, was it aggravated, was it ameliorated," give the conditions of circumstance and aggravation which attach to the symptom.

It will be observed of almost every remedy that certain symptoms or series of symptoms are accompanied by one or several other symptoms. This fact is the condition of concomitance to which we refer. For example, many symptoms of Pulsatilla are accompanied by a disposition to weep, of Nux vom. by fugitive chills, of Arsenicum by inordinate weakness, of Veratrum by cold sweat of the forehead, etc.

It is further noticeable that in the provings of some drugs this concomitance of symptoms by other symptoms is strongly marked, and almost universal as in the case of Arsenicum.

7. Resume of the Characteristics of the Remedy. This will include everything in the above analysis which is shown by a comparative study of other drugs, to be peculiar to it. It will comprise in particular the conditions of time, circumstance, aggravation and concomitance, and the periods of the day at which the action of the drug is most marked.

B. — SPECIAL ANALYSIS.

1. Head,

a . Sensorium, comprising the subdivisions: 1. Vertigo; 2. Intelligence; 3. Memory; 4. Illusions. Each of these subdivisions is to be studied in respect of sensations in so far as they can be predicated of it; of periodicity; of conditions of time, circumstance, aggravation and amelioration; and of concomitance. And under the latter rubric it is to be especially inquired what symptoms affecting other organs, or systems, occur simultaneously in evident physiological connection with the symptom under consideration.

b . Headache, The points to be investigated are: 1. The location of the pain if it be stationary — its course if it move, 2. The sensation; 3. The conditions of time, circumstance, aggravation and amelioration, as above explained in detail; 4. Concomitance.

c . Organic changes, These affect the material substances and tissues of the head, and comprise all deviations from a normal material condition of which we can in any way become cognizant — affections, for example, of the skin, glands, vessels, organs of special sense, etc.

2. Eyes,

a. The Orbit. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Conditions; 4. Concomitance; 5. Organic changes. These subdivisions here and throughout the scheme, wherever used, are to be understood and studied as already explained in the general analysis and under the title "Head."

b. Lids. 1. Location; 2. Sensation; 3. Conditions; 4. Concomitance; 5. Organic changes..

c. Conjunctiva, 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Conditions; 4. Concomitance; 5. Organic changes.

d. Globe, 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Conditions; 4. Concomitance; 5. Organic changes.

e. Secretions. 1. Character, as regards color, acridity, quantity, etc.; 2. Conditions; 3. Concomitance.

f. Special sense. 1. Vision, altered, intensified, diminished, or perverted; 2. Conditions attached to such alteration; 3. Concomitance.

N.B. After each such study of a single organ, a physiological estimate should be made of the significance of the symptoms. For this purpose a faithful study of the concomitance is of inestimable value. For example the proving of Pulsatilla gives sudden loss of vision. Is this Amaurosis? The concomitance shows that the loss of vision is accompanied by loss of hearing, by syncope, and occurs at a period of menstrual irregularities. The symptom is at once explained. This is only a very obvious instance of what is not always an easy though always a most necessary task.

3. Ears,

a. External Ear. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Conditions; 4. Concomitance; 5. Organic changes.

b . Internal Ear. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Conditions; 4. Concomitance; 5. Organic changes (as secretions, etc.,) and their conditions.

c . Special sense. 1. Deviations, whether intensified, diminished or perverted; 2. Conditions; 3. Concomitance.

4. Nose, 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes, including secretions. With reference to each of the above, observe, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

Special sense of smell. 1. Deviations from a normal condition; 2. Conditions; 3. Concomitance.

5. Face, 1. Location; 2. Complexion; 3. Sensations; 4. Temperature; 5. Organic changes. As regards each of these subdivisions, study, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

6. Lips, 1. Location; 2. Aspect; 3. Sensations; 4. Temperature; 5. Organic changes. Respecting each subdivision note, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

7. Gums and Teeth, 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes. In reference to each subdivision note, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

8. Mouth, 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes. Of these, a. The conditions; b. Concomitance.

9. Taste , 1. Deviation from normal state. a. Conditions; b. Concomitance.

10. Tongue, 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Aspect; 4. Organic changes. Of these, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

11. Throat and Fauces, 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Aspect; 4. Organic changes (including tumefaction, secretion, deposits, etc.). Respecting these divisions, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

12. Esophagus, 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes; 4. Special function. Of these, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

13. Stomach, 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes; 4. Special function modified, as respects, a Appetite; b. Thirst;, and these modifications may be exaltation, diminution or perversion; c. Nausea; d. Vomiting. Respecting these divisions and subdivision, observe, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

14. Hypochondria, 1. Right, 2. Left. As regards each, study 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes As regards each subdivision observe, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

(Here and wherever the rubric comprises a region which contains a number of organs, endeavor to make by the aid of the sciences of Physiology and Pathology a rational appreciation of the organs involved, and in this study, pay especial regard to the concomitance, in order to gain the full physiological significance of the symptoms. For example, in affections of the right hypochondrium where the liver may be supposed to be implicated, the concomitance will justify the supposition if it show simultaneous and corresponding symptoms of the tongue, stomach, head, stool, skin, back, etc., etc. So of the left hypochondrium and the uterine system.)

15. Abdomen, 1. Location with appreciation of the organs involved; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes. — Respecting these divisions note, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

16. Stool, 1. Sensations, their character, location and course. a. Before stool; b. During stool; c. After stool. As regards these three subdivisions note, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance. 2. Organic phenomena, viz., color, odor, consistence, composition, e. g. — digested or not — consisting of feces alone or combined, etc.

17. Anus and Rectum, 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes (including secretions, tumors, condylomata, etc., etc.) Respecting all of these divisions note, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

18. Urinary Ogans,

a. Bladder. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes.

b. Urethra. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes.

c. Kidneys. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes.

d. Ureters. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes.

With regard to all of these divisions, under each of these organs, study, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

e . Urine. 1. Quantity; 2. Color — physical properties; 3. Odor; 4. Deposits.

f. Micturition. 1. Frequency; 2. Sensations. Note, a. Conditions; b. Concomitance.

19. Genital Organs — Male,

a . Penis. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes.

b . Testes. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes.

c . Special function. 1. Modifications, as regards exaltations, diminution, or perversion; 2. Sensations.

Respecting these divisions and subdivisions study under each, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

d. Secretion. 1. Quantity; 2. Quality, admixture, etc.; 3. Mode of evacuations. a. Conditions; b. Concomitance.

20. Genital Organs — Female,

a. Vulva. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes.

b. Vagina. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes; 4. Secretion, considered as regards, a. Character; b. Quantity: c. Color.

c. Uterus. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3 Organic. changes; 4. Secretions considered as above.

d. Ovaries, 1. Sensations; 2. Organic changes. Under these divisions and subdivisions note, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance, attaching to each.

e. Menstruation. 1. Sensation; 2. Periodicity; 3. Quantity; 4. Color; 5. Consistence; 6. Duration. Under these, a. The condition; b. The concomitants.

21. Respiratory Organs,

a. Nasal Mucous Membrane. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes; 4. Secretions, as regards quantity and quality. Respecting all these, a. The conditions;

b. The concomitance.

b. Larynx and Trachea. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes.; 4. Secretions as above. Respecting all these, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

1. Cough; a. Its sound; b. Its character, as paroxysmal or otherwise, dry or loose; c. Location of the sensation which provokes it; d. Conditions; e. Concomitance.

2. Sputa. 1. Character; 2. Consistence; 3. Color; 4. Smell; 5. Taste; 6. Locality from which it appears to come; 7. Mode of evacuation; 8. Sensations which precede and follow its evacuation; 9. Conditions; 10. Concomitance.

c. Thorax — Internal. 1. Location; 2. Sensation; 3. Organic changes. a. Conditions; b. Concomitance.

— External. 1. Location; 2. Sensation; 3. Organic changes (including mammae and nipples); 4. Secretions. Respecting the above, a. Conditions; b. Concomitance.

d . Respiration. 1. Sensations; 2. Organic action; 3. Breath, its odor, temperature, volume. Regarding these, a. The conditions; b. Concomitance.

22. Heart,

a. Subjective. 1. Location; 2. Sensations.

b. Objective. 1. Location; 2. Organic changes as shown by position, sounds, magnitude and by rational signs; 3. Pulsation. Respecting these divisions, a. The conditions; b. The concomitance.

23. Back, 1. Location, dividing the back into regions from below upwards and appreciating the organs and tissues involved, as well as the concomitance will admit; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes. Under these, a. Conditions; b. Concomitance.

24. Upper Extremities — Right and Left. Respecting each study,

1. Articulations. 1. Location; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes.

2. Interarticular Region. 1. Locations; 2. Sensations;

3. Organic changes. Respecting all of these, a. Conditions; b. Concomitance.

25. Lower Extremities — Right and Left. Studied in all respects as the Upper Extremities.

As regards the Extremities generally, note Sensations with their course (and Duration) if they be wandering, e. g., from a right upper, to a left lower extremity, etc.

26. Sleep, 1. Character; 2. Periods; 3. Preceded by;

4. Succeeded by; 6. Concomitance.

a. Dreams. 1. Conditions; 2. Concomitance.

27. Fever, as a paroxysm made up of stages:

1. Incomplete Paroxysm, consisting of only one or of two stages. 1. Their order; 2. Relative severity and duration; 3. Antecedents; 4. Sequelae; 5. Conditions; and, 6. Concomitance.

2. Complete Paroxysm. 1. Order of the stages; 2. Their relation to each other. Then consider the separate stages, e.g.,

a. Chill. 1. Character; 2. Precursor; 3. Succeeded by; a. Conditions; b. Concomitance.

b. Fever, as a single stage, or Heat. 1. Character; 2. Precursors; 3. Sequelae, a. Condition; b. Concomitance.

c. Sweat. 1. Character; 2. Precursors; 3. Sqeuelae.

a. Conditions; b. Concomitance,

Between chill and heat and heat and sweat, study the

Interval. 1. Character; 2. Sensations; 3. Conditions; 4. Concomitance. Also the time

After the Paroxysm. 1. Sensations; 2. Conditions; 3. Concomitance.

Pulse. 1. Quality; 2. Frequency; 3. Conditions.

28. Skin,

1. General. 1. Sensations; 2. Organic changes: 3. Conditions; 4. Concomitance.

2. Special. 1. Localities affected; 2. Sensations; 3. Organic changes; 4. Conditions; 5. Concomitance.

3. Organic Changes. Under this head are comprised

1. Eruptions. 1. Aspect; 2. Color; 3. Sensations; 4. Secretions. a. Their color; b. Consistence; c. Odor; d. Quality, e. g., acrid or bland, etc.; 5. Scabs. a. Quality; b. Tenacity; c. Color; d. Odor; e. Conditions of subjacent tissues or secretions.

2. Ulcers. To be studied as Eruptions.

3. Warts. " " "

4. Tumors. 1. Physical properties; 2. Sensations; 3. Conditions; 4. Concomitance.

29. Mind,

1. Faculties Modified. 1. Exalted; 2. Depressed; 3. Perverted. Under these, a. Conditions; b. Concomitance.

2. Memory. As under Faculties.

30. Disposition, 1. Quality; 2. Conditions; 3. Concomitance.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 01-07, 1862-1863, pages 09-15, pages 61-71, pages 103-111, pages 156-160, pages 203-210, pages 262-272, pages 305-313]

[Description: Homoeopathy The Science of Therapeutics; How to study Materia Medica.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1862]

CHLORINE AND SPASMUS GLOTTIDIS.

BY CARROL DUNHAM, M. D., NEWBURGH, N. Y.

In the year 1850, after submitting to the manipulations of a dentist, I was adviced to wash the mouth with a solution of chlorine. A weak solution of chlorine gas in cold water was accordingly prepared, and I proceeded to rinse the mouth with it. Scarcely had the liquid been received into my mouth, when I became sensible of a spasmodic action of some part of the respiratory organs of the following character: Inspiration was unimpeded, and could be effected in the natural manner, but expiration was absolutely impossible, and this impossibility arose, if I might trust my sensations, not from any inability of the muscles of expiration, but from a closure of the rima glottidis. Expiration being felt to be impossible, inspiration was again attempted, and was accomplished, fully and easily, although the act was attended by a slight crowing noise. Expiration which was again attempted, was impossible as before. By these successive operations, the lungs became inflated to a most painful degree, but, so firmly did the glottis appear to be closed, that it seemed as though air might pass through any part of the thoracic walls more readily than by the way of the larynx. This arrest of respiration having endured for about a minute, the face becoming turpid and livid, partial coma supervened, the spasm relaxed, and respiration became free again.

In 1852, I had an opportunity of witnessing the effect of a strong accidental inhalation of chlorine gas by an adult. The same phenomena of comparatively, free, but crowing inspiration, and of absolutely obstructed expiration presented themselves, the face became extremely livid, convulsive movements of the extremities began, and the patient became partially comatose. I administered ammonia by olfaction, the spasm relaxed, and consciousness returned along with normal respiration.

These experiments show a power in chlorine, to produce the following condition, "Spasm of the glottis, which interferes but little with inspiration, giving to it a crowing sound, but which prevents expiration. During the continuance of the spasm, the respiratory acts consist of a succession of crowing inspirations, each followed by an ineffectual effort at expiration, the whole serving to inflate the chest to a most painful extent, and attended at last, by turgescence of the face, and more or less complete coma, with or without convulsive movements of the extremities, and during which the spasm relaxes.

In the proving of chlorine, in Vol. II, of the Neues Archir, a similar effect is indistinctly indicated. Pareira says "if an attempt be made to inhale undiluted chlorine gas, it produces spasm of the glottis. Twice I have suffered severely from the accidental inhalation of it; and each time it gave the sensation of constriction of the air tubes, such as might be produced by a spasmodic condition of the muscular fibres of the bronchial tubes" The peculiar nature of the chlorine spasm, viz. that it affects expiration almost exclusively, is not mentioned by Pareira.

Bearing in mind the odium, which has been attempted to be cast upon some of our colleagues, for flooding our literature with "fragmentary provings," which serve no purpose but to "cumber the materia medica," and to annoy our practitioners with an "embarras de richesses" (as if it were not worth while to publish and to study anything, however "fragmentary", if it furnish us the means of curing, were it but a single case!) I might have abstained from publishing the above symptoms of chlorine, had not the following case demonstrated their practical value.

June 24th. A female infant, seven months old, well developed and large, the fourth child of healthy parents, was brought to me with the following history: Having been previously in perfect health, she was seized three weeks ago, with a spasmodic affection of the respiratory organs. Suddenly and without any warning, she would make a long inspiration, with a slight crowing noise; an attempt to exhale would be made but without success; another crowing inspiration followed by a forcible, but ineffectual effort to exhale; and this would be repeated until the child became blue around the mouth, and sank into partial unconsciousness, when free respiration would take place, and the child would generally sink into a deep sleep. Frequently toward the close of an attack, convulsive movements of the extremities would be noticed, and once general spasm occurred. At first, these attacks came on only after some excitement, or on the child being startled. They frequently occurred during sleep, arousing the child suddenly, and they were most frequent from midnight to 7 A. M within the week before I saw her, they had become very frequent – as many as 30 to 40, occurring during the 24 hours.

The child had begun to emaciate rapidly, had lost appetite, strength and playfulness, the face was pale and bloated, and the eyes had a dull and glassy expression. The child had been under most skillful homoeopathic treatment since the commencement of the attacks, and as she failed to improve, change of air was recommended, and she was brought to Newburgh. The climate failing to benefit her, the child was placed under my care. The case seemed all the more serious from the fact that, last year, the parents had lost an older child a boy, with the same affection. In the fourth week of the disease, of which the course had been in every respect similar to that of the infant above narrated, convulsion supervened, and the child died at the end of the sixth week. This child was under enlightened allopathic care. It may be interesting to note, that the autopsy revealed no malformation, and no organic lesion; simply emaciation and atrophy.

On careful examination of my little patient, I could discover nothing abnormal in the condition of the heart or lungs, and no sign of disease that was not fairly attributed to the frequent recurrence of these spasms, with the venous congestion consequent upon them. It was evidently a case of Spasmus Glottidis (Asthma thymicum, Asthma millari, Asthma laryngeum infantum, laryngismus stridulus), and had advanced almost to the second or convulsive stage in which the prognosis is decidedly unfavorable.

The remedy which is recommended before all others for this disease, in our hand-books and repertories is Sambucus. The symptom on which this recommendation is based, is the following "Slumber with half open eyes and mouth; on awaking from it, he could not draw a breath, and was compelled to sit up, whereupon respiration was very hurried with wheezing in the chest, as if he should suffocate; he lashed about with his hands; the head and face were bloated and bluish; he was hot without thirst; weeping at the approach of a paroxysm; all this without cough, and especially at night, from twelve to four o'clock. On comparing this picture with the case under consideration, we find correspondences in the general characters of the affection. The spasmodic embarrassment of respiration, the absence of fever, and of cough, the occurrence of the paroxysms suddenly, chiefly at night, and on awaking, show a general appropriateness of Sambucus spasms of the larynx and bronchial tubes. But we seek in vain for the unequal disturbance of the inspiratory and the expiratory act, which are the individual and therefore the characteristic peculiarity of the case under consideration. And failing to find this, we should as a matter of course expect, that Sambucus would fail to cure, or in any way, to affect the case. And this had been the fact. So too of Lachesis and several other remedies which, as well as Sambucus had already been tried before the case came under my care. In this very peculiarity, which was characteristic of the case, the similarity of chlorine was most striking. And it was with the utmost confidence of a happy result, that I determined, after a careful examination of the case, to administer chlorine. I accordingly prepared a saturated solution of chlorine gas in water at 60Â° Fahrenheit, and made from this the first centesimal dilution in which the odor of the chlorine could be faintly perceived.

Of this, I ordered twenty drops to be dissolved in four tablespoonfuls of water, and a teaspoonful to be given to the child, every three hours. (A porcelain spoon was used.) I also directed a few drops to be placed in the child's mouth at the beginning of each paroxysm, if this should be possible.

The first dose was given at 4 P. M., June 24th. During the preceding twenty-four hours, the child had had forty paroxysms. During the succeeding twenty-four hours, there occurred but four paroxysms; only one of which began with any severity, and this one was instantly arrested midway by a few drops of the solution placed upon the child's tongue. During the night of the 26th, not a single paroxysm. Improvement in the general condition of the patient now became apparent, appetite and playfulness returned; the bloated aspect of the face, and the dulness of the eye disappeared. On the 27th, the paroxysms increased in number and severity.

On examining the solution, I found that it had changed in character, and no longer contained chlorine. A fresh solution was prepared, and henceforward it was prepared afresh every second day. From this time July 1st, the remedy was continued; a dose every four hours – when the spasms having wholly ceased, and the child appearing well, it was finally discontinued. On the 2d July, a slight spasm occurred, and the child appeared feverish and excited – with greenish diarrhea. I found a lower incisor pressing strongly upon the gum which was hot and swollen, and which I forthwith lanced. In two hours the child had lost every trace of illness. Since this date, she has continued in good health, with the exception of some trifling disorder attendant upon dentition.*[Marshall Hall advices, that in this disease, special attention should he paid to the state of the gums, if, as is generally the case, it occurs during dentition, and he advises frequent, even daily scarifications of the gums. Until the 2d, of July, there was no sign of irritation of the gums which had been carefully examined by me every day.] There has been no sign of a recurrence of the spasm of the Glottis.

I am aware that children who are subjects of this disease, have occasionally periods of exemption from its attacks, though this is not the case when the attacks are so frequent and also violent as in the above case, and it is possible that this child may be again attacked under provocation of difficult dentition or of some equally powerful exciting cause. As there can be no doubt however of the controlling power of chlorine over the first attack, I should have no misgivings about its success in subsequent attacks, should the condition be the same as before.

In connection with the above remarks upon chlorine, it may not be amiss to call attention to a kind of spasm of the glottis occasionally produced by chloroform, and which strikingly resembles the spasms produced by chlorine. Now, by the presence of an alkaline solution, chloroform is readily decomposed, and chlorine set free. The question at once suggests itself whether in these cases of spasms such a decomposition has been induced by the reaction of the alkaline saliva upon the vapor of chloroform, and whether the spasm is caused by the chlorine thus set free.

In this case, the spasm of the glottis constituted the whole of the morbid condition. But sometimes spasm of the glottis occurs as a complication of some affection of the throat or of the respiratory apparatus, and in such cases chlorine may be of great service. In the winter of 1853, I visited in consultation a case of Scarlatina in which sloughing of the pharynx to a great extent had taken place and in which spasm of the glottis had set in, threatening to cause a speedily fatal termination. The attacks of spasm were almost constant: the child, a boy of eight years, scarcely rallying from one paroxysm before another came on. The character of the spasm was precisely such as I had seen produced by chlorine. Chlorine water was administered, and the spasms ceased instantly, with but one or two very slight recurrences.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 01, 1859, pages 18-24]

[Description: Chlorine and Spasmus Glottidis.]

[Remedies: Chlorum]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1859]

CHLORINE IN SPASM OF THE GLOTTIS.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEW YORK.

In Vol. II. of the American Homeopathic Review, 1859, I published an account of the effects of the inhalation of Chlorine gas in two instances, with the record of a case in which the symptoms of the disease were so similar to the effects which I had witnessed and experienced from the inhalation of Chlorine, that I was induced to administer a solution of Chlorine gas in water. The case was rapidly cured. The following case furnishes additional evidence of the value of Chlorine in certain spasmodic affections of the Glottis:

December 12th, 1862. J. S., aged 52 years, has suffered, from follicular pharyngitis; has had the larynx and fauces, swabbed, burned and pencilled with Nitrate of silver until he could endure it no longer. For two years he has not been under medical treatment. He now suffers much from pain in the throat, and has an habitual cough and expectoration of glairy mucus. Within three days the cough has assumed a spasmodic character, with the following peculiarities:

The desire to cough results from a tickling and a sensation of rawness behind the thyroid cartilage. When the patient seeks to yield to this desire, he finds it impossible to expel the air from the chest, as is required in the act of coughing. The cough is therefore abortive, although the desire grows continually more and more intense. The obstruction to the free and sudden expulsion of air, which would constitute a cough, he describes as resulting from an apparent constriction just below the larynx. At the same time he can draw air into the lungs quite freely.

This freedom of inhalation and impeded exhalation, together with the constantly increasing tickling in the larynx which compelled the patient to make very energetic but unavailing efforts to cough, continue until he sinks, exhausted and covered with sweat, upon a couch, when the spasm seems to relax and he can couch and exhale with comparative freedom. These paroxysms recur about every two hours.

I prepared immediately a weak solution of Chlorine gas in cool water, so weak that the odor of the gas could scarcely be detected, and when one of the paroxysms was at its height, administered a teaspoonful. The effect was magical. The spasm relaxed immediately and the tickling was allayed. The dose was repeated every two or three hours, as the tickling recurred, and in the course of twenty-four hours the disposition to a recurrence of the paroxysms had ceased.

Several days afterward the patient applied to me for a quantity of "that solution," stating that since he had taken it, his throat had been more comfortable and his voice better than they had been since the day when he was unhappily persuaded to allow caustic to be applied to his throat.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 08, 1863, pages 370-371]

[Description: Chlorine in Spasm of The Glottis.]

[Remedies: Chlorum]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1863]

CHRONIC DIARRHEA CURED BY A SINGLE DOSE OF A HIGH POTENCY.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M.D., NEWBURGH, N. Y.

"Charles C — , aged 10 years, has had diarrhea ever since he was 4 years old — has been subjected to various modes of treatment, including the Homoeopathic, but without any material benefit. He is of good height for his age, but is emaciated to an extraordinary degree, not only are his tissues utterly devoid of fat, but the muscles are wonderfully attenuated; my thumb and finger meet with case around the middle of his arm. Nevertheless he is active and full of fun. His appetite is prodigious — thirst very great — he complains of distress in the epigastric region, which is much greater just before a stool, compelling him to press his hand upon that region and bend forward, this is relieved to some extent by a movement of the bowels. The epigastrium is sensitive when touched. The abdomen is greatly distended: this is habitual; it is hard, and tympanitic; by forcible manipulation, one can detect hard ovoid bodies, deep in the abdomen, as large as a pigeon's egg. The number of stools in twenty four hours varies from five to twenty. They are copious, pappy, of a dark greenish brown color, quite offensive. They occur chiefly during a period from 4 a.m. to noon — seldom after noon or before midnight. Though so. copious they do not produce faintness or a sense of weakness, nor does the boy complain of debility although aware that he is not so strong as other boys of his age. On the contrary he is lively, and lull of mischief, his chief complaint being of the very frequent pain in the upper part of the abdomen, which he describes as a "grumbling pain," and sometimes a "very sharp squeeze."

Of the particulars of his previous treatment, I could learn but little. During the summer preceding my first visit to him he had been under homoeopathic treatment, (not in this village) and I was told that he had taken a good deal of Arsenicum which, however, to the great surprise of his physician had done him no good.

And, indeed, on a hasty review of the symptoms, it might seem extraordinary that Arsenicum should have failed to cure the case. The dark, pappy, offensive stools, preceded by tolerably acute pain in the abdomen, with great and excessive emaciation, comprehend, to speak with the pathologists of our school, the essential features of this present disease of the alimentary canal and moreover present a fair simile to the Arsenicum-disease. A careful examination, however, will show that some even of these symptoms vary in important aspects from the corresponding symptoms of Arsenicum, while other symptoms which betray the diathesis of the patient are quite at variance with those of Arsenicum. For example, in the first place, the thirst although very great, is not satisfied by a small quantity of water, as in the Arsenicum-disease; the stool though similar in color, consistency, and odor to that of Arsenicum is copious, that of Arsenicum being, like all the secretions under that drug, scanty. It is not attended by as great a sense of exhaustion as one would expect to find. Indeed the debility and muscular weakness are much less than one would suppose must result from a diarrhea so copious and of so long duration, whereas in the Arsenicum. disease, the general prostration is much greater that can be accounted for by the actual drain upon the system. In the second place, the aggravations occur in the mornings, while in the Arsenicum disease they occur almost exclusively in the evenings. The abdomen is distended and hard, making the child quite pot-bellied, whereas Arsenicum produces retraction of the abdominal walls and concavity of the abdomen. The appetite is very great, a symptom which is not characteristic of Arsenicum.

Then it appears although the symptoms, to which my attention was first called, as being the symptom of chief importance, seemed to point to Arsenicum as its remedy, yet the conditions and concomitants of that symptom and the general symptoms of the patient did not at all demand but decidedly contra-indicated that remedy.

But with what propriety can the diarrhea, the frequent liquid stool, be regarded as the symptom of chief importance, the primary symptom, so to speak? It is that symptom which would first strike the observation of the patient's friends because so decidedly objective in its character; but it is obviously a secondary phenomenon, depending on the diseased state of the alimentary canal and of the Mesenteric Glands; and this diseased state depended unquestionably upon a general depressed state of the vascular and nervous systems, or upon a modified vital action, which is manifested in those general symptoms, upon which we predicate distinctions of dyscrasia and diathesis. Taking this view of the case, it is evident that to assign the chief place in our scheme of symptoms to the diarrhea, would be to prescribe for symptoms (and secondary ones at that) rather than for the whole morbid state of the patient. But if in accordance with the view I have indicated we give but a secondary place to the diarrhea, it becomes easy to find a remedy for our case. The distended, prominent abdomen, the indurated and enlarged glands, the excessive appetite, the great thirst demanding large draughts of water, the pain in the upper part of the abdomen just before the stool, the tender epigasstrium, the copious and long continued diarrhea, without corresponding exhaustion, all these symptoms combine to exhibit a condition which finds its exact simile in Calcarea carbonica. Moreover, although Calcarea does not produce stools of the color met with in this case, yet the conditions of stool produced by Calcarea correspond to those of the case in hand. The aggravations of Calcarea are frequently in the morning, and the pain in the abdomen is relieved by warmth as in this case. Calcarea carbonica therefore was selected as the appropriate remedy, and the propriety of giving it being so obvious that I could not suppose it had been overlooked by the physicians who had previously attended the lad, and there being every probability that if they gave it at all, they gave it in low potencies; I concluded to give the 200. Two globules were according dissolved in four ounces of water, and a teaspoonful of the solution ordered to be given every four hours. For the week preceding this prescription the boy had had twenty stools daily, and very great pain.

On the third day after the remedy was adminstered, I called again. The lad had had but one stool daily, since the day after my visit, and during the ten months which have since elapsed his bowels have moved regularly, but once daily, the stool being in all respects normal. In the space of one month, the lad became so ruddy and plump, having gained twenty-two pounds in weight. that I should not have known him. As he gained flesh and strength, the rotundity of the abdomen disappeared and at the end of the third month, the indurated abdominal glands were no longer to be felt. He received no medicine besides the the single dose of Calc. carb.200, above mentioned.

It may seem incredible, and I confess I cannot explain it, that a drain so long established and so copious could be instantaneously checked without producing at least temporary disturbance of some other character. The fact, however, does not admit of dispute.

In a review of this case, two points seem worthy of notice.

1. The prompt and enduring action of the high potency. I would not venture to say that a low potency would not have acted as promptly — certainly, however, nothing better could be imagined or desired.

2. The great importance of paying careful regard in the selection of a remedy to the general symptoms of the patient, as denoting the dyscrasia, and to the conditions (time and character of aggravation, &c.) of every symptom.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 10, 1860, pages 471-474]

[Description: Chronic Diarrhea Cured by a Single Dose of a High Potency.]

[Remedies: Calcarea carbonica]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1860]

MEND OR END.

In 1846, Sir John Forbes, then at the head of the medical profession in England, said, concerning that part of medical science which more immediately addresses itself to the curing of diseases, "things have become so bad, that they cannot be worse; they must mend or end." He proceeded to show in what particulars "things were so bad" and in what manner they might be "mended."

The truthfulness of this essay, in the way both of exposure and of instruction, has been generally admitted. It was an earnest appeal to the medical profession to rescue their art from the ruin into which it was sinking — a solemn admonition to "mend" it, before its inherent iniquities should accomplish its "end."

Some of the older physicians of the day thought Forbes had done a great mischief. A few of the medical magnates of Boston considered it a misfortune to mankind that he had ever lived, and after his death they virtuously refused to subscribe to his monument-fund.

A great many of his younger contemporaries concluded that to "mend" the art of medicine as Forbes had shown the way, was very hard indeed — whereas to "end" it would be much easier for them and quite as well for the public. From this time therefore it began to be quite fashionable to deny the possibility of curing disease, of arresting or curtailing any morbid process. Thus the science of Therapeutics began to be "ended" rather than "mended."

In 1857 Sir John Forbes published another essay — his last public act. A melancholy, despondent conclusion to his energetic, labor, hopeful, long life.

Of that art about the "mending" of which he had written so enthusiastically and so wisely in 1846, very little is said. The burden of the essay is that the "end" of Therapeutics is at hand — that there is in effect, almost no such thing as "curing" a disease, and that hence there can be no art of curing." Giving up the idea of "mending things" he announces and, by the weight of his authority, may be said to decree their "end."

On many particular questions of Therapeutics the opinions of thoughtful physicians have undergone great changes within twenty years. On none is this change more striking than on that of the use and abuse of Mercury. It has been practically proven that, at least certain forms of syphilis are more readily cured without Mercury than by means of it. The same is true of iritis, remittent, bilious and yellow fevers, in which, at one time, Mercury was the universal remedy. Earnest and persevering endeavors have been made to convince the profession, by reasoning and by statistics, that Mercury has been terribly abused as a remedy, to the great detriment of the human race — to demonstrate that in this particular of the art of medicine "things" are very "bad," and that they sadly need "mending."

And, now, after this endeavor has been making for thirty years, with very little success, the Surgeon-General of the United States Army issues an order in which he says, substantially, "things in this respect," the use of Mercury, "have become so bad, that they cannot be worse; they must either mend or end;" and then, despairing of any "mending" (of which, indeed, the thirty years past have given no sign), he concludes to "end" them by prohibiting the use of Calomel (and Tartar emetic) in the Army!

From this time on, so long as the war shall last, 600,000 men of the United States are safe from the danger of the Mercurial Cachexy. It may be reasonably estimated that 10,000 are relieved from a daily dose of Calomel!

This remarkable order was based by the surgeon-General upon tabular returns from army hospitals, which showed that the wholesale administration of Calomel and Tartar emetic had produced evil effects, far outweighing any good that might have resulted from a proper use of these substances.

The effect of the order upon the profession, outside of the army, presents some very interesting phenomena. While many physicians belonging to the Expectant, or to what styles itself the Physiological School, hail the order with pleasure as a great blow at once at the prevalent fashion of drugging, and at the doctrine that diseases are capable of being arrested or abbreviated by medicines — for in this fashion-and this doctrine they have no faith — the majority of medical men protest against the order. They argue that the use of Calomel and Tartar emetic is no more prevalent in the army than in civil practice, since most of the surgeons of our volunteer army were drawn from civil life and represent civil practice. If, then, these drugs are so hurtful to citizen- soldiers they must be almost, if not quite, equally hurtful to citizens at home. If the soldiers stand a better chance for life, while battling with disease, when unaided by these potent drugs than when duly dosed in more majorum — the inference is irresistible that civilians also would stand a better chance of recovery without these drugs than with them. The public will not be slow to draw this inference and to demand a radical change in the general practice of medicine. This argument furnishes a strong ground of opposition to the order, and was warmly urged at the recent meeting of the American Medical Association in Chicago.

The blow is the more severe, coming as it does from a member of the profession so highly esteemed for scientific attainments as Surgeon-General Hammond, a man who has in addition shown himself to be the most efficient and capable member of the Executive branch of the Government.

The views of old school journals are interesting. The American Medical Times in its first allusion to the order, says, that "doubtless all quacks and irregulars are congratulating themselves and each other upon the appearance of this order."

However this may be, we cannot, for our own part, perceive how any member of the profession who has its real dignity at heart, can regard this order of the Surgeon General with any other feelings than regret for its necessity and mortification that there should be no way of preventing the abuse of drugs, save the prohibition of their use.

We have before taken occasion to object to legislative or administrative prescription or proscription of any particular method, whether in civil or in military medical practice. We objected on this ground to the enforced introduction of Homoeopathy into the army, and at the same time to the administrative exclusion of homoeopathic practitioners from Government service. Holding that the physician in attendance upon a case is and should be the only person capable of judging and pronouncing upon the particular method or drug most likely to cure the case, we maintain that he should be absolutely free, so far as law, influence and opinion are concerned, to select method, drugs and appliances according to his convictions. The supervision, which Government is authorized and bound to exercise, is anterior to all this. It is the duty of the Government to take care that none are admitted to exercise the functions of the physician in any position, unless duly qualified for the performance of their duties. Once thus qualified and admitted, the supervision of Government over his actions should cease, unless by the commission of misdemeanors, he come under the category of malefactor.

But this claim for absolute freedom for the qualified practitioner involves certain serious obligations on his part. He is not only to be well educated when admitted to practice. He must keep himself well educated as years pass on. He must not allow the tide of scientific progress to sweep past him. If this obligation were honestly fulfilled there could be no pretext for prescription or proscription of any system or of any drugs.

Has any new method of treatment been discovered which is shown to be an advance in Therapeutics? There will be no need of a legislative ordinance to compel its adoption, if the medical men have been faithful to their duties; for they will have taken note of this advance in science, and will already, by their own free choice, have adopted it in their practice.

On the other hand have increasing knowledge, and more extended investigations shown certain drugs to be unnecessary or hurtful which had formerly been regarded as indispensable and salutary. If physicians have kept themselves informed of the progress of knowledge, there will be no need of any enactment prohibiting the use of these drugs in medical practice. They will have ceased to be used, by the spontaneous volition of medical men, as soon as a knowledge of their hurtfulness has been proclaimed.

Does the medical profession in this country come up to this high but reasonable standard?

The order of Surgeon-General Hammond proves that it does not, in the army at least. The general reception of that order among medical men, shows that it does not in civil practice.

The grounds of Dr. Hammond's objections to Calomel and Tartar emetic are facts, as accessible to all medical men as to Dr. Hammond. Why did they not work a practical conviction in other minds as they did in his?

But, it may also be asked, why did not Dr. Hammond issue an essay against the abuse of these drugs, instead of a peremptory order forbidding their use? The question is plausible. Be it remembered however that the facts in the case are nothing new. They have been accumulating before the profession for thirty years. Williams, Fergusson, Bennett have demonstrated the needlessness, the hurtfulness of Calomel as generally used. What more could Hammond hope to do? The profession "have Moses and the prophets."

A sad spectacle, then, is presented us. A gentleman selected from among the medical men of the whole country, for his scientific attainments and for his administrative tact and ability, for the express purpose of reorganizing on a gigantic scale the Medical Department of the Army, virtually proclaims by his order, that the medical men of the country are so behindhand in knowledge as to be ignorant of facts which have led to settled convictions in his own mind, and are moreover so dull or so prejudiced that their conviction, by a statement of facts, is not to be hoped for. They must therefore be led to improvement through the instrumentality of a peremptory order.

Thus to expose the sad moral and intellectual status of a profession we love and honor, is an ungrateful though a necessary task. It furnishes an explanation of the relations of Homoeopathy to what is called the Regular Practice and a refutation of a well worn argument against Homoeopathy.

It is often triumphantly said, if Homoeopathy were really what its advocates claim, medical men everywhere would have adopted it, of their own volition, for they are, from the necessities of their profession, ever on the lookout for improvements. Or, if its claims have hitherto escaped their notice, a simple exposition of them will be all that is needed to ensure instant attention- and prompt conviction and adoption.

Very well. Now by a parity of reasoning we may say. If Calomel and Tartar emetic be, indeed, the engines of mischief which their enemies assert them to be, medical men everywhere must have discarded them already, voluntarily. Or if, through inadvertence, they have not done so, it will need only a tractate on the subject to induce them instantly with one accord to strike them from their lists of remedies. Did Dr. Hammond think this good reasoning? On the contrary, he was satisfied that neither their present knowledge nor any that they might acquire through any statement of facts, that could be presented, would so far affect their practice as even to lessen the abuse of these drugs, and so he resorted to a direct prohibition of their use. He ought to know the minds of his colleagues. From his knowledge of them as displayed in his order, we are compelled to conclude that no investigations of their own, nor any statement from others would lead the medical profession to a correct estimate of Homoeopathy; and, indeed, if they are not to be trusted to form a correct judgment about Calomel and Tartaremet., how could they be expected to form one respecting an entirely new and difficult system of practice? If they may not bo trusted to judge aright of the merits of Calomel as a drug, how could they be confided in to judge of Homoeopathy as a system? DUNHAM.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 02, 1863, pages 48-55]

[Description: Mend Or End.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1863]

MEZEREUM.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEWBURGH, N. Y.

The late Dr. Wahle, of Rome, one of the most distinguished of Hahnemann's own pupils, and well known by his acquirements in the science of Materia Medica, considered the proving of Mezereum, which was first published in the fourth volume of the Archiv, to be both erroneous and defective.

It is no very uncommon thing to find a Homoeopath who considers a portion or the whole of our Materia Medica defective. But the peculiarity which distinguished Wahle was this: whenever he saw an error or a defect, he thought it his duty rather to go to work and correct the error or supply the defect, than simply to expose them and denounce the Materia Medica, taking credit meanwhile for his own acuteness. Accordingly he instituted a new proving of Mezereum, of which a number of the symptoms are here given. They were given me by his son, the present Dr. Wahle, from whom we may expect a volume of his father's provings when peace and liberty shall prevail in the Papal States!

Scalp and Face.

1. The head is covered with a thick, leather-like crust, under which thick and white pus collects here and there, and the hair is glued together.

2. On the head, great, elevated white scabs, under which ichor collects in quantity, and which begins to be offensive and to breed vermin.

3. The scabs on the head look chalky and extend to the eyebrows and to the nape of the neck.

4. Grey, earthy complexion.

5. The child scratches the face continually; it becomes covered with blood. The face and forehead are red and hot, with great restlessness and peevishness. In the night the child scratches its face so that the bed is covered with blood in the morning; and the face is covered with a scab which the child keeps constantly tearing off anew, and on the spots thus left raw, large "fat" pustules form.

6. The ichor from the scratched face excoriates other parts.

7. The skin of the face is of a deep inflammatory redness, and the eruption is "fat" and moist. (Impetigo).

8. A honey-like scab around the mouth.

Kidney

9. Sticking in the kidney and pain as if torn.

Menses

10. Menses too frequent and lasting too long.

Larynx.

11. In the larynx a tickling as if with a feather, which causes coughing. When he has eaten anything he must cough until he vomits it up again. The vomited matter is sour or bitter.

12. Cough with retching and scratching, or scraping in the pit of the throat as if something sweet lay there which cannot be coughed up.

13. Between 6 and 7 A.M. moderate cough — at no other time.

14. Dry cough day and night, with emaciation and loss of strength, with tensive pains across the thorax.

15. Sticking in the right side of the thorax.

(Note by Dr. Wahle. — Mezereum cures no small proportion of cases of Whooping cough.)

Inferior Extremities.

16. Between the Glutaei, four large scabs surrounded by dark redness and on hardened bases.

17. Itching in the hollow of the right knee.

18. Pains in the periosteum of the long bones, especially the tibiae, worse at night and in bed; at this time the least touch is intolerable.

19. The whole shin is covered with elevated white scabs.

General.

20. Itching and burning in the arms and legs, and on scratching, violent stickings as with needles.

21. The fiery red inflammation of the knuckles of the left foot extends over the instep and calf, and hard tubercles form in the cellular tissue which itch on the slightest touch, and violent burning pains ensue.

Skin

22. Blotches break out over the whole body.

23. Eruption — pale red, itching after scratching. The scabs are adherent and depressed in the centre.

24. Ulcers, covered with thick, whitish, yellow scabs, under which thick yellow pus collects.

25. Throbbing around the ulcer, and, encircling it, a bright red areola with burning pain.

26. In the ulcers, burning pain in the evening in bed.

27. Around the ulcers, fiery red areolae, shining like a mirror.

28. Vesicles appear around the ulcers, itching violently and burning like fire. After eight days these vesicles dry up, leaving scabs, the tearing off of which causes great pain and retards the healing.

29. The parts affected, feel on being touched, as if swollen, which is not the case.

30. Linen or charpic sticks to the ulcers; when it is torn away they bleed.

Notes

These symptoms suggest at once the applicability of Mezereum to Crusta lactea, to various forms of pure Impetigo, and to some of those mercurial or mercurio-syphilitic ulcers on the lower extremities which often prove so difficult to cure. I have frequenrly had occasion to witness the prompt curative action of Mezereum in these affections, in which I have generally used the 200 potency. This has proved efficacious in cases in which the lower dilutions have been inert.

The characteristics of the Mezereum skin-disease are well defined in the above symptoms; viz:

Itching occurring in the-evening when in bed, aggravated and changed to burning by touch or by scratching. Sensitiveness to touch.

Ulcers with an areola, sensitive and easily bleeding, painful at night — the pus tends to form an adherent scab, under which a quantity of pus collects. A close relationship is shown by these symptoms to exist between Mezereum and Arsenicum, Asafetida, and Mercurius.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04, 1860, pages 164-167]

[Description: Mezereum proving.]

[Remedies: Mezereum]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1860]

MUREX PURPUREA.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEW YORK.

This substance was first introduced into the Materia Medica by Dr. Petroz, of Paris, in some observations published in the Revue Critique et Retrospective de la Matiere Medicale, Vol. III, 1841.

Dr. Petroz does not state from what variety of the mollusk which furnishes the purple coloring matter, the specimen employed by him in the proving was obtained. A coloring substance, to all appearance identical, is found in various genera, of the family Muricidae as well as as in the genus purpura of the family Buccinidae.

Weber, of Paris, in his Codex des Medicaments Homoeopathiques ou pharmacopee pratique et raisonnee, has the following remarks:

"MUREX PURPUREA. — Coquille a pourpre. It belongs to the class of Mollusks and to the family of Purpurifera. There are several varieties which may have the same value in Homoeopathy, inasmuch as, up to the present, day the only part used for experimentation has been the coloring matter which furnishes the purple, and even this experimentation has been made hot upon the healthy subject but upon the sick."

"The ancients derived their purple dye from several different mollusks, from the Biccinum, a variety found upon the rocks, as well as from the Purpurea, which is the Coquille a pourpre,' properly so-called, and which is found not only upon the Phenician coast, but also throughout the Mediterranean. Recently a juice, analogous to the purple dye, has been found in several conchiferae belonging to the family of the Limacidae. This juice which is viscous and, when first obtained, colorless, is found in a distinct little sack which in the majority of these mollusks is situated between the heart and the liver. When brought into contact with the atmosphere this juice becomes successively yellow, green, blue and finally a reddish purple.

"It is insoluble in water, alcohol or ether; consequently, for homoeopathic use, the first three attenuations should be prepared by trituration."

Jahr and Catellan in their Pharmacopeia, Paris, 1853, say:

"MUREX PURHUREA, purpura patula, cochlea veram purpuram fundens; pourpre antique; Purpurschnecke. An oval shell furrowed transversely, studded with tubercles, especially when young; with a somewhat short helix, the aperture bell-mouthed. Color, a blackish russet externally. The columella of a russet yellow. The straight margin white. This variety of shell inhabits the Mediterranean where it is pretty common. Its juice, which is the true purple dye, is contained in a large fold in the form of a pocket upon the back near the neck. It requires a good deal of adroitness to collect this juice, for it is quickly thrown out by the animal. The juice after being taken from the animal is at first blue, and then of a beautiful green, finally of a magnificent purplish red. Cloth dyed with it always preserves its color."

The provings recorded by Dr. Petroz, and which are the only ones that we possess, are, it must be confessed, fragmentary. So are the contributions of every individual prover of every drug. So are the single stones, of which when they are duly placed together, a stately mansion is constructed. If the stones were neglected, because, when regarded separately, they are nothing like a house, how could they ever be brought together and built up, forming the house? If the results of each individual prover's or experimenter's labors are to be withheld on the ground that they are fragmentary, how shall matter be accumulated for a complete and exhaustive proving?

It has been further objected that Dr. Petroz's proving is not a pure one, because his subjects had, two of them a slight leucorrhea, and the third a cutting uterine pain at the time of the menstrual flow. Some, chief among them, Dr. Roth of Paris, would rigorously exclude from the Materia Medica Pura everything which does not rest upon exact observation of the effect of drugs upon exclusively and strictly healthy persons.

Etymologically he is quite correct, a, pure Materia Medica has no business with a single symptom obtained from observation on the sick, however slightly sick, or sick in a way however foreign to the nature of the symptom in question.

But in good part, the criticism of Dr. Both is sheer pedantry, not practical sagacity.

An ideal Materia Medica Pura should contain only symptoms obtained upon the absolutely healthy. Ages will elapse before we can have a complete Materia Medica of this kind. It is certainly an object worthy of unceasing labor.

The Materia Medica which we possess while made up in good part of pure symptoms (symptoms observed upon the absolutely healthy), contains also symptoms observed upon those who were not absolutely healthy. The symptoms we possess of certain medicines are wholly of the latter character. Cases occur in practice to which no remedy of which we have pure symptoms corresponds, but which nevertheless finds its simile and its individual specific in one of these drugs of which we have no knowledge except the symptoms it has produced upon the sick.

Now the pedantry of the critic in his closet may exclude from a pure Materia Medica, every proving that is, so to speak, impure, but the question for the practical man is this: Shall any proving, however fragmentary, however impure, which yet puts it in the power of the physician to cure, even a single case of disease, be cast out from the Materia Medica? The answer must be, let it remain for the sake of these rare cases as a stimulus to pure and complete provings, as a contribution to the clinical, if not, in pedantic literalness, to the pathogenetic history of the drug!

The point of greatest importance in relation to the fragmentary provings, which are published from time to time, and from a collection of which an exhaustive knowledge of the drug is ultimately to be obtained, seems to us to be this, that the name and condition of the prover should be attached to each symptom, and that thus the student may be enabled to judge for himself of the pureness and authenticity of the symptoms.

The observations of Dr. Petroz are given in the following with but little abbreviation. They are followed by some clinical observations by Dr. Constantine Hering and other practitioners. All together these remarks should serve to draw attention to Murex purpurea as a substance promising rich returns to the careful prover.

MUREX PURPUREA, by Dr. PETROZ, of Paris, from La Revue Critique et Retrospective de la Matiere Medicate.

"The entire scope of the action of therapeutic agents is not easily recognized, even by those who have a profound understanding of the Materia Medica based on experimentation on the healthy subject.

This difficulty explains the astonishment of practitioners when they meet with unexpected results, the products of some particular condition different from that which constitutes the physiological state. The observations of these effects in conditions very similar to each other, if collected with care, should, after a time, constitute the second part of the Materia Medica, which we might call the clinical, in contradistinction to the pure or experimental part.

The latter, however, the fundamental basis of the art of curing, should be regarded as an inviolable law, the point of departure of every positive notion, the sacred volume to which we faithfully recur on every occasion, on which we may have been led away by a sort of involuntary impulse as it were, to that empiric method which has, up to the present time, characterized the successively prevailing doctrines.

Experimentation on the healthy subject, while it produces symptoms analogous to the majority of those observed in the sick, has not been able to go so far as to produce those disorders, whether functional or material, so serious, and yet so common, which appal the most practised and hardened observer.

That the proving of a medicinal substance upon the healthy subject should make known all the effects which it is capable of developing, it must be repeated not only under different conditions of age, sex, etc., but also under variable conditions of susceptibility. But even if one succeed in finding healthy individuals of very unusual susceptibility, this is but trifling, compared with the susceptibility which characterizes certain pathological conditions.

Furthermore, where is the physician, who, whatever his devotion to science, would assume the right of pushing his proving to the extent of endangering the life of the prover.

This difficulty of pushing experimentation far enough to discover every medicinal property which a substance may possess is relative, as I have said above, to the susceptibility of a prover. Thus a young woman, very impressible and courageous, presented to me, when under the influence of Lycoperdon Bovista, symptoms which were the very image of Asphyxia from the fumes of charcoal.

In proving a mimosa asperata she experienced several epileptiform nervous symptoms.

Hut it is a rare thing to find individuals so well adapted to this work. In default of them we must interrogate the pathological susceptibility, which, in its turn, may prove a fruitful source of positive knowledge.

PATHOGENESY.

I. A woman, 46 years old, of nervous temperament, very impressible, but in good health.

One dose of Murex, fourth, was taken in six spoonfuls of water. The first spoonful was taken January 5th, in the evening.

Twelve hours after taking the medicine, acute pain in the right side of the uterus, which crossed the entire body and extended upwards to the left breast; extreme feebleness of all voluntary motions, the legs bend under her; irresistible necessity of remaining seated; confusion of ideas, repugnance to conversation, deep sadness.

At six, p.m., palpitations of the heart, and throbbings of the arteries in the neck.

In the evening, excessive fatigue, somnolence, heat of the hands; pulse 80. Pains in the knees; pains in the loins, sensation of excoriation and of burning pain, as if broken, in the chest. The night was good.

January 7th. The second spoonful, in the evening. Sharp burning pain under the false ribs of the left flank, towards the vertebral column, in paroxysms; somnolence and sadness; difficult evacuation of feces, stool maronee; requiring an enema of tepid water. The stitch in the side has lasted the whole day. In the evening, painful tension in the right hypochondrium. Dry, infrequent cough. Dyspnea. Voice is changed and hoarse. The heaviness is much diminished. No leucorrhea since the first spoonful.

The third spoonful on the evening of the seventh.

8th. The night good. On awaking, feels well. The stitch in the side has disappeared. Sensation of dryness and of constriction in the uterus. The heaviness has disappeared. No leucorrhea.

The fourth spoonful was taken on the evening of the eigth.

9th. A good day. Natural stool. Fifth spoonful, evening.

10th. Very good day. Sixth spoonful.

11th. In the morning, a sensation of heaviness and of dilation in the labia majora. The urine has a white deposit. Expulsion of a small quantity of bloody mucus, after passing water.

12th. A good day. In the evening the menses appeared abundantly. Stool natural.

13th. Pain in the uterus, as if wounded by a cutting instrument. This sensation has been habitual during the menstrual flow for many years.

II. A woman, aged 38 years, of a sanguine temperament, sound mind, judicious powers of observation, good health.

First day. The leucorrhea having disappeared entirely, pain in the occiput towards mid-day, pain in the arms below the elbow.

Second day. On awaking, headache which disappears on getting up. During the day, pains in the left temple, coming and going * * Towards the close of the day, tightness in the occiput; I involuntarily raise my hand to the part affected, when the tightness passes from left to right; I raise to the head the hand of the opposite side to that which is the seat of the pain; I bend my head backwards because it seems to me that this motion relaxes the nerves of the occiput and of the neck; constant desire to urinate during the day; at three o'clock in the afternoon, great desire to sleep.

Third day. Headache as the evening before, and relieved in the same way; sleep with troublesome dreams; I fled from a troubled sea and found myself again in a meadow with water; during the day momentary heaviness of the head; at five o'clock my right cheek was burning; in the evening, twice, I had a very violent stitch on the left side of the abdomen, downwards; it ascended perpendicularly and lasted one minute; at nine o'clock, violent sleepiness. During the day, pains in the legs from time to time, tightness in the head on each side above the ears; pains in the breasts.

Fourth day. Painful dreams, headache on waking * * pretty severe colic; hunger during the day; appetite pretty good in the morning, but not at dinner; pains in the breasts.

Fifth day. I will explain to you. The prover has not dared write all that she has felt in the region of the genital organs; excessive sexual desire, an excitement which will and reason could hardly control.

Sixth day. The left cheek burning. Hunger during the day; in the evening, headache with pain, lasting about an hour.

Seventh day. Troublesome dreams; waked with a start, in fear; in the morning, leucorrhea, very scanty, but greenish; in the evening, flatulent colic. This is the seventh day of medication, and since the second day I have been very much constipated; today I could not go to stool; in the evening I had headache in front of the forehead. I have forgotten to say that, during the first days, in the morning before breakfast, I coughed several times. In the evening, when breathing, I had wheezing in the chest; for several days, I experience, during the day, paroxysms of anguish, of fear and dread.

III. A woman, aged 39 years, of sanguine lymphatic temperament.

First day. At two o'clock and at four, I have bad sharp but transient pains above the cerebellum. Less of leucorrhea, but always mixed with blood.

Second day, Friday. Since noon, the head embarrassed and a little heavy; little disposition to work; at half-past two o'clock, buzzing in the ears and increased heaviness in the head, relieved about four o'clock; about half-past six, I was taken with a sharp pain in the abdomen on the left side. It was acute and extended over the whole abdomen; not equally intense but felt in different spots, like a sharp point; the left side of the abdomen remained sore the whole evening. The leucorrhea scanty and not mixed with blood. In bed, pains in the renal and lumbar regions and a decided heat above the thighs persistent.

Third day, Saturday. Less heaviness of the head; but little leucorrhea, but it is thicker; not mixed with blood; the sore spots of the left side of the abdomen are less sensisitive, but are still occasionally felt; some lancinating pains; the heat of the thighs has disappeared, but that of the hip region continues even when not recumbent.

Fourth day, Sunday. This morning, on going to stool, the blood had disappeared, and up to one o'clock, blood was mingled with leucorrhea; about three o'clock, I experienced a severe pain above the right temple; a little pain in the thighs; I have remarked that since taking the medicine the pains in the loins and hips are greater. In the evening, on going to stool, the blood flowed copiously; this day, but little leucorrhea. For two days, pains in the breasts.

Fifth day, Monday. No blood today; but little leucorrhea; but, on rising, pains under the left thigh, very sensible on touching the part. This continued throughout the day. Some lancinating pains in the womb; the hips are painful; no heat of the thighs, either in bed or when up.

Sixth day, Tuesday. No blood; but little leucorrhea. The pain below the thigh is less severe, but the part is always sensitive to the touch. The breasts have been very painful, and in bed I have had sharp and painful lancinations in them. The pains of the thighs and of the loins have almost disappeared.

Seventh day, Wednesday. During the night, I waked with a start, and a violent desire to urinate. Urinated very copiously. No blood, nor leucorrhea during the night, a good deal during the day. Heaviness of the head and even dizziness, but since taken the medicine, and even before, I have not had so good a day. I have observed that since taking the medicine I lose my memory, and even find my words with difficulty.

Eighth day, Thursday. Ceased to take the medicine. The day has been a very bad one. Very severe pains in the breasts, loins and thighs. Distress in the abdomen, resembling that which I feel at the approach of the menses, and we are now at the 20th of August, they should not come until the 5th of September. Desire to sleep, dullness of head; labor is irksome.

This evening, no more pain except in the thighs always below and towards the middle. When urinating during the day, blood appeared slightly; scarcely any leucorrhea, but very thick and yellow. I have remarked that I suffer more when sitting then when walking, and the pains, which I case to feel when walking to and fro, return almost immediately when I resume the sitting posture. Good sleep and appetite.

Ninth day, Friday. Good night; yet on first waking and also several times during the night on waking, I had pretty severe pains, such as attend the menses; anguish.

The breasts, today, have been less painful; no more blood in the leucorrhea, and at stool, scarce any leucorrhea; no pain in loins but extreme lassitude and pains in the legs and knees. No lancinations. A good day.

Headache however, and frequent transient sharp pain in the right temple. My headache which continues this evening is more on the right side than on the left.

Clinical Observations. — I. Madame J., mother of several children whom she nursed, enjoyed very good health up to her forty-fifth year. At this period she began to have irregularity of the menses and soon to complain of painful weariness in the loins, of a sensation of weight in the hypogastrium and more particularly in the rectum, all of which gave her great concern; deep sadness at the approach of the menses, which were very abundant for several days, and were attended with great pain caused by the expulsion of large coagula. Subsequently, the flow, which lasted ten or twelve days, became russet colored and finally serous. The interval from one period to the next was only about ten days, during which the above symptoms diminished without entirely ceasing, and at the recurrence of the menstrual flow reappeared with their original severity.

Exploration, by means of the speculum, revealed the presence of a soft, violet colored enlargement of the neck of the uterus; a large excoriation on its auterior aspect, which was caused to bleed by a slight touch, induced recourse to cauterization, after which the patient was enjoined to observe absolute repose and a light not very abundant diet. The menses subsequent to the operation were less abundant, without coagula and consequently less painful and of shorter duration; the secondary symptoms were also less marked. This improvement did not last longer than a few months, when the symptoms returned with increased violence. Walking, or standing for a long time became almost impossible; the pain at the appearance of the menses became again violent, for the expulsion of large coagula; during the periods of suffering, the pulse was small and frequent; emission of urine was impossible; a copious sweat covered the patient's body. Sabina 3/30, in 120 grammes of water, given in spoonful doses, every half hour, moderated the severity of the symptoms without much abridging their duration. Eight days afterwards the patient took Murex purpurea^4, five centigrammes in 180 grammes of water, (a spoonful morning and evening).

Under the influence of this remedy, the painful weariness of the loins, of the thighs, the weight upon the rectum, the leucorrhea, the itching occasioned by it and the pains in the hypogastrium diminished and then disappeared.

The menstrual epoch, which was retarded several days, occurred as before the sickness, except that there was the weakness resulting from the antecedent sufferings. A second dose, like the first, was given, immediately after the cessation of the menses. From that time she was restored to perfect health. Eighteen months have elapsed, during which she has led an active and sometimes a fatiguing life, without her health being at all impaired.

II. Madame F., 30 years of age, of a sanguine-lymphatic temperament, mother of two children, was subject, in infancy, to violent attacks of cough, caused by congestion of the lungs, the result of a psoric taint (retrocession of itch). These attacks ceased to appear, about the time of her first pregnancy, another organ becoming then the centre of the congestion and the seat of disorders of another character. The patient began by experiencing a sensation of pressure towards the genital organs; some months after her first confinement, a heavy weight pressing upon the rectum, swelling of the hemorrhoids, greenish yellow leucorrhea, sometimes bloody, and discharge of pure blood by the vulva at stool.

Thrilling pains in the lower extremities. Painful weariness in the loins, in the nates; very great debility which rendered walking very difficult, often impossible, at the period of the menses. To these symptoms which kept growing more intense, there was added a painful aching in the whole hypogastrium; it caused an inexpressible anguish and frequent syncope which ceased when the menses began to appear; soon these became excessive, accompanied by spasms in the abdomen together with sharp lancinations in the uterus.

Several cauterizations had been made, the operator having been induced to resort to them (as he is reported to have said) by the tumefaction of the cervix, in which there were several deep fissures. The body of the uterus, more voluminous than natural, was very much inclined forward, the cervix resting upon the posterior wall of the pelvis. This position must no doubt have aggravated the pains.

The cauterization, although often repeated, did but little good. It was given up and for several months longer the sufferings were the same. Immediately after the menstrual period, five centigrammes of Murex^4 were given in 120 grammes of water; the patient took a spoonful every morning. The symptoms perceptibly diminished before the ensuing menstrual period. The latter was attended with but little suffering and the flow was less than usual. Above all the leucorrhea was decidedly diminished. A second dose given in the same way, as soon as the flow had ceased, was sufficient to re-establish the health of the patient, who for the last year has continued to be well.

From these two observations and others analogous to them, one may deduce principles of a useful application. They will find their place hereafter.

RESUME OF THE PATHOGENETIC SYMPTOMS OF MUREX PURPUREA, BY DR. PETROZ.

Head.

1. Confusion of ideas, repugnance to conversation, deep sadness in the evening; first day.

Pain in the occiput towards mid-day; first day.

Headache on awaking, which disappears on rising; first day.

During the day, pain in the left temple, which goes and comes.

5. Heaviness of the head from time to time, which leaves at intervals great clearness in the ideas; second and third day. At the end of the day, tightness behind the head which causes her to raise the hand involuntarily to the seat of the pain; when the pain is on the left side she raises the right hand and vice versa. Desire to bend the head backwards; this motion relieves the head and neck; second day.

The head is heavy for short periods of time; third day.

The right cheek burns toward evening; third day.

Tightness of the head behind the ears; third day.

10. The left cheek burns in the morning; sixth day.

Headache (heaviness) lasting one hour; sixth day.

Pressive frontal headache; seventh day.

Confusion in the head, sleepiness, labor is irksome; eighth day.

Pressive pain in the right temple; ninth day.

15. Pain in the occiput, very acute, but of short duration; first day.

Head confused, heavy; indisposition to work; second day.

Buzzing in the ears and increased heaviness in the head; second day.

Diminution of memory, difficulty in finding words.

Heaviness of the head as when the atmosphere is close.

20. The nose is cold all day so that she is much incommoded there by; third day.

Thorax.

Palpitation of the heart, throbbing of the arteries of the neck; first day.

Pain in the thorax as if broken.

Incisive burning pain under the false ribs (left side), and towards the spine; second day.

Dry infrequent cough, oppression; second day.

25. The voice is changed, hoarseness; second day.

Pain in the mammae; third and fourth days.

Cough in the morning before breakfast; first day.

Wheezing in the chest in the evening when breathing; seventh day.

Severe pains in the mamma; eighth day.

30. Sharp lancinations in the mamma.

Stomach.

Hunger during the day, in the morning; none at dinner.

Hunger the sixth day.

Abdomen.

Evacuation difficult; second day.

Painful tension in the right hypochondrium; second day.

35. Colic; fourth day. Colic in the evening; seventh day. Constipation which lasts five days and more. Uneasiness in the abdomen like that which is caused by the approach of the menses; their appearance is retarded fifteen days; eighth day.

Acute pain like a sharp point in the left side of the abdomen extends and is felt in different isolated spots; the left side of the abdomen remained painful the whole evening; second day.

The same symptoms less severe; third day.

Pressure upon the anus like painful points; first day.

Genital Organs.

Acute pain in the right side of the uterus which crosses the body and ascends to the left mamma; first day.

40. Sensation of dryness and of constriction in the uterus; second day.

Sensation of weight and of dilation in the labia majora; seventh day.

Pain as if wounded by a cutting instrument in the uterus; seventh day.

In the evening (third day), two violent lancinations, lasting one minute, in the left side of the abdomen in an upward direction.

Excitement of the genital organs; desire so violent as to fatigue the reason.

45. Greenish thick leucorrhea; seventh day. The same (third day) diminished but thicker; eighth day.

The leucorrhea becomes bloody; ninth day.

Return of bloody discharge from the vulva on going to stool (fourth day), a part of the day; it ceases and reappears again.

Venereal desire renewed by the slightest touch; 2d day. Heaviness in the vagina during the existence of the pain in the abdomen.

50. Throbbings in the uterus; fifth day.

Watery leucorrhea lasting only a half day; second day.

Urinary Organs.

Urine with white sediment. Discharge of a small quantity of bloody mucus after the passage of urine; fifth day.

Frequent call to urinate during the day; second day.

When urinating slight bloody discharge; eighth day.

55. Frequent need to urinate during the night, urine colorless; third day.

Urine fetid; the odor much resembling that of Valerian; this odor soon diminishes and disappears; third day.

Trunk.

Pain in the loins. Sensation of burning, of excoriation; first day.

Pain in the loins; eighth day.

Pain in the loins when lying down, pain in the hips (second to third day) especially in bed.

60. Pain around the pelvis; third day.

Extremities.

Extreme feebleness in the voluntary movements. The limbs give way and there is irresistable desire to remain seated; first day. Pain in the knees; first day.

Heat in the hands; first day.

Pain in the arms below the elbows (first day;) simple pain in the legs from time to time; third day.

65. Pains of very great weariness in the thighs (eighth day); pain of contusion in the front and middle of the thighs. Extreme lassitude, pains in the legs and knees; ninth day. Sharp heat in the anterior part of the thighs; second day. On rising acute pain in the middle anterior portion of the left thigh; she cannot bear to have it touched; it lasts the whole day; fifth day.

Sensation of throbbing in the anterior part of the thigh.

Sleep.

70. Drowsiness; first day.

Drowsiness and sadness; second day.

At nine, p.m., great desire to sleep.

Sleep with troublesome dreams; fleeing from a turbulent ocean she found herself in a plain full of water; third day. Troublesome dreams (fourth day); ditto (seventh day), waking with fright. 75. Sleep interrupted by pains altogether similar to those which sometimes accompany the menses (third day); anguish.

Wakes with a start and violent desire to urinate; urine abundant.

General Symptoms.

Excessive fatigue; first day.

Sensation of anguish during the day, feeling of fear, of indefinite fright; for several days the sufferings are greater when sitting than when walking; when walking they cease and reappear again on sitting down.

Sensation of dryness in the skin as if it would crack.

PROVINGS ON PATIENTS, by M. de B., furnished by Dr. C. Hering.

"January 12th, 1852. Taken by a lady, aged 38 years, of sanguine-nervous temperament. She has been ill eight years of prolapsus uteri. For more than a year she was unable to stand. For several years she has suffered excruciating pain. Her mind is in a very gloomy state.

She has been under my care about three years and has constantly but slowly regained health. She can now ride about ten miles and rest in an hour afterwards; can sew about eight hours in a day, but must rest frequently and has never passed a day without lying down. Her mind has gradually recovered its cheerfulness, and she has been for several months desirous of society which even one year since she could not at all endure.

I directed her not to take any other medicine for ten days before the Murex. She has taken three doses at intervals of ten days. The symptoms have been the same each time, only much more intense than the first dose. I gave her the two hundredth dilution; she took it in the morning as soon as she had risen. For the first four hours she felt nothing. Then she felt a debility of the entire muscular system; a sinking of the stomach; an enlargement of the bowels; a distinct feeling of the womb; and great sensitiveness of the bowels, with sharp pain running up from the groin to the socket of the right hip. A sensation as of the creeping of a snake over the entire region of the short ribs, upon the left side; great depression of spirits; it seemed to her that she was hopelessly ill. She was obliged to go to bed and lie there. These symptoms continued for nearly a week, without abatement, and at the end of a week she felt about as usual, except that she was rather gloomy in mind. The second and third doses produced the same symptoms but less intense.

II. A lady, aged about 30 years, of sanguine-nervous temperament, had been, for five years, subject almost constantly to pain in her right hip, and a feeling of sinking at the stomach, which incapacitated her for sewing or knitting. She took but one dose and said, "It made me miserable. I was so low spirited that I gave up every thing. I had no strength left. My stomach seemed gone and an intolerable creeping pain in my right hip kept me from getting any ease in any position." I ought to add that this lady had been so well for the last eight months that I had not been in attendance upon her. The duration of the effect of the medicine in her case was about five days.

III. A lady, aged 23 years, of sanguine-nervous temperament. I had treated her during the year past for prolapsus uteri, with the ordinary debility in the lumbar region, palpitation of the heart, sinking at the stomach, etc., that usually accompany that affection. She recovered rapidly and seemed to be in sound health for the last six months. She took three doses of Murex at intervals of ten days, and perceived no effect whatever."

The following case which occurred under ray own observation presents some points of interest. [Dunham.]

Mrs. C, aged 28 years. Seven years ago, about four months after her marriage, she had a miscarriage and subsequently a prolapsus uteri and so-called ulceration of the cervix, for which she was under local (allopathic) treatment for a period of eighteen months. Three years ago, after unusual exercise under circumstances of great emotional excitement, she had a recurrence of the prolapsus under which she suffered for some time.

June 30th. After taking unusually violent exercise, the patient was suddenly subjected to terrible mental excitement.

July 1st. She applied for medical treatment. She has bearing down sensations; a feeling as if the internal genitals were being pushed out, with great nausea and faintness, and a peculiarly distressed sinking sensation in the epigastrium.

A vaginal examination reveals a slight prolapsus, a very long cervix, but no ulcerations. There was utter loss of appetite and great despondency.

In consequence of the great faintness and "sinking at the stomach," (which, Dr. Lippe says, is a strong characteristic of Murex), in addition to the other symptoms which indicated this remedy, Murex purp.6 was prescribed, a powder every four hours (no higher potency being at hand).

July 3d. The patient reports that in fifteen minutes after taking the first powder, she felt very hungry and ate something. After the second powder, a still greater degree of hunger; she again took food. After the third powder, she expressed herself as "half starved" and had to have a hearty meal prepared, which she ate. She slept well.

July 4th. After the first powder, this morning, the same sensation of hunger, though in a less degree than yesterday. In the region of the uterus she felt much better.

July 6th. Has gained in every way. Felt quite well as regards the uterine symptoms and the sinking at the stomach, until, this evening, having been frightened by a dog, she fainted. This brought back the symptoms of July 1st, which, however, were soon relieved by Murex, and have not since returned.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 07, No. 09, 1863-1864, page 306-315, 399-408]

[Description: Murex Purpurea.]

[Remedies: Murex Purpurea.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1864]

OBSERVATIONS ON ACONITE.

By Carroll Dunham, M.D., New York

It happens that Aconite is frequently indicated at the very beginning of some acute diseases and that, if properly used in such cases, it will often cut short the career of the disease. From these facts, has arisen a fashion of giving Aconite almost as a routine prescription in the beginning of all acute cases indiscriminately; particularly if the cases are supposed to be characterized by that Protean phantom of the Pathologist inflammation.

Great mischief often results from this practice; negatively, inasmuch as it causes the loss of valuable time, during which the true specific remedy, which should have been given at the very first, might have been acting; and, positively, inasmuch as the Aconite often, when inappropriately administered, does real mischief, exhausting the nervous power of the patient and adding to a prostration which is already, probably, the great source of danger.

From experiments upon animals and men, systematic writers on Materia Medica draw the following conclusions:

Aconite is a "cerebro-spinant," a "nervous sedative." Its first action is to benumb the nerves of sensation. This it does when taken internally; producing first, a sensation of warmth in the fauces, then, a rough prickling or smarting, and then, a want of sensibility and an absence of the sense of taste. When applied externally, to the skin, it produces anaesthesia, without at first, impairing the motive power. It does not affect the consciousness and intelligence until its action is carried to a very considerable extent. [In this respect it is in direct opposition to Cocculus]. Preceding the anaesthesia are observed all the sensations which characterize incomplete anaesthesia, such as, tingling and prickling of the fingers and toes, numbness, etc.

A general feeling of warmth is diffused throughout the body. This soon becomes increased to a disagreeable sense of internal heat with distension of the brain, lips and face, along with a very profuse perspiration over the whole body, itching and a miliary eruption. (Pareira, Stible, Wood, Sturm.)

Dr. Fleming describes, in addition, nausea and oppression at the stomach and a peculiar tingling sensation at the roots of the teeth. The pulse and respiration which were at first markedly accelerated, become, after a time, retarded and enfeebled. When pushed to extremes, the cases of Aconite poisoning prove fatal with the usual symptoms of narcotic sedative poisoning. They furnish no distinctive characteristic symptoms.

Special Analysis – Sensorium. Aconite produces a well-marked vertigo, a sensation as of a swaying to and fro in the brain. This is increased by stooping and by motion generally, especially by suddenly rising from a recumbent posture. Sometimes vision is obscured by it. In connection with these symptoms, a bursting headache, accelerated pulse, and internal heat of the head, with, at the same time, perspiration of the head and thorax. This vertigo resembles that of Glonoine and Bryonia and is contrasted with that produced by China, Ferrum and Theridion.

The thoughts are confused. The head feels oppressed in the forehead with pressure in the temples.

Head. Heaviness and pressure in the forehead as if there were a load there, pressing outwards, and as if all would come out there. Headache as if the brain were pressed outwards. Throbbing and internal soreness. Sticking and pressing headache, involving the eyes; also extending down into the upper jaw-bone.

The headache is pressing from within outward; sometimes throbbing. Its location is the forehead and temples, involving the eyes and upper jaw. It is aggravated by motion, stooping and noise, and relieved by repose. Head and face are hot, especially internally, and covered with hot perspiration.

Eyes. A sharp, anxious expression. Sharp, darting pain in the supra-orbital region. The pupils are at first, dilated. The globe of the eye and the lids reel very dry. Subsequently, there is a feeling of pressure in the eye, and pain when the ball revolves in the orbit. Pressure and burning in the eye and over the brow. Moderate photophobia.

Ears. Indefinite pains and pressure.

Face. Tingling in the cheeks. Sweat covers the cheeks. The face is red and hot, cheeks glow. A sensation as if the face were growing large.

Mouth. The lips burn and feel swollen. Mouth dry, with thirst.

Teeth. Sensitive to cool air.

Tongue. Burning, tingling and pricking. Feels as if it were swollen.

Throat. Rough and scraped sensation.

Gastric Symptoms. Bitter, flat taste. Loss of appetite; discomfort after food, nausea and vomiting.

Stomach. Pressure in the stomach and both hypochondria as if a stone lay there (Bry. Arn.) extending through to the back.

Heaviness in stomach and hypochondria. After repeated vomitings there still remains a sensation as if a cold stone lay in the stomach. (Compare Colch.)

Burning in the stomach and umbilical region extending to the epigastrium with throbbing, at length a shivering, followed by heat.

Abdomen. Pinching pain, in various parts of the abdomen. Very sensitive to touch and pressure. Distended as in dropsy.

Stool. Fluid, rather watery. Sometimes greenish, with some pain and flatulence.

Anus. Sensation as of a discharge of a warm fluid from the anus.

Urine. High colored, strong in odor and scanty, without sediment. It is passed frequently.

Respiratory Organs. Sense of smell unnaturally acute. Nasal membrane dry and irritable. Sneezing frequent, and violent, though often restrained because of the pain which it produces in the walls of the abdomen or of the stitch in the left side of the thorax which it often provokes.

Larynx and Trachea. Larynx very painful. Sensitive to inhaled air, as if it were deprived of its outer covering. This is an intense degree of the sensation of rawness, etc., in the larynx, of which every prover complains.

Sensation as if the larynx were compressed from all sides. Sensation of dryness and roughness in the larynx and all along the trachea. This sensation often gives rise to a little hacking cough.

Irritation (provoking a cough) in the larynx, on coming from the open air into a warm room. (Ran. bulb., the same. Rumex, Squilla, Ipec. and Bry., have cough provoked by change from warm to cold air.)

Cough. Dry, hacking, from rawness in larynx and trachea. Or a forcible cough, producing a taste like that of blood.

Cough always dry, except when attended by clear bloody expectoration.

Cough accompanied by excoriated sore pains in the thorax.

Cough relieved when lying on the back, worse when lying on the s ides.

Expectoration bloody, or consisting of clear blood.

Thorax. Much dyspnea. Frequeut deep sighing respiration. One prover, Zlatarovitch says:

"Frequent deep inspiration, not sighing, but like a desire to accelerate the course of the blood through the lungs."

Heaviness and fullness upon the chest, as though one could not dilate the thorax, compelling deep inspirations conjoined with restlessness, anxiety and palpitation. Audible (subjectively) crepitation. Accelerated breathing.

Besides the heaviness, there are ill-defined stitches in the intercostal spaces, generally low on the right side, aggravated by deep inspiration.

Heat and burning in the lungs.

Heart. Movements irregular and inharmonious. Palpitation, which is worse when walking. Violent palpitation with great anxiety, during repose as well as motion. Anguish in the region of the heart with rapid and powerful action of that organ.

Oppression, especially in the region of the heart. A pressing in pain in the region of the heart.

The following remarkable symptom is reported by Zlatarovich, a keen and daring prover: Lancinating stitches in the region of the heart, feeling as if they were in the costal pleura, and which prevent the erect posture and deep inspiration, with disposition to cough; relieved by friction and by occasional deep inspiration; but the part remains sore.

Back. Pressive, drawing, tearing and numb sensations in various parts of the back. Sensitiveness in the region of the kidneys. Particularly, a weariness and soreness in the lumbar and sacral region.

Upper Extremities. The same creeping, tingling, paralytic sensations in these parts, as in the skin generally. Drawing, tearing pains in the joints of the hands and fingers.

Lower Extremities. Great lassitude of the legs and weariness and heaviness of the feet. They refuse to perform their function. Drawing pains in the hip-joint on motion. Drawing and tearing in the tendinous expansion of the legs and feet. Drawing and pain in the tendo Achillis.

Sleep. Great sleepiness as if from exhaustion, during the day. Nights are very restless. Patients sleep lightly; are too wide awake to sleep; restless and full of dreams.

Restless, alternating cold and heat, thirst and anguish.

Dreams terrifying and very vivid.

Skin. Itching, tingling, prickling and all degrees of commencing and incomplete anaesthesia.

Reddish papules, spots like flea bites on the hands, face, etc.

General Condition. Whole body sensitive to touch.

Sensibility as after a long tit of sickness.

Paralytic sensation and lassitude in the whole body, especially in the arms and feet, with trembling of the whole body, and especially of the extremities – one can hardly walk — with very pale face, dilated pupils, faintness, palpitation, cold sweat on the back and a bursting asunder headache in the temples. Soon after this comes burning heat in the face, with sensation of distension, redness of the face and sleepiness.

Joints. Pains in all the joints. Weakness and laxity of the ligaments of all the joints.

Fever . Chilliness, especially over the back and abdomen. Fugitive chills from the middle of the spine down the loins on each side.

Chilliness and formication between the shoulders and down the back. Shivering.

These symptoms at first alternate with heat and are, finally, followed, as the Austrian provings show, by general and constant heat; dry heat of the whole body; burning heat; heat with moderate sweat.

Heat with contracted, full, strong pulse about 100 per minute in the adult.

Copious sweat, especially at night. Special and general senses Unnaturally acute. Noise, light, odor and touch are unpleasant.

Disposition. Very anxious, restless, full of forebodings, either ill-defined forebodings, or, sometimes, a definite anticipation or prediction of the day of impending death.

If we now review the symptoms of Aconite, as they have been detailed, for the purpose of making a general analysis of the action of that drug upon the organism, we find,

1. The action of the vital power is of such a nature that while the nerves of sensation are more or less benumbed, the voluntary and involuntary muscles and the power of locomotion are but little affected. The action on the sensorium and on the special senses may, perhaps, be accounted for, by that which is the most marked effect of Aconite, viz.: the exalted activity which it produces in the arterial circulation.

The brain is congested; so are the lungs and the kidneys (as indeed the autopsies plainly show). The susceptibility of the special senses is greatly exalted.

2. Action on the Organic Substance. - Of very few drugs, so powerfully poisonous as Aconite is, even in moderate doses, can it be said, as of Aconite, that they produce hardly any appreciable effect upon the organic substance; hardly any change in the tissues or fluids of the body. The records of fatal cases of poisoning, as well as our provings, bear witness to this fact.

The complexion is affected only in so far as the capillary blood-vessels are contracted, producing paleness, and then congested, with redness and heat.

The evacuations can hardly be called abnormal – the urine being merely high colored, inasmuch as it is concentrated, It is a peculiarity of Aconite that urine secreted under its influence has no sediment,

The cutaneous eruption furnishes the only modification to the above statement. It is of such a character as led Hahnemann to recommend Aconite in some cases of measles and miliary rash. There is no resemblance in the symptoms of Aconite to the features of any dyscrasia.

3. Sphere of Action. – The head, the respiratory organs, the heart and the joints seem to be the parts most markedly the seat of the local action of Aconite. In all of these except perhaps the joints, the symptoms point rather to arterial excitement than to definite organic change, involving alteration of existing tissues or formation or deposit of new substances.

4. Sensations. – These are mostly drawing pains – or the various grades of anaesthesi-from sticking, prickling, tingling, etc., down to absolute default of sensation.

5. Periodicity. – None at all.

6. Peculiarities. – The symptoms of Aconite are generally aggravated by warmth and motion and, also, at night.

There is one group of symptoms so characteristic of Aconite that Hahnemann said, "Aconite should not be given in any case which does not present a similar group of symptoms." These are the symptoms of the Mind and Disposition, viz.: Restlessness, anxiety and uneasiness of mind and body, causing tossing and Sighing and frequent change of posture; forebodings, anticipations of evil, anguish of mind, dread of death and, even, distinct anticipations of its occurrence.

Turning now to consider the kind of cases in which Aconite is most likely to be indicated by the similarity of its symptoms, we cannot do better than carefully ponder Hahnemann's most excellent cautions, contained in the introduction to the proving of Aconite. "In order to banish from our conscientious mode of treatment all of that quackery which is only too glad, in selecting its remedy, to be guided by the name of the disease, we must take care, that, whenever we give Aconite, the chief symptoms of the malady, that is, of the acute disease, shall be such as are to be found in the strongest similarity among those of Aconite!"

This is the whole secret of a successful prescription of any drug under any circumstances, viz.: that whatever name we may choose to give to the patient's malady we shall select for its cure, that drug which presents symptoms most similar, not to those which we regard as pathognomonic of the disease so named, but to those of that very patient, at the time of the prescription. "Then," as Hahnemann truly says, "then, is the result most wonderful."

Hahnemann speaks of Aconite as likely to be of service "in those cases, viz.: in which medicine has hitherto employed the most dangerous methods; for example, copious blood-letting, the entire antiphlogistic apparatus – and, too often, in vain and with the saddest results. I mean the so-called inflammatory fever in which the smallest dose of Aconite makes the entire antipathic methods of treatment altogether superfluous, and helps quickly and without sequelae. In measles and miliary fever and in the inflammatory pleuritic fevers, its power to help approaches the marvelous, when, the patient being kept somewhat cool, Aconite is given alone, all other medicinal substances being carefully avoided, even including vegetable acids." He then cautions us to avoid prescribing Aconite for a patient simply because we have given to his malady one of the above names, and enjoins us to be sure that the patient's symptoms closely correspond with those of Aconite.

"Exactly in those cases," he proceeds, "in which Allopathy is most accustomed to regard herself as the only possible saviour, in severe, acute, inflammatory fevers, in which she resorts to copious and frequent bleedings and thereby imagines she far surpasses all homoeopathic treatment in the help she affords - exactly here, is she most in the wrong. Precisely in this, is the infinite superiority of Homoeopathy displayed; that she has no need to spill a drop of blood, that precious vital fluid (which the Allopaths so ruthlessly set streaming) in order to convert this dangerous fever into health again in just as many hours, as the Allopathist's life-exhausting treatment often requires months for a complete restoration; if indeed death shall not have rendered this impossible or if it have not been supplanted by artificially-produced chronic sequelae."

"Sometimes," Hahnemann observes, "after Aconite has acted for several hours, a change in the symptoms may call for some other remedy; and," he adds," it is extremely seldom that, after this, a second dose of Aconite is called for." It is manifest that the too frequent practice of giving in alternation repeated doses of Aconite and Belladonna, or Aconite and Bryonia, or Aconite and some other remedy, did not originate, and would not have found favor, with Hahnemann.

Hahnemann continues," in as short a time as four hours after the first dose of Aconite, thus carefully administered in the above-named diseases, all danger to life will have passed and the excited circulation will then, hour by hour, gradually return to its wonted course."

"So, likewise, Aconite, in the above-named small dose, is the first and chief remedy in the inflammation of the trachea (croup); in several kinds of inflammation of the throat and fauces; as well as in local acute inflammations of all other parts, especially where, in conjunction with thirst and a rapid pulse there are present an anxious impatience, a restlessness not to be quieted, distress and an agonized tossing about."

"Aconite produces all the morbid symptoms, the like of which are wont to appear in persons who have had a fright, combined with vexation; and for these symptoms it is the best remedy."

"Always, in choosing Aconite, as the homoeopathic remedy, especial regard must be paid to the symptoms of the disposition and mind, for these, above all, must be similar."

"Hence, Aconite is indispensable in women after fright and vexation, during menstruation, which, without this soothing remedy, is often instantaneously suppressed by such moral shocks."

If we add to these practical directions of Hahnemann, the conclusions to which our analysis of the sphere of action of Aconite has led us, we shall begin to comprehend a large variety, at least, of the cases which call for Aconite.

As we have seen, Aconite, when given in moderate doses, excites the circulation, increases the heat of the surface and produces perspiration; it affects the innervation, producing extreme sensitiveness of the surface of the body to contact and the correlative sensation of tingling, etc.; in short an incomplete anaesthesia. But it does not alter (in kind) the function of any organ; nor does it set up any new action in any organ or tissue.

Aconite produces, so far as we know, almost no localized diseased condition.

Even when given in large and fatal doses, it acts as a depressant, paralyzing the cerebro-spinal nervous system; but it produces death by this paralysis and without previously localizing its action in any organ or system. It gives evidence of no dyscrasia. Its action bears no resemblance to that of the poison which produces any of the miasmatic diseases – such as the exanthemata, or typhus or intermittent, remittent or continued fevers. Neither does its action, from beginning to end of a fatal case of poisoning, resemble the well defined course of any local acute inflammation – as of the brain, heart, lungs, pleura, etc.

For these reasons, Aconite can never come into requisition (save possibly (?) as a rare and temporary intermittent in some complication) for any of the miasmatic fevers or dyscratic diseases; because, in these, the dyscrasia precedes and gives its features to the acute manifestations of the disease (and, therefore, the symptoms cannot find their analogue in those of Aconite).

Moreover, Aconite can never be the single remedy by the influence of which a patient may be safely carried through a complete course of pure, acute inflammation of any organ or system; because, in the action of Aconite, that localization is lacking which is the essential feature of these diseases. Yet in all of these pure inflammations, there is a period in which Aconite may be indicated and may do a heroic work. For every one of these inflammations which eventually become localized, has a first stage which consists of arterial excitement; and which is prior to that stage that is characterized by change of function and of tissue and by local deposit. This stage is that, in which Aconite plays so important a part and in which, if promptly and judiciously employed, it may arrest and cut short the entire disease.

It is to such a use of Aconite in acute inflammations that Hahnemann undoubtedly refers when he speaks of its ability to restore to health in a few hours, saying: "In as short a time as a few hours, after the first dose of Aconite, thus carefully administered * * all danger to life will have passed and the excited circulation will then, hour by hour, gradually return to its wonted course." So rapid a change as this would be very possible and easily conceivable in the first stage of acute pneumonia before hepatization has taken place; whereas, after hepatization has become established, it would not become conceivable and we have no reason to suppose it ever takes place. Hence the propriety of Hahnemann's caution, in the following words: "sometimes after the Aconite has acted for several hours, a change in the symptoms may call for some other drug; and it is extremely seldom that, after this, a second dose of Aconite is called for." Why? Because, probably, the inflammation has passed from the stage of arterial excitement to that of organic localization and Aconite no longer corresponds. And, probably, that very "change in the symptoms" which called "for some other drug," was a sign that localization had taken place.

This view is in entire harmony with Hahnemann's urgent admonition to heed what he regarded as the great characteristic indication of Aconite: "the anguish of mind and body, the restlessness, the disquiet not to be allayed." This state of mind and body accords precisely with the general phenomena of that arterial excitement which attends the invasion of an acute inflammation; while the localization of the inflammation and the occurrence of exudation are marked by a subsidence of this general anguish, symptoms of local organic embarrassment being substituted for it and the general constitutional symptoms being, rather, those of exhaustion and a depressed condition. Whoever has closely watched a number of cases of pneumonia through the first and second stages will, I think, corroborate these views.

Here, then, we have, again, an example of what the student of Materia Medica so often meets; the entire coincidence of the teachings of a sound pathology with the results of an intelligent and discriminating application of the law of the selection of the drug by the correspondence of characteristic symptoms!

Though it is always hazardous to undertake the illustration of a scientific point by a rhetorical simile, we may venture to liken the action of Aconite and cognate remedies to the onset and effects of a tempest. Whoever is familiar with the general character of North America from the Alleghanies to the Atlantic, must have had opportunity to overlook some fertile valley in the luxuriance of its midsummer vegetation. As he enjoys the prospect, the breeze subsides, and the sunlight becomes obscured. The cattle cease to graze; they move uneasily through the field and snuff the air as if in dread. Soon the incongruous swayings of the foliage in different parts of the valley make it evident that the air is agitated by varying eddies and currents. To the same cause are due the variations in the sounds of the murmur of the brook and the hum of insects, and the chitter of birds that are brought to the ear at successive moments. Clouds of dust rise from portions of the winding road and are born whirling along and upwards. The cattle become more and more uneasy – they rush wildly to and fro through the meadows. A sound as of rushing waters comes up the valley, with a blast of cool air having an odor of freshly cut herbage, or faintly ammoniacal; clouds of dust envelope the spectator; the tempest breaks upon him and for a time he realizes nothing but wild confusion, and the crash and roaring of the elements in unrestrained collision.

After a short time the winds abate; the atmosphere becomes clear and quiet prevails again. All things have resumed their normal state. Nature, animate and inanimate, has come to her former condition of repose. The violence of the tempest has swept past - to spend itself in permanent effects elsewhere.

This represents, well enough, the action of Aconite, which raises an arterial and nervous storm which, though, in fatal cases, its fury may be great enough to induce chaos, that is death, yet does not localize itself in organic changes. Or, if the tempest be considered as representing disease, then Aconite is a happy influence (we know of none such in inanimate nature) which turns aside its force and sends it to expend its energies in material changes elsewhere.

But, the tempest does not always pass thus lightly over the valley. It too often happens, that, when the calm that follows its outbreak, permits the spectator again to survey the region, he looks upon a scene wholly changed. Trees have been prostrated perhaps, and buildings overturned. The mill has been carried away, the dam has failed to resist the sudden increase of the stream; where was once a broad expanse of tranquil water is now an oozing waste, threaded by a narrow creek. The cattle are scattered and the crops destroyed. Havoc has been made and desolation reigns. The processes of nature still go on, but in every condition how changed!

This represents, in some sort, the action of drugs which, like Aconite, produce a storm of general vascular and nervous excitement, but which, unlike Aconite, produce, after this storm: as a sort of sequel of it, a definite localization of pathogenetic action, viz., changes of function and tissue!

Such a remedy is Bryonia, in its action on the lungs and pleura, and Belladonna, in its action on the brain and lungs; such indeed are most of our remedies. For there are few storms which do not make more or less of local havoc!

With a few disconnected remarks, we may close these desultory observations.

It is clear that Aconite may be given in acute inflammation of every organ of the body – but only in a certain stage of a certain form of inflammation. How shall we know when this stage and form are before us? When, in addition to whatever signs they may be which designate the organ which is affected, the symptoms which have been called characteristic of Aconite are present; the heat of surface or external cold and internal heat, thirst, quick, excited but not hard pulse, copious sweat with burning heat; and, above all, anguish and restlessness of mind and body, tossing which will not be quieted, foreboding and anticipations of death.

So, then, after all this talk, involving the terms and speculations of Pathology, the selection of the remedy comes down again to a comparison of symptoms!

Yes! for the sagacity of the Master led him to see clearly that the symptoms of the patient are the only facts of which we have Absolute Knowledge as concerns the patient; and the symptoms of the drug are the only facts that we absolutely know respecting it – and the relation in which they must be placed to neutralize each other, if it be found, must be such as to satisfy every sound hypothesis constructed on these facts. It must consequently harmonize with sound Pathology. And many times this volume of talk will have been well bestowed, if it shall convince any thoughtful mind that, first and most important stands, the correspondence of symptoms according to their rank, and that to this same result all sound hypothesis must lead.

___the purpose, as is often alleged, of "controlling fever." I___

Aconite should never be alternated with other drugs for the fever be such as to require Aconite, no other drug is needed. If other drugs seem indicated, one should be sought which meets the fever, as well; for many drugs, besides Aconite, produce "fever" each after his kind.

Aconite may be called for, if the symptoms correspond, in the first stage of every acute inflammation.

It is a remedy of unspeakable value in a vast many cases of acute hemoptysis, which present the general symptoms as above detailed, characteristic of Aconite, and yet the pathological origin of which and their ultimate nature, if not controlled, are involved in obscurity. The blood is florid. (Spitting of florid blood, without the restless anguish of Aconite, calls for Millefolium.)

Aconite should never be given "to save time" while the physician goes home to study up the case. This is slovenly practice; it were better to give nothing, because Aconite, if given in a case which does not call for it may do mischief: as, for example, in the commencement of typhoid fever, in which it will unfavorably influence the entire course of the disease.

Notwithstanding this fact, so wide-spread has the notion become, that "Aconite is the remedy for fever" that the Allopaths have adopted and are now using it, as the stock remedy for typhoid fever in Bellevue Hospital (1864). The death rate does not lessen.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 01, 1865, pages 28-31, pages 63-74]

[Description: Observations on Aconite.]

[Remedies: Aconitum napellus]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1865]

OBSERVATIONS ON BRYONIA.

By Carroll Dunham, M. D., New York.

The tincture of the root of Bryonia alba or dilutions made from it were used by Hahnemann in his provings.

Pareira calls Bryonia a violent emetic and purgative. Trousseau and Pidoux speak of it as an active purgative, to be used like Colocynth and Elaterium. But Hermand de Montgarney declared that he had frequently cured vomiting, colic, diarrhea and dysentery with Bryonia. An illustration, from allopathic sources of the homoeopathic curative action of this drug!

Bryonia is not mentioned by the majority of modern writers of the old school on Materia Medica. Yet it has for centuries been recognized, among the people of Europe, as a specific for certain ailments, and eminent physicians of earlier ages have recorded many cures by it. Cataplasms of the root were successfully used to scatter inflammatory swellings of the joints. This was a homoeopathic prescription in so far as the selection of the drug was concerned. The ancients cured dropsy with it, and especially hydro-thorax (and we use it for pleurisy with fluid exudation). Sydenham used Bryonia as a remedy for intermittent fever. Teste says the French peasants of Lorraine use the root as a specific remedy for hernia. I learned from observation that, among the peasants residing in the Maremma on the shores of the Mediterranean, North of the Pontine marshes, Bryonia is commonly (and successfully) used as a remedy for the peculiar type of intermittent and remittent fever which is endemic there.

Our entire knowledge of the action of Bryonia on the healthy subject is derived from Hahnemann's Provings (Materia Medica Pura, Vol. II) and from the Austrian Proving, arranged by Prof. Zlatarovich (OEst. Hom. Zeitschrift, Vol. III, 1857). From these sources we construct the following resume:

Sensorium. – Every prover describes, in language more or less emphatic, a "confusion of the head," a "distracted state of the sensorium." Great heaviness of the whole head. Weight upon the vertex. Vertigo, when fasting, when standing, and especially on first rising from a seat; often conjoined with headache in the occiput.

Headache. – Dull, pressing headache in the forehead and temples; drawing and tensive headache in the temporal region; drawing and tearing pain from the temple down to the malar bone and to the lower jaw (this symptom promises aid from Bryonia in prosopalgia). Sticking, jerking, throbbing headache from the forehead backward to the occiput. (This symptom is characteristic, being paralleled in no other drug. Spigelia has pain darting from behind forwards through the left eyeball. Silicea has pain coming up from the nape of the neck, through the occiput and over the vertex and so down upon the forehead. Carbo veg. has dull heavy pain extending through the head, from the occiput to the supraorbital region.)

The majority of the head-symptoms of Bryonia refer to the occiput. In this respect it may be compared with Petroleum.

The sensorium is blunted.

All the symptoms of the head are aggravated by motion and by warmth.

The pathologico-anatomical results of Bryonia-poisoning are: "redness of the diploe, injection of the inner surface of the cranium. Congestion of the membranes. A section of the cerebral substances is dotted here and there with blood."

Zlatarovich says, "the head-symptoms point to congestion and inflammation of the brain;" but, I think, the character of the fever and of the affection of the sensorium is such as to show that it is not likely to be a remedy in pure idiopopathic Encephalitis. If a remedy in Encephalitis at all, it must be in those cases in which Meningitis has supervened, by metastasis or otherwise, upon some previously existing miasmatic or other disease, e. g., one of the exanthemata.

The affections of the head and sensorium are worse in the morning; not immediately on awaking (as with Lachesis) but, after waking, on moving the eyes and head (see stool – Diarrhea).

Face. – Red, hot and puffed. The pains are those that have been described as extending between the temple and the malar bone, and are of a tearing, drawing character.

Eyes. – Lids swollen. A sensation of pressure from within outwards in the globe of the eye. The conjunctiva seems to be moderately inflamed, judging from these symptoms: sensation as if there were sand in the eyes; increased secretion of tears; discharge of muco-pus from the eye, obstructing vision; itching and burning of the margin of the lids. The right eye is most affected.

Contrary to the general rule with Bryonia, the eye-symptoms are aggravated by warmth.

Ears. – Sensation of obstruction.

Noises in the ears.

Nose. – Frequent and repeated epistaxis; a symptom recorded by many provers. It occurs in the morning, sometimes awaking the prover from sleep. The blood is florid. Nose-bleeding after the sudden suspension of menses has been observed under the action of Bryonia. It is probably this symptom which has induced the use of Bryonia in vicarious menstruation .

Mouth. - The lips are swollen. Aphthous patches appear on the living membrane of the mouth and fauces. Dr. Huber, of Linz, one of the Austrian provers, states that his proving of Bryonia cured him of a constitutional tendency to aphthous formations in the throat.

The Teeth feel long and loose; drawing or jumping toothache when eating or just after eating, or in the evening in bed; aggravated by warmth, contrary to the general rule with Bryonia.

Throat. – Sticking pain on swallowing, on feeling of the throat and on bending the neck. Great dryness in the throat.

Digestive Organs. - Taste unpleasant, flat, even with good appetite; sometimes bitter, sometimes putrid, with offensive breath; appetite, generally diminished or destroyed, with aversion to food. One prover (Fr. H.) records an excessive desire for food, which, however, ceased as soon as the prover began to eat.

Thirst increased.

After eating, eructations, sometimes tasting of the food, but generally bitter or sour, with an accumulation of sour water sometimes tasteless in the mouth.

Hiccough is a frequent symptom.

Nausea after a meal, although the food tasted well and was eaten with relish.

Nausea and vomiting, morning and evening, chiefly of water and mucus. Also, vomiting of food and of a fluid consisting of mucus and bile and very bitter.

Food oppresses the stomach, is felt like a load at the epigastrium and is often, regurgitated.

Stomach and Abdomen. – Pressure in the epigastrium, worse after eating and when walking. This pain sometimes extends down to the umbilical region; sometimes even to the bladder and perineum.

After eating, there is often a constricting pain in the stomach, then a cutting in the epigastrium and then vomiting of food. The pains are worse during motion as is the general rule with Bryonia pains.

Sensation of distension and sometimes actual swelling in the umbilical region.

Pains, sticking and shooting in both sides of the abdomen, aggravated by motion and sometimes changing into stitches from the abdomen into the stomach. The stitches are most frequent in the region of the spleen.

In the hepatic region, on the contrary, we find a tensive, burning pain; with a stitch which occurs only when the region is pressed upon, or when the prover coughs or takes a deep inspiration.

Flatulence moderate. Its movements produce pain.

Stool. - It is a peculiarity of Bryonia that, in moderate doses, it produces, in the healthy prover, retention of stool; the stool is infrequent, large in form, solid and evacuated with difficulty and attended by prolapsus of the rectum and burning sensation. Besides this characteristic action, Bryonia produces also, as an alternate action, a kind of diarrhea, preceded by colic, occurring especially at night (or early morning as soon as the patient rises and begins to walk about) and coming on so suddenly that the prover can hardly prevent an involuntary evacuation. (For a comparative notice of the diarrhea of Bryonia, Sulphur, Thuja and Podophyllum, see Dr. Lippe's lecture-American Homoeopathic Review, Vol. V, p. 44:1.)

Zlatraovich calls especial attention to the tenderness of the abdominal walls generally; to the burning pains along the anterior connection of the diaphragm with the ribs; to the sensitiveness of the hepatic region to touch and on deep inspiration; also to the fact that Bryonia diminishes the intestinal excretions, weakens the peristaltic action of the bowels, and retards the stool. It produces diarrhea, he thinks, only when taken in very large doses.

Urine. – The urine is high-colored, concentrated; passed frequently, sometimes with pain. Occasionally during exertion it is passed involuntarily.

Menstruation. – Bryonia uniformly hastens the coming on of the menses, and increases the flow.

Respiratory Organs. – Fluent coryza, beginning with violent and frequent sneezing, accompanied by stitching headache, when the prover stoops, and by hoarseness and an altered tone of voice.

Cough. – Generally dry; it seems to come from the region of the stomach, and is preceded by a crawling and tickling sensation in the epigastrium. This is the general characteristic; sometimes there is a crawling sensation in the throat also, inducing a cough, followed by mucous sputa.

Hacking cough, as if caused by something (mucus?) at a definite spot in the trachea; after coughing for some time this spot becomes very sensitive, and it is worse from talking and smoking.

Cough induced by coming from the open air into a warm room; [This statement was, by a slip of the pen, reversed in "Observations on Aconite." – Review, page 31] from a sensation as of a vapor in the trachea, which prevents the prover getting air enough.

The cough is accompanied by stitching pains in the brain; by rawness in the larynx, by stitches in the intercostal spaces and in the sternum; by soreness in the epigastrium; by gagging, without nausea; by vomiting of food.

It is very characteristic of the Bryonia cough that, while coughing, the patient presses with his hand upon the sternum, as though he needed to support the chest during the violent exertion. Also, that the parts which are the seat of subjective pain become subsequently sensitive to external pressure; e. g., the sternum. (So also the joints.)

The expectoration, which is infrequent and scanty, is tough and sometimes bloody.

Respiration is impeded, as though by a pressure on the epigastrium, and is accelerated, as though by a feeling of heat in the epigastrium and chest. The prover feels a desire to take a deep inspiration, but when he attempts to do so he experiences a pain which does not allow him to expand the chest. Thoracic respiration is often almost impossible, by reason of the stitching pains in the sides of the thorax.

Thorax. – Pressing pains, sometimes just above the epigastrium, sometimes over the whole chest, or on the sternum, impeding respiration. Stitching, lancinating pains are, however, more frequent. They occur on respiring, or on turning around in bed; they are situated sometimes in the sides of the thorax, and sometimes they extend through the thorax from the front to the scapulae; generally the seat of the pain is sensitive to pressure and when the arms are moved.

Back. – Here we meet a new variety of symptoms. Sticking and jerking pains pressing between the scapulae and extending thence through to the epigastrium, when sitting; pain in the lumbar and sacral region, as if beaten; stiffness, tearing and tenderness in the joints and muscles of the lumbar region, which prevents motion and stooping; it is felt most when standing or sitting, and not so much when lying.

Extremities. – In the extremities we have stitching pains in the region of the large joints, as in the shoulder, over the trochanter, and at the knee – all greatly aggravated by motion, touch, or any jar or shock. Drawing pain, as if luxated in the medium and smaller joints.

The limbs and the joints swell, become red, and are very sensitive to touch or motion. The pains are relieved by warmth.

Skin. - Various eruptions. Small red spots on various parts of the body; some with sensibility, and not disappearing on pressure; some burning, and disappearing on pressure.

Sleep. – Great sleepiness by day, with yawning, lassitude, stretching, etc. Yet, at night, the prover cannot sleep, because of the tumultuous course of the blood, anxiety and heat. A concourse of anxious thoughts keep the prover awake till three or four, A.M. Sleep full of dreams. Often a prattling and muttering delirium. Also, sleep-walking has been observed under the action of Bryonia, and cured by it.

Fever. – In the fever which Bryonia produces cold predominates. Coldness and shivering over the whole body. Heat often only internal, or on single parts of the body, and it is conjoined with great thirst. So indeed is the chill. Sweat on slight exertion, even when walking in the cool air. It is frequent at night, and is often sour.

Disposition. – Anxious, peevish and hasty.

GENERAL ANALYSIS.

1. On the Vital Force. – That Bryonia exerts, in some respects, a depressing action on the Vital Force, appears from its action on the sensorium, which is depressed and benumbed; there is a decided sensation of weakness and lassitude; the arms incline to sink by one's side; the limbs move but sluggishly. This sensation of lassitude is most marked early in the morning, as though the night's sleep had brought no refreshment. The least exertion seems to use up the forces of the body.

Nevertheless this prostration is not excessive, nor is it universal. For the disposition is not indifferent, as might have been expected; on the contrary, the prover is hasty and peevish. Again, the special senses are not materially affected; the sphincters are not relaxed, nor do any involuntary muscles seem to be greatly embarrassed in the exercise of their functions. There is no laxity of fibre, such as is shown by the occurrence of involuntary exertions.

The depressing effect seems to be confined to that part of the nervous system which presides over voluntary motion, and over the operations of the mind.

2. The Organic Substance of the body is affected as follows: The secretions from the intestinal surfaces are diminished. The capillary circulation appears to be somewhat impeded in the mucous membranes, but is particularly so in the serous membranes, which line the closed cavities of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium, and joints. As a sequel of this impediment we have effusion (so called) into these cavities.

3. Sphere of Action. - The action of Bryonia, as appears from the proving, is exerted chiefly upon the nervous system of animal life, presiding over ratiocination and voluntary motion; upon the gastro-intestinal region, producing various perversions of digestion, a deficient intestinal secretion and a form of constipation and, moreover, the symptoms of a well-marked hepatitis; upon the respiratory mucous membrane; and eminently upon the serous membranes of the large cavities, and the serous and fibrous tissues of the joints. Finally, the female sexual organs are in such wise affected that menorrhagia is produced, the discharge being florid.

4.Sensations. – The sensations peculiar to Bryonia are stitching, lancinating pains; such pains, in fact, as usually attend and characterize acute affections of the serous and fibrous tissues. Drawing pains are analogous to these. In addition, we note the peculiar sensations of lassitude in the limbs that have been already described.

5. Periodicity. – A disposition to a recurrence of the pains in the morning early, not immediately on awaking (as with Lachesis), but on first moving after waking.

6. Peculiarities. – The great feature characteristic of the Bryonia symptoms is their aggravation by motion and touch. This applies to all, except a few isolated symptoms, which it is evident, from the context, are purely nervous.

It is also noteworthy, that the seat of the subjective pain soon becomes objectively sore, and then swollen and red.

The pains of Bryonia are, in general, relieved by warmth and aggravated by cold.

They are aggravated by mental excitement.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS.

Hahnemann mentions the importance of Bryonia in the treatment of various kinds of fevers, and gives directions for its use in a malignant typhus that was epidemic in Saxony in 1813. We shall speak of this in "Observations on Rhus tox."

Hahnemann recommends Bryonia in certain kinds of abdominal cramps in women, of course, when the symptoms correspond.

Head. – Seeing the action of Bryonia on the serous membranes one might infer that it would occupy a prominent place in the treatment of meningitis. But this inference is not justified by the symptoms. They represent a fever too asthenic to correspond with any form of idiopathic meningitis.

In repercussed eruptions, however, as, for example, during the course of an exanthematous fever – scarlatina or measles – when the eruption has disappeared, and the sensorium becomes immediately affected, Bryonia has often done excellent service. The oppression of the senses, the general prostration. the peculiar form of fever, consisting of predominant coldness, first a chill and then a fever mixed up of chill and heat, with a small pulse, and which never, even when the heat is greatest, becomes very full or hard – these symptoms correspond well to the kind of case to which we refer.

But it is only in a certain class of cases of repercussed exanthemata that Bryonia is indicated and useful, viz., where the sensorium and the system of animal life are depressed, benumbed, but the functions not perverted. They is another class in which they are perverted, and in which, consequently, convulsions more or less complete occur. In such cases Cuprum aceticum (or metallicum) is likely to be indicated, a fact for the knowledge of which we are indebted to Dr. G. Schmidt, of Vienna. In other cases of this kind, without fever or disturbance of the general system, the entire sensorial life is suspended. Here Hellebore may be required, as Hahnemann has shown in his introduction to the proving of that drug. Or, again, together with this suspension of sensorial life, there may be signs of effusion within the cranium; the patient lies like an animate but not intelligent log; the pupils are dilated; the eyes converge or diverge; and here Zincum metallicum will sometimes save the patient. I made this observation in 1853, in a case of scarlatina. About the same time Dr. Elb, of Dresden, published some similar cases in the Allgemeime Homoeopathische Zeitung.

Under these circumstances the vital processes move very slowly, and I believe it is necessary to repeat the Zinc frequently, and to continue it for many days.

Epistaxis. – Bryonia is a standard remedy. The blood is florid. The epistaxis occurs in the morning, often waking the patient from sleep. It is often a concomitant of suppressed menstruation and this is a controlling indication of Bryonia.

Fevers. – In the fevers marked by gastro-intestinal localization, such as bilious remittent, some forms of intermittent and of typhus fever, Bryonia has done good service. It compares with Eupatorium and Rhus tox, and with Nux vomica and Mercurius.

The headache is a splitting pain through the temples and at the same time, and more severely, in the occiput. Oppression at the pit of the stomach and tenderness there; vomiting of food, mucus and bile, stitches in the hypochondria, and soreness and tension in the hepatic region, along with dry cough and decided constipation, without any desire for evacuation of the bowels. Together with these local symptoms there are frequent short chills, alternating or mixed up with heat of the body; a pulse small and frequent, but somewhat hard. Add to the above a slimy and bitter taste, aversion to food, pains in the back and limbs, much aggravated by touch and motion, together with dullness of the sensorium, and aversion to noise and to mental exertion, and we have a picture of the form of fever for which, whether remittent or intermittent, Bryonia is appropriate.

Similar symptoms often characterize what is popularly called "a bilious attack." These "attacks" are very common in persons who have for years been accustomed to take frequent doses of calomel or of blue mass for headache and "biliousness." And we are often called upon to supply a substitute for these drugs. In the majority of these cases Bryonia is the remedy. If early resorted to, it will generally break up the attack; and a repetition of this treatment rarely fails to destroy a tendency to its recurrence.

Boenninghausen gives the following picture of the Bryonia fever: "Pulse hard, frequent and tense. Chill and coldness predominate, often with heat of the head, red cheeks and thirst. Chill, with external coldness of the body. Chill and coldness most at evening, or on the right side of the body. Chill more in the room than in the open air.

Dry, burning heat, for the most part only internally and as if the blood burned in the veins. All the symptoms are aggravated during the heat.

Much sweat. Easy sweating, even from walking slowly in the cold open air. Copious night and morning sweats. Sweat sour or oily."

Hahnemann gives the following groups of symptoms, as characterizing those cases of typhus for which he gave Bryonia so successfully:

"The patient complains of dizziness, shooting (or jerking-tearing) pains in the head, throat, chest, abdomen, ate., which are felt particularly on moving the part – in addition to the other symptoms the hemorrhages, the vomiting, the heat, the thirst, the nocturnal restlessness," etc.

In Acute Hepatitis it is very evident, from the symptoms that Bryonia may be a most valuable remedy. Experience has confirmed the indication. Bryonia is also a remedy for Constipation, being, as Hahnemann remarks, one of the few remedies of which the primary action is to diminish the intestinal excretion, and likewise the peristaltic action of the intestine.

It differs from Nux vomica, as we shall see, in this respect, that the action of the intestine is diminished. Nux vomica does not diminish the action of the intestine. It rather increases it, but at the same time renders it inharmonious and spasmodic – a hindrance, therefore, and not a help to evacuation. This is the reason why the constipation characteristic of Nux vomica is accompanied by frequent ineffectual desire for stool – the action of the intestine being irregular and spasmodic, and the constipation resulting from this irregularity of action, and not from inaction. Bryonia has nothing of this. Under its influence the intestinal activity is really diminished – there is no desire for stool. As a remedy for constipation Bryonia is analogous to that other valuable remedy for the same trouble – Veratrum.

It has been already remarked that Bryonia is our great remedy in the treatment of Vicarious Menstruation – a perversion of function which is not so rare as has been supposed. At the period when the menstrual discharge should naturally take place, there occur hemorrhages from some other parts of the body, as from the nose, mouth or lungs. I have seen, under such circumstances, likewise, hemorrhage from the eye, the ear, and the nipple. These vicarious discharges are not difficult to distinguish from hemorrhage attending and consequent upon diseased conditions of these organs themselves. If, for example, about the time of menstruation, this phenomena not occurring, a copious expectoration or vomiting of blood take place, without any other symptoms of disease of the lung or stomach – if it last two or three days, with no greater disturbance of the general health than commonly attends menstruation – if it then cease, having no sign of disease in the organ apparently affected, and, if it recur again after the usual menstrual interval, there can be no reasonable doubt of the nature of the trouble. Clinical experience has shown that Bryonia generally cures these cases.

Practical Observations – Concluded. – About the third day after confinement, women are liable to chill and an access of fever, just when the mamma begins in earnest the performance of its peculiar function. Experience has shown Bryonia to be one of our most valuable remedies in this condition. The correspondence of symptoms indicates this For, the "milk fever" is one in which chill predominates; it is a mixture of chill and fever, the former much in excess, and, moreover, the gland, which is the seat of pain, becomes rapidly sore and sensitive to touch or motion. In addition, there are drawing tearing pains in the limbs and a headache resembling that of Bryonia. Bryonia is likewise our foremost remedy in Inflammation of the Mammae during lactation.

A word of caution, bearing on the diagnosis of the latter affection, may not here be inappropriate. It is of the utmost importance to avoid mistaking symptoms of exhaustion of the supply of milk in the gland for symptoms of commencing inflammation and treating, with medicine, a condition which should be met by rest of the organ and an appropriate diet.

In primiparae the secretion is often established tardily, and the milk fever is severe. For this reason the patient is apt to be kept on a very low diet, with a view of preventing inflammation of the mamma and for the same object, the child is applied to the breast at very short intervals, in order to prevent "accumulation of milk in the gland," "to keep it free." Under these circumstances, the supply of milk is apt to be scanty. If, now, the child be vigorous, the supply will soon be exhausted, and the child will "draw upon a vacuum." Very soon an acute dragging pain is experienced by the mother, extending from the nipple through the gland and the thorax to the scapula. It would be a sad mistake to regard this as always a sign of existing inflammation, to still farther curtail the diet and to resort to medication. It is not always a sign of inflammation – it is a "dragging on the milk-tubes." The diet should be increased in its nutritive qualities, and directions given to apply the child less frequently to the breast, and to remove it as soon as this peculiar pain begins to be felt. This is very important; for, if the "dragging" be allowed to continue long, and be often repeated, it will produce inflammation, first of the nipple and subsequently of the gland. This is the origin of perhaps a majority of the cases of "Sore Nipples" met with in practice, and attention to these precautions constitutes one of the best preventives of that distressing affection.

It should be observed, however, that cases sometimes occur, in which, as soon as the infant begins to nurse, the patient experiences severe, acute dragging and stitching pain, extending from the extremity of the nipple to the scapula, and rendering the pain of nursing almost unendurable — and this too when there can be no reason to suspect a deficiency of milk. Indeed, the pains set in as soon as the child begins to nurse, and not, as in the case before described, after the child has already nursed, for a time, satisfactorily. These are cases of irritable nipple, and they often result in mammary abscess, because the mother cannot endure the pain of having the breasts freed from the milk that is secreted. Such cases find their best remedy, as I learn from Prof. Guernsey, of Philadelphia, in Croton tiglium.

On the Respiratory Organs the action of Bryonia is very emphatic.

Dr. Wurmb says of it: "Although Bryonia be not so often administered in diseases of the mucous membranes as in those of the serous and fibrous tissues, it is, nevertheless, in the former, a very important remedy. Its action on all the membranes must be a very extensive one, because of its powerful influence upon the processes of secretion and absorption, and because the mucous membranes, in particular, belong to those organs by means of which these appropriations are, for the most part, carried on.

"The results of provings show that Bryonia produces powerful irritation in the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs. This condition is important not only inasmuch as it enables us to designate Bryonia as an important remedy in acute Bronchial Catarrh, but also as giving us a point d'appui in studying the remedy. For experience teaches us, on the one hand, that the more violent forms of catarrh almost always involve the pleura, causing stitch in the side, and, on the other hand, that stitching pains almost always yield, and in a short time, to Bryonia.

"We lay great stress on the fact, that, in the Bryonia catarrh the mucous secretion is diminished, because a great majority of the symptoms which are considered to indicate Bryonia derive their significance from this fact, and it will serve to keep them in memory. They are – hoarseness, hacking cough, which sets in especially in the morning and evening, and is generally dry or yields but a little tenacious mucus (which is sometimes streaked with blood), and which sometimes, through its violence, causes retching and actual vomiting. As rarely failing concomitants of the Bryonia cough, we have stitching pains in the throat and chest, and pressing pains in the head."

In the bronchial catarrh, with scanty secretion, and attended by dyspnea and nervous erethism, to which infants are subject, and which is often mistaken for true pneumonia, Bryonia is a most valuable remedy. In a subsequent stage of the same affection, when the secretion has become very abundant, every paroxysm of coughing producing nausea and copious vomiting of mucus, with dyspnea, exhaustion and sweat, Ipecac is likely to be required. In former days, before I learned to distinguish sharply between the indications for these remedies, I used to give them, as was and is so commonly advised and practised, in alternation – a slovenly practice which cannot be too strongly condemned. Each of the remedies has its place in the appropriate stage of the malady.

In the Pneumonia of adults, especially in that form in which the deposit or exudation is scanty and fibrinous, Bryonia is the remedy most frequently required. So true is this, and so valuable is Bryonia in this case, when indicated, that some practitioners have not hesitated to say that Bryonia is the sole and all-sufficient remedy for Pneumonia, and that they give nothing else. This view, however, restricts the idea of Pneumonia to one pathological form, ignoring that form in which the exudation is not purely fibrinous, and in which Phosphorus or Tartar emetic is likely to be indicated, as we shall see in "Observations on Phosphorus."

A reference here may be permitted to the singular fact that whereas, in New England, where Pneumonia is frequently met with, more than one busy practitioner places his whole reliance on Bryonia in Pneumonia, and claims to cure every case with it; in Vienna, on the other hand, where Pneumonia is still more common, Dr. Fleischmann regards Phosphorus as the specific, and uses it almost exclusively.

Admitting the looseness of the practice, which, in any locality, looks to one remedy exclusively as the specific for any disease whatever, may it not be that the character of the Pneumonia, in the two regions, is radically different, depending on differences in the constitutions and habits of the races in the two countries? Be this as it may, the facts are a warning not to prescribe on the basis of the name of the disease.

Important as is the action of Bryonia on the regions already designated, it is still more marked in the serous and fibrous tissues.

The stitching pains in the thorax and abdomen, especially the stitch in the intercostal regions on taking a deep inspiration, all point to the efficacy of Bryonia in Plenritis, an indication which experience has confirmed. It is believed to be more suitable for Pleurisy of the right side.

In Pericarditis, also, it is valuable, though perhaps less frequently indicated than Spigelia.

In its relations to affections of the Pleura, Bryonia is resembled by Spigelia, Squilla, Ranunculus bulbosus and Kali carb.

In Rheumatism, Bryonia is one of our most important remedies. Its symptoms of the extremities simulate a muscular rheumatism, with moderate fever; while the symptoms of the joints show it to be still more appropriate to articular rheumatism.

The joints are much swollen and are reddened; streaks of red extending up and down the limbs. They are very sensitive to touch, and are especially painful during motion, the pain being less the more perfect the repose. Dr. Wurmb gives the following indications: "The fever not very violent, or, if so at first, much diminished; the rheumatism does not change its location; the local phenomena, especially the swelling and pain, very violent; the irritation of the skin but slight; the redness not very great. "The aggravations, as to time, are in the morning some time after waking, and the evening. The pain is of a sticking and tearing character.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 03, 1865, pages 109-113, pages 147-154, pages 183-187]

[Description: Observations on Bryonia.]

[Remedies: Bryonia alba]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1865]

OBSERVATIONS ON COLCHICUM.

By Carroll Dunham, M. D., New York.

The Autumn Crocus or Meadow Saffron, a beautiful flower, found in most parts of temperate Europe and especially abundant and beautiful near the site of the ancient Alba Longa, not far from Rome. The parts used are the root and the seeds, and various opinions have been expressed, by different authors, respecting the relative activity of these portions of the plant. The majority of the provings made by Homoeopathists were made with a tincture of the freshly gathered root. Colchicum was well known to the ancients, as indeed its name implies (from the Island Colchos where it abounded), and very little has been added, even in our day, to the knowledge which the ancients possessed of its properties and uses. It was described by them as a violent emeto-cathartic, and on that account a dangerous remedy – as, however, a specific remedy for gout and rheumatism in which it gave magical relief. They considered its frequent and continued use in gout to be injurious, because of its action on the stomach and bowels, and Alexander of Tralles, in the fifth century, says that, although it does speedily relieve the pain and soreness of an attack of gout, it nevertheless favors the frequent recurrence of these attacks, an opinion which is repeated by Mr. Barwell, the most recent authority on "Diseases of the Joints" (London, 1860).

In general the effects ascribed to Colchicum are the following: in large doses it produces loss of muscular power, slow breathing, and slow and feeble pulse. The sensorium is but little disturbed.

Upon the digestive organs it acts with great energy, increasing and altering the secretion from some or all of their mucous surfaces. Sometimes profuse salivation results. More frequently, profuse secretion of urine. But most frequently of all, nausea, eructations and copious vomiting of mucus and bile with frequent and abundant alvine evacuations, consisting of watery matters with white skinny flocculi, or of yellowish and bloody matter. There is much tenesmus. The flatulent distension of the abdomen is sometimes enormous; when this is the case the stools are not so frequent nor so copious.

This action upon the intestines is observed not merely when the Colchicum is taken into the stomach, but also when it is injected into a vein or rubbed upon the external skin of the abdomen.

In addition to the above symptoms, the nervous system has been observed to be affected as follows: "numbness of the hands and feet, with prickling as if they were asleep; painful flexure of the joints; pain in the shoulder and hip joints and in all the bones, with difficulty of moving the head and, tongue" (Henderson). The general loss of power is as remarkable as the fact that even in cases of extreme poisoning, the mind remains clear. Death probably results from paralysis of the heart.

Colchicum is one of many examples of the great difference in both the degree and kind of action which drugs exert on the organism of different animals. In very small doses it is fatal to dogs, producing violent emetocathartic action. Hence the French call it Tue-chien. In cows it produces scanty urine, great distension of the abdomen but no profuse diarrhea. In rabbits it produces enuresis, but hardly any serious symptoms. A frog will take with impunity a dose that would speedily kill a large dog. This example shows the fallacy of deducing from experiments on animals rules for the use of drugs in diseases of the human organism.

The following summary of the action of Colchicum upon the healthy human subject is derived from Stapf's proving, in the Archives of the Homoeopathic Art, Vol. VI., and from records of provings which are abundant in medical literature and of which an excellent summary is given by Hartlaub, in the Homoeopathische Vierteljahrschrift, Vol. VIII. The provings are still very imperfect.

Sphere of Action. – Taking a general view of the action of Colchicum, we find it to be exerted chiefly on the bones (or periosteum), on the synovial membranes of the joints, on the urinary and digestive organs and upon that part of the nervous system which presides over the function of voluntary motion. It acts also somewhat upon the respiratory organs. It therefore acts with about equal scope upon both the vital force and the organic substance.

It is a remarkable fact that although the action of Colchicum upon the regions and tissues already named is very energetic, the drug being a poison of a speedy and fatal action even in moderate doses, yet, upon the sensorium, it produces almost no effect, the mind remaining clear to the last.

Sensations. – The sensations which Colchicum produces are a shuddering and creeping in isolated parts of the body, such as are wont to be felt on getting cold from change of weather. Also a tearing tensive pain in small portions of the body at a time, and quickly changing its location from one part to another. Also sudden tearing shocks or jerkings throughout one entire half of the body. Sometimes, sticking or jerking drawings, or weak drawing and tearing in various muscles. The most distressing pains are the sticking shocks or jerks, which are felt deep in the soft parts and, as it were, upon the periosteum.

Aggravation. – They are worse at night and deprive the patient of sleep.

Concomitants. – They are attended by a symptom which is characteristic of Colchicum, viz., a feeling of muscular weakness or paralysis, and this feeling it is which interferes with the patient's locomotion. Finally there are sticking pains in the joints.

The weakness is very great – the whole body is sore and sensitive: there is a sensation of trembling felt throughout the body – all the muscles of voluntary motion, but especially those of the arms and legs are paralyzed. The knees strike together and the patient can hardly walk.

Peculiarities. – The pains are much aggravated at night - becoming intolerable – and they are aggravated also by any mental exertion or by emotion. There is great sleepiness during the day with indisposition to exertion of any kind, and confusion and dullness of the head. At night, however, the sleep is disturbed or driven away by pains. If he sleep, the patient is wakened by frightful dreams.

As regards fever, we observe chilliness through the limbs or down the back – sometimes dry heat, especially at night. Sweat copious and sour. But in general the febrile symptoms are few and moderate in intensity.

The sensorium is no further affected than that it partakes, in some degree, of the general depressed condition. The memory is weakened and the ideas are not so clear as is customary with the patient.

Coming now to the special analysis, we find:

Head. – Pressing pains, above, in small spots or very severely in the substance of the cerebellum, and occurring on the slightest intellectual exertion, a pressing heaviness in the cerebellum, especially on moving or stooping forwards,

Tearing pains, sometimes in one-half of the head and sometimes in the occiput (the pains, as already stated, wander), sometimes in the temples, sometimes in the pericranium. A pressing tearing in the occiput, finally a very painful drawing tearing in one-half of the head, beginning at the ball of the eye and extending to the occiput. (This reminds us of Spigelia which has a similar symptom on the left side, and of Silicea and Belladonna on the right side.)

Character. — To recapitulate, the pains are tearing, drawing, and pressing. They are most frequent in the occiput, and are often semi-lateral. The characteristic symptom is the severe pressing pain deep in the substance of the cerebellum, occurring on the slightest intellectual exertion.

Some remarkable symptoms are recorded of the

Eyes. – Drawing digging pains deep in the orbit, resembling those of sclerotitis. Pressure and biting in the canthi with moderate lachrymation. Violent sharp tearing pains in the globe of the eye and around the orbit.

Face. – The expression of the face is that of a chronic patient. There are tearing and tensive pains in the facial muscles, moving from one location to another. Likewise drawing in the bones of the face and nose, a sensation as if they were being rent asunder.

The teeth are very sensitive when pressed together, as in biting. Tearing in the jaws and gums; the teeth feel too long. The pains in the teeth are aggravated when, immediately after taking something warm into the mouth, the patient takes something cold.

In the tongue, tearing, burning and sticking. Also a loss of sensibility in the tongue, the first symptom we encounter of the Colchicum paralysis.

In the throat, a tickling as if a coryza were setting in, which induces the patient to cough and to clear the throat. The mucus is thin and greenish and comes sometimes involuntary into the mouth. Externally, in the cervical muscles, sometimes a pressing pain sometimes a tension, felt even when swallowing. The throat is dry, and yet there is a flow of watery saliva, accompanied by nausea, fullness and discomfort in the abdomen.

In the digestive apparatus, we find, considerable thirst, but absence of appetite. Frequent and copious eructations of tasteless gas. Nausea with great restlessness and, on assuming the upright posture, a qualmishness in the stomach and inclination to vomit. Violent retching, followed by copious and forcible vomiting of food and then of bile. If the patient lie perfectly still, the disposition to vomit is less urgent. Every motion renews it. (This is characteristic also of Tabacum and Veratrum.)

The pit of the stomach becomes very sensitive to touch and pressure. Sometimes there is a burning sensation in the stomach, more frequently a feeling of icy coldness, accompanied by great pain and debility (I cannot forbear remarking here the similarity of this symptom to one form of "retrocessed gout.")

Pressing tearing, cutting and stitching pains in the abdomen. Great distension of the abdomen with gas, feeling as though the patient had eaten too much. This condition affects particularly the upper part, under the short ribs.

Tearing and burning at the orifice of the rectum are frequent symptoms and prolapsus ani has been observed.

The symptoms of the stool present two characters depending on the magnitude of the dose, and the period that has elapsed since the drug was taken and also upon the extent to which other emunctories are affected. For, if there be copious salivation and copious secretion of urine, the stool will be scanty and attended by tenesmus and vice versa. Thus, then, if the intestinal canal be the seat of the most powerful action of Colchicum, and if the symptoms be observed early, we have copious, frequent watery or bilious stools, often without pain, sometimes accompanied by cutting colic.

On the other hand, we observe scanty and difficult evacuation of a stool consisting of bloody mucus and shreds, with pain in the anus, great straining and a spasmodic action of the sphincter and constant ineffectual effort to pass feces. (Colchicum, taking these symptoms in connection with its rheumatic and semi-typhoid symptoms will be, as it has proved itself, a valuable remedy in many cases of autumnal dysentery.)

Upon the urinary organs we have the same two-fold action. The secretion is sometimes very copious, watery and frequent. But, generally, in the human subject the secretion of urine is diminished; the urine is dark, turbid, and its evacuation is attended and followed by tenesmus of the bladder, and a burning pain in the urethra as if the urine were very warm.

Respiration. – On the respiratory organs the action of Colchicum is a subject of dispute among old school authorities. We find. it produce a long lasting coryza, which is never watery – but is characterized by secretion of abundant tenacious mucus - tickling in the trachea and a little cough.

It produces frequent oppression of the chest, dyspnea, a tensive feeling in the chest, sometimes high in the chest and sometimes low down. These symptoms point to the efficacy of Colchicum in some forms of asthma, a subject on which old school doctors differ. Homoeopathicians have often used it very successfully in asthma.

In the posterior part of the thorax, dull stitches, as much in the back as in the ribs. It is characteristic of these stitches that they are chiefly felt during expiration and not during inspiration.

Back. – In the back, we note the various kinds of drawing, tensive and stitching pains remarked elsewhere. They occur or are much aggravated on motion. On the sacrum a spot as large as one's hand which feels sore, as if ulcerated and is very sensitive to the touch.

Extremities. – In the extremities, tearing pains in both muscles and joints, stitching pain in the joints. The pains wander from part to part. They are aggravated by motion and at night. They feel as if in the periosteum. Conjoined with the pains, is a very distressing paralytic feeling, together with an actual loss of muscular power approximating paralysis. The action of Colchicum is more marked on the small joints than on the large.

Application. – Colchicum was regarded by the ancient Greek and Arabian physicians as a specific for gout, but a somewhat dangerous remedy. It fell into disuse until Storck, in Vienna, in the eighteenth century, called attention to it. He proved it in a rude way, and vaunted it as a remedy for gout, rheumatism, asthma and dropsies. Its efficacy in asthma, affirmed by many physicians, has been denied by others, except the asthma depend on hydrothorax or hydropericardium, in which cases it is admitted Colchicum may relieve by removing the dropsical effusion. Storck's recommendation of Colchicum as a remedy in gout did not attract much attention until it was found that Colchicum was the chief ingredient of several famous nostrums for gout – as the Eau medicinale of Husson and the pills of Lartigue and others. At the present day its value is recognized and we all have opportunities to see the mischief inflicted by its improper uses.

Alexander of Tralles, in the fifth century, and Mr. Barwell, in 1860, affirm that it predisposes to relapses. In cases in which it does so it cannot be the true remedy.

It has been a subject of discussion whether it act specifically in gout or only by virtue of its hydragogue properties. The question is settled by the fact that other hydragogues do not relieve gout as Colchicum does. Also by the fact which I have myself seen, and which is attested by many physicians, that its action is manifest in relieving the gout only, or chiefly when means are taken to prevent its action on the bowels, as by combining Opium with it or by copious draughts of rice-water.

Having alluded to injurious effects upon the use of Colchicum, I will quote a few sentences from "Barwell on the Joints," p. 176:

"Colchicum is a remedy whose value is undoubted, but its influences for evil are almost as certain; it is more powerful in gout than in rheumatism. It has a power in checking the pains, etc., of both rheumatic and gouty diseases, but it also has an effect in procuring relapses. Persons who have been treated with this remedy suffer from the return of the, disease more rapidly than those treated by some other medicine."

Dr. Tod says, the relapses are apt to assume an asthenic character, p. 234 :

"Colchicum is a two-edged sword of considerable sharpness; there is no doubt of its great power in checking gouty and even rheumatic pains; but it is very questionable whether it does so in a beneficial manner. The late Dr. Tod believed that it changes the common acute form of gout into an asthenic condition which is less easy of management; and there is great reason to believe this idea correct. Any practical opinion which is the result of experience, not of mere a priori reasoning, deserves great attention; and we may be sure of this fact, that whatever the modus operandi of the drug may be, it hastens relapses, renders each one less amenable to treatment and requiring larger doses of the medicine (if treated with Colchicum) than its predecressors. Whether the remedy act simply as a purgative or as stimulating the liver, or as causing a larger excretion of lithic acid is not certain; but its use is permissible only when the constitution is vigorous, and it should not be given except when other means of procuring ease have failed."

I fancy that everyone who has seen cases of gout or rheumatism treated by Colchicum will endorse the statements of Mr. Barwell and Dr. Tod. Yet they are wrong in banishing Colchicum from the list of remedies to be employed at the beginning of treatment. It has its place in the treatment of gout and rheumatism, and if properly employed in appropriate cases will do good, and good only. Allopathic authors are almost unanimous in recommending Colchicum as Mr. Barwell does, as suitable only in persons of vigorous constitution, and in whom the manifestations of the disease are acute and active or only approaching the subacute, and they caution us against using it in feeble cases and in asthenic conditions. Why? Because, as they tell us, its tendency is to produce an asthenic condition and none but vigorous patients can bear it. Others would be reduced too low. Here we have the old idea of antagonism between the action of the drug and that of the morbid organism, the latter not being regarded (as I think it should be) as engaged in a struggle against the morbific influence, of which struggle the symptoms are the phenomena and in which struggle, the drug should act in co-operation with the organism and in the same direction as the symptoms.

If we look at the symptoms produced by Colchicum, we find the rheumatic or gouty symptoms characterized by a debility, a paralytic weakness, very suggestive of an asthenic type of disease. The fact that Dr. Tod and Mr. Barwell have observed the tendency of Colchicum to turn the active into the asthenic form of gout, furnishes additional evidence of this mode of action of Colchicum. Now it is in precisely this form of asthenic subacute disease that Colchicum is truly indicated and does real service. But, what of the danger of reducing the patient? None whatever, provided we give doses so small as not to produce the physiological effects, but only the specific effects, which are known to be produced when the symptom disappear. These doses, however, must be very small, and, noted as Homoeopathicians are for giving small doses, many of that school err in these cases in giving doses too large. I do not think it safe to give, in a well marked Colchicum case, a larger dose than the 15th potency.

Dr. Wurmb speaks of Colchicum in its relations to rheumatism as follows:

"This drug stands in close relation to the fibrous tissues; it produces, on the healthy, pains which are very similar to those of rheumatism; it excites a condition of irritation which is very closely allied to inflammation; redness, swelling, heat, etc.; like rheumatic inflammation, this does not tend to suppuration and it easily and quickly changes its location. In the Colchicum fever, as in the rheumatic the cold stage predominates, the sweat is very copious, etc., the urine and sweat smell and react acid."

"These features closely resemble those of a rheumatic attack. Yet if we look at the entire action of Colchicum, we shall perceive that it cannot play an exceedingly important role in the treatment of rheumatism. For it produces another series of symptoms which would often contra-indicate it in rheumatism. For example, the muscular weakness, the paralytic symptoms, the diminution of vital heat, the capillary congestions, all which symptoms which indicate a vital atony."

"Consequently we should rarely find Colchicum indicated in the beginning of rheumatic disease, rather only when feeble, debilitated persons have suffered from it a long time."

It appears especially suitable to cases in which we perceive, on the one hand, an active excitement in the local symptoms and, on the other, symptoms of torpor in the general condition of the patient.

Colch. was recommended in 1833 against Asiatic cholera in England and used successfully in eight cases. But, as Dr. Stille says, "notwithstanding its homoeopathic appropriateness, it has not been used by others."

In autumnal dysenteries we have already alluded to its successful use.

It has been used as a diuretic and pilliates dropsies. It may be useful in irritation of the bladder and has been successfully employed in Bright's disease.

Ruckert reports its success in asthma. It quiets the heart's action. On the healthy it produces violent palpitation.

Boenninghausen, whose veterinary practice was extensive, lauded Colchicum, as a specific for the excessive flatulent distension of the abdomen in cows who have been allowed to eat too freely of clover. This affection is very fatal. A single dose of Colchicum^200 gives prompt relief. This may direct our attention to Colchicum in tympanitis after certain kinds of food in the human subject.

Before leaving the subject of Colchicum, I would call attention to the fact that in many cases of poisoning by it, cataracts have formed before death in the eyes of the sufferers.

Prof. Hoppe reports that with Colchicum he greatly benefited, though he failed to cure, three cases of soft cataract.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 11-12, 1866, pages 444-454]

[Description: Observations on Colchicum.]

[Remedies: Colchicum autumnale]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1866]

OBSERVATIONS ON EUPATORIUM.

By Carroll Dunham, M. D., New York.

This drug, which has hardly as yet an established place in the pharmacopeia, although it is a much used and highly prized "domestic" remedy, has been but imperfectly studied, and we have nothing approaching to an exhaustive knowledge of its properties and capabilities. Enough is known, however, to give it rank beside Bryonia in regard of its febrile and gastro-hepatic symptoms.

Eupatorium perfoliatum, thoroughwort or boneset, is popularly used as a diaphoretic (a. hot infusion in frequent, moderate doses) or as an emetic (hot infusion, large doses) or as a tonic (cold infusion, small doses).

Its history and its uses by allopathic and eclectic physicians are well detailed in Dr. Hale's work. ("New Remedies, etc.," p. 159 et seq.)

Eupatorium is said to have been a principal remedy for intermittent fever with the Indians.

Dr. Anderson, of New York, in 1813, published a number of cases of intermittent fever successfully treated with it in the City Hospital. He proposed it, therefore, as a substitute for Cinchona bark. Subsequent experiments with it in that hospital were not so successful and the remedy fell into disrepute.

This is the history of every drug in the allopathic material medica. There call be no doubt that the Eupatorium did really cure the cases which Dr. Anderson reported. But there was, assuredly, some peculiarity about these cases, by virtue of which they exactly corresponded to Eupatorium. The cases in which it was tried unsuccessfully, unquestionably, did not possess this peculiarity, whatever it was, and which must be the characteristic of Eupatorium. But the physicians who were testing the remedy took no note of this; they regarded all cases as virtually alike, because to all of them the name "intermittent" could be applied. So regarding them, and taking no note of any peculiarities wherein one case differed from another, they could not, of course, perceive why Eupatorium might correspond to one case and cure it, and not to another.

The number of cases of intermittent fever to which Eupatorium is appropriate is not very large, except during certain seasons, when an epidemic requiring it may prevail (as has been the case in some parts of the State of New York, in the autumn of 1865).

The first proving of Eupatorium was made in Philadelphia, and was reported by Dr. W. Williamson to the American Institute of Homoeopathy (Transactions, vol. I,) in 1847. Its great action is upon the muscular system (or fibrous tissues), producing great soreness and aching, and upon the gastro-hepatic system, producing a condition resembling what is known as a "bilious state."

It produces intense headache, throbbing and great sense of internal soreness in the forehead and occiput, with a sensation of great weight in the occiput-distress and painful soreness in the top and back of the head.

Soreness of the eyeball; redness of the face, with dry skin.

Tongue coated whitish or yellow.

Loss of appetite; thirst for cold water.

Eructations tasteless or bitter.

Vomiting after drinking; vomiting of bile, with trembling and with pain in the epigastrium.

Nausea and a sense of extreme prostration (this is not real prostration).

Soreness around the epigastric zone; soreness and fullness in the region of the liver.

Constipation; urine high-colored and scanty. Roughness and rawness in the trachea. Hacking, dry cough, with flushed face; the patient supports the chest with the hand (like Bry.).

Weakness in the small of the back; deep-seated pain in the loins: with soreness on every motion; pain in the back and lower extremities.

Soreness and aching in hands and wrists, as if broken and dislocated; the same in arms. Stiffness and soreness of lower extremities, as if beaten – worse on motion and touch.

Fever, commencing generally in the morning; thirst begins several hours before the chill, and continues during chill and heat. There is vomiting of bile at the end of the chill.

During the heat the face is of a dull, mahogany-red color and the eye glistens, the sclerotica being yellow.

It is a distinguishing peculiarity, that little or no sweat follows the hot stage.

The peculiar headache, the soreness of the eyes and their yellowness, the yellowish red face, the vomiting of bile, with nausea and prostration, the soreness in the region of the liver, the constipation, etc., are one group of symptoms. The soreness all over the body, from head to foot, both internal and external, are another group. These two groups together furnish an indication for Eupatorium in certain forms of "bilious fever" (in the first stage), too strong to be questioned.

The absence of much perspiration after the heat, showing an imperfect resolution, points to the type of fever as the remittent.

Experience has confirmed these views. I regard the severe bone pains and the absence of much sweat as especially characteristic.

The symptoms of the gastro-hepatic region, and the character and aggravations of the pains in the body and extremities, very closely resemble those of bryonia. But a broad distinction at once appears when we consider the perspiration which, under Bryonia, is profuse and easily provoked, while, under Eupatorium, it is scanty or absent. Again the Eupatorium pains make the patient restless; those of Bryonia make him keep very still.

Rhus tox. produces pains and aching in the limbs; but these pains are worse during repose, and they keep the patient restless, constantly changing his position, whereas those of Eupatorium are not aggravated by repose.

R. D., a stout mechanic, thirty-five years old, of dark complexion, went into an ice-house one very warm morning in August, to get a piece of ice. Charmed with the coolness of the place, he foolishly remained there for a quarter-hour or longer. Suddenly he felt chills creeping over him and became quite taint. He left the icehouse as quickly as he could and went home. In an hour he had an exceedingly severe chill, lasting several hours. This was followed by burning fever, which continued without abatement until the following morning when it gave place to a severe chill. As this chill was passing away I first saw the patient.

He had already become hot externally; his face was of a dull, red color; the eyes glistened, and the sclerotica were yellowish red. The tongue had a thick, yellowish fur; there was intense headache in the occiput – an insupportable heaviness. Nausea and frequent effort to vomit, extreme tenderness in the epigastrium, fullness and tenderness in the hepatic region, with stitches and soreness on moving and coughing; intolerable aching in the back and limbs, "as if the bones were broken." Urine scanty and of a dark mahogany color; a hard, dry cough and some dyspnea. The patient, although in so great pain, lay quiet.

I had no Eupatorium, but there was a swamp near the house, and I soon found the plant. From the juice pressed from a few leaves I prepared, with water, the third attenuation, and directed it to be taken in drop doses, every three hours until marked improvement was observed.

In about ten hours the fever was gone; the chill and fever never recurred, and next day the patient was free from pain. On the third day I found him convalescent.

In many cases of influenza, a review of the symptoms will show why Eupatorium proves, as it does, a speedy curative.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 06, 1865, pages 228-231]

[Description: Observations on Eupatorium.]

[Remedies: Eupatorium perfoliatum]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1865]

OBSERVATIONS ON LACHESIS.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEW YORK.

The very excellent and convincing article on Lachesis by Dr. Lippe in the last number of the Review, calls to mind the fact that this remedy, so highly prized by many practitioners — I might say by all who make any use of it whatever — is, by a large number of Homoeopathists, regarded as of no account at all.

Those who do not use Lachesis in their practice give various reasons for their course. Some express the views laid down by Dr. Hempel and satisfactorily controverted by Dr. Lippe. These are theoretical and a priori objections, and they cannot stand one moment against the testimony of experience and a posteriori demonstration.

Others hesitate to use Lachesis because they cannot procure it in the "mother tincture" or the "first decimal preparations," or in any dilution below the sixth. Inasmuch as, by both faith and practice, they are committed against "infinitesimals," they cannot employ Lachesis in any case, since they could not use it in any but an infinitesimal dose. No doubt many are sincere in this objection. A few, it must be feared, gladly avail themselves of so fair a pretext for avoiding the study of the long list of symptoms which Lach. presents. It is a pity that this whole class of objectors could. not bring themselves to the point of fairly testing, by clinical experiment, the virtues of Lach. The result would be happy in a double sense. It would enlighten them respecting a most valuable remedy, and at the same time it would be a satisfactory demonstration of the action of infinitesimal doses.

A third class of objectors throw discredit on the proving of Lachesis, and on very singular grounds. Because it is fragmentary? Scanty? Has but few symptoms? Is carelessly arranged? Criticisms like these have been made with more or less justice upon many provings in our Materia Medica. No! the objection made to the proving of Lachesis is that it is too rich; there are "too many symptoms;" it is too thoroughly elaborated! "What!" it is asked, "can one remedy produce so many symptoms?" The answer comes readily to hand — "No!" The inference is at its elbow — "Some symptoms, then, must be false." Then come the conclusions — "Some are false — we cannot tell which they are — we will therefore reject all and the remedy-along with them!"

One of the oldest and most widely known homoeopathic practitioners in America said to the writer, "In the American Jahr's New Manual thirty pages are devoted to Lachesis. If all were reduced to a concise statement of verified, unquestionable Lachesis symptoms, even Dr. Hering would admit that there would not be matter for more than three such pages. I therefore reject the whole proving and I never give the remedy."

To this objection I could not help replying, "In yonder wheat-field, I doubt not the proportion of chaff, straw and stubble to good wheat is as ten to one. And yet the farmer willingly submits to the labor of harvesting, threshing and winnowing for the sake of the ten percent. of wheat; he would not think of abandoning the grain in his field because of the tenfold preponderance of chaff."

"And if there be as you admit in those thirty pages, the equivalent of three pages or even of one page of verified and trustworthy symptoms, how can you, as a conscientious prescriber, deliberately refuse to make yourself master of them, and to use in your practice the remedy which produced them?"

This question, which received at that time no conclusive answer, addresses itself to all who stand in the position of that practitioner.

If, of the three thousand and more symptoms ascribed to Lachesis there be thirty — if there be but three symptoms — that are trustworthy and that are peculiar to Lachesis — a case of disease may occur presenting those symptoms and no others and which therefore Lachesis, and no other remedy, will cure. How can those gentlemen, who determine Before-hand that they will have nothing to do with Lachesis because of the two thousand and seventy or the two thousand and ninety-seven symptoms which they discredit — how can these gentlemen with a clear conscience, ran the risk of meeting such a case and of losing it from the want of a knowledge of the characteristics of Lachesis?

The objection to the length and complexity of the treatise on Lachesis comes from those who have cursorily turned over the leaves of the Manual and not from those who have made an earnest study of the symptomatology. The latter class of students make no such complaints. They find, indeed, no great difficulty in getting a very clear idea of the relations of Lachesis to morbid conditions. And the facility with which they can do this, is due chiefly to the care with which Dr. Hering has elaborated the proving, to the immense labor he has devoted to the collation of the symptoms, to his caution in avoiding any sundering of pathogenetic groups and to his faithful repetition of each group under every rubric to which it has any pertinence. All these points of excellence, while they have made the original proving of Lachesis a model for fullness and clearness of arrangement, have made its length a bugbear to the timid reader.

But it is not to be supposed that either a priori doubts of the efficicacy of a remedy, or any practical difficulties in the mastery of its symptomatology, Would deter physicians from studying and using it, When the testimony of those who have employed it successfully shall have been placed before them.

With this conviction it has been proposed to collect in the Review the experience of the profession with Lachesis in the treatment of disease. The co-operation of all who have any definite experience on the subject is earnestly invited.

In 1850 while assisting in the autopsy of a woman who had died of puerperal peritonitis, the writer received a dissecting wound in the index finger of the left hand. Within a week, the finger had quadrupled in size, the hand and fore. arm were much swollen and edematous, a hard red line extended from the wrist to the axilla. The axillary glands were swollen. The arm and hand were intensely painful; the whole left side was partially paralysed. The constitutional symptoms were extreme prostration, causing the disease to be at first mistaken for a typhus, low muttering delirium at night, marked aggravation of Buffering and prostration on awaking from sleep. The general condition grew steadily worse — abscesses forming under the deep fibrous tissues of the finger and hand. No homoeopathic practitioner was in the neighborhood. The allopathic surgeons in attendance advised Calomel and Opium, but gave a very discouraging prognosis. The patient refused to take any drugs whatever determining to trust the issue of the case to Lachesis. The first dose (of the twelfth) was taken on the third day of the illness, and a dose was taken thrice daily for five days, at the end of which period the constitutional symptoms had substantially vanished. The recovery of the finger was slow bat complete. The effect of the Lachesis could not be mistaken by the patient.

FROM MY CLINICAL RECORD.

April 9th, 1860. Josephine Birmingham, aged nine years, well grown, had, last winter, scarlatina very severely. It left her delicate and deaf. Nine days ago she was exposed to measles. The rash appeared on the 6th inst., along with a copious discharge from the ears. Yesterday (8th) this discharge suddenly ceased and the rash disappeared. She immediately became very feeble and prostrate; was seized with wild, muttering delirium. She had great thirst, drinking however but little at a time. There was a singularly biting heat of the skin.

I saw her first at eleven, a.m., on the 9th inst. She had lain in alternate delirium and stupor for twenty-four hours; was irrational, had low muttering delirium; the pulse was soft, wavy, hardly to be counted; there was calor mordax; the respiration was attended by moaning; it was very rapid, whistling; there was an occasional single cough, with a moan following each cough, and a grasping at the throat, as if to tear away the clothing from it. The pupils were widely dilated; there had been no stool for two days; the urine was scanty and seldom passed — I could not secure any for analysis. The expression of countenance was cadaverous; the odor of the breath putrescent. I ordered Lachesis^30, six globules in water, a teaspoonful every two hours. Also strong beef tea every two hours.

At six, p.m., I found her sitting supported in an arm-chair, playing with some toys; rational; the skin of a pleasant temperature; the pulse eighty, regular and soft. The attendants reported that, after the second dose, she had slept quietly, had had no more delirium and no thirst I found the eyes normal, the cough infrequent and not painful. I ordered Sac. lactis.

The rash did not reappear. The patient convalesced from this point and I gave no other remedy, and did not repeat the Lachesis.

This change from apparent impending death to established convalescence within the space of seven hours was very impressive and even startling.

In the year 1853 there prevailed quite extensively in Brooklyn an epidemic of what was called "malignant pustule" A furuncular formation appeared, generally upon the lower lip, attended with severe pain and frequently surrounded by an erysipelatous areola. The most marked constitutional symptom was a very rapid and excessive loss of strength, the patient being reduced from vigor to absolute prostration within the space of twenty-four to thirty-six hours. Allopathic physicians at first resorted to the local application of Nitrate of silver to the pustule. In those cases, thus treated, which came under my personal observation, death followed cauterization within twenty-four hours.

In eight cases treated by myself, Lachesis was the only remedy used. It relieved the pain within a few hours after the first dose was given, and the patients all recovered very speedily.

I have three times been called to cases of chronic ulcers of the lower extremities (probably of syphilitic origin) in which the discharge had ceased, the extremity had become edematous and a hard, slightly red, swelling extending up along the course of the principal veins — together with a great and sudden prostration of strength, low muttering delirium and general typhoid symptoms — gave good reason for supposing that secondary phlebitis had occurred. In these cases a careful study of the symptoms induced me to give Lachesis. The effect was all that could be desired, the patients rallying promptly — all symptoms of phlebitis speedily disappearing.

During the prevalence of diphtheria on the banks of the Hudson in 1858-60, many cases occurred in which the severity of the constitutional symptoms was very much greater than the local manifestations of disease in the pharynx would have led one to anticipate. In some cases, in which the tumefaction in the throat was slight, and the redness of the mucous membrane hardly noticeable, and in which the diphtheritic deposits consisted merely of two or three little patches hardly larger than a pin's head, the prostration of strength was quite alarming, the pulse became, in a very short time, slow, feeble and compressed, a cold clammy sweat frequently covered the forehead and extremities, the breath was fetid, the appetite entirely destroyed — indeed the patient passed with alarming rapidity into a completely asthenic condition. Not unfrequently the prostration had become quite considerable even before any local evidences of disease could be detected.

In these cases — in all, in which the constitutional symptoms thus predominated over the local symptoms Lachesis produced prompt and lasting improvement, so much so that very rarely was any other remedy given subsequently.

Several cases of carbuncle have come under my notice, in which the progress of the inflammation was very slow, the skin over the dead cellular tissue showed but little disposition to ulcerate and when finally it became perforated in three or four places, there was but a scanty discharge of thin, sometimes bloody, sanies. Meanwhile, the constitutional symptoms denoted very great prostration, not preceded nor attended by the nervous and vascular erethism which are sometimes observed in similar cases. Lachesis is the remedy on which experience has taught me to rely in the treatment of such affections, provided the symptoms do not conclusively indicate some other remedy. In the cases to which I refer, the symptoms corresponded very closely to those of Lachesis.

About a year ago, I was called to take charge of a patient who had suffered for several years from a succession of carbuncles and indolent boils. During the four months preceding my visit to him, he had had four successive carbuncles, none of which ran a complete course. After the skin covering the dead cellular tissue had become perforated, a slight discharge of sanies had taken place and the perforations had closed again — without any discharge of slough — leaving an indurated mass, with a dull burning pain and considerable tenderness, but scarcely any discoloration. After each of these carbuncles, a marked deterioration in' the patient's health was observed, until, after the last, he was so much reduced as to be confined to his bed, with well marked hectic fever.

Pretty soon, a severe pain in and below the right groin and along the inner aspect of the femur gave indication of trouble in that region. An abscess was discovered to have formed, deep in the adductor muscles of the thigh. An opening was made by a distinguished professor of surgery in New York upon the anterior surface of the thigh, (as the patient was confined to the bed and lay on his back, this was the superior aspect of the thigh,) and nearly a quart of pus was discharged. The formation and discharge of pus continued to be profuse for fifteen days, the patient all the time becoming rapidly more feeble, with severe hectic, total loss of appetite and great local suffering, when the case was placed under my charge. I found that the evacuation of the pus was a very difficult matter, the aperture being at the highest point of the abscess. The attending surgeon had been compelled to withdraw the pus by means of an exhausting pump, attached to the free end of a gum catheter which he previously introduced into the abscess. I continued this, method until the abscess closed. The patient, his family and the physicians in attendance had abandoned all hope of the patient's recovery.

In view of the copious formation of pus, one's first thought would naturally be that Silicea would be the appropriate remedy. This remedy, however, had been given in every variety of potency. It had never failed to aggravate the whole condition of the patient, without any subsequent benefit.

Considering, now, the history of the patient — the long succession of boils and carbuncles — the four aborting carbuncles, each followed by a marked deterioration of health, and each leaving a painful induration, which might be supposed to be a portion of dead cellular membrane, retained in contact with the living tissues, and that the present abscess had followed immediately upon the last of this series of abortive carbuncles, very much as a secondary abscess follows the absorption of pus in pyaemia — I resolved to trust the case to the action of Lachesis. At the same time I informed the patient that, in my judgment, after the healing of the abscess, the indurated remnants of the four aborted carbuncles would inflame again and be discharged, and that this process must precede the re-establishment of his health.

I gave a dose of Lachesis^200 every morning, noon and night. The progress of the case was tedious, but uniform and prosperous. In twelve days the hectic had ceased, the appetite was restored and the formation of pus had decidedly diminished. In six weeks the abscess had healed. In seven weeks the patient walked on crutches. But now, when he seemed almost well, fever came on again and he was prostrated. After twenty-four hours of fever, the indurated remnant of the last carbuncle became inflamed, an abscess formed and a slough was discharged. The same thing occurred in the locality of the three remaining indurations and, singularly enough, in the inverse order of their original appearance. After the last of these abscesses had healed, the patient rapidly gained health and strength and has since been perfectly well. In this case no remedy was given save Lachesis^200. When the treatment was begun, the patient was in a most deplorable condition and his recovery was hardly hoped for by his attendents. Improvement began as soon as he began to take Lachesis, and continued with scarcely an interruption until he was completely restored.

Now, let us suppose that to a man in perfect health there be administered daily a dose of a drug, which, a person familiar for some years with its properties predicts, will cause the man to exhibit a definite series of symptoms and finally to die. As soon as the administration of the drug is begun, the man begins to exhibit the predicted symptoms and finally, as foretold, he dies. What jury, with these facts before it, would hesitate to say that the, man was deliberately poisoned and to convict the one who gave the drug of murder? Now, shall not such evidence as would convince a jury of citizens that a man has been poisoned by a drug, convince a body of physicians that a patient has been cured by Lachesis? Shall not testimony that would hang a male*. factor convert a sceptic?

The diseases which I have cited as those in which Lachesis, has been of unquestionable service in my hands, present, in name at least, a considerable variety. Pyaemia, repercussed measles, malignant pustule, diphtheria, phlebitis, carbuncle have not, necessarily, a great deal in common. A close examination, however, of the cases as I have described them, will show, notwithstanding the diversity in name, a considerable approach to identity in morbid condition. In all, there was great prostration, as manifested by loss of muscular power, slowness and softness of pulse, stupid delirium, etc., etc. In this respect the cases resembled those in, which Arsenicum is indicated and has so often proved curative. These cases, however, did not present that vascular and nervous erethism conjoined with prostration, which is so characteristic of Ars. Nor, on the other hand, was the asthenia so complete as to call for Carbo vegetabilis. Lachesis may perhaps be held, in so far as the symptoms of asthenia, are concerned, to occupy an intermediate position between Arsenicum and Carbo vegetabilis. This statement would at once suggest its usefulness in typhoid fevers, diseases, in certain forms of which, those who have made themselves familiar with Lach., have learned from clinical experience to place great dependence upon it.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 01, No. 03, 1863, pages 29-33, pages 110-115]

[Description: Observations on Lachesis.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1863]

OBSERVATIONS ON MATERIA MEDICA.

By Carroll Dunham, M. D., New York.

Dr. Hering has very happily explained that Hahnemann called his Materia Medica "pure," not as claiming that it is "spotless" or faultless, but that it is "free from fiction," from preconceived theory, from hypothetical notions; that it embodies the result of the pure observation of phenomena produced by drugs upon the healthy organism.

Such is our Materia Medica – a record of actual occurrences, of events that really took place, of results that were unquestionably produced upon the healthy subject. It can never grow obsolete. Theories may be originated, may flourish and grow antiquated, and at last fade into oblivion. The hypotheses that constitute the science of Pathology, after passing current for a generation or two, are sure to be repudiated in favor of some newer issue, and the very terms in which they are expressed may become unintelligible as time goes on. But the facts of our Materia Medica, expressed in the ever comprehensible vernacular language, are always fresh. Being the results of pure observation and therefore absolutely true, no modifications in philosophy, no changes of theory can supersede them. Our Materia Medica is an ever-enduring work.

It is of the utmost importance that it should always retain this quality of "purity," this freedom from fiction and from hypothesis. Very justly, therefore, do the leaders of our school denounce and discourage all attempts to incorporate into the Materia Medica, speculations upon the modus operandi of remedies, and inferences concerning the diseases which they may be likely to cure.

But we, whose business it is to encounter disease, the foe we are to grapple and to overcome, receive in our hand this weapon, the pure Materia Medica. And before we sally forth to encounter the Philistine, we need to "prove" our weapon, to test its strength, to feel its sharpness and to form an estimate of the feats we may reasonably hope to be able to accomplish with it, to what tasks it will probably be equal, and for what others we shall need to look elsewhere for an implement. Now, as regards the result of the use of a weapon, much depends upon its shape, texture and temper. But much likewise depends on the strength and dexterity of him who uses it. The same sword that would serve only to trip up an awkward wearer may execute wonders of prowess in the hand of a master.

And thus it is with the records that make up our Materia Medica. The facts are the same to the eye of every reader. But where one mind may see only confusion and a maze of unconnected words, another may discern order and light and the outline of a definite and consecutive chain of pathological processes, and, consequently, a clear indication for the use of the drugs in the treatment of the sick.

For, while the Materia Medica, in the books, is a simple record of observed facts – in the mind of the practitioner it becomes the subject of reflection, of comparison and of hypothetical reasoning, which will be more or less just and valuable according to the measure of the practitioner's natural ability and to his intellectual culture. For, as has been already said, "The significance of a fact is measured by the capacity of the observer."

It follows, from this, that each practitioner sees, in every drug of the Materia Medica, some properties and capabilities different in degree, and perhaps even in kind from those which his neighbors see in it, inasmuch as his natural endowments and his acquirements differ from theirs.

The experience of all of us corroborates this statement. Where one practitioner perceives in the proving of Nux vomica an indication for its use in constipation alone, others see equally strong reasons for giving it in diarrhea, in prolapsus uteri, and in hernia; while only a few, perhaps, would find in the proving, grounds for believing Nux vom. to be, as it is, one of our very best remedies in strumons ophthalmia!

Many practitioners infer from the provings that Lycopodium is likely to be a good remedy for some forms of chronic constipation and of disease of the bladder and kidney. Not so many, perhaps, would discern its value, as Dr. Wilson did in acute pneumonia, or, as others have done, in that painful form of acute duodenitis which is often loosely called "bilious colic." Colocynth is universally recognized as a remedy for flatulent colic, for one form of dysentery and for a variety of neuralgia. But how many practitioners have seen in the proving good reason for using Colocynth to cure a chronic ovarian tumor? It has cured one.

It were needless to multiply instances of this kind. Those already cited show that, while all practitioners read the same proving, they perceive each a somewhat peculiar significance in what they read. By interchange of ideas on these subjects, physicians may be mutually benefited and their capacities for usefulness greatly enlarged. It would appear then that, while the text of our Materia Medica should be sedulously kept "pure," as we have defined its purity, we may, with profit, interchange our deductions from what we read therein and our views of its practical application.

And there would seem to be not only room, but a legitimate demand, for essays, or still better, for systematic works on the drugs, studied from a therapeutical and clinical point of view, as a sort of complement to our Materia Medica Para, which very properly regards the remedies strictly from a pathogenetic stand point. Such works would necessarily be of a transient nature and have only an ephemeral value, since they would group symptoms and would necessarily interpret them in accordance with the physiological and pathological notions of the day. But they might be of none the less service to the physician of the generation in which they appear, since it is by the light of such notions, transitory as they are, that he gropes his way among the difficulties and obstacles of his professional path.

Considerations of this kind have emboldened us to lay before our colleagues, hitherto always kindly indulgent of such efforts, a series of studies and reflections upon portions of the Materia Medica. They are avowedly fragmentary, and are devoid of all claim to other authority than such as may come from their intrinsic reasonableness.

In the form of these Observations, we propose to follow, in a general way, the Schema published in Vol. III, pp. 305-313 of this Review, although in the remarks on Aconite we prefer to change the order there given, making the Special Analysis precede instead of following the General Analysis.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 01, 1865, pages 25-28]

[Description: Observations on Materia Medica.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1865]

OBSERVATIONS ON OPIUM.

By Carroll Dunham, M. D., New York.

No drug is so universally used in the old school of medicine. The great Hufeland affirmed that if he had to choose one remedy from the Materia Medica for exclusive use it should be Opium. Its extensive use among Allopathists follows from these facts. The old school have been few specifics, and these are but seldom used. Most diseases being attended with pain, the pain must be either subdued by acting specifically upon the causes of pain, or else the pain must be relieved by a palliative anodyne, while the disease is sought to be cured by the use of revulsive agents addressed to other organs of the body than those which are the seat of disease. The latter is the mode almost universally employed. Hence the constant use of anodynes. For example, in severe sclerotitis, the old school would use revulsive agents addressed to the bowels (purges) and to the skin (blisters). But at the same time, to subdue the pain in the eye, a dose of Opium would be given.

Now Homoeopathy does not do so. It gives a drug that acts specifically on the cause of disease and upon the organ diseased and no other, and there is no need of an anodyne. These are the reasons why Opium is so much used by Allopaths and so little by Homoeopathicians.

Hahnemann's observations, though requiring some modification perhaps in consequence of the wider experience of later years, are most instructive. "The primary result of weak and moderate doses, during whose action the organism is affected in a passive manner, appears to be that of exciting for a short time the irritability and activity of the muscles subject to its action, but also to diminish for a longer time that of the muscles which are not subjected to its influence; to excite the imagination and the courage, but also to deaden and stupefy the feelings, the sensibility and the presence of mind. Under a longer continuance of its action, the organism, by its power of reaction, produces a condition exactly the reverse, a want of excitability and activity in the involuntary muscles, an absence of ideas, languor of imagination with timidity and oversensibility of the general feeling. Certain symptoms are more palpable in some individuals than in others. No medicine relieves suffering sooner than Opium. It is this property that has induced physicians to employ it so largely – a source of innumerable evils. If the use of Opium in disease were as beneficial as it is frequent, no other medicine would make so many cures; but exactly the reverse takes place.

"The power of this medicine and its rapid action indicate that its effects should be thoroughly studied before using it.

"Now, as Opium has hitherto been but little used, excepting as an antipathic and a palliative and its primary effects only have been opposed to diseases, no medicine has appeared so soothing or has so apparently suppressed morbid symptoms, although soon followed by results more distressing than the original disease. In short, nothing has caused more positive evil after apparent good.

"In all kinds of coughs, diarrheas, vomiting, sleeplessness, melancholy, spasms, nervous affections, and, above all, in severe pain, Opium is indiscrimately given, on the ground that it is the best remedy in such cases. But its innumerable evil results do not appear among the primitive effects of Opium which are precisely the reverse.

"Therefore we may easily imagine how few salutary and enduring effects can be obtained in the greater number of morbid and physical affections; and this is proved by daily experience.

"If Opium has been found to cure cough, diarrhea, sickness, spasms, etc., etc., in a few cases, it is only when these symptoms first show themselves in persons previously in good health and are but slight. Opium will sometimes restore the patient quickly to health, because, if these symptoms are at once destroyed, the body is restored to its former condition and the tendency to their return is suppressed.

"But, because this palliative action on slight and recent cases succeeds in a few instances, it does not follow that Opium really possesses the power of curing them permanently in all cases.

"It cannot convert them into sound health because they are symptoms of other diseases with which Opium does not conicide homoeopathically. For this reason, it has seldom been used without injury to the patient, in long standing coughs, continued diarrheas, habitual wakefulness, chronic sickness, spasms, anxiety and tremors, when they have been for some time established.

"In administering Opium for these complaints, we see that it is on the principle of soothing, procuring a temporary suspension of suffering; that subsequently it will relieve only by increasing the dose, which even then becomes less effective and at the same time creates new diseases, an artificial malady, still more serious and distressing than the first.

"But it is yet more striking to observe that up to the present time, the use of Opium has been abused by giving it in all kinds of pains, however deep seated and of however long standing. It shocks our understanding and seems like returning to the absurd idea of a universal medicine, to expect from it the cure of diseases totally different to each other.

"All pains soothed, for the moment, by Opium, return after a short time, when the stupefying effect is past, and very often are still more intense than before; so that at last they will only yield to stronger and larger doses which create in return other serious diseases new to the sufferer. The use of Opium in confirmed pain is therefore empirical and deceptive to the patient, leading him to attribute to other diseases the mischievous consequences that are due to it alone.

"By treating all pains antipathically by Opium, we have seen the use of this drug bring on a train of evil consequences - stupor, constipation and other serious symptoms which appertain to Opium, and without which it would not be what it is. But persons have deceived themselves as to the character of these inevitable effects. Instead of perceiving in them results inherent in the nature of Opium, they have considered them as derived from some accessory properties which they have taken unwearied pains to separate from it. Hence the various correctives that have been tried for two thousand years, in the hope of soothing spasms and pains, without bringing on delirium or constipation; of suppressing vomiting or diarrhea without causing stupor; of procuring sleep without heat, headache, tremors, languor, depression and extreme sensitiveness to cold.

"But all this is fallacious. By all these means Opium is only rendered less active, without changing its nature."

By a series of arguments and illustrations of this character, Hahnemann shows that the almost universal use of Opium is a resort to a temporary palliative of suffering, not to a specific for the cause of that suffering whatever that cause may be. Whereas Opium could only be used with propriety in those diseases to which the correspondence of its symptoms shows that it may be a specific remedy. These are very few in number. Hence Homoeopathists make infrequent use of Opium.

Instead of an elaborate analysis of the Opium symptoms, I shall call attention only to a few of the infrequent application of Opium, viz. :

In apoplexy; constipation; lead colic; wakefulness.

Apoplexy. – The following description of the effect of a large dose of Opium is taken from Stille and Beck:

"The head feels full and hot and sometimes light, there are buzzing noises in the ears, the face and eyes are injected, while the pupil is more or less contracted. Flashes of light are apt to appeal before the eyes; the ideas are confused and extravagant, and sometimes there is delirium; the pulse is fuller and more frequent; the skin is hot, the mouth and fauces dry; generally there is nausea and, in some cases, vomiting. To those symptoms depression succeeds. The pulse beats more slowly and often irregularly; the head feels heavy and full, and all the senses lose their acuteness; the countenance assumes a stolid, stupid, besotted expression, produced by the turgidness of the features, the dullness of the eyes and the drooping of their lids; there is a strong indisposition to think or move; or, more properly, an inability to make any exertion, either of mind or body; the speech is thick and hesitating; the muscles of the limbs are affected with spasmodic movements and, if the patient attempt to walk, he feels dizzy and oppressed, and staggers like a drunken man.

"An irresistable propensity to sleep follows these symptoms and when yielded to, the breathing becomes laborious and often stertorous, while the general surface of the body grows pale and damp, and the hands and feet cold." The effects of still larger doses are similar, though more decided and not preceded by a period of excitement. They are "giddiness insensibility and immobility, respiration hardly perceptible, and a small feeble pulse, which sometimes becomes full and slow. The eyes are shut, the pupils contracted, and the whole expression of the countenance is usually that of deep and perfect repose. As the effects increase, the lethargic state becomes more profound, deglutition is suspended, the breathing is occasionally stertorous, the pupils are insensible to light, the countenance is pale and cadaverous, and the muscles of the limbs and trunk are relaxed,"

These same words might be used to describe one form of cerebral apoplexy.

"After death from Opium-poisoning, the convolutions of the brain are found to be flattened, the vessels of the cerebrospinal axis and its investing membranes are gorged with black blood, and the capillaries of the brain give out on incision minute drops of the same fluid. A serous liquid is usually met with in the ventricles of the brain and under the cerebral face of the arachnoid membrane."

Thus both the symptoms and the post-mortem appearances resemble those of one form of apoplexy, and it is not therefore surprising that Opium has been found a most valuable remedy in even apparently hopeless cases of this affection.

It would seem that we should hope more from it when the apoplexy had not been preceded by chronic symptoms of lesion in the substance of the eucephalon, such as would indicate a destructive process (softening, for example,) as going on for some time prior to the apoplectic stroke. In such cases we have undoubtedly a considerable coagulum in the brain-substance and the case would naturally be almost hopeless.

In several severe cases of cerebral apoplexy, with very profound coma, where Opium had entirely failed, Dr. J. Barker, of Brooklyn, has succeeded in affecting a cure with Apis. In his opinion, which is based on much experience with this remedy, Apis is a medicine of great importance in cerebral and spinal affections, whether they manifest themselves chiefly by coma or by spasms.

Constipation. – Opium produces a suspension of the secretion from the mucous surfaces of the digestive canal, e. g., the dry mouth and fauces. It probably, therefore, lessens the amount of excrement. It also paralyses the intestine. These two actions combine to produce an obstinate constipation, an effect of Opium which is universally admitted, recognized and, by Allopaths, regretted. We are, however, enabled by it to cure certain analogous forms of severe constipation.

Most prominent among these is the constipation from paralysis of the intestine caused by Lead, and known as a concomitant of "painter's colic."

Retention of Urine. – It is doubtful whether Opium diminishes the secretion of urine, but it certainly does cause its retention in the bladder. This it does, perhaps, chiefly by blunting the sensibility of the lining membrane of the neck of the bladder, so that the fullness of the bladder is not recognized by the patient. It may also paralyse the longitudinal and circular muscular fibres of the bladder. Though the mass of the urine is retained and the bladder full, yet some urine may dribble away, unknown to the patient.

This whole condition is very different from that produced by Stramonium, which produces suppression of urine, causing the kidneys to suspend their function.

In retention of urine, Opium is our best remedy. It may occur in fever, in acute illnesses or, frequently, after childbirth.

Do we never use Opium as a palliative in acute and very painful affections for which we have not found a specific remedy? I have twice thought it necessary to do so. On each occasion I regretted it. It did mischief. The patients, after a temporary relief, got worse and then, after all, I found, by hard study, the proper remedy (as I ought to have done at first) and cured the cases, as I might and ought to have done in the beginning, without Opium, had I known enough.

In evidently uncurable diseases when the patient is moribund, as in cancer, etc., Opium may perhaps be given, but even in such cases, though there be no hope of recovery, it should be sparingly used.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 11-12, 1866, pages 437-443]

[Description: Observations on Opium.]

[Remedies: Opium]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1866]

OBSERVATIONS ON RHUS.

By Carroll Dunham, M. D., New York.

The Rhus toxicodendron proved by Hahnemann and the Rhus radicans proved in this country by the late Dr. B. F. Joslin are now regarded by botanists as identical, differing only in their mode of growth. I can perceive no essential difference in the symptoms ascribed to them by provers. For ten years I have used them interchangeably in my practice, and have remarked no differences in their action. I shall therefore speak of them as identical. In the Appendix of Jahr's, New Manual or Symptomen Codex, by Hempel, is a note on Rhus radicans, of which Dr. Joslin speaks as follows in his Essay on Epidemic Cholera, p. 132, note :

"I deem it due to the profession as to myself, to state that the note on this plant (Rhus radicans) inserted without my consent or knowledge in the Appendix to the American edition of Jahr's Symptomen Codex, is grossly incorrect, especially where it attempts to correct my botanical description of this plant in general, and of the particular plant from which I obtained the specimen for trial. This last part of the criticism is not only incorrect but absurd; inasmuch as the botanical character of those particular leaves could be known only to myself and my respected medical colleagues who engaged with me in the provings, and to whom the leaves were shown. I here reaffirm the correctness of my description as given in the body of the same Symptomen Codex, pp. 671, 672."

The Rhus is a native of North America. It was known to the Indians as a medicine. Dufresnoy, a French army surgeon, published, in 1788, "an account of its supposed virtues in the cure of cutaneous eruptions and of nervous paralysis." He also, as well as the traveler Kalm, described its property of causing inflammatory swelling of the skin, followed by vesicles, in persons who touch the leaves and even in susceptible persons who are exposed to its exhalations at night.

Indeed it is well known that contact with the leaves of the Rhus radicans or "poison-vine" produces, not merely in the parts touched, but also often in other parts of the body, as the neck and face, a swelling, with redness, edema and vesicles, that bears a marvelous resemblance to vesicular erysipelas. This eruption is attended by constitutional symptoms which resemble those of erysipelas.

It is, likewise, well known that, in this form of erysipelas (the vesicular) homoeopathic physicians long ago found good reason to look upon Rhus as their most valuable remedy. The striking confirmation of the homoeopathic law of cure which these facts afford, has caused some bitter opponents of Homoeopathy actually to thrust Rhus out from the Materia Medica. Thus we find Dr. Stille, after giving a very imperfect summary of the effects of Rhus and of the opinions held concerning it, coolly remarking: "It, however, does not really appear to deserve sufficient confidence as a medicine to entitle it to retain a place in the Materia Medica!"

Very different are the judgment and method of Trousseau, who, though no friend to Homoeopathy, is yet too wise and too honest a man to refuse to learn from his opponents. He relates an interesting proving of Rhus: "Dr. Lavini applied two drops of the tincture of Rhus radicans to the first phalanx of his fore-finger; he left it there only two minutes, and yet, at the end of an hour, it had produced two black spots. Twenty-five days afterwards, the following symptoms suddenly manifested themselves; great heat in the mouth and gullet; rapidly increasing swelling of the fore-arm, which has acquired twice its normal volume; the skin was rough, the itching intolerable, the heat very great, etc."

"This singular action of Rhus rad.," continues Trousseau, "upon the human economy has induced the Homoeopathists to use it in skin diseases; but already before them, Dufresnoy, of Valenciennes, had published a pamphlet in which he extolled the virtues of this plant against cutaneous diseases and subsequently against paralysis.

"Since that time a number of essays on this subject have appeared in medical periodicals, and many respectable physicians have confirmed Dufresnoy experiments."

"We have ourselves," proceeds Trousseau, "often used Rhus radicans for paralysis, but the experiments we have made in skin diseases are too few and too little conclusive to admit of our referring to them here."

"The only forms of paralysis which we have seen treated by M. Bretonneau, of Tours, and which we have ourselves treated, are those of the lower extremities which succeeded a concussion of the spinal marrow or a lesion of that organ which did not destroy its tissue. On this point we have collected facts enough to place beyond a doubt the therapeutic efficacy of Rhus radicans. "Trousseau, et Pidoux. Traite de Therapeutique et Materia Medica, 1, 787, 788.

We shall by and by see that the pathogenetic symptoms clearly point to the use of Rhus in paralysis of the lower extremities. This powerful testimony of Trousseau is an Endorsement of Our Law for the Selection of Remedies.

Our knowledge of the positive effects of Rhus upon the human organism is derived from the proving of Hahnemann and his pupils, published in the Materia Medica Pura, Vol. II, and from the proving of Rhus radicans conducted by the late Dr. Joslin and published by him in the Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy and in Jahr's New Manual, also later in The American Homoeopathic Review.

Hahnemann, in the introduction to his proving, remarks that careful study of the symptoms will enable us to discover many characteristic peculiarities of this remarkable and very precious drug; one of which (possessed by very few other drugs and by none in so high a degree) he describes as follows: "It excites the strongest symptoms when the body, or the limb in question, is in the greatest repose and is kept as free as possible from all motion."

He further remarks that "whoever has studied the symptoms of Bryonia will observe a great similarity in them to the symptoms of Rhus and, at the same time, a great contrariety. Then, for example, how remarkable is the aggravation, under Bryonia, by motion, and the amelioration during repose of the very same symptoms, which, under Rhus, are ameliorated by motion, and aggravated during repose."

Taking first a general survey of the action of Rhus we find:

1. The Sphere of Action of Rhus is extensive. The entire vegetative system is affected, its functions being more or less modified both quantitatively and qualitatively. The secretion of the mucous membrane is altered and increased; this is shown by the diarrhea, as well as by the sputa which altered the cough and the discharges from other mucous membranes.

The lymphatic glands are affected throughout the body, as for example, the cervical, the inguinal and the mesenteric, which are enlarged and inflamed.

Emaciation is produced.

Perspiration is abundant. It is Sour.

From the character of the Rhus fever symptom, it would be reasonable to conclude that Rhus decidedly and primarily affects the composition of the blood.

But, its action upon the system of animal life is quite as marked. The sensorium is depressed; and the capability of the mind for continuous thought is absolutely destroyed. Thus, a patient wishing to write the number twelve, will write the figure one, but cannot recollect the figure two which should follow it (like the typhus patient, who begins his sentence coherently and intelligibly, but allows it to dwindle away into an inarticulate murmur.)

Listlessness and a horrible depression possess the mind. This marks a more profound depression than that produced by Bryonia, for the latter results in fretful peevishness and irritability. Rhus, on the other hand, produces listlessness, a feeling of helplessness and profound despondency.

A similar condition seems to obtain in the entire apparatus of voluntary motion, expressing itself in a sense of physical prostration, of inability to move, of powerlessness, approaching paralysis. So great is this prostration, that when the prover first attempts to move, after a repose of some length of time, the limbs tremble, the joints are stiff and there seems to be actual inability to move. This condition is more pronounced in the lower extremities than in the upper.

The special senses are dulled, but not perverted.

The skin, as we shall see, is the theatre on which are displayed some of the most powerful, characteristic and valuable properties or Rhus.

Rhus, then, acts prominently, on the mucous membrane, on the lymphatic glands, on the functions of animal life and on the skin. To this list must be added the tissues that compose the parts.

2. The action on the Organic Substances has been noticed in the preceding remarks.

3. The Sensations that are characteristic of Rhus are: soreness, as if beaten, which is felt in the muscles and in the neighborhood of the joints; heaviness and pressure, which are felt in the head, eyes, eyelids and limbs; lassitude, languor and weight, which are felt in the extremities, especially the lower.

4. Periodicity is not very strongly marked.

5. Peculiarities. The great and characteristic peculiarity of the symptoms produced by Rhus is that, with few exceptions, they occur and are aggravated during repose, and are ameliorated during motion.

But this statement requires modification or, at least, some explanation.

In addition to those symptoms of Rhus which resemble paralysis, there are also groups of symptoms which resemble muscular and articular rheumatism.

These rheumatic symptoms come on with severity during repose and they increase so long as the patient remains quiet, until, at length, their severity compels him to move.

Now, on first, attempting to move, he finds himself very stiff and the very first movement is exceedingly painful. But as he continues to move, however, the stiffness is relieved and the pains decidedly decrease, the patient feeling much better.

This improvement, however, does not go on indefinitely. After the patient has moved continuously for a length of time, finding comfort therein, the paralytic symptoms interpose their exhausting protest and the patient is compelled, from a sense of lassitude and powerlessness, to suspend his movements and come to a condition of repose.

Now, at first, this repose, after long-continued motion, is grateful, for it relieves, not the aching and severe pains (these were relieved by the motion), but the sense of prostration, the paralytic sensation.

Before a great while, the severe, aching pains come on again during this repose, and the patient is forced to move again as before.

This statement may serve to explain certain apparent contradictions in the symptoms of Rhus. The amount of it is: that the pains of Rhus are aggravated by repose and relieved by motion; but the paralysis and languor of Rhus, like all other symptoms, always (when genuine and not hysterical) are relieved, by repose and aggravated by long-continued motion.

6. Resume. The action of Rhus may be summed up as follows: It produces a kind of rheumatic affection of the muscles and ligaments, alleviated by motion; a paralysis, aggravated by motion; an apparently passive congestion of the head relieved by repose; a debility of the organs of nutrition, marked by deficient and depraved appetite and by tympanitis; a serous infiltration of the cellular tissue in various parts of the body, as the face, fauces, genitals, feet; a vesicular eruption, generally; an acrid state of the secretions, generally, as, the tears, nasal mucus, gastric mucus, intestinal mucus, urine, menstrual flow, contents of cutaneous vesicles; a general depression of the sensorium.

These generalizations will be confirmed by the special analysis to which we now proceed.

Special Analysis. – The sensorium is effected as follows:

There is vertigo, which occurs when standing or walking. but also when sitting and even comes on when lying down. In this particular it corresponds with the conditions of the rheumatic pains of Rhus tox. It is described as if something kept going around in the head – one feels as if drunken, as though one would fall forwards or backwards. On rising in the morning, one can hardly support oneself. This is not only from dizziness but also from the paralytic condition and from the stiffness and lassitude which follow long repose.

Excessive vertigo on lying down, with fear of dying.

Memory is markedly impaired even for most familiar facts. The thinking power impaired, with absence of mind. Head confused, he cannot write nor remember what he wishes to write.

Headache. – Among the pains in the head, properly so called, we notice first pressure, both in the temples and in the forehead and behind the orbits, where it feels sometimes like a wearisome pressure downwards; sometimes as if the eyes would be pressed outwards; sometimes as if the brain were pressed together from both sides. Also a radiating pressure in the temples, worse during repose, sometimes a burning pressure in the temporal bone.

The sensation most closely allied to the above is heaviness, which is felt in this way: that when the patient stoops it seems as though he could not rise again. There is a sensation as if a quantity of blood shot into the brain; as if a weight fell forwards in the forehead and drew the head downwards, or as if the head were being pressed asunder. Sometimes there is a tearing in the head in every part and direction, or, on awaking and opening the eyes, a violent headache, as if the brain were torn, worse on opening the eyes.

A singular sensation, characteristic of Rhus, is noted on shaking the head and when walking; when jarring the body, etc., viz., a sensation of swashing and jarring in the brain and each step concusses the brain. China has a similar symptom.

Externally the scalp is sore to the touch. There is itching on the scalp, face and lips, and the formation of a vesicular eruption.

To recapitulate. – The vertigo occurs when standing and walking, is worse when lying down though there is a tottering when walking, with which probably the paralysis is connected.

The pains in the head are pressure, heaviness, tearing and swashing. They affect chiefly the forehead, temples and post orbital regions, and unlike the rheumatic pains are generally worse on motion, although some are aggravated by repose.

Face. – The face may be pale and sickly looking with the features distorted, or red and covered with sweat without thirst. As regards the skin, there has been observed an erysipelatous redness of the face and eyelids with burning pain, or itching. On this surface, after a few days, vesicles make their appearance, which discharge and leave a fine mealy scale. This resembles so exactly the vesicular erysipelas of the face that it is often mistaken for it.

Eyes. – In the eyes a burning, pressing pain; they itch and bite. The white of the eye is reddened, they lacrymate and are agglutinated in the morning. The lids smart, as if excoriated by the tears or else they have a sensation of dryness. There is often a sensation of heaviness or of paralysis in the lids, so that they can hardly be kept open.

As regards the sense of vision, there seems to be something like a veil before the eyes preventing distinct vision.

Ears. – Earache and a feeling as if someone were blowing into the ear. There is a whistling, a squealing noise heard, or a ringing when walking, which change to a loud resonance when lying down, as if the membrane tympani were burst.

Nose. – Nose bleeding, the blood being dark, it occurs at night; also when stooping and when clearing the throat. A scabby eruption about the nares, with itching, burning pain.

Cheeks and Jaws. – A peculiar phenomenon is noteworthy. A cramp-like pain in the maxillary joint as if beaten, as if it would break and on each motion of the jaw it cracks and snaps audibly. There is a constant desire to yawn until it seems as though the jaw would break. (This corresponds with and is analogous to the stretching and twisting so characteristic of Rhus.)

The toothache of Rhus is a jerking pain, extending into the head. It is relieved by applying the cold hand. The gums burn and are sore. The teeth are loose.

In the mouth a sensation of dryness, which persists notwithstanding all the patient may drink.

In the throat a sensation of swelling, with aching pain when speaking and independently but attended by sticking on attempting to swallow.

There are also sticking pains when swallowing saliva or food, sensations of soreness in the muscles of the root of the tongue and when yawning. Pressure on empty swallowing.

The action of Rhus on the digestive organs is not very characteristic. It produces a bitter-sour or a coppery taste – a total loss of appetite – a sensation as if the stomach were always full; nothing tastes good. Or, on the other hand, a kind of canine bunger, along with which there is a soapy, slimy condition of the mouth; everything tastes like straw, and there is an immediate feeling of fullness.

Frequent eructations. Occasional nausea; relieved by lying down and by eating; sometimes nausea and retching at night.

Pressing in the epigastrium as if swollen. Throbbing, cutting, pinching pains in the abdomen. Great accumulations of flatus in the abdomen, with great distention.

Stool. – As regards the stool, we notice, constant tenesmus, with nausea; tearing and pinching in the intestines; the stool is scanty, consisting of mucus, or a watery, jelly-like substance, yellow or streaked with white, frothy and often mixed with blood. Before stool, a burning in the rectum; after stool, all pains are relieved. Itching and burning in the rectum, with smarting; blind hemorrhoids.

The urine is dark, soon becomes turbid, with a white sediment (probably Urate of ammonia). It is evacuated frequently with a sticking pain in the bladder.

With regard to the genital organs we find, as in various other distensible parts or the body, the characteristic effects of Rhus, viz., swelling, produced by serous infiltration of the cellular tissue, redness of the cutis, followed by vesicular eruption which forms a light scab or small white scabs. The moisture exuded is limpid and acrid. Moreover the natural secretions are acrid. Hence the menstrual flow which Rhus makes to appear earlier and more copiously than is normal, is acrid.

Respiratory Organs. – Sneezing; free nasal secretion.

Hoarseness.

Respiration impeded; Cough dry, hacking, worse evening and before midnight, or in the morning after waking.

Sensation of heat in the chest and of weakness there, hindering speech. Stitching pains here and there.

It cannot fail to be remarked how much less action on the respiratory organs Rhus has than Bryonia

Sometimes violent palpitation; sometimes weakness in the cardiac region and a feeling of trembling in the heart.

Neck and Back. – In the region, of the neck and back, we find stiffness in the nape and entire neck, with tensive pain and crying out on moving. The sacral region is stiff, when he moves but pains when sitting, as if he had been stooping and bending the back too much. Stitching and pressing pains.

In the extremities we have, most frequently, sticking pains. They may occur in all parts. Also tearing pains, aggravated by hard labor. When felt of, the bones feel sore. The salient osseous processes, condyles, olecranon, etc., are sore to pressure.

Drawing pains are frequent. They go from the elbow to the hand. In Dr. Joslin's proving of Rhus radicans a pain is described as following the ulnar nerve. I have twice met this in patients, and relieved it permanently with a dose of Rhus radicans.

Tensive pain; aching and pains as if luxated are common under Rhus. They affect all parts of the extremities and all the joints.

Besides the above pains and sensations, there is a feeling of creeping, formication and numbness, as if the fingers were asleep. This is allied to the paralysis.

Also a sensation of great weakness in the limbs; a trembling of the arms and fingers on moderate exertion; a heaviness and lassitude of the lower extremities, so that one can hardly move.

There is painless swelling of the feet at evening, evidently edematous.

Also swelling and pain of the axillary glands.

Sleep. – There is great sleepiness during the day, and also early in the morning with indisposition to rise and dress; constant desire to lie down. Incessant yawning, spasmodic, fatiguing and almost breaking the jaw. Yet the patient cannot get asleep before midnight, partly from sheer wakefulness, partly from heat and restlessness, or anxiety and tumultuously coursing of the blood; without thirst.

Ongoing asleep, shuddering and twitching in the body. The sleep is restless, with tossing and unpleasant thoughts, and dreams about the business of the day or of things recently done or heard. The gastric symptoms are apt to be felt or to be worse at night.

Fever. – The proving of Rhus is rich in fever-symptoms. The cold fresh air is not tolerated; it seems to make the skin painful. (This symptom is of inestimable value in treating rheumatic patients.)

The chill occurs early in the morning. It is characteristic of the chill that it is accompanied by cough, dry and fatiguing. I have often cured intermittent with Rhus, guided by this symptom alone. More frequently the paroxysm is mixed up. External chill with internal heat, without thirst, followed by general sweat. The sweat often appears on the whole body, except the head and face. In this respect the opposite of Silicea.

As regards the disposition, it is depressed and despondent, averse to all exertion, full of sad anxiety and care-taking, depressed, lonesome, and prone to weep; anxiety is so great, he thinks he shall die or lose his mind; the forces sink, he gets fits of trembling; then comes restlessness – the patient cannot sit still, but must always keep moving; becomes fearful, thinks he has been poisoned; the anxiety goes to such an extent that he feel as though he should take his own life — at the same time a sense of dyspnea and yet relief from deep inspirations.

A better picture than this of the mental and moral condition which ushers in one form of typhoid or nervous fever, the erethistic, as distinguished from the torpid form, could hardly be conceived.

We come now to the practical applications of Rhus, in which department, for lack of space, we shall restrict ourselves to its application in fevers, in rheumatism, in paralysis and in cutaneous diseases, including the exanthemata and glandular affections.

[Note. – Readers will please regard with indulgent eyes, so much of the nonsense in this and the previous article on Rhus, as can fairly be ascribed to errors of typography. Both the author and the managing editor were absent from the city while the articles were in press. D.]

Practical Applications. – In fevers Rhus has had a most successful and extensive application. As the symptoms indicate, the forms of fever which require it can only be what used to be called nervous fevers, and are now known as typhoid or typhus.

Comparing it with Bryonia and Eupatorium, we miss at once the whole train of gastro-hepatic symptoms – the vomiting of bile, soreness and pain at the pit of the stomach, constriction around the epigastric zone, fullness and tenderness of the hepatic region, etc. – which indicated those remedies in bilious remittent fevers. On the other hand, we find Rhus producing some degree of tenderness of the abdomen, great flatulent distension of the abdomen, amounting to tympanitis – occasional watery or mucous diarrhea - symptoms which, though not so strongly pronounced as similar symptoms are under Phosphoric acid, yet decidedly resemble symptoms of typhoid fever or, as the German call it, abdominal, typhus, and indicate the use of Rhus in that disease.

With this indication, the depressed and collapsed sensorium, the absent mindedness, the inability to think of what one wishes to do or say, to remember even familiar circumstances; the depression of spirits, the lassitude and actual muscular feebleness, exactly coincide. So do the restless nights and sleepy days, the mixed up fever and the partial sweats which give no relief.

Hahnemann in writing of the Epidemic of 1813, gave the following directions for selecting Rhus: "This fever has two principle stages. In the first period (which is all the shorter, the worse the disease is to be) there are present, full, increased sensation of the pains usually present, with intolerably bad humor, sensation of heat in the body and especially in the head, dry feeling or actual dryness in the mouth, causing constant thirst, bruised feeling in the limbs, restlessness, etc.; but, in the second period, that of delirium (a quas metastasis of the whole disease upon the mental organs) no complaint is made of all those symptoms – the patient is hot, does not desire to drink, he knows not whether to take this or that, he does not know those about him, or he abuses them; he makes irrelevant answers, talks nonsense with his eyes open, does foolish things, wishes to run away, cries aloud or whines, without being able to say why he does so, has a rattling in the throat, the countenance is distorted, the eyes squinting, he plays with his hands, behaves like a mad man, passes feces and urine involuntary, etc.

"In the first period of pain and consciousness, two remedies are of use and generally quite remove the disease at its commencement: Bryonia alba and Rhus toxicodendron.

"If, for instance, the patient complain of dizziness, shooting pains in the head, throat, chest, abdomen. etc., which are felt particularly on moving the part; in addition to the other symptoms: the hemorrhages, the vomiting, the heat, the thirst, the nocturnal restlessness, etc., we give him a dose of Bryonia, and give no other medicine, nor can repeat the same as long as he continue to improve."

"If now," he proceeds, "if now, the amendment produced by the Bryonia goes off in the course of a few days – if the patient then complains of shooting pains in one or other part of the body whilst the part is at rest; if the prostration and anorexia are greater, if there is harassing cough, or such a debility of certain parts as to threaten paralysis; we give a single drop of the Rhus tox."

"Or the Rhus may be given at the commencement, if the symptoms I have just described occur at the commencement of the attack. Indeed Rhus is suitable more frequently than Bryonia in this disease, and hence can more frequently be used first and alone in treating it."

Observe, first, the clear and sharp distinction which Hahnemann draws between the indications for Bryonia and Rhus respectively; how carefully he advises us to give each remedy only when the symptoms which specially call for it are present in the case, and how different these symptoms are! Could you gather from this statement that Hahnemann advises the giving of Rhus and Bryonia in alternation in typhoid fever? It would seem to me impossible. And yet the majority of Homoeopathicians will tell you, and the majority of works on practice will teach you, that the standard prescription in typhoid fever is "Bryonia and Rhus in alternation," and that this was recommended and used by Hahnemann!

There is no better foundation for alternation in any case than there is for this assertion.

Dr. Wurmb, in his "Clinical Studies of Typhoid Fever," has given us some exceedingly valuable summaries of the action of Rhus and its cognate remedies, so valuable that I cannot do better than to quote freely from his work. Speaking generally of the therapeutics of fevers, he says,

"In typhoid epidemics, inasmuch as the cases present at given times and in given localities, a part from all special peculiarities of individual cases, a determinate and distinct general character, and are thereby clearly distinguishable from those which occur at other periods and in other localities, we most regard it as our first problem to get an accurate knowledge of the character of the prevailing epidemic."

"When we have done this, the second problem remains for solution, viz.: the discovery of the group of remedies which most closely correspond in the similarity of their effects upon the healthy to the character of the epidemic. If we succeed in this, then is the most difficult part of our labor done; for the number of remedies contained in this group cannot be very large, and it cannot consequently be very difficult to select from it the most suitable remedy, that is to say, the remedy of which the individual peculiarities coincide most nearly with those of the case to be treated."

Acting upon this, Dr. Wurmb has described the peculiarities of several groups of drugs and pointed out their adaptations to different forms of typhoid fever. The first of these groups consists of Rhus tox. and Phosphoric acid, the similarities and peculiar differences of which are finely depicted by him. He remarks first, that the cases of fever in which these drugs are required and were used by him, are not very grave and severe forms; the epidemic could not be called a malignant one. "The disturbances in the vascular and nervous systems, though often tolerably severe, were never excessive and the tendency to decomposition of the organic substance, although it existed and was developed, was not very striking. The appropriate remedies, consequently, were such as, in large doses, in healthy subjects, act powerfully, it is true, on the life of blood and nerve; pervert the latter, but do not completely suspend it; cause disturbances in the vital chemistry but do not entirely supersede it!"

Rhus tox. and Phosphoric acid being drags which act in an equal degree upon both the vital force and the organic substance, and which act powerfully but not destructively — are suitable to an epidemic of this character.

Now, the distinction between these two drugs, may in a word be stated as follows: Rhus is characterized by symptoms of erethism, excitement, orgasm; Phosphoric acid by symptoms of sluggishness, torpor, collapse. This is the proportion which, in so far as Rhus is concerned, we proceed to elaborate in the words of Dr. Wurmb, "Indications for Rhus."

"The patients are generally strongly built persons who have hitherto been healthy; the typhoid, for the most part, comes on suddenly, runs a rapid course, and reaches in the course of a few days a high degree of development. At the same time with the disturbances in the vascular system, there is felt a strong sensation of illness, which advances at a more rapid rate that the other symptoms do; for example, the actual debility is not so great as the sensation of debility, inasmuch as tolerably rapid and forcible motions are still capable of being made. (N.B. During convalescence, the contrary condition obtains; the patients take themselves to be stronger than they really are.)"

"Soon, however, the forces fail; movements become difficult and feeble and the patients are constrained to lie quietly in bed, in one place. They complain of aching in the limbs and, sometimes, of violent pain in some joint or other, as in rheumatism."

"These disturbances in the general condition do not long continue alone; there are soon associated with them irregularities in the vascular system, viz.: in the beginning, gentle fugitive chills and heat, but especially heat of the head; at a later period the heat predominates, and at last it becomes continuous and is very violent; there is tendency to rush of blood to the head; the temperature is elevated; the face is burning hot to the touch; the eyes shine and are moderately injected; the cheeks, lips and tongue are of a deep red color; the thirst is very great; the pulse 110 to 112 in a minute."

"Even at the very beginning of the vascular excitement, hemorrhages occur, especially from the nose and, in women, from the genitals. The former almost always afford relief the latter, which are generally mistaken for the menstrual flow, last but a few hours, or, at the most, a day, and produce no change in the condition of the patient."

"The symptoms of a change in the composition of the blood [of a sort of decomposition, being the first evidence of action upon the organic substance] appear in a moderate degree only and somewhat later. There appear upon the skin, small ecchymoses; the expectoration has a bloody tinge; the stools rarely contain blood."

"The nervous functions are always powerfully affected, they are oppressed and restricted. The organs of sense are, in the beginning, in a condition of over excitability. There is a great sensibility to light, noise, etc."

"At a later period, the opposite condition obtains; the patients become insensible to external influences, complain of nothing whatever, and lie in a condition of atony."

"The sensorium is oppressed and ratiocination is difficult even in the very beginning of the disease. The patients are aware of this fact, but endeavors to prevent it being observed; and to this end, when a question is put to them, they evidently gather themselves up and reply hastily, but correctly; at a later period, when their imagination has become too lively, they cannot quite succeed in this and hence their answers are in part correct, in part incoherent; finally the incoherence increases; the patients murmur and keep talking to themselves, or they are disgusted by very lively phantasies of the most various sorts, especially at night. Sleep for the most part, fails entirely; or when for a moment it visits the patient there comes in its train a host of disgusting and burthensome dreams."

Practical Application. – The abnormal condition of the vascular system is distinctly reflected upon the external skin. This is at first reddened, dry and hot; spots appear, resembling rubeola or measles, upon the thorax and abdomen; if the vascular excitement has subsided, copious sweats occur; along with them, almost always, a miliary eruption.

The mucous membranes are always involved. The tongue is more or less coated, becomes rough, dry, cracked and woody; the lips and teeth are sometimes covered with brown sordes; the taste is gone.

The condition of the gastric and intestinal mucous membrane is such as to produce: want of appetite; aversion to food; nausea; retching; vomiting. Gases are developed in the intestinal canal, which distend the abdomen. The abdomen becomes sensitive to external pressure under the margins of the left ribs and in the right iliac region.

The stools are at first scanty and infrequent, indeed there may be none for several days; generally, however, they soon become fluid and occur three or four times daily without tenesmus or other discomforts, and at a later period, when they are still more frequent, they pass involuntarily. They consist of serum and of a greenish-brown substance, which, at a later period of the disease is mixed with white floculi.

Resulting from the affection of the mucous membrane of the air-passages, there is a sensation of dryness in the trachea; the somewhat accelerated respiration is, at first, louder, sharper, the expiration audible; at a later period, mucous rales or large crepitation set in. The cough, which, at first, is moderate and dry, becomes gradually more violent and looser in sound, but accompanied by only a very little tenacious sputa, now and then streaked with blood.

The parenehyma of the lungs is congested with blood, especially in the lower lobes and pneumonic infiltrations often form there, which explain the following symptoms, not infrequent in typhoid; constriction of the chest; short anxious respiration; sticking pains in the sides, etc.

The spleen is almost always enlarged.

The urine is scanty; it is deficient in chloride of sodium and in urea; rich in sulphates, phosphates and other salts which are always abundant in diseases characterized by a tendency to decomposition of the blood. The urine, moreover, is turbid, looks like whey, deposits an abundant white sediment, and shows, by the albumen which it contains, the hyperemic condition of the kidneys.

"The condition above described may last many days. The patient may pass from it into a state of health, or into a still higher grade of erethism or into the opposite condition of torpor."

"In the former case viz., that of a return-to health, the febrile movements slacken; sleep again visits the patient; the sensorial phenomena becomes less abnormal; the patient gets his appetite again and congratulates himself on his fine condition; the diarrhea and tympanitis may last a few days longer than the other symptoms, but they, then, vanish and there remain only a moderate degree of weakness and emaciation, and paleness of the skin."

"In the event, however, of the development of the disease to a still higher grade of erethism, we have not, generally, long to wait. In this case, it is possible that Arsenicum will be our remedy " – for Arsenicum, as we shall see by and by, affects both the vascular and nervous life on the one hand and the blood composition on the other hand; it acts, with almost equal energy on the vital forces and on the organic substance. It is hence appropriate for such a form of fever as that described as requiring Rhus. But Arsenicum acts with greater energy, with a wider swing and deeper penetration than Rhus. It perverts more thoroughly, excites more profoundly the vital functions – it alters more extensively and more completely the blood and the organic substance than Rhus does. It is therefore appropriate for more malignant epidemics of fever, for more severe cases of the same form of fever than Rhus.

Thus, as regards the erethistic form of typhoid fever, a group is formed consisting of Rhus and Arsenic, which — instead of being contrasted as Rhus and Phosph. acid were — are analogous and allied. They stand related to each other as less and greater – Rhus being the less and Arsenic the greater.

But if the fever change from the erethistic into the torpid form, then Phosphoric acid will probably be required as the correlative of Rhus, or if, the torpor be extreme, Carbo veg. may be required, as the correlative of Arsenic.

To show, now, the applicability of Rhus tox., to the form of fever which has been described, Wurmb proceeds to say:

"If we hold up, beside this picture of the disease, the picture of the action of Rhus tox., so striking is the similarity that it will not be easy to mistake it. They agree not alone in this: that, in both, the same symptoms and groups of symptoms appear, but also that they have, in both, the same significance. The similarity is therefore not simply apparent; it is real. For as in typhus the blood-life is especially affected, the same is the case in the Rhus disease. As in typhus, by reason of the changes in the blood, a violent excitement occurs in the vascular system, the same is the case with Rhus. As in typhus the sensorial functions are depressed, and in consequence of this depression the imagination is unchained and set loose to work its fancy, and the representations of the general perceptive faculty no longer correspond to the phenomena upon which this faculty is exercised; as in typhus, the mucous membranes, especially those of the intestinal canal, in which deposits and irritations never fail, are especially involved; in short, just as typhus, in spite of the erethism which is present, is an adynamic morbid process, in the exact sense of the word, and tends to produce, even in the beginning, a decomposition of the blood and an exhaustion of the vital force – the very same is true, in all these respects, of the morbid affection produced on the healthy subject by Rhus tox."

Having thus treated very fully the subject of Rhus in fevers, I should perhaps, in strict deference to the unity of the subject, proceed to treat of Rhus in relation to other diseased conditions.

But, it will perhaps be more practically profitable to introduce here, while the subject is fresh in the mind of the reader, an episode on the use of Phosphoric acid, the correlative of Rhus tox. in typhoid. In this, as before, I follow and quote Dr. Wurmb:

Indications for Phosphoric acid in Typhoid.

"The morbid condition corresponding to Phosphoric acid agrees in essential points with that which requires Rhus. In both we find the same relations to the blood and nerve-life: the same tendency to decomposition of the blood and to waste of the forces: the same changes in the mucous membranes generally, but especially in that of the intestinal canal, etc."

The difference between them consists in this, that in the Rhus affection there is, more prominent, an erethism of one portion of the vital phenomena and a depression of another portion, a one-sided excitement and a one-sided depression, whereas, in the Phosphoric acid affection there is a general and simultaneous depression, letting down, atony of the entire series of vital phenomena. Whereas, in the Rhus affection, we see excitement and over activity in the functions of vegetative life, and simultaneous depression in the functions of animal life, we see in the Phosphoric acid affection simultaneous and immediate depression in the functions of both of these departments of the patient's organism. Generally this depression appears in the very beginning of the sickness, though not always, for sometimes partial phenomena of excitement usher in the disease; these, however, are of short duration and very moderate intensity and after their disappearance the torpid character of the attack is all the more distinctly perceptible.

Cases of this kind are most frequently observed in debilitated subjects who have passed the prime of life; they require a longer time for their development into a distinct form of disease. Thus, for example, there are often noticed loss of appetite, feeling of illness and a host of other preliminary symptoms which indicate an impending illness but give no clue to its particular form and character – these, for weeks together, before the peculiar and really important symptoms set in which assure the diagnosis. When these latter have at last made their appearance we observe the following:

The sensations of illness and prostration reach speedily a very high grade, and pari passu with these sensations, goes an actual want of power and hence the patients, even in the very beginning of the malady, are content to lie quiet, because every movement is a heavy tax upon them.

The disturbances in the vascular system do not advance in the same ratio, but lag behind; the pulse is often accelerated it is true, though sometimes it is not, and in the former case, it is generally feeble and small. The temperature is but seldom elevated; indeed it sometimes sinks below the normal grade. If it is increased, the increase is confined to isolated parts of the body, especially the head, while other parts, the extremities in particular, are cold to the touch; the patients, hence, are pale, or have only sometimes a flush of redness. Hemorrhages, as for example from the nose, are much more frequent, but they afford no relief; nay, they commonly aggravate the condition of the patient. Ecchymoses are likewise common occurrences, and there are particularly apt to occur on the spots on which the patients lie, livid spots, which at a later period become sloughing bed-sores.

The patients, for the most part, lie in a constant slumber, which is apt to pass into a higher grade of stupor; the expression of the face is stupid; the sensorium is oppressed; the delirium, if it exist, is never lively or active; it takes only the form of an unintelligible murmuring. If the patient be aroused from this stupor, it takes him a long time to come to his senses, be looks around him in a kind of dull stupid wonder, answers slowly, even though it be correctly, and soon sinks back again into his former apathetic condition.

The special senses become dull, but especially the sense of hearing. The patients are influenced and affected by nothing. They complain of nothing but weakness and confusion of the head.

The skin soon loses its plumpness, takes on a shriveled aspect and is loose and wrinkled; the cheeks become sunken; the nose pointed; the skin is constantly clammy, moist, and even often covered with a copious sweat and with countless miliary vesicles.

The affection of the mucous membrane is evidenced chiefly by increased secretions; the tongue is moist but pale.

In the thorax are heard large crepitation and rhonchus. Cough is rare, because the need to expel the mucus is not felt, by the patient. A similar condition obtains in the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines; the stools are copious, often involuntary and passed unconsciously. They are very liquid, contain but little sediment and show sometimes traces of blood.

The pneumonic infiltration is not rare, but it is by no means so frequent as the hypostatic congestion.

Enlargement of the spleen never fails; the diarrhea, even when it is ever so copious, has no influence upon this symptom.

The urine contains many protein compounds, much albumen, but few salts.

This state of things may pass off into health or may merge in a still higher grade of torpor. If the former change takes place, the recovery is a slow one and relapses commonly take place even when the improvement has been for some time in process.

If, however, the latter change takes place, and the state of things above described give place to a still more complete and absolute torpor, then it is probable that Carbo veg. will be the remedy indicated. For, just as we have seen that in the erethistic form of typhoid fever, Rhus and Arsenic bear to each other the relation of less and greater, so in the torpid form of the disease do Phosphoric acid and Carbo veg. bear to each other the same relation of less and greater. And the proving of Carbo veg., I may here remark, is the very type and representative of an asthenic and torpid pathogenesis.

These remarks will suffice to give an idea of the application of Rhus in fevers. They have included no name except that of typhoid fever – but surely, I need not at this hour, remind the reader that, no matter how different may be the names that are applied to morbid conditions, if the conditions be similar the remedy may be the same. Now it often happens that in the course of the exanthematous fevers, measles and scarlatina, a similar train of symptoms to those already described makes its appearance and calls for Rhus. Especially is, this the case in scarlatina, a disease in which the value of Rhus is not well understood by the profession. It will be more ably expounded than I could do it by Dr. Wells in some of the forthcoming numbers of the American Homoeopathic Review.

The indication for Rhus in scarlatina is still stronger if, in addition to symptoms already detailed, there be an edematous condition of the fauces, soft palate and uvula with vesicles upon these parts and a singularly annoying itching, smarting and burning.

Independently of scarlatina, epidemics of influenza often occur presenting this edematous condition of the soft parts of the fauces and pharynx and even threatening edema glottidis. The curtain of the palate is puffed and pink; the uvula is elongated, puffed, translucent, and the end is often nearly spherical, looking like a great drop of fluid or jelly just ready to fall off. Vesicles stud the pharynx. The rawness and roughness of pharynx and larynx is almost intolerable. Such an influenza is generally attended by symptoms of great debility. In any case it finds a suitable and prompt remedy in Rhus, as I have often experienced.

In paralysis, especially of the lower extremities, Rhus is an important remedy. But the paralysis for which it is appropriate is not that form which results from a lesion of the spinal cord. It is rather of the motor than of the sensitive nerves, for I believe sensation is not much impaired. In the form known as rheumatic paralysis where the paralysis has supervened upon rheumatism, Rhus is especially called for. So likewise, as would be expected, in cases resulting from undue exposure to cold and dampness, especially exposure of the back or limbs.

This explains the value of Rhus in a form of paralysis not rare in very young children. It affects only the lower extremities and comes, I am persuaded, though it is difficult to trace these things, from nurses allowing children to sit down on cold stone-steps. If these paralyses last long they produce deformity by arrest of development. They are in general easily cured with Rhus and an occasional dose of Sulphur.

As regards the application of Rhus in rheumatism, I believe, enough has been said of the characteristic action of Rhus to solve all doubts on this subject. Just as Rhus produces in the mucous membranes an inflammation which is not phlegmonous only inasmuch as it does not go on to suppuration, so does it act on the serous membranes of the joints and muscles. The serous secretions ate increased and edematous swellings are produced. The local manifestations, therefore, resemble those of rheumatism.

The fever has been described. The general condition must be of an erethistic typhoid character. The joints are swollen, edematous, the pains worse during repose and stimulating the patient to constant exertion and motion of the part, both day and night, (restlessness only at night requires Causticum).

The condyles and salient points of bone are sore. The pains and soreness are relieved by warmth. Perspiration is copious and does not relieve.

The skin is the part most obviously affected by Rhus. It produces a most remarkable imitation of vesicular erysipelas and is our most valued remedy in this affection. Anyone who has seen a case of Rhus-poisoning (for which, by the way, the best remedy is Sepia,) will recognize the similarity to eczema, of which, in its various form, Rhus is a most valuable remedy. But its grand role is in the treatment of the pustular form; Impetigo Eczematodes or Eczema Impetiginodes – or Baker's Itch as it is called.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 07, 1866, pages 270-275, pages 309-315, pages 343-348, pages 385-393]

[Description: Observations on Rhus.]

[Remedies: Rhus toxicodendron]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1866]

ON THE "ELIMINATION THEORY." [Communication to the Secretary of the Connecticut State Homoeopathic Medical Society.]

By Carroll Dunham, M. D., New York.

My dear Doctor: Your favor of the 11th inst. was received on the 12th. I should have been glad to send a few words of greeting to the Connecticut State Homoeopathic Society if I had known earlier the date of your meeting. As it is, I have no more time than, to call your attention, in a few words, to the importance which the "Elimination Theory" is now assuming, among the Allopaths in relation to disease and its treatment. For centuries back, it has been suggested, every now and then by some wise man, that the secretions and excretions of patients are the results of efforts which nature is making to get rid of some poisonous morbific matter; and that the true indication is to favor rather than to check these excretions. But, in general, the practice of Allopaths has been to check and suppress them, as though they regarded the discharges themselves as being the disease. Now, as you must have noticed, Dr. Geo. Johnson, of King's College Hospital, London, a very high authority, comes out with a statement and argument applying the "Elimination Theory" to Cholera. He holds that the evacuations and vomited substances result from an effort of nature to get rid of a poison and that they should be encouraged and not be checked.

He opposes absolutely the sedative and astringent treatment by Opium, Tannin, Kino, etc., and advises cathartics and emetics, and he says that applying this method, by treating cholera, with Castor oil, in 1849 and 1854, he gained a very remarkable success. Now, let it be observed that the treatment of such a disease as cholera by purgatives and emetics is, in a certain rude way, a homoeopathic treatment. The remedies which we find most successful, viz., Veratrum, Cuprum, Ipecacuanha, are classed by Allopaths as emetics and cathartics; this is another instance of the fact that has been noticed in other departments of Pathology and Therapeutics. That the most advanced medical philosophy is slowly bringing Allopaths round to the same practical position to which Hahnemann's practical sagacity and observation led him seventy years ago, before there was a possible basis for medical philosophy as it now exists.

One other point, Dr. Geo. Johnson detailing his cases of cholera treated by Castor oil, says, he would have been still more successful, had he not erred by using excessive doses. He found he must use small doses. This was Hahnemann's experience when he began to prescribe according to the homoeopathic law, and it has been the experience of every succeeding experimenter. And the more strictly the law is followed in all minutiae the smaller must be the dose, if we would get all possible good, avoiding all unnecessary evil effects. It is in this way that Homoeopathicians have been gradually led to use, first attenuated medicines and finally the higher potencies.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 11-12, 1866, pages 454-456]

[Description: on The "elimination Theory." [communication to the Secretary of the Connecticut State Homoeopathic Medical Society.]]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1866]

PTERYGIUM CRASSUM CURED BY A SINGLE REMEDY IN A HIGH POTENCY. [Read before the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Cayuga County, N. Y., June 22, 1864.]

BY Carroll Dunham, M.D., New York.

The following case is thought worthy of special notice for several reasons. It presents an instance of a diseased condition which, being on the surface of the eye, may be made the subject of constant observation.

Such a condition has never, so far as my knowledge goes, been produced by any remedy. It is not contained in any proving. A homoeopathic prescription for it must therefore be based upon the general characteristic symptoms which the patient may present, and to which corresponding symptoms may be found in some drug-proving.

The writer had never treated a case before, and does not recall any record of a cure made by homoeopathic remedies. He was not, consequently, influenced in the selection of a remedy by any knowledge ex usu in morbis.

The patient was not encouraged to expect a cure, but looked forward to a surgical operation as a matter of necessity. There can be no ground, then, for ascribing the cure to faith, the last resort of the credulous incredulous, to whom it is easier to believe that a grave and material disease can be cured by imagination, the intangible, than by a high potency, the imponderable!

The cure was effected by a single remedy, in a high potency, the 200th – (prepared by myself).

J. N. S., a farmer, aged 55 years – generally in good health - has had for three years a pterygium upon each eye. Starting from the inner angle of the eye, this morbid growth which was thick, opaque, and richly supplied with large blood-vessels, and much resembled a strong muscle, extended over the sclerotic, had invaded the cornea with a thick, broad extremity, and now covered more than one-half of the pupil, rendering the patient nearly blind.

The conjunctiva of the remaining portion was deeply injected. The eyes were filled in the morning with a mucopurulent secretion.

The patient was unable to endure artificial light, and compelled to carefully protect the eyes during the day-time. Reading was out of the question at all times.

Within the last six months the growth of the pterygium had been very rapid.

The eyes were very painful especially in the evening and at night. The pain was in the inner angle of the eye, a pricking, smarting pain, seeming to be situated deep in the globe. Dust in the atmosphere greatly aggravated the pain. In addition there was a very severe pressure at the root of the nose and across the supra-orbital region. There was considerable lachrymation, especially in the evening.

The effect of this disease was to entirely incapacitate the patient for every kind of business.

In this condition the patient placed himself under my care about the 1st of July, 1868. He had been advised that an operation for the removal of the pterygium was the only thing to which he could look for relief, but had also been told that in the present inflamed condition of the eyes, and at the unfavorable season of midsummer, the operation would expose him to no inconsiderable danger of sequelae that might be very disastrous. He had been counseled to endure his present symptoms until the weather should become colder and more favorable for the operation.

His motive therefore in coming to me was to get some palliation of his suffering, some temporary relief, that the summer months might be made more tolerable to him.

I gave him no encouragement to believe that I could do more than slightly palliate his sufferings; for, as has been already remarked, I had never treated a pterygium, and never heard of a homoeopathic cure of one.

Seeking a homoeopathic remedy for the case, as it has been stated, I could get no light from the objective symptoms, since no proving contains anything like them. Nothing remained but the subjective symptoms. Of these, the pain, smarting and pricking, and which was singularly confined to the inner angle of the eye and seemed deep seated, the pushing pain at the root of the nose, the marked aggravation in the evening – these symptoms together suggested Zincum metallicum

In the proving of Zincum we find (symptoms 194, 197, 205, 209,) biting, pricking and soreness in the inner angle of the eyes; lachrymation, especially in the evening; inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, suppuration of the inner angle with soreness - many of these symptoms being aggravated in the evening; Symptom 248, "Pressure on the root or the nose, as if it would be pressed into the head, almost intolerable," together with 249-251 of a like significance.

The other symptoms of the patient being well covered by those of Zincum, I concluded to give this remedy.

I felt the more hope of some benefit from it, from the fact that my (allopathic) preceptor, who had much experience and success in the treatment of diseases of the eye, had often said that Sulphate of zinc, applied externally, had a more beneficial effect in pterygium than any other astringent or caustic application.

Now as Sulphate of zinc is by no means so powerful an astringent or caustic as many other substances that are commonly used as applications in such cases, certainly the superiority of Zinc could not be attributable to its mere possession of these properties which it has in common with other collyria, as, for example, Nitrate of silver, Sulphate of copper, etc., etc. It must be due, then, to some specific quality of the Zinc. In passing, let me venture the remark, that in clinical observations like the above, made by sagacious allopathic observers, we may often find valuable hints to supplement our pathogenetic knowledge of drugs.

To return to the case, I determined to give the 200th potency of Zinc, the case being, as it seemed to me, a very fine one for experiment with a high potency.

I gave four powders of sugar of milk, each containing three globules of Zincum metallicum^200, and ten additional powders containing nothing but sugar of milk – a powder to be taken, dry on the tongue, every night on retiring; the patient to report on the 14th day. No change to be made in diet, regimen, or occupation. No external applications to be made.

July 15. The patient presented himself and stated that on the third day after he began to take the powders he began to feel much better, and that now he was entirely free from pain and discomfort and from lachrymation. The morning secretion was much less. I thought the eye appeared less inflamed, but beyond this there was no change in its physical condition. I gave sugar of milk and requested a report in a fortnight, or sooner, in case the pains should return.

Aug. 1. No return of pain. The pterygium has certainly diminished in size; it is not so thick and luxuriant as formerly. Sugar of milk.

Aug. 10. The patient came to apprise me of a return of the pains to moderate extent. I gave three powders of Zinculn met.200, to be taken every night on retiring.

Aug. 20. The pains disappeared after the first powder and have not returned. The pterygium is evidently decreasing.

Twice again the pains returned, and on each occasion I gave a powder of the Zincum.200 By the end of October, the time fixed for the operation, the pterygium had diminished so far that it was only a little colorless ridge in the extreme inner angle of the eye, the sight was entirely restored, the patient could use his eyes freely both by day and in the evening: there was no longer any thought of the operation; in fact, it would have been hard to find anything to operate upon.

At the present date there is no trace of the pterygium remaining upon the left eye. In the inner angle of the right eye there is a small speck yet visible.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 02, 1864, pages 71-75]

[Description: Pterygium Crassum Cured by a Single Remedy in a High Potency.]

[Remedies: Zincum metallicum]

[Author: Dunham, C]

[Year: 1864]

RELATION OF PATHOLOGY TO THERAPEUTICS *[Read before the Hom. Med. Society of the State of New York, May, 1863.]

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEW YORK.

The question of the Relation of Pathology to Therapeutics is one of exceeding importance, if for no other reason than this that, by a very large portion of the medical profession it is commonly held that the whole science of Therapeutics is based, in its general principles and in its special applications, upon the science and the facts of Pathology.

Before beginning the discussion of this subject, it is necessary to define the terms used in stating the question, as well as certain kindred terms.

The study of the tissues and organs of which the healthy human body is composed, constitutes the science of Physiological Anatomy. It may be pursued upon the living or the dead body provided the death resulted from violence and not from disease.

The tissues and organs of the healthy body are so fashioned as to perform, each a special work. This act of performing its special work is called the function of an organ. An organ can act only during the life of the individual. Functions, therefore, can be predicated only of living organs. The study of the performance of their special work by the aggregation of organs which make up the body, constitutes the science of Physiology.

Physiological Anatomy then is the science of the tissues and organs of the healthy body; Physiology is the science of the functions of the healthy, living organism.

When any or all of the tissues or organs of the body have suffered modifications of substance or of structure in consequence of disease, the study of these material changes, which are the results of disease, constitutes the science of Pathological Anatomy. This may be studied upon the living or the dead diseased organism.

When, in consequence of the action of a morbific agent, any or all of the organs of the body perform their special work in an abnormal manner — in other words, when the function of any of the organs of the body is perverted, the study of these changes and perversions of function, constitutes the science of Pathology, which, like Physiology, can be studied only in the living organism.

Pathological Anatomy, then, is the science of the morbid tissues and organs of the diseased body. Pathology is the science of the abnormal functions of the diseased living body.

Diseased tissues and organs being modifications of healthy tissues and organs, it is clearly necessary to understand Physiological Anatomy before we can understand Pathological Anatomy. Just as necessary is it, for the same reason, to understand Physiology before we can master Pathology. Indeed the latter might be said to exist only by comparison with the former.

If this be true of the details of these sciences, it is no less true of their essential nature and philosophy. If one would gain a correct notion of the subject, scope, limits and relations of the science of Pathology, he must first have a just and exact idea of those of Physiology. To the latter, therefore, I propose to devote a few words.

Dr. Carpenter defines the object of Physiology to be the study of "the phenomena which normally present themselves during the existence of living beings," or, in another place, "the phenomena of health or normal life."

Its object, then, is not, as it has been sometimes loosely stated, life itself but the phenomena which depend upon and result from normal life. The science of Physiology brings these phenomena into systematic form, classifies and compares them, analysis secondary and complex phenomena into their simple elements, and seeks the ultimate phenomenon in which the real elementary manifestation of simple life is made, uncomplicated by secondary or related chemical or mechanical phenomena.

Virchow says, "the chief point is to obtain a recognition of the fact that the cell is really the ultimate morphological element in which there is any manifestation of life, and that we must not transfer the seat of real vital action to any point beyond the cell," (Cell. Path., Eng. ed. 3).

Dr. Carpenter says, "the cell lives for itself and by itself, and is dependent upon nothing but a due supply of nutriment and a proper temperature for the continuance of its growth, and for the due performance of its functions until its term of life expires. Its chief endowment seems to be that of attracting or drawing to itself some of the various substances which are contained in the nutritive fluid in relation with it This fluid is a mixture of a great number of components; and different sets of cells appear destined severally to appropriate these. As far as is yet known, however, the composition of the cell-wall is everywhere the same, being that of Proteine."

Dr. J. H. Bennett says, "nutrition is now considered to depend upon an inherent vital property peculiar to the tissues themselves, which exercise a force at the same time attractive and selective. By its agency each tissue and gland attracts from the blood that amount of matter which is necessary to maintain in bulk, and at the same time selects from it the peculiar substance necessary for itself and for the secretion it is destined to produce."

According, then, to the most advanced writers on this subject, we are to regard the organism as a complex which is capable of being analyzed into ah aggregation of cells of homogeneous structure, but each of which is endowed with a peculiar inherent vital power of "attraction and selection," which we recognize only in its results and which constitutes the only "real action of life" that we are capable of observing. In the words of Virchow, "every animal presents itself as a sum of vital unities, every one of which manifests all the characteristics of life."

Life, then, really consists in the exercise by each cell of its inherent peculiar attractive and selective power. Physiology concerns herself with the results of this exercise. A. cell by virtue of its inherent power abstracts from the nutrient fluid a substance which is to serve to nourish the organ to which the cell belongs, or to furnish the secretion of that organ. If the former, then the future history of that organ, its development, its functions and its interstitial decline and dissolution and the fate of its debris belong to the secondary and complex phenomena to which Physiology devotes herself. With these phenomena, life has no exclusive connection save in the primary exertion by the cell-wall of its "inherent attractive and selective power."

Physiologists with great propriety attempt to explain by mechanical, chemical and electrical laws the secondary phenomena of the organism, the relations of different tissues and secretions to each other and their mutual reactions. But they make no attempt to explain the action of the cell-wall which is the ultimate and essential phenomenon of life. They accept this as an ultimate fact, they recognize a power peculiar to the wall of each variety of cell and different from that of any other cell, and they deal with the results of the exercise of this power.

Physiology having been defined as the science of the phenomena of normal life, Pathology has been declared by the same writer (Dr. Carpenter) to be the science of the phenomena of disease or abnormal life."

If the mutual reaction of two secretions be different in any individual case from that which is observed in the healthy organism, one or other of the secretions must be of an abnormal character. This must have resulted from an abnormal exercise by the cell-wall of that inherent selective power, by virtue of which the secretion was made. The essential and ultimate act of disease is found, like that of life, to consist in some abnormal exercise by the cell-wall of its inherent vital power. As we recognize the existence of this power in the healthy cell only through its action and its result, viz., the function of secretion and the substance secreted, so we recognize disease which is an abnormal exercise of this power only through its action, viz., the perverted function, and through its result, viz., an abnormal secretion.

"Not unfrequently," says Dr. Bennett, "this attractive and selective power in the tissues is deranged, producing increase or diminution in growth or secretion, general or partial. Not unfrequently the selective power appears to be lost, and the attractive power much increased," etc., etc. From this alteration of these forces, diseased conditions of these fluids and tissues result. The secondary and complex phenomena resulting from the reaction of abnormal tissues are analyzed by Pathology and referred to this elementary deviation in the selective and attractive forces of the cell-wall. But the nature and intimate cause of this alteration, which is however the essence of disease, Pathology does not attempt to explain or apprehend; knowing it only by its effects.

As, therefore, Physiology concerns herself with the results of life, so does Pathology take cognizance of the results of disease. For it must be repeated that as the functions of healthy organs and the tissues of the healthy body which are respectively the subjects of Anatomy and Physiology are not life, but only results of life, so the abnormal functions and the altered tissues of the diseased body, which are respectively the subjects of the science of Pathology and Pathological Anatomy are not disease itself, but only the results of disease.

These distinctions, it will be perceived, have a direct and most important bearing upon the science of Therapeutics, which has for its object the cure of disease.

The process by which the secretion of any fluid of the body is accomplished, cannot be explained. It is an exertion of that peculiar vital power of which we have spoken as inherent in the cell-wall. The secretion of the gastric juice and of the bile, for example, is wholly inexplicable. But when, after being secreted, these or similar fluids are brought into contact with each other or with any foreign substance, whether within or without the body, the actions and reactions which ensue are explicable by chemical, mechanical or electrical laws and these explanations constitute the object of Physiology. It is obvious that these phenomena may be of great complexity and that the explanations may require to state the conditions of several successive series of reactions, which intervene between the external fact or symptom as viewed by the observer, and that ultimate action of the cell wall which Virchow declares to be "the only real vital action of the living organism" — or on the other hand the phenomena may be simple and the explanation may be complete by a simple and direct reference to the selective action of the cell-Trail. Thus, for example, the fact of salivation, as noticed by an external observer, is made up of the discharge of the salivary secretion into the mouth. The explanation refers us at once to that selective power of the cell-wall of the salivary glands which extracts from the nutritive fluids the constituents of this peculiar secretion which, as such, is not found any where in the body except in the salivary ducts as the result of the process we have just described.

On the other hand the fact of urination is made up, so far as the external observer is concerned, of the discharge of urine from the urethra and the emptying of the urinary bladder. The physiological investigation, however, shows the process to be quite complicated, and the explanation carries us through several series of phenomena, before we arrive at the ultimate fact. Thus, we trace the urine through its reservoir, the bladder, up the ureters to the tubuli of the kidneys, where it has probably received, if not the whole, at least a great portion of its watery constituents; and this contribution may require a further explanation by the mechanical laws of endosmosis and exosmosis whereby this constituent was separated from the blood. Not tracing this constituent further, for the present, by asking, as we should logically be required to do, how this substance came to be contained in definite quantity in the blood, we seek the other constituents of the urine and find the urea and possibly some other of them eliminated by the Malpighian bodies from the blood through the agency of the cell-wall. And yet even this can hardly be called the ultimate vital act, which will require to be sought by a still deeper analysis. For although the cells of the Malpighian bodies do separate the urea from the blood, yet they do not manufacture it from the constituents of that fluid. They find it there already formed, and an exhaustive analysis of the physiological fact of urination would require us to seek the origin of the urea in the blood. This would lead us to the study of the nutrition and decay of the nitrogenized tissues, and in the cell-walls of these we should first meet with that ultimate vital act, in which alone, of all the processes which urination involves, life, pure, simple and inexplicable, is concerned.

Physiology goes somewhat further than this analysis of the actual normal functions of the living organism. Under the name of Experimental Physiology she not only seeks to apply the test of Synthesis to her analysis, but she endeavors to solve her problems by the substitution of analogous substances for some elements of the nutritent fluid, or for some of the secretions of the organism, and thus light is thrown not merely on the processes of the living organism, but also contributions are made to the derived science of Pathology.

Let us now take a similar view of the science of Pathology which deals with abnormal functions as Physiology does with normal functions and which might almost, by a license of speech, be called the science of Morbid Physiology.

The fact of morbid salivation is, to the observer of objective occurrences, only a discharge of abnormal salivary fluid The pathological explanation, like the physiological, leads us to the selection from the blood by the cell-wall of the glands of the Substances out of which it fabricates the salivary fluid. If the blood be normal and yet the saliva be, as we have supposed, abnormal, then the mysterious power of the cell-wall must have been perverted, altered or impaired. This manifestation of life must have become a manifestation of abnormal life — which is disease. Here, then, is the seat of disease — just where we found the seat of life — in the inherent attractive and selective power of the cell-wall. This, then, is the nature of disease, a modification of that unknown and inscrutable power, life.

"Health," says Carpenter, "or normal life;" "disease or abnormal life."

"Not unfrequently," says Dr. Bennett, "this attractive and selective power in the tissues is deranged. Not unfrequently the selective power appears to be lost and the attractive power greatly increased and thus," after a few intermediate steps described," the phenomena which we call inflammation ensue."

To take, now, an example of a more complex series of phenomena, the fact of the evacuation of morbid urine, simple as it may appear to the observer of external phenomena only, yet leads us, in our search after the original act of "abnormal life" in which the morbid excretion had its origin, to examine first whether the change was purely a chemical change, originated and effected while the urine was retained in its reservoir, the bladder — for if so, it differs little from a corresponding change which occurs daily in the "vase de nuit" — secondly, whether the urine derived its morbid character from the admixture of morbid secretion, or effusion from the surface of the bladder, of the ureters, of the pelvis of the kidney, or from the tubuli; from each of which it might receive blood, or mucus, or pus, or, perhaps, liquor sanguinis alone holding fibrine in solution or finally solid fibrinous casts; or, thirdly, whether the morbid change in the urine came from a loss, on the part of the cell-walls in the Malpighian bodies, of their inherent vital selective power, whereby they are enabled to separate from the blood those substances which it is their province in the healthy body to separate; or, finally, whether the blood no longer contains, as in a normal state it should do, those elements which it is the function of the kidney cells to eliminate from it, in other words whether the whole train of processes which eventuates at last in the evacuation of abnormal urine, may be traceable to an abnormal interstitial nutrition and destruction of the nitrogenized tissues; all these are questions which it is the legitimate and very useful business of Pathology to solve.

Now, be it observed, whether the cause be traced to abnormal action in the cell of bladder, ureter, kidney, or in that of the muscular or cerebral tissue, we arrive always at the fact that as the action of the cell-wall in the healthy body constitutes the only real vital action of the organism, the only unmixed manifestation of life. So the modified and abnormal action of the cell-wall in the diseased body constitutes the only real action of abnormal vitality in the organism — the only unmixed manifestation of disease.

It may be objected that no account has been taken in what we have said, of the action of the nervous system, to which, nevertheless, both in the case of morbid salivation and in that of morbid urine, the alteration in the salivary gland and in the kidney respectively may have been attributable. Hut this objection simply adds another step to the analysis. For every action of any part of the nervous system involves an expenditure of a portion of nervous substance, that is, a process of interstitial destruction and reconstruction, and this process is effected only through the attractive and selective power of the cell-wall of the nervous tissue. Thus are we brought again face to face with this inevitable mysterious power, the abnormal action of which constitutes Disease.

We are now in a position to discuss the relations of this science of Pathology, which treats of the phenomena of the diseased organism to the science of Therapeutics which proposes to cure disease.

It has been stated that a large portion of the medical profession hold that the science and practice of Therapeutics are based upon the science and facts of Pathology. It is held that the explanation of the phenomena of the morbid organism which Pathology furnishes, gives the key to the procedures which should be adopted for the restoration of the morbid organism to a healthy condition. If, for example, it be ascertained through the investigations which Pathology makes for us, that a certain series of morbid symptoms may be traced to an abnormal constitution of the gastric fluid, a too great acidity, for example, "it is," says Dr. Bennett, "the discovery and removal of such causes as this, that constitute the chief indications of the scientific practitioner." Let us see in what way Dr. Bennett proposes that this "removal" shall be accomplished? He says, supposing another case, "the capillary vessels become over-distended with blood and the exudation of the liquor sanguinis to an unusual extent takes place, constituting inflammation. How is this to be treated? In the early stage, topical bleeding, if directly applied to the part, may diminish the congestion, and the application of cold will check the amount of exudation. But the exudation, having once coagulated outside of the vessels, acts as a foreign body and the treatment must be directed to furthering the transformations which take place in it and facilitating the absorption and excretion of effete matter. This is accomplished by the local application of heat and moisture — the internal use of neutral salts to dissolve the increase of fibrin in the blood, and the employment of diuretics and purgatives to assist its excretion by urine or stool."

In this plan of treatment, we have a proposition to adopt mechanical measures — blood-letting — for the diminution of a congestion; chemical means — neutral salts — for the solution of the exudation; and mechanical means again — diuretics — for the removal of the dissolved exudation from the blood.

But it cannot fail to attract the attention of every reader that this plan proposes to deal only with the results of disease — not with the disease itself — for the congestion is a primary result of the abnormal action of cell-wall, and the exudation which results from the congestion is a secondary result of the same abnormal action of the cell-wall. This is clearly shown by Dr. Bennett's words already quoted, but which we again cite: "Not unfrequently the selective power of the cell appears to be lost and the attractive power so much increased that the liquor sanguinis is drawn out through the vessels, so that its fibrine coagulates in a mass outside of them. This result, preceded or accompanied by certain changes in the vessels themselves and more or less stagnation of the current of the blood, constitutes the phenomenon hitherto described as inflammation."

It is here most distinctly stated, and most conclusively shown, that the cause of the phenomena of inflammation lies behind these phenomena of congestion and exudation, and is to be found in a modification of that mysterious vital power of the cell-wall. It follows from this that a treatment which is addressed to these resultant phenomena, and not to their cause must be but a palliative treatment. It can in no sense be called a radical or a rational treatment. To remove or assist in removing from the body or any part of it the results of morbid causes may alleviate suffering, may enable the patient to hold out longer under disease, just as pumping out a leaking ship may postpone the time when she will sink, may increase her chances of getting into port before she sink's, may thus in fact be the means of saving her. But as, certainly, pumping is only a palliative mode of treating a leaking ship — as the stoppage of the leak is the only radical treatment imaginable — so in the case of inflammation the only radical treatment would be one which addressed itself directly to the cell-wall, and in such a way as to restore to it the just amount and proportion of its now perverted "inherent attractive and selective power."

It is evident that when this had been accomplished, congestion would cease to be produced, and in consequence of this cessation there would be no further exudation. It might now be within the province of Pathology to indicate some mechanical or chemical way of aiding, or hastening the removal of the results of disease, the congestion and exudation, but this would be only a sequel of the curative treatment.

A curative treatment, then, must address itself directly to the cell-wall which is the ultimate seat of disease. And every method which is directed to the result of disease, which are the proper subjects of Pathology and Pathological Anatomy, must, of necessity, be a, palliative method.

But, it may be objected, we are unable to plan any such curative treatment, for the reason that we do not understand the nature of this cell-force, nor the nature of its perversion, in any case. To recur to our simile of the ship; it is sometimes impossible to find the leak or, if its location be known, to stop it. Nothing remains but palliation. This statement, as applied to disease, is correct in only a few instances, the number of which is becoming continually diminished by the progress of science. It is true that we do not understand the nature of the cell force whether normal or perverted. — Neither do we understand the nature of chemical affinity nor the modus operandi of chemical reaction. Yet we have an experimental knowledge of each, and we know the peculiar chemical affinities and reactions of a vast number of bodies.

In like manner we may learn the reaction of foreign bodies introduced into the circulation upon the inherent forces of the cell-wall. Reasoning upon the general physical law that "like effects are produced by similar causes," we conclude that, if, in any case, having introduced into the circulation of the healthy subject a foreign body, we observe the phenomena of congestion and exudation with stagnation of the current of the blood, identical with those known to us as the phenomena of inflammation, then the peculiar inherent powers of the cell-wall must have been affected by this foreign body in precisely the same way (whatever it be) as that in which any accidental exciting cause of inflammation affects these forces. We thus discover reagents which act directly upon the inherent power of the cell-wall, and we thus, by experiments upon the healthy, determine precisely the limits and direction of their action. This knowledge is rendered possible and exact by the science of Pathology, which enables us to trace out and analyze the remits of intentionally induced abnormal cell-action, just as it does those of accidental disease.

This is not a matter of mere speculation. It is well known. to every physician that almost every drug every substance in fact which is not a simple aliment, has besides any chemical affinities it may possess for some of the secretions of the living organs, a certain peculiar power of modifying the functions of some of the organs of the body, a power which is inexplicable and is recognized only by its results. Examples of this power of drugs are found in that of Tartar emetic to produce changes which result in congestion and exudation, of Opium to produce changes which result in narcotism, etc. These, which are known as the specific properties of drugs, are evidently the properties by which they modify the forces of the cell-wall, and from which all observed Pathological (or Pathogenetic) and Pathologico-anatomical phenomena result.

And it is manifest that the specific modifying power of each drug can be surely ascertained, as an absolute property, by testing it upon the healthy living organism. And it follows as clearly, from all that has been said, that the application of specific drugs which have a direct action upon the cell-wall whose inherent forces are acting abnormally under the influence of disease, is the only direct and radical method of curing disease.

The task of finding out by what formula the specific action of drugs upon the cell-forces of different tissues should be 'brought to bear upon the perverted cell-forces in any given case of disease, comes under the science of Therapeutics and lies beyond our present province. It is the problem of the Therapeutic Law.

From all that has been said, the Relations of Pathology and Therapeutics may be deduced in a few words.

Physiology and Pathology themselves teach us that the science of Pathology can in no sense serve as a basis or foundation of the science of Therapeutics. They show us that whereas Pathology is the science of disease based on a theory of observed morbid processes, Therapeutics, when truly regarded, is a science of cure, based on a theory of cure and resting on a foundation of experiment. Although not the basis of Therapeutics, Pathology must yet be a most important instrument in the practical application of the science of Therapeutics.

The problem in the art of medicine, being to apply to the abnormally acting cell-wall that remedial agent which is capable of acting directly upon it, and in such way as to restore its normal action, it is clearly indispensable that the physician be able to trace the morbific agent through all its complex resultant phenomena up to the original perversion of cell-force, from which the whole disorder springs; that he be able to analyze secondary and tertiary series of phenomena into their simple elements. And in this work Pathology is the instrument of which he avails himself.

I cannot refrain, in conclusion, from rendering homage to that wonderful prevision of genius by which, in an age when Pathology, as we understand it, was unknown, Samuel Hahnemann anticipated all that we have said, and all that the most advanced writers of our day have taught, respecting the scope and influence of Pathology in relation to Therapeutics.

The symptoms of the urinary organs in connection with the discharge of morbid urine would at one time have been regarded as the proper subject of treatment. But Pathology has now taught us to trace these symptoms back to the kidney, and beyond the kidney to the blood, and beyond the blood to the nutrition and the destruction of all the nitrogenized tissues. As Dr. Carpenter remarks, "when, for example, the urine presents a particular sediment, our inquiries are directed not so much to the kidney itself, as to the constitutional state which causes an undue amount of the substance in question to be carried off by the urinary excretion, or which prevents it from being (as usual) dissolved in the fluid." To confine the attention, therefore, in prescribing for a given case, to the immediate organ the perversion of whose functions is most obviously pointed out by the prominent symptoms, is to disregard the clearest indications of Pathology. "We must analyze these obvious symptoms and must include their remotest elements in our indications. Nay, these remotest elements, the constitutional disturbances, for instance, of which Carpenter speaks, are even more important indications for treatment than the more obvious and objective symptoms. But how can we analyze these more obvious symptoms, and ascertain those "constitutional disturbances" in which they have their origin. In no other way than by a study of the functions of the entire organism — in what way and to what extent they are performed in an abnormal manner. But this brings us at once to that rule on which Hahnemann so strongly insisted, that the entire organism of the patient should be examined in every possible way, and that the "totality of the symptoms" should be made the basis of the prescription; nay, that the constitutional, general symptoms are often more conclusive as to the proper treatment than the more obvious local symptom. The grand old master reached at a single bound the same conclusions to which the labors of a half century of able Pathologists have at length, with infinite research, brought the medical profession.

And those of our school who insist upon pathology as a basis of Therapeutics, who look only upon the single objective symptom and its nearest organic origin as the subject for treatment, and who deride the notion of prescribing upon the totality of the symptoms and claim to be more than mere symptom-coverers, in that they discover and aim to remove the cause of the disease — these colleagues are as false in their Pathology according to the highest old school authority, as they are faithless as to the doctrines, and impotent as to the successes of the founder of the homoeopathic school.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 08-09, 1864, pages 337-345, pages 393-399]

[Description: Relation of Pathology to Therapeutics]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1864]

REMARKS ON ALOES. [Presented to the Cayuga Co. Homoeopathic Medical Society, 1864.]

By Carroll Dunham, M. D., New York.

Among the remedies of which provings have been published within the last five years, none has seem to me more deserving of attention than Aloes.

The symptoms which have seemed to me the most characteristic are those of the head and of the abdomen, stool and urine. They are those on which my use of Aloes in practice has been based. Chief among these are those of the stool.

From symptoms 512 to 860, we gather that Aloes produces a diarrhea consisting of light colored semi-liquid feces, preceded and accompanied by much gurgling and flatus in the abdomen; that the diarrhea occurs especially in the morning, say from two, a.m., to ten, a.m.; that the desire for stool is sudden and extremely urgent, being felt in the hypogastrium and in the rectum, and being so urgent that the patient can scarcely retain the feces long enough to affect the necessary strategic "change of base;" that, during this brief interval, he fears to evacuate wind by the anus or to make any physical exertion, or even to strain to pass water, lest he should have an involuntary evacuation of the bowels. This sensation of the uncertain tenure by which the feces are held in the rectum is a very well marked characteristic of Aloes, as shown by the following symptoms:

"The evacuation takes place without any exertion on the part of the patient; it seems, as it were, to fall out of the rectum (765). At stool a constant feeling as if there were more feces to be passed (769). Involuntary passage of feces when emitting flatus (824). Disposition to stool when passing water (826). Feces and urine seem inclined to pass and do pass simultaneously (827). When passing water feeling as if a thin stool were about to pass (828). When standing, sensation as if feces would pass (833)."

There is also a similar frequency or urgency of the desire to pass urine, with a similar uncertainty in the tenure of that excretion, as we perceive from the following symptoms:

"Frequent desire to urinate (990). Increased desire — quantity not increased (992). So urgent a desire he can hardly retain the urine (993). On rising he was obliged to run quickly to urinate (996)."

And the similarity of the affection of the urinary organs and the intestines is shown in symptom 1001:

"At stool urination; when urinating desire for stool."

In connection with these two series of symptoms, those of the pelvis deserve notice. Among them we find, "heaviness, pressure downwards (865, 861). Feeling as if a plug were wedged in between the symphysis pubis and the os coccygis (860)." This is equivalent to a weight upon the perineum. Viewing it in combination with the symptoms of stool and urine above referred to, we are justified in saying of Aloes, in regard to this portion of its sphere of action, that it strikes the patient equally "between wind and water."

It is understood, of course, that this is not the only action of Aloes upon the abdominal organs. It is believed, however, to be that variety of action which is most characteristic of the remedy and least likely to be confounded with the effect of any other drug. In the frequent desire for stool; in the frequent, pappy, not very abundant stool; in the pressure downwards in the back and pelvis; in the abundant formation of flatus in the abdomen which rumbles and gurgles, producing pinching pain in the lower part of the abdomen just before the stool, the action of Aloes very closely resembles that of Nux vom., a remedy so useful in diarrhea and dysentery. It is distinguished, however, by the peculiarities of the evacuation of stool. Nux vom. produces very frequent desire for stool, with inability to evacuate the feces. Under Aloes, on the contrary, the difficulty is to retain the feces as long as the patient desires to do so. Aloes seems to paralyze the sphincter ani to a certain extent. Nux vom. to excite in it a spasmodic action of exalted power. In this action on the sphincter. Aloes resembles Hyoscyamus.

Among the symptoms of the head I am inclined to regard as characteristic of Aloes, those which describe a heavy confused dullness in the front part of the head extending to the root of the nose with inability to think; a pain in the forehead which compels the patient to close the eyes or, if he wishes to look at anything, to constringe the eyes, making the aperture of the lids very small. It must be admitted, however, that symptoms so similar to these are found under other remedies, that these symptoms alone could not be regarded as a sure indication for Aloes.

The following cases will show how I have prescribed Aloes, and will suggest some reflections upon the mode of selecting remedies in practice.

Within the last three years I have treated about thirty-five cases which so closely resemble each other in their characteristic elements, that the description of all may be given in that of the last of the series which came under my care a month ago.

A young man applied for relief from a diarrhea which had persisted about two weeks in spite of various remedies which had been prescribed for it, and among which were Calcarea, Nux vom., Bryonia and the inevitable Arsenicum. He described his stools as being light yellow, pappy, somewhat frothy, and tolerably abundant. They were preceded by flatulent rumbling in the abdomen and by pinching pain in the hypogastrium. The necessity for a stool awakened him from a sound sleep about three, a.m. From this hour to nine a.m., he had from four to six stools of the character above described. None at any other period of day or night. When the desire for stool was felt, the urgency became instantly so great that he was compelled to spring from the bed and hasten to the water-closet. Yet this urgency was not of the nature of tenesmus but rather a sensation of weakness in the sphincter, as though he could not prevent the feces from falling out. During stool which passed freely, in a mass, the instant the restraint of the patient's volition was withdrawn from the sphincter ani, there was a slight burning in the rectum. After stool, cessation of pain, but a very slight general sensation of weakness and lassitude.

During this period, from three to nine, a.m., the patient was compelled to avoid all rapid or severe exertion of body, and especially straining to pass water. The penalty of such exertion or straining was sure to be an involuntary evacuation of feces.

I prescribed one powder of Sac. lactis containing two globules of Aloes^200, to be taken dry on the tongue at ten, a.m. (the hour at which he called on me.) From this time he had no diarrhea. The next morning he slept until seven, a.m., and at nine bad a natural stool as was his habit in health.

Case 2. During the winter season, a gentleman, about 70 years of age, applied for relief from a dull heavy frontal headache, which incapacitated him from mental labor. He could give me no more definite nor characteristic description of his ailment. It was felt as soon as he waked and lasted all day. From such a description as the above, it would be impossible to prescribe with any certainty of selecting the right remedy. I set myself therefore to investigate the patient's previous history in the hope of getting some help from the Anamnesis, to which Hahnemann and Boenninghausen attach so much importance. I learned that this headache was no new affliction. It had for years annoyed this gentleman, rather more during the winter season, whereas during the summer he was comparatively free from it. No peculiarity of diet or regimen could explain this fact.

On the other hand, I learned that during the summer season my patient was very frequently attacked with diarrhea, the disease coming on suddenly, waking him at two, a.m., with a pinching flatulent colic, and so urgent a call to evacuate the bowels that he would be compelled to seek the water-closet instantly, experiencing, meanwhile, the greatest difficulty in retaining the feces. From this time till ten, a.m., he would have four or five stools, pappy, copious, light yellow, with great difficulty in retaining the feces for even a moment after the desire for stool was first experienced. Desire for stool provoked by eating, so that he was compelled to leave the breakfast table. Involuntary stool, when straining to pass water. When comparatively free from headache, he was inclined to diarrhea and vice versa.

I have long been persuaded that a most important condition of success in the treatment of chronic diseases, consists in the practitioner taking such a view of the case as shall combine the various ailments of which a chronic patient may complain at different periods of time and in different organs, even though these periods and organs be remote from each other and apparently disconnected. In no other way, it has sometimes seemed to me, could the characteristic indications of the remedy for such a case be found.

Acting upon this persuasion in the case in question, I regarded the headaches which predominated in winter and the diarrheas which predominated in summer as, in some sort, complementary series of symptoms and as making up, both together, the "totality of symptoms" for which I was to seek, in the Materia Medica, the similimum.

The symptoms of the headache, indeed of the entire winter affection, presented nothing that was characteristic of anyone remedy to, the exclusion of all others. Carbo veg., Sabadilla, Sulphur, Aloes, Nux vomica and several others might be regarded as about equally well indicated.

When, however, to the head symptoms of the winter, I came to add the diarrhea symptoms of the summer, regarding the sum total as one disease, it was then impossible to avoid perceiving that the diarrhea symptoms were strikingly characteristic of Aloes, and could not indicate any other remedy. This furnished the clue to the prescription. On studying the head symptoms of Aloes it was seen that they corresponded to the head symptoms of my patient quite as well as the symptoms of any other drug. Aloes^200 was given and it afforded a relief which my patient had sought in vain from other remedies taken on the strength of the head symptoms alone. The headache returned a few times afterwards with very much diminished severity, but yielded at once to Aloes. Latterly my patient has been entirely free from it, nor did the diarrhea return as it used formerly to do whenever the headache ceased to prevail.

In a third case I have given Aloes for incontinence of urine in an old gentleman who has enlarged prostate. The prescription was based on the fact that he is very subject to a diarrhea, presenting all the characteristic of the Aloes diarrhea. The peculiarities of the incontinence, moreover, correspond to those of the Aloes urine symptoms. Thus far the success of the treatment leaves nothing to desire. But as the patient has been but a few weeks under the treatment, it is too soon to express a decided judgment or to entertain sanguine expectations of a cure.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 08, 1866, pages 304-309]

[Description: Remarks on Aloes.]

[Remedies: Aloe socotrina]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1866]

REMARKS ON SCABIES.

By Carroll Dunham, M.D., New York.

Dr. Copeland says that the ancients comprehended under the names "psora" and "scabies," besides itch, properly so-called, eczema, prurigo, lichen, and ecthyma; and modern medical writers, up to the year 1834, have given nearly the same extent of application to the name Itch and its synonyms in the various languages of modern Europe. Thus, for example, we find Hahnemann including under the name "itch," "tenia capitis, and all eruptions which become moist on being scratched " (ezema, therefore, and impetigo) as instances of cutaneous affections originating in what he calls a "psoric miasm."

It was not until the year 1834 that the presence of an insect in the vesicles of a certain cutaneous eruption was generally acknowledged. This fact became forthwith the basis of a new subdivision of vesicular eruptions by which the name" itch" or "scabies," was restricted to that form which was characterized by the presence of the "acarus scabiei" or "itch-insect" in the vesicles. Itch, then, in this severe and restricted use of the name, is a disease our generally accepted knowledge of which dates from the year 1834. What is found respecting itch in medical works anterior to 1834 is to be understood as applying equally to eczema, lichen, prurigo, etc., and it must be borne in mind that, among all the cases described in many such works, there may not have been a single case of what we now call true itch, i. e., itch characterized by the presence of the acarus. We shall henceforth use the term "itch" in this restricted sense.

In the study of this, so to speak, new disease, many questions have had to be considered anew which had been already determined with greater or less certainty as regards the diseases formerly confounded with itch.

The first in importance, in its bearing both upon prognosis and upon treatment, was the question of the nature of itch, whether it were a local or a constitutional disease. And although, as Homoeopathicians, we have not so large a faith in the doctrine of purely local diseases as our brethren of the old school have, yet, in this case, the question has the greatest interest even in our eyes. For, a disease in which a parasitical insect plays so important a part as the acarus is by many assumed to play in itch, is just one of those very few affections which may be purely local, dependent solely upon the presence of the insect in the vesicles. In this case it would resemble those troublesome affections caused by the presence under the skin of the woodtick and "jigger" (chiggre, pulax penetrans) in the southern part of our country and of the Guinea worm in Africa, and for the cure of which, nothing further is needed than the expulsion or destruction of the insect.

The question is, then, does the continuance of itch in any case depend solely upon the continued life and activity of the insect? Or, what is the same thing will the destruction of the insect in every case ensure the disappearance of the disease?

For the solution of this question direct experiments have been made on a large scale; while at the same time the results of treatment offer a large mass of indirect evidence. It is the object of this paper to bring into view these classes of testimony and to consider their bearing on the question of the nature of itch.

The existence of the insect in itch vesicles was popularly known long before it was acknowledged as a constant fact by scientific men, and Sulphur was in high repute among the people as a remedy for itch. After the general recognition of the acarus as an essential element of the disease and the consequent establishment of a more stringent diagnosis, the experience of medical men in hospital practice soon justified this high regard in which Sulphur was held. The remedy was used both internally and, in the form of ointment, externally, and of its curative action no doubt was, or could be entertained.

When, however, the question of the nature of the disease, as to whether it were a constitutional or a purely local malady, came to be mooted, it was suggested that the Sulphur acted curatively only when externally applied, and that its action was limited to the destruction of the insects, upon the extermination of which, it was alleged, the disease of course disappeared.

Experiments were instituted to test this hypothesis. A number of acari being caught, were subjected to the action of Sulphur. They perished in the course of a few hours. Others, which were at the same time buried in Lycopodium powder or in flour, retained a vigorous vitality for more than a day. It was thus demonstrated that Sulphur has the power of speedily destroying the acarus, and this was held to account for the speedy cure of cases of itch in which Sulphur had been applied externally.

Hebra, of Vienna, carrying out these experiments more extensively and more rigorously, reasoned, that if the disease depend solely on the presence of the insect and disappear with the destruction of the insect, then a cure might be effected by the local application of any substance, even of a non-medicinal substance, which might possess the power of speedily killing the acarus. He therefore caught a number of insects, and, among other experiments, plunging several into lard and other kinds of grease, found that they perished in a very short time. He accordingly treated a very large number of patients by simple inunction with lard or oil, and with, as he reports, complete success.

These experiments made on an extensive scale and corroborated by the reports of other observers, seem to demonstrate the fact that itch is a local disease, originating in, and depending solely upon the presence of a parasitical insect, and requiring therefore for its cure, simply the extermination of this insect.

There are, however, certain incontestable facts which cannot be accounted for by this simple view of the disease.

1st. Itch may be cured, as has been proved again and again, by both Allopaths and Homoeopathicians, by the internal use alone, of Sulphur; but this treatment, as a general rule, requires a considerably longer time, than when external applications are conjoined with it, or are used alone. A disease, however, which thus yields to a purely internal treatment, can scarcely be deemed a local disease. An hypothesis it is true has been advanced to account for these cures and at the same time to avoid admitting the constitutionality of the disease, viz., that the Sulphur, absorbed into the circulation, is deposited in the vesicles, and thus, by a species of local application, kills the acarus and cures the disease. But this is an untenable over-refinement and will certainly not hold good with reference to those cases which are cured by Homoeopathicians with infinitesimal doses of Sulphur.

2nd. Devergie affirms that in those cases of itch which have been "cured," so to speak, by the simple inunction of lard or analogous substances, the eruption reappears after a time more or less brief, while this is not the case where patients have been treated with Sulphur, either internally or externally. Yet the inunction of lard undoubtedly kills the acarus, and, if this be all that is needed for the cure of the disease, we are at a loss to account for its reappearance after the one treatment and not after the other.

Hebra is silent respecting the reappearance of the disease in the numerous cases reported by him as treated by simple inunction; indeed, from the nature of his hospital practice, we know that he must have lost sight of almost all of his patients very soon after his treatment ceased. Devergie, on the contrary, has very great opportunities for observing the secondary results of treatment, the Hospital St. Louis being a kind of winter poorhouse.

3rd. Devergie, moreover, warns his pupils emphatically against the treatment of itch by the external application alone of either Sulphur or simple lard – assuring them that serious lesions of internal organs not unfrequently follow these speedy cures.

Now it is pretty generally admitted, that the sudden suppression of eczema and analogous eruptions by external applications, is attended with considerable danger, and this is accounted for by the assumption that these are constitutional diseases; and they are so considered on this very account, namely, because a local treatment fails to eradicate them but merely changes their seat in the organism. But, according to Devergie and other medical writers, itch when locally treated manifests the same phenomena of lesions of internal organs. By parity or reasoning therefore, itch is to be adjudged a constitutional disease.

4th. Finally, Hebra relates that, in order to solve the question of the propagation of itch, he inoculated himself and some of his friends with the fluid discharged from the itch vesicles but without effect. He then placed acari in an active state upon his hands and the hands of his friends, but without any result. He finally inserted several of them beneath the skin of his hand and left them there. For several successive days he looked in vain for traces of them. On the sixth day, after considerable febrile symptoms and other signs of constitutional disturbance, he noticed in his groin vesicles resembling itch-vesicles, but not containing acari. On the eighth day vesicles containing acari were first discovered on the hands.

A more perfect picture of the onset and development of a constitutional disease could scarcely be imagined than this history furnishes. Were this disease simply the presence of a parasite beneath the skin, its inconvenient symptoms would have appeared as soon as the acarus was introduced under the skin by Hebra. If one walk with unprotected ankles in a southern wood and thus expose himself to the "jigger," not a single hour elapses before he feels the tingling smarting which ceases only when the insect has been removed or destroyed. With the itch, on the contrary, eight days passed away before local signs were observed, and the first indications of disease were fever and an eruption on a distant part of the body.

With the evidence thus cited before us, we are in a position to assume that itch is a constitutional disease. The manner of its onset, with constitutional disturbance, several days after the inoculation of the insect, all traces of the inoculated insect being meanwhile lost, these facts together with the effects of its too speedy suppression, compel us to this conclusion.

On the other hand we are constrained to concede to the acarus an important part in the disease. It is admitted on all sides that he is the sole agent in its propagation from one individual to another. And it is also proved that his destruction in the vesicles greatly facilitates the radical cure, and in every case causes at least the temporary disappearance of the eruption.

These facts, most important in a practical point of view, have seemed to me to present a basis for a satisfactory theory of the disease which shall acknowledge the important functions exercised by the insect and shall at the same time affirm the constitutionality of the disease.

And in this connection, a reference to the morbus pedicularis may not be inappropriate, at least, to that variety in which the parasite is the pediculus corporis.

So persistent is this disease, in some cases, in spite of the utmost cleanliness and care, and so speedily, in the course even of a few hours, do the patient's body and its surroundings swarm with incredible numbers of the vermin, after so thorough a cleansing that not one had been discoverable, that authorities so recent and so eminent as Rayer and Devergie have felt constrained to admit the doctrine of spontaneous generation in the case, at least, of these parasites and to assume that they were generated in or upon the bodies of certain persons by virtue of a constitutional taint or miasm.

Erasmus Wilson does not admit the doctrine of spontaneous generation. He thinks that if due allowance be made for the "prodigious fecundity," of these insects, their speedy reappearance in the innumerable hosts referred to, may be understood. But when called upon to account for their persistent reproduction on certain persons while others quite as likely to come within reach of their ova are not infested at all, he is obliged to assume that the skin and excretions of certain persons, by reason of some constitutional peculiarities of those persons, furnish a favorable nidus for the development of the ova and of the resultant insects. He says,

"It is difficult to understand the extraordinary increase of these creatures on the skin, in certain cases, even among persons of cleanly habits and we cannot but come to the conclusion that certain states of the fluids of the body are peculiarly favorable to their nourishment. Then, they are sometimes found to be produced during an illness and, in some families, have been known to invade the body shortly before death, and so become an admonition of the approach of death." And, speaking of the treatment of this affection, Serrurier, after dwelling on the advantages of cleanliness and of diverse external applications which kill the insect, says, "When, as is most often the case, the phthiriasis depends or seems to depend on some constitutional disease, the local treatment will be but palliative and no cure can be effected without combating the constitutional disease by constitutional means."

And, passing for a moment, to still another variety of parasites, the opinion is gaining ground, among students of Natural History, that the ova or the lower forms of intestinal worms are very generally diffused and that very few human beings are not continually receiving them into the system; but that these ova, in the majority of individuals, perish and that they develop only in the bodies of those persons in whom the fluids and secretions are of such a character as to favor their development and that, furthermore, the fluids and secretions are in such a state as to favor the development of the worms only when the individual is in a diseased condition. It follows from this that there is a diseased condition, which precedes and prepares the way for the development of worms; there is, so to speak, a stage of helminthiasis in which, as yet, no worms exist as such. This explains the not unfrequent removal of what are known as "worm symptoms," while yet no worms are evacuated. If this be the true view, it would follow that drugs, if there be any which merely kill the worms, without affecting the patient, would be only palliatives. They would not change that morbid state of the patient which favors the development of the omnipresent ova and there would be a speedy relapse.

Just so, it may well be that the ova of the acarus scabiei and of the pediculus corporis respectively develop only on the body of a patient whose fluids are so changed, under the influence of some diseased state, as to be favorable to their development. If this be so no external local treatment, addressed chiefly to the destruction of the insect, could be other than palliative. The ova being almost universally diffused would soon develop again in this favorable nidus. However such external destructive means might seem to expedite a cure, the only radical curative would be a constitutional treatment which should make the body unfit for the development of the vermin.

Recurring now to the subject of the morbus pedicularis, we observe that Attomyr states that in proving Psorinum he witnessed the production of body lice. This statement was called in question by many of his colleagues, among others most vehemently by Griesselich, the authority of whose criticism however, is weakened by the consideration that he doubted and denied everything. But Attomyr affirms that he cured several cases of morbus pedicularis with Psorinum. This too was doubted. It is remarkable, however, that the elder Rapou of Lyons, without knowing Attomyr's clinical experience, gave Psorinum successfully in a very obstinate and strongly marked case of the disease and subsequently treated a large number with it with uniform success.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1865, pages 529-537]

[Description: Remarks on Scabies.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1865]

RETROSPECT.

The commencement of a new volume invites us again to a retrospect of the year that has just come to a close.

That year opened upon us, active indeed, each in his individual professional sphere, but with our National and State and smaller organizations suspended or only meeting pro forma, and with our minds and hearts only half devoted to the work of our profession.

For, on the great battle fields of Virginia and of the Southwest, were being waged those conflicts which were to determine whether we were to continue to be States and a Nation, and to become indeed a Free People. And in the shock of the battles, hardly one of us but knew that the blood of his own kinsmen was being shed. What wonder, that, from the contemplation of interests like these, even our venerated science had no power to avert our eyes.

Thanks be to God, the strife is ended! The Republic is saved, and Freedom, unconditioned, unrestricted, at length inspirits its majestic length and breadth!

The armed array of our kinsmen who have saved us, has passed from battle, through pageantry, into history. Our brothers from the armies rejoin us in our studies, and meet us again in our communities.

With heartfelt gratitude to these living heroes – with a benediction on those who, in the storm of war, died that the nation might live for us – with grief for the great and good father and friend, our President, so suddenly taken from us, – a grief that is mingled of tears for the personal loss which comes home to every heart and every fireside throughout the land, of vows to detest still more implacably that infernal institution of Slavery, to the last expiring blow of which he fell a victim and of thanks to God that there was granted us, at this time and for so long in our sore need, a leader, great in intellect, and greater still in goodness - we turn again to the work of our profession and consecrate anew our time and our faculties to the advancement of that particular branch of the science of medicine to which we have devoted ourselves.

The American Institute of Homoeopathy, our national representative organization, suspended from the first year of the war, has met again this year and henceforth it is to be expected that a new activity and interest will be infused into all of our associated operations.

Taking a lesson from the times in which we live, let us cherish, as a guiding principle in our scientific career, these golden words of President Lincoln spoken in 1860 and which give the key to his life.

"Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by menaces. * * Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it."

In our retrospect for 1864, (Vol. V., 1.,) we took occasion to remark that the fundamental principles enunciated by Hahnemann, as the basis of his new system of Therapeutics, were utterly repugnant to all the received doctrines of his day; but that, being founded on exact observation, they had triumphantly endured the test of time and experience. And we showed that those who had accepted these principles, and had shared with Hahnemann the obloquy and reproach which resulted from such acceptance, are now participating in the final triumph of these truths. Those, on the other hand, who, though convinced that, in the main, Hahnemann was right, yet could not sustain themselves under the ignominy which attached to his followers and who, therefore, sought to find a middle course which should reconcile their adhesion to Homoeopathy and their maintenance of good standing in the ranks of the old school, discover that, in proportion as they come short of the measure of a true disciple of Hahnemann, so are they now behind the foremost mark of accepted medical truth. For we showed that the progress of philosophy and of research in the science of medicine has caused the leading minds of the profession in the old school to adopt and advocate (though without acknowledgement), one after another, nearly all of the essential fundamental principles of Homoeopathy, as Hahnemann propounded them.

Thus we showed that the doctrine of the power of small doses, the fact that in the action of drugs in disease, power is not in direct proportion to quantity; but that infinitesimal doses act often much more powerfully to cure disease than large doses do-this doctrine has been admitted by Professor Hoppe, and pronounced by him to be Hahnemann's most brilliant discovery.

Again, Wunderlich states, as the most decided forward step of the last decade in medical philosophy, the discovery, that a plan of treatment for any given case is to be constructed, not upon a general notion of the disease based upon its pathology, but upon the phenomena of the individual patient, no matter what name we may give to his malady. Wunderlich ignores the fact that this was one of Hahnemann's great principles, but we know it right well. It is becoming generally accepted now as a great truth in medicine and so the strict Hahnemannians find themselves in the van of medical philosophy.

But no parts of Hahnemann's system were more sternly denounced nor more bitterly scorned than the following:

lst. His doctrine. of Diseases, viz.: that, instead of being a new and hostile entity which had intruded itself upon the organism, and which must, in the process of cure, be expelled there from; disease is "altered or perverted health;" that the processes of disease are simply "perversions of the normal physiological processes of the healthy body," and that consequently there is no call for expulsion or elimination of any kind, but rather for such an influence to be exerted on that force which keeps the different organs of the body in activity, as shall restore it to its normal working.

2nd. His doctrine (the direct consequence of the preceding), that disease, being, in its essential nature, a dynamic alteration of the organic forces, it can be recognized and known only by its consequent phenomena. In other words, he held that, disease being perverted or modified health, we can recognize disease, as we recognize health, not as an entity but only by its phenomena; that as we recognize healthy life by the phenomena of the healthy organism, viz.: the functions and tissues of the organs, though we may not understand how these functions and tissues are produced, so we can recognize disease or perverted life only through the modified functions and tissues. It is not essential whether or not we understand how these perverted functions and tissues are produced. This is the doctrine that diseases are known only by their symptoms, that we treat them according to their symptoms and that for their successful treatment, a knowledge of their pathology is not indispensably necessary.

How sternly, for this doctrine, was Hahnemann rebuked, as the "grave-digger of Medical Science." How few of his followers could brave this storm and could "stand and smile" and still be "symptom coverers!"

And now in the year of grace 1865, the accepted Lecturer of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburg, Dr. Haldane, states that:

"Important nay, essential as is a knowledge of pathology and diagnosis, it must be borne in mind that those departments are but a means to an end. * * * In Therapeutics, important improvements have no doubt been made, but these have consisted rather in the abandonment of time-honored but vicious methods than in the introduction of new remedial measures. * * * A fundamental and most important principle of pathology has only lately been recognized; it is this, that diseases are not new and independent entities, but that they are perversions of normal or physiological processes. * * *

"To sum up, therefore, I would say that the present practice of medicine is this: The physician seldom attempts to cure disease, he endeavors to place and maintain his patient in the most favorable condition for recovery; and he treats symptoms, although he often does not know on what they essentially depend."

Here is a recognition by the highest old-school authority of the truths which Hahnemann proclaimed fifty years ago!

Once more, coming to the subject of remedies, Hahnemann taught that drugs cure by virtue of a specific power which each drug possesses to affect in a certain definite way the functions or tissues of certain organs of the body; that this power is different for each drug, being a specific power possessed by each drug; whence it follows that, in treating disease, one drug may not be substituted for another; that this power can be accurately ascertained only by experiment upon the healthy; that the selection of the specific drug for each case of sickness must be made in correspondence with the symptoms which the drug actually produces on the healthy and not on the basis of any general theory of the action of the drug.

We all know how this doctrine has been denounced and ridiculed as the climax of the iniquities of Hahnemann, the "grave-digger of medical science," reducing Therapeutics to a mere mechanical "comparison and covering of symptoms!"

Now, Dr. Haldane, in the same lecture, says, and the Royal College of Edinburg listens approvingly:

"If the power of curing disease by medicine is ever to be attained, it will be by the discovery of agents which shall act in a specific manner upon the tissues and organs of the body.

It will be asked, how we are to attain a knowledge of the specific properties of medicines and of the circumstances in which they will be useful. My answer is, by experiment. And it is not sufficient that we are acquainted with the physiological effect of a medicine, that is to say, with its action on the healthy." * * * *

Thus, directly and by implication, this high allopathic authority sanctions these doctrines of Hahnemann respecting the action and the selection of the drug.

And thus, as years go by, the wisdom of our great Master is vindicated and his wonderful clearness of intellectual vision is demonstrated.

How little have those followers of his to glory in, who shrunk from the obloquy that attached at first to his doctrines and, through deference to prevailing opinion which was adverse, modified and modified them out of all resemblance to their original forms!

How cheering, on the other hand, the position of the strict Hahnemannians who find that the very points of doctrine and practice, for adhering to which they have suffered so much from the old school and even more from the half-hearted of the nominal Homoeopathicians, are being proclaimed and defended, one after another, by the highest authorities of the old school!

How much more solidly would our Science now be established had we all the faith and steady courage to stand on the platform of the great and good Lincoln: "Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by menaces; let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it."

Within the past year the friends of true Homoeopathy have been greatly encouraged by the re-organization of our oldest homoeopathic college, the "Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia."

This institution which, having once done good service, had of late years languished, began a new life last year under a corps of able and active professors, zealous and pure Hahnemannians. We are now gratified to learn that the load of pecuniary and other embarrassments that hampered its operations has been lifted from its shoulders and we have reason to anticipate from it, henceforth, a wide and beneficent influence on the teaching and practice of true Homoeopathy in our country.

Already we have the announcement of an instrument from which such an influence may be confidently expected, in the form of a new journal, the Hahnemannian Monthly, which will appear in August. It will be "conducted and published by the Faculty of the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania," and will be the organ of the College. As such, it will, no doubt, embody the results of the joint labors of the faculty and students in the Materia Medica as well as in other departments of Homoeopathy. If so, it cannot fail to be of value to our Science and we heartily bid it welcome! – D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 01, 1865, pages 01-07]

[Description: Retrospect.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1865]

RETROSPECT.

In the retrospect to which the commencement of a new volume of such a periodical as the Review, naturally invites us, several important considerations present themselves. Going beyond the more immediate past and looking back to the earlier years of Hahnemann's life, we notice that for a long period after the idea of the homoeopathic law and method became clear in his mind, he made frequent and very earnest efforts to commend this idea to the acceptance of his professional colleagues. Every form of argument and of demonstration was employed by him to persuade Hufeland and the profession generally, to investigate and to accept the homoeopathic law of cure.

It was not until many years had been occupied with fruitless labors of this sort, not until, in response to these efforts, he had been ridiculed and branded as an infamous impostor, that Hahnemann separated himself from the body of the medical profession, and defiantly flung to the breeze the banners of his new school of medicine.

The earnestness and long continuance of his efforts to reconcile fidelity to his convictions of truth and harmony with his professional brethren, may serve to show us how highly he prized this harmony. On the other hand, the unflinching determination with which to the end of his long life he accepted ostracism and contumely and personal suffering and poverty, when recreancy to his convictions had become the only alternative, should make us bow with reverence 0before a devotion to Truth and Duty which has had no parallel among physicians.

We may, at this day, with profit, ask ourselves whether we estimate as highly and emulate as earnestly as we should do, this latter trait in Hahnemann's character.

The majority of Hahnemann's immediate pupils stood by him faithfully in his entire separation from the dominant school of medicine. Some, however, who adhered to the new system, deprecated Hahnemann's apparent hostility to the old school, and sought by every means to bridge over the chasm which separated the Homoeopathist from medical men at large. That this was a very praiseworthy endeavor is not to be denied; for not less in professional than in social life is it a delightful thing for "brethren to dwell together in unity," but it should not be forgotten that the dwelling together is possible only where" unity" is possible-where this is unattainable there should be a wide and acknowledged separation.

The attempt to smooth over the radical and inevitable differences between Homoeopathists and Allopathists led, at a very early period, to the ignoring of certain fundamental principles involved in the science of Homoeopathy. This evil steadily increased, until, fifteen years ago, the practice of the great majority of Homoeopathists bore very little resemblance indeed to that of Hahnemann and his stricter pupils, and their success was proportionably less; but little, if at all, greater in many respects than that of the best allopathic practitioners.

Hufeland declared that Homoeopathy, if it should prevail, would "be the grave of medical science. "This was the keynote of the objections made by Hahnemann's opponents. And these objections had so great influence over many of his followers that they endeavored, in every way, to accept the theories and philosophy of the old school while adhering to Hahnemann's practical method. The true and manly and safer course would have been to claim as Hahnemann did that, experience having shown the homoeopathic method to be true, a philosophy of medical science with which Homoeopathy is incompatible, must be, ipso facto, a false philosophy. We have gained nothing by our endeavors to conciliate the old school and to accommodate our doctrine to theirs. On the contrary, we have lost both the respect of the more enlightened Allopathists and what is infinitely more important, a clear understanding of our own position.

Hahnemann declared the pathology of his day to be an unsafe basis of medical treatment, and proved that Therapeutics could never be based on Pathology; for the reason that Pathology is a science of Hypothesis respecting the nature and processes of morbid action and must always be speculative and uncertain. Homoeopathists were at once charged with ignoring or neglecting Pathology, and many of their numbers have been so intimidated by this hue and cry as to resort to very painful, almost ludicrous exhibitions of a devotion to pathological science as a source of indications for treatment, which would be absolutely incompatible with true homoeopathic practice. For, a Therapeutics based on pathological indications must, of necessity, be a system of broad generalizations, while to the true homoeopathic practice the strictest individualization is an indispensable condition.

Hahnemann gave us a Materia Medica Pura, in which the slightest effects of drugs, not merely those which could be observed by a looker-on, but also modifications of sensation, thought and emotion, perceptible only to the prover, were carefully recorded in such a way as to make the effects of each drug most clearly distinguishable from those of every other. A cry went up at once from the ranks of the old school, against the puerility of these alleged provings, and the absurdity of prescribing for serious diseases on the strength of such "trivial" symptoms. It was affirmed that subjective symptoms of which the majority of each proving consists, are almost valueless to the prescriber as an indication for treatment. A great many Homoeopathists were deeply moved by these allegations and proceeded in various ways to expurgate the Materia Medica, striking out the subjective symptoms and seeking the characteristics only in the few objective symptoms which the provings contain. The injurious influence thus exerted on the practice of Homoeopathy throughout the world has been almost inexpressibly great!

Hahnemann taught the efficacy of small doses. He showed that when drugs are prescribed according to the homoeopathic law, it is indispensably necessary that the doses be small, and that infinitesimal doses are more efficacious than large ones.

Nothing has brought more opprobrium upon Hahnemann from the Allopathists, nor more ridicule upon his followers than this question of the dose. And many Homoeopathists yielding to this clamor and shrinking from this ridicule; make a merit of disclaiming any fellowship with Hahnemann on this point and loudly proclaim their willingness, in the matter of large doses to" go as far as he that goes the farthest."

We have thus the spectacle of a large body of professed Homoeopathists denying their master in the three fundamental points of his system-the indication, the remedy and the dose! And all this, as much through lack of moral courage to brave the obloquy which attaches to the strict Hahnemannian, as from honest difference of opinion.

All profess allegiance to the homoeopathic law," Similia similibus curantur," but the party of which we speak denies every one of the conclusions above alluded to, and to which this law conducted Hahnemann. An inevitable consequence has been a mournful deterioration of homoeopathic practice, until now, save in the practice of the strict Hahnemannians, there is rarely seen an example of those rapid, almost magical cures which gained for Hahnemann and his pupils their worldwide fame.

Thus it is ever that hesitation to proclaim and stand up for the truth at whatever cost, brings along with it its own punishment!

It is a gratifying fact that a marked reaction began about twelve years ago, and is now going on. Greater desire to thoroughly understand the science and art as Hahnemann taught them; greater faithfulness in the study of the Materia Medica Pura; greater boldness in professing the peculiar doctrines of Homoeopathy, are manifest on every side. For much of this auspicious change we are indebted, before all, to the teaching by pen and by practical example of the lamented von Boenninghausen; for much also to the faithful labors of Wurmb in the Vienna hospital, the results of which have been given to the world by Kaspar and Eidherr; and for much to the arduous labors of Dr. Drysdale in the compilation of the British Repertory and in the various essays in which he explains the nature and merits of that work, and urges the necessity of a faithful study of the Materia Medica. The change which a faithful study of Hahnemann's writings and especially of the Materia Medica will produce in the practical views of the student, is strikingly and happily shown by a comparison of Dr. Drysdale's Essays in the first volume of the British Journal (1843), with his remarks on the Repertory, in volume eighteen of the same journal (1860).

The direction which this reaction takes, in so far as the indication is concerned, is well expressed in the following words by Dr. Drysdale:

"No one has rightly understood the Examination of the Sources, etc., nor the Spirit of the Homoeopathic Doctrine, [Hahnemann's Lesser Writings, English edition, pp. 696 and 748.] who can imagine that the time has come, or can ever come, when clinical experience can supercede the pure symptoms as the final indication for specific Therapeutics. Nevertheless, the tendency of many is to go to this extreme; for, if we look through the homoeopathic practical literature, both standard and periodical, we find that nine-tenths of the indications are merely clinical, and no pains are taken to bring out the correspondence of the pure symptoms. Whither is this tending? Let us see. Allopathy now a days is a very different thing from what it was; mainly, I think, from the indirect action of Homoeopathy upon it and also from the borrowing, directly from us, many specifics which are used often in a simple form; also the use of specifics is partly acknowledged as a desideratum, and partly adopted practically under the names of tonics and alternatives; but the indications are always purely clinical and empirical. Now, in as, far as we rely on clinical indication alone, wherein do we differ from the ordinary school? In no way, except that, being superior in numbers and having the command of more men of talent in hospitals, they will beat us with what were originally our own weapons. Our only resource, then, is to go back to the more diligent cultivation of our special field, viz.: – the Materia Medica. There we have scope enough to recover lost ground and get again far ahead; for, granting all that Pathology and clinical experience can teach us-and I would of course avail myself of it to the very fullest extent-how far does that bring us in determining the one right medicine required in a system of specifics? A very little way indeed. Very often it offers us a free choice of twenty to fifty medicines, all equally eligible – a kind of liberty and equality for which we may spare our thanks, as most likely only one or two of them can be specific. Let any practitioner seriously think over the cases that present themselves in one day's average practice, and tell us how many are well pronounced examples of pure inflammation of the large organs or other well-defined diseases whose course is definite and symptoms sufficiently fixed to enable us to fix the specific ab usu in morbis. A very small number it will be; and applying this to the practice of medicine at large, we come back to Hahnemann's proposition, that no two cases are exactly alike, a fact that strikes at the root of all attempts, to perfect a system of specifics by experience in disease."

The same point has been discussed with great ability and in a still more practical manner by writers in the Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, and especially by its able Editor, Dr. Veit Meyer, whose published cases of diseases treated purely according to the totality of the symptoms, have given a peculiar interest to recent volumes of that periodical. D.

As regards the remedy, the reaction to which we allude is not yet so decidedly manifested among Homoeopathicians. The disposition early shown to expurgate the Materia Medica, as it was called, and to exclude from it most of the subjective symptoms, reducing each proving to a collection of objective phenomena, led to the re-provings of drugs by the Austrian Society. This labor was unquestionably undertaken for the purpose of showing Hahnemann had, been very loose and unguarded in compiling his Materia Medica, and that many symptoms therein contained were untrustworthy. By the admission of, the Austrian provers themselves, the result was a complete vindication of Hahnemann. The effect on the school at large was an increased respect for Hahnemann, and greater confidence in his teachings and provings.

The studies of Materia Medica by Dr. Roth, which are now appearing in the Vierteljahrschrift, have a similar object; they are monuments of industry, and will certainly do much good; chiefly, however, in a direction the very opposite of that in which their author intends them to operate. Dr. Hering has already exposed the inaccuracy of many of Roth's criticisms on Hahnemann's provings; but the very barrenness of the state to which he would reduce the Materia Medica, making it a mere collection of objective symptoms of results of pathological actions, deprived of all the characteristic individuality which subjective symptoms give, shows to the intelligent student, that such a Materia Medica can never meet the needs of the prescriber. A similar result attended the labors of the compilers of the so-called "American Materia Medica, "which appeared in the North American Journal, but came to an end, we believe, at the time of the secession of its chief fabricator, Dr. Peters. The revulsion from these attempts to eviscerate Hahnemann's Materia Medica has been a powerful agent in the reaction we speak of.

But the impulse towards such a reaction has been, most of all, the result of a reaction, in opinion and practice, respecting the third topic of which we have spoken, viz.: the dose. In the matter of the dose, Homoeopathicians had widely diverged from Hahnemann, a large majority holding, as some even now affirm, that the dose is a matter of no importance, provided the remedy be well selected. A marked difference was observed between the success of Hahnemannians, and of what were called Rational Homoeopathists, the difference being all in favor of the former. The most obvious and superficial difference in the respective practices of the two parties being, of course, the dose, attempts to imitate the successful practice of the Hahnemannian would naturally begin with the adoption of his doses.

But so intimately connected and mutually dependent are the Hahnemannian doctrines of dose, remedy and indication, that it is impossible to succeed with Hahnemann's doses, unless we study our remedy and fix upon our indication, in the way which he employed.

Experiments with small doses, then, have led and will always lead honest-minded and capable men, to return to the strict practice of Hahnemann and his pupils. The reaction in the matter of the dose may be said then to have led, in some measure, the reaction in other matters.

In 1850 the long-continued success of von Boenninghausen had already created a profound impression among Homoeopathicians. Dr. Meyer, of Leipsic; was an earnest student, at that time, of the whole subject we are discussing. Dr. Wurmb, at the same period, was successfully treating acute disease in his hospital at Vienna, with the thirtieth decimal potency. He had determined to make his hospital the gathering place for facts which should aid in determining the, vexed question of the dose. He hoped that subsequent trials might show the superiority or lower dilutions; his hope was not realized. The records of the hospital show a clear superiority of the high over the low potencies, in the treatment of acute affections. Dr. Wurmb's frank publication of this result, which overthrows his own speculations regarding the dose, has exerted a marked influence throughout our school.

On every side, in every country, there are eager inquiries concerning the high potencies and the proper method of using them. Countless experiments are instituted, and in the main with favorable results.

It might prevent disappointment, however, if experimenters would bear in mind that the high potencies will not succeed unless the remedy has been selected, not upon the basis of a pathological theory, but on a similarity of its symptoms with the totality of the patients symptoms, and that, in collecting the patients symptoms, the first, rank must be accorded to those symptoms which are peculiar to the individual, and which are, therefore, characteristic of the case.

We have seen that in three fundamental doctrines the majority of Homoeopathicians set themselves in opposition to Hahnemann, influenced thereto by the clamor of the Allopaths. We have seen that thereby the practical success of the Homoeopathic school was made materially less than that of Hahnemann and his strict adherents; we have seen that, constrained by this practical result, many Homoeopathicians are seeking to regain the path which Hahnemann indicated, but from which they had strayed. But for this wandering and the failures which followed it, how much more firmly might Homoeopathy have been, at this time, established in the world. And how great a weakness, was it thus to wander! Natural laws never conflict. Truth is never inconsistent with herself. If the practical precepts of Hahnemann agreed among themselves and were confirmed by practical experiments, as they were in the treatment of the sick, what need his followers have been concerned, that they seemed inconsistent with other medical doctrines or made some medical sciences seem superfluous?

So much the worse for these sciences! It would follow, of necessity, that further investigation must reform these doctrines, and remodel these sciences into harmony with the newly-discovered truths. What if the new science were, to the Jews of that generation, "a stumbling block," and to the medical Greeks of the day "foolishness." How could they doubt, if they should continue in steadfast faith to develop and practise it, that it would be demonstrated, in due time, to be "the power of God and the wisdom of God!"

And now, while the majority of our school still reject Hahnemann's methods and precepts though a few are turning back to them, the Allopathists are beginning to realize Dr. Drysdale's anticipations, and are beginning to "beat us with what were originally our own weapons."

From the standpoint of physiology and pathology, the very sciences in dread of which we have sacrificed some of our essential doctrines, Prof. Hoppe, the Allopathist, of Basle university, is demonstrating the correctness of Hahnemann's teachings, and is showing that Hahnemann's charlatanism consisted only in the fact that in pathology and in medical philosophy, as well as in practical tact and observation, he was simply two generations in advance of his contemporaries.

Prof. Hoppe states that the two great events in medicine since the early ages, have been these discoveries of Hahnemann:

1. "That for every individual case of disease, the specific remedy, the individual-specific remedy must be sought for and found, and that (thus) in every individual case of disease the process of cure is a process of discovery."

2. "The discovery of Hahnemann, that the remedy acts in small, very small doses, in smaller doses than any one has hitherto imagined, and that in these very small doses it may act more powerfully than in large doses," – a discovery, says Dr. Hoppe, which surpasses in brilliancy all of Hahnemann's other achievements.

Prof. Hoppe proceeds to explain, on scientific physiological and pathological grounds, the necessity of the former doctrine of Hahnemann – the necessity of individualizing each case of disease, and of treating it as if the like had never before been met with. In so doing he demonstrates the impossibility of accurately prescribing upon knowledge of drugs derived ab usu in morbis. This leads him to demonstrate the necessity and advantage of drug-provings upon the healthy.

He does not hesitate to go wherever truth leads him, and to admit every conclusion that evidently follows from facts which observation has compelled him to accept. Accordingly, in a very remarkable article upon "Characteristic Symptoms," a translation of which appeared in the last number of this Review, he demonstrates the value of trivial subjective symptoms, showing that they are, and by their nature, must be, of controlling importance in the indication of the remedy.

Far from dreading what the Mrs. Grundy of Pathology may say to this, he coolly "turns her flank," by bringing up a very strong and plausible physiological and pathological argument to his support – a branch of that same argument by which, a year ago, he sought to account for the action of infinitesimal doses.

On the subject of the dose he is not less master of the situation. Determined to accept whatever is demonstrated, and to keep his mind free from prejudice, he admits that the question of the dose is still an open question; but he avers that it is by no means unimportant. He affirms that while the thirtieth potency is sometimes unavailing, it is often too strong, producing unnecessary accessory symptoms, even while it removes those for which it was administered. He declares that the balance of testimony is altogether in favor of those who use the potencies, that they effect a greater proportion of cures and do a less amount of mischief, and that those who refuse to use the potencies deprive themselves of a most important means of curing.

The improbability of the potencies possessing any power gives Prof. Hoppe no concern; the fact satisfies him. Nor is he at a loss to account, by a satisfactory theory, for the fact that the thirtieth potency is very often more efficient to cure than the third. It matters but little that he does not accept Hahnemann's theory of potentization, since he freely admits the facts. With one sentence of Professor Hoppe's remarkable publication we close these disjointed remarks:

"Hahnemann, as he studied the actions of remedies, could not fail to discover the aggravating effects of drugs, and to therefore diminish and diminish the dose, and thus at last to discover the efficacy of small doses and of the dilutions; but at the same time he discovered also the significance of the subjective symptoms, and through these he made it profitable for physicians, sensibly and profitably to observe the human body and to devote to it, chiefly and more than up to his day had ever been done, yes for the first time, a greater, exacter and more universal attention. Whatever, that is great, has been accomplished by the medicine of today, through material investigations, the same great results has Hahnemann attained in the way of the subjective symptoms, and both together constitute, for the first time, a whole; yet the significance of both the subjective and the objective symptoms is difficult to apprehend. Auscultation may leave matters as unclear as pain can. Whoever will only take the trouble to stand on his own feet, to observe whatever occurs, and to incorporate, as best he can, what he observes with the sum total of his knowledge, he will come into contact with subjective symptoms, and will learn to put a proper estimate upon them. It was not materialism that was the cause of subjective symptoms being neglected, but the cause was the inherent difficulty of their study, and then, until Hahnemann raised them to their proper significance, the objectlessness of such a study. It was Hahnemann who first showed what purpose subjective symptoms might subserve, and thereby gave an interest to the investigation of them. xxxi.

"It is, therefore no honor to a man that he neglects the subjective symptoms, and that he understands and will understand nothing of the efficacy of the small doses and of the dilutions." Dunham.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 01, 1864, pages 01-07, pages 61-67]

[Description: Retrospect.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1864]

OBSERVATIONS ON RUMEX CRISPUS.

As but little has as yet been published regarding this remedy, except the provings, the experience of those who have used it will not only be of interest but also serve to introduce to the profession a truly valuable remedy, which from a want of clinical facts has not received the attention it merits.

No proving has been published with as great accuracy as that of this remedy. The names of the provers, the potency used and the time of taking the remedy have all been so carefully noted that any one can see at a glance what provings he can rely on. Those who believe only in the massive doses can observe the symptoms produced by the tincture and low dilutions while others who look for characteristic symptoms, can observe the effects of the potencies.

The names of the provers attached to the symptoms, especially when they are confirmed by several provers, are a sufficient guarrantee of their reliability.

There are yet several cough symptoms for which the remedy has proved curative, which have not been observed by many provers as pathogenetic of the remedy. Most of the other symptoms have been confirmed by clinical experience.

Dr. Carroll Dunham, to whom we are indebted for the suggestion to publish these observations, furnishes the following as his experience.

My clinical experience of the last two years has given me a feeling of great gratitude to Dr. Joslin, for his introduction of Rumex Crispus to the profession by his excellent proving. The value of the published proving is much enhanced by the publication of the daily records of each prover, which enable the student to appreciate the consecutive action of the drug much more perfectly than the Hahnemannian scheme allows, while the latter, again, is indispensable to the prescriber.

I have used Rumex chiefly in acute catarrhal affections of the larynx, trachea and bronchi. In these cases it seems to to me to present a close analogy in its action, to Belladonna, Lachesis, Phosphorus and Causticum. Without assuming to present an exhaustive analysis of the action of Rumex on the Respiratory organs, I proceed to state the indications for its use to which my studies of it thus far have led me.

Rumex diminishes the secretions, and at the same time exalts in a very marked manner the sensibility of the mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea, exceeding in the extent of this exaltation any remedy known to us. The cough therefore is frequent and continuous to an extent quite out of proportion to the degree of organic affection of the mucous membrane. It is dry, occurs in long paroxysms, or, under certain circumstances, is almost uninterrupted. It is induced or greatly aggravated by any irregularity of respiration such as an inspiration a little deeper or more rapid than usual, by the inspiration of air a little colder than that previously inhaled, by irregularity of respiration and irregular motion of the larynx and trachea such as are involved in the act of speech and by external pressure upon the trachea, in the region of the supra sternal fossa. These phenomena show a very great morbid irritability of the mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea.

The subjective symptoms are rawness and soreness in the trachea, extending a short distance below the supra sternal fossa and laterally into the bronchi, chiefly the left; and tickling in the supra sternal fossa and behind the sternum provoking the cough; this tickling is very annoying and very persistent and is often but momentarily and sometimes only partially relieved by coughing. The cough occurs chiefly, or is much worse, in the evening after retiring and at that time the membrane of the trachea is particularly sensitive to cold air and to any irregularity in the flow of air over its surface, so that the patient often covers the head with the bed clothes to avoid the cold air of the apartment and refuses to speak or even to listen to conversation, lest his attention should be withdrawn from the supervision of his respiratory acts, which he performs with the most careful uniformity and deliberation — and all in the hope of preventing the distressing tickling and the harassing cough which would ensue from a neglect of these precautions. I have frequently witnessed this state of things during the last three years and have invariably given prompt relief with Rumex.

In the group of remedies in which I have placed Rumex, (along with Bell. Lach. Phos. Caust.) it stands pre-eminent in respect to the extreme sensibility of the tracheal mucous membrane. All of these remedies produce symptoms identical in kind. The characteristic of each is to be found in the relative degree in which each symptom is pronounced in the different remedies, quite as much as in the possession by any one of them of symptoms not produced by the others.

Thus Belladonna, Lachesis and Rumex, produce each, a dry cough, induced by tickling in the larynx or trachea and provoked by deep inspiration, by speaking, and by external pressure on the larynx or trachea. Each produces soreness or rawness of the larynx or trachea. The cough of each is spasmodic and long continued and is worse at night after retiring. But, apart from the fact that Belladonna and Lachesis act more upon the larynx and Rumex more upon the lower part of the trachea, we observe that, in the case of Lachesis, the slightest external pressure on the larynx or trachea produces violent and long continued spasmodic cough; the patient cannot endure the least constriction in that region, not even the ordinary contact of his clothing. There is moreover a sense of fullness in the trachea and a very painful aching in the whole extent of the os hyoides. In the case of Belladonna not only is cough produced to a moderate extent by pressing upon the larynx, but soreness and pain are experienced with a sense of internal fulness and soreness which at once suggest the presence of Acute Laryngitis Submucosa. In Rumex, on the other hand, there is no sensibility, strictly speaking, of the trachea, but simply such an irritability of the mucous membrane that cough is produced by the change of position induced in that membrane by external pressure on the trachea. As regards the extent and intensity of this symptom, Rumex holds a lower rank than the other remedies named.

But the irritability of mucous membrane by virtue of which cough is induced by hurried or deep inspiration or by speaking, while it is common to Bell, Lach, Rumex and Phosphorus, is produced in the most exalted degree, as we have already seen, by Rumex, which, as regards this symptom, takes first rank. A sensation of rawness or roughness in the larynx, trachea and bronchi is produced by each of the four remedies above named, but the locality and the degree in which it is produced, vary in such a manner as to serve in some measure as a characteristic of each. It is most marked in Phosphorus and Belladonna, less prominent in Rumex, and least of all in Lachesis. In Belladonna and Lachesis it is most marked in the Larynx; indeed it is almost confined to that region. Rumex produces it in the trachea and upper part of the bronchi, while Phosphorus induces it in the whole mucous tract from the larynx to the smaller bronchi and moreover in the Phosphorus proving this "rawness" of the air passages is accompanied by a no less characteristic sense of weight and constriction across the upper part of the thorax, which indicates an affection of the finer air tubes and of the air vesicles of such a character as seriously to impede the function of respiration. In considering this last symptom we must mention Cansticum also, which produces "rawness" extending the whole length of the sternum.

All five remedies, again, produce hoarseness; Phosphorus Causticum and Belladonna most eminently; Rumex less decidedly and Lachesis in a still less degree. As regards complications, Belladonna and Lachesis apply especially to those which involve the fauces and pharynx, and are acute, the one of a sthenic, the other of an asthonic character; Phosphorus to those of the pulmonary tissues of a definite inflammatory character and Rumex to certain affections of the lungs and their envelopes of which the nature is not clearly defined in the proving. They are indicated by pains, generally subacute, in the upper part of the lung near the clavicle and axilla, and more frequent in the left than in the right lung.

In addition to these observations on the Respiratory Organs, I have noticed, in one case, the cessation of a brown watery diarrhea after the administration of Rumex. A boy of 5 years, had brown watery diarrhea, chiefly in the morning, having five stools from five to nine a.m., attended with moderate griping pain in the lower part of the abdomen. This continued several days, notwithstanding two prescriptions which I made for it. Observing that the boy had a cough which presented the characteristic features of the Rumex cough, I gave that remedy, and both diarrhea and cough were speedily cured. The symptom, "brown watery diarrhea" occurs once in the provings. In relating this case I cannot forbear remarking that had I been more careful to collect and consider the totality of the symptoms, embracing cough as well as diarrhea, I should have given Rumex at first, instead of making two blundering prescriptions on the basis of a partial view of the symptoms which embraced the diarrhea alone.

The following case from my clinical record will illustrate the character of the Rumex cough.

M., aged 22, of feeble constitution, strumous, subject, for several years to subacute rheumatism — has had a severe cold for several days, and is now confined to the bed. The pulse is quick, not hard, 110, skin moderately hot and dry, face somewhat flushed. Respiration embarrassed not so much by any constriction of the chest as by the violent and long continued cough, which follows any attempt to make a full inspiration. A physical examination of the chest reveals no abnormal condition. The patient complains of roughness and soreness in the lower part of the trachea and behind the upper third of the sternum much more perceptible when she coughs. The cough is dry, slightly hoarse, very violent and fatiguing to the patient. It is provoked by a tickling in the supra sternal fossa — is induced by pressure upon the trachea in that region, and especially by talking and by deep inspiration or by the inspiration of cool air. This irritability of the trachea increases very markedly after 7 p.m., so that the patient suffers exceedingly from the constant tickling and violent cough. She can prevent them only by respiring with very great caution and deliberation, by avoiding all distractions of speech and conversation, and finally she draws the bed clothes over the head in order to avoid inhaling the cool air of the chamber.

This patient states that she has frequently had such coughs as this, and they have proved very obstinate although under skilful homoeopathic treatment. I gave Rumex^12 in solution a teaspoonful every two hours. After the second dose there was complete relief. The next evening, a very slight disposition to cough. No further symptoms.

I supplied the patient with Rumex^30, and advised her to use it at once on the occurrence of such a cough, and I am informed that she has always succeeded in subduing the cough within twelve hours.

The following cases in the practice of Dr. P. P. Wells, of Brooklyn, were communicated in a letter to Dr. Joslin, some years since. We regret that these are the only cases of Dr. W.'s, that we can at present report, but hope at some future time we shall be able to publish more, as the doctor's experience with this remedy has been very satisfactory.

Mrs. — , had been subject to eight miscarriages, all in the early stage of pregnancy, which in each case was early attended with dry, shaking, spasmodic cough, in paroxysm of great violence, which was regarded by herself and friends as instrumental in producing the abortions. At the beginning of the ninth pregnancy she came to Brooklyn to be under homoeopathic treatment. She had her cough, which was very dry, harsh, loud, shaking, worse at night, preventing sleep, excited instantly and violently by pressure on the trachea. The cough was relieved promptly by Rumex crispus,30.

The following marked and rather important group of symptoms were relieved promptly, in the treatment of the case of our friend D., by Rumex crisp. 200, Lehrman's preparation. Thinking a knowledge of the fact might interest you, to whom we are indebted for our knowledge of this interesting drug, I send it. The cough begins with tickling behind the top of the sternum, and sometimes in paroxysms of five to ten minutes duration. Trachea sore to outward pressure, feels excoriated through its whole extent, as do also the whole fauces, cough excited by pressure on throat pit — cough is violent, with scanty, difficult expectoration, shocks the head and chest, as if the head would fly in pieces, and he feels as if he might raise blood any minute. He is greatly exhausted after the paroxysms of coughing; headaches during the cough. You have the group above in the order as written down for me by his brother, and upon which I prescribed the medicine, which was followed by the happiest results.

Dr. M. J. Rhees of Mount Holly, N. J., one of the original provers of the remedy furnishes the following:

Joseph H., aged 13 years. Subject to violent attacks of Inflammatory Rheumatism. In the spring of 18581 attended him in a severe attack in which the disease concentrated itself on the heart with so much violence that I almost despaired of his recovery. Pulsatilla cured the disease at that time. In December, 1858, he was again attacked, but the heart was the principal seat of the disease from the first.

On the 24th of December, his symptoms were, violent palpitation of the heart with throbbing of the carotids and throughout the body, visible to the eye and shaking the bed. Poise 120, violent aching pain in the region of the heart-Great dyspnea especially while lying so that it was necessary to prop him up in a sitting posture in bed. Face red and somewhat puffed up, especially about the eyes, which were red, heavy and lustreless. Tongue coated with white fur, with red tip and edges. Excessive thirst. No appetite Bowels costive. I commenced the treatment by giving Acon.3, and Puls 3 alternatively. Some relief followed the administration of these remedies, but the improvement was slow. From Dec. 28th to Jan. 9th, 1859, various other remedies were used as they seemed to be indicated but without decided improvement on the whole. On the latter date the patient complained of a stinging pain in the region of the heart which was increased by lying down and by breathing deeply.

In my arranged proving of Rumex crisp. the following symptoms may be found.

"No. 41. Burning stinging pain in the whole of the left side of the chest; suddenly when taking a deep inspiration, while in the act of lying down in bed at night." "No. 49. Burning stinging pain in the left chest near the heart; came on soon after lying down in bed at night."

These symptoms were fresh in my memory, and I accordingly gave Rumex crispus^6, in water two teaspoonfuls every three hours. Jan. 10th. Considerably relieved of the pain in the chest and otherwise improved. Continued Rumex Jan. 11th. The pain in the chest is almost removed. Rumex was continued several days after this with the effect of entirely relieving the pain in the chest; but the improvement in other respects ceasing, Rumex was discontinued, and other remedies substituted, Bell,30 and Phos,30 eventually cured the case, and there has been no return of the disease.

Case II. — Miss M. B — , aged about 25 years, clear white, very smooth skin, rather pale; hair, dark auburn; very fall round figure. She called on me, March 24th, and complained as follows: She has not been able to speak above a whisper for nearly three months, and feels a soreness in the throat which is worse during empty deglutition, but is not increased by swallowing food. On examination, I found the posterior surface of the pharynx irritated and in places excoriated, the edges of the soft palate and uvula were red and somewhat swollen, and were covered with an eruption of minute red pimples. She has a slight hacking cough which is produced by a tickling in the larynx and upper part of the trachea. In other respects she is quite well. She attributes her symptoms to having taken cold. As she lived at a considerable distance from me, I gave her two packages of medicines, one containing Carb. veg.4 and Caust.20 to be taken three times a day, alternately, and the other Mercurius,30 three times a day. If the first package relieved her she was not to take the second.

April 3rd. Reports herself no better. She cannot speak above a whisper and the pharynx presents the same appearance. The eruption on the soft palate is more extensive and looks almost purple, the pimples being larger. Her cough is decidedly worse, being almost constant; it is much worse when she first lies down in bed and for half an hour afterwards, and then abates. She complains of a tickling at the root of the tongue, in addition to the tickling in the trachea, causing the cough. I gave her Hyos.3 dry, three times a day, and in another package three powders of Rhus tox.30 Nos. 1, 2 and 3, and three powders of Rumex crisp.0 Nos. 4, 5 and 6, one powder to be mixed in a half tumbler of water each day in succession, and two teaspoonsful to be taken every three hours until better.

April 15th. She experienced no relief from the first package and grew worse while she took Rhus tox. She began with Rumex on the 11th of April, and on the 12th, found herself improving in every respect. Today she can speak aloud, but is somewhat hoarse, and the voice is weak. Her cough is very much better and the pharynx looks almost natural. The eruption on the palate has almost disappeared, but there is still some redness on its edges. Continue Rumex crisp.6 as before.

I have generally found Hyos. very effectual in relieving such a cough especially when it is increased by lying down. But in this case it was useless.

By referring to Dr. Joslin's published proving of Rumex the following symptoms will be found. No. 27. Sensation of excoriation in the throat. No. 28. Sore feeling in the throat on swallowing, in the forenoon. No. 77. Cough excited by tickling or irritation behind the sternum. No. 78. Cough excited by irritation in the chest. No. 80. Sudden change of voice at the same hour on consecutive days, the first and second of the proving; it became suddenly hoarse at eleven o'clock at night, &c. I was led to use Rumex by reading Dr. Joslin's report of several cases of cough cured by it. It will be observed that prominent symptoms in all those cases was a tickling behind the sternum. I think it is right to refer the relief of the eruption on the palate as well as the recovery of the voice in the above case to Rumex, and if so, these two symptoms will be a valuable addition to the pathogenesis of Rumex, and will enable us to combat more successfully a very troublesome affliction of the larynx, which has sometimes proved very obstinate in my experience.

Dr. B. F. Joslin, to whom we are indebted for the proving of this drug furnishes us the following. The cases of cough were treated with the 30th dilution of Rumex, and reported some years since, we believe in the Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy.

The following cases may awaken an interest in the pathogenesis, and stimulate others in its extension. I do not consider these or any other clinical cases an adequate guide in practice. The following symptoms are those contained in the brief records made at the time; others may have influenced in the selection of this remedy. For none of the cases was any medicine given after the Rumex. Where previous prescriptions had been made, they are stated, as far back as is requisite to enable the reader to judge, whether, and in what degree, they may have contributed either to the development or removal of the recorded symptoms for which the Rumex was prescribed.

Case I. — Mrs. B. had a dry cough, excited by tickling in the throat-pit, and attended with a sensation of excoriation in the larynx and in the chest behind the upper part of the sternum. The cough worse on walking. Pains in the chest. Took (Dec. 22d, 1850) Rumex crispus^30 in solution, at noon and in the evening. The third dose, the last, was taken next morning. In the evening of the day on which the medicine was commenced, and during the night, there was a severe and fluent coryza.

Next day (23d) there was a great mitigation of the tickling in the throat-pit, and of the cough which was much less frequent and more loose and unattended with excoriation in the larynx or chest. The patient stated that the last medicine, the Rumex, had done her much good. Lachesis had been given on the morning of the previous day. The cough was rapidly cured without the repetition of the Rumex, or any other medicine. The patient, previously to the taking of the Rumex, had cough for several weeks. On the the 15th, had taken Cham.30, which immediately removed neuralgia of the face; on the 18th, Sulph.30 for cough, with excoriation in the throat and chest; on the 19th, the same; and on the 20th, Calc. 20

Case II. — Mr. C, had a severe fluent coryza with cough excited by tickling in the throat-pit. Sensation of excoriation behind the upper part of the sternum on coughing.

Took (December 24th, 1850) Rumex,30 to be continued, morning and evening, for three days, if necessary. Cured promptly. No medicine had been taken for the cough previously — none was subsequently required.

Case III. — Miss W., a young lady of highly nervous temperament, had confusion of head; hoarseness in evenings; cough; excoriation behind the whole of the sternum on coughing and on inspiration; coldness of the fingers.

Took Rumex,20 three times a day, commencing December 24th, 1850. Within a few days, the cough and excoriation were removed, and the patient was less nervous. The Rumex was the first and only medicine taken from the commencement of the cough till its cessation. The last previous prescription had been one dose of Pulsatilla,200 for neuralgic pain in one eye, which it immediately removed.

Case IV. — Mr. C, had a severe, dry cough, excited by an irritative pressure in the throat-pit, and attended with a sensation of excoriation in the larynx and chest.

Rumex crispus 20 was administered December 27th, 1850, and directed to be taken in solution, morning and evening, for half a week. All the symptoms were removed without any other prescription, and none had been given for a long time previous.

Case V. — On the 21st of December, 1851, Mr. S. S., took one dose of Lachesis^20 dry, in the evening, for a severe cough. In the forenoon of the 22d it was found, on visiting him about 11 o'clock, that the cough had not been mitigated. He then took one dose of Rumex^30 dry, for the following symptoms, viz.; cough excited by pressing on the throat, and attended with excoriation in the larynx and chest, and with hoarseness. In the afternoon of the same day the cough was much better, and the patient slept several hours in the afternoon and early part of the evening, and had a general perspiration. The dose was repeated once in the evening, and once next morning. All the symptoms were removed within one day after commencing Rumex crispus.20 The cough never returned, and the patient remained well. No other medicine was used previously or subsequently.

Case VI. — In January, 1852, during that remarkable depression of atmospheric temperature, (which usually occurs but once in fifteen, sixteen or seventeen years,) Mr. J., was attacked with a cough, which seemed to be originally produced by the inhalation of extremely cold air. The cough was violent daring the early part of several successive nights. The patient took one dose of Sulph.400 on the 21st, one of Ars.20 on the night of the 23d, and one of Rumex crisp.30 on the night of the 24th — all in a dry state.

January 24th. The cough returned with the same violence as before taking the Arsenicum. Cough worse when lying down — worst about 11 o'clock at night; excited by a tickling behind the sternum, and attended with a sprain-like aching near the sternum, and with accumulation of mucus in the fauces, near the posterior orifices of the nares. The one dose of Rumex^30 above mentioned removed the paroxysm in a few minutes, and it did not return. On the next day there was aching pain in the left shoulder, and fluent coryza with sneezing. These soon subsided without medication, and the patient remained well.

The following cases have not been previously published: Case VII. — On the morning of the 28th of November, a young lady, complained of shootings from the pit of the stomach into the chest in various directions, sharp pains in the left chest, dull aching in the forehead, and slight nausea. Ordered her to take Rumex,30 morning and evening. She called the next day. All her symptoms had been removed by a single dose, and her appetite, which had been defective improved. Having eaten an unusually full dinner, there is a partial return of the shootings. 3 Rumev^30, e. and m., pulv. There was no further complaint. All the above symptoms are pathogenetic of Rumex crispus.

Case VIII. — A lady about 50 years of age, who had suffered about three weeks, with pain in the pit of the stomach, aching in the left chest, flatulence, eructations, pressure and distension in the stomach after meals — was permanently cured of these dyspeptic symptoms in two or three hours, by one dose of Rumex,200 March 1st, 1859. These symptoms are all effects on healthy provers.

Case IX. — A young lady has a sensation of fulness and pressure at the pit of the stomach, extending up towards, and to, the throat, and afterwards carried down again to the stomach when she swallows, and then rising again to the throat. This curious alternation has been observed in the proving of Rumex. Cured by Rumex,200 March 13th, 1859.

Case X. — A gentleman not accustomed to the use of tea, took a cup of it, very weak, and of the black kind, July 14th, 1858. There followed, aching in the pit of the stomach and aching and shootings above it in the chest, at, and especially on each side of, the lower end of the sternum. These symptoms were removed in a few minutes by one dose, a few dry pellets of Rumex.30 These are some of the effects producible both by tea and Rumex, which is one of its antidotes.

Case XI — A lady about the turn of life, had diarrhea in the morning, four evacuations, between six and ten, a.m., feces very thin, evacuations painless; nausea on movement in the night preceding the evacuation; mouth dry; tongue slightly coated yellow. The day previous had dull pain on the right side of the sternum, sharp pain on the left. Gave Rumex^30 in solution, once in three hours; April 22, All the symptoms were removed. They were all such as Rumex has produced in the course of the provings.

Case XII. — Diarrhea in the morning with cough. — A lady about fifty years of age, has had diarrhea every morning for four days. The evacuations profuse, offensive and thin, and have even become watery, she is also suffering from a cough, excited by a sensation of tickling in the throat-pit; it is usually dry, but when expectoration takes place, this is tasteless: The cough shocks the stomach, and is attended with a sensation of excoriation in the chest. It keeps her awake at night. Rumex^30 4th on the 30th of March, in the evening.

The cough was immediately and decidedly improved, so that she slept all night. Next morning she awoke with the most severe headache she had ever suffered; it was a continuous aching in the temples, forehead and eyebrows, and lasted all the forenoon. The cough and diarrhea were removed without any other medicine. All the above symptoms except the fetor of the feces, have been observed as pathogenetic of Rumex by provers.

Remark. — The cough symptoms have as yet been produced only by the attenuations. The strong counter-irritation of the tinctures on the stomach and intestines may be one cause of this deficiency. J.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 12, 1860, pages 529-543]

[Description: Observations on Rumex Crispus.]

[Remedies: Rumex crispus]

[Author: Dunham, C.; Rhees, M.J.; Joslin, B.F.; Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1860]

"SPECIFIC RESULTS."

Among the comments which have appeared in the medical journals upon the recent order of Surgeon-General Hammond striking Calomel and Tartar emetic from the Army Medical Supply Table, few have been so noteworthy as the following from the American Medical Times, July 4th, 1863.

"The order appeared not only expedient but judicious, and, under the circumstances, necessary. It could not, justly, be construed as an attempt to control the practice of the discreet surgeon, but simply prevented an existing abuse. The diseases among soldiers for which mercurials are specifics may be treated as efficiently as formerly, for the army surgeon still has among his medical stores several forms of Mercury which will accomplish his purpose equally well. CALOMEL HAS THE DISADVANTAGE OF BEING USED SO FREQUENTLY IN SIMPLE DISEASES As A COMMON REMEDY, that constitutional effects occur, often unexpectedly to the physician, especially in debilitated patients. By removing this agent, therefore, and still leaving other mercurial preparations as well adapted to specific purposes, but less liable to be used, except when the practitioner is desirous of producing specific results, less harm must obviously attend the use of mercurials. Such, we do not doubt, will be the effect of this order. No evil can result to the sick soldier from the absence of Calomel from the list of remedies, however much he may need mercurialization, when such preparations as blue pill, bichloride and Iodide of Mercury, etc., remain. But, IN PRESCRIBING THESE LATTER REMEDIES THE PRACTITIONER GENERALLY HAS A VERY DEFINITE IDEA OF THE OBJECT HE WISHES TO ATTAIN, WHICH IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE IN THE USE OF CALOMEL."

From these remarks it appears that, in the judgment of the American Medical Times, a peremptory order forbidding the use of Calomel was "necessary" in order to "prevent an existing abuse;" that this abuse consisted in the "frequent administration of Calomel as a common remedy in simple diseases and without any very definite idea of the object" desired to be attained; that the deplorable results of this abuse consisted in the occurrence of "the constitutional effects" of Mercury "often unexpectedly to the physician." Furthermore, that the great desideratum is to have only such mercurials permitted to be employed as would be "less likely to be used except when the practitioner is desirous of producing specific results" and that this desideratum is attained by the order of the Surgeon-General.

Now, Homoeopathists have objected against the Therapeutic Science of the Old School that, being without a law; of cure for the guidance of the prescriber, it leaves him to a, routine mode of giving medicines according to an unmethodised experience. They have affirmed that the actual practice of the Old School consists in giving drugs from general notions of their action on diseases assumed to exist, but without any perception of a relation between the specific effects of the drugs and the phenomena of the disease. The American Medical Times admits the truth of these charges, by uttering the language we have quoted. It admits that physicians use Calomel as a "common remedy" (whatever that may be), without any "very definite idea of the object they wish to attain," without definitely desiring to produce "specific results."

Homoeopathists have never ceased to urge upon physicians these most important truths — that remedies should never be used except with a very "definite and distinct idea of the object to be attained;" that when used, it should always be with the purpose and expectation of "producing specific results;" that these "specific results" instead of occurring "unexpectedly to the physician" should always be expected, intended and desired by him. For, if the remedies have been rightly selected, these "specific results" consist of the "constitutional effects" of the remedy upon the disease of the patient; and the result of this occurrence of the "constitutional effects" of the remedy is by no means to be deplored even "in debilitated patients". — for it is the annihilation of disease, the restoration of health. The American Medical Times clearly admits the force of these truths and the importance of their recognition. We are happy to find it so fully in accord with Homoeopathists as regards both the evil and the reform.

But our friends are much mistaken if they suppose that the exclusion of Calomel from the Supply Table will work this desired reform. Physicians, in the main, prescribe about as well as the therapeutic systems to which they adhere will allow. If Calomel has, hitherto, been given in a hap-hazard, a###less way, it is because the Therapeutics of the Old School have furnished no formula, by means of which prescriptions could be made with exactness. If Calomel be now denied to physicians, this denial will not furnish them the means of prescribing with more accuracy and less injury than before. Some other remedy, some other Mercurial. perhaps, will be exalted to the place of Calomel as the "common remedy" too frequently used in simple diseases.

The fault lies in the therapeutic science of the physician and not in the Supply Table. The science can never be reformed by changes in the Supply Table — by withholding an old favorite drug and allowing others, as yet more novel. It is a well settled principle that a vicious method can never be rectified by any change of instruments.

There is an old proverb "set a beggar on horseback and he will ride to the devil." Would a change in the beggar's medium of progression necessarily result in a change in his destination? Would he not just as certainly ride to the devil, if his horse (Calomel) should be taken away and he should be set on the back of an ass, or of an elephant (or any other mercurial remedy)? D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 03, 1863, pages 97-100]

[Description: Specific Results.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1863]

THE APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE.

In theory, a purely Representative Government ensures to the people the enjoyment of the utmost liberty compatible with good order in the community. The law reigns supreme. The law is the expressed will of the people, and a people cannot be conceived as willing against themselves any unnecessary and injurious deprivation of rights and privileges. But laws imply an Executive. And the Executive may pervert the law or transcend it, to the injury of a portion of the people. Lord Eldon said that "no Act of Parliament could be framed through which he could not drive a coach and six," and no law can be passed, the spirit of which may not be violated while yet its letter is observed. In such cases the appeal is to the Law Makers, to the People in Legislature. And that the people in Legislature may comprehend the case, it must first be pleaded before the people at large. The Executive must be summoned before the bar of public opinion. In justifying his injustice by the letter of the law he has appealed to the people. To the people he must go.

The right of the people of this nation to avail themselves of whatever form of medical treatment they may elect, has never been circumscribed by any law. Whoever will, may employ at his option a homoeopathic or an allopathic physician and the law fully protects him in doing so.

Yet we present today this strange spectacle. Of the twenty millions that inhabit our loyal States, one million are deprived of the right to employ a homoeopathic physician though they should prefer to do so. Abraham Lincoln, through his subordinates in the Executive Department, says, to one individual in every twenty of our population, "if sick or wounded, you shall be done to death with Calomel, Salts and Quinine, even though you be satisfied that Bryonia or Arnica would cure you, and though a homoeopathic physician stand ready to take charge of you if you wish it — You shall take alternate doses of Tannin and Morphinc, and of a drastic purgative until you perish of your Chickahominy diarrhea, although you entreat to be allowed to take the few globules of Croton tiglium which would cure you and which a Homoeopathist stands ready to come into the hospital and give you, if you desire it and if the authorities will permit it."

What gives the underlings of Abraham Lincoln this power over the free-will of citizens? Why, for the present, these citizens chance to be soldiers who are giving their lives to avert from their country the curses of anarchy and slavery — and the medical bureau has the power to say who shall treat the sick and wounded soldiers — and the bureau assumes to say that no Homoeopathist shall be allowed to treat them, however much the patients may desire it. It justifies this assumption by appealing to the letter of the law which gives it the power to prescribe the qualifications of army and navy surgeons. This appeal to the law is an appeal to the people. To the people then we also appeal, pleading for those who, suffering in behalf of the liberties of the whole people, are restrained of their liberty to avail themselves of that mode of treatment which they would prefer.

The Allopathists taking advantage of the letter of the law to discredit and put down Homoeopathy, have again in this instance, as often before, appealed to the popular tribunal. They must not blame us if we follow them thither and invoke the judgment of the people on a controversy which might have been kept within the limits of the scientific arena, had our antagonists had only the interests of the truth at heart and not those of a sect.

We shall specify the particulars in which the Medical Department of the Government has abused its delegated powers to the detriment of those in our army and navy who prefer the homoeopathic treatment, and the acts by which the allopathic organizations throughout the country have aided and abetted this injustice. But before entering on these details we have a word to say about the rights of homoeopathic physicians to positions in the corps of army and hospital surgeons.

We hold that in civil life, every man who, on examination before a scientific body authorized to grant diplomas, has shown himself to be possessed of attainments and qualifications, such as are required by the law in physicians and surgeons, has a full right to receive his diploma and to render professional services to whomsoever may ask them, whatever may be his peculiar views on any branch of medical science. These views cannot be made a fair ground of exclusion from the profession. If they should subsequently lead him to the commission of malpractice in any form, he would then be amenable to punishment like any malfactor. Any other rule than this would take from medical practice all possibility of progress in improvement, and from the practitioner all freedom to exercise whatever peculiar endowments he may possess.

The duly qualified physician or surgeon has the same right to compete for positions in the army and navy medical corps. Whatever his peculiar views may be on any open question in any branch of medical or surgical science, he has a right to a position in these corps, if he shows himself possessed of the qualifications required by law. We claim then for the duly accredited homoeopathic physician, all the immunities and privileges which are secured by law to physicians and surgeons in civil life or in the Government service. Farther than this we are not disposed to go. We do not, in civil life, claim that a Homoeopathist, or that a physician of any school, has a right to demand patronage; we simply affirm that if any Persons desire to avail themselves of his services he should be free to render them without obstacles interposed by any organization under color of any law. And so with regard to the Government service which at present requires so large an amount of professional labor, we do not, for a moment, as some have done, claim in behalf of Homoeopathy any position for the sake of her own aggrandizement or of adding to the experience of her practitioners. God forbid that we should seek access to our sick and wounded countrymen for the mere sake of adding to our own dexterity or to our consideration before the public! The ghastly line of hospital tents behind the field of Antietam more terrible to the soldier than all the horrors of the field itself, bears everlasting witness to the ineffable cruelty of those who hurried thither to "get their hand in" at capital operations. "My wounds," said the dying Colonel to his ignorant surgeon, "are your protection!"

But we do assert in behalf of well-qualified physicians and surgeons who are Homoeopathists, the right to respond, without hindrance on the part of the authorities, to the demands of the soldiers for homoeopathic treatment. Not in behalf of Homoeopathy, not in behalf of her practitioners, but in the name of the suffering and the dying soldiers, we claim for them that additional chance for life, which in their judgment, as well as in ours, homoeopathic treatment would afford them.

At least one-fourth of the men of our army have homoeopathic treatment at home. They would have it in camp and in hospital if they could get it. It would not always be practicable even were the authorities disposed to afford every facility. To such a hardship, our brave men would submit, as they have to countless others. But in many instances it would be perfectly easy to afford homoeopathic treatment to those soldiers in camp or in hospital who might desire it Physicians who have every credential of fitness are ready and have offered their services. In view of the undoubted right of the soldiers to the mode of treatment which, as citizens, they would elect, no technical obstacles, no difficulties of detail are worthy a moment's notice. In every great city in which there are several Government hospitals, one might be accorded to the Homoeopathists. Petitions in great numbers from the soldiers and their friends, that this might be done, have been presented to the Government — but in vain. "We appeal to the people for justice to the soldier! But these general, negative instances, are not all that we have to protest against.

Homoeopathic colleges and societies hold from the State, charters of the same validity as those on which allopathic colleges and hospitals are based. The Homoeopathic State Medical Society exists under a act of incorporation by the Legislature. In all respects the legal standing of the homoeopathic practitioner is as good and perfect as that of the Allopathist. The law provides that vacancies in the army or navy medical corps shall be filled by duly accredited physicians who shall pass an examination in certain specified branches of knowledge. All physicians of good legal standing, between certain ages, have a right to present themselves as candidates for examination, whether Homoeopathists or not. Yet the army medical board have during the past year, explicitly refused to receive and examine as candidates, physicians who were known to be Homoeopathists in their views of medical practice, or who avowed themselves to be such, — refused expressly on the ground that they were Homoeopathists. We know not that this usurpation of authority would be ventured upon in any other country. In France and Austria it certainly is not done, for in the armies of both of these countries there are many homoeopathic surgeons. "We are sure it will not be tolerated here, when the people shall have come to understand the merits of the case.

But there are still more flagrant instances of wanton denial to soldiers of the privileges of homoeopathic treatment.

Effort swere made early last year to induce the Government to place some of the large army hospitals under the care of the Homoeopathists. The Executive was willing enough, but he allowed himself to be persuaded by the Medical Bureau that the practical inconvenience would be insuperable! As if a staff could not as well be appointed from Homoeopaths as from Allopaths; as if requisitions and purchases could not as well be made of homoeopathic as of allopathic medicines! And so these efforts came to nought, and thousands died of diarrhea, fever or erysipelas who might have been rescued by homoeopathic treatment; and the brave suffering soldiers petitioned and remonstrated in vain.

But the friends of the soldier found means to obviate even these objections.

Within the last year a hospital was organized by the Homoeopathists of Philadelphia, a medical staff appointed and, when all things were ready, the hospital was tendered with its physicians to the Government for the reception of the sick soldiers sent to Philadelphia, who were to be cared for without expense to the Government. It was peremptorily declined, and the board were notified that if soldiers should be received into the hospital the managers would be regarded and dealt with as "persons guilty of harboring deserters from the service."

And this was done at a time when the number of sick and wounded soldiers was increasing, when the Government was engaged in erecting and procuring new hospitals, and at the same time that it accepted in the same city a hospital tendered by other citizens but which, with other disadvantages, required a considerable outlay on the part of the Government to fit the building (a private property), for the purposes of a hospital, and which also left the expenses to be borne by the Government. DUNHAM.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 08, 1863, pages 338-342]

[Description: The Appeal to The People.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1863]

THE APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE.

To medical colleges, societies and associations are entrusted by the people in their legislative capacity, certain special powers, privileges and immunities.

The object which the people have in view in legalizing these colleges, societies and associations is the "advancement of medical science."

It is supposed that this "advancement of medical science" will redound to the general benefit of the community, and that in this benefit the community will receive an equivalent and more than an equivalent for the privileges and immunities which are granted by special legislation to organized professional associations and institutions.

These privileges are granted to associations because, although it is well known that power in the hands of a corporation may be much more efficiently and unscrupulously wielded if the animus be evil, than power in the hands of an individual, yet the fact is recognized that much more can be accomplished for the advancement of science by associated effort than by individual labor.

It is, therefore, with a direct view to the ultimate benefit of the people at large, that the people, in their legislative capacity, incorporate medical colleges and associations and academies of medicine. And it is not at all with a view to the emolument or aggrandizement of the individuals or incorporations so privileged or endowed.

Now, whenever, these corporations, or individual members thereof, suffer themselves to act in such a way as to compromise the interests of science or as to impede its advancement, in so doing they violate the spirit of their charter.

For this violation they may with propriety be called to account before the body by which their charter was granted.

In order that the impeachment may be brought to the cognizance of the people in legislature, it must be stated to the people at large.

"We charge against the old school medical colleges, societies and associations of this and other countries, with a few honorable exceptions like the royal College of Surgeons of England, that they have diverted their powers and privileges from their lawful use and have hindered instead of helping the advancement of medical science.

To the advancement of medical science a full and free discussion and determination of every question that may be suggested in connection with any of its departments or subdivisions is indispensable.

Especially is this the case when such questions concern the practice of medicine for the cure of diseases, which is the practical end and object of all medical science.

Homoeopathy claims to be the most important improvement ever made in practical medicine. She claims to have reduced the average mortality of disease by at least thirty percent. She claims to have considerably diminished the number of incurable diseases, and to have rendered the course of diseases much less painful and less protracted. She has reduced to a minimum the inconveniences and sufferings connected with medical treatment.

These claims are supported by a formidable array of testimony furnished by thousands of regularly educated practitioners and by statistics of which even her opponents admit the correctness.

If these pretensions of Homoeopathy be well founded, then surely Homoeopathy has the highest claims on the attention of the practitioners of medicine.

It is the bounden duty, and should be the conscientious purpose, of every physician to make such an investigation as the nature of the case requires, and to make it so impartially and so thoroughly as to be able to say in all sincerity and upon his honor that he has qualified himself to judge, in the interests of his patients, between Homoeopathy and that mixture of systems which Homoeopathy claims to supercede.

From the nature of the case such an investigation must be experimental in its character.

But, experiments in the case of human maladies are rather serious matters, and the novice would naturally incline to observe the methods and to weigh and estimate the successes of an expert before himself experimenting.

In other words an enquirer into the truth of Homoeopathy would naturally, and very properly, prefer to follow, for a while, the practice of an experienced Homoeopathist before beginning to experiment on his own responsibility.

Now there is hardly a medical association or an academy of medicine in this country or in Great Britain which has not its "bottled thunder" all ready to let fly at the head of any member or fellow who should be so undignified as to countenance Homoeopathy to the extent of merely following and observing the treatment of a patient by a Homoeopathist — not to speak of his instituting candid and honest experiments on the subject himself.

Again if a young man, entering upon the study of medicine, propose to himself that after he shall have finished his medical studies and shall have thus qualified himself to judge of the relative merits of Homoeopathy and Allopathy, he will carefully and impartially make a comparative study of the two symptoms side by side — why, if he avow such a purpose — though nothing could seem fairer, nothing more likely to conduce to the advancement of science and the elucidation of the truth — the examining boards of our colleges will reject him however competent he be, on the ground that the avowal of such a purpose is an admission of a leaning towards what they choose to call "Quackery."

We, Homoeopathists, are not alone in condemning this course of action. The people in legislature have given a significant expression of their disapprobation of it. The Bellevue Medical College of New York could not obtain its charter until a clause was inserted forbidding the faculty refusing a diploma to any qualified student because of any preference he may express for any system of medical practice.

To the people, then, who, with a view to their own advantage have incorporated these institutions, we complain that they have placed impediments in the way of the progress of medical science, in that, without investigating as a body, the claims of Homoeopathy, they have used and still use every means to prevent their fellows and students from entering as individuals upon such investigations — that they have cast a stigma upon all who do so — that they visit with the odium of loss of caste all who have insisted on their right to investigate and experiment, and with their anathema of excommunication all who having investigated, have avowed their conviction.

The evidences of this would fill a volume. The following resolution of the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, may suffice, while the letter concerning it from one of the most distinguished of living thinkers will furnish a fitting comment:

"Resolved, That no fellow or licentiate of the Royal College shall pretend or profess to cure disease by the deception called Homoeopathy, or the practice called Mesmerism or by any other form of quackery.

"It is, also hereby ordained that no fellow or licentiate of the college shall consult with, meet, advise, direct or assist any person engaged in such deceptions or practices, or in any system or practice considered derogatory or dishonorable by physicians or surgeons"

These resolutions were brought to the notice of Archbishop Whateley, of Dublin, and drew from him the following admirable letter:

"Dublin, 13th June, 1862.

"My Dear Sir:

"I was well aware of the detestable act of tyranny you refer to. I believe some persons were overawed into taking part in it against their own judgment. I have always protested against such conduct in all departments of life. You may see something to the purpose in my little penny tract on "Trades-Unions" (to be had at Parker's). In fact, the present is one of the Trades-Unions. A man has a right to refuse to work except for such wages, or under such conditions, as he himself chooses to prescribe, but he has no right to compel others to concur with him. If there is any mode of medical treatment which he disapproves of, or any system of education which he thinks objectionable, he will be likely to keep clear of it of his own accord, without any need of compulsion or pledges. Those again who may think differently ought not to be coerced or bullied. Some persons seem to have a notion that there is some connection between persecution and religion, but the truth is, it belongs to human nature. In all departments of life you may meet with narrow-minded bigotry, and uncharitable party spirit. Long before the outbreak of the Reformation the Nominalists and the Realists of the logical School persecuted each other unmercifully — so have Royalists and Republicans done in many countries; and in our own country the Trades-Unions persecute anyone who does not submit to their regulations. In Ireland, if any one takes a farm in contravention of the rules of the agrarian conspirators, he is waylaid and murdered; and if he embraces the Protestant faith, his neighbors all conspire to have no dealings with him. The truth is, the majority of mankind have no real love of liberty, except that they are glad to have it themselves, and to keep it to themselves; but they have neither spirit enough to stand up firmly for their own rights nor sufficient sense of justice to respect the rights of others. They will submit to the domineering of a majority of their own party, and will join with them in domineering over others. In the midst of the disgust and shame which one must feel at such proceedings as you have alluded to, it is some consolation to the advocates of the systems denounced to see that there is something of a testimony borne to them by their adversaries, who dare not trust the cause to the decision of reason and experience, but resort to such expedients as might as easily be employed for a bad cause as a good one.

(Signed) "R. Dublin* [British Journal of Homoeopathy, Vol. XX, pp. 680, 681.]

This resolution of the Royal College of Irish Surgeons recalls to mind the oath of the doctors administered to the novice in Molieres famous satire:

"Juras

Easere in omnibus

Consultationibus

Ancieni aviso

Ant bono

Ant mauvaiso?"

"Juro"

"De non jama is te servire

Do remediis ancunis

Quam de ceux seulement doctae fasultatis

Maladus dut il crevare

Et mori de suo malo?

"Juro!"

Dunham.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 09, 1863, pages 385-390]

[Description: The Appeal to The People II.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1863]

THE APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE.

Medical societies, academies of medicine, if endowed by the State, as they generally are, with special privileges and immunities, are so endowed for the following reasons. They are associations of professional men who avow their determination to devote their time and energies to the investigation and elaboration of questions relating to medical sciences with a view to the improvement of these sciences. By the fact of their organization they pledge themselves to make these investigations in good faith, and with a single eye to the elucidation of Truth. They constitute, then a band of Experts, laboring, with all the power of associated effort, for the good of the community in this particular department of theoretical and practical knowledge. No wonder, then, that the people in their legislative capacity, recognizing the value of such a body of Experts, gladly give them special powers and immunities and clothe their decisions with a very high official and prescriptive authority!

But, admirably as such an organization of Experts is adapted to the investigation of new truths and their introduction into practical medicine, so long as the elucidation of truth and the progress of science are its supreme motives, what would be its power to suppress a new truth and to hinder its application to practical medicine, if so base a desire should ever come to rule the administration of such a body? Obviously its power for evil would be just as great as its power for good so long as its prescriptive and official authority and influence with the community should remain unimpaired.

When, therefore, a medical association has deliberately exerted its official power to the prejudice of scientific progress, the only recourse of the friends of truth and progress lies in an appeal to the people against the authority of the association.

The New York Academy of Medicine is in every respect such an association as we have described. We charge it with having exerted its influence for the suppression and perversion of truth by acts which, however they may affect them in their official position, would have brought indelible disgrace, in their private capacity, on the members engaged in them.

Efforts were made during the last two years by homoeopathic physicians and others to induce legislative action on the subject of the introduction of Homoeopathy into the army and navy.

We, ourselves, disapproved of these efforts, holding that there should be neither legislative prescription nor legislative proscription of any special systems of medical practice in the public service or in civil life; but that the right to practice medicine being confined by legislative enactments to such as should have proved themselves thoroughly versed in all branches of medical science (including the homoeopathic method) the physician should be considered competent, and should be left free to select for each individual case of disease the most appropriate treatment.

As we have stated, however, petitions in favor of Homoeopathy were presented to Congress. The history of the counter-movement is sufficiently well known. We propose to refer only to the action of the New York Academy of Medicine.

Dr. Valentine Mott presented to the Academy the following resolutions which were adopted, Dr. James Anderson being presiding officer, January 29, 1862:

"Whereas petitions have lately been presented to the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, for the employment of Homoeopaths as surgeons in the army; therefore,

"Resolved, That the New York Academy of Medicine deem it their duty in the interest of the army respectfully to protest against the employment of such practitioners for the following reasons:

"1st. That the practice wherever subjected to accurate observation has failed to establish itself in any hospital.

"2d. That in the countries where it originated and attained its fullest degrees of development, it has not been introduced into the army or navy.

"3d. That it is no more worthy of such introduction than other kindred methods of practice as closely allied to quackery.

"4th. That such appointments would dissatisfy and dishearten the medical staff of the army who understand the true nature of Homoeopathy, and who have entered the service of their country with confidence that the Government would strive to elevate the standard and promote the efficiency of the medical staff, results surely to be defeated by the appointment of Homoeopaths. "American Med. Times, Vol. IV., 71.

Resolutions three and four obviously derive all their weight from the assumption of the truth of resolutions one and two, and chiefly of resolution one, viz.: that," wherever subjected to accurate observation, Homoeopathy has failed to establish itself in any hospital." If this were true it would determine the whole question against Homoeopathy.

In fact, however, it is as positively false as any statement could possibly be, and so notoriously false, that we cannot conceive how a man of Dr. Valentine Mott's reputation could suffer himself to utter it. Indeed, giving an equitable interpretation to words we may affirm the converse to be true and say that, wherever subjected to accurate observation, Homoeopathy has never failed to establish itself in every hospital where it has been honestly tested by an Expert with a view to its establishment in case of its success.

Evidence on this subject is afforded in abundance by allopathic authors.

In 1832 the Sisters of Charity in Gumpendorf, a suburb of Vienna, opened a hospital in their convent. All Austrian hospitals, and this among them, are under the strict supervision of the Government At this time a stringent law of the Empire prohibited the practice of Homoeopathy in Austria. Notwithstanding this law, Dr. Mayerhofer, physisician to the above-named hospital, made secret experiments with homoeopathic remedies, and especially during the first epidemic of cholera. When cholera appeared again in 1836, Dr. Marenzeller, who had succeeded Mayerhofer, applied to the Government for permission to receive cholera patients in Gumpendorf hospital and treat them homoeopathically — detailing the success of previous (secret) experiments. Permission was granted and two allopathic physicians were detailed to supervise and report upon the treatment; and it was promised that if the report were favorable permission would be given to continue the hospital as a homoeopathic hospital. Dr. Wilde, of Dublin, the distinguished occulist and aurist, author of a work on "Aural Surgery," says in his "Austria, its Literary, Scientific and Medical Institutions, etc., Dublin," 1843: "Upon comparing the report made of the treatment of cholera in the homoeopathic hospital in Vienna with that of other hospitals at the same time, it appeared that while two-thirds of those treated homoeopathically were cured, two-thirds of those treated in the other (hospitals died. This extraordinary result led Count Kolowrat, Minister of the Interior, to repeal the law relative to the practice of Homoeopathy."

The edict of the Emperor Ferdinand is in the following words: "I annul the ordinance of my father of 1819 and 1825 for the abolition of Homoeopathy, the practice of which is from this time forth permitted."

Dr. Fleischman succeeded Marenzeller in the administration of this hospital, in which, after being subjected to "accurate observation" by no less a person than Knolz, the protomedicus of Austria, and two professors of the Josephinum Military Medical Academy, Homoeopathy did "establish itself" (the New York Academy of Medicine to the contrary notwithstanding).

Dr. Wilde, in the work from which we have already quoted, says, in 1843, "Whatever the opponents of this system may put forward against it, I am bound to say, and I am far from being a homoeopathic practitioner, that the cases I saw treated by it, in the Vienna hospital (Dr. Fleischman's) were fully as acute and virulent as those which came under my observation elsewhere, and the statistics show that the mortality is much, less than in the other hospitals of that city."

This shows that Homoeopathy, which had "established itself in this hospital" in 1836, after "accurate observation" maintained its position in 1843.

Even Dr. Mott must have read Dr. Forbes famous essay on "Homoeopathy, Allopathy and Young Physic," in the B. and F. Medical Review, 1846. Certainly the members of the New York Academy of medicine ought to be familiar with it.

In this essay Dr. Forbes says, "Numerous hospitals and dispensaries for the treatment of the poor on the new system have been established, many of which publish reports blasoning its successes, not merely in warm phrases but in the hard words and harder figures of statistical tables. A physician (not a Homoeopath) who attended Dr. Fleischmann's wards for three months * * watched the course of several cases of pneumonia and traced their progress by physical signs through the different stages of congestion, hepatization and resolution up to perfect cure, within a period of time which would have appeared short under the most energetic treatment of Allopathy."

We have, here, the testimony of Dr. Forbes that Homoeopathy had maintained up to 1846, a period of ten years, a vigorous existence in this hospital, in which, after "accurate (unfriendly) observation, she established herself" in 1836.

The writer attended Dr. Fleischmann's visitations in 1851 and again in 1856. Regular reports submitted to the promedicus and then published in the official medical journal attest the fact that the hospital is still in active operation under the care of Dr. Fleischmann, who was last year decorated by the Emperor for his distinguished contributions to medical science. Thus for twenty-eight years has Homoeopathy been practiced in this hospital to which it was admitted only on proof of its superior excellence afforded by actual experiments and testified to by its opponents.

This gives the lie direct to resolution number one of the New York Academy of Medicine.

In 1849 the Sisters of Charity in the Leopoldstadt, another suburb of Vienna, opened a hospital in their convent. It came of course under the supervision of the Government, as all Austrian hospitals do. The practice of Homoeopathy being permitted throughout the Empire, this hospital was at once placed under the care of Dr. Wurmb, who continues to preside over it. The writer attended his cliniques in 1851 and 1856. His treatment is subject to Government supervision and his reports are duly rendered to the protomedicus. Homoeopathy having established itself here in 1849, and being constantly under "acurate observation," still maintains herself in 1863, a period of fourteen years.

This is again the lie direct to the resolution number one of the New York Academy of Medicine.

In 1857 a hospital was opened in Sechshaus, another suburb of Vienna, and placed under the charge of Dr. J. O. Muller, a homoeopathic practitioner. Here, as in the other instance, Homoeopathy, established in 1857, and constantly "under accurate observation," liable at any moment to be ejected so soon as her opponents can convict her, even before an allopathic tribunal, of any malpractice, whether positive or negative, still maintains herself in 1863.

This is a third lie direct to resolution number one of the New York Academy of Medicine.

This may suffice for the present. We shall soon take occasion to refer in detail to the History of Homoeopathy in other hospitals, and to its relation to the Army and Navy of Germany and France, as alluded to in resolution number two of the New York Academy of Medicine.

Dunham.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 10, 1863, pages 434-439]

[Description: The Appeal to The People 03.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1863]

THE BASIS OF TREATMENT. [Read before the Hom. Med. Society of Oneida county, N. Y., June 21st, 1864.]

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEW YORK.

Hahnemann throughout his works takes every opportunity to urge the insufficiency of a pathological theory of the nature of a disease as the basis of the treatment. He everywhere urges that the only sure indication for every case is to be found in the totality of the symptoms which the case presents. One would think that nothing could be more clear and convincing than his arguments on this subject.

His opponents declared that his method ignored medical science, left no scope for pathology and diagnosis, and reduced therapeutics to a degrading mechanical comparison of symptoms. Very many Homoeopathists have so far deviated from Hahnemann's method as to endeavor to blend, with the use of his doses and remedies, an application of pathology as a basis of treatment. This endeavor can never be successful, inasmuch as the function of pathology is to furnish, not an indication for medical treatment, but simply a means of elucidating and collating the symptoms. The result has been a sad falling off from the standard of success in practice which was established by Hahnemann and his pupils. The points at issue are illustrated by the following case:

Willie M., four years old, was brought to me December 3, 1863. He had been healthy since February, 1863, when he is reported to have had a long attack of gastric fever, from which he finally recovered with the affection about to be described. This was a dyspnea and wheezing, distinctly perceptible at all times when the child was awake, and which, on making any exertion, were very much aggravated, and resulted in an attack of convulsive cough with difficult inhalation, the whole paroxysm resembling precisely what is described as Millar's asthma or Laryngismus stridulus. It was remarked that the child seemed to be free from dyspnea when sleeping soundly, but at no other time. On waking in the morning he had always a hard fit of coughing, during which he sometimes raised a little tenacious mucus. His appetite was good, though somewhat capricious. He was considerably emaciated; his spirits were good, and he often attempted to join in the sports of other children, but was obliged soon to desist, because of the dyspnea and cough which every physical exertion caused and which greatly fatigued him. On percussion and auscultation the lungs were found resonant; the respiratory murmur was, of course, masked by the loud wheezing.

The child had been taken, in September, to Prof. A. Clark, of New York, who, after careful and repeated examinations, had given a written diagnosis — "Chronic Laryngismus." — He gave a very unfavorable prognosis and the advice to avoid all medication, save only a dose of some antispasmodic during the violent attacks of dyspnea. This advice had not been followed. The child had been, throughout his illness, under what I regard as very skillful homoeopathic treatment. I had once seen him in consultation, but had not been able to suggest anything that proved of service to him.

When now placed under my sole care, I well knew that the child had already taken, without benefit, every remedy which has symptoms at all resembling Millar's asthma or any spasmodic affection of the respiratory organs. And it was also evident, on even a cursory examination, that no one of these remedies was clearly indicated by the symptoms of the case.

I therefore resolved to follow, as implicitly as I could, the advice given by Hahnemann for the examination of the patient and the selection of the remedy. Dismissing from my mind, then, every notion concerning the scat and probable pathological nature of the disease, I examined the patient and made the following record of the symptoms which he presented.

1. Child emaciated, flesh soft, skin inclined to be yellow (naturally fair – a blond) and dry.

2. Appetite very good; always calls for food as soon as a coughing fit begins in the morning or forenoon.

3. The right hypochondrium hard, distended, tender to the touch, painful on exertion and when he coughs. The right shoulder is elevated and the spinal column laterally curved; dullness on percussion on the right side, extending three fingers breadth below the margin of the ribs.

4. Distension of the epigastrium which is tympanitic on percussion, and tender to the touch.

5. Much rumbling of flatus in the abdomen

6. Frequent ineffectual desire for stool; stool scanty and dry, occurring once daily or once in two days.

7. Cough dry; sometimes in the morning a very little tenacious sputa; always a coughing fit in the morning on waking; he has to sit up to cough; cough excited by eating and drinking, by rapid motion, by exertion, by crying or talking. The cough hurts his right side.

8. Constant wheezing and dyspnea aggravated by exertion and by lying down, relieved during sleep.

The tender age of the patient rendered it impossible to obtain many subjective symptoms, such as usually facilitate the individualization of cases, and the determination of the appropriate remedy.

Before proceeding further in the narration of the case, I desire to say a word upon its pathology. The symptoms are before us: what shall our diagnosis be? Is the case one of spasmodic laryngeal disease, complicated by certain gastroenteric and hepatic affections? Or, is it a chronic hepatitis, complicated by laryngismnus? Which affection is primary, and which secondary? What relation do the groups or symptoms bear to each other? Prof. Clarke seem to have adopted the former view, regarding the gastro-hepatic troubles as secondary, if indeed he paid any attention, whatever to this complication. The homoeopathic physicians who preceded me probably adopted the same view and based their treatment upon it. Now if in so doing they had happened to take a correct pathological view, the result might have been favorable; or if they had adopted and acted upon the second hypothesis, and this had chanced to be the correct view, the result might have been favorable.

But is it not obvious to every candid mind, that, in either case, success in the treatment based upon a pathological consideration of the case must depend on the correctness of the pathological hypothesis – a matter in which certainty can never be attained.

On the other hand, if we throw aside, as irrelevant, the entire series of questions as to which is the primary disease and which the secondary – which the original malady and which the complication – if we say to ourselves. "Here is a sick child; let us examine and record those points in which he differs from a healthy child," we get the series of symptoms above recited, which are facts, indisputable, unmistakable, the result of pure observation. If now, without hypothesis or speculation, we seek to find and do find a remedy which presents a series of symptoms corresponding closely to those of the patient, experience justifies us in believing that we shall have reached the utmost possible certainty of correctly selecting the remedy.

Comparing the symptoms with the Materia Medica, we perceive at once that the remedies whose names are usually associated with Millar's Asthma, Laryngismus, etc., viz.: Sambucus, Spongia, Cina, Lachesis, Hepar, Stann, Chlorine, etc., etc., do not cover the case, having but little correspondence with groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Nux Vomica, on the other hand, covers these groups very well, as will be seen by comparing Materia Medica. In addition, it has violent paroxysms of cough in the morning very early (676 and 677), excited by motion and exertion 670, 671, 672), producing pain in the epigastric zone (689), and accompanied by a desire to eat (my own observation). It has also a well-marked dyspnea.

The correspondence was so close that I had no hesitation in giving Nux vomica.

Dec. 9, four powders of the 200th were given, one to be taken every night, and the patient to report in ten days.

Dec. 21, the report was brought to me, that the child had no more wheezing nor dyspnea; had been free from cough for five days, can play long and vigorously without inconvenience, is regular in his bowels, complains no longer of pain or tenderness in the hypochondrium – in fact seems to be perfectly well.

He deranged the digestion by eating candy at Christmas, and had a slight return of pain in the hypochondrium, which a dose of Sulphur relieved. He has ever since been entirely free from dyspnea and laryngeal spasm, and is in the enjoyment of robust and perfect health.

If such a mode of practice as this be, as is charged, unscientific – if it ignore the sciences of pathology and diagnosis as bases of treatment – thus much at least may be said in its favor, that it far surpasses every other method in the facilities it affords for the fulfillment of one not unimportant object of the physician-the cure of the patient.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 01, 1864, pages 17-21]

[Description: The Basis of Treatment]

[Remedies: Nux vomica]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1864]

THE DOSE IN DRUG-PROVING.

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEWBURGH, N. Y.

The symptoms which drugs produce upon the healthy organism vary according to the dose. They may be: —

1. CHEMICAL — depending on the chemical affinity which exists between the drug and the tissues of the body, and independant of vitality; or.

2. MECHANICAL (or revolutionary), consisting chiefly in violent efforts on the part of the organism to eject from its cavities the offending substance; or.

3. DYNAMIC, contingent upon vitality and resulting from the relations of the peculiar properties of the drug to the susceptibilities of the living, healthy organism. These dynamic effects may be:

A. Generic — such as are common to all the members of a certain class of drugs and which serve to distinguish this class from others, but do not famish means of distinguishing between different individuals of the same class. For example, Arsenic in certain doses produces vomiting and diarrhea, with cold sweat and cramps of the extremities. These are dynamic effects of Arsenic but they are generic, since other members of the class to which Arsenic belongs, viz.: Cuprum, Veratrum, Tartar emetic, &c, in certain doses, produce identical symptoms; and were these remedies proved in such doses alone, it would be impossible to distinguish the pathogenesis of one of them from that of any of the others.

B. Specific — such as result from the dynamic action of the drug and are peculiar to it. They serve to distinguish a given drug from all others. For example, Arsenic, taken in different doses from those which produce the generic dynamic effects, produces vomiting and diarrhea or tendencies thereto; but these phenomena are accompanied and characterized by conditions quite different from those which accompany the similar symptoms of Cuprum, Veratrum, &, and are thus distinguishable from the effects of these drugs.

The Specific-dynamic symptoms may be again sub-divided into Central and Peripheral.

The Central symptoms appear speedily after the drug is taken, are generally the result of comparatively large doses and, in the case of many drugs, are confined to the alimentary canal and to the organs immediately connected with it.

The Peripheral symptoms appear more tardily, are generally the result of comparatively small doses, taken repeatedly or allowed to act without interruption for a long period, and appear in the bones, skin, glands, &c, and in the co-ordinated phenomena of life. They are often the manifestations of a dyscrasia or cachexy. Doses which produce central symptoms do not generally produce the peripheral (or at least not until after along period has elapsed) and vice versa. For example, Mercury, in certain doses, produces well-marked and characteristic action upon the alimentary canal and its appendages. In smaller doses it produces, instead of these effects, a series of symptoms in the skin, bones, glands, &c. — the Mercurial cachexy. The former are what we mean by central specific dynamic symptoms. The latter are the peripheral symptoms. Arsenic, again, furnishes, according to the dose, examples of all of the above varieties of symptoms. In certain doses it develops chemical and revolutionary effects. In smaller doses, as we have seen, generic dynamic; in still smaller doses, specific dynamic symptoms of the central variety. In yet smaller doses, it produces peripheral specific symptoms, which are those of the so-called "gradual poisoning; as, for instance, in poisoning by exhalations of Arsenic from green wall-paper, in which the phenomena of vomiting and diarrhea or the central specific symptoms do not appear, but, instead of these we have evidence of a distinct cachexy, in the skin and glandular symptoms, marasmus, &c.

Such are the varieties of symptoms produced by corresponding varieties in the dose It is hardly necessary to say that they are not always to be distinguished with precision; but the facility with which we are able to recognise them is in proportion to the completeness of our proving.

It unquestionably behooves the homoeopathic physician to have an exhaustive knowledge of the whole sphere of action of his drugs; but, as a prescriber, he must be familiar with the varieties and sub-varieties of dynamic effects which we have specified. This knowledge is to be attained in the first place only by drug-proving. The proving of drugs must then be so conducted as to produce in the greatest possible completeness and clearness, each of these varieties and sub-varieties. This, as has been shown, is to be accomplished by a skilful selection and succession of doses. It is not so simple and easy a matter as it might at first view appear to be: for.

First: The doses by which the corresponding varieties of symptoms are produced, differ widely in different drugs. For example, a half grain of crude Nitrate of silver or of Sulphuric acid produces chemical symptoms, while a half grain of Lycopodium or of Silicea produces probably no symptom at all. A grain of Arsenic produces generic dynamic symptoms, while ten grains of Natrum muriaticum may be inert. Forty drops of Bryonia tincture may excite a fair show of specific dynamic symptoms, while forty drops of tincture of Opium will produce generic dynamic symptoms or full narcotism.

Secondly: The susceptibility of different provers to the same drug is very different, and the degree of susceptibility which each prover possesses is to be learned only by experiment. For example, one prover will take five hundred drops of Thuja without effect; another, taking twenty drops, experiences violent specific symptoms.

Thirdly: The susceptibility of provers to different preparations of the same drug is very various and apparently capricious. One records characteristic specific symptoms from large doses of the crude drug, and is not affected by smaller doses; another is acted on by dilutions and not by any quantity of the crude substance.

The relative power of a drug and susceptibility of the prover being altogether unknown until ascertained by direct experiment, the proving of a new drug is therefore a matter of pure experiment in every particular, and it might at first view be supposed to be a matter of indifference in what manner or with what doses the experiment is begun; which variety or sub-variety of symptoms is first developed, whether we take heroic doses and develop chemical symptoms or small doses and produce peripheral dynamic symptoms; Since in either case we should be able by subsequent experiments based on the first, to develop the complementary symptoms and thus complete our providing. Experience teachers, however, that this supposition is not sound, and for the following reasons: Drugs vary not more in the intensity than in the permanence speedily to exhaust, sometimes by a single large dose, the susceptibility of the prover, so that no subsequent doses, whether large or small, produce any effect. Of others again, a single large dose develops some one generic or central specific symptom, and along with it includes such an exalted and distorted susceptibility that every subsequent dose, whether large or small, evokes straightway that one symptom or series of symptoms and none other. Thus the proving is in either case partial and incomplete — we fail to get those symptoms which are the most valuable of all to us, as being those which clearly characterize the drug and enable us to distinguish it from all other drugs, viz.: — the peripheral and central, specific dynamic symptoms. To illustrate this point, — it is well known that Mercury given in such doses as to produce central specific symptoms, induces often so great a susceptibility of the organism to the action of this drug, that subsequent doses, even of tolerably high dilutions, provoke straightway a series of central symptoms. The same is true of Arsenic. We have seen a case in which, generic and specific symptoms having once been produced by massive doses of Tartar emetic, the organism remained so sensitive to the action of this substance, that a few globules of the thirtieth dilution would at any time produce vomiting and diarrhea, with cold sweat and prostration. It may be said that these are cases of very unusually great susceptibility to the action of the respective drugs. This is true, but it is precisely such cases of great susceptibility that are of exceeding value to us, for in them, by judicious experimentation we could get most valuable peripheral symptoms, unalloyed by generic or by revolutionary effects.

There is no reason to believe, on the other hand, that small doses, so administered as to produce the peripheral specific symptoms, modify the susceptibility of the prover in any such way as to prevent his obtaining by subsequent larger doses, the central specific, the generic dynamic, or even the chemical and mechanical effects. It follows from what has been said that, to obtain an exhaustive proving of a drug, we should begin with small doses, gradually increasing the quantity until unequivocal symptoms appear. We shall thus, if we continue our experiments a suitable length of time, obtain peripheral symptoms; and these small doses will not have so influenced the system as to prevent our obtaining by subsequent larger doses the other varieties of effects. Inasmuch as, in the nature of things, the peripheral symptoms, representing as they do, a cachexy, cannot be speedily produced, a considerable space of time should be devoted to our first experiments with small doses. Finally, after an interval of non-medication, larger doses should be taken until we have exhausted the whole dynamic action of the drug, and even obtained a fair picture of its chemical and revolutionary action, although this may in a measure be gained from records of poisonings.

But, in this relation, what are the "small doses" with which we are to begin our proving? The term is comparative. Are they drop doses of the tinctures, or are they high dilutions? They are such doses as have, in the proving of some previous drug, shown themselves capable of producing unequivocal symptoms. We must search the records of provings therefore for our standard initial dose. What this is at present we shall soon see: as our experience increases, this standard may from time to time be altered.

It is evident that the method of conducting a proving is a matter of great importance, and should not be left to caprice or accident. The completeness of our Materia Medica and consequently our ability to cure disease, depend upon our selection of a happy method. This important subject has received the attention of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, to which the Central Bureau of Mat. Med. has presented a report on Drug Provings. The majority of the Bureau repeat Hahnemann's directions for proving as contained in the Organon; and as regards the dose, they recommend "the prover who makes use of potencies" to make a trial of the high potencies first, and afterward, if necessary, to take the lower dilutions and triturations, or the crude substance or tincture, if satisfactory results are not obtained with the attenuations.

This recommendation accords with our deductions and corresponds with the spirit of Hahnemann's directions. Hahnemann's instructions differed at different periods of his life. One essential idea, however, pervades them all — a small dose is to be taken at first, and the dose is to be increased until unequivocal symptoms manifest themselves. In the last edition of the Organon he adds, as the result of his extensive observation, "that the most recent experience has taught that medicinal substances, when taken in the crude state, do not for a long time display the full extent of their virtues, as they do when taken in higher developments. Thus any one, even of those medicines whose virtues are considered weakest, is now found to be most advantageously studied if four to six globules of the thirtieth dilution be taken every morning for several days." In this statement, Hahnemann does not contradict the spirit of his former directions, for he adds, "should the effects of such a dose be weak, it may be daily increased." He further adds, "the more moderate the dose, the more are the primitive effects developed, which are the most important to be known." We see nothing in Hahnemann's writings which shows that he ever thought of restricting the dose in proving to the thirtieth dilution, as some have stated; he simply assures us that unless provings with so high a dilution were made, the prover would fail to get all of the symptoms which the drug is capable of evolving.

In the Minority report of the Central Bureau, (Am. Hom. Review, vol. I., p. 575,) Dr. Hempel differs from the majority in so far as the proving with dilutions is concerned. He would propose that "all such provings should be rejected rather than encouraged;" and he "is convinced in his deepest soul, that it is owing to the incorporation of such provings in our Materia Medica that all the confusion and uncertainties with which it is now tainted, are presenting immense and almost insufferable difficulties to the inexperienced student of our science." We trust that it is unnecessary to say that in commenting freely, as we shall do, on Dr. Hempel's report, we are actuated by no unworthy feeling toward our colleague, whose unceasing and very arduous labors in the cause of Homoeopathy command our highest respect, and deserve the grateful recognition of every English and American Homoeopath. We speak of him only because, by his report, he stands forth as the representative of certain opinions, which seem to us unsound and unsupported by the evidence on which they are supposed to rest.

His report may be reduced to the following propositions:

1. Drugs should not be proved with attenuated substances.

2. The middle and higher potencies do not produce reliable symptoms, unless the system has been previously saturated with massive doses of the original drug. Corollary: — the saturation of the system by massive doses of a drug, renders it susceptible to the action of the middle and higher potencies.

3. In exceptional cases a peculiar idiosyncrasy may enable the organism to develop symptoms from the higher potencies; but "it is unreliable to commence the proving with these potencies." The sequence of this conclusion is not very clear. We suppose Dr. Hempel to mean that symptoms developed, where an idiosyncratic susceptibility to drug action exists, are not so reliable as those developed where there is no idiosyncrasy.

It is much to Dr. Hempel's credit that he has not left these propositions to stand in his report as bare unsupported assertions. Recognizing the experimental nature of the question, he has referred for corroboration of his views to the experience of those who have made our provings, and has called to the witness-stand the great body of our drug-provers in the following terms: — "All the splendid provings of the original provers of the Materia Medica, and of the Austrian Provers' Union, of the Povers' Society of Prague, and of any other Prover's Society, whose provings are accepted with universal acclaim and confidence, have been instituted with massive doses of the strongest preparations of the drug; the higher and middle potencies were invariably tried after the former." It this statement were literally correct, if indeed none of these provers ever began their provings with potencies, then they are incompetent witnesses for Dr. Hempel's purpose — they are incapable of testifying as to the action of dilutions when not preceded by massive doses, since, Dr. Hempel says, they never tried them. If this were so, then the second proposition of Dr. Hempel's report would rest unsupported save by the one witness whom, we neglected to say, Dr. Hempel cites, first of all, in these words: — "Dr. Hempel has never been able to elicit any reliable symptoms by means of the middle or higher potencies, unless the organism had been previously saturated with massive doses of the original drug."

On this one point of negative evidence then, this important proposition stands — "Dr. Hempel has never been able," But perhaps others have been able. Perhaps the very witnesses whom Dr. Hempel has called have been more successful than he. We will cross-examine them.

First, then, we call upon the "Original Provers of the Materia Medica" by which we suppose Dr. Hempel means Hahnemann's "Materia Medica Pura" and "Chronische Krankheiten." Of these provers, the "Great Original" was Hahnemann himself. His pupils and friends adhered strictly to his directions and method. What Hahnemann's opinion was as to the propriety of commencing a proving with small doses we have already seen. After thirty-five years experience in drug-proving, he sums up his observations in the advice to begin with the thirtieth dilution. But what was his practice? What doses did he actually take? It has been generally supposed that he did not as a rule record the doses with which his provings were made. Dr. Hempel, however, seems to have had access to some sources of knowledge on the subject that are not open to the general reader, for he tells us without qualification, that "all the splendid provings of the original provers of the Mat. Med. were made with massive doses of the stongest preparations, &c." Those who have not enjoyed these unusual means of information, gather from a few observations, scattered through Hahnemann's writings, the following facts: —

Silver was proved by Hahnemann in the first trituration. The Nitrate of Silver, of which he gives a few symptoms, in the fifteenth dilution. Carbo vegetabilis was proved in the third trituration. In a letter in the Neues Archiv. (1813), he directs' Stapf to prove Helleborus, thus, "Add a drop of the tincture to eight ounces of water and one drachm of alcohol; shake well, and take an ounce every hour and a half or two hours until some decided effects are produced." And camphor, thus; "Dissolve two grains in a drachm of alcohol; shake this well with eight ounces of water, and take in from four to six doses during the day."

In the first publication of the proving of Natrum muriaticum (1830), Hahnemann tells us that a great part at least of this proving was made with the thirtieth dilution, and he adds, that "it is only in such a highly potentized form, that this and all other drugs display the whole of their power to alter the condition of the organism." This was Hahnemann's conclusion after thirty years of active experience in drug-proving. As a voucher he gives us the proving of Nat. mur., the value of which is attested by the clinical experience of the last thirty years and confirmed as we shall see by the Austrian reproving. In the same volume of the Chronische Krankheiten, Hahnemann published the proving of Kali, carb., and large additions to the previously published provings of Carbo. veg., Caust., Conium and Sulphur. It is but reasonable to conclude that the symptoms of Kali carb., and many at least of those of the other drugs above-named, were produced by the thirtieth dilution as well as those of Nat. mur.

In view of these facts, it is hardly correct to say, as Dr. Hempel does, that "all the provings of the original provers of our Materia Medica were made with massive doses of the strongest preparations, &c."

Second, we call upon the Austrian Provers' Union. This society conducted in the years 1842 to 1848, a series of re-provings of certain of the drugs proved by Hahnemann, in the hope of discovering the pathological connections of the symptoms which in Hahnemann's scheme are disconnected. Conceiving also that some of Hahnemann's symptoms were vague, because produced as they supposed by small doses, they pushed their provings with massive doses, in many cases to extreme poisoning. With these views we could hardly expect from them much testimony, either positive or negative on the subject of proving with potencies; but, in that which they do furnish, we should expect them to be unfavorable witnesses for our views, since their proclivities are almost uniformly against the use of potencies in proving or in therapeutics. Dr. Hempel says," all these splendid provings, &c., were instituted with massive doses; the middle and higher potencies were invariably tried offer the former."Let us exmine the records.

In the proving of Aconite, sixteen provers made in all thirty-seven experiments. Six of these were made with dilutions from the first to the twelfth centesimal, and symptoms were observed in all but one. In five of these cases, large doses of the tincture had been taken before the dilution. In one case the prover began with the first centesimal dilution and got symptoms.

In the proving of Bryonia, fourteen provers made twenty-nine experiments, of which ten were with dilutions from the first decimal to the 203rd. In two of these, the provers began with the dilutions, viz: — with the tenth and the thirtieth and got in one case very graphic symptoms, in the other, symptoms unequivocal though less numerous. In the cases in which dilutions were used after massive doses of the tincture had been taken, considerable intervals were allowed to elapse after the last Symptoms from the tincture-proving disappeared before the dilutions were taken; e.g., forty-one days before the 203rd dilution was taken, and yet this dilution appears to have produced decided symptoms. It is true that the propriety of ascribing these symptoms to the Bryonia is called in question by the Editor of the Austrian Journal, but with scarcely sufficient grounds since a subsequent proving with the 203rd dilution evoked them again. Here, then, in the only two cases in which dilutions were taken before the tincture, symptoms were obtained, (while in one case in which they were taken after the tincture, no symptoms were observed, which shows that the corollary to proposition No. 2 is at least not universally true).

In the proving of Silver we find that the drug was taken by one prover each in the first, second, and third triturations, and in the fourth, fifth, and sixth dilutions, and valuable symptoms were obtained by each. The Editor calls attention to the great correspondence between these symptoms and those of Hahnemann obtained, as we know, from the first trituration.

In the proving of Nitrate of silver, the Editor remarks: — "Between the experiments a sufficient time elapsed to ensure against the effects of one experiment being complicated by those of a preceding one, two years being consumed in the proving." The proving was begun with the first decimal trituration, and subsequently in succession the second, sixth, and thirtieth dilutions were used. The effect of each dose was allowed to expend itself before a new experiment was instituted; symptoms clear and characteristic, and covering a period of six to nine days, were obtained from a single dose of the thirtieth dilution. Here, it is true, the dilutions were preceded by low triturations, yet the Austrian provers were of opinion that in these cases the lower preparations did not influence the susceptibility of system to the higher potencies.

In proving Kali bichromicum, in only two cases was a dilution higher than the third employed. In both of these the twelfth was used and symptoms were obtained. In one, that of Dr. Wachtl, the symptoms from a single dose give a complete picture of the subjective and objective effects of this drug in the pharynx and neighboring organs. In neither of these cases had the drug been previously taken in massive doses.

In the proving of Colocynth, fifteen provers made twentyfive experiments. Ten were made with dilutions, and in nine, symptoms were obtained. In three of these, the third dilution was used and no other preparation of Colocynth had previously been taken.

In proving Thuja, twenty-three provers made fifty-nine experiments. Seventeen were made with dilutions and in thirteen, unequivocal symptoms followed. Nine began their provings with dilutions and got symptoms. Four began their provings with dilutions and got no symptoms. But, on the other hand, seven conducted their provings with massive doses of the tincture without obtaining any unequivocal symptoms. It is evident then that negative testimony on this subject is of little value.

In proving Cochineal, four provers began their experiments with the hundredth dilution, one with the sixtieth and one with the thirtieth dilution, and all got valuable symptoms. One prover, on the other hand, began with the 200th dilution and gradually descended getting no symptoms until he took massive doses.

In the proving of Natrum muriaticum, thirty-nine provers took part. Fourteen began with dilutions varying from the sixth to thirtieth — the majority beginning with the thirtieth — twelve obtained symptoms of which some are of great value, lasting and recurring for many days after the last dose. Thus, in twelve cases out of thirty-nine, dilutions were taken before "the system was saturated with massive doses of the strongest preparations, &c," instead of dilutions being "invariably tried after" such massive doses.

We may remark that in every case in which we ascribed symptoms to the dilutions, except the case of the 203rd of Bryonia, they have been so admitted by the Austrian provers themselves.

In conclusion, we may observe that with Nat. mur. the record of the Austrian provings closes. In his concluding remarks on that drug, Dr. Watzke uses the following language: "I am — alas! — I say, alas! for I would much rather have upheld the larger doses which accord with current views — I am compelled to declare myself for the higher dilutions. The physiological experiments made with Nat. mur., as well as the great majority of the clinical results attained therewith, speak decisively and distinctly for these preparations. Several of our most cautious provers have obtained unquestionable characteristic Nat. mur. symptoms from them." It is remarkable that as Hahnemann was evidently led by experience to recommend that in drug-provings, dilutions should be used as well as crude preparations, in like manner, the Austrian prover should, as the result of his experience, express himself as above. Watzke further remarks, (Oest. Zeitschrift, vol. iii., p. 64, note) — "I am very far from regarding a stormy method of proving as the only proper and useful one, and I recognize the conditions of an all-sided knowledge of the remedy, in the free, unrestrained method we have adopted; experiments being made with large, small, and smallest doses according to the disposition, judgment and good pleasure of the prover." And again, in reply to a critic, "My friend says, 'I have proved all my remedies in strong and some in the strongest doses; with many I have also made provings with the higher, even with the thirtieth dilution' — Have I then done otherwise?"

In a recent number of the Allg. Zeitung, it is stated that a member of the Old Aust. Provers' Union has begun to prove Quassia amara with the thirtieth dilution, and has obtained valuable symptoms. Experto crede.

In view of these facts, we think Dr. Hempel is hardly correct in stating that "all the provings of the Austrian Provers' Union were made with massive doses, &c.; the middle and higher potencies being invariably tried after the massive doses."

The records of the Austrian Union, not only prove that dilutions may evoke trust-worthy symptoms in a majority of the cases in which they are employed, but they also give us the means of forming a judgment on the propositions which form the substance of Dr. Hempel's report.

1. "Drugs should not be proved with attenuations." — Now, since it has been shown that attenuations produce reliable and valuable symptoms, we submit that they should be used and for these reasons.

(a.) Because attenuations have produced symptoms which have not also been produced by massive doses, and which have been confirmed by clinical experience. In the proving of Nat. mur., the only distinct picture of periodic fever was induced in Dr. Wurmb while proving the thirtieth and twenty-fifth dilutions. Dr. Schreter, proving the thirtieth, got symptoms which no prover with massive doses presents. In the proving of Thuja, certain symptoms affecting the vision were produced in Dr. Huber by the sixtieth dilution, and in Prof. Zlatarovich by the twelfth which no other provers have recorded. In the proving of Colocynth, the third dilution produced symptoms not recorded by any prover who took massive doses, and yet corrobated by a second prover with the third.

(b.) Because some provers are susceptible to the action of dilutions or small doses, and not to that of massive doses of the crude substance. For instance, Dr. Wurmb got decided and persistent symptoms from dilutions (thirtieth to sixth) of Nat. mur. From lower dilutions and from the crude substance, even in half ounce doses and repeated frequently, he got no symptoms. Was this because his system was saturated? We think not; for on recurring to the dilutions, he again got symptoms as at first. Now, had the provings been confined to the crude substance, we should not have Dr. Wurmb's proving of Nat. mur. the most complete and reliable single experiment that we possess — and which we could hardly consent to give up, notwithstanding Dr. Hempel's opinion, that "potency-provings should rather be rejected than encouraged." The same thing is observed in the provings of Aconite, Thuja and Colocynth.

2. "Potencies do not produce reliable symptoms unless the system has been previously saturated with massive doses of the crude substance; and, Corollary, massive doses render the system susceptible to the action of smaller quantities."

We have shown that in repeated instances, symptoms which Hahnemann and the Austrian provers regarded as "reliable" have resulted from potencies not preceded by massive doses — symptoms confirmed by other provings and by clinical experience. On what grounds does Dr. Hempel question their reliability?

Again, we have no conclusive evidence that massive doses, as a rule, render the system more sensitive to small doses. In some cases they appear to do so. In others they have the opposite effect. In the records, we find the utmost variety as regards the susceptibility of provers to various doses. Some, like Dr, Wurmb, are susceptible to dilutions alone of a given drug, others to massive doses alone. Many obtain symptoms at first from comparatively small doses of the crude substance, but find it necessary to steadily increase the dose until finally, after taking in some cases several hundred drops or grains, they get no symptoms at all from any preparation. This looks like a blunting of the susceptibility rather than an exaltation. We are not always justified in assuming that, where dilutions were taken after massive doses, the symptoms were due to the massive doses and not to the dilutions. In the majority of these cases a sufficient period elapsed between the experiments to prevent all possibility of the one complicating the other. In a few cases, no such period elapsed, and in these it may be that the symptoms ascribed to the dilutions were really due to the previous massive doses, yet even in these cases we cannot be certain of this; for in one of them, that of Prof. Zlatarovich, who after taking in the aggregate several thousand drops of the Thuja-tincture, changed without delay to the twelfth dilution, a symptom was observed which had not occurred to him or to any one else while proving the tincture, but only to Huber while taking the sixtieth.

In conclusion, we see in the Austrian records more reason to suppose that massive doses, as a rule, blunt than that they exalt the susceptibility, although in some cases they unquestionably have the latter effect. As these cases cannot be recognized in advance, it is clear that in the case of an individual drug or prover, nothing positive on this head can be assumed as a basis on which to plan a proving.

3. It is said that "idiosyncrasy" determines the action of potencies, and that provings having this origin are not reliable.

The word "idiosyncrasy" is used in two senses. Properly, it signifies an abnormal sensibility to drug action; or such a relation to a special drug as that the drug produces in the prover symptoms that occur to no other prover, and which bear no analogy at all to the symptoms which others experience. Such symptoms as these must always be regarded as suspicious until verified by clinical experience. Such an idiosyncrasy is exemplified by persons who have "Hay Asthma," "Rose Catarrh," &c.

But, as most frequently employed, the word "idiosyncrasy" is synonymous with "susceptibility" implying an unusually acute, but not abnormal, sensibility to the action of the drug, and a prover who shows a marked susceptibility to the action of a drug is said to have an idiosyncrasy which favors its action. This susceptibility is similar to that which individuals exhibit for natural diseases — some being prone to one kind of disease, others to another, just as one prover is especially susceptible to Thuja, another to Aconite. Now, what pathologist would think of objecting to a case of Pneumonia that it was not a reliable picture of the disease, because it could be shown that the patient had a great susceptibility to the disease, and took it on the slightest provocation? A certain susceptibility to the action of a drug is absolutely necessary to a good proving. Hahnemann speaks of it in his Organon as a necessary condition. What the Austrian provers think on the subject may be gathered from the following remarks of Watzke: — Dr. Wurmb proved Thuja live times; four times in massive doses and once in dilutions. Result very meagre. Dr. Watzke says, "We may observe that the proving of a drug is not so easy an affair as it seems to be. The individuality of the prover as well as of the drug plays here so important a part, that a successful proving is often an entirely accidental piece of good fortune of the susceptible prover, while the boldest, but unsusceptible prover, with the best good-will and the greatest devotion may obtain only a scanty and one-sided result."

This susceptibility may be to the drug in general or to particular preparations of it. Wurmb was acted on only by dilutions of Nat. mur. Watzke only by immense doses of the crude substance. Watzke was sensitive to very small doses doses of Thuja, while Wurmb and Reisinger were almost insensible to every preparation of it. Obviously then, a prover's susceptibility varies with the drug and with the preparations, and can be learned only by experiment with all preparations.

From the general tenor of Dr. Hempel's report, one might infer that while the middle and higher potencies produce symptoms only in very exceptional cases, massive doses of the strongest preparations act always. The records of the Austrian provings hardly warrant such an assumption. Of the thirty-one experiments made with tincture of Aconite, six were not followed by any trust-worthy symptoms. Of the thirty-six made with large doses of tincture of Thuja, seven were without result. Of fourteen made with large doses of crude Colocynth, one was without result. Of the fifteen provers of Bryonia, one at least took very large doses of the tincture without observing any symptoms. Several who took large doses of crude Nat. mur. were insensible to its action. It is obvious then, that the development of symptoms is not of necessity copious and satisfactory in the ratio of the dose. The Austrian records abound in editorial remarks, intimating that provers have defeated their object by taking too large doses, and by repeating the dose too frequently.

We have seen, then, that potency-provings may be trustworthy and that they are indispensable to a complete and exhaustive proving. It is to be observed that even the few Austrian potency-provings which we have, were not, generally, conducted in such a way as to demonstrate the full value of such experiments. In very many cases, only a few days were allowed for the development of symptoms before a larger dose was taken. In the few cases in which a different course was pursued, as in Wurmb's proving of Nat. mur., clear and persistent and most valuable series of symptoms were obtained.

In order to obtain a perfect proving, the prover should ever bear in mind certain fallacies to which he is liable. These fallacies differ according to the dose which he is employing; they are equal for either extreme of dose. If he use the higher dilutions, he is in great danger of confounding "imaginary" symptoms with real subjective drug symptoms. If he employ massive doses, he is in equal danger of including in his record chemical and mechanical symptoms. Either error is a source of confusion and uncertainty, but he is greatly mistaken who thinks to avoid introducing confusion and uncertainty into the Materia Medica by simply rejecting potency provings. They can be avoided only by the constant analysis of the symptoms (whether produced with potencies or with large doses), by frequent repetitions of the provings on oneself and others, and by clinical verifications of the symptoms. The Austrian records give an example of the latter fallacy. The symptoms are so intermingled with chemical and revolutionary effects, that one cannot use too great caution in basing a prescription upon them.

In conclusion, we may assume the following points to be established by induction and by direct experience: —

In order to obtain an exhaustive proving;

1. We must prove the drug both in dilutions and in massive doses.

2. The proving should be commenced with dilutions; and high dilutions should be employed until satisfactory evidence is obtained that the prover is not susceptible to their action. We thus obtain one of the unknown quantities of our problem, viz., — the measure of the susceptibility of the prover.

3. Where a keen susceptibility is found to exist, the greatest care must be exercised to avoid blunting or perverting it. With this view, repeated experiments should be made at long intervals, with high potencies, until no new varieties of symptoms are evoked. Then, after a long period of non-medication, the prover should take lower potencies and then small doses of the crude substance repeated at intervals, and finally after another long period of repose, large doses of crude substance. A thorough proving, after this fashion, may require years for its completion — but it will have an advantage over most of our recent provings, in the fact that it will be thorough, and that it will be of permanent and certain use to the practitioner.

4. In proving with dilutions, as well as with massive doses, a long period of time should be occupied in testing each preparation, in order that the full effect may be seen in the production of dyscrasias, &c.

5. The greatest care should be exercised in verifying symptoms by repeated experiments, in order that "imaginary" symptoms on the one hand and chemical and mechanical symptoms on the other may be excluded. The fashion, which has become very prevalent of late, of including in the pathogenesis every sensation, which occurs during the proving, without distinction or verification — and which may be called the Pre-Raphaelite method of proving — cannot be too strongly rebuked.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 07, 1860, pages 289-308]

[Description: The Dose in Drug-proving.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1860]

THE QUESTION OF THE DOSE.

REMARKS BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEW YORK.

In a report to the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the state of New York, on the "Use of High Potencies in the Treatment of the Sick," published in the November, December and January numbers of this Review, current volume, I stated, page 303, "that I have noted only one case in which a high potency acted but inefficiently, while a lower gave prompt and complete relief;" and, again, "that a general law for the a priori selection of the potency suitable for a concrete case, if such a law be possible, is yet to be discovered;" and, again, "this fact that a low potency succeeded where a higher had failed, together with similar facts reported by other practitioners, must have a bearing upon general conclusions."

The question of the dose is manifestly an open one. Experience must be accumulated before we can hope to discover a law for our guidance on the subject. Every fact bearing on the question should have our candid and careful study.

In the report alluded to, a portion of the evidence in favor of the high potencies was detailed. The following cases present evidence on the other side and deserve particular attention. They are published by Dr. Arnold of Heidelberg in the Homoeopathische Vierteljahrschrift, January, 1864, together with some very fair and ingenuous remarks by Dr. Arnold, who, it may be remarked, is in the habit of using only the lowest potencies or massive doses.

Psoriasis Guttata cured by Arsenic. — The power of the preparations of Arsenic to cure psoriasis is so well known that I should not publish this case, were it not that it furnishes, in addition, a striking evidence of the fact, that even in chronic diseases we are often obliged to give strong doses even of the very heroic remedies if we would accomplish cure.

A lady, eighteen years old, whose childhood had been healthy and who had never had any sickness worth naming, who felt perfectly strong and well, and had a blooming appearance, and in whom no predisposing cause for any skin disease could be discovered, observed several years ago, on certain parts of the body, isolated, red, somewhat elevated spots, on the surface of which small scales were visible. Inasmuch, however, as she felt well and the spots had spared the face and neck, she did not think it necessary to seek medical advice. Gradually the spots became more numerous, their dimensions also increased and although the patient had no other complaint, she was yet induced to seek the advice of a physician on account of the itching which was often troublesome, especially at night.

Purgatives and the so-called blood-purifying tea (species lignorum) had no result. In the spring of 1861 she came to me. The eruption was over the whole skin with the exception of the face and hands; the spots were large and confluent. I gave her at first one grain daily of the sixth decimal trituration of Arsenic. But as no change had occurred in fourteen days, I changed to the fourth decimal trituration of which a grain was taken every forenoon. In fourteen days I found a slight improvement, in that certain spots seemed to be less red and did not itch so much at night. I now intermitted the use of Arsenic for three weeks, and after this period found again the old evil condition. One grain of the third decimal trituration of Arsenic, which was now given daily for fourteen days, wrought a more striking improvement, as well in relation to the development and size of the spots, which were much less, as also in respect to the itching at night which had almost altogether ceased.' But inasmuch as, after a pause of fourteen days, this improvement had again partly disappeared, I felt myself obliged to resort to a still stronger dose of the remedy in order not to put the patience of my client to too severe a test. She now received, once every day, two grains of the second decimal trituration, that is one-fiftieth of a grain of Arsenions acid. The action of this dose resulted after two weeks in a very striking improvement, which moreover maintained itself during a suspension of the remedy for the next two weeks. I therefore allowed the patient to continue the remedy for two weeks longer, taking daily a two grain dose of the second decimal dilution. The cure was complete and permanent; for a half year afterwards I had an opportunity of seeing the lady, and was assured that the recovery had been lasting.

On the subject of the homoeopathic relation of Arsenic to psoriasis, scarcely any physician who is familiar with the effects of this remedy can entertain a doubt. I must confess too that I have often seen a cure result from the use of the sixth, but still more from the fourth decimal trituration of this drug. Even in the case just related, the amelioration might have proceeded to an enduring cure if the use of the fourth trituration had been continued for a longer time. But inasmuch as the patient had borne the Arsenic very well and not a single symptom of its pathogenetic action had been apparent, even after a daily dose of two grains of the second trituration, there was no reason for losing time in the use of small doses. In any case, this is a new evidence that in chronic diseases even very heroic remedies must sometimes be given in very large doses.

Natal Polypus cured by Calcarea. — A lady, aged fifty-five, of respectable position in society, pale, of delicate constitution, small and rachitic from childhood but never seriously ill, perceived, several years ago, in the right nostril an impediment to respiration. An examination by a physician readily disclosed the presence of a mucous polypus. Various remedies were administered during a long period without perceptible effect. Neither Mercurius dulcis., used as a snuff, nor Corrosive sublimate in solution, to be inhaled, had a noteworthy or enduring effect. The patient thought the slight changes noticed were rather to be ascribed to the weather, and especially to the dryness or moisture of the atmosphere than to the remedies used.

Under these circumstances, the operation being proposed, I was asked whether a cure was possible without operative procedures. I declared that a cure by means of internal remedies not only might succeed, but that it would have a much more enduring result than the mechanical removal of the growth could have; and furthermore, that an operation in case it should prove necessary after an internal treatment, would be more certain and more lasting in its result, than one without the previous use of corresponding remedies.

Having seen from Calcarea carbonica in several similar cases a very striking and unmistakable curative action, I prescribed the fourth decimal trituration of this remedy and ordered at first one grain daily, and after eight days two grains daily to be taken. After two months, the patient appeared and reported that she had taken the remedy four weeks and then intermitted it for four weeks, and that no change in her condition was observable. And I could myself perceive neither increase nor decrease of the polypous excrescence. This determined me to give the second decimal trituration of Calcarea, one grain daily. After fourteen days, the nostril having become more permeable and a diminution in the size of the polypus being perceptible, although very trifling in degree, I allowed a pause of four weeks in the use of the remedy. After this lapse of time, the tumor had regained its former size; the lady was more than ever inclined towards the operation.

I concluded to wait upon her a few weeks longer and gave her the officinal lime water, a teaspoonful twice daily in milk. Four weeks later, the lady came again to me; a most careful investigation revealed no trace of the polypus. She informed me that there was amelioration after the very first doses of lime water, and that after a fortnight the nose had felt entirely free and since that time there had been no aggravation.

The improvement has already lasted more than a year without any further administration of the remedy. Repeated examinations have failed to enable me to discover any trace of the polypus.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1864, pages 545-549]

[Description: The Question of The Dose.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1864]

THE USE OF HIGH POTENCIES IN THE TREATMENT OF THE SICK. *[Report read at the Semi-Annual Meeting of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York, at Brooklyn, October 14th, 1863.]

BY CARROLL DUNHAM, M. D., NEW YORK.

Having been honored by the President of the Society with an appointment to report on the Use of High Potencies in Chronic Diseases, I trust it may not be considered an unwarantable presumption if, for the following reasons, I venture to modify to a slight extent the theme assigned to me.

First The subject contemplates a report of a practical nature. But from the stand-point of practice, I think that a clear and well-defined distinction between acute and chronic diseases is not possible. If we attempt to base such a distinction upon the element of time alone, paying regard only to the duration of the disease, it cannot be made at the beginning of the treatment, and cannot therefore be of any practical value in determining the potency to be used.

If we base the distinction upon a pathological conception — that is upon the presumed existence in the patient of some dyscrasia, diathesis or miasm — it is equally impossible, at least in very many instances, to make it at the commencement of an illness.

It is a matter of common remark that cases which begin without any sign of miasmatic or dyscratic complication, often develop in their course unequivocal evidence of such complication, so that a case which would, in the outset, have been regarded as, in this sense, unquestionably acute, proves in its course to be unmistakably chronic.

Second. Furthermore, the subject as stated, involves a kind of petitio principii. To require a report on the "Use of the High Potencies in Chronic Diseases" is in some sort to imply that these potencies are especially useful and appropriate, if at all, in the treatment of chronic diseases as distinguished from acute diseases — an implication which it is true corresponds to a very widely received opinion among those physicians who have but little practical acquaintance with the action of the high potencies, but which, as we shall see, is not supported by the results of experiment.

By the kind indulgence of the society, then, I shall beg leave to report on the "Use of High Potencies in the Treatment of the Sick."

No question connected with Homoeopathy has given rise to more vigorous controversy or to more earnest partisan feeling than that concerning the infinitesimal dose. The most bitter opposition of the Old School to Hahnemann was based on this question. It has been also the chief ground of division and contention among Homoeopathists themselves.

After an animated disputation covering a period of more than fifty years, there seems now, however, to be a cessation of hostilities between the advocates and opponents of the higher potencies. There seems to be a mutual disposition to suspend the discussion hitherto maintained chiefly on hypothetical grounds and to appeal in good faith to the "ultima ratio" — experiment. The times are favorable, therefore, for a quiet survey of the field and for a dispassionate estimate of the experimental knowledge of which the practical labors of our colleagues have put us in possession.

It is probable that Hahnemann was never what could be called an "heroic prescriber." In his work on The Venereal Disease, published 1789, before he had discovered the homoeopathic law of cure, he portrays the evil effects of excessive doses of mercurial preparations, and speaks of radically curing some cases of syphilis by the use of a single grain of Mercury sol. in divided doses; and says that eight grains thus administered will often be sufficient to cure "very severe cases of syphilis," Compared with the practice of his contemporaries, these are almost infinitesimal prescriptions.

In his first essays upon the homoeopathic law, Hahnemann advises the administration of doses but little if any smaller than those he had previously used. We first meet with the recommendation to use infinitesimal doses in the essays on "Scarlet Fever," published in 1801, but referring to cases treated in 1799. He here advises Belladonna and Chamomilla to be given in preparations which correspond pretty nearly to the third centesimal dilution.

It pleases Dr. Dudgeon to suppose that "this sudden change," as he calls it, from material to infinitesimal doses, was a matter of expediency and policy rather than of conviction on the part of Hahnemann, inasmuch as it coincided in point of time with the prosecutions of Hahnemann by the apothecaries.

But there is no evidence that the change was so very sudden as to require such an explanation. Even so short a period as one year spent in constant practice might be sufficient to satisfy so acute an observer as Hahnemann, that remedies given according to the homoeopathic law must be given in very small doses.

The whole career of Hahnemann is a consistent protest against the adoption or renunciation of any precedure connected with the practice of medicine, on grounds of mere policy or expediency. Hahnemann's long life was a continual sacrifice of ease and prosperity and highly-prized friendships to his convictions of truth. While therefore, during a period of twenty years he submitted to be driven from city to city rather than renounce the right of dispensing his own medicines, is it at all probable that he devised the mehod of diluting or potentizing remedies and insisted on the superiority of potentized remedies, simply, or in any degree from motives of expediency?

In subsequent essays Hahnemann advises still more distinctly the administration of potentized remedies, and in the first edition of the Organon, published in 1810, he says, "scarcely any dose of the homoeopathically selected remedy can be so small as not to be stronger than the natural disease and not capable of overcoming it." About the same period he advises the use of the ninth dilution of Nux vomica and the eighteenth of Arsenic.

In the earlier volumes and editions of the Materia Medica Pura, Hahnemann recommends a particular dose for each remedy. Some remedies are to be given in the first dilution, some in the third, some in the ninth, some in the fifteenth, some in the twenty-fourth, some in the thirtieth.

In subsequent editions of the Materia Medica and in the work on Chronic Diseases, Hahnemann, as is well known, advises that all remedies be given in a uniform dose — the thirtieth dilution.

In the latter years of his life he speaks of using with great success the sixtieth, one hundred and fiftieth and three hundredth dilutions, and it is well known that during these years he did not confine himself to a uniform dose, but used in some cases the lower potencies, and in some the very highest.

It is not unworthy of remark that as Hahnemann's practical experience in the treatment of disease increased, so did his estimate of the advantage and necessity of using higher dilutions, in at least many cases, likewise increase.

The promulgation of the dynamization theory by Hahnemann and his adoption of the practice of giving infinitesimal doses, were the occasion of the most violent denunciation of Homoeopathy by his professional opponents. Indeed, to this day, this really subordinate department of the method, is regarded by Allopaths as the essential feature of Homoeopathy; and to a superficial observer it would seem as if the infinitesimal dose were almost the only obstacle to a blending of Homoeopathy and the so-called Physiological School of Medicine.

The progressive advocacy by Hahnemann of the higher dilutions and, especially, the introduction by Korsakoff of what are technically known as the "high potencies" (the one hundred to fifteen hundredth) gave rise, as has been said, to a lively and bitter and decidedly personal controversy among Homoeopathists.

In every party or school which is still a minority, there are always Conservatives, who regret the necessity which compelled a separation from the party or school of the majority; who strive to make that separation as little decisive and marked as may be; who stoutly oppose any measure which would tend to increase the division or to make it irremediable; and who hail with delight almost any project of compromise or reunion. There are also Radicals, whose turbulent nature revels in the sensation of opposition; whose tendency it is to lay more stress on points of difference than on points of coincidence; who, having once separated from the majority, will not only entertain no thought of a reunion with them, but consider that fidelity to the principle on which their separation was based, requires that the separating chasm should be made continually wider. They seem to glory, not so much in the truth for the sake of which they separated, as in the mere fact of separation.

These two classes are necessary in every progressive school. The Radicals furnish the propelling force — the steam. The Conservatives supply the restraining and moderating influence — the fly-wheel.

Among the followers of Hahnemann, the Radicals and the Conservatives were the respective parties to the contest about the potentization theory; and in weighing the arguments which each side brought forward, we must not lose sight of the respective tendencies of these two parties.

The law, Similia similibus curantur, which is the essence of Homoeopathy, was not an absolute novelty in medicine. Indeed, Hahnemann's first argument in favor of it, was drawn from the records of medicine. He showed that, in all ages, many cures had been made in accordance with it. He proved that his contemporaries, often unwittingly and sometimes consciously, applied it in treating the sick. To urge its admission as the universal law of cure, was, therefore, simply to advocate the recognition, as a universal truth, of that which was already received by medical men as, at least, a truth of partial and limited application.

Accordingly, the opposition to Hahnemann was, at the very first, moderate. It was somewhat of the nature of a demand for more conclusive testimony.

Men of conservative tendencies might very consistently, at this time, become Homoeopathists; for it was not unreasonable to anticipate, at some period in the not distant future, a universal recognition of the homoeopathic law of cure and a consequent reunion with the dominant power.

But the dynamization theory was in irreconcilable opposition to all the notions of Hahnemann's opponents. It taught that doses inconceivably small were sufficient to effect radical cures in acute and dangerous diseases — that such doses were even more efficacious than larger ones. It taught that instead of the curative power of the drug being directly in proportion to its material quantity, there was reason for believing that, to some extent, at least, the converse was true.

There could be no such thing as a compromise on this question. Truth lay either with Hahnemann or with his opponents. It could not lie between them. To maintain this dynamization theory would be to make the separation between homoeopathists and the dominant school of medicine perpetual and irremediable.

It is easy to perceive what sort of a reception was likely to be accorded to the dynamization theory by the Conservative Homoeopathists. They could not regard it without unfavorable prepossessions. If compelled at last to admit its soundness, this would not be until irresistible testimony in its favor had been amassed — nor even then without regret for the fact and deprecation of the obstacles which it created in the way of a reunion with the old school. All their a priori assumptions would be unfavorable to its validity.

The Radicals, on the other hand, would receive with joy this additional element of difference from the old school of medicine. They would advocate it with enthusiasm. Their a priori arguments would lend it a vigorous support.

Thus in relation to a question that can be settled by experiment alone, and by a course of experiment requiring careful unprejudiced observation through many successive years, we have all the conditions requisite for an ardent controversy at the very outset, before any valid evidence could possibly have been gathered by either party.

We shall be less surprised at the vigorous opposition to the dynamization theory, if we recollect the condition of medicine and pharmacy at the beginning of the present century. The posology of that period was decidedly heroic. Drugs were given in the crudest forms. Pharmaceutical chemistry had not yet discovered the essential principles of drugs, the use of which at the present day has made doses of the one-fourth, one-eighth, or one-twentieth of a grain familiar even to practitioners of the old school. The microscope was still a rude and primitive instrument; quantitative chemical analysis had not attained any great development; much less was there any thought of applying, as is now done, the reactive susceptibility of the living organism to detect, through its specific affinities, particles of matter so small as to elude the microscopist and the chemist. In fact the doctrine of the extreme divisibility of matter rested, at that time, rather on the speculations of the metaphysician than on the demonstrations of the naturalist.

For this very reason, on the other hand, the speculations of the metaphysician had at that period the wider scope and the greater authority. And thus it was very easy for some of Hahnemann's more radical followers to erect on a figurative illustration used by him in the Organon a "cloud-capped" theory of the transplantation of the medicinal force from the substance of the drug to the substance of the vehicle used for dilution, and upon the basis of this airy hypothesis to explain all manner of supposed action and reaction of drug spirit upon diseased force, etc., etc.

These considerations will, I think, justify us in passing over with scarcely a word of comment all that was so copiously written on the subject of the dose, from the date of Korsakoff's first publication to the date of Dr. Trinks' public letter to Dr. Stens in 1851.

The principles involved in the question of the efficacy and advantage of high potencies are these:

1. The curative power of a properly selected drug is not in the direct ratio of the quantity of the drug.

2. The process of potentization which Hahnemann invented, develops a curative power in substances, which in the crude form, manifest no such power; and it increases the curative power of drugs which in the crude form do manifest a curative power.

Now, although these principles had been satisfactorily established, one would think, by the successful use of the third or sixth potencies, long before the controversy about the "high potencies" began, yet it will be perceived that almost all of the objectors who began to write after Korsakoff's publication and Hahnemann's cautious and conditional approval of it, derive their arguments from considerations of the probable quantity of the drugs which these high potencies might contain. Thus we are cautioned, even by those who admit that higher potencies have curative powers, that they are not to be trusted in acute diseases which have a rapid course, because, as Dr. Scott expresses it, "in these diseases the vital forces act with exaggerated energy and to act upon them, we require a greater amount of medicinal power, that is, a lower dilution" This statement, it will be perceived, regards the curative power as directly proportioned to the quantity of the drug, and begs the whole question at issue.

But when Hahnemann had shown that a more efficient curative power was exerted by the first dilution, or trituration, or even by drop doses of the mother tincture of drugs than by massive doses, as he had done to the satisfaction of all Homoeopathists, long before the higher dilutions were ever made, he had demonstrated that the curative power of drugs is not in the proportion of their material quantity, and had thus established the first principle of the dynamization theory.

When, furthermore, he showed to the satisfaction of all Homoeopathists, that substances which in their crude state exert no medicinal power, such as gold, charcoal, tin, common salt, etc., etc.. do, after dilution, trituration or potentization, come to possess a medicinal power, he demonstrated, in part, the second principle of the dynamization theory.

These demonstrations removing the question of dose entirely from the domains of mechanics in which power is directly proportioned to quantity, left the whole question open for experiment.

The points to be determined were these:

1. The curative power of a drug not being directly proportioned to the quantity of the drug, what relation does exist between this power and quantity What effect does a continued diminution of quantity exert upon the curative power of the drug?

2. It being admitted that the potentization process does develop the curative power, what are the limits of this development? What varieties in the nature and extent of this developed power, are produced by various degrees of potentization?

Obviously these questions were to be solved only by a long course of methodical experiment.

While the controversy on hypothetical grounds was being carried on by the Conservative and Radical Homoeopathists, reports of cases' were accumulating in the homoeopathic journals, which furnished indisputable testimony to the action of the higher potencies. Among those who published these records, the names of Gross, Stapf, Hering, von Boenninghausen, Aegidi and Nunez are conspicuous.

Their testimony was disputed on various grounds. Against some cases it was urged that they were inconclusive, since it was not clearly shown that the cure resulted from the remedy given and not rather from some hygienic prescription or restriction resorted to at the same time. Such criticism is legitimate, and cases to which it is fairly applicable must be excluded.

Against other cases it was urged that the data were not so fully recorded as to enable the reader to make sure of the diagnosis. I do not think such criticism as this is admissible, unless in a very few cases.

The value and authority of clinical records always depends on the reputation of the reporter for knowledge, accuracy and integrity. Now, whether, in reporting a case of alleged pneumonia, the reporter simply state that it was a case of pneumonia, presenting such or such characteristic symptoms, or whether he present a minute and elaborate detail of all the rational and physical signs of the patient, obtaining by the aid of auscultation, percussion, mensuration and chemical and microscopical analysis — in either case, we have nothing to depend upon but the scientific capacity and the integrity of the observer.

If he have these qualities in a sufficient degree to obtain with certainty the requisite physical and rational signs on which to base a trustworthy diagnosis of pneumonia, his statement of this diagnosis will be sufficient without the details. If he have them not, no details which he might pretend to give, would be deserving of the slightest confidence. These considerations annihilate the objection made by Dr. Watzke to cases published by Gross and Boenninghausen in the Archiv.

In general, however, it were well to exclude, provisionally at least, all cases of doubtful diagnosis.

While cases demonstrating the value and efficacy of the high potencies were accumulating, a few cases were also published in which, the higher potencies having been used without effect, a lower potency or a crude dose of the same drug effected a cure. Dr. Black relates that in a case of headache Lachesis^30 only produced symptoms of nervous disturbance, while Lach.6 effected a cure. Dr. Trinks records a case which had been treated by Hahnemann for nearly two years with Rhus in a higher dilution without effect, and which he himself cured within a few months by repeated doses of the mother tincture of Rhus.

The angry controversy was brought to a temporary close by Dr. Trinks' public letter to Dr. Stens,*[Published in 1859. The date was erroneously given above as 1851.] in which he states: "I was born a sceptic. As to the wonder-cures (cures by the high potencies) published in the journals, I can only say, I do not believe a word of them." "Non credo quia impossible its," seems to be the creed of Dr. Trinks — the impossibility consisting in a mere assumption, on his part, that such "preparations cannot possess any power. This same argument "non credo" — may, with equal force, be urged by the Allopathists against the first or third dilutions, which Dr. Trinks is in in the habit of using.

The argument proves too much. If Dr. Trinks may dismiss with "I don't believe it," the testimony of those who advocate the high potencies, on the same grounds may these reject his accounts above referred to, of the cases in which he alleges that the lower potencies were efficacious where the higher had failed.

But the opponents of the high potencies were not content with seeking to invalidate the testimony of the advocates of these preparations. Some of them presented records of cases in which they had made unsuccessful trials of the high potencies. Of these, many were no doubt made in good faith, and must be accepted as evidence that there are cases in which the high potencies fail to cure. But the majority of these records are like those of Dr. Watzke, referred to by him, in the OEst. Zeitschrift, Vol. II, where he says, the patients on whom he tried the high potencies suffered for most part from diseases in which there was little reason to expect a favorable result from any remedy, in whatever dose, for, he says, they were cases of "dissolving. pulmonary cerebral tubercle, or fungoid tumor of the brain, of pulmonary and apoplexy, of spinal paralysis, of chronic hydrocephalus, valvular insufficience of the heart, of fibrous tumor of the uterus, etc., etc.

Yet, no doubt, Dr. Watzke is one of those who would exclaim against the unfairness of Andral in pretending to test Homoeopathy in the Paris hospital, by giving a single dose of a homoeopathic remedy to a patient laboring under incurable disease!

Dr. Watzke, himself, though so bitterly opposed to the advocates of high potencies is constrained to state in the resume of the proving of Natrum muriaticum, in the fourth volume of the Austrian Journal, "I am, alas! I say, alas! for I would much rather have upheld the larger doses which accord with current views — I am compelled to declare myself for the higher dilutions. The physiological experiments made with Natrum muriaticum, as well as the great majority of the clinical results obtained therewith speak decisively and distinctly for these preparations." This is strong language from an avowedly unwilling witness!

The conclusion to which an impartial estimate of the evidence concerning the high potencies, up to the year 1850, would lead, is well and justly expressed by a writer in the British Journal of Homoeopathy, Vol. V., p. 154:

"1. The high potencies do act.

"2. They act sometimes very energetically.

"3. They-often act curatively with surprising rapidity.

"4. They sometimes cure where the lower dilutions have failed — though the evidence on this point is scanty."

The same writer gives the following points as still requiring to be proved:

"1. That the higher are always to be preferred to the lower dilutions; or that they are generally to be preferred to them.

"2. That they will oftener succeed in curing than the lower."

To these points may be added the question which at that time was still an open question, viz., whether the higher potencies were applicable and trustworthy in acute as well as in chronic diseases.

During the last twelve years, a large mass of evidence of a most interesting and conclusive character has been accumulated on this subject. Of so much of this as was furnished by European observers, I proceed now to give a brief summary. Inasmuch as the question has been the subject of somewhat earnest personal controversy among ourselves and "scars may yet be tender," I prefer to pass by, for the present, with a few trifling exceptions, all that has been contributed by American practitioners. I shall pass over also all endeavors that have been made to explain or to limit by hypothetical reasoning on physiological premises, the action of the high potencies. The question is purely a practical and experimental one.

One assumed explanation, however, of the action of dynamized remedies should be noticed, inasmuch as it will enable us to state distinctly what we mean by a higher potency.

It has been alleged that, admitting that an apparent development of curative power does result from the potentizing process in the case of some drugs at least, such as Silex, Gold, Natrum mur., etc., this is simply because this process renders soluble these substances which, in the crude state, are insoluble, or that it reduces the size of their particles to such an extent that these particles are capable of entering the smallest blood-vessels, and of thus coming into contact with the diseased tissue and of acting directly upon it. This curative power which is pretended to be developed by potentization is, they say, simply a facility of action produced by minute subdivision.

Hypothetical explanation does not alter facts. If, however, the above were the sole explanation of the action of potentized remedies, then it should result that the highest development of the curative power should be reached in that dilution, in which the particles have been reduced to a size appreciably less than that of a blood corpuscle. And, indeed, this ground has been taken by some writers. Now, arithemetical calculation as well as microscopic observation fix upon the third centesimal dilution, as that in which the above degree of subdivision has unquestionably been attained. If this view were correct, then, dilutions higher than the third should not display a curative power; or if they do display each power, it should not be in any case superior to that of the third dilution.

Now if it should chance to result from actual, incontrovertible experiment, that potencies higher than the third do display, with rare exceptions, a greater curative power than the third or lower potencies, this superiority must be directly attributable to the process of potentization.

I deem it right, therefore, to call all those potencies above the grade of that of which the action admits a mechanical explanation — "the higher potencies."The term will apply, in this view, to all above the third centesimal.

In 1850 Drs. Wurmb and Caspar took charge of the Leopoldstadt Hospital, in Vienna. Their views on the subject of the dose were no Secret. They had no faith whatever in the higher potencies. They were physicians of much more than ordinary scientific attainments, and of great devotion; and Dr. Wurmb at least had few superiors in an exact and thorough knowledge of Materia Medica. In their "Clinical Studies," published in 1852, they thus express the posological views with which they entered on the charge of the hospital:

We have given almost always the thirtieth decimal dilution, and only exceptionally a higher or a lower dilution. * * We propose to adhere to this dilution for two years longer, then to give another dilution for an equally long period, and finally to give for a similar period still another dilution. Such experiments as these are indispensable to the solution of the question of the dose, but manifestly they are valid only in the case of disease with regard to what the preliminary question What can Nature can do and what can Art? has already been definitely answered, and in favor of the latter?"

Here is the plan of an experiment which, if faithfully carried out, gives promise of some very conclusive data on the subject of the dose. Such questions as this require for their solution a multitude of instances such as can hardly be gathered in a private practice. But a hospital affords an appropriate and sufficient field for their collection. The hospital of Dr. Wurmb is the only one which has been devoted to such uses.

Before the expiration of the three periods, of three years -each, involved in the plan as above stated, Dr. Caspar was succeeded by Dr. Martin Eidherr, who has published in Oesterreichische Zeitschrift, for 1862, the result of the ten years' experiment.

It seems that in 1860 the Austrian Homoeopathic Society of Vienna proposed as a subject for consideration the question of the dose, inviting all Homoeopathists of all countries to take part in the discussion. A large number of responses, both verbal and written, were made to this invitation, some of which are published in the Austrian Journal, for 1862. Dr. Eidherr, the Editor of the Journal, remarks: "These discussions have, as is well known, led as yet to no positive result, because they rest exclusively on subjective grounds. While some record most brilliant cures effected only by the higher dilutions, others narrate similar cases cured only with the lower. Consequently, the society regards the question. as still an open one, and calls for further communications on the subject."

At this point it was suggested that the material in the shape of clinical records which had been for ten years accumulating in the archives of the Leopoldstadt Hospital might, if collated, throw some further light on the subject.

Dr. Eidherr undertook the task. He resolved to confine his investigations to a single disease, pneumonia, which by the way is very prevalent in Vienna, for the reason that the diagnosis of this disease is easy, and that, by means of the physical signs, its course and progress and decline may be more accurately followed and observed than is the case with, many other acute diseases.

During the ten years, from 1850 to 1859 inclusive, all cases in the Leopoldstadt hospital had been treated for the first three years with the thirtieth decimal dilution, for the second period of three years with the sixth, and for the remaining four years with the fifteenth decimal dilution. It was proposed to compare the results of the treatment of pneumonia during these three periods.

But, in order to avoid a fallacy in drawing conclusions from this, comparison, it was necessary, first, to enquire whether the Genius Epidemicus was the same for these three periods, or, if not the same, how great an influence, and in favor of which period, did the difference exert?

To meet this preliminary question, Dr. Eidherr made a study, first, of those conditions which favor the origin and spread of pneumonia; and, second, of the prevalence and course of pneumonia in the great General Hospital of Vienna. during the same periods of time.

The first section of his treatise consists of tabular statements of the meteorological phenomena of the decennium in question, and of the relations of these phenomena to the prevalence of pneumonia as observed in the great General Hospital of Vienna.

The second section comprises short and succinct accounts of the cases of pneumonia treated in the Leopoldstad Hospital during the three periods into which, as already stated, the decennium was divided.

The third section contains a statement of the results of the treatment by the different dilutions used during the three. periods in question, taking into account the modifying influence of the different atmospheric conditions of these periods.

The cases occurring during the three periods of time into which the whole period of ten years was divided, are called by Dr. Eidherr — Groups 1, 2, 3.

Group No. 1, embracing the years. 1850, 1851 and 1852, was treated exclusively with the thirtieth decimal potency.

Group No. 2, embracing the years 1853, 1854 and 1855, was treated exclusively with the sixth decimal potency.

Group No. 3, embracing the years 1856, 1857, 1858 and 1859, was treated exclusively with, the fifteenth decimal potency.

A careful estimate of the different meteorological conditions of these epochs, leads Dr. Eidherr to the conclusion that during the first epoch the atmospheric conditions were most favorable to the prevalence and severity of pneumonia, and therefore the least favorable for the treatment; during the second epoch least favorable for the spread and severity of pneumonia, and therefore the most favorable for the treatment.

In observing and recording cases of pneumonia in this hospital, the physical signs have always been carefully noted and records have been made of the following points in the history of each case:

1. The seat of the infiltration.

2. Its duration, reckoned from the time at which it was first perceived to the time at which it was noticed that it began to be resolved (?).

3. The time at which resolution of the infiltration began.

4. The time at which resolution was completed.

5. The time at which all physical signs disappeared.

6. Duration of convalescence.

The comparison between the three groups is made with reference to all of these points.

The results are stated as follows:

Group I, treated with the thirtieth decimal dilution;

The average duration of the infiltration was three days.

The average date of commencing resolution was the third day.

The average date of completed resolution was 4.9 days from the beginning.

The average date of vanishing of the physical signs was as concerns the infiltration, 7.1 days, as concerns the exudation 12.3 days from the beginning.

The average duration of convalescence was 4.4 days.

Group 2, treated with the sixth decimal dilution during the years 1853, 1854 and 1855.

The average duration of the infiltration was 4.1 days.

Resolution began, on the average, in 3.5 days and was complete in 6.9 days.

The physical signs disappeared, on the average, as concerns the infiltration, in 10.4 days; as concerns the exudation, in 20.5 days.

The duration of the convalescence was, on the average, 5.3 days.

Group 3, treated with the fifteenth decimal dilution, during the years 1856 1857, 1858 and 1859. The average duration of infiltration was 3.4 days.

Resolution began in 3.2 days.

It was complete in 6.3 days.

The physical signs disappeared, so far as the infiltration was concerned, in 9.4 days; so far as the exudation was concerned in 18.1 days.

Average duration of convalescence 4.8 days.

To recapitulate the above —

The average duration of the infiltration was

For Group 1, 3.0 days.

" 2,4.1 "

" 3,3.4 "

Resolution began:

For Group 1, on the 3d day.

" 2, " 3.5 "

" 3, " 3.2 "

Resolution was complete:

For Group 1, on the 4.9 day.

" 2, " 6.9 "

" 3, " 6.3 "

The physical signs of the infiltration vanished:

For Group 1, on the 7.1 day.

" 2, " 9.3 "

" 3, " 10.3 "

For physical signs of the exudation vanished:

For Group 1, on the 12.3 day.

" 2, " 20.5 "

" 3, " 18.1 "

Dr. Eidherr gives also a tabular statement of the average number of days during which each case of each group remained in hospital — that is the total duration of each case from its reception to its dismissal, as follows:

Group 1, treated with the thirtieth decimal dilution, fifty five eases were treated, their aggregate residence in the hospital amounted to 680 days or an average of 11.3 days each.

Group 2, under the sixth decimal dilution, thirty-one cases, 606 days, an average of 19.5 days for each case.

Group 3, treated with the fifteenth decimal dilution, fifty four cases, and 795 days, an average of 14.6 days for each case.

I now proceed to give as briefly as possible the conclusion to which Dr. Eidherr is led by this careful study of his statistics. Ho says, "this is the most extensive experiment that has ever been made, bearing on the question of the dose. Its subjects were 107 cases of pneumonia. Each case was the subject of careful investigation. Every imaginable care was taken to obviate every source of fallacy." The experimenters were not radical Homoeopathists. Their prepossessions were rather against the high potencies. I can bear personal testimony to the fact that, in 1851, while the thirtieth dilution was the standard used in the hospital Dr. Wurmb frequently expressed himself, as believing that statistics would decide in favor of lower dilutions. It was not known how statistics had decided until Dr. Eidherr made the analysis from which I have quoted, and which shows that in every point of view the action of the thirtieth dilution, in so acute and dangerous a disease as pneumonia, is more certain and more rapid than that of the fifteenth or the sixth dilution, and that the fifteenth is preferable to the sixth dilution — or, to translate the decimal into the centesimal scale, the fifteenth is better than the seventh, the seventh than the third.

Against this record Dr. Trinks would raise in vain his cry "non credo."

If we refer now to the points which were stated in 1850 as still requiring to be proved in relation to the high potencies, we find the third question satisfactorily solved by this experiment in the Leopoldstadt hospital. For the experiment proves beyond a doubt that the higher potencies are applicable and trustworthy in acute as well as in chronic diseases.

It enables us also to give a probable affirmative answer to the first question, and to say that the higher are, at least so far as pneumonia is concerned, to be preferred to the lower dilutions.

The second question, viz., whether higher dilutions will oftener succeed in curing than lower dilutions is left unaffected by this great experiment.

Let us now recapitulate the points at issue. I think we may safely state that, up to the present time, experience has established these facts: that the continued diminution of the material quantity of a drug through the process of potentization does not diminish the curative power of the drug when homoeopathically applied; that, on the contrary, the process of potentization does positively increase the curative power of a drug when homoeopathically used; that this increase of curative power is progressive, as far at least as the fifteenth centesimal dilution, and is demonstrated in the treatment of both acute and chronic diseases.

It was incumbent on the advocates of the higher potencies to demonstrate not only that these preparations are efficacious, nor simply that they are equally efficacious with the lower potencies, but that they are superior in efficacy.

This has been shown by the Vienna experiment up to a certain degree. The seventh centesimal has been shown to be superior in the treatment of pneumonia to the third, and the fifteenth to the seventh. There is a natural desire to find the limit of potentization. The Vienna experiment gives us no reason to suppose that this limit has been attained in the fifteenth potency.

Many most eminent practitioners assert for what are technically termed the "high potencies," as great a superiority over the fifteenth and thirtieth as the latter have been shown to possess over the third. Cases are accumulating in our journals which go to corroborate these assertions. We can not refuse to believe these narrations. While they have not yet established a general superiority of the "high potencies" (sixtieth to two hundredth) over the fifteenth and thirtieth for the treatment of all cases, acute and chronic, they nevertheless prove beyond dispute that the rapid and permanent cure of both acute and chronic diseases is within their scope.

They establish moreover the fact that in many cases these high potencies (the two hundredth for example) cure diseases in which the lower potencies of the same drug have failed.

The determination of absolute superiority and of definite limits of increase of curative power, is impossible' from our present data.

Among those who have long used the high potencies (in particular the two hundredth), Dr. von Boenninghausen stands pre-eminent. It is true that his practice lies chiefly among chronic diseases. Nevertheless many acute diseases are treated solely in accordance with his directions. He has for many years used exclusively the two hundredth potencies. His increasing fame and practice attest the validity of the services which he renders to those who consult him. The high character which he has always borne as an acute and sagacious observer of natural phenomena, the unblemished reputation which he has sustained throughout his long and eventful life, cause his observations and his statements to be received with implicit reliance and belief by all who are at all cognizant of his social position. He does not hesitate to express a decided conviction of the great superiority of the high potencies over the lower, in both acute and chronic diseases. Dr. Aegidi who, after having, on their first introduction, spoken favorably of the high potencies, retracted to some extent this good opinion, has recently announced as the result of a long course of experiment in his private practice, embracing the history of more than 4,000 cases, a clear and unequivocal preference for the high potencies in both acute and chronic diseases.

Dr. Aegidi who, after having, on their first introduction, spoken favorably of the high potencies, retracted to some extent this good opinion, has recently announced as the result of a long course of experiment in his private practice embracing the history of more than 4,000 cases, a clear and unequivocal preference for the high potencies in both acute and chronic diseases.

Dr. Battman has, within the last two years, published a series of cases of severe membranous croup, and of very dangerous acute pulmonary affections, cured in a marvelous manner with the two hundredth potency; and, basing himself on these narrations, he makes a warm protest against the irrational conduct of those Homoeopathists who, at the same time that they object to the illogical conduct of the Allopathists in refusing even to listen to any evidence in favor of Homoeopathy, obstinately close their own ears to all that is alleged in behalf of the high potencies.

Of six physicians of Austria and Hungary who presented written essays on the question of the dose to the Vienna society, none denied the curative action, often prompt and surprising, of the high potencies (one hundredth to the three hundredth) in both acute and chronic diseases. Only one expressed a doubt that they were in any case superior to the lower potencies. Two did not hesitate to claim such superiority for them in decided terms.

Dr. Wurmb, the head of the Leopoldstadt Hospital, states (OEst., Zeit., I. 158, 1862) that often remedies in the higher dilutions act, where the lower dilutions of the same remedy had failed to act. He gives an instance in which Bellad.100 effected a cure in chronic migraine, in which a lower potency of the same remedy had failed to do any good. The one hundredth and two hundredth potencies are now not infrequently administered in the Leopoldstadt Hospital. Dr. Wurmb remarks (loc. cit. 3, p 137) that "since he has had experience with the one hundredth dilution prepared by Dr. Eidherr and has satisfied himself of the wonderful effects which often result from them, he prescribes them in suitable cases with greater preference than the thirtieth or any other potency." He does not state what he considers to be suitable cases." It is probable that he does not consider his experience to be great enough, as yet, to justify him in laying down any general rules on the subject. It is likely that he decides for each particular case according to his view of probabilities, and that he cannot always give a clear reason for his preference of one potency over another. Each case, thus treated, may be regarded as in some sort an experiment contribution to that multitude of instances from an analysis of which we may hope to deduce, at some future time, a general law of posology.

If, after this general view of the evidence on the subject of the high potencies, it be appropriate for me, on such an occasion as the present, to state my own experience and methods, it may be done very briefly. Before I had fairly entered to any great extent upon the responsibilities of the practice of medicine, I had the advantage of observing the practice of some very eminent physicians and of listening to the counsel of others.

Not to mention American physicians, I heard in England chiefly the advocates of the low and the lowest potencies. The high potencies were at that time rarely mentioned in England except in terms of ridicule. And the contempt which the assumed non-material nature of these potencies inspired in the matter-of-fact mind of that taurine nationality whose devotion to the pound avoirdupois is even greater, if that were possible, than to, the pound sterling, was cordially extended to the intellectual acuteness and the scientific acquirements of all who believed in these potencies and who used them. Since that period the cause of the high potencies has been nobly advocated in England, by a few of those strong men, who are the true glory of the nation.

Passing from England to Westphalia, I enjoyed free and full and long continued opportunities to observe, the practice of Dr. von Boenninghausen who used the two hundredth potency exclusively. There was, certainly, in his practice, less parade of scientific auxiliaries than I had seen at the English hospitals or in the English dispensaries; but I do not think the diagnosis was less accurate on that account. I am very sure that the success of the treatment left but little to be desired. Though some acute diseases were here treated with high potencies under my observation, yet the majority were chronic cases, and, deeply impressed with the great responsibility involved in my judgments, I was hardly ready, from these observations, to conclude on the advantage of using high potencies in a general practice. Nevertheless, the effect of these observations was such as to satisfy me of the efficacy of the higher potencies in all forms of diseases. The question remained, "Are they superior to the lower?" Stapf, who was then living in retirement, counselled me to use the high potencies in chronic diseases, and thought the medium were all that could be desired in acute diseases. He had no statistics of comparative observations by which to justify his opinions.

In Vienna, Wurmb and Caspar were in the middle of the first epoch of the decennium of which Eidherr has given us the analysis. They were treating all diseases with the thirtieth decimal dilution. Their examinations of patients were minute and masterly, their prescriptions careful, their success very striking.

Fleischmann, at the same time, was giving the mother tincture or the lowest dilutions. His diagnosis was careless, his success neither rapid nor, except as compared with heroic allopathic treatment, very striking. His prescriptions were not accurate. He did not individualize his cases, but prescribed according to a coarse and rude generalization. On the subject of the potency his opinions, I learned from himself, were immovably made up. I perceived that he had ceased to be capable of learning, although he still lived; that, in knowledge, as in stature he had attained his growth; ossification was complete in his perceptive intellect no less than in his physical skeleton.

In Paris, Tessier was treating acute diseases in the hospital Ste. Marguerite with the sixth, twelfth and fifteenth dilutions. His success exceeded that of Fleischmann. It was inferior to that of Wurmb, but it was easy to perceive how inferior he was to that excellent physician in minute and comparative knowledge of the Materia Medica.

In Paris, Dr. Perry was prescribing at his dispensary the two hundredth potency, with but few exceptions, in all forms of disease. The reports indicated a very wonderful success, but, from the nature of a dispensary practice, this could not be made the subject of exact observation.

My conclusions from all these observations were favorable to the high potencies, so far as to admit their energetic action on acute as well as chronic diseases and their general superiority in the treatment of the latter; but I was not satisfied that they were so trustworthy, as a general rule, in the treatment of acute diseases as to be preferable to the lower potencies. I therefore began, in my own practice, with the use of the lower and medium dilutions (third to twelfth and fifteenth) in acute diseases. When very sure that my selection of the remedy was entirely correct and that the case would not suffer should my first prescription prove inert, I ventured, during the first few years of my practice, to give a high potency in acute diseases. I now look back on this period with wonder that the idea of a definite and direct relation between the curative power and the material quantity of a drug should have been so hard to eradicate from my mind.

Experience of the action of the higher potencies, on my own person, in very acute illness, first fully convinced me perhaps, because, in my own case I took the risk of trying the experiment more freely and fully than I had ever done in the case of others.

For the last five years I have used the high potencies (two hundredth), of ray own manufacture and of Lehrmann's, indiscriminately) in all forms of disease, that occur in a general practice. I am very sure that my practice has grown more successful ever year. While I trust that an reasing knowledge of the Materia Medica may have contributed greatly to this result, I cannot be mistaken in the belief that much is also due to my more and more frequent use of the high potencies.

I cannot say that every prescription has done everything I expected or hoped from it. Nobody's practice can be free from painful failures. In such cases, wherever I have been tolerably sure that my choice of remedy was correct, I have repeated the same remedy in a higher or lower potency as the case might be, and while I have collected from my practice many instances in which a high potency has acted promptly where a low had failed to act, I have noted only one case in which a high potency acted but inefficiently while a lower gave prompt and complete relief.

From my own experience, then, the presumption would lie in favor of the high potencies in both acute and chronic diseases.

A few instances will serve to illustrate what has been said. They are presented only as illustrations, by no means as the evidence on which my convictions rest.

A gentleman who had suffered many years from necrosis of the femur was subject to acute attacks of periostitis. The twelfth potency of Asafetida was found to relieve his suffering, and repeated doses of it generally effected a cure within three or four days. After treating several attacks in this way, I gave him, at the commencement of a fresh attack, a dose of Asafetida^200. The cure was effected in the space of six hours. A difference so remarkable was very obvious to the patient who, learning from me the difference between this and my former prescriptions, requested to be treated always thereafter with the two hundredth. Here, whatever cavils may be raised about the diagnosis or other points, the fact remains incontestible, that attacks which required for their cure several days and repeated doses of Asafetida^12, were cured in six hours by a single dose of the two hundredth. Could it be that repeated treatment of these attacks had modified their severity and that the amelioration chanced to coincide, in point of time, with the change of potency? To satisfy myself on this point, I once reversed the experiment and without my patient's knowledge, gave the twelfth instead of the two hundredth potency. The attack came on with its ancient severity and persistence much to my patient's disgust, who was abundantly satisfied with the high potency but much ashamed of my want of confidence.

Even after I had become quite satisfied of the superiority of high potencies in most acute diseases, I yet hesitated to employ them in a malady so fearful and so rapid as croup. In this I still adhered to the low (the third) dilutions of Aconite, or Spongia, or Hepar, as the case might require or to the watery (first centesimal) dilution of Bromium or Iodine, if these remedies were indicated. Notwithstanding I had actually witnessed most surprising success in Dr. von Boenninghausen's practice with the two hundredth potencies in severe croup, I hesitated to use them. I argued to myself, "these low. potencies have served me well. The majority use them. I do not know that the high are better, even if they be as good. The success with them may be exceptional. I dare not risk the loss of time which would accrue from an unsuccessful experiment with them."

Thus it turned out that I never used the high poteucies until, three years ago, in the most severe case of membranous croup I ever saw, the low potencies in which I had always trusted, failed me utterly and I knew not what else to do. A resort to the use of the two hundredth potencies of Aconite, Hepar sulph. and Spongia saved my patient from this extremity of danger and satisfied me that a trial of the high potencies in the outset of an attack of croup, instead of involving a risk of wasting time, does in truth obviate such a risk from the employment of the lower potencies. From this time on, in the treatment of croup, I have uniformly begun with the two hundredth potency of whatever remedy was indicated. My success has been more uniform and much more rapidly attained than ever before.

My first use of a high potency of Bromine was accidental. Called to prescribe for a severe case of croup, in which that remedy was indicated, I found that the crude substance or a low dilution was not to be obtained. I had the two hundredth potency in my pocket case. I gave it with a result equally happy, and much more speedy than I had ever before witnessed. This was altogether contrary to my preconceived notions concerning Bromine, and it summarily upset a very pretty chemical theory I had formed.

As already remarked, I have sometimes met with facts of a contrary significance. In a case of chronic asthma, of great severity, I have recently found Glonoine of the greatest service. I first prescribed the sixth potency, having no other at hand. When the action of this dose was exhausted, I gave the two hundredth. The result was by no means satisfactory. The sixth again produced happy effects as before. Repeated experiments of this kind convinced me that in this instance the high potency did not act so favorably or so efficiently as the low. Whether this peculiarity should be accounted, for by assuming an idiosyncrasy on the part of the patient, or a peculiarity of Glonoine which renders it incapable of high potentization, or whether the* action of the Glonoine in this case will prove to have been only palliative and therefore temporary, is a question which can only be solved by a wider experience than I possess in the use of various potencies of this new but valuable remedy.*[The subsequent history of this case confirms the suspicion that the great relief afforded by Glonoine was palliative. After a few months the disease recurred with its original severity and no form of Glonoine (nor of any other remedy that I tried) availed to give relief.]

But this fact that a low potency succeeded where a higher had failed, together with similar facts reported by other practitioners must have a bearing upon general conclusions.

In conclusion, I think the following statements are warranted:

1. In prescribing, the first essential is the correct choice of the remedy. The second point — which is also, in many cases, though not always, essential — is the judicious choice of the potency.

2. That, in both acute and chronic diseases, the preference, other things being equal, is to be given to the higher over the lower potencies. The experience of Wurmb shows that, in severe pneumonia, the fifteenth is to be preferred to the seventh and the seventh to the third (centesimal). I should go further and say that, in general, preference should be given to still higher potencies, even to the two hundredth.

3. Experience shows that, while the majority of cases both acute and chronic are cured more speedily by the high than by the lower potencies, yet, in some cases, the converse is observed. No explanation of this difference has been discovered, nor can its occurrence be foreseen in any case. While therefore the presumption, in every case, being in favor of the high potencies, the treatment should be begun with them, nevertheless, should no favorable result ensue, recourse should be then had to lower potencies, provided always there be a reasonable certainty that the remedy has been rightly selected.

4. The question, whether the "high potencies" are more generally successful than the lower and in what proportion they are so, is yet to be determined by statistics drawn from methodical experiment.

5. A general law for the a priori selection of the potency suitable for a concrete case, if such a law be possible, is yet to be discovered.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05-07, 1863, pages 198-204, pages 251-263, pages 297-306]

[Description: The Use of High Potencies in The Treatment of The Sick.]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1863]

VALUE OF UNPROVED REMEDIES — Argentum nitricum. — Our Materia Medica contains many remedies of which the provings are fragmentary in their character, and in which we fail to find symptoms that would suggest the use of the remedies in diseases which we nevertheless know by experience the remedies do cure. Prescriptions based on such a knowledge of remedies ex usu in morbis are of necessity uncertain and inexact. But histories of cures made by such prescriptions are of great interest, inasmuch as they direct our attention to the necessity of more extensive and thorough provings, by means of which we may learn the characteristic action of the remedy, and may define exactly the variety of the diseases in question which it is adapted to cure. In his view we read with great interest an article on the use of Argentum nitricum in Chorea by Dr. Gross, of Regensburgh, (Allg. Hom. Zeit., Vol. 64, pp. 123, et seq.) Dr. Gross refers to the proving of Argentum nitricum, in Oesterr. Zeit., which, as is well known, is quite fragmentary, and frankly admits that he finds in the symptoms there recorded but little direct warrant for giving this remedy in the cases of Chorea which he details as treated by it. He nevertheless finds a resemblance between the general character of Chorea and the general action of Argent. nit. He refers to the well established fact that cures of Chorea have often been made by Allopaths with Nitrate of silver and finally he gives the details of several cases of Chorea, some of them of great severity, cured with great rapidity by doses of Argent. nit., from the fourth to the twelfth potency.

Such a publication would be of great value if it should encourage and give direction to the labors of our provers, and enable us to find out by their aid in what varieties of Chorea it is that this powerful remedy is especially indicated. and what symptoms analogous to those of Chorea are characteristic of it, as compared with Cuprum, Stramonium, Hyoscyamus, Cina and other remedies of well known value and frequent application in this disease.

And almost any physician in active practice in our large cities has opportunities to observe something of the pathogenetic action of Argent. nit., so extensively is the latter employed by the Allopaths, as a so-called local application in assumed or real disease of the pharynx, larynx, uterus and vagina. — Repeated observations have convinced the writer that Nitrate of Silver applied to the os and cervix uteri does often produce symptoms in the regions of the eye and of the respiratory apparatus, that are clearly recognized and which, despite their imperfect character arising from the fact that they occur in unhealthy subjects, give us no little insight into the action of the Argent. nit., on these organs and point to its therapeutic use. Dunham.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 01, 1862, page 48]

[Description: Value of Unproved Remedies]

[Author: Dunham, C.]

[Year: 1862]

"MUTATO NOMINE."

It is pretty generally known that the Surgeon-General of the United States Army, after having been suspended for several months from the exercise of his official functions, is now on trial before a court martial. The circumstances attending the whole affair are enveloped in mystery. There is a wide spread feeling in the profession that Dr. Hammond has been unfairly dealt with. In this feeling, we, who have watched his course as Surgeon-General with no little respect and admiration, fully sympathize. The following observations from the American Medical Times, of January 2d, 1861; seem to us no less appropriate than forcible:

"There is evidently a wide-spread and growing impression in our profession that the Medical Department of the Army is not dealt with justly and honorably; that it is subject to the caprices of superior officers; that its operations are trammelled. * * The Medical Department is today suffering under a humiliation which both the medical staff and the profession at large ought to resent with the most determined protestations. * * To a fair and honest investigation into the affairs of his department there was no objection by the Surgeon-General; he courted such an examination and, if necessary, would have demanded it. But such an investigation should have been by impartial and disinterested parties. The books and accounts should have furnished the basis of the prosecution, the Surgeon-General and his immediate assistants should have been principal witnesses in the trial; and the testimony of contractors, agents, etc., should have been received only as collateral and circumstantial. Such should be the course of proceedings dictated by judicial eastona, and, by such an investigation only could real fraud be detected."

"But so different has been this investigation that the whole affair has the appearance of a secret and deliberate conspiracy against the Surgeon-General directly and against the Medical Department indirectly. The commission is, in the first place, headed by a person known to be hostile to the Surgeon-General. This fact throws suspicion upon the object of the investigation. Our doubts of fair dealing are increased when we find this commission evading the real sources of information and seeking it persistently where it was necessarily perverted and unreliable. For, instead of commencing at the Surgeon-General's Bureau and extending their investigations from this proper point of departure, they have carefully kept aloof from the central office and have gone to commercial towns where they could examine agents, contractors, etc. From time to time they have thrown a morsel of their accumulating evidence into the secular papers to give the public a relish for the approaching feast, and from these specimens we learn what will be the character of the forthcoming report."

After many words of the same purport, the Medical Times concludes as follows: "If his honesty or competency is questioned, it is due to the President, Senate and the People that this should be made known by the results of a formal procedure and not from an investigation conducted by a secret, ex parte, and anonymous commission. Let the accused have the same hearing as his accusers. Let the examination be as severe and searching as you please so that it is but fair and open."

It is with great pleasure that we endorse these utterances of our contemporary; not merelyin their immediate application to the present case of Surgeon-General Hammond; but alee and more especially in their general application to questions at issue between any members, or between any schools of the medical profession. And as concerns the great question between Homoeopathy and the Allopathists, we address to our contemporary the very words of protest which he has so warmly and so justly uttered against the assailants of General Hammond.

"Mutato nomine fabula narrator de te."No examination of the homoeopathic method — no investigation of the homoeopathic practice — no alleged trial of homoeopathic procedures has ever been made by the dominant school of medicine to which the objection just quoted from the Medical Times does not fully apply.

That Homoeopathy and homoeopathic practitioners have "been placed under an espionage, discreditable "as well as "unjust" is notorious. The pretence for such behavior towards them has been, as in the case of Dr. Hammond, alleged "fraud," or, as it is called, "charlatanism and deception." To a fair and honest investigation "into their practice and its results there have never been any objections on the part of Homoeopathists. They have "courted such an investigation;" nay, going farther even than Dr. Hammond, they have never ceased "to demand it. "But." as the Medical Times justly remarks, "such an investigation should have been by impartial and disinterested parties," that is to say, by parties not committed beforehand against Homoeopathy. "The books, etc., should have furnished the basis of the investigation." In other words, the investigators should first have made themselves thoroughly familiar with the practical rules laid down by Hahnemann and with the Materia Medica Pura, instead of beginning to put Homoeopathy to the trial, as Andral by his own admission did, without having ever studied a single work on the subject.

"The Surgeon-General and his immediate assistants should have been principal witnesses in the trial," that is to say, the testimony and statistics of practising homoeopathic physicians of good character and standing should be received in evidence of what Homoeopathy has done and can do against disease; and the absurdity of refusing to receive evidence in favor of Homoeopathy except from its declared adversaries should be repudiated. It should no longer be regarded, as hitherto it always has been, a sufficient reason for ruling out a witness in favor of Homoeopathy, that he avowed himself a believer in that system on behalf of which he testifies.

"The testimony of contractors, agents, etc., should have been received only as collateral and circumstantial." Or, in other words, nurses, gossips, and scandal-mongers generally, who now supply our opponents with their most delectable stories against Homoeopathy, should be estimated at their proper value.

"Such," as the Times wisely observes, "should be the course of proceedings dictated by judicial custom; and by such an investigation only could real deception be discovered."

"But so different" — we may still apply to the question of Homoeopathy the words of our contemporary relating to the Surgeon. General-" so different has been the investigation that the whole affair has the appearance of a secret and deliberate conspiracy against" the truths which Homoeopathy involves and the benefits which it is capable of conferring.

"The commission is, in the first place, headed by a person known to be hostile to" the system to be investigated. This is true of the investigations made in Paris, in Naples, in Vienna, in London during the cholera season, and in New York when the question of committing a portion of Bellevue Hospital to, the charge of homoeopathic practitioners was referred by the Commissioners to the Medical Staff of the Hospital. As the Medical Times sagaciously remarks "this fact throws suspicion upon the object of the investigation."

The Times proceeds: "our doubts of fair dealing are increased when we find this commission evading the real sources of information and seeking it persistently where it was necessarily prejudiced and unreliable. "Just so. It has always been a matter of amazement to men of candid minds that gentlemen of the dominant school, professing a desire to know something about Homoeopathy, should invariably seek that information from its avowed enemies, when there are homoeopathic hospitals conducted by physicians of undisputed integrity and ability, homoeopathic statistics the correctness of which has been admitted by the leading allopathic authorities and, in every town, homoeopathic practitioners of good repute, all accessible and ready to respond to any call for information.

"Instead of commencing from the Central Bureau and extending their investigations from this proper point of departure, they have kept carefully aloof from the central office and have gone where they could examine contractors, etc." In like fashion, instead of studying, first, the origin and history of Homoeopathy, and then its literature and statistics and then inspecting its existing institutions, our self-constituted inquisitors of the old school carefully avoid these sources of information and declare, in the words of some anonymous young traveling physician, a monoglot unquestionably, that Homoeopathy "has died out in Germany;" or, as the President of the New York Academy of Medicine stated, that there are no homoeopathic hospitals in Vienna, whereas, in fact, any Homoeopathist could have told him, that there are three, that the London Homoeopathic Hospital has "closed its doors;" whereas, in fact, it closed them in Golden Square only to open them next day still more widely in Bloomsbury Square; that there is no homoeopathic hospital Ste Marguerite, in Paris, where a terrible Tessier practices Homoeopathy, whereas the truth is that the Ste Marguerite has indeed been demolished to make room for a street, but, before this was done, Tessier and Homoeopathy were duly installed in Beanjon Hospital. All this, and much more of the same sort, is akin to that mean and contemptible testimony obtained from "contractors and agents "to which the Times so sorely objects.

And then it is true of our opponents that, as the Times states, "they, from time to time, have thrown a morsel of their accumulated evidence into the secular papers, to give the public a relish for the approaching feast, and from these specimens we learn what will be the character of the final report."

It is no wonder that our colleagues find reason to complain of a disposition in the public to discredit and degrade the medical profession. An unconscious disposition, we may call it, to mete out to the profession at large, the same treatment which the profession at large has visited upon its dissenting minority — the Homoeopathists. Dante showed a most profound insight into the workings and compensations of nature, when he represented the penalties inflicted on malefactors in the next world as the repetition there, upon themselves, of their evil deeds towards others in this world; a retribution which is tersely embodied in the proverb, of which an analogue is found in every language, "curses, like chickens, come home to roost." DUNHAM.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1864, pages 529-534]

[Description: Mutato Nomine]

[Author: Dunham, C;]

[Year: 1864]

CYCLAMEN EUROPAEUM , AND ITS CLINICAL EFFECTS.

BY DR. M. EIDHERR, VIENNA.

(Translated from the Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung.)

BY M. J. RHEES, M. D., MOUNT HOLLY, N. J.

1. HISTORY. In a historical relation Cyclamen (Sex. Syst. Class 5 -Pentandria; Ord. 1-monogynia. Nat. ord; Primalaceae, Juss.), offers but little that is interesting, until the time of Hahnemann. The statements of former physicians, with few exceptions, were made without any scientific investigations, and were either invented, or derived from obscure sources; therefore the results at the sick bed did not correspond to the anticipations; and partly from being decried as dangerous, partly from being considered weak and uncertain in action, the plant lapsed gradually into oblivion, until Hahnemann and some of his disciples established the efficiency of this remedy by their physiological provings, and introduced it into homoeopathic practice. Unfortunately, when Cyclamen appeared in the Materia Medicas of Hahnemann and Noack and Trincks, one range of its medical virtues remained undiscovered, owing to the circumstance that it had been proved only on the male sex. To disclose this, was reserved for the Physiological Prover's Union of Vienna. This society, by means of indefatigable provings on both sexes, (those on females, however, being separated from the rest), established the intimate relation of this medicine, to the female sexual organs, which has been abundantly confirmed by subsequent clinical experience.

2. PHYSIOLOGICAL PROVINGS. (a.) By Hahnemann and his disciples. When we read the physiological provings of Hahnemann in the fifth volume of his Pure Materia Medica, pages 40-60, we find the following significations: a sudden stupefaction, vertigo and dull-pressing headache; obscuration of the sight, dilation of the pupils; drawing pains in the nape of the neck, and in the teeth; nausea, eructations, loathing and aversion to food, and hiccough soon after eating; stinging, griping pains in the abdomen; sensation of general discomfort; flatulence and desire to urinate. Oppresion of the chest, pressing pain in the chest, stinging and drawing in the back; laming pressure, drawing and stinging in the extremities; weakness, itching, peevishness, sleepiness, lassitude, sleep disturbed and interrupted by bad dreams, chilliness of the whole body alternating with heat, loss of thirst, disinclination to labor or to speak, excessive sadness, melancholy; occasionally joyful feeling and lively fancy.

b. ) The Vienna proving, (see Zeitschr. des Vereins der hom. Aerzte OEestereichs, 2 Bd., S. 445-488.) gives a similar result to that of Hahnemann, but it exceeds the latter in number of symptoms, and in the addition of those which belong to the female sexual organs, viz. Menstruation more profuse Repeated appearance of the menses. Too early appearance of the menses. Menstruation attended by severe abdominal pains. Reappearance of long suppressed menses. (Curative effect). Menstruation increased in quantity, black and lumpy, and attended by labor-like pains.

3. CLINICAL EXPERIENCE. In the perusal of the foregoing symptoms, the powerful influence of this drug on the female organism becomes evident in a remarkable degree, and we are reminded of the similarity of the symptoms to those morbid processes which are commonly described as disturbance of the menses, chlorosis, etc. In fact, the most of the above symptoms are to be found in one and the same patient. and though some may be wanting in one case, we find them more distinctly marked in another.

I saw Cyclamen applied 34 times altogether; 18 times in the homoeopathic hospital in the Leopoldstadt, and 16 times in prescriptions for the poor, made by me at the dispensary connected with that institution, which I attended twice a week. and in private practice. The forms of disease in which it was applied were chlorosis-four cases; suppressed or scanty menstruation-nine cases; other diseases attended by vertigo or headache, in which scanty menstruation was also present- eighteen cases; double vision-two cases, and strabismus-one case. The fact that double vision was caused in three cases, twice by the use of the 15th dec. att., and once by the 3d dec. att., was interesting. In the last case, Cyclamen 15, removed the symptom.

Cyclamen has proved very efficacious with blond, leucophlegmatic subjects in whom, besides retarded, suppressed or scanty menstruation, or complete chlorosis, the following symptoms existed: disinclination for any kind of labor; fatigue from slight causes; yawning; continual sleepiness: snoring, deep sleep or sleep disturbed by anxious dreams; chilliness over the whole body which no amount of covering will relieve; vertigo; sensation as if the brain wabbled about while walking; stupefaction and fullness of the head; periodical congestion of blood to the head, with paleness of the face; stinging pain in the forehead and temples; glimmering before the eyes; attacks of faintness with cloudiness or obscuration of sight; occasional diplopia; roaring in the ears: frequent nausea; inclination to vomit or actual vomiting of ingested food or only of watery liquid; aversion to ordinary food and desire for uneatable things; frequent recurring colic-like pains; frequent urination or fruitless desire to urinate; ill-humour; disposition to weep; fear of death or an illusion of being deserted or persecuted by every one.

Cyclamen has been administered in the following forms of disease.

DYSMENORRHEA AND AMENORRHEA. Josephine K. – A blond, 24 years of age, with pale delicate skin, pale lips. and pale gums, has menstruated normally, since her 19th year. Two years before I saw her, she got very wet during an excursion into the country with her mistress: the menses which had just commenced, ceased the same night and did not reappear for ten months. In the 11th month after the nominal use of many domestic remedies, they reappeared with frightful gripings and labor-like pains, which continued through the whole day and night. The two subsequent days during which the menses continued, she was free from pain. Since that time, they have continued to appear with intervals of from two to four months, attended by the same disorders. But as they appeared more violently than ever this time, and had already continued three days, she sought relief in the institution.

Condition on the fifth of December, 1858. Feeble but otherwise quite normal state of body; pale, delicate skin, which allows the veins to show through it; pale lips and pale gums; eyelids slightly edematons. Both lungs attenuated at the apex, but presenting nothing else of a morbid nature: the heart normal, its action accelerated; pulse 92, strong and bounding, yet slightly compressable; the rest of the organs offer no sensible alteration. The patient complains of pressing pain in the forehead; vertigo frequently accompanied by syncope; chilliness over the whole body; very restless sleep interrupted by frightful dreams; continual loathing of meat, longing for sardines, and frequent vomiting in the morning, The labor-like, contracting pains proceed from the small of the back and extend on both sides of the abdomen to the hypogastrium, and occur in periodical attacks of from one to two and even five minutes, during which time, no blood is discharged. The blood which is discharged after these labor-like contracting pains, is more watery. – Pulsatilla.

December 6th. Menstruation has entirely ceased, but the pain in the abdomen, and also the headache and vertigo still continue.

December 8th. The pains in the abdomen, have lost their labor-like character, and have left a sensation of soreness; the headache and vertigo still continue. Cyclamen^15 *[Cyclamen was always given in the 15th dec. att. when the degree of attenuation is not specified.]

December 9th. The vertigo and headache are still present but are less severe.

December 11th, Both have disappeared; but in exchange for them, on awaking in the night, she saw fiery flames dancing before the eyes, and in the morning she saw the patients double; it seemed to her as if two patients, exactly alike, were lying in each bed, the body of one being half covered by the body of the other. Cyclamen was discontinued.

On the 13th of December, she had recovered her normal vision, and was able to leave the Institution on the 16th of December.

Two weeks afterward she came to me in the promenade, and begged me for some of the last medicine, (Cyclamen) which did her so much good; as, from the gradual return of the premonitory symptoms, viz: great lassitude, stupefaction of the head, melancholy, etc., she anticipated the appearance of the menses, and feared a repetition of the previous difficulties. In March of the present year, she returned to me, afflicted with a pulmonary catarrh, and she informed me that her menses were then present, and had been so for three days, that they had commenced with very moderate disorder in the abdomen, and that she had had no great reason to complain of headache or vertigo; since that time the menses have appeared regularly without special disorder, and she feels as sprightly as ever.

Anna F-, twenty years of age, blond, has menstruated since her 16th year; in her 17th and 18th years she was afflicted with Chlorosis; since that time, the menses have appeared regularly every month, but in moderate quantity. and they have continued only one or two days. She suffers frequently in the intervals with vertigo, and pressing pain in the forehead and temples, which is always relieved by a foot bath of ashes. The appetitte is moderate; thirst very small at present; sleep increased; frequent sadness; bowels regular.

Condition on the twelfth of May, 1858. Development good, skin and lips pale, longs free, palpitation of the heart. Pulse 92. Abdomen normal. Slow in speech and movement; she is ill-humoured, and has a constant desire to sleep. – Pulsatilla.

May 17th. Little change in the state of health. The headache and vertigo continue with equal severity, bat the desire to sleep and the gloomy disposition are somewhat diminished. – Cyclamen 3d dec. att.

May 19th. The headache and vertigo have entirely disappeared, and the mind is somewhat more serene.

May 20th. Dimness of sight, and glimmering before the eyes. Discontinue the medicine.

May 22d. Unclouded vision; the patient left the Institution with a cheerful mind.

In the remaining seven cases of menstrual irregularities, Cyclamen proved itself surprisingly efficacious against the attending headache, and vertigo. In one case, diplopia, and in two cases glimmering before the eyes occurred; in the remaining four cases, the sense of sight suffered no change. *[In all three of the cases in which deranged vision occurred, the 3d dec. att. had been used; the remaining four cases received Cyclamen 15th dec. att.]

CHLOROSIS. Catharine O — , 28 years of age, blond, has never been sick heretofore. Ten months since, her menses ceased, having previously always been regular and tolerably copious. At first she supposed herself to be in an interesting situation, for which reason she took nothing with the design of causing a return of the menses; but as she found herself disappointed in her expectations after 4 or 5 months, and the suppression began to be accompanied by weakness, heaviness in the limbs, and palpitation of the heart after continued motion or going up stairs, she used several herbs which were recommended, without effect.

Condition on the 28th of April, 1858. Moderately strong constitution, no elevation of temperature, the skin as well as the mucous membranes are pale and bloodless, the lungs exhibit nothing abnormal; rushing sound in the carotids; the action of the heart is weak, its sounds clear, pulse 72. Stinging between the shoulders; vertigo, with griping pain about the umbilicus; no thirst, appetite diminished; sleep increased, bowels sluggish. Continual disquietude of conscience as if she had inflicted a great injury on some one; inclination to weep. Pulsatilla.

May 5th. No alteration; the vertigo is still severe. — Cyclamen.

May 7th. But little vertigo. The eyes seem as if covered with a veil. The medicine was discontinued.

May 8th. The sensation as if the eyes were covered with a veil, has disappeared.

Pulsatilla*[Pulsatilla was given instead of repeating Cyclamen, because that confidence was not yet placed in the action of Cyclamen, which was subsequently induced by a knowledge of the symptoms of vision it produces; it was necessary to return to Cyclamen bemuse the vertigo reappeared and did not yield to Pulsatilla.] was again administered for some time, and subsequently Cyclamen was repeated, and this time it caused no disorder of vision, and on the 25th of May, the patient left the Institution, cured.

A sprightly Jewess, 16 years of age, menstruated for the first time in June, 1858; the menses appeared twice, regularly, were then delayed 6 or 8 weeks, and have been entirely suppressed since the last of December. The patient lost her former cheerfulness, sought solitude and was offended by every trifle, she performed her usual duties with reluctance, could not be induced to take a walk in the open air, and slept uncommonly late in the morning.

On the 14th of March, 1859, I was requested to visit her, and found this formerly blooming girl, now pale, with swollen eyelids, lips and gums very pale and the action of the heart impetuous; the collective organs were normal. She complained especially of great lassitude, so that it was necessary for her to rest frequently in going up to the third story; frequent palpitations of the heart without sufficient cause, timid anxiety and a sensation as if every room were too small; yet she could not be induced to go into the open air. She refuses all amusement, and even the small circle of her acquaintance, as well as song and dance, annoy her; she feels well only when she is entirely alone and weeping. She frequently suffers in the forenoon with a pressing pain in the forehead and vertigo; her appetite is moderate and bowels sluggish. I prescribed Cyclamen.

Several weeks elapsed without any essential improvement in the case, except that the headache and vertigo appeared at longer intervals and less violently, and the patient was rather more cheerful. On the 19th of April the menses reappeared, and on their appearance the headache and vertigo were entirely relieved. The appearance of the patient had considerably improved, her appetite was reinstated and she had recovered her former sprightliness. On the 15th of May the menses appeared again and continued five days tolerably copious. Since that time she has felt quite well. (Day before yesterday, i.e., on the 12th of June, I learned through her mother that her menses returned on the 10th of this month, as she was about to take a swimming lesson, and they will undoubtedly cease at the natural time).

Typhus. Ernestine S — , was taken ill of Typhus on the 10th of January, 1858; she recovered from it regularly. During the convalescence, furuncles were developed on different parts of the body and gradually disappeared. On the 19th of February she was attacked with violent vertigo; on the 21st of February she received Cyclamen 3d dec. att.; on the following day menstruation*[Menstruation in this case had always been regular as to time and quantity, previous to the attack of Typhus; it is true, it did not appear in January, but that must be ascribed to the disease, as I have frequently observed a suppression of the menses during the continuance of Typhus; the medicine, therefore, was not given in this case for the suppression of menses, but for the vertigo; and from the fact that the menses appeared on the next day after the administration of Cyclamen, I will not ascribe this effect to the medicine, but to the return of the physiological function of the womb in consequence of the increase of physical strength.] commenced; the vertigo was still present but the medicine was discontinued. On the 24th of February, menstruation ceased; but in consequence of the vertigo still being present, Cyclamen 3rd dec. att. was again administered. On the 25th of February, the vertigo was removed, but was replaced by indistinct and double vision with slight inversion of the left eyeball. Cyclamen was discontinued. On the 26th of February the diplopia continued. On the 27th of February, objects appear single but indistinct, as if seen through a veil. On the 1st of March she left the Institution in the best state of health.

CATARRHUS PULMONALIS. Josephine O — , 33 years old, suffered with a pulmonary catarrh from the 12th to the 19th of April, 1858. On the 20th she was attacked with violent vertigo, and pressing pain in the temples. — Cyclamen. On the 21st the vertigo was less severe, and on the 23d she left the Institution, cured.

Margaret G. — , 18 years old, menstruates very sparingly; was taken sick on the 14th of July, 1858, of acute pulmonary catarrh. On the 24th she complained of a violent vertigo; the pulse was quiet, the catarrh had disappeared. — Cyclamen 3rd dec. att. On the 25th she still had vertigo; on the 26th she was free from it; she had no derangement of vision.

HEMICRANIA. Theresa F. — , 37 years old, menstruates scantily and irregularly (menstruation is frequently suppressed for 2 and 3 months). For the last 4 years she has suffered with an excessively violent headache which occupies the whole of the right side of the head and face, occurs at intervals of from 8 to 14 days, and continues each time from 12 to 36 hours; it is most violent at the time of the menses. Five days before her admission to the institution she was attacked again, and this time it did not leave her, except for short intervals of from half an hour to an hour.

Condition on the 2d of August, 1858. Emaciated individual; skin as well as lips, gums and mucous membranes pale; temperature not elevated; skin dry and cool. Pulse normal, the rest of the organs healthy. The right eye was closed by a violent spasm in the lid, and when it was forcibly opened, a stream of hot tears gushed out, but it was otherwise normal. — Ignatia. Until the 8th her condition was unchanged, In the evening I gave her Atropine, 4th dec. trit. On the 9th the dose was repeated, and on the 11th she was free from headache. — No medicine. On the 16th she again had headache, vertigo and diplopia as soon as she undertook to read. Cyclamen 3rd dec. att. On the 17th the above symptoms were moderated, but a glimmering before the eyes had set in. On the 18th all the symptoms had disappeared except the glimmering; the medicine was discontinued, and on the 21st she left the Institution, cured.

She afterwards came several times to the dispensary to seek relief from her headache, which was now more seldom and less intense than formerly. Having the disorder of her menses in view, I always gave Cyclamen. Three weeks ago she returned, suffering with catarrh of the bowels, and I learned this occasion, that her menses now appear every month, and continue tolerably copious for 4 or 5 days, and that her headache has not returned since February of this year(1859)

Maria G — , 27 years old, is a wetnurse, and weaned her nursling on the day of her admission to the institution. Three days previously, she was seized with a violent stinging pain in the temporal region which extended over the vertex and tormented her incessantly. It prevents sleep and destroys the appetite. Her bowels are always sluggish.

Condition on the 9th of January, 1858. Strong, well developed individual with moist skin, red face, slightly coated tongue, exuberant breasts, pulse 52 per minute, visible pulsation of the temporal arteries; no other obvious symptoms. Belladonna. On the 11th the headache was diminished, but her head was very dizzy. Until the 19th she had periodically recurring headache. — Apis. On the 20th the headache was absent the whole day, but the vertigo continued. The medicine was discontinued. On. the 23rd the headache returned. Apis 6th dec. att. On the 24th no headache. — No medicine, On the 27th Cyclamen was given for the continual vertigo. On the 28th no change was yet observable. — Cyclamen 3rd dec. att. By the 30th the vertigo had disappeared entirely, but the patient complained of weakness of sight to such a degree, that she did not trust herself to walk alone. — Cyclamen was discontinued. On the 4th of February she left the Institution, cured.

STRABISMUS. In February, 1859, a woman brought her boy, aged two years and a half, to the Dispensary and begged to know if I could give him nothing for this "hateful squinting," as she expressed it, as she would on no account allow the child to be operated on. On a closer inquiry in relation to the origin of this evil, it appeared that six months previously the boy had fallen from a table and soon afterwards was attacked with convulsions, which were subsequently twice repeated; five weeks after the last convulsions, the mother first observed that the child squinted I gave him Arnica until the end of March. The convulsions did not return, but the Strabismus was not relieved. I then administered Cyclamen for 14 days without perceiving any effect. The woman did not return, for which I was very sorry, as the result of my trouble thereby escaped me. Ten days ago, I met with her in the street, and asked why she had not come back with her child, and she answered that, "By the time the child had taken all his portion of pills, the squinting had entirely disappeared, and therefore, there was no necessity for me to return." Although this answer showed so little gratitude, I was rejoiced to find the curative action of Cyclamen again confirmed.

Dr. WURMB had related some time previously in one of the meetings of our Society, that he had cured a coachman of Strabismus with Cyclamen.

RHEUMATISMUS ACUTUS. A young woman is at present in the Institution who has suffered for three months with complete suppression of the menses, in consequence of extensive rheumatism. In the course of her present sickness she had a violent pressing pain in the forehead with vertigo. Dr. WURMB prescribed Cyclamen, which caused both to disappear entirely the next day.

The remaining cases which I have observed, have all been pale subjects who were inclining to Chlorosis, and whose symptoms resembled pretty closely those above described; I will therefore omit them lest I become too prolix. I believe it to be my duty, however, to make this one observation: that, in similar diseases, we should never give a low dilution of Cyclamen if we would avoid the physiological action which it exerts on the sense of sight. I saw this effect follow the use of the 15th dec. att. only twice; whereas it almost always resulted from the 3rd dec. att.

Theresa P — , 30 years old, a thick-set, strongly built woman. Until 10 years ago she had never been sick, but at that time she was attacked with a violent, itching eruption over the whole body, which was diagnosed as the itch, although she was not able to attribute it to contagion. It was dispersed with Sulphur ointment. After the disappearance of the eruption, her sight continually diminished, so that after a few months she could not walk at all without a guide, and this condition continues to the present day. She can only see the outlines of large objects in a strong light and they look as if enveloped in a fog. She cannot distinguish any object in the rooms. Nothing could be discovered on a close examination of the eyes except very large pupils. The menses have never yet appeared; she complains at intervals of three or four weeks of orgasm of the blood, headache, pressing vertigo, heaviness, frequent trembling of the lower limbs and urging towards the genitals. She has complained for several months of an itching in the skin of the whole body, which becomes particularly intolerable at the periods above mentioned, although nothing is visible on the skin. As she had heard from an acquaintance that she had been cured of a similar complaint at our Dispensary, she also came in September, 1858, and desired a remedy for her troublesome disease. She was soon cured also, by 6 globules of Sulphur, 3 times a day. In the beginning of December, she came again and requested me to relieve her of a headache which was at that time very troublesome. I recollected her previous statement, that she suffered with periodical orgasm of the blood, etc., and as I saw in these symptoms the effort of nature to establish the menses, the thought struck me that there might be present, an Atresia vaginae: but the examination of the genitalia revealed nothing abnormal. I gave Cyclamen, 3 globules*[In the Dispensary, the globules are generally medicated with the 3rd dec. att.] every two hours; on the 4th day the headache and vertigo had considerably diminished; continue Cyclamen. Eight days afterward, she told me that the headache and vertigo had entirely ceased, but she now sees fiery balls dancing about before her eyes; I ordered her to go to my residence (which was much more convenient for her) and gave her Cyclamen 15th dec. att 3 times a day. On the 27th of December she came again to obtain another portion. The fiery balls dancing before the eyes, had ceased to trouble her. On the 2nd of January, 1859, she came while I was absent (having been called to a princely house in Moravia), and left word for me that an important change had occurred in her. On her subsequent appearance on the 14th of January, she joyfully related to me that her menses had commenced on the 2nd of January with violent gripings in the abdomen, and had continued for 4 days, and also that she suffered no more with headache and vertigo.

As she still visits me frequently I have opportunities to learn that her menses come on regularly every month and continue 4 or 5 days, tolerably copious.

[In conclusion the translator desires to call attention to the fact, that by the captions of some of the above cases, Dr. EIDHERR would seem to refer the cure of Acute. Rheumatism, Pulmonary Catarrh and Typhus, to Cyclamen; whereas it was given for, and cured, headache and vertigo occurring in patients who were convalescing from those diseases. This may throw some light on the manner in which the "Clinical Observations," in Jahr's Manual, have been swelled to such prodigious and pernicious proportions. He would also state that he has found the 15th cent. att. of Cyclamen quite efficacious in relieving disorders, similar to those above described.]

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 01, 05. 1859, pages 24-29, pages 220-227]

[Description: Cyclamen Europaeum.]

[Remedies: Cyclamen europaeum]

[Author: Eidherr, M.]

[Year: 1859]

CONSTIPATION.* [Constipation, its Theory and Cure; embracing the Physiology of Digestion, and the injuries inflicted by the employment of purgatives: by JOHN EPPS, M. D., London-pp. 440.]

The presence, within the sphere of the personality, of a morbid influence manifests itself through external symptoms. Whatever may be the ultimate character of these symptoms, -whether they eventually result in blood congestions or organic lesions-they nevertheless have their primary movements and manifestations in a disturbance in the normal, i.e. in the usual distribution of the vital nervous currents. The currents of nervo-vital energy which, for instance, in health, are continually flowing through the nerves of the lower extremities, giving life, strength and movement, are under certain diseased impressions, diverted from their natural channels: and instead of the natural temperature of the feet, we find coldness and discomfort there. Under these circumstances, the head may be the portion of the system which correspondingly suffers, though in a precisely opposite direction, the state of that organ being one of repletion instead of deficiency. It would certainly be improper to say, either that the cold feet were the cause of the hot head, or that the hot head was a cause of the cold feet. Both these phenomena should be considered as caused by a third which is primary, and which has its material, external manifestation through these and other symptoms, if others there are connected with the case. The primary cause is the morbid element-the disease itself-which lies behind all the symptoms, in the personality of the patient.

Now in a state of health, there are, constantly flowing through that portion of the nervous apparatus which influences the process of digestion, nervo-vital fluids, whose peculiar function is to preside over and carry on that process. Through these nervo-vital fluids, the organs concerned in the work are endowed with the vital aflinities requisite for the proper performance of their respective parts. The liver secretes its bile-the stomach, its gastric juice-the pancreas, its peculiar fluid-the intestinal lining, its mucus. The absorbents, under the impulsion of their nervo-vital forces take up the results of the action of these various secretions upon the injesta, and peristaltic action removes the debris. Thus all the processes go on normally and well. But if a divergence from the natural channel occurs in the fluids which carry on the process described, the whole action is interrupted, and certain very unwelcome phenomena make their appearance, to the great discomfort of the party concerned. One of the least of these is Constipation, magnified as it has been into awful importance by the ignorant physicians of past ages.

The profound regard with which we consider every symptom occurring in the course of any disease must naturally prevent us, as Homoeopathists, from assigning any such undue importance to any one, as is given to constipation, by the popular or allopathic mind.*[The term allopathic mind may strike some of our readers as a singular and perhaps improper expression. The human intellect may be expected, from its innate qualities, to have other thoughts and affections than those bounded by so small an expletive. Our own recent observations, however, have convinced us that the Creator, for some wise purpose of his own, has permitted such things to be; and that a degree of littleness has been attained, under the influence of a fine allopathic education, which completely and thoroughly incapacitates the intellect for the reception of any idea outside an allopathic college or publication.]

We therefore put it down as an incident occurring in the course of a destroyed nervous equilibrium, and consider it simply one of a series of phenomena among which, perhaps, will be the cold feet and hot head above referred to; furred tongue; loss of appetite; irritation of the organs of special sense; passive hemorrhages; urinary difficulties; mental derangements; and even warts on the fingers and corns on the feet. We repeat again that the simple constipation of the bowels has nothing whatever to do with the rest of the phenomena presented in a case. It is by no means a cause of the hot head, any more than the corns on the feet. All the phenomena have a common cause, which is the morbid element itself, behind them all, in the personality of the patient.

The faulty nosology which names a diseased condition after one of its symptoms has contributed a good deal toward giving its present importance to this symptom of costiveness. Inasmuch as a distinct individualization, "a local habitation and a name," so to speak, has been given it-since the unevacuated rectum has been elevated to the dignity of a place in the nosology-constipation has been considered almost a specific disease, and many are under the impression that it should be treated as such; and hence the old-school practice of purging takes its rise.

In this place perhaps, as well as any other, we may be permitted to inveigh against the fancied necessity of giving a name to disease. A man is sick – very sick, it may be – in a manner which indicates Belladonna. He recovers under the use of it. The patient may have had sore throat, or inflammation of the brain; Belladonna has cured him. If it is deemed proper to report the case, it should be done in full, with all the symptoms in detail; but no name need be given to the disease. There are reasons for this which may not appear at first sight. For suppose the above case to be called an inflammation of the brain (because the determination of the nervo-vital forces was toward the cerebrum, to the extent of producing irritation); then, a case of this disease has been cured with Belladonna; and forthwith, many, who depend on clinical experience, prescribe Bell, in every case of inflammation of the brain, and of course in many cases in which it is by no means indicated.

Again this custom of naming diseases causes the very severe cases to be confounded with the very slight ones, and false mortuary ratios are drawn between different systems of practice, or the practice of different physicians in the same school.

But to return to the matter in hand: in that condition of the system to which the name of Constipation has been given because constipation is a troublesome symptom, the nervovital fluids have been diverted from their usual channels into other directions. Most commonly we find disturbance in the skin, the kidneys, the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs, and the brain and organs of special sense. No careful observer can fail to have noticed how frequently patients complain of a troublesome perspiration on the slightest movement. In the cases of chronic constipation (so called) which present themselves at the Central Homoeopathic Dispensary, in this city, this symptom is perhaps more constant than any other. Cures are almost always effected in these cases with Nat. Mur. 12 or 30, three doses a week, or perhaps six doses in three weeks. When the sweats are nocturnal most benefit has been derived from Kali Carb. in the same potencies, administered in much the same manner. This experience corresponds precisely with that of Dr. Epps in the book recently published by him.

In those cases where an opposite condition of the skin exists, i.e. when the skin is dry and manifestly inactive, Sulphur has proved in our hands of essential service, though the experience of Dr. Epps seems to point in favor of Graphites. In illustration of the value of Sulph. in this condition, we will here cite the case of a young woman, whose skin was exceedingly inactive. She had an eruption (eczema) upon the hands, of five years standing; chronic constipation, bowels moving hardly once in a week; and a remarkable dryness of the skin, involving entire absence of perspiration. She had endeavored by continued and violent physical exertion to bring on a natural perspiration, convinced if once this event occurred she must experience some relief from her unpleasant sensations. During these attempts she spared no pains, but took every means in her power to accomplish the desired result, but all in vain. She took three doses of Sulph.30, at intervals of six hours, and had Sac. Lact. for a week after, with some very slight effect upon her general feelings, and upon the palms of her hands, which seemed to be a little moist. She then had one dose of Sulph. 200, and in a fortnight came back to the institution, glorying in the remarkable improvement in the eruption, in the fact of her regular evacuations, and in the complete cure of the dry skin which had troubled her so much, but which had now become soft and moist over her whole person. It was a matter of some doubt whether Graph. or Sulph. should be given, and Graph, might have effected a like satisfactory cure; but Sulph. was chosen in consequence of a nocturnal aggravation marked with febrile symptoms.

In cases of chronic constipation, where the diverted nervovital fluids are directed toward the organs of special sense and the cerebrum generally, Nux and Belladonna have been found of most service, in the institution above referred to. Belladonna does not seem to be a favorite remedy with Dr. Epps, though Nux stands very high in his repertory. Nux is doubtless of inestimable value in cases of chronic constipation, but it will not cure more than a third of the cases we meet with, though Homoeopathists have fallen into the habit of prescribing it almost as a matter of course, for this form of diseased manifestation. We are fully satisfied that we have never thoroughly and radically cured a case of chronic constipation with Nux alone. In the cases where this would seem to be the best remedy, Sulph. has been almost always required to complete the cure. Nux 30, administered at night, with one dose of Sulphur on the following morning, and the Nux repeated for the two succeeding nights, accomplishes very satisfactory results in cases where Nux is called for.

It is well known that Allopathists are of late years much in the habit of prescribing Nux and Strychnia in chronic constipation, and patients who have failed of a cure at their hands often come under the care of Homoeopathists with Nux symptoms, which have been superinduced by the large doses of the drug previously administered. These symptoms are increased if the drug is repeated through ignorance of the previous treatment, and patients expecting immediate relief, may perhaps become disheartened at the aggravation. Three doses of Sulph. 30, under these circumstances, are of great service, especially if followed, at the end of ten days, by a single dose of Nux 100, or Nux 200. Sulphur and Nux are well understood to be almost specifics in cases of hemorrhoids.

Bryonia has been found to afford perfect relief, when given in the 12th potency, in cases of constipation, complicated with great flatulence, and with furred tongue and disordered stomach. We consider Opium as, in most cases, merely palliative. In cases of recent origin, in which there is dryness and heat of the Anus, with sensations as if the orifice were, closed, it is often sufficient. There has, however, occurred to us one case, in the person of a very old patient, in which Opium 100, in solution, a dose every morning for a week, seemed to keep the evacuations regular, for two or three months. Lachesis has since seemed to be better indicated, and is perhaps more to be relied on, for old people, who are very apt to have "abortive eructations."

Dr. Epps gives us many cases of cures, in which the complication of prolapsus ani was present. Sepia, Graphites, Sulphur and Nux, are his favorites. The success which has attended his administration of these remedies is extremely gratifying.

In chest complications, he inclines to use Bryonia, Lycopodium and Hepar. Arsenic and Kali are also employed.

One of the most interesting points made by Dr. Epps, in this work, is the frequency with which the concomitant symptoms become very much relieved, and sometimes in fact entirely removed, while the constipation, supposed by the patient to be the cause of all the trouble, remains the same, or but very slightly improved.

We are reminded, in this connection, of a case of Insanity occurring in a young girl, who had the concomitant symptom of Amenorrhea. All her previous physicians, considering the Amenorrhea as the cause of the mental derangement, had administered the most violent emmenagogues with no result. The poor creature was very crazy, and much weakened by her violent treatment. Air, exercise, wholesome diet, and careful medication cured the mental derangement and general weakness in a few weeks, but the Amenorrhea remained several months after her complete recovery from, the other symptoms. At last the menses became regular, as the diseased influence which caused all the unpleasant manifestations was gradually driven from the system by the power of the vitality, and the return of the nervo-vital fluid into its proper channels.

In Dr. Epps' book similar instances are multiplied. Affections of the head, eyes, ears, chest, stomach, uterus, and even of the rectum, are reported as not only ameliorated, but sometimes as cured, while the bowels are still costive. We are much pleased to see the prominence given to these facts by Dr. Epps, though they are well understood by our school. This is the more proper, inasmuch as the book is intended for intelligent and educated laymen as well as for physicians. Such demonstrations will of course go far toward convincing his readers of the folly-certainly of the uselessness-of forced purgation in any disease. Let us be thankful that the time has at length arrived, when the drastic purges of the old school are falling into absolute disrepute among "all sorts and classes of men." It is, however, perhaps advisable for us, Homoeopathists, not to raise our paeans too high. To be sure, typhus fever, dysentery, diarrhea and consumption possess a certain immunity from the purging pill box: but such is the horror of many Allopathic physicians of anything which savors in the least of the practice of "sugar pillism," that there may be found some severely orthodox Doctors, in some far off rural districts, who, at the sound of our rejoicing, will straightway give repeated purges to their patients; intending in this vicarious manner to purge themselves of all suspected Homoeopathic heresies.

A part of Dr. Epps' plan, as set forth in the title of his work, is to notice, and prove the actual injuries inflicted by the use of evacuants. This forms one of the finest chapters in the book, if not the very best. Cases are here cited of epilepsy, gastritis, piles, inflammation of the intestines, hernia, prolapsus ani, prolapsus uteri, etc., etc., distinctly traceable to the habitual employment of purgatives. It is proper in this connection to remark that Dr. Epps seems to have passed too lightly over the injurious effects of the habitual use of enemas. Nothing is so common among the better classes, whose habits are productive of inactivity of the bowels, as cold or warm enemas on rising in the morning: and we are convinced few things are more detrimental in their final effects on the condition of the intestinal canal. Repeated injections must produce a congestion of the rectum. Their effect is necessarily injurious, inasmuch as it is unnatural. If there are impacted feces in the rectum, the condition is owing to the want of proper innervation, and the only proper remedy is the medicine, which, by equalizing the circulation of the nervo-vital fluids, shall radically cure the diseased condition. Palliation is well enough for those who do not wish for a cure; but for those who do, habitual enemas are almost as bad as habitual purgatives.

That part of Dr. Epps' book which treats of the adjuvants toward keeping the evacuations regular is of very great service both to laymen and physicians. It contains many valuable suggestions, which, as the book has not yet been published in America, we shall mention here.

As first in importance, he mentions the immediate obedience of any call to relieve the bowels by stool; next, the habitual solicitation of the bowels, after breakfast; third, moderation in the use of food; fourth, sponging the body, especially the belly, with cold water; fifth, drinking a tumbler of cold water in the morning; sixth, friction of the spine from above downward; and seventh, the exercise of walking. To this we may add, placing the arms akimbo and performing a twisting movement of the body, the hips being the fixed point on which the upper part of the trunk turns; thus bringing into action the abdominal muscles. An eighth means mentioned by Dr. Epps. is the avoidance of late suppers; and he also recommends lathering the abdomen, with soap and brush, on rising in the morning. These various expedients must strike every reader as appropriate, and are beyond all doubt efficient in many cases.

In conclusion we have to say that no case of chronic constipation can possibly resist homoeopathic remedies, when properly applied, unless the diseased condition is complicated with intersusceptive malignant disease, or stricture of some part of the intestinal canal.*[We have not brought the physiological portion of the work into any prominence, as it is simply a repetition of facts well known to our readers.]

Before laying aside the pen, we should fail to do justice to Dr. Epps; as well as to our own feelings, did we fail to speak in the highest terms of his work. Those who write monographs on individual remedies, and those who write monographs on individual symptoms, are to be classed among the greatest benefactors of our science. Dr. Epps has accomplished his purpose in the best possible manner, and the profession and those laymen who employ Homoeopathy cannot feel their obligations to him too deeply.

We are well satisfied that such books as this are of more service to the profession than those of any other character, excepting perhaps those upon individual drugs. Moreover there is as we have said above, a popular element in it, which not only insures its sucess, but its enlarged usefulness. The various publications of the Author have all of them this characteristic, and are in reality more valuable on that account. There are many invalids who are certain to be induced to make a trial of our system by the perusal of such popular monographs.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 03, 1858, pages 119-127]

[Description: Constipation. A sketch of "Constipation, its Theory and Cure; embracing the Physiology of Digestion, and the injuries inflicted by the employment of purgatives" by JOHN EPPS]

[Author: AHomeo01.]

[Year: 1858]

CASE OF DYSMENORRHEA.

BY T. C. FANNING. M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

Our provings are so unfortunately deficient in symptoms arising from the effect of the drugs on the female genital system, that the diseases of that system are considered by the profession generally as unusually difficult of treatment.

Each carefully reported case of cure, especially of a chronic disease, by a single remedy, assists in determining the characteristic action of that remedy, and if the disease be one of a class presenting peculiar difficulties in the way of treatment, to a great or less extent, helps to remove the difficulties. The following case is offered in the hope that thereby a mite may be contributed toward a just appreciation of the remedy in its general action, and especially in its application to a disease sadly prevalent in this country.

Statement of Case. — J. A. O., aged 24 years, medium height, dark complexion, dark hair, nervous temperament, very fond of music. Has suffered for years with dysmenorrhea, accompanied with violent headache.

Period generally delayed; discharge lasting about seven days, scanty, coming for a few minutes at a time, then ceasing for six or eight hours — bright, clotted, without flow; no indications of the approaching menses. An hour or two after the first appearance of blood the pain sets in. Pain in the hypogastrium going to the back; feeling of obstruction internally; dragging pain in the back and pain throughout the lower extremities which seems "deep." The easiest position is flat on the back with limbs extended; walking aggravates the pain; warmth diminishes it. Pain in the head, principally in the anterior part and eyes, very severe, aggravated by stooping and walking, relieved by pressure. Nausea in stomach; sometimes vomiting. Feverishness; sweat (from warm clothing?); cold hands and feet; pulse about one hundred and twenty. Violent rapid pulsation felt throughout the body, except in the head. The symptoms of pain, fever, &c., diminish and cease on the second day; has had previous to the last two or three months slight leucorrhea (removed by cold sitz baths), as follows: — insensible, slight, rather tenacious, odorless, yellowish discharge.

Former Treatment — None recent. Has tried without benefit strong spirits and a few popular remedies for the relief of pain.

Therapeutics. — Taking the cardinal points of a bright, clotted discharge, delayed in time, and Boenninghausen's invaluable Therapeutic Pocket Book as a guide, I was reduced to a choice between Hyos. and Sabina.

A careful comparison of the pathogenetic effects of these drugs determined me in the choice of Sabina as the proper remedy for this case. Accordingly powders of Sabina^200 were given, to be taken two every week until the next period; then, if the pain and headache were severe to dissolve one powder in a tumbler half full of water and take a teaspoonful every two hours while the pain continued severe; after the first period one powder weekly. As she was unable to report regularly to me, I gave her my statement of the case and requested her to note any improvement or change of symptoms. The following is her report:

Result. — October, 1860. Delayed three days, preceded for two days by headache and slight palpitation; attended by no pain for eight hours, then very slight pain of the old character — dragging down. Still very scanty, clotted, no flow; no pain in back or limbs; no nausea; very little fever.

Third Day. Slight feeling of obstruction, but less than usual; no unpleasant sensation after third day.

November. Delayed forty-eight hours; preceded for one day by slight headache; no pulsation; attended by considerable pain in back and lower abdomen; feeling of obstruction, only lasting two hours; no headache; no pulsation; quantity doubled, less clotted; slight flowing and more frequent; no sensation of any kind after first day.

December. Just four weeks to an hour; no premonitory symptoms whatever; very slight flow for two days, but attended by no pain; no rapid pulsation; no fever; slight nervousness. After second day flowing quite freely and constantly for two days; lasting slightly eight days. Two weeks after, pain in back, quite severe; sensation as if everything had slipped out of place; dragging down pain, lasting two or three hours, relieved by one powder. The next two weeks considerable leucorrhea, the first since September.

January, 1861. Perfectly regular in every way; not one of the old symptoms remaining, except a very slight nervousness the first day, lasting seven days and followed by none of the unfavorable symptoms of the previous month.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 01, 1862, pages 30-33]

[Description: Case of Dysmenorrhea.]

[Remedies: Sabina]

[Author: Fanning, T.C.]

[Year: 1862]

COFFEA IN ODONTALGIA.

By T. C. Fanning, M. D., Tarrytown, N. Y.

March 6th, 1863. Mrs. A., called at my office for some medicine for her daughter Mrs. B., who was suffering from toothache. Gave her Chamomilla 200, to be dissolved in half a tumbler of water and a teaspoonful taken in one or two hours, according to the severity of the pain.

8th. I was called to see Mrs. B. and found that the Chamomilla had rather aggravated than relieved the pain. I found her a young woman, aged 26 years, with dark hair, dark eyes, rather dark complexion and lively, cheerful disposition. Some days previously she had had a number of teeth filled, which was followed by odontalgia and facial neuralgia, the pain being of an indescribable character, throughout the jaws and face, worse when lying down and at night, and only relieved by holding cold water in the mouth, the relief ceasing so soon as the water became warm. She had been similarly affected after having teeth filled, each year about the same season for three years. Prescribed Merc. Sol.200 to be taken in the same way that the Chamomilla was taken.

9th. No effect was observed from the Mercury. Gave Pulsatilla in the same manner. Mrs. A. asked me if I could not give her daughter something to make her sleep, as the pain prevented her from sleeping at all. Thinking that Coffea might relieve the nervous excitability which was present and enable her to sleep, especially as she did not use coffee as a beverage, I gave some pellets of Coffea^200 to be dissolved as the others had been and a teaspoonful taken every half hour for two hours after going to bed, if the pain should not be relieved by the Pulsatilla before that time. No effect was observed from Pulsatilla, but after the second dose of Coffea she slept nearly twelve hours, awoke free from pain and had no return of it.

Surprised at the entire removal of the pain by Coffea, I searched the Materia Medica (Trinks) for any indications of relief of any symptom by cold applications, but found none either in the proving or clinical records of Coffea.

Fear of offering something to the profession which might be considered of no value, or, on the other hand, be known to everyone but myself, prevented me from sending a report of this case to the Review, until Dr. Hale's cases appeared. It then occurred to me that I might, without impropriety in reporting the case, urge others to learn wisdom from my experience and never hesitate to report a case in which a single remedy has evidently removed any well defined symptom or condition, which may or may not appear in the proving and has not already been abundantly verified clinically. As, in this instance, the first report will doubtless frequently elicit another to corroborate it. Such reports are especially desirable at this time when Dr. Hering is preparing his Materia Medica for publication, and every true Homoeopathician should consider it a duty, as well as privilege, to contribute anything in his power to the perfection of that work.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 04, 1864, pages 214-215]

[Description: Coffea in Odontalgia (toothache).]

[Remedies: Coffea cruda]

[Author: Fanning, T.C.]

[Year: 1864]

LITHIUM CARBONICUM.

By T. C. Fanning, M. D., Tarrytown, N. Y.

Miss -, aged about 26 years, with brown hair, quick nervous temperament and rather thin in flesh, called on me June 29th, 1863, and gave the following history: about two years ago, took cold by getting wet feet, affecting the right kidney and bladder; the trouble soon subsided, however, to be renewed with every new cold until last August (1862), when it became permanent.

In November, 1862, went to the Woman's Hospital, Madison Avenue, and remained there three months. The first operation here was for contraction and curvature of the cervix uteri, which resulted in inflammation of the parts and complete amenorrhea. Failing here they turned their attention to the bladder and first used injections of Ferri per sulphur which stopped the discharges of blood, which for four months previously had followed urination. Applications of Chromic acid and Glycerine were made to the inflamed os uteri. Blisters were applied over the right kidney, and a seton was established over the right ovary. "Everything had not yet been done" however for the poor patient; but, alas, she was mortal, her strength was failing and it was feared would not suffice to sustain her through an operation which had been successfully performed in other cases, and would certainly cure her bladder which was still inflamed and ulcerated near the cervix. The operation proposed was to make a vesico vaginal fistula, then cure the ulceration and inflammation, and then cure the fistula. She was advised to leave the hospital and return when her general health should be sufficiently re-established to justify the operation. She left Madison Avenue in February, and in March went to St." Luke's Hospital. – Here Dr. -- made a vaginal examination, and condemned the operation which had been performed; said there was a tumefaction on the right side (ovary?), which ought to be reduced; tried to pass the sound but could not; thought there was occlusion of the os internum, and that nothing could be done for her until she should be stronger; did not examine the bladder.

She left St. Luke's in May and, confessedly faithless, at the solicitations of friends, applied to me June 19th. I made no vaginal examination (a procedure which I always avoid, if possible), but elicited the following symptoms: Soreness of bladder and feeling as if a sharp instrument had been thrust into the neck of the bladder in micturition. Once in two or three weeks a discharge of yellowish matter with each evacuation of the bladder for twenty-four hours, and micturition is then particularly painful. Feeling of soreness at cervix vesicae, especially on right side. Urination every half to one-and-a-half hours. Sometimes pain in right kidney, removed by warmth to feet and back. Urine turbid. Great pain in the bladder attended with afternoon fever, which lasts until she goes to bed and subsides with profuse sweat, especially on the back. Aching, apparently in cervix uteri about every two weeks, lasting three or four days, relieved by lying with right thigh flexed, in which position she always sleeps now. Inability to lie on right side on account of pain in the right iliac region, low down. Menstruation reappeared about five weeks ago for the first time since the operation at the Woman's Hospital, lasting (as usual) seven days. Flow dark, very offensive, sometimes clotted (not so last time), acrid (last time only) preceded by pain in back, uneasiness and inability to sleep, and aggravation of pain and aching in the bladder (and ovary?), attended by the same with nausea. Occasional slight leucorrhea. General weakness. Decided mental depression; hopeless as to relief from her sufferings.

On comparing these symptoms with the following, contained in the proving of Lithium carb. (Review, vol. iv., p. 9), the applicability of that drug will readily be perceived:

1. Disposition to weep about his lonesome condition.

2. The whole night, anxiety and feeling of helplessness.

106. Violent pain transversely in the abdomen in the upper part of the vesical region.

125. Restlessness in the region of the kidneys.

127. Sensitive pain, sharp pressure in the vesical region, more on the right side; about ten minutes after passing water.

129. Pain in the region of the neck of the bladder on the right.

138. Frequent urination.

141. Urination painful.

148. Turbid urine with much mucous deposit.

150. Urine more scanty and dark, very acrid; it pains when being passed, like lye upon an irritable surface.

153. *Very frequent urination, disturbing in sleep.

164. The menses are three or four days later and diminished.

165. When taken before the menses, the symptoms were most violent on the left side; when taken after the menses on the right side.

231. Prostration of the whole body, especially in the knee-joints and sacrum.

251. Very copious sweat.

252. Sweat on the back of the hands.

July 4th. Menses appeared again yesterday (after six weeks), flow dark with bright clots, and the aching was relieved by it. Gave Lithium carb., to be dissolved in half a tumbler of water, and a spoonful taken three times daily after the cessation of the menses.

13th. Better; can retain water three or four hours; less pain and soreness. Appetite better and feels stronger.

30th. Continued to improve till July 25th, when she took cold and again passed what seemed to be matter, and since then there had been more burning and pain in the bladder. Water now clear and passed about four times daily. Gave Ignatia 300 to be taken every third hour.

August 1st. Better; burning about gone, some pain still. Lithium once daily.

6th. Still better; burning all gone; pain only momentary in passing water. Spirits good. Sleeps well, only rising twice to micturate.

September 17th. Has menstruated regularly, three or fonr days late, and without pain in back, for the first time in more than two years. For three weeks past has suffered much from soreness at the cervix vesicae, right side, especially when walking, going down stairs or lying on right side. Urine has a slight deposit (purulent?). Suspecting that the Lithium might have been continued too long, I now gave Sach. lact.

28th. For past two days has been decidedly better; last night lay for the most of the night on the right side only, rising once to urinate and only once the night before. Urine clear.

The above is the last entry in my note book in regard to this case. In November, Miss -- went to New York to remain for the winter, and while there consulted another physician who, to my application for information respecting the case, makes the following reply:

"Miss -- came under my care November 21st, 1863. Her symptoms indicated inflammation of the urethra, in which I discovered a polypus at the meatus. I removed it with a ligature and she was much relieved in three days. The uterus was enlarged and prolapsed, ulcerated at the os, showing where Dr. Simms had scarificed it severely, which scarifications had not healed. The case passed from under my hands before the uterus was perfectly cured."

As a summing up of the case, so far as it was under my care, I may say that the very speedy improvement following the administration of the remedy leaves no room for doubt as to its beneficial effect; but in consequence of the removal of the patient, there is an uncertainty as to the extent and permanency of its action in the case. I think I have good reason, however, to believe that Lithium cured the ovarian inflammation, including dysmenorhea and the trouble remaining in the right kidney, and so far relieved the vesical difficulty that the patient regained her usual appetite and spirits, and was able to enjoy life which, before taking the remedy, had been only a source of continual agony for months and from which she longed to be relieved by death, if no other means could be found. Referring to the symptoms, Nos. 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13, were entirely removed, and material relief was afforded to Nos. 1, 3 and 4. The menstrual function wail restored to its normal condition.

Without doubt my want of more complete success in this case arose from neglect of Hahnemann's third precaution. Had I prescribed Sach. lact. on or before August 6th, I do think I should have had cause to complain of the report of September 17th.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 07, 1864, pages 316-320]

[Description: Lithium Carbonicum.]

[Remedies: Lithium carbonicum.]

[Author: Fanning, T.C.]

[Year: 1864]

APIS IN BRIGHT'S DISEASE FOLLOWING SCARLATINA.

BY M. FELLER, M. D., OF PRAGUE.

Morbus Brightii as a sequela of Scarlatina was more numerous in 1856, at least in my practice, and yet its terminations were more fortunate than in the epidemic of five years previous. This may be due in part to the fact that the disease itself, was on the whole,. of a milder type. Nevertheless, fatal cases were not lacking, and dropsies frequently appeared which refused to yield to the most powerful remedies.

In obstinate cases of this character, when Bryonia, Cantharis, Digitalis, Helleborus and other remedies well known to be efficacious in similar circumstances had failed to do any good, I administered Apis, second dilution, in water, at first every hour, subsequently every two hours, in tea-spoonful doses, with the very best results. The diuresis, which is the ordinary criterion of improvement in this condition and which had failed to ensne after the above-named remedies, although they appeared well indicated, generally set in on the second or third day of the continued administration of the Apis, and the child recovered under its persistent use.

[Allg. Hom. Zeit., 64, 60.]

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 02, 1862, pages 85-86]

[Description: Apis in Bright's Disease Following Scarlatina.]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: Feller, M.]

[Year: 1862]

CLINICAL CASE.

By AD. Fellger, M.D., Philadelphia

Mr. R. 27 years old, came on the 30th of January 1865, to my office, with a gonorrhea which he had had for some time. The running was milk-like and profuse. There was not the least pain either by urination or without, or any inclination to pass urine more than usual. Mr. R. had a gonorrhea several years before, which he said was cured allopathically. I gave one dose of Copaiva (five drops Copaiva balsam to one hundred drops of Alcohol). Eight days after, to his great satisfaction, he told me he was entirely well, there was not the least running from the urethra to be observed. But alas, about a week after he appeared again with a strong discharge of the cryptae sebaccae of the corona glandis and a small condyloma on the fraenulum praeputiae; from the urethra itself there was no discharge. I then gave Thuja^200, one dose. From week to week this condyloma enlarged and on the corona gland is there appeared five other condylomata which grew rapidly larger. As I considered the enlargement of the condylomata a homoeopathic aggravation, I waited patiently five weeks for the action of Thuja. But all this time the condylomata did not diminish but grew larger and larger; the condyloma at the fraenulum was now an inch long. As the patient had no kind of pain nor the least discharge from the urethra, he seemed not uneasy about it; the only complaint he now made was that he had frequent pollutions, which induced me to give Acid. Nitr. 200, one dose. After eight days all the condylomata at the corona glandis had disappeared entirely, and the long condyloma on the fraenulum was reduced to half its size; and eight days after this, there was nothing more visible, and even with the lens not one spot could be detected. The pollution as well as the discharge from the cryptae sebaceoe, had also entirely disappeared. Thus Nitric acid is the remedy for condylomata with pollutions.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1865, page 518]

[Description: Clinical Case.]

[Remedies: Nitricum acidum]

[Author: Fellger, Ad.]

[Year: 1865]

ENLARGEMENT OF THE MATERIA MEDICA. [Read before the New York State Homoeopathic Medical Society.]

BY H. B. Fellows, K. D., Sennett, N. Y.

In accordance with an appointment by the Cayuga Co. Homoeopathic Society to communicate with the State Society in regard to the enlargement and improvement of our Materia Medica, and, in accordance with my own convictions of the necessity of some action in this department, I present this paper to the State Society for its consideration. It contains some of the reasons why we should be more active in proving new drugs or reproving old ones. Time will not allow a full discussion of this subject in all its bearings on the necessity of the movement, whether it should be a movement to reprove old drugs, or prove new ones, and how the proving should be conducted. In fact it naturally divides itself into several heads, each of which would make a communication of itself. I shall, therefore, attempt only a brief discussion that I may call the attention of the society to it, in the hope that some action may be taken in regard to the matter.

Impressed with the importance of as extensive and exact a Materia Medica as it is possible to have, I must urge upon the attention of the society the necessity of action in subjecting one or more drugs to careful provings. And it is of the utmost importance that this action be general and concerted. Should this be undertaken generally, the facts would accumulate with sufficient rapidity to make the value of the drug soon known; on the other hand, if there are but one or two who undertake a proving, but little can be accomplished. No one person can produce a perfect proving, even should he spend a series of years in the attempt. One thing essential to any proving before it can be considered complete, is that the effects of the drug on different constitutions, ages and sexes shall be observed. It is, therefore, necessary for a number of persons to prove a drug and that they shall act in concert. If a hundred persons in the State of New York were to begin the proving of a drug, each independent of any concerted action, it is not at all probable, it is hardly possible, that the hundred fragmentary provings would ever be collected; and until this should be accomplished the knowledge gained of the drug would be of comparatively little value to each prover, even though each proving should be carefully conducted. Should this society take hold of the matter and each member not only prove the drug chosen in his district upon himself, but induce some member of his household or some of his friends to do the same, a very complete set of provings might be the result. We have the elements in and under the control of the society, if we but use them to advance the science of medicine; and in no more important way can we serve the cause of Homoeopathy and humanity than by making our Materia Medica as perfect as possible. If, in any branch of the science of medicine, the homoeopathic physician should make greater exertion than in another, it is in this. However accurately he may diagnosticate a case and explain its pathology, if he does not know its corresponding homoeopathic remedy, his success can be but partial, and he will frequently fail where he might have succeeded. If the proving of the remedy is so incomplete that it does not point out the homoeopathic relation it holds to the disease, the result will be the same and the physician must fail, or only gain success by accident. These accidental cures are familiar to every physician, and teach us the necessity of proving the drug more thoroughly. The following case may serve as an example:

Mr. M., a young man of 21 years, had served through the Peninsular campaign and before Washington, when he was taken with a chronic diarrhea and was discharged from the army. He returned home and was then treated by both schools with no success. He was then induced to take an infusion of a plant in the vicinity (the botanical name I cannot at present give), being encouraged by the history of several cases cured that appeared similar to his own. In a very short time his improvement was marked and decided. His appetite and digestion became good, he gained in flesh and strength, a troublesome cough left him, and today he looks and feels as well as ever. Several cases similar to this have fallen within my observation, and though they were treated with rather large doses were effectually cured.

From the cases I have known I cannot tell the characteristic of the remedy, and could not use it with any more scientific precision than the quacks who advertise their "cure alls." That the plant has a good deal of medicinal value there can be no doubt; but it must remain almost unavailable until it is properly proved. What I feel in reference to this plant, is felt by every physician in reference to some other drug.

The result of three thousand years experience is an advance of the science of medicine in almost every other branch greater than in this. Anatomy is almost perfect, if we except its nomenclature; physiology has advanced until the various organs of the system have had their action traced down to the primal cell; pathology now analyses almost every diseased action till it is as well known as are the functions in physiology, and for these results we are in a great measure to thank our brethren of the allopathic persuasion. These branches are based on facts which required only patient observation and study to determine, and so far they have been faithful and we have profited by their industry. But when we leave these and the other collateral branches of medicine and enter the domain of therapeutics, their experience facts avails but little, for therapeutics is not a series of observed facts merely. Therapeutics did not advance with the other branches of the science of medicine until the great governing law, announced by Hahnemann, became known and formed the ground-work of the study. Before this, facts had been loosely observed and conclusions drawn by false reasoning, as we see in the use of such enormous doses of Opium in delirium tremens, and of Mercury in syphilis. When this law of "similia similibus" became known, it was found necessary to reconstruct the entire Materia Medica that therapeutics might advance towards perfection, then for the first time possible. The Materia Medica, at that time, was a mass of rubbish, much of which could not at all be used in the new structure which was about to be erected, and nearly all the remainder was so imperfect that it would prove almost as valueless. The reconstruction of the Materia Medica to be available for the newly discovered law of cure, required that the effects of each drug should be accurately and minutely ascertained by proving it upon the healthy, and from this resulted the Materia Medica Purs. Hahnemann and his immediate followers deserve the greatest praise for the energy and perseverance with which they set about and followed up this reconstruction. But they could not accomplish the whole work, and those who have followed in their path until the present have not been able to complete this great work of reconstruction. If we would maintain success and make an advance such as is worthy of the followers of so great a master as Hahnemann, we must take up this work where our predecessors left off and continue it.

By what means can this work be carried on most successfully? Not, as we have endeavored to show by individual effort alone, but through the instrumentality of organized bodies of provers. The County and State Societies and the American Institute of Homoeopathy, if that organization still exists, furnish the organizations that should be available for this purpose.

As small bodies of men work together more earnestly than larger ones as a general rule, each County Society should constitute itself a Prover's Union, and use all its powers to ascertain the effects of the drug chosen for investigation. In those counties where there is no society organized, let those physicians who are willing to assist in this work act together by some common argument. These various results should be placed in the hands of the committee on Materia Medica sufficiently early to arrange for the meeting of the society, at which the report is to be presented. After its presentation to the county society it should be forwarded to the committee constituting the Bureau of Materia Medica of the State society, and I would suggest that the original record of the daily provings should be sent, and not any abstract of them. At least one district should be engaged in proving one drug, and each county should send its report to the member of the Bureau for that district in which the county is situated, to be arranged with other reports for presentation at the meeting of the State society, and subsequently for publication. By this method the provings of several drugs might every year be added to our Materia Medica by this State alone; and if other States would adopt a similar course of proceeding, our Materia Medica might be rapidly and reliably enlarged. Should the America Institute ever resume its meetings and several States devote some effort to proving drugs, these results could be collected and published under the superintendance of a board of editors appointed by that body, and a year book of provings furnished that every homoeopathic physician would find it difficult to get along without.

This is a brief statement of a method by which it has seemed possible that a worthy result might be accomplished. The details will readily suggest themselves to those who will give the subject a thought. For it I claim no particular originality, and I would willingly adopt and assist, as far as in my power, to carry out any other that will promise as much.

In considering this method, it has appeared that the apathy in this department, not so much from a lack of devotion to their chosen calling on the part of the homoeopathic physicians of this State, nor to the unwillingness to subject themselves to the slight inconvenience of proving a drug in the cause of Homoeopathy and suffering humanity, as to the fact that it has not generally been carried on so as to assure the aggregation of the individual result. As soon as the profession at large shall be made to feel that this work shall be taken up in earnest under the direction of earnest workers, I think there will be no lack of proving, and for one I am willing to pledge myself for, at least, one proving every year.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 03, 1864, pages 148-153]

[Description: Enlargement of The Materia Medica]

[Author: Fellows, H.B.]

[Year: 1864]

LACHESIS.

By H. B. Fellows, M. D., Sennet, N. Y.

July 4th, l864. Took five pellets of Lachesis^30 about nine, a. m., for a cough.

Soon after noon I began to feel great heaviness and lassitude all through the body, but particularly through the back and legs.

At 3.30 p. m., the feeling of lassitude had increased and walking tired me much more than usual. After supper this feeling partially passed off.

Retired soon after nine, p. m. Legs ached all through but the pain was the most severe about the knees.

July 5th. Slept well. Coughed less this morning than yesterday. All well until after breakfast.

Soon after eight, a. m. my legs began to ache again, aching all through, but the pain, as on the day before, was most about the knees. Legs felt very heavy. The same feelings extended through the shoulders and arms, but in a less degree.

The general lassitude was more marked than yesterday. Felt better after dinner.

In the evening whilst walking, had a pain deep in the left ear or between the ear and the throat, which was made more severe while putting the temporal and masseter muscles on tension. This pain disappeared in a short time and one appeared just above the left external maleolus, which would increase as the contiguous muscles were put upon the stretch in stepping.

This pain lasted for some time.

July 6th. Felt well with the exception of the lassitude.

July 7th. More of the lassitude. Increased sexual excitement. This excitement lasted several days.

July 10th. No more symptoms noticed.

Any pathogenetic symptom is reliable; it must be so, or the science of Homoeopathy falls to the ground. The pathogenesis of a drug may be confirmed either by reproving it, or by its curative effects when prescribed according to the homoeopathic formula. The former is the better way, and is more in accordance with the teachings of the master, if any doubt exists as to the symptoms ascribed to the drug. There can be no better way to settle the question of the reliability of Lachesis than by a reproving of it; the addition of other symptoms, equally characteristic as those now known, would also be likely to follow the reproving. The curative effects also confirm the provings, and are the final tests to be applied to every proving.

The following case of diphtheria is offered as confirming the above proving and as showing quite clearly the type of cases in which Lachesis will prove of the greatest value; a type which has been of frequent occurrence in this vicinity for the past few months.

Miss S. aged 18, had been feeling unwell for several days. On October 25th she was obliged to take to the bed. On the evening of that day I found her with a severe pain in the forehead, which became a beating pain in the vertex on assuming the upright position. On fixing her eyes on any spot on the wall she would feel dizzy. (I have seen this symptom produced from a high potency. "During the day looking at any object closely would produce vertigo, and in the evening looking at the clouds not more than 30° or 40° above the horizon, would immediately produce the same sensation.") Severe pain in the limbs, principally about the knees and elbows; the flesh felt very sore, and moving the limbs aggravated the pain for the time being. Much lassitude; she nearly fainted on rising from the bed at noon. Tenderness and pain in the epigastric region, nausea, anorexia, tongue coated with a dirty yellow fur, very unpleasant taste in the mouth. The tonsils were swollen and showed patches of a diphtheritic membrane about half an inch wide, of a dirty gray color, and extending down out of sight. Submaxillary and parotid glands swollen. The soreness of the throat began on the left side, and this side was still the most painful; throat was more painful after sleeping or talking. Pulse upwards of ninety; the skin at times hot and dry, at other times moist. Gave Lachesis^30 in aqueous solution every two hours. Next morning I found the patient with the headache, pain in the limbs, and nausea removed and less soreness about the throat; pulse natural or nearly so, strength increased. Continued Lachesis 30.

Oct. 27. Symptoms improving; diphtheritic membrane disappearing. Lachesis^200 every three hours.

October 28th. Did not sleep as well as on previous night. Diphtheritic membrane nearly gone. Lachesis^30. After this the patient got no more medicine for the day.

About twenty months previous, I treated this patient for an attack of diphtheria, using the lower potencies of Aconite Belladonna and Mercurius iod., and during the disease a troublesome asthmatic cough set in and lasted for some days after the throat was healed. During the last attack a slight cough appeared having the same characteristics, but required no other remedy, and disappeared before the throat healed.

From the above proving we get some of the most marked symptoms of this case; and a complete picture of the disease as it often appears in its initiatory stage. As this stage frequently lasts from one to several days, it will in many cases enable us to avert a serious attack by the use of this remedy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 09, 1865, pages 411-413]

[Description: Lachesis.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Fellows, H.B.]

[Year: 1865]

CLINICAL CASES AND OBSERVATIONS ON HIGH POTENCIES.

BY B. FINCKE, M.D., BROOKLYN, N.Y.

"Mann kann sich fast nicht zu klein geben;" (i.e., one almost cannot give them too fine). Hahnemann Chron. Krankh.,2nd Ed., 1685, I., p. 149.

The following report presents a selection from a series of cases in which I administered High Potencies with success.

The potencies employed in these cases were dilutions made after the centesimal scale, and were prepared by myself about ten years ago; some from triturations, some from tincture fortis, some with succussion by means of a strong steel-spring, and some with a single jerk of the hand.

The prescription is quantitatively denoted by a fraction, the numerator being the number of the globules (about the size of mustard seed) used, and the denominator giving the exact number of the successive centigrade dilutions, including the triturations or tinctures fortis respectively.

The nosological designations of the cases are intended merely as a convenience for registration.

CASES.

1. STRANGURIA. — Mr. D., of Frankfort, on M., Germany, fifty years old, tailor, short and stout, choleric, cured by me of liver complaint within the last year; took the last medicine for it in June, 1851.

On September 31st, 1851, he complained of frequent desire to urinate, with severe pains, during which lumps of blood passed with difficulty through the urethral canal, and pressure after urinating. passed after that clear and without difficulty.

2. PLEURODYNIA TRAUMATICA. — C. G., of Frankfort, on M., Germany, sixteen years old, apprentice, small stature, darkblonde, active, (with inherited gout).

October, 1851. Complained of stinging pain at a spot in the right side of his chest, precisely where he was stabbed some years ago. The pain impaired his respiration. Arnica m.2\1100 After that the pain occurred twice during the next week and never after.

3. ARTHRITIS CHRONICA PEDUM. — The same lad, after the experience just reported, November 29th, 1851, asked for medicine for his gout which he inherited from his father. The pain was in his feet and exceedingly severe, so that he could hardly bear anything on the affected parts. Sulphur 2/1000. Immediately after taking this dose, patient felt a stitch going from the right shoulder-blade toward the middle of the back; this pain increased and went down into both knees. Stinging in the knee-joint, particularly when walking; sometimes the legs got stiff; slow walking in a moderately warm room was pleasant, but brisk walking aggravated. All this occurred the first day after taking the medicine.

December 11th, 1856. Met patient on the South Ferryboat; he stated that since the above occurrence he had suffered no more from gout, nor had the stitch in his side returned. His general appearance had changed very much in his favor.

4. TUSSIS SPASMODICA. — Lottchen L., a girl of Frankfort, on M., Germany, six years old, small in stature, lively and delicate, treated by an eminent allopathic physician for six months for a dry spasmodic exhausting cough and without success. November 28th, 1851, Bellad.1\1400 Cured in a few days

5. TUSSIS SPASMODICA. — George L., eight years old, brother of the above patient, was treated allopathically without effect for a similar long-standing, dry, wheezing, spasmodic cough, which affected his chest very much. November 28th, 1851. Bell.1\300. This one dose cured him in a few days.

6. DYSMENORRHEA. — Miss Sophia H., of Frankfort, on M., Germany, twenty-five years old, dark complexion, small stature, active, but somewhat inclined to depression of spirits, complained of cramps in the abdomen and violent pains in her back previous to menstruating, so that she was compelled to lie down. January 29th, 1852. Puls.2\5000. Prompt relief and no return of the pains.

7. ANGINA FAUCIUM. — Friedrich H., of Frankfort, on M., Germany, seventeen years old, apprentice, of dark complexion, tall, scrofulous, had burning in his throat and a sensation as if it were swollen, exciting a dry cough in the morning. March 13th, 1852. Sulp.2\50000. Cured promptly.

8. HEMORRHOIDES COECAE. — N. of Brunswick, Germany, forty years old, emigrant passenger on board the Jason bound to New York, a sturdy fellow of dark complexion, complained of blind hemorrhoids; itching and burning in the anus; distention of the abdomen and constipation. He had moreover sea-sickness and vomited every thing he took. Sallow countenance. July 20th, 1852. Nux vom.3\100

July 21st. Improvement about the anus; stool; abdomen soft. Soon after all his complaints disappeared and did not come on during the remaining three weeks of the voyage.

9. OPHTHALMIA RHEUMATICA — Mrs. B., of German descent, fifty-two years old, of rheumatic diathesis; caught cold, had stinging pains in the eyes; inflammation of the bulbous and palpebral conjunctiva; could not bear the light and her sight had diminished. April 3rd, 1852. Sulp.2\20000. Got well next day.

10. CORNETTIS. — Johanna F., ten months old, of German descent, scrofulous, presented a milk-white spot as large as a millet-seed on the cornea, the whole conjunctiva and part of the cornea being inflamed; tongue coated white; urinating in the night difficult, with crying August 15th, 1852. Sulp.1\20000. In a few days all the symptoms disappeared.

11. DIARRHEA INFANTILIS — N., a boy of one year and a half old, has a watery diarrhea with colic. January, 1854. Cham. v. 1\1730. Recovered promptly.

12. CHOLERA INFANTUM. — Thomas H., of Irish descent, six months old, had convulsions two months ago, and has suffered from vomiting and purging, aggravated a great deal the last eleven days.

August 29th, 1854. In very hot and dry weather, the patient was found extremely emaciated, with a face like an 'old man; hands and feet cold; incessant vomiting of greenish-yellow water and of the milk taken as, he is nursing all the time, watery diarrhea; penetrating cries, with convulsive movements of hands into the pillow and carrying of the hand to the back of the head; abdomen hard; no teeth yet.

Verat a. 1\2400 to the child; Verat. a. 2\12 to the mother, to be taken in tumbler half full of water, one tea-spoonful every three hours.

August 31st, The child was reported recovered. Patient had no attack of sickness until the following summer, when a very slight touch of the summer complaint was easily overcome.

13. PHTHISIS PULMONALIS. — Mrs. Congetta M., thirty-four years old, a lady of Italian extraction, native of Tunis, in Africa, lived in the East until about two years ago, when she came to this country; was enfeebled by many troubles, physical and mental; mother of seven children, the youngest of whom is one year old; of dark complexion and sanguine nervous temperament; speaks seven languages.

January 17th, 1855. Complained of a hollow hard cough hurting her chest and head, with a pressing forward of the eyes; and thick yellowish purulent expectoration, excited by burning pains in the pit of the throat, which continued during the coughing. Dullness under the right clavicle; mucous rattle in the right upper lung anteriorly, in expiration and inspiration; puerile respiration in the left upper lung; pains under the sternum when sewing; great emaciation; sallow countenance; hollow sunken eyes with dark rings around; irregular chills. There was a small mole over the left brow.

Patient suffered habitually from copious and prolonged menstruation, which, however, she stated was not considered a disorder in the East. In former pregnancies she had submitted to the custom, there prevailing, of bleeding from the arm. Those of her children who were born in the East, are frequently affected with epistaxis. One of her boys, thirteen years old, who has been under my observation for the last six years, is a Hemophile and usually enjoys good health under continued homoeopathic treatment. Phos.2\5000.

January 24th. Patient much improved; she still coughed hard, especially in cold weather. Phos.2\5000. After that all the symptoms disappeared.

14. RHEUMATISMUS PEDUM. — Mr. N., of German descent, forty years old, a full-sized gentleman, blonde, of rheumatic diathesis, complained of weakness in his ankle-joints; sudden bending of the ankles and swelling around them while walking. February 18th, 1856. Carb an. 3\1000. Immediately after taking the medicine, patient felt light and comfortable. The next day the weakness and swelling disappeared.

15. ANASARCA. — The same gentleman complained on a hot Bummer-evening, 1856, of swelling, dryness, tension and heaviness all over and through his whole body; of burning of the feet and Want of energy, so that he was obliged to lie down. Bryonia.2-2000 relieved him instantaneously and permanently.

16. GASTROSIS. — Mr. S. of German descent, married, forty five years old, vender of vegetables, of dark complexion, middle size, coffee-drinker, had attacks of vomiting ever since his eighteenth year. He used a great deal of purgatives for it, and some time ago a white powder, which was followed by the most horrible Vomiting, convulsions, contraction of the feet and cold perspiration. After that he left off every kind of medicine. Patient had a good appetite; liked his food Well peppered and salted; had a constant bitter taste in his mouth: felt nauseated all the time, and vomited immediately Whatever he eat. Moreover, he threw up bitter water all day, and in the night When it Woke him up; rumbling in the bowels; tongue pale, slightly coated; taking pork made him perfectly woe-be-gone; yellow countenance; emaciation, March, 8th, 1856. Nux vom.4/2000.

December 1st, 1858. Patient got well directly, and has been growing stout ever since.

17. DIARRHEA INFANTILIS — N., an infant was affected for some time with a greenish diarrhea, which lately changed to brownish slimy discharges. July 7th, 1856. China 1\8000 in a tumbler half full of water, one tea-spoonful every three hours. Before one-half of this solution was taken, the child was well.

18. HEMICRANIA MERCURIALIS — Mrs. Sarah A., a widow, forty-five years old, probably of Irish extraction, slender and small in stature, dark complexion, nervous temperament, patient of the Brooklyn Horn. Dispensary; suffered from excruciating stinging pain all over the left side of her head, including the region of the left eye and ear, commencing at five, p.m., and increasing during the night to the extreme. Gums spongy and dark red; teeth almost all decayed from the abuse of mercury; trembling all over; extreme sensitiveness. Bell.3 Bell.0, Nux v.0 Ver. 0 Ars.1, from June 17th to July 15th, had been given without the desired effect.

August 1st, 1856. Patient was entirely given up to despair, and used latterly large doses of Asafetida in order to kill the pain, also without effect. Merc. v.2\3000.

August 4th. Patient reported that she had been relieved of the pain immediately, and that she had come to report it and thought she did not need any more medicine.

19. FEBRIS GASTRICA. — Ellen, an Irish cook, about twenty-five years old, dark complexion, good-natured, complained after hard working and lifting of soreness in and tenderness of the epigastrium; nausea; disagreeable taste; pressure in the forehead, worse in stooping; want of appetite; tongue furred and coated yellow; fever; small, quick, and frequent pulse; dry, hot skin; flushed face; great weakness. She suffered usually in the morning from cramp in the stomach. August 27th, 1856. Nux vom. 2\5000; after some aggravation patient got well next day.

20. ABSCESSUS PROCESSUS MASTOIDEI. — Ernest D., a boy of German descent, eight years old, two years ago put a bean into his right ear. It was taken out with severe pain and some injection made into the ear. Since that time stinking matter has been discharged from the ear every now and then. His hearing was not impaired. A few days before seeing him an abscess formed behind the right ear, covering the mastoid process, causing the most excruciating pain; preventing rest and sleep; fluctuating slightly; face sallow and disfigured; entire want of appetite for some time. After warm Chamomile poultice, highly offensive matter ran out of the ear, but the pains continued unabated.

August 8th, 1856, 4, p.m. — Directed the poultice to be taken oft and gave him some pellets Hep. s. c.1760 to be taken in tumbler half full of water, one tea-spoonful every three hours.

After the first dose the patient felt immediate relief. The abscess opened the same night during sleep, and healed without further trouble.

21. TUSSIS STOMACHCIA. — Mary M., of German descent, tw and a half years old, blonde, played with a kitten four or five months previous to my seeing her. Since then she coughed every night with effort to vomit and was wasting away gradually. An allopathic physician supposing that some of the kitten's hair had got into her stomach, relieved her somewhat by purgatives for a few nights, but then the complaint returned every night so that she could not sleep. Eating sugar and drinking water ameliorated; stools frequent, of pale clayey color, three or four times a day; she had whooping cough when nine months old. November 22nd, 1856. Sulph.1/20000.

November 29th. The very night after taking the medicine, the cough subsided and the child has slept well ever since.

22. RETENTIO URINAE. — Martin K., of Irish descent sixteen months old, had retention of urine from twelve o'clock, a.m., to two, p.m., with great tenderness of abdomen an then passage of some hot dark colored urine, staining the clothes; no urine passed since; top of the head very hot, with beating of the pulse in the fontanel which was not entirely closed; cold perspiration; screaming wildly. Before the retention, urine was passed profusely; rather inclined to costiveness. The mother had piles and liver complaint, and was nursing the patient. July 1st, 1857. Nux vom. 1/5000 to the baby; Nux vom.2/5000 to the mother.

July 31st. Patient has been well since he took the medicine.

23. CHOLERA NOSTRA. — Mr. S., mason by trade, forty-two years old, single, of German descent, temperate, tall, lean, dark blonde, stammering, had worked hard in Gowanus during the heat in July, 185T, and had drunk much bad water there.

July 19th. He lost his appetite entirely, loathing of meat at his meal.

July 25th. Patient presented himself in a pitiable condition; very much debilitated; face of earthen hue; tongue thickly coated yellow, with bitter taste; moderate thirst; throwing up whatever he drinks, sometimes immediately after taking it; at the same time, yellowish watery diarrhea; severe cramps in the calves during the passage, and pains around the navel after it; pulse slow and hard, not very full. Verat a. 6/2400 in tumbler half full of water, one teaspoonful every two hours. He rallied very soon and has been well since.

24. STRANGURIA. — Miss N., an American lady, thirteen years old, of unusual embonpoint, suffered for many years past from difficulties in urinating, and was under homoeopathic treatment.

In September, 1857, she complained of painful urging to pass urine, followed by not more than one drop of dark colored urine at a time under the most excruciating pain. Canth. 2/1030 in tumbler half full of water, one tea-spoonful every two hours. After the first dose the difficulty disappeared.

25. INTERMITTENS. — Mr. H., clerk, twenty-six years of age, of German descent, dark blonde, phlegmatic, had been affected with a cold in his head for a week. Two nights before seeing him, he noticed a disagreeable taste in his mouth; dry lips; flatulency and nausea. The next morning, pressing heaviness over the eyes, much aggravated on moving the eyeballs, on making a step and at the least noise. He took some gin, which rose up continually from his stomach; took only a cup of chocolate for dinner. About five, p.m., shaking chill, as if his body were suspended in the air and shaken, with clattering of his teeth; cold hands and coldness of the skin for one hour.

After a few pellets of Aconite^30 in some water, which he took for himself, the shaking left hut the chilliness continued. No sleep; terrible heat; pains in the back, moving from the sacrum upward to the region between the shoulders; aching over the eyes; toward midnight, perspiration with griping in the bowels; then one or two hours of sleep. At three, a.m., awoke with headache, which was ameliorated by laying the head higher; his bowels had been moved the day before; pains along the lower part of his back as far as the shoulderblades. This forenoon, while writing, a stitch along the back which drew him crookedly together, with an involuntary loud cry; now and then showers; pulse small, quick, 96; pressing heaviness upon the eyeballs on moving them; no appetite; no thirst; periodical nausea; dry tickling cough December 15, 1857. Puls. 4/5000.

December 16th. When he got home from the office, he slept very well until three or four, a.m., next morning. On waking, he found himself in a profuse perspiration which lasted until seven or half-past, a.m. The headache was less severe and went to the vertex, and thence to the occiput and to the nape of the neck. The griping in the abdomen was of a spasmodic character and occurred every ten minutes, better after passing wind. Constipation; felt tolerably well all day until five, p.m., when he got a chill lasting ten minutes, but less severe than the last one, with pain in the vertex and in the nape of the neck, higher up than before. The patient slept well and woke up at five, a.m., next morning in perspiration, but otherwise comfortable; no appetite; pulse small and soft; weakness; headache gone and returning only after continued writing; rising of wind with running water in the mouth; hands sometimes warm, sometimes cold, and in the latter case the nails turn blue. Sacch. lac., three powders, one every night. The patient had no further attack and felt stronger than ever before.

26. HERNIA INGUINALIS INCARCERATA. – Charles C., of German descent, nineteen months old, was brought to the office from New York, June 6th, 1858, three, p.m., with the following symptoms: — Since morning, short laborious breathing; inclination to vomit; stool in the morning green, probably from vegetables he took the day before; left inguinal hernia as large as his fist, bluish-red, hard and extremely sensitive to the touch when lying down, better when sitting up. Every attempt to reduce it by taxis was out of the question. Frequent, almost uncountable pulse; hot hands; continual gasping. Acon. 10/1100.

Shortly after the patient was carried away in the arms of his mother, he fell asleep, and when he got home it was found that the hernia had receded.

27. INTERMITTENS. — Mrs. R., an Irish washer-woman, about forty years old, got wet on the upper part of her body, and since then has had chills every day after dinner, followed by heat in the evening; night before seeing me, perspiration after the heat, all without thirst. Much dull pain in the head especially in the forehead, across the chest and in the arms; stiffness of the neck; pulse weak; tongue torn, red; looks most miserable. September 19th, 1858, nine, a.m. Puls. 6/5000.

After some dizziness in the head next day, she got well without another paroxysm.

28. INTERMITTENS. — Mrs. N., an American lady, thirty years old, dark blonde, mother of six children, did not feel quite well for some days last Week, being up at night with the baby several times. While sitting in church this forenoon, she got an internal chill all over, though the skin was warm to the touch; with nausea; thirst; ghastly face; throbbing in her head, on the top and in her temples; and red eyes, lasting until half-past two, p.m., when it passed into a heat with less redness of the eyes, continual headache, and bloatedness of the face. Patient had an old rheumatic pain for two weeks in the lower back and on the top of right hip, which returned the night before last and last night, and a very little this morning. Tongue coarse; bowels regular; nurses a baby eight months old; but has not much milk; had fever and ague when a child and was then treated by large doses of Peruvian bark. February 13th, 1859. Nat. mur. 2/350 after the paroxysm in the evening.

February 14th, four, p.m. The chill passed off; headache lasted until this morning. Patient could not sleep on account of feeling as if bruised all over, weak and tired.

February 15th. Patient felt quite well; she remained so without another chill.

29. SCIRRHUS MAMMAE,. — Mrs. B., a woman of Swiss descent, thirty-seven years old, three weeks married, thin, of dark complexion, had always regularly menstruated until her voyage from Europe to this country, when her menses got out of order, but was regular for three months previous to consulting me. While on board the ship, she drank Chamomile tea instead of coffee. She had several years ago an abscess at the left hip-joint. Her teeth almost all decayed. In the fall of 1858, a hard lump gradually grew accompanied by severe darting pains on the upper part of her sternum, attaining in ten or twelve days the size of a hen's egg; it then decreased under the application of warm poultices and of a yellow ointment, getting softer and softer until it disappeared.

April 4th, 1859. Patient had suffered for a fortnight from a swelling of her right mamma. It presents a stone-hard lump, extending from the left half of her right mamma to the median line of the sternum, overlapping the normal boundary as large as her fist. Since the 3rd instant, the lower part of the sternum projected considerably as if the bone were swollen. Small hard tumor of hazel-nut size in the arm-pit. Severe darting pains in the right side of the chest, all over the right mamma and in the swelling at the breastbone, lancinating as far as the arm-pit and along the right side of the chest toward the back. These pains prevent sleep, as they become insufferable when in bed. Although, she had a good appetite, patient appeared ill-fed and had then some red blotches on the upper part of the chest anteriorly. She could not lie down otherwise than on her back, nor turn from that position on account of the pains. Used flax-seed poultice, which did not case the pain nor help any thing. Carb. an. 2/1000.

April 28th, 1859. During the first three days after giving the medicine, the pains were aggravated and then decreased gradually; only now and then a darting pain was felt in the hard places. The lumps were less hard and nothing of the tumor under the axilla was left. No more medicine given.

March 6th, 1859. Patient is very well; was delivered of a vigorous boy a fortnight ago, and her mammary apparatus is in the best condition. Lumps and pains had by the end of May gradually and wholly disappeared.

30. CEPHALALGIA AB ABLACTATIONE. — Mrs. N., twenty years old, dark complexion, phlegmatic, complained of heavy acute pain across the forehead over the eyes, worse in stooping, the eyes were quite red when she rose up again. Patient was weaning a baby and has a superabundance of milk flowing away involuntarily. Depression of spirits; very slight leucorrhea; was very hot the previous night and took Acon.3 for it, which moderated the heat but not the headache. October 23rd, 1859. Puls. 3/7000.

October 25th. One hour after taking the medicine the headache was gone, the milk dried up without further inconvenience and she recovered.

31. DENTITIO DIFFICILIS. — Sophia S., of German descent, two years old, with light blonde hair and blue eyes, complained for some time of her legs. The last molar tooth was just cutting through with its first point. In the afternoon, effort to vomit and choking; toward evening, apparently itching in the arms; in the night, delirium, talking during sleep, pointing with the finger to the forehead, better by laying the hand on it; floccilegium; much heat, alternately in head and hands; sometimes large round red spots on both cheeks; much thirst; watery discharge from her nose; watering of the eyes, which look pale and have a staring expression; dry cough. January 9th, 1860. Bell. 1/6000 in Sacch. lactis.

February 3rd. Patient got well immediately after taking this dose.

32. DISTORTIO CARPI. — Mrs. N., thirty years old, of German descent, full habit, sprained her left wrist last August on lifting by her left hand a heavy bowl of peaches over the table. Since then, she has suffered when using the hand with shooting pains in the wrist, as in inflammatory rheumatism, very much aggravated at night in led. Patient used Opodeldoc liniment at the time of the accident to no avail. The pains had been more severe for the last few days and nights. There was a slight swelling upon the middle of the left wrist, and want of strength in the part. March 29th, 1860. Rhus tox. 2/10000.

April 7th. Patient had no pain the next night after the medicine, but the following day all along, severe, jumping, shooting, stinging, flashing, hot pains, such as are observed in inflammatory rheumatism, not only in the affected spot which appeared slightly swollen, but all around and through the whole wrist, and almost as far as the elbow. Toward night the pains subsided. Since then the wrist has been wholly free from pain and swelling, and as strong as ever.

OBSERVATIONS.

In conclusion I beg to submit the following observations:

1. That the action and efficiency of homoeopathic remedies are not limited to the lower preparations, nor to the thirtieth or 200th potency, but their healing properties are preserved, propagated, and exalted through a series of still higher potencies, being evident even in the 20,000th centigrade dilution of Sulphur.

2. That the question, where the terminus of the medical action and efficacy of the homoeopathic remedies is to be found at all by potentization, is still open.

3. That high potencies prove efficacious and curative in single doses.

4. That high potencies sometimes present the phenomenon of homoeopathic aggravation.

5. That high potencies prepared by dilution with a single jerk of the hand, prove efficacious and curative.

6. That high potencies prepared by dilution with a strong succussion, sometimes do not present any homoeopathic aggravation.

7. That higher potentization seems to be the means of rendering the remedy assimilable and thus homoeopathically active.

8. That the curative, action and effect of homoeopathic remedies, as already foreseen by Hahnemann (Organon, fifth edition, p. 275), is in every individual case conditioned and governed by the dose as well as by the homoeopathicity of the drug.

9. That the curative action and effect of high potencies being established as a fact, any potency and consequently any high potency may be the dose in any given case.

10. That from this arises a necessity to individualize the dose as well as the remedy.

11. That the chances of individualizing the dose increase in the ratio, in which, by experience, a greater variety of potencies is placed under our command.

12. That in this view the posological problem grows in importance, and as it can only be conquered by "pure experiments, careful observation, and correct experience," (Organon, p. 278,) it is of the greatest moment to multiply the experiments with higher potencies.

13. That such experiments should be made with the experimenters' own preparations and on the human organism, which so far, and especially in its diseased condition, appears to be the only re-agent or test delicate enough for substances as fine as such medicines.

14. The homoeopathic potencies, that is to say, those fine preparations of medicaments which are effected by the peculiar method and operation of Hahnemann's invention, are in fact, and strictly speaking, not mere divisions only of the drug into its parts, but are rather differentiations and progressions, being at the same time, as it were, successive reproductions and propagations of the medical properties of the drug and its given part.

15. That for the required calculations, a mere arithmetical enumeration of the particles into which potentization is assumed to divide the given quantity of the drug is insufficient and dubious, being apt to cause mistake and confusion as it has done already; and unwieldly, on account of the immense array of its figures; and in fact, not adequately corresponding to the real truth of the matter.

16. That for a theory of potentization, the labors of Korsakoff and Joslin are pre-eminently valuable.

17. That for the practice with high potencies, by experience so far, the rule holds good; the more susceptible the organism, the higher the potency and the finer its doses.

18. That for a scientific explanation of the curative action and efficiency of high potencies it might serve to apply to Therapeia, a certain law of nature which was discovered and mathematically established by Maupertuis. This is the law of the least quantity of action: by others called — lex parsimonide; ridiculed by Voltaire, defended and explained by Euler, and happily touched upon by Franklin, It is thus enunciated by the discoverer: — "La quantite d'action necessaire pour causer quelque changement dans la nature est la plus petite qu il soit possible" — i.e., the quantity of action necessary to effect any change in nature is the least possible.

According to this general principle, the decisive moment is always a minimum, an infinitesimal. Apply this to our therapeutics, and it will be perceived that the least possible dose is the highest potency and necessarily sufficient to turn the scale, that is, to effect the cure — always provided the remedy being homoeopathically correct.

19. That this law of the least action (minimis maxima) appears to be an essential and necessary complement of the law of homoeopathicity (similia similibus), and co-ordinate with it.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 06-07, 1860, pages 282-288, pages 327-336]

[Description: Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 01.]

[Author: Fincke, B.]

[Year: 1860]

CLINICAL CASES AND OBSERVATIONS ON HIGH POTENCIES.

BY B. FINCKE, M. D., BROOKLYN

SECOND SERIES.

The possibility of communicating medical properties to an indifferent body without the medium of a liquid, without trituration, without conmixtion, nay, without material division, is a fact new in Homoeopathy and highly important for theory and practice. — Korsakoff, 1831.

My first report on High Potencies contains cases of treatment with High Dilution Potencies.

The following presents a series of cases in which I administered High Potencies of another and different kind and preparation. They were made in the dry way, ten years since, and in this manner: I took one or more globules of the thirtieth centesimal dilution potency (medicated in the ratio of Gtt. i. Gr. X.) pat them into a 3 ii vial containing about 2,000 unmedicated globules (70 to Gr. i), and shook them moderately and in every direction, some by means of a little sand-mill constructed for the purpose, some by the hand only, long enough to have every globule brought in contact with the others.

This mode of preparing potencies, it will be perceived, is similar to

Korsakoff's medicating globules without dilution, but it differs from Korsakoff's method in the ratio of medication, and in the mode of succussion, also probably in the size of the globules. Korsakoff medicated 1,000 globules with one globule of the fifteen hundredth centigrade dilution of Sulphur with manual succussion for one minute, and 13,500 globules with one globule of the thirtieth centigrade dilution of Sulphur, with manual succussion for five minutes. Hahnemann at the time approved of this method of Korsakoff's in emphatic terms.

In order to distinguish this kind of potencies from the dilution and other potencies, I propose for them the name of Contact Potencies and a Notation by the tangential sign (/0), with the potency number above (1/0), as adopted in the report to the American Institute of Homoeopathy, where the fractional figure gives the number of globules of a centesimal dilution-potency, from which the contact-potency (/0) is made. Thus, Puls. 2/30 1/0, means, two globules of the first (bimillesimal) contact-potency from the thirtieth centesimal dilution-potency out of one drop of the tinctura fortis of Pulsatilla.

I. Lactatio Nimia. — Mrs. C, of Frankfort on Main, Germany, dark complexioned, small stature, mother of ten children, the youngest of whom is nursing yet.

July 30th, 1851. Presents the following symptoms: general weakness, from prolonged lactation, especially in the back; violent pressing out pains in the forehead, as if the eyes would fall out, especially at night; scalp painful to the touch; yellowish face; on taking a full breath, the breath seems to remain suspended in the chest, with long stitches through the middle of the chest as far as the back; appetite good; abdomen meteoristic and painful to the touch; violent diarrhea; heaviness of the legs; chilliness of the whole body, especially in the back; restless sleep and frightful dreams, talking during sleep; irritability, vexatiousness; great prostration. Patient has menstruated for sons time past, and had suffered on several previous occasions in her life from considerable loss of blood. China 2/30 1/0.

A few hours after the medicine, the menses made their appearance, three days too soon, and as copious as a hemorrhage of the womb, of normal blood, lasting for six days when the patient felt better.

July 9th. Nine days after taking the medicine, the dyspnea increased to such a degree, that it was feared her breath would stop entirely; when in suck agony, she would take hold of anything she could reach with her hands. The breathing was very deep and accompanied with long stitches through her chest into her back.

July 14th (fourteen days after taking the medicine). The asthmatic attacks are renewed. The child was weaned eight days after taking the medicine without any difficulty about the breast. Bry. 2/30 1/0.

July 15th. The patient had lost her appetite, which however soon returned.

Breathing was laborious and deep, accompanied with short stitches proceeding from the interior of the right side of the chest as far as the left shoulder.

July 16th, at midnight, exactly twenty-four hours after taking the last medicine, the patient had headache, and noticed a-sudden appearance of milk in the mamma which was already dried up; at the same time felt drawing in one of her calves as if from fatigue. After that she rallied in a short time.

II. Otalgia. — O. N, American girl of German descent, aged seven years, blonde hair, blue eyes, very lively.

March 29th, 1857. — In the forenoon felt violent pains in her right ear, probably caused by exposure to draught of air. Her father had given her Bell. 1/30

One, p. m. The pains continue unchanged and seem to be worse, because she is now screaming, which is quite unusual with her on similar occasions. Cham. 1/30. This dose first aggravated still more and then brought some relief, but the pains soon returned. Cham. v. 1/30 1/0 did nothing. About two, p.m., Puls. 12/30 1/0. After that the pains were aggravated again and the patient rolled about on the sofa crying aloud. I then advised her to sit up. She did so, and a few moments after the pains subsided permanently, proving beyond doubt, that this was the effect of the Pulsatilla (cf. Hahnemann's Reine Arznei-mittellehre 3d edition, Vol. II., sympt. 646 and Note).

III. Croup. — N., American girl, fourteen months old, scrofulous, dark-com plexioned.

March 27th, 1857. — After a catarrhal stadium which lasted two days, during a dry, harsh, and cold wind, started from her sleep, at about eleven, p.m., with a sudden violent coughing-spell, resembling precisely the barking of a hoarse dog; there was high fever, drowsiness, dread to cough, putting the forefinger into the mouth, hard and short breathing, restlessness. After Spong. t. 4/30, she became quiet for some time, though the hard and short breathing continued. In about half an hour, she coughed again. Some catarrhal sound was now mixed with the croupy one. Spong. t. 1/30. After that she was somewhat relieved and fell into a doze. Twenty minutes later she had another and more severe attack. The breathing was short, hard and loud; she pushed the head backwards; eyes half shut, face red with a blueish tint, involuntary motion of the left hand and of the feet, throwing herself on her mother's bosom for help-She then had a slighter cough than before, which however was more harassing and threatened to suffocate her. I now gave her some globules of Spong. t. 30 1/0, prepared in the afternoon of that day. After this dose she became easier, and having repeated the dose twenty minutes later, I left the little patient sleeping quietly on her mother's lap. Next morning the cough was loose. The croup disappeared and did not come on again.

IV. Colica. — Miss N., an American lady, a sensitive invalid, 26 years old, of fine cerebral development, suffering for years from a spinal disease, resulting from external injury.

March, 1857. Complains of colic A medical friend of her's had given her several remedies without effect. After the administration of one dose of Nux vom. 2/30 1/0, the colic yielded readily without producing the homoeopathic aggravation of Nux. vom., which with her is invariably brought on when given in lower potencies, even a high as 100 (centos.), vis.: constant disagreeable urging to urinate, with frequent and copious micturition, and prostration. Front the following it appears that even the six hundredth centesimal dilution of Arson. s. was too low to prevent serious aggravation, which, however, subsided promptly after the use of Nux vom. 5000. •

September 20th, 1857. Prescribed for scorbutic affection of the mouth, throat and stomach of a high degree, Ars. 1/600, to be dissolved in one gill of water and only one teaspoonful to be taken.

September 21st, 10, a.m. Fifteen minutes after taking the first dose, the patient began to pass watery urine every ten or fifteen minutes, and in consequence a pain, which she describes as bearing resemblance to a toothache, came on in a place of the coccygeal region, where she was hurt; at tan same time bearing down in the genital region. Nux vem. 1/5000 The urinary difficulty ceased immediately, and the patient was relieved of bar other complaints.

V. Stomatitis. — The same patient.

April 11th, 1857. Complains of cankers at the root and left side of her tongue, which presented deeply excavated sores of pea-size, covered with a whitish secretion. These were removed within two days by the use of Ars. 3/30 1/0., every three hours.

VI. Croup. — C. N., three and a half years old, American boy, of German descent, dark blonde, hazel eyes, good-natured, of fine nervous organization.

January 14th, 1858, at 10:80, p.m. Awoke suddenly with a rough, deep, hollow, barking cough. Spong. t. 30, 1100, 1500. Some globules of each of these potencies dissolved in one gill of water, one tea-spoonful to be taken after every coughing spell. The cough did not moderate, but the patient began to perspire about the throat and chest. Hoarseness came on gradually and increased until 11:80, p.m., when the cough presented a hoarse stifled sound, in addition to the deep-metallic barking tone. The inspiration was laborious with a whistling noise, and the speech was broken from the impending hoarseness; at the same time, cheeks red and hot, forehead cool, hands hot, pulse not accelerated, perspiration. Bell. 30 1/0 relieved the hoarseness in half an hour and diminished the cough which assumed again the hollow metallic barking sound, but was less frequent. After another dose of Bell. 6 1/0 profuse perspiration broke out; the patient yawned much and sneezed three times.

January 15th, at 12:30, a.m. — I left him quietly sleeping. The croup was gone.

VII. Coffeismus. — Mrs. D., of Frankfort on Main, Germany, 32 years old, blonde, blue eyes, was in the habit of sitting much and drinking strong coffee.

October 27th, 1850. — Reported, violent headache with peevishness and vezatiousness, want of sleep, short dry cough, and nervousness in general. Nux vom. 2/30 1/0. After that, all the symptoms subsided.

VIII. Inoontinentia Urinae Noct. — Charles M., American, of German descent, two and three quarters years old.

October 14th, 1856. — Wet his bed for the last two nights; somewhat loose in his bowels; looks thin; sometimes dark around the eyes; no worms observed. Cina 1/30 1/0. Wet his bed no more.

IX. Dysenteria. — Mrs. N., 52 years old, of English descent, tall and stout, with dark hair and blue eyes, and a syphilitic taint in her system, caught cold whilst perspiring and was taken with dysentery. March 27th, 1867. The following symptoms were reported:

March 31st, 1857. — Awful pains in her bowels and across her back like labor-pains; incessant straining and slight bloody discharges every half-hour. Starch was taken several times without avail. The patient had the cholera in the summer, six years ago. Nux vom. 0/5000, to be taken in one gill of water one tea spoonful every two hours.

April 3d. — Discharges once an hour, containing less blood, more white fleshlike inodorous substance and streaks of bright blood with tenesmus; incessant straining without effect; tenderness of the abdomen, grumbling in the bowels; dreadful pains across the bowels and in the back, like labor-pains; urine scanty, very hot and red with sediment; pain in the head," as if it would come apart;" pale face. Colch. aut. 1/30 1/0, prepared on the spot, three globules to be taken dry after every passage.

April 3d, 1857. — The patient took one dose once an hour, and in her own words reported: "after I had taken nine pills, it stopped the pain wonderfully." She had yesterday a discharge every one or two hours, none in the night, which was passed in sound sleep; two bright yellow fecal discharges this morning with bearing-down pain in the bowels, the last one less severe; urine normal. Colch. aut., as above, to be continued.

April 4th, 1857. — Patient had yesterday about eight yellow fiscal discharges. This morning only two. The last one consisted of white flesh-like substance with a streak of blood and pale yellow matter without odor; five minutes before the passage pain in the bowels; slept all night; face natural; some cramp in the sole of the right foot for five minutes, a symptom which she never had before. Colch. aut., as above, to be continued, three globules, after every discharge.

April 11th, 1857. — Patient had now and then some pain in her bowels, which subsided after taking the globules. Bowels regular now. Had last evening giddiness, pain in the back of her head and a kind of a rheumatic pain in her back between the hinges, as she had two months ago when passing red gravel. All these symptoms disappeared in the morning when she took the last. Feels very weak yet. Appetite poor. China 2/30 1/0, two powders, one to be taken every night dry. After that she recovered.

OBSERVATIONS.

Even the smallest quantities become important when they get large co-efficients. — Herbart.

In conclusion I beg to submit the following observations:

1. High contact potencies prove efficacious and curative in single doses.

2. They sometimes present the phenomenon of homoeopathic aggravation.

3. They have not the aggravation which follows the use of lower and higher Dilution potencies — in the fourth case above reported.

4. They exert their action immediately as well as ten years after preparation.

5. The potentizing by contact is a mode of refining homoeopathic remedies by which a different degree of fineness is attained than by dilution.

6. Succussion does not seem to constitute an essential element in the preparation of high contact potencies.

7. Practically the action of high contact potencies presents the peculiar distinctness of the action of high potencies in general, and operates specifically to the point, clearly reflecting the pathogenetic characteristics of the homoeopathic remedy, precisely covering the individual and most important symptoms, and removing the same promptly.

8. Their action, by this specificness of character, avoids wasting any of the elements of the organism, and drawing any more on the same than is exactly required for the restoration of health.

9. They are great economizers of life and health, operating in subserviency to the general laws of nature, which always accomplishes the greatest good with the least expenditure of force.

10. Consequently, high contact potencies are most valuable and available for the purpose of meeting peculiar and special shades of susceptibility in the organism, which the close observer perceives in the given case by strict individualization.

11. Pharmacologically — potentization by dry contact proves to be another mode of propagating and successfully improving, reproducing and proportionally exalting the medical properties of homoeopathic drugs.

12. On this basis, whatever mathematical calculations may be required, they will have to be not mere arithmetical multiplications, or divisions, or formations of powers, but calculations of proportions and progressions, involving the law of the series and the higher branches of analysis, whilst for the present it is sufficient for all practical purposes to have the potencies numbered, that is, counted as often as the process of potentization by dry contact took place successively.

13. Scientifically — potentization by dry contact, appears to be effected by a bare bringing together of unmedicated globules with medicated ones without an intervening medium the only medium apparent being the air: Action in presence.

14. Therefore it may properly, with Korsakoff and Hahnemann, be regarded as similar or equivalent to medicating the globules by infection or contagion.

15. In this view an analogy, if not more, is presented with the action of the hypothetic poisons or nosopoesis of miasmatic and contagious character, which act as it were, as high contact potencies of matter prepared in Nature's own laboratory.

16. The fact being established, that medical properties are communicated by mere dry contact or action in presence, there is no reason, why we should not assume, that the organism can be medicated in like manner. Homoeopathization.

17. If so, this would give a satisfactory explanation of the fact, that homoeopathic high potencies do communicate their medical properties upon application to the organism by mere contact, and exert their remedial or curative action upon it directly, sometimes instantaneously, and independent of digestion and circulation.

18. Such decided affection of the organism through a high contact potency is not more wonderful, than the analogical fact, that a bar of polished metal, being indifferent in a horizontal position, becomes electrical merely by being placed vertically, as has recently been shown by Henry.

19. Here may be well applied, what Draper states in relation to allotropism: "does not all this show, that substances may be as it were in a quiescent state, and on the application of what may perhaps seem the most insignificant cause, may suddenly assume activity and forthwith satisfy their chemical affinities?"

20. Since mere contact of so refined a substance as a homoeopathic high potency, is certainly an infinitesimal or least possible quantity of action, clearly this medication by contact, as well as indeed every homoeopathic cure, is quantitatively governed, conditioned and explained by the universal principle of Maupertuis before alluded to.

21. On this principle, the least possible quantity of action being sufficient to cause a change, the curative properties and action of the homoeopathic remedy are actually and necessarily regulated and governed by its preparation and application, in other words, the quality of the action of the homoeopathic remedy is determined by its quantity.

22. Consequently the law of the least quantity of action (maxima minimis) will have to be acknowledged to be the posological principle of Homoeopathy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 12, 1860, pages 551-558]

[Description: Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 02.]

[Author: Fincke, B.]

[Year: 1860]

CLINICAL CASES AND OBSERVATIONS ON HIGH POTENCIES

BY B. FINCKE, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

THIRD SERIES.

"Capable of being treated in the rigid manner of the positive sciences, and removed, by reason of the nature of the topics with which it is concerned, from the strifes of medical sectarianism, this noble subject can develops itself in silence, without disturbance and without restraint; and yet such an advance cannot take place without compelling a reflecting effect to ensue in statical physiology, and hastening the time, when, by the united consent of all physicians, it, too, will be cleared from every mystification, and brought within the pale of exact and positive science" — Draper.

'Rylavote xal vooavois ravxov.

"Hermias in Plat Phaedr"

The following cases have been treated with High Dilution Potencies prepared in the following manner: One or more globules of a given centigrade potency were dissolved in a few drops of water, and about as much alcohol (94*) was poured upon this solution, as would give a volume of one hundred drops of alcohol for all together; from this dilution globules were medicated in the ratio of one drop to ten grains. One or more globules of the so obtained potency were then used for a second dilution, and the same process was repeated a third time.

It will be seen that this mode of potentization coincides with the one adopted by Jeanes, but it differs from that by the method of starting the first dilution from a given centigrade dilution potency, and not from the mother tincture or saturated solution. According to my method the refining process is considerably accelerated, and I understand that Hahnemann pursued a similar plan in his later years.

The notation of these potencies consists in fractional figures, the numerator indicating the number of globules given, the denominator the number of the potency out of which the Globule-potency was prepared, and in the globule sign of Hahnemann with the potency number above, e.g., Merc. V. 2/30 3/0, which means: Merc. v. two globules of the third Globule Dilution Potency out of one or more globules of the thirtieth centigrade Dilution Potency.

CASES.

I. Hemorrhoides ani COECAE. — Mrs. N., 30 years of age, of German descent, black hair and blue eyes, small stature.

December 12th, 1858. Complains since this morning of burning pains in the anus with protrusion of a varix as large as a pea, very painful on sitting upon. Sep. 4/30 2/0.

This dose relieved the pain, as soon as it melted upon the tongue, as if from an aura (Hauch). Patient also felt easy as if there was no protrusion whatever, which disappeared pretty soon altogether.

II. Irritatio spinalis. — Mrs. D., 80 years of age, American, black hair and blue eyes, of nervous temperament, middle size.

September 23d, 1856. Complains of pain in her left side as if she had lifted something heavy, and of weakness under her left shoulder-blade from fatigue. Her whole left side is weak habitually. The pain came on ten years ago during pregnancy and lasted till after confinement when it went away for a short time. It then returned and continued ever since. Calc. 6/30 3/0

October 11th. Patient felt much stronger after that, and was decidedly improved. The pain was gone, and has not returned since.

III. RHEUMATISMUS a cirrus. — Mr. N., a full-sized gentleman of German descent, 45 years of age, blond, subject to rheumatic attacks from time to time.

February, 1860, was down very hard with inflammatory rheumatism in his knees and feet, which were considerably swollen, red, and extremely sensitive to the least touch or motion. His susceptibility by want of sleep and by pain was increased to such a degree that when I had ordered Bry. 2/30 1/0 to be given three times during the night, it was found that every dose severely aggravated his pains immediately after taking, and his wife remarked to me the next morning, "your medicine is too fine, it affects his nerves too much"

High inflammatory fever continuing without intermission caused me to order one drop of Acon. 1 to be given in one gill of water by the tea-spoonful. The first dose immediately brought on strong undulation of the heart and did not diminish the fever on the contrary the fever ran higher and alarming dilirium took place. Other low potencies Nux v. 12, Bry. 8 & 4 were of no better use. I then prepared and gave to the patient a dose of Acon.2000 1/0 which cooled him off immediately, and then at short intervals of two or three hours Bry.10000, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, which brought on for the first time rest and sleep. These potencies were then administered in the further course of this case with marked beneficial effect, and patient got well.

OBSERVATIONS.

"Nur das Gleich — Gegen heilt." — Hering.

Relating to these High Potencies, I beg to submit the following observations:

1. High Globule Dilution Potencies prove efficacious and curative in single doses.

2. They sometimes present the phenomenon of Homoeopathic aggravation, though it would seem in a lesser degree than the other High Potencies.

3. They, therefore, seem to be especially adapted to the higher grades o susceptibility of the organism, and also in those low states where aggravations are to be dreaded as lessening the chance of cure.

4. They, for this reason, are most valuable agents to meet distinct harassing symptoms in those oases, where the fund of life is oscillating towards sure dissolution.

5. These preparations are very practicable in regard to their potentization since a higher degree of fineness' is obtained in a shorter time and with less labor and expense than by Hahnemann's and Korsakoff s method, especially if the proportions are enlarged in the inverse ratio, what Hexing calls' 'erweitern.'

6. The common mode of giving the pellets, by dissolving in gills of water and by tea-spoonful, is a preparation similar to these High Dilution Potencies — Refracta dosis.

7 The curative action of Homoeopathic remedies consists in the mutual action of remedy and organism, that is, of the drug in its proper selection and application and of the organism in its actual state and susceptibility — Mutuum.

8 Mutual action consists of action and reaction and they are always contrary and equal under the third Newtonian Law — Contrariety and Equality of Mutual Action.

9 Mutuality of action is the qualitative principle of Homoeopathy.

10. For the purpose of effecting the cure, as the organism must be susceptible of the remedy, so the remedy must be susceptible by the organism and its concerning organs.

11. The susceptibility of the organism is varying and different in each individual case.

12. For this reason, it is necessary to individualize the susceptibility as well as the dose and the remedy. (Organon, $% 92, 95, 97.)

13. The susceptibility actually stands as the indication and measure for the form and quantity of remedial action required in the given case, i.e., for potency and dose.

14. The correct judgment of the actual susceptibility in the given case implies not only the careful examination of the case, considering the morbid symptoms of the organism, in its present state as well as the aetiological symptoms of previous health and habit and disease, and including the physical method of inspection, palpation, pressure, succussion, percussion, auscultation, mensuration, chemical and microscopical investigation, and the like; but also the perfect knowledge of the mode of action and power of the medicine upon the healthy and sick organism, and its probable ratio to the organism in question, derived from the above elements, being eliminated.

15. The susceptibility, therefore, serves as the diagnostic principle of Homoeopathy.

16. Susceptibility depends upon assimilability of matter in general. As the organism is assimilative to the remedy, so the remedy is assimilable by the organism and vice versa.

17. Pathologically, as well as physiologically, life is conditioned by assimilation, and it depends upon assimilation in disease as well as in health, and as much was taught by Hippocrates.

18. Health and disease are not contradictory things, but, as has been observed by Hahnemann, Reil and Comte, contrasted forms and modes of existence, and contrary states, of the same organism, and both are governed by the same laws.

19. Consequently, pathology is the counterpart of physiology, both being correlate to the given state of the organism and under the dominion of the same law of natural processes.

20. Therefore, in a physiological and pathological aspect, the healing process by High Potencies, in its modality, appears to be a process of assimilation, the disease, as Hexing expresses it, assuming the form of the remedy.

21. The Law of assimilation serves as the physiological and pathological principle of Homoeopathy.

22. Quantitatively, assimilation is molecular, and depends upon the fineness and infinitesimality of matter and motion both of the drugs and the concerning organs. — Homoeoleptomeria.

23. Assimilation by the organism, is quantitatively carried on and mediated, by the elementary organs and imperceptibly fine and delicate conduits in the organism.

24. Accordingly, a corresponding fineness of the drug matter is required, proportionate to the assimilability of the organs.

25. The crude and massive form of the drug is not such as to admit of the required assimilation.

26. The required fineness and assimilability of the drug-matter is obtained by Potentization.

27. The quantity of remedy thus obtained is necessarily molecular and infinitesimal.

28. Infinitesimality is the quantity of remedy required for the action which is to be curative, and to constitute the healing process, the remedy assuming the form of the disease.

29. Therefore, infinitesimality stands as the indication and measure for the remedial quantity required for the curative process — Posological Endeixis.

30. Infinitesimality is in point of fact the quantity of the Homoeopathic remedy — High Potency, Minimum.

31. Consequently, infinitesimality is the quantitative principle of Homoeopathy.

32. Infintesimal or High Potentization, and Microdosia, serve as the pharmacological principles of Homoeopathy.

33 Qualitatively, assimilation depends on the material nature and distinctive quality of matter and action, both of the concerning organs and the drug, and upon their specific relation to each other.

34 his quality and relation to each other of drug and organism in the healing process must necessarily be the same with the nature of all matter and action in mutual action, that is under the third Newtonian Law of Motion — Contrariety (and equality) of action and reaction.

35 Accordingly, the very nature and conception of a remedy or medicine consists in that it is opposed and contrary to the given state of the organism — Contrariety.

36 Therefore, a drug, in order to be a remedy or curative medicine, is necessarily opposed and contrary to disease when that is the given state of the organism and equally opposed and contrary to health when that is the given state of the organism, — Contrarium.

37 Consequently, every drug which is a remedy or curative medicine is always a medium, i. e., means of changing the given state of the organism into its contrast — health into disease (Nosansis, Pathopoesis, Nosopoesis, Pathogenesis), and disease into health (Hygiansis, Hygiopoesis, Pathoktony).

38 This contrariety is found, according to the above quoted maxim with which Hippocrates opens his book on the office of the physician, by contrasting the dissimilities, that is by contrasting the given states of the organism, as they are affected by the drug, which are contrary, and also the effects of the drag upon the organism in its contrasted states.

39 By so contrasting, the contrariety is shown in the positive fact, that the effect of the drug administered upon the healthy is opposite and contrary to that of the same drag administered to the diseased, and viee versa, that the effect of the drag administered to the diseased is opposite and contrary to that of the same drug administered to the healthy — Nosanti Hygiansie.

40 This contrariety is the real character of the Homoeopathic remedies, and positively proved by experiment and experience, our provings and clinics, since Hahnemann invented and operated upon his ever admirable plan of pathogenetically testing drags upon the organism in its healthy state.

41 This contrariety stands as the indication and measure for the direction of the remedial action required for the mutual action of which the Homoeopathic healing process consists.

42 Therefore, Contrariety is the pharmacodynamical principle of Homoeopathy.

43 In a chemical aspect this contrariety, or opposition, is represented by the physical force, or property of matter, which is known to physical and chemical science by the affirmative term of Affinity, which is the affinity of opposition between two different bodies and particles of different nature to one another, and depends, as Faraday states, upon the energy with which particles of different kinds attract each other — Molecular Attraction.

44 The effects of Affinity are neutralization, as shown by Berthollet, and all cure, as observed by Hering, is conditioned by a kind of neutralization effected by chemical affinity between drug-matter and disease-matter.

45 Consequently, this affinity and contrariety represents in fact what Hahnemann called "medicatnentorum vires positive;" that is the specific quality and relation to the organism of those substances which are known as Homoeopathic potencies — Pharmacodynamical Specification; physiological, pathological and therapeutical

46 The proof for this fact is in the effects of these potencies, which are contrary to the disease, the Homoeopathic simile and chemical affinity being identical, as Hering states, and the evidence of it is in our Materia Medica Pura, confirmed by its counterpart, our clinical experience.

47 It is a fact, that not every contrarium is curative, because, as Hippocrates says, the most contraries are not the most contraries, and it is, therefore, for our therapeutical purpose, necessary, to find which is the curative Contrarium in the given case.

48 This is to be done under the guidance of the Law of Homoeogeneity adverted to in the above maxim of Hippocrates, and which Hamilton affirms, but inaccurately] names the Law of "Homogeneity," and which enunciates that things the most dissimilar must in certain respects be similar — Principium Similitudinis.

49 In order to find the curative Contrarium we must follow out the Hippocratean rule, placed at the head of these observations, by comparing the similities, that is by comparing the similar given states of the organism, as they are effected by the drag, and also the effects of the drug upon the organism in its similar states.

50 Hahnemann was the first who understood this, and acted upon the true understanding, when he compared the symptoms observed as the effects of disease upon the organism in its diseased state with those which appear as the efleet of medicine upon the organism when applied to its healthy state — H ygianris ? Nosansis.

51 By so comparing, it appears, positively, that the effects upon the organism of the medicine which is contrary to its given state, and the effects upon the organism of the cause of disease, are resembling or similar to one another according as applied to the one or to the other of the contrasted states of the organism, such effects being disease either way, and always corelative to the state of the organism — Simility; Parallelism of Symptom; Semiological Resemblance of morbific and remedial action; — Hygiopoesis in Pathopoesis.

52 This Simility is the real and distinctive character of the effects of Homoeopathic remedies in relation to the effects of disease, and it has been positively proved, over and over again by experiment and experience, since Hahnemann first undertook to revive the true doctrine of Hippocrates, and the evidence for it is in our provings and clinics — ' Oµoiov, Simile.

53 Mutual action is impossible between contraries only, and also between similars only, as Anaxagoras already observed, but it is possible, and really taking place, between contraries and similars, when acting together — Relation.

54 Consequently, simility and contrariety together form the fundamental relation between drug and organism, and govern the quality of this mutual action in the healing process, and are, like health and disease, not contradictories, but correlates to and convertible into one another.

55 Both, Simility and Contrariety, are also, like health and disease, correlatives to the state of the organism, and the effect of the remedy and the disease is always similar, and always contrary, to the given state of the organism, according as applied — Correlation.

56 Whilst a remedy as such, must always in abstracto or a priori be a Contrarium, in concreto the simile is always the Contrarium in the given case, because a dissimile is not contrary to the disease in concreto — Simile Contrarium.

57 The existence and reality of the correlation between Simility and Contrariety in remedy and disease, is proved by the fact that symptoms appearing in the disease similar to those obtained by (medicine in) provings in health, are unerringly, and with certainty, neutralized by the administration of that medicine which produces in the healthy the most similar symptoms (Org.§ 50) — Homoeopathicity.authorativelypraecor

58 This Homoeopathicity, the immortal discovery of Hahnemann, is the medical property of every remedy which is as contrastable, as comparable in its effects to that Pathema or disease which it is able to produce, and is the property by which it is capable of initiating the mutual action of the healing process, which it could not do, if it was not simile and contrarium and correlation at the same time — Homaeopathology.

59 From this results as a logical deduction the undeniable fact, that the same medicine or potency makes and unmakes the disease, as the case may be — Similia Similibus curantur.

60 This is precisely the doctrine of Hippocrates, laid down by him repeatedly, and with numerous illustrations, not to be misunderstood, if correctly and entirely read, and which is concentrated into these two sentences: "each (disease) has its own peculiar nature and process, and none is of an ambiguous nature or irremediable and the most of them are curable by the same means, as those by which they were prodnced" (De morb. sacr.); and "disease is produced by the similars and by the administered similars, from being sick they convalesce."(De loc in hom.)

61 Such is the true orthodoxy of Hippocrates, ignored by Galen and his followers, which was many times touched upon by various philosophers, such as Democritus, Anaxagoras, Arndt, St. Augustinus, Baco de Verulam, Basilius Valentinus, St. Bernhardus, Boyle, Cardanus, Auguste Comte, Cartesius, Darwin, Thomas Erastus, Benjamin Franklin, Fechner, Goethe, Haller, Lagrange, Leibnitz, Mill, Nikander, Ozanam, Pascal, Shakespeare, Tycho de Brahe, Zeising, Zimmermann, etc., and which also, was here and there practically applied by many professional physicians — Homoeopathia involuntaria. But it was first scientifically and practically established and revindicated by our own Hahnemann.

62 The Law of Homoeopathicity (Similia Similibus) is the law of proving and cure, or the therapeutical principle of mediciue.

63 Logically examined, this Homoeopathicity is correct, and as far from being paradox, as the truth, that the same hammering makes and unmakes magnet, or that the same magnet attracts and repels.

64 The rationale of this Homoeopathicity, as the combined result of the correlation of Simile and Contrarium, is found, not only in the very nature and conception of medicine or remedy, which is, that it must be opposed and contrary to the given state of the organism, upon which it is to act, therefore must necessarily cause disease when applied to the healthy, and cure disease when applied to the diseased state of the organism (because only thus it can possibly be contrary to the given state in either case); but, also in the fact, that the pathematic effect of the remedy upon the healthy is similar to the pathematic effect of the disease upon the healthy in the given case — 'Oµo?o????

65 Since as Hamilton expresses it, Relation and Correlation are mutually referred, and can always be reciprocated and converted, and since the healing process is a mutual action, neutralizing the disease, it is (clear, that disease and cure, perturbation and restoration of health, aegrotation and probation, nosansis and hygiansis, nosopoesis and hygiopoesis, pathogeny and pathoktony, are relations which mutally imply each other — Conversion.

66 Therefore, Conversion ("contrariorum eadem est sententia") serves as the logical principle of Homoeopathy.

67 The Galenic school only contrasted the contrary states of the same organism, and only the effects of the drugs upon the diseased states of the organism. That method was necessarily incomplete, and gave incorrect results. being an imperfect comparison, and hence an erring diagnosis.

68 They failed entirely to realize, that not only one thing or action is similar to its parts or elements or to those of another, but that also two things or actions, which are similar to a third, are similar to themselves.

69 Hahnemann, however, was the first who comprehended, this and took the fall bearings of the Hippocratean rule, and extended the comparison to different organisms, and to the similar states of them, as affected by the drug in proving and cure, and compared the symptoms obtained by provings with the symptoms caused by disease, and the symptoms removed by the remedy with those caused by health.

In this manner, the comparison instituted, comprehended both contraries and similars, and this method became necessarily complete and correct, resulting in a true diagnosis and therapia.

71. The Hippocratean Rule of Similities and Dissimilities, or what Comte and Mill call the method of companion, and which of old has been known as Principium Similitudinis, is the philosophical principle of Medicine.

72. By the Law of Homoeopathicity the given disease itself, in its symptoms, furnishes the endeixis of the remedy, and the remedy itself, in its symptoms, furnishes the diagnosis of the disease-Endeixis and Diagnosis.

73. And Simility is practically the endeictical, theoretically the inductive principle of medicine.

74. On the strength of the actual correlation and logical conversion of disease and cure, pathogenesis and pathoktony, nosopoesis and hygiopoesis, nosansis and hygiansis, morbification and sanation, agrotation and convalescence are as little contradictories as the contrasted states of the organism of which they are predicated, but they are commutable and convertible terms, likewise and contrariwise applicable to the properties and powers of the medicine.

75. Consequently, a potency properly applied to the organism must be by its own nature, equally morbific and curative, nosopoetic and hygiopoetic, nosantic and hygiantic, pathogenetic and pathoktonic, — medium and remedium, — and it most exert its properties and powers as either, likewise and contrariwise, according as it acts upon and with the one or the other of the contrasted states of the organism in the given case.

76. Accordingly, the very nature and conception of a Homoeopathic remedy or potency consists in that it is the "simile contrarium" related to and in mutual action with the diseased organism — Simile Contrarium Relatum and Correlaium.

77. A High Potency is an infinitesimal quantity of such a remedy — Simile Contrarium Minimum.

78 In the views here taken, it appears that the formula, contraria contrariit, as applied to curative action, is the converse of and tantamount to our for mala, similia similibus, and this is as much as was observed by Hering as early as 1826, and by Goeschel in 1832, and recently acknowledged by Von Grauvogl and Politini. Either formula is much like a proverb which, somebody remarked, is a short sentence, grammatically saying one thing and essentially meaning another. But both formula combined would avoid the ambiguity and make the formula more complete: — Contraria Similia Similibus Contrariis Curantur.

79. This equipollency of both formulas of medical treatment was indeed known, to and appreciated by Hippocrates, in whose book de locis in homine, both methods, that per similia as well as that per contraria, are laid down as being proper treatment, as both being "contrary" modes; and where it is stated by him, that "the most contraries are not the most contraries," and that "as any body's nature is changed and perverted, complaints are produced and cured by contraries "and it is emphatically added that "thus by both contrary modes health is restored, and if it was the same in all cases, the matter would be understood and thus these would be remedied by the contraries whatever they are, and by whatever they are produced, but these by similars, whatever they are, and by whatever they are produced"

80. This doctrine of Hippocrates is an entirety, comprehending both the contraria and similia, alike, and together. This was overlooked by the onesided expositor Galen and his followers who, by omitting the similia altogether, as it were, left the part of Hamlet out of the play, and thus established a false orthodoxy in medicine. The full meaning of Hippocrates was first correctly understood by Hahnemann who recovered the original ground, and carried out the whole of the true doctrine in its scientific and practical bearings, and thus, out of his genial investigation of the positive forces of medicaments, created Homoeopathy.

81. From the preceding observations results our complete formula: Maxima }Curantur ) Similibus Contraria Curantur Contrariis Similia Minimis

that is SIMILIA MINIMUS CURANTUR.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 02, 1862, pages 88-96]

[Description: Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies]

[Author: Fincke, B.]

[Year: 1862]

CLINICAL CASES AND OBSERVATIONS ON HIGH POTENCIES.

BY B. FINCKE, M. D., BROOKLYN.

FOURTH SERIES.

"Major in exiguo regnabat corpore virtus." — STATIUS.

The following presents a report of some cases treated with the high-globule-dilution potencies, described in our third series, but where they were further refined by a refraction of the dose.

They were administered by globules in a powder of sugar of milk, and either taken dry at certain periods of time or dissolved in one gill of water and taken by teaspoonful at stated hours. The solution made fresh every day, as a general rule.

CASES.

1. ENDOCARDITIS. — S. B., of New York, a girl five years old, of German descent, blonde hair and blue eyes, rather large for her age, was reported to labor under the following complaints:

November 19th, 1860. Three weeks ago patient had inflammatory rheumatism, which was treated allopathically without success. About a fortnight ago, a hollow hard cough set in with pain in the pit of the stomach, weeping, turning red in the face, and scanty expectoration of thick white mucus, excited by crying and aggravated in the evening and night. Dread to cough. Difficult respiration. Short and loud expiration. Sleeplessness, jactitation, pains all over, heat in the nights, otherwise cool. Won't eat nor play. Urine red, turbid in passing. Large ring-worm at the right fore-arm and wrist, radial side. Bowels regular. Hooping cough prevailing in the neighborhood. Verat. 1/2400, in each of two powders of sugar of milk, to be dissolved in one gill of water and one teaspoonful to be taken once in three hours.

21st, three, p.m. Patient was brought to the office. She was the two last nights extremely restless and delirious and complained much, especially of pains in the abdomen, chest and throat, when coughing. Cough less in frequency, of metallic sound, short loud expiration. Hands hot. Fever at nights with slight perspiration. Dropsical swelling of the face, abdomen and feet. Urine red, turbid and scanty. Cannot sleep in the recumbent position. Wants to be carried all the time, her body leaning forwards as much as possible. Peevishness. Pulse almost imperceptible. Distention of the chest over the region of the heart. Heart's action labored. The sounds of the heart are like the ticking of a distant watch; the first sound accompanied with a blowing noise at the apex which was found in its normal position. The ring-worm presents no unusual aspect. Patient received at once Spig. 2/730 and was directed to take when at home, Spig. 1/730 in one powder, to be dissolved in one gill of water one teaspoonful to be taken once every hour.

22d, ten, a.m. Patient got no sleep yet; had, however, more rest last night. She drank often water, but little at a time. Urine slightly increased in quantity, clear, brown like beer and without albumen. Less dyspnea. Legs very much swollen, especially one of them. Sometimes circumscribed red spots on the cheeks, sometimes a deadly pallor of the face; face last, night cool. Same hard dry cough. Patient had a hard stool and passed about one pint of urine last night and this morning. Decided aversion against food. She wants to be carried on the arm, the body lying motionless against the shoulder of her mother, the head hanging down over it. Utter impossibility to lie down. The herpes itches intolerably and is very dry, the vesicles at the circumference being all dried up. Patient is so low that further examination must be dispensed with. Lyc. 2/30 3/0 in each of seven powders, to be taken dry. one every night and morning.

25th. Slept well last night. Fever gone. Stool normal. Urine copious and clear. Patient can now lie flat on her back. Got some appetite. Breathing natural. The chest presents no distension. The swelling of the legs increased November 23d considerably, and then went down gradually to a slight swelling on the insteps. Very impatient. — Coughing from passion. The herpes itches, so much that she scratches it bloody. Sep.1/200 J. (Jenichen).

29th. Remarkably improved. The swelling is gone, and she runs about.

December 9th. Patient called at the office. The heart presented nothing abnormal except that the left side of the chest seemed a little fuller than the right one. The herpes heals up from the hand towards the arm; there are only a few scales left. Complains of sometimes pains under the navel in the abdomen, which is somewhat enlarged. Merc. v. 2/30 3/0 in each of seven powders, to be taken dry, one every night.

After that the patient rapidly recovered and was healthier than ever before. It was reported lately that she remained perfectly healthy ever since.

2. RHEUMATISMUS ACUTUS. — Mr. W., German, 50 years old, locksmith, robust, of dark complexion, and violent choleric temper, hard beer-drinker, sleeping regularly four to five hours; had many years ago a disease in his stomach which ever since had been weak. Dr. Epps, of London, ten years ago treated him successfully for rheumatism in the back. Patient suffered habitually from hemorrhoids. It was about a month ago at a fire when he took cold from being drenched thoroughly with cold water after profuse perspiration. He used for it "all and everything," also Iodide of potassium which aggravated the case considerably, and applied mustard-plaster and plaster of turpentine and sulphur.

November 28th, 1860, ten, a.m. Patient is reported by his wife to complain of the following symptoms: incessant lancinating pains in the right loin extending as far as the right knee and sometimes going to the back, worse on moving. If he tries to rise, he "cries aloud like a baby." After the exertion, profuse perspiration breaks out with the odor of Iodide of potassium (taken in large quantities). Tongue clean, but turning white during the most violent paroxysm of pain. Salty taste (cannot bear salt and farinaceous food generally). Thirst. Pale face. Urine clear and of strong odor. Emaciation. "Want of appetite and sleep for the last eight days. Some pain in the chest. Cannot sit nor lie, Continual fever for the last two days. Bry. 3/10000 3/0 in each of four powders, dry, night and morning.

29th. After taking the first dose in the forenoon, patient felt better in the afternoon and for the first time since over a week slept for two hours soundly, when the pains woke him up again. At ten, a.m., (the second dose was taken at nine, p.m.,) all a of sudden the pain became so violent as to make him faint; then followed some relief till morning. Right knee swollen. Tearing pains in the right thigh towards the knee, aggravated at the least motion. Had a stool yesterday morning. Flatus. Much thirst. Urine thick and red. Constant perspiration, but now without odor. Bry. 6/10000 3/0 in each of two powders, to be dissolved in one gill of water, and one teaspoonful to be taken every third hour.

December 1st. Better. Fever gone. Slept well and got an appetite. Less perspiration; Bowels regular. Urine smelling strongly, thick and red like blood with red sediment. Moderate swelling from the right knee to the hip, When lying quiet on the affected limb he feels well, but on the least motion the pains return. Bryonia as above.

3d., nine, a.m. Can walk over the room now and can sit up for half an hour without pain. After the urine had a thick clayey sediment like rags, day before yesterday, it continued to be clear since. The pain is now stinging and jerking in the hip-joint as far as the knee. Much fetid flatus Patient used to smoke tobacco during the pains which started the flatus. Pain. when laying on the painless side. Rhus tox 2/10000 2/0 in each of six powders, to be taken dry night and morning.

7th. Took the first powder in the evening. The next morning he had violent pains in the head. It is reported now, that the taking of the powders in the evening always brought on severe pains in the affected parts for a while, but not so last night; Profuse sour perspiration last night. Feels much better this morning. The stinging is less, and only in the thigh, the hip-joint is entirely free. The thigh feels cold, like dead between the skin and bone with cold drizzling during the pains. Was up for half a day yesterday. Urine like beer. Much flatus. Berb. v. 2/30 in each of Six powders, to be dissolved in One gill of water, one tea-spoonful to be taken once every third hour.

July 20th, 1860. From a gentleman who wanted my advice in a similar complaint, I learned that the patient was Well ever since.

3. HOOPING COUGH. P. H., of New York, a boy ten months old of German descent. November 29th, 1860. Had ever since he was born a rough croupy cough, which was treated allopathically and since July, a. c, assumed the form of true hooping cough, which was prevailing in the neighborhood. He has now coughing spells with rattling in the chest, hooping, vomiting of food and slime, want of breath, and turning bluish red in the face, worse before midnight. Constant restlessness. Sleeps very little. Very much gone. Dros. 21/300 in each of fourteen powders, to be taken dry, one every night and morning.

December 9th. This helped him in a few days. The first day after taking the medicine, the stools Were loose. The rattling in the chest and hooping cough disappeared. There is some dry cough yet on waking up from sleep which is disturbed. Dros. 21/30000 in each of fourteen powders, to be taken dry, one every night.

August 17th, 1862. From a neighboring patient I learned that the cough shortly after the last prescription had all at once disappeared, and the child was well ever since.

4. RHEUMATISMUS ACUTUS. — Mr. G. B., of New York, of Irish descent, 46 years old, laborer, middle stature, dark blonde, habitually suffering from irritation of the neck of the bladder, complained as follows:

May 29th, 1862. Drawing stiff pains in the left upper arm with inability to lift it, aggravation on moving, fever and uneasiness about the stomach. Bry. 2/30 in each of four powders, to be dissolved in one gill of water, and one tea-spoonful to be taken once every third hour.

June 2d. About the same. The pain is right in the bone at the head of the humerus, fixed and aching, running down along the bone of the upper arm, night and day. Both hands swelled considerably with thick veins. Pulse small and frequent, probably compressed by the swelling. Much fever. Urine dark colored. Applied a liniment which did him no good. Prostration. Rhus tox. 62/100000 each of four powders, to be dissolved in one gill of water, and one tea-spoonful to be taken once every hour.

9th. Patient began to feel easy as soon as he began to take that medicine and wants more of it. Can lift the hand to the head now. Swelling gone. Appetite good. Ann worse on moving it. Rhus tox. 23/100000 in each of four powders, to be dissolved in one gill of water, one tea-spoonful to be taken every third hour.

September 19th. After that, patient reports he got entirely rid of his rheumatism.

OBSERVATIONS.

"Natura nullibi magis quam in minimis tota." — PLINIUS.

In continuation of our observations on the process of healing by homoeopathic high potencies, we beg to submit the following:

1. Homoeopathic, globule-dilution potencies are efficacious and curative when administered in watery solution, or in refracted doses.

2. By such prescription a further attenuation or refinement of the potency is obtained, without reaching the terminus of efficacy.

3. In a physical aspect the mutual action which constitutes the process of healing by homoeopathic high potencies, has been well noticed by Hering, to be illustrated by the process of Interference which is known and established alike in Optical, Acoustical, Thermological, and Hydrodynamical science.

4. The interferential process appears to rest upon the general principle for the mutual action of coinciding similar series or systems of motions, molecular, vibratory and oscillatory, by which, under certain conditions and at certain points they augment, at others diminish, and at others entirely destroy each other, producing darkness by adding light to light, silence by sound meeting sound, cold by heat overcoming heat, and rest by wave encountering wave.

5. Since the conditions for Interference are mutual action, molecular motion, simility and contrariety and infinitesimal quantity, and since its effect is neutralization and conversion, it is clear that the conditions and effects of Interference are the same as observable in the homoeopathic healing process by high potencies, and the analogy is obvious.

6. The law of Interference serves as an illustration of the physical principle of Homoeopathy.*[Since the above was written (1860), Kirchhoff and Bunsen published their paper on "Chemical Analysis," by observation of the spectrum (Pogg. Aun. Vol. CX, p. 161).

This spectral analysis is actually a process of Interference. The wares of the solar light coinciding with the waves of unequal length of the light of incandescent particles of metallic vapors, which are supposed to come from the solar atmosphere, interfere and produce the dark lines of Fraunhofer. A similar process of Interference is experimentally effected, when a solar beam is thrown upon the spectrum of a less luminous flame containing similar incandescent substances, similar to those as are supposed to exist in the solar atmosphere. Here the less luminous flame with the incandescent substances represents the solar atmosphere. The substances are indicated by bright lines of different colors in certain localities of the flame-spectrum, and correspond to those substances contained in the solar atmosphere, indicated by Fraunhofer's lines. Now by Interference with the sun light, the bright lines of the less luminous flame-spectrum are converted into dark ones, owing to inequality of wave length. Their precise coincidence with the original dark lines of Fraunhofer prove, almost beyond doubt, that the sun contains, in an incandescent state, similar substances as our planet.

The analogy of this analysis to Homoeopathy is obvious. It appears in the infinitesimality of the action as well as in the convertibility of contrasted states of the spectrum into one another. The met, that the lines, representing the contrasted states of the spectrum, are by the same agencies converted from darkness into brightness and from brightness into darkness corresponds exactly to the fact that the symptoms, representing the contrasted states of the organism, are by the same remedies converted from health into disease and from disease into health.

The light, as reflected in the spectrum, would represent the organism, and the bright and dark lines in the spectrum would represent the symptoms produced in the organism by certain substances in infinitesimal quantity in virtue of their specific relation to the organism. The Fraunhofer lines, being the normal state of the solar spectrum and restored by the solar light, would mean, that one given substance producing symptoms of disease in the healthy organism is neutralized by another similar one coinciding, which produces symptoms of health in the diseased organism, where the susceptive power is strong enough to admit of it at all. If the power of the organism is lowered, as represented by the less luminous flame, the substances burning in it with bright lines, produce symptoms of disease according to their Specific relation to the organism; and, especially, if those substances burn on their own account, being present in the telluric atmosphere (Sodium, etc.), they stand for natural disease, and if they are artificially introduced into the flame (Lithium etc.), they stand for artificial disease — our proving. By the experiment of Hahnemann as well as by that of Kirchhoff and Bunsen the qualities of the substances experimented on are elicited, with the only difference, that what in spectral analysis are lines, in Homoeopathy are symptoms; in other words, we find by Kirchhoff and Bunsen's experiment the physical, by Hahnemann's the medical properties of the substances.

These very substances which produce bright and dark lines in the same locality of the spectra of sun and flame light, convertibly, and as the case may be, are applied by us in proper potentization to the organism as remedies, when we direct the sun-beam of health upon the leas luminous spectrum of disease. The substances producing the lines in disease in the healthy, are neutralised by Interference, as it were, of the similar substances producing the solar spectrum — here potencies as well as there, though differing in degrees — and thus by the same — remedy — the morbid symptoms like the bright lines disappear together with what is abstractly called disease, and the normal symptoms like the Fraunhofer lines are restored together with what is abstractly called health.

Quantitively considered, this new analysis furnishes new evidences for the efficaciousness, directness and specificness of infinitesimal action of attenuated substances, and already have Ozanam, Bloede and others, taken the bearings upon the homoeopathic potencies. In fact, it proves again the the correctness and general applicability of the Maupertuisian law of the least quantity of action, and that infinitesimality which we claim as the quantitative principle of Homoeopathy.

Qualitatively considered it is another evidence for the correctness and general applicability of the Newtonian low of contrariety (and equality) of action and reaction, and that mutuality which we claim as the qualitative principle of Homoeopathy.

But it is not less striking as an illustration of the correlation and conversion in which we recognize the rational character of all homoeopathic processes, including Interference, and which we claim as the logical principle of Homoeopathy.

And in as much as this conversion is here demonstrated, ad oculos, and verified, to take place really, and physically, and unerringly so under certain conditions; and in as much as in this new analysis again the same element and conditions (motion and change of motion; simility and contrariety; molecularity and infinitesimality), and the same effects (change of the given state, neutralisation, and conversion) are observable which we find to be common to all homoeopathic processes; this important and beautiful discovery elucidates and confirms the correctness and general applicability of the principle of mutual conversion of physical forces of matter into one another, and that Homoeosis which we claim as the physical principle of Homoeopathy.

7. Assimilation, physiological as well as pathological; and affinity, chemical as well as medical; and conversion logical as well as remedial; and Interference, physical as well as therapeutical; altogether have in common the same elements and conditions, viz.: mutuality of action, motion and change of motion, simility and contrariety, molecularity and infinitesimality; and also the same effects, viz.: change of the given state and neutralization and mutual conversion.

8. The same common elements and conditions and effects mentioned (Obs. 5) are observable to exist and take place in many other processes of nature, e. g., in the biological (physiological and pathological) processes of absorption and resorption; ablation and apposition; alimentation and nutrition; digestion and congestion; arterialization and circulation; chylification and lactification; hematosis and cholepoesis; albumination and fibrination; excretion and secretion; exudation and suppuration; irritation and counterirritation; contagion, infection and disinfection; thrombosis, coagulation and tuberculization; inflammation, ulceration and cicatrization; tumefaction and delitescence; induration and ossification; respiration, perspiration and transpiration; inhalation and exhalation; innervation and enervation; crescation and atrophy; eutrophy and hypertrophy; vaccination and syphilization; intoxication and paralysis; ovulation, fecundation and embryonization; incubation and gestation; generation and germination; domestication, breeding and crossing, etc. Also in the botanical processes of inoculation, gemation, foliation, floration, fructification, vegetation, propagation, etc. Also in the physical (and chemical) processes of osmosis and capillarity; endosmosis, exosmosis and diosmosis; absorption and resorption; allotropism, homomerism, isomerism, metamerism and polymerism; crystallization and granulation; aggregation, disintegration and catalysis; — vaporization, evaporation and condensation; solidification and liquefaction; congelation and colliquation; saturation and rarefaction; fermentation and putrefaction; carbonization and cineration; combustion and explosion; mixtion and distillation; solution, resolution and reduction; fusion and diffusion; undulation and vibration; flection, deflection and reflection; fraction, refraction and diffraction; radiation and irradiation; coloration and spectration; adhesion, cohesion and ruption; elasticity and expansion; deposition and incrustation; pulverization and precipitation; petrefaction and adipociration; phosphorescence and fluorescence; annealing and steeling; amalgamation and combination; oxydation and disoxydation; vulcanization and calcination; galvanization and magnetization; electrization and induction; telegraphy and photography; polarity and astasy. And also in the general phenomena of morphosis and amorphism; anamorphosis and metamorphosis; homoplasia and heteroplasia; accomodation and acclimatization; composition and decomposition; formation and function; determination and gradation; specification and variation; qualification and modification; production and reproduction; differentiation and development; and, indeed, in all generation, degeneration, and regeneration, and in all organization, disorganization and reorganization.

9. In a general point of view all such, and similar processes appear to rest upon, and to be governed by one common principle which, if found, might scientifically be considered as a general principle, or law of nature.

10. Such principle seems to grow out of Grove's conception of the existing universal correlation of the physical forces of matter, supported by Berthelot and Faraday, and out of what might be called a. polarity of action as being discernable in all the processes by the conditions and effects mentioned.

11. As such general principle or law of nature, might be proposed the principle of the mutual conversion of physical forces of matter into one another, or the equalization of bodies according to the ratio of their assimilability; UNIVERSAL ASSIMILATION OR HOMOEOSIS.

12. Physically considered, then, the homoeopathic curative process of healing by high potencies, appears to be such a homoeotic process as described, being governed by the same conditions, and presenting the same effects, as all homoeotic processes.

13. Likewise, the homoeopathic probative process, of producing by medicines disease in the healthy, appears to be a homoeotic process, being governed by the same conditions, and presenting the same effects as the cure in the reverse.

14. Also, the homoeopathic potential process of preparing medicine by trituration, dilution, contact and otherwise, appears to be a homoeotic process, being, again, governed by the same conditions and presenting the same effects, as all homoeotic processes.

15. In fact, all processes of modification and sanation, aegrotescence and convalescence, nosansis and hygiansis, pathopioea and hygiopoeia, with or without medication, are homoeotic processes and reducible to the same principles.

16. Accordingly, the law of homoeosis, Similia Minimis, would serve as the physical principle of Homoeopathy.

17. In a mathematical conception, everything in nature has been always, since Heraclitus, Anaxagoras and Aristoteles, considered to be reducible to motion, and change of motion, and thus the system of man in its life must also be conceived to be constituted by certain motions and changes of motion, in certain forms, conditions, and relations.

18. For the same reason the different states and conditions or forms of existence of the organism: health, disease, and restoration of health, are reducible to certain motions, and changes of motion, in certain forms, conditions, and relations.

19. Consequently, every homoeotic process, and among them the process of healing by homoeopathic high potencies, necessarily, besides quality and relation, involves and implies quantity and form, modality and motion, and relation.

20. Therefore, Homoeopathic and indeed all Therapia, is really amenable to, and under the dominion of, mathematical condition, and a proper subject for mathematical demonstration.

21. The laws of motion serve as the mathematical principle of Homoeopathy.

22. Under these laws the homoeopathic remedial process, probative and curative, is geometrically demonstrable, being, as Hering observes, comparable to the diagonal of two forces, and the parallelogram of forces is its geometrical illustration.

23. Since every organism is at the same time a mechanism, the homoeopathic process in the organism is subject to the laws of mechanics, statical and dynamical.

24. In this aspect, since the sum of the physical forces of matter is always constant in the universe (as was already remarked by Leibuitz, and latterly scientifically established by Helmholtz and sustained by Faraday, and physically carried out by Mayer, Baumgartner, Tyndall, a. a.,) the physical forces of matter in reality are constantly exchanging and compensating each other: statical and dynamical equivalence.

25. Accordingly, that system of motions which constitutes the organism of man, presents in its actual state a natural oscillating equilibrium which is normal in health and perturbed in disease, and this is what was recently so well elaborated and applied to medicine by von Grauvogl: physiological and pathological equivalence.

26. Consequently, that process in the organism which constitutes the cure or restoration of health, as the converse of disease or perturbation of health, represents that compensation, i.e., that equation, and converse of equation, of forces and motions of the organism which is effected by remedy, and. is the restoration of the normal oscillating equilibrium of the organism by medical action: therapeutical or hygiopoetic equivalence.

27. Likewise that process in the organism which constitutes the homoeopathic probation, or perturbation of health, as the converse of cure or restoration of health, represents that compensation, i e., that equation and converse of equation of forces and motions of the organism, which is effected by remedy, and is the perturbation of the normal oscillating equilibrium of the organism by medical action: nosantic or pathopoetic equivalence.

28. Herewith the real character and criterion of a "remedium" which means, etymologically, the restitution of the medium, is shown to be in the similarly and contrarily pathopoetic and hygiopoetic quality, and quantity, and modality of the drug, and its equally similarly and contrarily morbific and curative relation to the organism, which is in fact our Homoeopathicity.

29. In this regard equation serves, as the analytical formula for the homoeopathic treatment and cure in its perfection; homoeopathic equation, homoeoma.

30. The law of compensation or equivalence serves as the mechanical, statical and dynamical principle of Homoeopathy.

31. From this is correctly deduced von Grauvogl's law of the therapeutical motion, equivalence, by him proposed as the law of dose.

32. Since there is in reality no sameness (homon) or absolute equality of any two real things, and there can be no identity (ison) in the aspect of any two existing forms, as Draper expresses it, — real things, if compared with others, and if by such comparison appearing to be nearer to absolute equality than to absolute difference, can only be similar (homoion) to others, or to each other.

33. This fact furnishes the natural and correct answer to the vexed question, "what is the simile?" by the etymology of Hahnemann's original "ahnlich" which is the German word for the Greek "homoion" and the Latin "simile." The word according to Adelung's authority, recognized as such in Hahnemann's time, is as much as "angleich," Anglo-Saxon "anlic" or "onlic" (English "alike"), and in its signification opposed to "gleich," Anglo-Saxon "lik" (English "like"?), for which the Greek is "homon;" and it means, etymologically and literally, "onlike, "i. e., "near on like," somewhat "homon," near to equal, and in a measure so, more or less equal.

The great von Wolff whose mathematical and philosophical works were used as text-books in Hahnemann's younger days, defines "AEhnlichkeit" (similarity) to be the accordance of that by which the things are discriminated by the understanding, and concludes, that similar things can not be discriminated if they are not brought together either in reality or in the mind by means of a third thing as, e. g., a measure.

35. In this sense, "AEhnlichkeit" or simility, denoting equality as the highest degree of simility, admits a series of gradations, and this again is already in language indicated by the use of the comparative and superlative "aehnlicher, tehnlichste, similius, simillimum, "i. e., more similar, most similar.

36. Since there are many degrees and gradations conceivable beween inequality and equality, as already pointed out by Mill and others, there are such degrees and gradations conceivable of simility and contrariety which represent the gradations of affinity, and indeed of all homoeosis, within the limits of proportionality.

37. These gradations are determined by the quantity of action which applies, the least possible of it being sufficient to change the same into one another, and to increase or diminish each of them more or less.

38. This is again the principle established by Maupertuis to which we referred before, and which in fact, seems to be the spiritus rector, or regulator, by which everything, and every motion in existence is prevented from being and becoming identically the same or absolutely equal with any other, and by which everything and every motion, when becoming comparable with others, is made or kept in this state of simility and the given gradation of the same.

39. Consequently, all motions and changes of motion, here concerned, pathogenesis and cure, and all homoeosis, indeed all motion and change of motion throughout the universe, proceed by and are under the control of the law of the least quantity of action.

40. In this view the law of the least quantity of action (maxima minimis) serves as the cosmological and metaphysical principle of Homoeopathy.

41. The degrees and gradations of simility, and homoeosis, may be different in quantity, in modality, and in qualitity, and infinitely many of all such different degrees and gradations are conceivable.

42. Therefore infinitely many proportionate remedies, and as many proportionate forms and quantifications of remedies, are corresponding to the homoeotic degrees and gradations which are represented by the varying susceptibility of the organism.

43. For the same reason, in order to insure the curative effect of oar remedies, we want to be prepared with infinitely many proportionate medical qualities and relations, known to be curative.

44. Only with such complete apparatus we would be fully able to meet all cases and to carry out the rule of individualizing symptoms and remedy, susceptibility and assimilability: medical proportionality, pathopoetic and hygiopoetic.

45. Such infinite variety of medical qualities and relations is furnished by the exact homoeopathic provings, such as are already made and such as are continually being made, and may be made in all future time. MATERIA. MEDICA PURA, PATHOPOEIA.

46. Likewise, for the purpose of insuring the curative effect of our remedies in all cases, we want to be prepared with infinitely many proportionate different remedial modalities, forms and quantities, and corresponding relations, that is potencies, known to be curative in the given case.

47. Only with such complete ammunition we would be fully able to meet all cases, and to carry out the rule of individualizing the actual susceptibility of the organism and the potency and the dose: pharmacopoetic proportionality.

48. Such infinite variety of ammunition is to be acquired by preparing the homoeopathic remedies in various modes, and forms, and quantities, and by infinitesimal or high potentiation, so that they may be administered in various ways and different degrees of fineness, from the lowest to the highest, proportionable to the requirements of the given case. Pharmacopeia pura.

49. Being so prepared with such exact knowledge of the effects of the potencies upon the organism in the healthy state, changing the same into disease, and being prepared with a full ammunition of potencies for the application; then we are enabled to apply the potencies to the organism in the diseased state, and when that is done according to the principles of Homoeopathy, proportionally to the requirements of the organism in the given case, then, and then only, we are certain, of the effects of the potencies upon the organism, changing disease into health, that is of the cure: therapia pura, hygiopoeia.

50. Pharmacopoeia is the art and science of potentiating the drugs or preparing the medicines for application upon the organism so as to render them susceptible and assumilable by the same.

51. Pathopoeia is the art and science of applying the potencies upon the organism in the healthy state and thereby converting health into disease.

52. Hygiopoeia is the art and science of applying the potencies upon the organism in the diseased state and thereby converting disease into health.

53. Since all the motions, forms, quantities and relations here concerned are under the dominion of mathematics, they must and possibly can be submitted to Calculation.

54. As they arc altogether infinitesimal, the proper; calculus for them required seems to be the infinitesimal calculus,

55. As the invention of this calculus proceeded, and indeed only rendered possible, the high development of physics and chemistry as positive and exact sciences, so its proper application to medicine would carry medical science to a point of scientific exactness which it could not reach without Homoeopathy and its high potencies.

56. The infinitesimal calculus would serve as the proper method of investigation and computation for Homoeopathy and high potential Therapeutics in particular.

57. Since all theory must rest on reliable facts, the medical quality and relation as well as the remedial quantity and modality of the drug, is only to be found and secured by experiment, observation, and experience, and for this reason, the homoeopathic provings and their counterpart, our clinics, are and for ever will be the ground-work and only safe foundation for Therapeutics and medical science in general.

58. In conclusion, if it is moral, to do the most good and the least evil possible to our fellow-men, then Homoeopathy is the true ethics of medicine.

59. If it is the policy of nature itself to effect the greatest amount of good with the least expenditure of force, then Homoeopathy is the natural and true medical policy.

60. If it is religious, to believe, and live conformably to belief, in the harmonious and unique government of the Universe, whether personified, singly, or plurally, or other-wise, then Homoeopathy is the true and universal religion of medicine,

61. If it is the doctrine of Christianity and the bible, to do unto others as we would be done by, then Homoeopathy is the truly biblical and christian medicine.

62. If the true regular practice is that which is supported by a correct theory, then Homoeopathy is the true regular practice of medicine.

63. If the true theory is that which is resting on positive facts and exact observations, and borne out by practice, and in accordance with the laws of universe, then Homoeopathy is the true theory of medicine.

64. If the true art of healing is that which is fully supported, and borne out, by theory and practice, and in perfect harmony, accordance and conformity, with the Laws of Nature and God, then the only true, natural, rational and real system of medicine is HOMOEOPATHICS.

65. When this true system shall be appreciated by Physiology, Chemistry and Physic; when Du Bois Reymonds' beau ideal of analytical mechanics of all biological processes, and Draper's high idea of Analytical Physiology, both of them subsumable under Newton's grand conception of applying the mechanical principles to all phenomena of nature,*["Utinam castera nature phenomena.ex principiis mechanicis eodem argumentandi genere, derivare liceret! Nam multa me movent, ut nonnihil suspicere ea omnia ex viribus quibusdam pendere posse, quibus corporum particulae, per causae noadum cognitas, vel in se mutuo impelluntur et secundum road figuras regulares cohaerent, vel ab invicem fugantur et recedunt; quibus viribus ignotis, Philosophi hactenus Naturam frustra tentarunt. Spero autem quod vel huic philosophandi modo, vel veriori alicui, principia hic posita lucem iquam praebebunt." — Principia Praefatio, Op. em., Horsley, Vol. II X.] shall be realized; and when the instruments of the higher mathematics shall be brought to bear upon the investigation and analysis of morbific and therapeutical processes; all of which may be done, the doubts of Comte and Mill to the contrary notwithstanding, according to and by the homoeological principles and methods of Homoeopathy and its high potencies; then a true comprehensive and correct Biology, and the corresponding therapia, will be accomplished, and Medicine, through the stadium of homoeopathic comparative medicine, will be elevated to the real dignity of a positive and exact science, answering-the highest conception of ANALYTICAL MEDICS.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 03, 1863, pages 115-132]

[Description: Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 04.]

[Author: Fincke, B.]

[Year: 1863]

CLINICAL CASES AND OBSERVATIONS ON HIGH POTENCIES.

By B. Fincke, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.

Fifth Series.

"I approve much more your method of philosophizing which proceeds upon actual observation, makes a collection of facts, and concludes no further than those facts will warrant."-·Dr. Franklin To Abbe Souliave.

The case here reported were treated with High Dilution Potencies of my own preparation, carried up by further dilution on a new plan. The notation is on the centesimal scale. Every thousand is denoted by the letter "m," e. g, Apis mel. 3/42m. means two pellets of the forty-two thousandth potency of Apis mel.

The success obtained by these potencies not only confirms the observations made in the first series, ["American Homoeopathic Review, Vol. 2 p. 282."] but also established the fact, that the action and efficaciousness of homoeopathic potencies is not limited to 20000 or 40000 — the highest made by Jenichen – but evident even in higher centigrade dilutions as in the 42000 of Apis mel., in the 50000 of Nux vom., and in the 55000 of Sepia.

The question, then, where by potentiation, the terminus of medical action for homoeopathic remedies is to be found, at all, is still an open question.

The experience in case number eight settles the fact, that our high potencies, and more particularly doses of a third Globule Dilution Potency of a 10000 centesimal potency, preserve their medical properties, and exert their curative action, when prepared and prescribed in America, mailed in a letter to Europe, and taken at Dresden in Saxony.

In the observations subjoined we commence summing up. When the first series was published (March, 1860), von Boenninghausen did them the honor of noticing them, publishing a translation and glosses of his own, cordially approving and supporting the views advanced.[Allgem Hom. Zeitung, Vol. 61 pp. 63 134, 140, 159, 164 Now, before the last series reaches his eyes, they are closed forever. The great master of our art, the champion of true Homoeopathy, the standard-bearer of High Potencies in Europe – he is no more.

With feelings of gratitude I cherish, personally, the memory of him, who by words of encouragement and assurance strengthened my purpose when I first professed Homoeopathy. "Man kann Alles lernen," he said, in true Franklinian terseness.

But with deep sadness comes the thought, that his powerful aid should be withdrawn now, when we most need it, to put down the false prophets, criticasters, double-dealers, and disunionists, who by supercilious misrepresentation and disparagement of Hahnemann's labors, betray and endanger the good cause. Oh, that he were still with us in the coming battle, to be fought on the true ground of Infinitesimality, which is finally to decide, by the high potencies of scientific truth, the final triumph of genuine Homoeopathy!

1. Angina. Ophtmalmia. – Therese S., 7 years and 9 months old, of German descent, dark complexioned, at a time when diphtheria was prevalent in the neighborhood, presented the following symptoms.

December 28th, 1863, three, p.m. High fever with dry burning skin; aching in the forehead; maturating of the eyes which stick together, so that she can hardly open them; swelling of the throat on the left side, with pain in swallowing; nausea; pains in all her limbs; sent her one dose of Apia mel. 4/42m

29th. The fever had ceased very soon after taking the medicine. Otherwise she is about the same.

30th. Much better. The swelling went from the left to the right side. Tonsils very red, swollen, looking as if scratched.

January 1st, 1864. Stench from the throat in speaking. Lachesis 6/20m.

2d. The swelling goes down. Two days after she was well.

2. Herpes Circinatus. – Same patient.

February 13th, 1863. – Ringworm, red and burning, as large as a coppercent under the lower lip; for a week. Sepia 6/33 m.

After that the eruption subsided within a fortnight

3. Indigestio. – Mary S., sister or the same, 10 years old, blonde hair, blue eyes, short, fat.

December 7th, 1863. After eating potatoe-salad and pork, vomiting early in the morning in bed; diarrhea with tearing pains in the bowels; sour taste; coated tongue. Aluminium met. 2/24 m. Soon relieved.

4. Angina. Ophthalmia. – Same patient.

December 30th, 1863. Headache, both eyes watering and latterly maturating. Apia mel. 6/42m.

January 1st, 1864. Watering and maturating of the right eye; gum-boil Belladonna___ /40___ m.

January 3d, 1864. The right eye maturating yet; fever, red swollen

Cheeks; pain on swallowing still; in the throat on the left side, externally and internally; no appetite. Apis mel. -6/42 m.

4th. Slight fever in the night; slept but little; throat red, swollen; left tonsil swollen; pain on swallowing still; right eye maturating; no appetite; little thirst. After a day or two well.

5. Hemorrhoides Coecae. – Mrs. N., American, blonde hair and blue eyes, 30 years old; after the loss of a valued friend. February 27th, 1864, complains of aching in the lower part of the back, followed by blind piles with stinging pains; stool regular. Used to have piles when pregnant, which she is not now. Neck and shoulders rheumatic. She is unable to walk. Great depression of spirits. Took Opium 200 (Lehrmann) herself without effect. After Nux vom. 2/30 m., in some sugar of milk, she got well and went the next afternoon some distance to church. She said, "it acted like a charm."

6. Rheumatismus. -Ch. F. boy 10 years old, dark complexion.

February 4th, 1864. Rheumatic pain in the right knee on walking. Bryonia 40 m, some pellets.

6th. The pain disappeared in the morning after taking the medicine, and returned in the afternoon. Bryonia 24m., some pellets.

6th. The pain was gone.

7. Ablactatio – Mrs. B., of French descent, dark complexion, well formed, was, March 1st, 1864, delivered of a healthy child. She did not want to nurse the child, although she had nursed her previous children, and was in good condition to nurse again now.

March 4th. Breast very sore, swollen as far as the left arm; pressure and soreness in motion and on touch. The milk is running out. Bryonia 40m., some pellets, to be dissolved in about one gill of water, and one teaspoonful to be taken once in three hours.

5th. She is doing well. The swelling went down; but still the milk is being secreted and oozing out. Pulsatilla 51 m. in solution as before.

9th. The milk is gone; the breast is quite natural. She has no more uneasiness about it.

14th. Patient called at the office, reporting herself perfectly well.

8. Hernia Inguinalis, – J. F. F., of Dresden, Saxony, 75 years old, fat, middle stature, in

August 19th, 1861, during a walk, got stinging pains in the right inguinal region, shooting over into the right hip and the right thigh with difficulty in walking. Coming home, he noticed a swelling just above the pelvis near the hip. After Aconite 30 it disappeared, but afterwards it returned. He then must pass water more frequently than usual. The spine is curved on the right side in such a way that, when sitting, the lowest ribs touch the right hip-bone, the ribs having already assumed a corresponding curvature. Thereupon mailed him three doses. 1. Nux vom. 2/3 m. 2. Nux vom. 3/9 m. 3. Rhus tox. 3/10 m, to be taken dry, successively one a week .

June 1st, 1862. Patient reports, that the remedies had acted successfully, when by a sudden and violent motion in bed he got a relapse. The next physician on hand was called in, and he declared that it was an inguinal hernia which, besides the bowels, contained also some omentum; he then reduced the hernia and put on a truss. Mailed a powder with a quantity of pellets of Rhus tox. 10 m. 3/0, [High Globule Dilution Potency, see the "The American Homoeopathic Review," Vol.3, p.88.] with the direction to take three pellets once a week.

November 23d. Patient reports that the hernia had no more protruded behind the truss as often as before, and that, whenever it occurred, it was hardly to be distinguished from a fold of loose skin.

April 3d, 1863. Mailed some more pellets of Rhus tox. 10 m. 3/0, three once a week.

December 7th, 1863. Received the good news that the hernia had come down no more, that there was no more any difficulty about it, and that patient had stopped taking medicine.

March 12th, 1864. Patient reports that the hernia did no more protrude.

Observations.

"E pauxillis atque minutis" – Lucretius

It remains, to gather the consequences and proper deductions, for general science, to be drawn from the facts and observations collected in the proceeding articles, and also to sketch the position which Homoeopathy, especially as determined by high potencies, deserve to occupy among the sciences. But we must here limit ourselves to the following suggestions:

1. The high potencies which form the basis of our observations, are fully known as to their preparation and elements, all having been carefully registered in our books, and the clinical effects of them having been taken from our journals. So there is no mystery, nor uncertainty, about these high potencies and they, at least, claim immunity from the sweeping objections by which heretofore even Goullon, Meyer and others, actually, excused themselves from considering high potencies at all.

2. The general principle of potentiating remedies appears to be a working out of the old theorema: corpora non agunt nisi soluta.

3. From the views presented in the observations, it results, that homoeopathic remedies are agents and reagents, and more particularly that they are as homoeodynamic with the organism in its actual condition, as the organism is homoeopathic with them in their proper application. Hence, when they are, indiscriminately termed homoeopathic, it is done metonymically.

The organism in its healthy condition is by homoeopathic remedies always similarly affected, as it is in its diseased condition by the disease, and it is always contrarily affected by them in either condition.

A further result is, that homoeopathic drugs are, likewise and· contrariwise, morbific and curative, pathopoetic and hygiopoetic., pathogenic and pathotonic, pathic and antipathic, nosantic and hygiantic, according as they are applied to the given state of the organism.

Conformably to these views, the character of homoeopathic remedies is always pathematic, and at the same time always homoeomatic, and always dynamic. It might be aptly designated as equally homoeopathopoetic and homoeohygiopoetic, equally homoeopathogenie and homoeopathoctonic. Such, or a similar terminology would seem to be serviceable for a short-hand description of the peculiar and distinctive nature ofmedical Homoeodynamicity, in which we recognize the basal principle of that Homoeopathy and Potentiation which were both discovered, and established, by Hahnemann, the true son of Hippocrates, the equal of Columbus upon the vast ocean of Medicine. These discoveries, being positive enrichments science, form his highest original merit, his monumentum aere perennius!

4. Inasmuch as the direction of the action of our remedies in relation to the organism, and its constituent or integrant parts, is in every case distinct, and peculiar, and unerringly specific, as has been recently so well elaborated by von Grauvogl; it is certain, that their effort is always specific in each individual case, where it is properly administered and proves curative; and in this sense a homoeopathic remedy is a specificum.

But this would seem to be about all that is tenable of the theory of the specificists and of the schools which enjoy the delusion of being ortbodox. There is no such thing as a specificum for any generic class of diseases, unless it means only a generalization and abstraction of pathognomonic symptoms of single remedies -Organon, 5th ed., § 147.

5. The specific direction of the several remedies, or drug-matters, compared with the equally specific direction of the several hypothetical nosopoeses, or disease matters, presents again a simility, and, on account of it, another property of homoeopathic remedies, which is recognizable in that they are homoeotropic.

6. In relation to Therapia the inferences from the views developed in the observations do not here need any more explicit elaboration. Generally these observations may contribute to a correct understanding of what Paracelsus described as the pith of our art, in these words: "Summum artis mysterium erit in naturoe et remedii convenientis cognitione."

7. Inasmuch as each homoeopethic remedy has, and, especially in its high potencies, maintains, its own, and peculiar, pathematic sphere, and its own pathognomonic character, reflected In the pathogenetic picture, – the old Nosology will not be sufficient for anything else, than a mere nominal index.

But a better system of Nosology, that is, a true and real Pathology or Pathognosis might be built up on the basis of scientifically comparing, and contrasting, and carefully and cautiously grouping, the different symptoms of the different remedies according to the traits which they have similar and in common. This might be done by combining the true pathognomonic symptoms with cautious and correct generalization, in which already Hahnemann, von Boenninghausen, Hering, Lippe, Jahr and others have succeeded to a great extent. The nomenclature, then still desirable, would most naturally be taken from the names of the drugs which produce the same or similar symptoms; e. g., Aconitism, Carbonism, Digitalism, Helleborism, Iodism, etc.

Such a Pathognosis would mainly depend upon the study of high potencies, because they, as is confirmed by Jahr, "present the real, proper and peculiar characteristics of the remedy."

True, such Pathognosis would certainly presuppose considerable help from micrological, microscopical, anatomical, microchemical, and other exact observations, finer than those hitherto made by physicists, chemists, and physiologists. Yet it may confidently be hoped, that, as science and arts proceed in their onward march, they will, with a fuller appreciation of the throughout micrological character of all matter, and of as natural processes, find, and acquire, those finer methods and instruments which are required to elucidate, palpably, what Homoeopathy, without them, has already commenced to secure by her experience and observations, and by her operation with finest substances upon the fine organization of the human body.

8. Inasmuch as the true Remedium is that drug which in quality, substance, and effect, is contrary to the given state of the organism, or its concerning organs, therefore capable of unmaking the disease in the sick, and making the disease in the healthy organism; and which, at the same time, in relation, quantity, form and modality, is conform and equal, ergo similar, to the given pathopoesis or morbification, and most nearly so, and in the exactest possible proportion unto the quantity and form of the disease; and which is, therefore, homoeotic, or capable of assimilating the disease; and inasmuch as the corresponding pathopoesis, or morbific agent, must be equally homoeotic, or capable of assimilating the drug, or hygiepoesis; it is clear, that such a remedium, necessarily is thorough, direct, positive, radical, and precise in its effect, and that any other drugs, selected and administered after other theories, can only be more or less indirect, negative, palliative, or alterative, and uncertain in their action-Positivity of Homoeopathy.

9. The correlation of physiological and pathological assimilation in the view we have taken, will find its illustration in an examination into the effects of our best known remedies from which we select Arsenic as an example.

The pure metallic Arsenic undergoes no oxydation in the alimentary canal, is eliminated in its pure metallic state, and not poisonous. (See Schmidt and Bretschneider in Moleschott Untersuchungen, Vol. 6, p. 140.)

The arsenious acid, if taken in large and massive doses, terminates life more or less rapidly, and is one of the most formidable poisons.

The same arsenious acid is taken habitually and regularly, in small doses, by mountaineers, in some places, for the purpose of improving their "wind" and of preserving and bettering their general health. And there its effects are, that the people who make a regular practice of Arsenic eating, with certain precautions, grow upon it sleek and fat and red-cheeked, and their appearance improves generally. Likewise it is given to horses, cattle and hogs for the purpose of fattening them up. And we are informed that in the Styrian stud of the King of Prussia it is made a rule to give Arsenic to the horses. The Arsenic serves as a nutritious element.

The same arsenious acid is, in some places, taken regularly, and in small Doses, by persons who are connected with the manufacture of Arsenic, for the purpose of avoiding the deleterious effects of the fumes of the poison, and this is done not only with impunity, but with marked benefit, as it preserves their lives. Thus Arsenic serves as a prophylactic, and at the same time as a remedy and a nutriment.

The same arsenious acid, if taken in infinitesimal quantities, cures such complaints as are similar to those produced by it in large doses. Thus Arsenic serves as a true remedium, and is one of the most efficacious remedies in our Materia Medica.

Arsenic, therefore, stands as full proof for the fact that the same substance may be indifferent, poisonous, nutritious, morbific, or curative, as the case may be; the effect depending upon the mutual action of the organism and the drug, according as it is assimilable in different degrees.

We are aware of the objection against considering arsenious acid as a nutriment, on the ground that it diminishes the ordinary waste of the tissues and causes an amount of fat and albuminous substances, equivalent to the repressed carbonic acid and urea, to remain in the body and to increase its weight, when the animal receives at the same time a sufficient amount of food. (Schmidt and Stuerzwage Jour., f. pr. Chem., 1859, Vol. 78, p. 373.

But tbis objection rest, on the narrow view physiologists take of assimilation. The arsenious acid must be assimilated by the tissues in some way or other, if it is to diminish their waste. And, that it is so assimilated, is conclusively proved by the chemical test in post mortem examinations.

10. Hippocrates already observed the correlation of physiological and pathological assimilation, and laid down illustrations, and rules drawn from it for practice, in various passages of the books which we have under his name. His views in this respect are concentrated in this sentence: "For any other thing is food to one and injurious to another." (de morbo, sacro. ed. Adams, 2, p. 843).

But this, like many other good things, was mostly neglected by his epigones and so it is, that the profession generally, even homoeopathic physicians, still cling to the untenable definition or a "remedy" which assumes it to be unassimilable matter.

It must be acknowledged, however, that Falck, or the physiological school, refers to the difference in the effects or toxication as depending upon the dose and the state or the organism. But he, too, completely ignores what, before him and in the very same direction, was observed by Hahnemann and others, and what might be well made available for Toxicology.

11. With that understanding or remedial action, which is adopted in our observations, Boerhaave's, "Idem remedium aliter afficit, sanum hominem, guam, aegrotantem," and Hartman's, "Corpus etiam aegrum longe alium ac sanum a medicamento effectum experiatur necesse est" are easily reconciled and scientifically confirmed. Or course the same drug operates differently upon different states or the organism. And by our Homoeopathy it is proved that it operates contrariwise as well as similarly.

Of the Holmesian witticism, "that, what is injurious to the healthy, must be injurious to the sick," it is hardly worthwhile to say more, than that it is, at best, an injury to logic.

12. In regard to Biology our theory or homoeopathic high potencies leads to the following views:

Nutrition is the result: or assimilation of nutritious matter contained in the Particles or food, comminuted and refined by mastication and digestion, and combined with indigestible matter which serves as a vehicle to keep the nutritious matter in the required condition or fineness and comminution.

Nutrition is thus carried on by potentiation of nutritious matter in the organism, rendering it assimilable by the concerning parts or organs of the system.

Every part of the organism assimilates of the nutritious matter, presented to it in a variety of forms, whatever is affined to its own substance and nature, and required to meet its wants.

Consequently, any food which by such assimilation contributes to the self-preservation of the organism, is proper nutriment.

As there is an assimilation or nutritious matter, so there is an assimilation of Nozious matter, and whatever does not tend, or contribute, or agree to, or concur with, the self-preservation of the organism, is noxious to it.

The indigestible matter or the particles of food which, as a vehicle, keeps the nutritious matter suspended in a state of comminution or fineness, forms one source of assimilation, of noxious matter, being itself comminuted and refined by the process of digestion, in such a manner, that its assimilation is facilitated, which again is potentiation.

The ingestion of poisons and drug-matter in a crude state, by their contact and chemical action upon the organism, forms another source of assimilation of noxious matter.

The ingestion or nutritious matter, when nutrition is deranged, forms a third source assimilation of noxous matter, the nutriment, thus ingested, itself becoming noxious to the organism, by virtue of its chemical and physical properties.

The perversion of nutrition, taking place where the self-preservation of the organism does not require nutrition, and being contrary to self-preservation, forms a fourth source of assimilation of noxious matter.

The ingestion into the health, organism of drug-matter in- a condition of comminution or refinedness, obtained by high potentiation, forms a fifth source of assimilation of noxious matter.

All this taken together, it will be perceived, that all matter assimilated by the organism, through its various parts and organs, stands in the signification of nutriment or noxious matter, conversely, as the case may be. And whether it set as the one or the other, depends upon the place, and upon the part in the organism, where the assimilation is going on, and upon the velocity or the assimilating process, as well as upon the (infinitesimal) comminution, or fineness, or the matter, and, of course, upon the affinity of the assimilating particles to those assimilated, and vice versa.

Noxious matter may be assimilated; and by nature prevented from exerting its specific action, by being enveloped with indifferent tissues so as to remain indifferent, or innocuous, to the self-preservation of the organism for a longer or shorter – time. Innozious assimilation of noxious matter.

Assimilation, everywhere, is accomplished by potentiation, that is by rendering the infinitesimal particles of matter susceptible and active according to their inherent affinities. – _

Disease originates in the specific action of noxious matter which is either Produced – within the organism, or brought in from without, and it is always carried on by a process of assimilation.

As homoeopathic remedies are obtained by potentiation, that is by comminuting and refining drug-matter, by means of a vehicle easily assimilable, so nutritious matter appear to stand all the vehicle in the natural potentiation of those noxious materials which the organism itself prepares as remedies for its own self-preservation.

As the whole organism draws upon digestion, as the source of its nutrition, so every part and particle of the organism draws upon the various materials successively worked out by the different processes or animal chemistry, for its own proper nutriment, and assimilates them for its own particular use and subsistence. Thus the lacteats draw upon the chyle prepared by digestion; the lymphatics upon the transudation or the capillaries; the blood upon the fluids of either of these; and the nerves upon the blood.

Those parts of the organism which do not satisfy their wants and requirements By this intra-organic nutrition alone, assimilate from the outer world, whatever Is necessary, not only for their own existence; but also for their cooperation with others and for the self-preservation of the organism. Thus the blood assimilates from the air; the eye light; the ear sound; the nose olfactory matter; the tongue gustatory matter; the skin surfaces; the brain and nerves phosphorus; the mind operations of other minds by means of the senses, and so on; the organism, in fact, continually assimilating from the planet and the universe as long as it lasts. Consquently, the whole organism is the product of assimilation of matter, and its action is the results of potentiation matter. And so is disease. And so is health. And so is all life.

The hypothetical ether is, possibly, infinitesionally comminuted matter in space, forming, as it were, the reservior or the high potencies required for the Universal Assimilation or Homoeosis, which is continually going on and mediating all life in the world.

13. The inferences for Aetiology, to be drawn from the above advanced biological views, are easily understood.

Inasmuch as the properties and effects of homoeopathic remedies are similar to the properties and effects of what we must conceive to be the causes of the diseases which they cure, it would not seem unlikely that the material substance, or nature, of both, the drug-matter and the disease matter, should be also similar.

And, if so, it would give an important addition, if not a new basis, to Aetiology which, therefore, will have to direct its attention to the homoeopathic Materia Medica, and complete its investigations by the results of the homoeopathic Proving which are, in fact, as many aetiological studies.

The probative process is the reverse of the curative process, and there is no reasonable doubt, but that by proving the disease is produced under the same laws of nature under which the disease is produced otherwise.

14. The homoerotic hypothesis proposed in the course of these observations and deductions, is an unpretending effort of harmonizing, and subsuming under one common head, many important physiological and physical phenomena which appear to bear near relation and resemblance to the healing process by homoeopathic high potencies.

It can hardly be denied, that the homoerotic nature of our healing process Shows itself in the fact, that the remedies, in different degrees of potentiation, exert their natural selection and affinity for certain parts and conditions of the organism in different degrees of intensity and susceptibility.

Considering, that the conception of Mutuality of action is, indeed, as Herbart observes, transferable and application to Chemical Affinity; believing that the character of our Homoeosis corresponds to Newton's "propensity of nature to transmute everything into its contrary," and to Leibnitz, "harmonie prectablie," and remembering Kant's conception of "chemical interpenetration" which Herbart once thought, deserved to be made the foundation of all natural philosophy; – we may feel assured, that further examination will be accorded to this subject, for the purpose of more fully elucidating its comprehensive relations to science; and that it will ultimately lead to good practical results.

As it is, our Homoeosis presents a generalization and combination of Grove's and Faraday's universal correlation and mutual conversion of the physical forces of matter, and of Herbart's "concurousin completus" applied to Physiology, Pathology, and Therapia.

The homoeomatic idea in general is proverabially expressed in Pope's sentence:

"All nature's difference makes all nature's peace;" and poetically rendered in the lines of Tennyson:

"Nothing in this world is single,

All things, by a law divine,

In one another's being mingle."

It is classically depicted by Goethe's master hand in the words:

"Und es ist das ewig Eine,

Das sich vielfach offenbart,

Klein das Gross, gross das Kleine

Alles nach der eignen Art,

Immer wechselnd, fest sich haltend

Nah und fern, und fern und nah

So gestaltend, umgestaltend

Zum Erstaunen bin ich da!"

And, it is, with characteristic emphasis and precision, embodied in Faust's exclamation;

"Wie Alles sich lum Ganzen webt,

Eins in dem Andern wirkt und lebt!"

But the practical realization of this homoeomatic idea, and its application to medicine, is properly due to Homoeopathy.

"It is the destiny of Homoeopathy not only to effect a glorious revolution in the

art of healing, but to lead to new views of the constitution of matter.

- Joslin. Princ.

15. It may occur to look for an explanation of the homoeotic process by some higher law.

Some of our homoeopathic systematists have introduced Magnetism (Altschul) and Electricity (Goullon) as a cosmological basis for the homoeopathic quality of our remedies. The high character of Science which we all claim for Homoeopathy, advises us to be very cautious, and never too willing to adopt a bold, however ingenious, speculation, when there are not yet facts enough to justify it.

The nature and relation of Electricity and Magnetism will be better understood, when the idea of Potentiation shall have thoroughly taken hold of the scientific mind. This idea is like a powerful telescope, apt to dissolve the nebulae of the so-called lmpon derabilia, which even Liebig already styles "Potencies."

The facts and observations at our disposal, as yet, are hardly decisive enough, to warrant us in assuming that the quality of homoeopathic substances individually, is proprie magnetic or electric, or that our healing process is a magnetic or electric process, properly speaking.

But, whether or not the substances themselves, still their action, in relation to substances of the organism, may exhibit something like polarity; and Polarity of Action might indeed be taken for a property common and essential to all mutual action and all homoeotic manifestations.

There is a general signification of the term Polarity, here applicable, by which it is used to designate opposite or dissimilar properties or powers, simultaneously developed by a common cause in opposite or contrasted parts. And in this sense polarity is a phenomenon observed not only in magnet, light and electricity, but also in Homoeosis which embraces them all. Not that the matter concerned in the mutual action is itself polar, but the polarity appears to be in its motion and action with one another, that is, in its mutual action.

With such a conception of Polarity of Action, as being the property of all mutual action, it would seem, that in the homoeopathic healing process the action of the remedy is polar to the action of the disease, and vice versa, and that the convertibility of pathopoesis and hygiopoesis would have its analogy in the Exchange of the Poles.

16. Inasmuch as, by the preparation and effects of Homoeopathic High-potencies, it is proved beyond controversy, that, by variously comminuting, attenuating, fining and refining crude drug-matter, growing "fine by degrees and beautifully less," certain properties of matter are not only kept and preserved, but also propagated, reproduced and improved, which are not perceived in the state of crudity; and that by the administration of so subtiliated substances certain matter of the organism is unerringly affected; we may safely concede, that by potentiation the remedies are rendered molecular, and molecular motion and molecular life, as Von Grauvogl has it, set free, which was latent and unperceived in the crude state of the drug substance and represents molecular forces (Anamorphosis, Metagenesis).

And we may also infer, that, as assimilation is a molecular process, so the proper condition of a homoeopathic remedy for being curative, is Molecularity, and potentiating is a process of Molecularization.

If we herein do not adopt Goullon's phraseology of atoms and atomization, we only give up his nomenclature, because it would imply absolute simplicity and indivisibility of the constituents and thus exclude the very idea of motion and composition, which belongs to molecules and is indispensable for any theory of potentiation and for Goullon's own.

17. Inasmuch as our own experience, conformably with that of Hahnemann, Aegidi, Burckhardt, and others, places it beyond doubt, that Homoeopathic High-potencies exert their action unmarred, and undisturbed; for a long time, as well as immediately after their preparation, and as soon as they are brought into proper contiguity with the organism; we have again evidence of the identity of the curative action of these potencies with the action of chemical affinity, because a very peculiarity of the latter is known to be, that it is capable of either waiting or acting at once, (Faraday.)

18. Lehmann says, "from the inorganic chemistry it is known, that the ablation or apposition of a single atom may determine such entire difference of properties in a single composed body; shall it, then, still appear to us so very strange, when in the organic composition, where, on the whole, atoms use to group variously with such facility (isomeric), such changes are produced by a plus or minus of one atom?"

This relates to Isomerism. Chemical science knows also Homomerism, Metamerism and Polymerism.

But homoeopathic experience would lead directly to an investigation of homoeomeric bodies, and of Homoeomerism, and it might for such purpose prove of interest to refer to the Anaxagorean Homoeomeria.

And, in as far as Allotropism is acknowledged to be another similar property of matter, also pointing to the facility of acquiring new properties by a mere infinitesimal change; the greater strictness of homoeopathic observation would induce us to judge, that in the action of homoeopathic drug-matter, as well as in that of disease-matter, a certain Homoeotropism is perceptible, and that such, in fact, constitutes one of their properties.

19. Inasmuch as self-preservation, propagation, reproduction and improvement of its kind are an undoubted criterion of organic life, it may be inferred, that Homoeopathic High-potencies, like the constituent and integrant parts of the organism, are organic and organized matter, living micro-organisms, each with an individual existence, which, comparable to Milton's spirits,

* * * "that live throughout,

Vital in every part, not as frail man,

Cannot but by annihilation die."

20. And inasmuch as no terminus of annihilation of homoeopathic remedies by potentiation has been reached as yet, our High-potencies are new testimony for the imperishability of matter, which was successfully sustained by Moleschott, and has since become the basis of research in natural science. "Matter, however subtiliated, is matter still" (Boyle), and "Material substances can neither be created nor destroyed, and the distinctive qualities which appertain to them, remain forever unchanged," (Draper).

This is the great truth, so beautifully illustrated by Dr. Du Bois Reymond in his celebrated Preface, that it bears repeating. "A particle of iron is and remains assuredly one and the same thing, no matter whether it is propelled into space in a meteoric stone, whether it thunders along upon the railway in the wheel of a locomotive, or whether it pulsates through the temples of a poet in a blood-cell; in the latter case, as little as in the mechanism of the human hand, was anything added to the properties at this particle nor was anything removed from it; those properties are from eternity, they are inalienable, intransferable.

Truly, a Homoeopathic High-potency, in the language of Pope,

"Lives through all life, extends through all extent,

Spreads undivided, operates unspent."

21. It is an object of further investigation, how much of this preservative and reproductive organization of the drug, and of the medical properties, in the potentiation process, is to be attributed to the mode of preparation, (trituration, dilution, contact, succussion, etc.,) and how much of it to the vehicle, (sugar of milk, alcohol, water, etc.).

Probably the vehicle serves as the medium, menstruum, or means, for keeping the remedial matter in the state of fineness required, and thus for facilitating its assimilation when required. At all events, here again is Homoeosis observable, this time as mutual action between drug and vehicle.

22. It is likewise a matter of further inquiry, how much of the affects of Homoeopathic High-potencies is to be attributed to the velocity of the assimilating process in space and time. For the purpose of an instantaneous and perfect cure, ceteris paribus, the momentum of the remedial force must be similar to that of the pathopoesis or morbific force, that is, it must be homoeorrhopic; the facility of assimilation standing as the measure of the susceptibility of the organism, which is found and elicited by individual examination in each given case.

The velocity and intensity of the hygiopoesis or curative force, are mutually governed by the action of the organism as well as by that of the drug, and the curative action must therefore be homoeotachic and homoeorythmic.

And by comparing this action with the known velocities of circulation, light, electricity, in nerves, and in other bodies, we might possibly get at an approximative estimate, and infer, whether the effect of the remedy is in the given case conducted through the circulation, or the nerves, or how?

In any case, however, the least momentum possible, because sufficient to cause a change, is certain to be all that is necessary, to overcome the opposed force of the pathopoesis and to neutralize the same, as is always done by the mutual action of a cure or hygiopoesis.

23. Inasmuch as, by the established effects of Homoeopathic High-potencies, it is certain, that the substance of the drug, after refining or potentiating, is more pointed and more specific in its medical action, than the crude substance, or, in Jahr's words, that High-potencies present the peculiar characteristics of the remedy; it may be assumed, that they exist, and act, under the dominion of the great Law of Development first pointed out by Goethe, and, as Draper remarks, somewhat obscurely enunciated by Von Baehr in the following words: "The heterogeneous arises from the homogeneous by a gradual process of change," by which is meant, that in the process of development the stages are not from forms degraded from a higher type.

This gradual change is clearly homoeotic, and depending upon Leibnitz's Law of

Continuity.

And inasmuch as Development, to continue with Draper, is a Differentiation of a higher order or a compound Differentiation, and by Differentiation is meant an increase involving modification of fabric and the assumption of new properties (symptoms); there seems to be no objection to the idea, that the processes of Potentiation, and also that of Healing through High-potencies, are processes of Differentiation and Development.

24. And if, agreeably to Draper's further observation, the great result of every Development is Heterogenesis, and Homogenesis, only apparent as the conditions bringing on Differentiation approach Simility; we adopt and apply this here, with the modification however, that in strictness and reality, it is not exactly Homogenesis, but Homoeogenesis, which becomes apparent. Nothing can express this better than the spiral whose curves are true asymptotes, ever tending to approach each other, but never meeting. (Rentsch.)

And here, and in this sense of Differentiation and Development with assumption of new properties, we understand, corroborate, and justify Hahnemann's often misrepresented theory that the medical characteristic of Potentiation consists in the "Kraftentwickelung" or "Dynamization," i. e. development of force.

25. Besides quantity, quality and relation, also the modality and form, or the morphological condition of the drug-matter, as well as of the constituent and integrant parts of the organism, concerned in the mutual action of the curative process, and also perhaps the morphological condition of the hypothetical disease-matter, or pathopoesis, present further important elements for analyzing the nature of the matter which is in mutual action in the healing process.

Microscopical observation in this regard, has not yet given us sufficiently many of certain and positive facts, because the fineness of the object is so extreme, that it still escapes perception by the instruments now in use; and the effects of our Potencies, as perceived in the organism, are still the only means of observing them. This morphological condition, therefore, deserves further attention. Stereoscopic observations would help much.

Thus much, however, upon comparing the said effects in the given case, might be safely assumed, that, in form, the motions and functions proper to the remedial matter, are similar to those of the pathopoetic matter, and that, in form, the constituent and integrant organs or elements, and their motions and functions, as concerned in the mutual action of healing or diseasing, respectively, are similar to the substance, motions and functions of the remedial and morbific matter, respectively, that is, that they all are homoeomorphic.

Equally plausible it is, that all these matters are in a similar condition of fineness, and proportionate in form to each other, so as to admit of Susception and Assimilation, that is, that they are homoeoleptomeric.

26. Inasmuch as Homoeomorphism presents a legitimate scientific point of view of our subject, legitimate inferences may be drawn from it. Among such might be one in regard to those strange and interesting indications for discovering peculiar remedial properties in organic and inorganic substances by their certain peculiar form and appearance, which from old are known as Signatura Rerum.

Superstition is connected with this subject, as it used to be with Astrology and Alchemy before the scientific development of Astronomy and Chemistry; but the subject never fairly died: and Helbig and recently Von Grauvogl bestowed their attention upon it.

Now, it would not be unnatural nor supernatural, to think, that, because everything and every organ consists of a certain system of motions and functions peculiar to it and unique of its own and adapted to the intent for which it is existing and formed, the regularity and object of such functions and motions causates and conditions, by the plasticity of nature, a certain configuration and form in the thing or organ, which appears to the eye and acts visibly. The organic form is always a result of the operation of the substance.

And if it could be made out, as may be done by the conception of Homoeoplasticity of Nature, that such functions and motions, and the inferred configuration of the parts, constituting the thing or organ, are homoeomorphic; then simility of configuration, Homoeoplasia and Homoeoschematism, would be an expression and conception of what is commonly called Signatura Rerum, and it would explain how really such Signatura, as the effect of the homoeoplastic force of nature, might serve as an indication of certain medical properties, and that they, if correct, can only be homoeopathical, and that they can only be correct, as such, it homoeopathical.

27. Since there are in reality no two things identical and no two diseases identical, there can be in strictness no isopathic remedy, and Isopathy is impossible by nature and by logic.

The substances which are improperly caned isopathic, are products of the organism in certain diseased conditions; and whilst there is no question as to their efficacy, in praxi, there is no doubt, that, when curative, they are homoeopathic remedies. Such substances represent, incorporate, and typify in their formation, the whole complex of the disease from which they result and which is their pathogenesis. Upon this positive ground they may be properly applied against similar diseases and formations; but it will always have to be done with certain precautions, as for instance, that the isopathic substance, to be used, be taken from individuals presenting the disease or pathema in a most simple and uncomplicated form, and that it be subjected to the process of Potentiation.

When regular homoeopathic provings or those so-called isopathic substances shall have been consummated, lege artis, as has been done already with Hydrophobine, Psorine, etc., by Hering, Stapf, Gross, Coxe, and others, then we shall have most valuable additions to the Materia Medica Pura, and probably arrive at a fuller scientific explanation of their medical action.

28. Whether the remedial and the pathopoetic matter in mutual action, might be also similar in respect to the parts constituting either, is another question offering itself for speculation.

Generally speaking, the observed simility of both the drug and the disease-matter, in form, quantity, quality, properties, and effects, seems to allow an inference, that both might also be composed and constituted of similar parts, that is, homoeomeric.

And even the Anaxagorean conception of Homoeomeria would confirm this in a measure, because, if everything consists of similar parts compared with itself, those things which are similar to each other, must also have a simility of their constituent parts as compared with each other.

But this question pertains to the department of chemical science which will decide it, when it shall at length avail itself of the homoeopathic facts and when, taking a homoeomatic view of matter, and giving to Potentiation its due credit, it shall be able to develop its higher branches into Metachemics.

29. From the preceding spicilegia, it would seem, that the substances which we know to be homoeopathic remedies or Potencies, as conceived in their mutual action with the organism, are homoeodynamic and homoeopathic, homoeopathogenetic and homoeopathoktonic, homoeotropic, homoeomeric, homoeorrhopic, homoeotachic and homoeorhythmic, homoeomorphic and homoeoleptomeric, homoeoplastic and homoeoschematic, and homoeomatic withal.

All these several properties and effects, taken together, seem to warrant the further conclusion, that they are all under a similar government, and under the condition of similar laws, that is homoeonomic.

30. The remaining question, of their essence, might consistently be answered by drawing a final conclusion from property, form and effect, to essence, nature and origin, which would be, that, compared with one another, they are homoeousian.

Perhaps, for a conclusive determination of this question, further accumulation of facts may be wanted. But Schneider's hypothesis, that the Homoia are the remedies and the causes of disease, is very acceptable, being consistent with all the facts which are at our command, and comporting with the doctrine of Hippocrates and Hahnemann.

And, with Newton's caution about the use of the word "force," [Philosophiae naturalis Principia mathematica Coloniae Allobrogum, 1760, 4o, Tom 1, p. 11 ".. Mathematicus duntaxat est hic conceptus. Nam virium causas et sedes Physicas jam non expendo ... Unde caveat lector, ne per hujusmodi voces cogitet me speciem vel modum actionis causamve aut rationem Physicam alicui definire, vel centris, quae sunt puneta Mathematica, vires vere et Physice tribuere; si forte aut contra trahere, aut vires centrorum esse dixero."] it might be safely said, that the Homoia are the forces which operate in and upon organism and remedy, representing the effects of disease and medicine upon the healthy. The tertium comparationis is the pathema or the manner in which the organism is affected by either.

32.Hahnemann, and his greatest disciples, always stoutly maintained the hylozoic opinion, that everything in nature lives. The same belief is shared by the highest minds of every age, and among its adherents are Heraclitus, Anaxagoras, Aristoteles, Leibnitz, Forster, Goethe, Herbart, Ritter, Du Bois Reymond, Draper, Moleschott. Fechner, and a host of eminent scientists of our age.

The same opinion gains new confirmation and support by the nature, properties and efficaciousness of our High-potencies. They, in their preparation and mutual action with the organism, prove again, what Draper states, that "there is no essential difference between the process of organic and inorganic life, and the line of demarcation which natural history so far, vainly attempted to define with correctness between organic and inorganic world, is merely arbitrary; either of them is reducible to motion and governed by the same laws."

33. Thus the proposed disquisition of our subject lends to the final question of the ultimate constitution of matter adverted to in Joslin's prognosticon at the head of this article.

And, indeed, it would be entirely proper to inquire, what service the study of Homoeopathic High-potencies might do in that direction.

Researches of that kind legitimately belong to Metaphysics. Newton's warning: "O! physicians, beware of Metaphysics!" was correct in his time. What, then, was called Metaphysics; was it in name only, quasi lucus a non lucendo, whilst he himself was, in fact, the greatest metaphysician, because the greatest natural philosopher, of his age.

But Metaphysics must not be understood to be mere mental philosophy and transcendentalism, but, according to Herbart's conception of it, as that branch of philosophy, the province of which is to explain experience by philosophical concept, and which therefore, proceeds from, and finally rests on experience, and reality. Metaphysics, says Herbart, must support Natural Philosophy and Psychology, and thereby show its accordance with itself; it must stick to facts the most certain, whilst experiments and observations multiply in infinitum, and experience only must be its ground and foundation, and no dwelling in castles of air will do instead of it.

Now, it must be owned, that we know nothing positively of the nature of health, disease, and remedy, and that their properties and existence are only inferred from the effects they produce in the organism. Equally so we know nothing positively of the nature of things and forces generally, and their properties and existence are only inferred from the effects they produce. Hence, as Astronomy, by judging from their apparent positions, and motions, finds the true position and motion of the celestial bodies, so Metaphysics has to find the real nature and essence of things and forces from the properties and effects of things and forces, as they appear to us by correct observation.

Among these, the phenomena of Attraction and Repulsion as Ii general property of matter, and the Origin of Matter by Contraries, are problems, to which our Homoeosis, or the mutual action of contrary similars, is referable. Its reality, and the solution of the seeming contradiction, that contraries cooperate, and by doing so produce thirds similar to them and to one another, becomes practically and scientifically explainable by the conception of Infinitesimality of all Action.

But this is not the place to enter, to any extent, into such metaphysical disquisitions, and a historical reminiscence must suffice.

34. The general principle of the Origin of all Matter by Contraries was in early times conceived by Pythagoras, Heraclitus and Anaxogoras. The latter, moreover, distinctly taught Simility, as a pivotal point for the constitution of matter, and also Infinitesimality of matter, mind, and motion. And he states especially the origin of the affections upon the organism to be by contraries, laying down as the reason for it: "the simile is impassible from the simile."

This is a remarkable rectification of the common belief, that "simile simili gaudet," and, together with Hippocrates' nice observation, that "the most contraries are not always the most contraries," it affords a fine philosophical argument for our idea of Homoeopathicity, and medical action generally, according to which "similia similibus curantur."

Singular, indeed, it seems, that Anaxagoras, the friend and teacher of Pericles, Euripides and Democritus, and who died, when Hippocrates was 32 years old, and to whom belongs the merit of anatomical research prior to Aristoteles, and of whom are preserved a few most interesting views on Biology and Cosmology, and whose life, in excitement, persecution and martyrdom, and in other respects, presents a parallel with that of Hahnemann; – singular it is, that this early Greek philosopher should have foreshadowed, as it were, the molecular theory of our own age and the homoeomatic principle, and the Affinity of Opposition, the elemental importance of Simility and Contrariety, and the Laws of Motion, and the Infinitesimality and micrological nature of all motion and all things, and almost the Law or the Least Quantity of Action, in short, the very elements and principles of our own Homoeopathic Science, which are no more nor less than the principles of all Natural Science.

But here we take leave of the subject, resting with confidence in our hope, that Herbart's prophecy will yet be fulfilled: "Much will Europe learn from North America when Philosophy shall come to blossom there."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 03, 1864, pages 181-190, pages 519-526]

[Description: Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies.]

[Author: Fincke, B.]

[Year: 1864]

HOMOEOPATHIC TOCOLOGY.

By B. Fincke, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.

"Multa experiando confieri, quae seqnibus ardua videantur." – Tacitus

It is known, that sometimes children are born "with a veil," or "within the caul," which means with a membrane covering the head and face, more or less, and considered to be a remnant of the broken amnion.

Popular superstition, more than the medical profession, attaches to circumstances of this kind peculiar importance. The medical profession, so far, does not seem to appreciate it, for it is not particularly treated in the text-books. Common people think that children born with a veil are gifted with a foreknowledge of coming events. They have this membrane carefully dried and pulverized, and then at a certain age give it to the child born with it. The time for this administration is, I believe, when the child is fourteen years old, but for what purpose they give it, I have not ascertained as yet. Others will have the caul destroyed, and say, if it be not destroyed, the disposition of the child will be so affected as to render it cross, unhappy and fretful. Frequently the caul is handed down from father to son, especially among sea-captains, because, as I understand, it is believed that whosoever possess it is safe from drowning. It is even said, that the caul protects the crew and the vessel of the captain who possesses it. The high value set upon this membrane by seafaring men, causes the nurses sometimes to save it against the wish of the mother, who desires to secure to her offspring a pleasant disposition.

A case has come to my knowledge where a mother, residing in Philadelphia, preserved carefully in a box the caul in which her daughter was born. Whenever the membrane, which is generally smooth, shows wrinkles, she takes it as a sign of illness of her daughter who resides in Brooklyn. The latter, an accomplished lady, assures me that the indication never fails.

It is reported of Denmark Vesey, Atlantic Monthly, June, 1861, p. 733. "he was a preacher, was said to have been born with a caul on his head, and so claimed the gift of second sight."

Such superstition, though unjustifiable in the light of reason, yet frequently points to hidden relations, which requires patient investigation.

Some old physicians and nurses, also, call it "born within the caul" when in the course of natural labor the child is enveloped in its unbroken membranes as a whole ovum.

Such expulsion of the human ovum at full term is acknowledged to be very rare and is very seldom, if at all, taken cognizance of in tocological literature. And since it always presents a remarkable occurrence, I propose to discuss a few cases of the kind which partly fell under my own observation, and partly came otherwise to my knowledge.

CASES.

1. Mrs. N., an American lady, about 38 years of age, of medium height, charming disposition, excellent constitution, and form, though not robust, dark hair, blue eyes, fair skin, inclined to embonpoint, was pregnant with her tenth child.

During the first three months she experienced various little ailments which were attributed to the painting of the house about the same time. No medical aid, however, was required until the latter part of June, 1860, in the eighth month of her pregnancy, when she complained of very sharp pain in the socket of her right hip-joint, as if a knife were stuck in, on rising from sitting, and of excruciating sharp pains deep in both sides of the abdomen, in two corresponding lines below the umbilicus about four to five inches in length on either side, as if a knife were cutting downwards, on turning in bed. She had a similar pain in a former pregnancy, but only in the left side, and she had it the first time, five years ago, when, hearing the croupy sound of one of her children, she suddenly jumped out of bed. The child's position is very low.

June 27th, 1860. Rhus tox. 3/10 m. 3/0 in Sacch. lact., six powders, one to be taken every forenoon.

July 5th, nine, p.m. Patient only took two powders because she then felt better. Yesterday slight pain came on again as before described. Severe pressure at the symphysis pubis. Rhus tox. 2/30.

July 9th, m. The pain in the abdomen is very much lessened, sometimes altogether gone. That pain about the hip has disappeared. The pressure upon the symphysis pubis continues and is mostly felt on rising from sitting. Nux vom. 2/5 m.

July 12th, nine, p.m. This afternoon, either when asleep or awake, she cannot tell, patient felt a movement, as if a child was born. Since then, pains in the back and symphysis pubis. If she had not had similar pains in former pregnancies, she would think to be at full term now. Puls. 3/30 2/0.

July 16th. At about eleven, p.m., I found the patient in labor. The pains had commenced at seven, p.m., and continued coming on about every five minutes. The os uteri was dilated to the size of a dollar, the head was presenting in the left occipito iliac position. The fetal circulation was distinctly perceived in the left iliac fossa, not so very low down however as usually is the case at that time. She complains of a pain at the fundus uteri; as if the child would rise up, and the sharp pain along the sides of the uterus would come on now and then. There is less pain about the symphysis pubis, and the patient is very hot and dry. I directed her to lie on the left side and gave her Rhus t. 1/16 m, after which the pains in the sides of the abdomen disappeared. The same dose was repeated twice about 1.35, a.m., when irregular sharp pains in the right and left sides of the abdomen came on. Until this time the labor pains were confined to the fundus, yet no waters were broken. It was evidently a dry labor. Patient was comparatively quiet and comfortable.

At about 1.40, a.m., all at once she began to moan and press, and after four or five pains without interruption, quietly looking at me, she said," the child is there." And surely there it was, and a great sight it was.

There was the whole ovum intact and the child still within the folds. It was motionless, doubled up in the structureless parchment-like membrane which was so transparent that every part, and especially the cord, wound round the back of the neck as a blue string was clearly discernable. This membrane formed a complete sac of oval shape, the caudal end being fuller than the capital one; and it was closed smoothly and without any folds where it naturally gives the outer coat to the umbilical cord. The maternal part of the cord was beating vigorously. I tried to rupture the sac with my fingers, but the membrane was very slippery and so firm that I did not succeed in thus lacerating it. A slit with the scissors was made on its abdominal side; and the partition of the membrane easily effected by carrying the forefinger along towards the capital extremity. Then the membrane was turned back, the cord removed from the neck, and the child taken out and placed between the lower extremities of the mother. The child was alive and well, though the face was blue. Some friction was applied and the cord divided about fifteen minutes later, when the child had become more active, respiration regular and the strong pulsation of the cord had subsided. The whole scalp was full of hair and covered with vernix caseosa, which also was accumulated on the back and in all the folds which the body presents. But there was no amniotic fluid to be found, not the least amount of it, neither on opening of the sac nor after the child was taken out of it. The inner coat of the membrane presented no marked difference from the outer one, except, perhaps, that of being a little more glossy and slippery.

The mother lost very little blood. About fifteen minutes after the detachment of the child, the placenta was delivered. It presented on its fetal side, under the choriotic coat, strong suffusion of blood; and on the uterine side it was very much torn.

After delivery the uterus appeared to be unusually large, so much so, that the patient thought another child might be present. This, however, was not the case. Sometimes the sharp pains in the sides of the abdomen returned. When I left, at half-past two, a. m., the patient had no after-pains as she used to have in two of her previous confinements; she felt every way comfortable. No binder was applied, as also none were put on in her two last confinements.

Early application of the babe to the breast was recommended. The next day some after-pains came on, when the child would draw vigorously; otherwise she was comfortable and got well in due time. The babe (female) weighed nearly eight pounds, and was in every respect well formed. All the former children of Mrs. N. had been delivered in the usual manner.

In her two pregnancies preceding her last one, she was under homoeopathic treatment with high potencies. The first time, in 1856, she had a somewhat difficult labor which terminated favorably, but was followed by a puerperal fever of the highest grade. The second time, in 1858, she was delivered of a child in a very short time. Two years later, in 1862, she was confined again and gave birth to a healthy child, the labor being natural.

2. Dr. Minton, of Brooklyn, related to me a case he attended several years ago in which the child was enclosed in a sac, filled with two quarts of amniotic fluid. The membrane was so firm that it could not be opened with the fingers alone. It presented no folds at the insertion of the navel-string.

3. Dr. E. W. Woodson, of Woodville, Ky., in the October number of The American Journal of Medical Sciences, reports a case of twins, one of which was enveloped in the membranes. The patient in this case was a negro woman. The midwife, supposing the child to be dead, deposited it in a vessel without rupturing the membranes and set it away until the doctor arrived, which was at least fifteen minutes after delivery. The rest I give in Dr. W.'s own language: "As soon as I entered the room, she (the nurse) related what had happened, and presented the vessel for me to inspect. I at once ruptured the membranes, and found the cord still pulsating. I removed the child, and succeeded in resuscitating it by using friction, artificial respiration, etc. I allowed the cord untouched as long as it pulsated. The child was perfectly livid, and apparently dead when I commenced to work with it. The breathing was at first gasping and at long intervals, but finally became regular and quiet. The child lived and did well."

4. Dr. Atlee, of Philadelphia, in The Medical and Surgical Reporter, reports another case of expulsion of the child with the membranes entire. This child was the fourth product of a quadruple birth in a healthy woman, after three other children had been born. The first one was born before the doctor came in. The second one was enveloped by strong membranes which were with the greatest difficulty ruptured. An immense gush of liquor amnii followed. The membrane of the third one had to be opened with the scissors, and furnished again a copious discharge of water.

"While I was engaged in placing a binder around the patient," Dr. Atlee continues, "she was seized with severe and rapid pains, and soon she cried out that something was coming from her. Upon examination I discovered that another child, with the membranes entire, had been expelled. I immediately tried to tear the membranes, but they were too strong and I slit them open with the scissors, and exposed a living female child. The placenta came away without difficulty, and the uterus contracted well. The loss of blood was trifling. All the children were living and large, and active for the period of gestation (seven months). With proper care, I think all these children could have been raised. But the day and room being cold, and the parents poor and no provision having been made for more than one child, they were all greatly exposed and died within the next two days. The mother bore the parturition well and had an excellent recovery. Two years afterwards she became pregnant again, and was delivered at full time of a single healthy child."

5. The Medical and Surgical Reporter, of January 5th, 1861, has a similar case of a woman in labor with her third child. The woman was of medium size, healthy, and had come to her full term. After a protracted labor, though not unnatural, she gave birth to a son of large frame and very lean in appearance, but apparently perfectly healthy. There was not a drop of liquor amnii present, about one pint of yellow unctuous fluid being substituted for it. The membranes were so tough that the ordinary means would not rupture them, and rather suddenly the foetus was expelled with the membranes entire.

6. The two following cases were related by an intelligent American lady, who deserves credit for her statements.

Mrs. N., an American lady, twenty-five years ago, was delivered of a child enclosed in the membranes entire. The accouchur drew a fold of it asunder with his fingers, and the interior of it lying open looked like a honeycomb. The child looked very purple and the string was wound around the neck several times. The child was well and has always been healthy since, and is said to be a very smart man, intellectually.

7. In a case of delivery of another American lady, the expulsion of the foetus was delayed for several hours by the interposition of a sac, which was then artificially ruptured and discharged clear, clean water. On examination it was round that it formed a separate sac, having no communication with the membranes which inclosed the child. This was delivered without further delay and proved to be a healthy female child, which is now (1861) twelve years of age and was always in good health.

Dr. Darcy, an old physician, is reported to have had several cases of delivery with the membranes entire, in Newark, but the particulars of these I do not know.

9. Mr. Sherk, of Brooklyn, tells me, that in the open market place of a town in East Prussia, he saw a mare bending low down and observed a large bladder coming out of its hind body; while the bladder was lying on the ground, it suddenly broke and a young colt made his appearance, standing upon his legs.

Dr. Barker, of Brooklyn, confirms that this mode of delivery is quite common with mares.

10. Dr. W. Wright, of Brooklyn, E. D., on discussing the above cases in the Kings County Homoeopathic Society, stated, he had four cases which passed off pleasantly. He thought it was owing to the wideness of the parts.

11. Dr. P. P. Wells, of Brooklyn, at the same time remarked, that within twenty-five years he bad two cases which were premature. He never had a case of entire want of liquor amnii.

12. Dr. A. Wright, of Brooklyn, E. D., had a case which terminated favorably. The report is promised for publication, but has not come to hand as yet.

Observations. – In connection with this subject I beg to submit the following observations:

1. In the case number one, the sac, in which the child was enclosed was a firm and very slippery membrane, but readily separated when once a breach was made into it. It was a uniform transparent parchment-like structure without interlacing fibres and without vascular arrangement. It resembled isinglass very much, with the exception of a bluish-white shade which, however, interfered but little with its transparency. The sac was closely drawn round the foetus which had just room enough to lay in it doubled up. The membrane was not folded on the abdominal side as it is usually represented in the text books, but smooth and uniform, and in no way different from the dorsal side. The umbilical cord was inserted into it, midway between the two extremities of the sac, at right angles with the circumference. That part, coiled round the neck of the foetus, was quite blue; that part lying outside of the sac; was white as usual.

The fetal portion of the placenta was much torn and suffused with blood, but not the slightest trace of blood or injury could be detected upon the sac which enclosed the child.

2. Considering this state of things, there cannot be the slightest doubt that the sac described was the amnion, and now the question arises, what relation, in this case, did the ovular membranes bear to each other?

In the common mode of normal childbirth (Eutokia) the three membranes of the ovum, the decidua refiexa, the chorion and the amnion, form one single sac, which is ruptured during labor. The foetus, then, passes through into the world. The placenta follows the same path, and is either expelled or extracted, with the membranes turned inside out. For the reason of the simility of the process this discharge of the placenta has been appropriately styled "Afterbirth" (Hysteron).

In order to examine the relation of the membranes, we have to draw the sac of the afterbirth back from the placenta. We, then, find, going from without inwards, 1, the rough and bloody decidua reflexa, adhering closely to the chorion; 2, the chorion, and, 3, the amnion. The amnion then is the inner lining or the sac, glistening and slippery, covering at the same time the placenta and the umbilical cord in one continuous envelope. The amnion and chorion sometimes can be distinctly seen to consist of an exterior and an interior lamina, with a shining transparent jelly between. A blow-pipe may, with a little dexterity, be brought in and the membrane infiltrated, to prove the existence of the two laminae. The interior is quite glossy, smooth and slippery, and the exterior somewhat rough.

As we proceed in our examination, after drawing off the amnion from the chorion underneath, all along its connection with it, which in some instances we are able to do, we find the chorion likewise covering the fetal surface of the placenta and the cord. If we now consider the attachment of the chorion to the placenta, we find that between its two coats, extending all over the placenta, it contains the terminations of the placentar vessels which, from all sides, increasing in size, are directed toward the insertion of the navel-string, where they enter into the arrangement of the umbilical circulation. In this same direction the chorion increases in thickness until it forms the insertion of the cord, sometimes visible as a firm fibrous ring, and helps to build up the umbilical cord itself by giving it its internal sheath, the outer covering being furnished by the amnion.

On the placentar side, the exterior coat of the chorion, as far as it contains the large collective placentar vessels, meets the interior coat at the rim of the placenta and forms a firm fibrous margin of considerable thickness all around. Looking towards the placenta, then, the outer part of the exterior coat of the chorion, is continued into the fibrous structure which in combination with the outgrowth from the allantois and from the decidua vera constitutes the substance of the placenta itself.

Along the fetal circumference, the decidua reflex a, being the membrane lying to the outside, adheres, more or less, to the exterior coat of the chorion.

The question about the relation of the ovular membranes, in the case of intra-amniotic childbirth, can now be answered to this effect: that there the difference is only in the circumstance that the amnion, instead of distending immediately from or within a few inches of its placentar reflection upon the cord, is attached to the cord for a considerable length and then distends into the sac enclosing the foetus, entirely independent of the surrounding chorion and adhering deciduas reflexa. One part of the cord, therefore, is located outside of the amnion in the open space between amnion and chorion during gestation.

The higher insertion of the amnion into the cord for a few inches is of no unfrequent occurrence, and is seen sometimes to follow the spinal direction of the cord.

3. Labor, accordingly, may proceed in a two fold manner, depending upon the attachment of the amnion into the navel-string; the one where the amnion is departing from the point where the cord leaves the placenta or within a few inches near it, the other where it is inserted high enough to admit of an intra-amniotic childbirth.

4. In the first instance, delivery would proceed as usually observed, by rupture of the amnion, though it would not be impossible that, even then, child, amnion and afterbirth, might be expelled simultaneously in its natural order. In that respect it would be interesting to know the specialities of childbirth of Indian squaws and other savages, who are reported to bring forth their offspring without seriously interrupting ordinary duties, or even causing much delay, when participating in long marches.

5. In the other instance, it appears that, in a case like number one, the most favorable chance for natural delivery is presented, inasmuch, as the firmness of the amnion enables the foetus to form a tough, slippery, elastic and elliptic body which is capable of adapting itself to the maternal passage without obstacles intervening, such as prolapse of the extremities. And, in such a case, prolapse of the funis would not be a very formidable sign, if ever it should occur.

6. The contractions of the womb can only tend to present either one or the other of its two smaller and rounded extremities to the one centre of the os tinsae, and any false presentation is utterly impossible. The presentation, then, would be simplified, being either a vertical or a horizontal presentation. If the latter take place, it will immediately be acted upon and corrected by the womb itself. For the body represents only one larger and one smaller end of the elipse. If the womb contract equally on all sides upon the body in horizontal position, it will necessarily find more resistence at the larger end than at the smaller one, and the result will be the conversion of the vicious horizontal into the correct vertical presentation. And thus capital or caudal turning would be natural and necessary consequence of the uterine contraction.

7. Montgomery reports very thick membranes, which at first he took for hydrocephalus. He thinks the assumption of thick and rigid membranes is often erroneous, and that the phenomenon rather depends upon the weakness of the uterine contractions. The cases herein above reported, and all of them, show the firmness of the membranes, but by no means any inefficiency of uterine contractions, since they terminated favorably.

Therefore, and conformably to the preceding observations, it seems altogether advisable, in case of delay, to abstain from artificially rupturing the membranes, because it might deprive us of the very beat mode of delivery.

On the contrary, the main indication seems to be, that the uterus in its contractive power should be supported by proper medication.

8. When, after the expulsion, the sack of the amnion remains closed, there seems to be no danger for the child, so long as the cord is pulsating vigorously. For the child must then be regarded as being in utero still. The membrane forms a hermetically closed envelope which excludes atmospheric respiration and consequently precludes the necessity of a direct supply of atmospheric air. And the circulation being unimpaired, the child is nourished as before by the foeto-maternal circulation.

9. Here arises a nice physiological question. Is not this, after the expulsion of the child, the natural indication: not to have the cord cut sooner than when it ceases to beat, and then to leave it untied on the maternal side? Possibly, if so, the separation of the placenta from the womb would be facilitated, because the pressure of the placentar circulation on the fetal side is taken away by the oozing out or the placentar blood through the placentar extremity of the separated cord.

We do not know, whether in the reported cases of adherent placenta, the placenta was out or not, before the cord ceased to pulsate, and whether the cord on the external side was left untied. At all events correct observations in this respect are highly desirable.

10. The entire absence of liquor amnii, in case number one, bears testimony to the complete and perfect development of the foetus. E converso. Hydramnios takes place only in hydropic females, and a large amount of amniotic fluid is observed, together with poorly developed children, in weak females.

11. It is true that some of the other cases show a large amount of liquor amnii together with an entire membrane on delivery. In one case (3) the interior of the membrane looked like a honeycomb; in another (5) the liquor consisted of a yellow unctuous fluid. And there seems to be a certain incongruity between the firmness of the amnion as indicating vigor and the copiousness of liquor as indicating weakness on the part of the mother.

But, if weak and hydropic subjects produce hydropic amnions which soon give way to the pressure, it does not follow that, under certain circumstances, vigorous subjects do not present the two opposite states of firmness of the texture and copiousness of the contents of the amnion. For, then, the seeming incongruity is reconciled by that law of compensation which holds good in organic life as well as in the organic world.

12. If the moderate amount of amniotic fluid which generally does not exceed one to two pounds, is favorable for the development and expulsion of the foetus; then any larger amount of it must be considered as unfavorable and the more so the more it exceeds the average.

13. Relating to the development of the foetus, experience proves that weakly and hydropic subjects produce a great quantity of liquor amnii, and at the same time a poor foetus. The connection between the two facts is obvious. The increased secretion of the liquor amnii indicates, invariably, an impoverished condition of the blood of the mother. This allows a more copious and watery transudation into the fetal membranes, and lessens the plastic properties required for the development of the foetus.

14. As to the expulsion of the foetus. A large amount of liquor amnii, though it implies a thin and leas resistant amnion, compensating the uterine contractions (since it does not require so much force to break it, as it would if having a greater resistence), yet, it appears to be unfavorable for the expulsion. For, if the amount is large, the foetus is separated from the walls of the uterus by a greater quantity of intervening fluid, consequently liable to movements not immediately guarded and not regulated by the walls of the uterus. This may cause misplacements of the cord and malpresentations of the foetus. And the same accidents may be occasioned by the circumstance, that on sudden breaking of the waters a draught ensues towards the os tinsae, carrying the nearest part of the foetus, such as the cord or extremities with it, independently of and contrary to uterine action.

15. With the views here entertained, an excess of amniotic fluid is to be considered as a result of an abnormal course of pregnancy, and as such it calls for early and persevering homoeopathic treatment.

The presence of such excess is to be ascertained from the size of the abdomen being excessive in proportion to the size of the woman. In order to select the proper homoeopathic remedy, this and concomitant symptoms and circumstances have to be examined.

16. It has been stated, very correctly, that pregnancy per se is not a pathological state, but a physiological development of the organism. As soon however as it deviates and ceases to be a mere physiological condition, which unfortunately is only too often the case in our present stage of civilization; then it is necessary to obviate and meet the difference on pathological and therapeutical grounds. Homoeopathic treatment, judiciously applied, will always be conducive to the best of the organism; and it is a matter of actual experience that when the homoeopathic treatment of a case of pregnancy and labor did not seem to prevent evil consequences at that time, it did exert its beneficial influences the next time.

Much will always be gained in any case of pregnancy by a prophylactic dose of Pulsatilla, repeated at intervals of a fortnight.

17. The entire want of liquor amnii, as reported in case number one is of rare occurrence as Rokitansky states ( Lehrbuch der pathol. Anat., Wien, 1861, third edition, Vol. III, page 545), "The amniotic fluid sometimes is present in extraordinary large quantity (Hydramnios); more remarkable, however, are the rare cases, where its quantity is so little, that the facts appears to be enclosed tightly by the amnios."

In our case there was no fluid whatever.

18. The established fact of normal expulsion of the child with the amnion entire, invites farther investigation in several departments of Embryology and Tocology, bearing upon the subject.

Among such is the operation of Version, by which we do not mean turning by external manipulation or by position of the mother, that being a kind of nursing rather than surgical interference.

19. Turning is generally recommended as a safe means of delivery in malpresentations either as long as the membranes are entire, or soon after the escape of the waters; and it is warned against, decidedly, and by the best authorities, when the walls of the uterus have already firmly contracted upon the foetus. "It is indispensable," says Scanzoni, "that the foetus have such a mobility in the uterine cavity, that its position can be changed without much exertion of power and without danger of injuring the maternal organs. This mobility, however, may be safely assumed to exist then, when either the water is not broken at all yet or, at least, is not evacuated completely, and a long time ago; when the palpation of the abdomen not not show any firm general or partial contraction of the uterus; and when the presenting part of the foetus has not yet entered the superior strait."

As a general rule, then, turning is recommended at a time when either the membranes are entire, or the water is on the point of escaping or has just escaped. The success of the operation is lessened in the ratio as the time from the escape of the water increases.

20. Now, from what has been already said about the entirety of the amnion, facilitating and securing the proper movements of the foetus, it follows, that turning would be preposterous at a time when the ovum is unbroken and the uterus in good working order. For no ability on the part of the accoucheur is equal to the subtle force - douce violence - by which nature accomplishes the end in such case.

21. The supposition of the turners is, that even during the time when the ovum is yet entire, it might be necessary, to correct the malpresentation of the foetus. But this supposition is untenable, because at that time the final presentation has not yet taken place. And hasty effort to prevent a supposed possible malpresentation may just as well prevent the normal presentation. It, on the contrary, tends to disturb and confound the work and effort of nature, and is likely to superinduce the very condition it is intended to avoid.

22. The subject of spontaneous version and evolution was brought before the profession by Denman, who tried to explain its mechanism.

Antony Everard described a case of spontaneous version in the person of his own wife.

Riecke observed spontaneous evolution ten times in 220,000 labors, and Johnson and Sinclair twice in 13,748 cases.

Velpeau describes one case of spontaneous cephalic version in his own practice.

Scanzoni confessed his surprise, when he saw, that the foetus which in the eighth or ninth month, nay a few days prior to its expulsion, had been found in distinct trunk presentations, had assumed the one or the other head presentation.

Esterle observed in twenty-two cases of trunk presentation, nine cases of spontaneous version in the seventh and eighth months.

Doig saw one case of changing the shoulder presentation in to a footling case.

Wist noted frequent changes of position during labor, among others of a shoulder presentation into a cephalic presentation.

Spaeth marked one case of spontaneous turning in trunk presentation in 12,523 cases.

To these allopathic authorities must be added the famous case of Bethmann, cited by Croserio in his celebrated treatise on "Obstetrics" (1852), and which is reported (translation by Cote, p. 51,) as follows: "The membranes were not yet ruptured, and the orifice but slightly opened, notwithstanding the pressure of severe and frequent pains. On examination he recognized a shoulder presentation. Not wishing to precipitate the labor, he gave a dose of Pulsatilla; some minutes after the woman experienced a violent pain with such a sensation of overturning in, the abdomen, that she was frightened at it; then, after some time of quiet, the pains recommenced regularly, and on a second examination, Bethmann was very agreeably surprised to find the head presenting; the delivery terminated naturally."

Croserio also relates having gained a similar result by the use of the same homoeopathic means, and under the same circumstances.

Dr. Jackson, of Boston, furnished lately some other beautiful cases of version by the use of Pulsatilla^30 in watery solution (American Homoeopathic Review, Vol. IV, p. 505).

Professor Walker, of the Medical College of Missouri gives a case of spontaneous cephalic version under aggravated circumstances, in the Western Homoeopathic Observer, Vol. II, p. 2.

Dr. Baruch, in a case of trunk presentation, found the head in the right side, no progress made in five hours. The pains ceased, the woman was in despair. Guided by the symptoms of a chronic inflammation of the eyes with which the patient was afflicted, Hepar sulph. calc^1600 was administered, and in fifteen minutes a healthy child was born.

Another case of the kind occurred (1861) in our own practice. It was that of a woman whose early pregnancy was marked with such difficulties as eventually lead to a trunk presentation. Under homoeopathic treatment with high potencies, the malpresentation (trunk) was deranged into a head presentation during a labor protracted for three days, which terminated favorably for mother and child, a result which, under the circumstances of the case, growing out of a bad constitution and former allopathic maltreatment, almost surpassed fair expectation.

These facts and observations would, no doubt, be multiplied, if the experience of homoeopathic accoucheurs were more generally known, and they all verify beyond controversy, that correction of malpresentation, consisting in spontaneous version and evolution, is accomplished by nature alone, and by proper medication respectively.

23. The therapeutical treatment in the allopathic school is mostly limited to some heroic remedies, such as Opium, Ergot, Tartar emetic, etc., all of which are used in doses so large as to exert, at best, only palliative effects. Such treatment, too, often leads to unpleasant and disastrous after effects, such as dislocation of the symphysis pubis, resulting from the effect of "appreciable doses" of decoction of Ergot in "half-saucerful" quantities which produced an abscess beneath the tissues of the mons veneris, opening just above the clitoris, and indicating disintegration of the cartilaginous substance interconnecting the pubic bone, as reported in the Western Homoeopathic Observer, Vol. III., p. 81. This occurrence coincides with Rokitansky's remark (Pathological Anatomy, third edition, Vol. II., p. 187), where he says, "Next the ruptures of the synchondroses induced by considerable external violence, there is observed a softening (Lockerung) of the same during pregnancy; during labor they can suffer a considerable extension, even a partial separation of connexion; after delivery they sometimes slough (verjauchen) in the course of malignant puerperal processes." The case in the Observer makes us suspect, that the sloughing may be the result of overdosing by the Ergot, attended with "malignant puerperal processes," for Secale cor. is known by its pathogenesis to produce gangrene.

The allopathic practice adds also chloroform and venesection to the list of remedies; but both are such means as no conscientious Homoeopathician can recommend, if he knows his potencies well and understands how to use them.

24. It is with too much emphasis, we think, that the tocological world dwells upon the character of pregnancy and parturition as being chirurgical, and we must admit, in this respect, that not much progress has been made since the time of Hippocrates.

The wonderful discoveries made in the science of Tocology, would seem to admonish us, not to increase the dreadful armamentarium which is still in use, but which resembles the instruments of torture of the middle ages more than anything else. Those discoveries prove, that the generative process, considered by itself, is not necessarily a pathological process requiring medical or surgical treatment, but is a physiological process taking place normally, according to certain fixed laws, to which the human organism is subject, and that it ranges like any other physiological process of greater or minor importance. Undoubtedly utero-gestation, and parturition, have to be regarded in the same light. We never think of chirurgical interference, generally, when we may attain the desired end by proper attention to the natural cause of things and try proper medication. Just so we may safely discard chirurgical interference in tocological cases, which require nothing but proper attention to the natural course of generation and proper homoeopathic medication. "If ours were the period of honest admissions," truly observes Champion, "what honorable practitioner, and particularly what accoucheur, is there who would not have some revelation of this kind to make?" (Bedford's Chailly.}

25. According to a table compiled by Churchill, the proportions of cases of presentation of the superior extremities amounting to trunk-presentation, are on an average, as follows: in England and France 0,38, that is, little more than 1.3 percent. In Germany a larger percentage. Spaeth having had in 12,523 cases, 93 trunk-presentations; Schwoerer in 39,917 cases, 259, which gives for Spaeth 0,74 or 3.4 percent., for Schwoerer 0,64 about 3.5 percent. Scanzoni observed in 8,514 cases 48, which gives 0,57, that is about 3.5 percent.

Now, it is agreed, that vertical presentations never necessitate, or cause, dystocia, because they are always regarded as normal physiological conditions (Scanzoni). And all authorities concur, that the horizontal presentations only, on account of the difficulty of converting them into vertical ones on the part of the mother, are to be considered as vicious presentations requiring the physician's interference. And it is only in 1.3 to 3.4 percent. of all cases of parturition under allopathic treatment, that this chirurgical interference is believed to be called for, on the plea of danger to mother and child.

26. In all such cases, the common rule adopted by the profession is, to perform the operation by turning (version) as the comparatively safest means of delivery under the circumstances. And, in order to justify this operation, some reasoning is indulged in, running somewhat in this fashion, viz.:

"There is danger for mother and child in n horizontal presentation, if it is not converted into a vertical one. If the mother herself is unable to do this by the natural mechanism required for the expulsion of the child, then it must be done by the midwife; the midwife should turn, as long as there is a chance offered by the mother to do it; this chance offered is, that the ovum be entire, so that the foetus can easily be turned in the waters. However, version is not safe, when the uterus has contracted firmly upon the foetus after the escape of the water; in such a case the contractions of the uterus have to be overcome by bloodletting, Opium, Tartar emetic; after that, further spontaneous action on the part of the mother is precluded, and the only chance now for mother and child exists in terminating the labor by extraction at once; extraction is only a secondary indication resulting from untoward circumstances if the first chance, turning in the membranes, should fail."

But such reasoning invites criticism. It is unsound all over.

If the profession recommends turning in every case of horizontal presentation as long as the foetus is enveloped in its membranes, because the chance of natural conversion into the vertical presentation might fail, then it arbitrarily cuts off, beforehand, the very chance of natural delivery, which is generally better and preferable, as we, have seen, since natural delivery, even under difficulties, occurs oftener than is generally supposed. Bedford (Chailly) says: "Spontaneous version almost always takes place without the knowledge of the accoucheur," and he confesses, that "we but imperfectly understand its mechanism and causes." The prognosis he considers" extremely favorable to both mother and child." Hence it is very probable, that the frequency of the occurrence of spontaneous version is generally underrated and that it would be rather safe, as a rule, to trust more to the effects of nature while supporting the organs by proper attention, than forcible operations which often are likely to be premature or unnecessary.

27. The recommendation of turning while the water is yet unbroken, strikes us, as being in the same vein with the notorious indication of Tracheotomy in Croup, which is, by the highest authorities, only then considered safe and justifiable, when there is power of reaction enough left in the system to overcome the operation beside the disease, and only as long as the children are merely anxious to get breath without really becoming asphyxiated (Roser). Yet, it is well known, that in such cases the pure homoeopathic treatment offers far better chances. Many physicians, with Boenninghausen at the head, will bear us out in this. Even if Tracheotomy should succeed in hopeless cases where asphyxia has already begun, still, Homoeopathy claims as an offset many equally hopeless cases, treated homoeopathically with success, without Tracheotomy.

The same applies to our present question concerning the pretended indication of version while the membranes are entire. The conditions for delivery depend, naturally, not upon the operation, but upon the conditions present, predeterminating whether the operation should be made or not. Homoeopathy may obviate the necessity of version.

28. Horizontal presentations are owing to the relaxation of the parenchyma of the uterus with consecutive dilatation of the uterine cavity (Scanzoni), such as is found in multiparae and in those whose genital organs have been weakened by disease. In such cases we would not expect to find the thick and firm amniotic sac, as in our case number one; we would rather look for a large amount of amniotic fluid, favoring an easy rupture of the membranes.

From these circumstances it is clear, that in a case of horizontal presentation a poor chance would offer for version, because the water will have been broken when the os tincae is dilated sufficiently for admitting the hand of the operator, consequently the condition of entirety of membranes fails, and therewith the indication of version, while the membranes are entire, falls simply to the ground.

29. But, suppose, together with horizontal presentation there should be a firm amnion? Then, again, the indication would fail, because every condition for correcting the malpresentation would be already fulfilled, and it would be not the version but only the uterine contraction which is wanted for effecting the condition.

However, they say, that this indication failing only the first chance is lost, but the second indication is induced, viz.: the extraction of the child. And here they rigorously enjoin us, not to enter the womb if the walls are firmly contracted upon the foetus, and that in such a case the uterine contractibility must be reduced and the labor terminated at once by extraction.

But here, again, they put the indication in the wrong place.

For, if the walls of the uterus contract firmly, then the uterus exerts power to expel the foetus, which is the very thing desirable and ought to be aided. That powerful contraction, in a trunk-case, is, on the maternal part, the only means to expel the child; to support it, therefore, is the proper indication, and artificial paralysis is only the mistaken professional allopathic indication.

Now there are cases on record, where, even then, when the uterus Contracted firmly upon the foetus, spontaneous version took place as those quoted. We, undoubtedly, would know more cases of this kind, if the general practice of the profession did not by unwarrantable interference prevent the more frequent occurrence of such happy terminations of labor.

But clear it is, that the proper homoeopathic administration of such potencies as Aconite, Apis mel., Belladonna, Chamomilla, Nux vomica, Opium, Pulsatilla, Sabina, Sepia and others, would favor the result of spontaneous version more than anything else would do.

30. Time is another great element in the tocological process.

The allopathic school, with its inadequate means, lays down the loss of time as being equally dangerous for the safety of mother and child. Yet just the contrary is defensible. For it wants time for the uterus to gather strength, and it wants time for the foetus to shift its untoward position. This precious opportunity offered by time is lost if the accoucher takes hold of the foetus to extract it.

"Sapientissma res tempus."-Bacon.

The customary indications change entirely with the homoeopathic treatment of the case. It is ascribable to a want of better information, when even homoeopathic manuals on Obstetrics, [The action implied by the word "Obstetrics" is so unhomoeopathical, that "Homoeopathic Obstetrics" would seem to be a contradictio in adjecto, and the use of the term "Obstetrics" for that department of our art and science which relates to childbirth should be discarded, as being inadequate, prejudicial and improper.] in the event of difficulties arising, recommend all the surgical operations described in the text-book of the allopathic school. Possibly, the precarious position which the Homoeopathician occupies under the pressure of allopathic traditions may have something to do with the deficiency alluded to. For they, on the other, side constantly ignore Homoeopathy altogether. But this should not be an excuse for Homoeopathicians for stopping where the so-called old school left it.

It is probable, that after the exhibition of the potency, homoeopathic to the case, the uterus will relax and cease to contract upon the child. When so, the allopathic obstetrician would find it indicated, as well as convenient, to perform version and extraction under the usual cautelae. But the homoeopathic tocologian would not so understand it. He would, after medicating, patiently wait for contraction after contraction, and ultimately, I doubt not, find that the malpresentation under the action of the potency by degrees, or suddenly, yields to the resumed and well directed and well supported efforts of the uterus, and that, thus, labor takes its natural course to natural termination.

Unfortunately, but unmistakably, the indication in cases of protracted labor is time. But time is not what the practitioner has to spend, especially if he is much sought after.

There are sometimes delays of hours, when no progress is made. The woman feels with all protraction comparatively comfortable, takes food and sleeps. All this requires time; and time, we repeat it, is the great element for successfully treating such cases.

It was a very good rule given in the old play: "Festina lente – let the time have its time!"

31. That the result of such treatment, as here proposed, can be successful in the end we are satisfied. But you ask, in how many cases was it so? The answer is, so far it was only in one; but that, a unicum, is a case closely observed. Such a case, although single, is worth more than thousands of cases less closely observed. One case shows that it can be done, and that is enough. One case is sufficient to prove that a child can be born naturally enveloped in its membranes unbroken, with comparative comfort to mother and child, and that is enough to prove that this is one of the modes of childbirth nature has prescribed.

You refer to statistics. But with them it is as Goethe says, "Thousand grey horses don't make a white one." The white one here is the case, carefully individualized, as Hahnemann taught us to do. The average of a large number of cases does not teach how a given case should be treated, for that is always a case sui generis. On the whole, statistics must be considered and used like auxiliary sciences of medicine, cum grano salis. The practitioner must certainly be acquainted with them, but he must take heed and not conclude from what does not correctly follow them.

To illustrate: the one single symptom 145 of Spongia tost., well observed by Lehmann and recognized by Hahnemann as the true pathognomonic symptom of croup, has saved thousands of children, while all the many prescriptions of the allopathic school and all imperfect domestic medicine could not do it. So here. Thousands of your statistical cases of forcible interference, with corresponding proportion of mortality, do not disprove this one case of natural delivery and corresponding proportion of life. Your thousands of cases only show what you could do. Our case proves what nature did, and that it can be done otherwise, than you did. What has been done, can be done again. Weighing your frightful mortality and failings on one side, and our success, and chance of success, on the other side, why would it not be better and more rational to try our new way, which happens to be the old way laid out by nature herself.

32. But, suppose, the malpresentation could not have been corrected in the one or the other case of the 1.3 to 3.4 percent. of all cases, what then?

When coming to this point, the Alloeopathician at once looks for his armamentarium, and revolves in his mind all the many bloody operations which have been devised and invented, to destroy the child, for the purpose of saving the mother, if there is no other chance left.

We are aware, that here arises a formidable responsibility. The danger from presentation of the superior extremities for mother and child is obvious, and especially so, when com PARED with the limited and inadequate means at the command of the allopathic school.

It must be admitted, that there is some courage, strength, and boldness in the allopathic treatment which, by general custom, and under the sanction of the school, shrinks not from endangering the mother and the child, nor from destroying the child, under the pretext, that there is no other means of saving the mother, nor, alas, from sacrificing them both, lege artis.

But would it not be well, if this boldness, strength, and courage would raise the brain rather than the arm? Would it not be better if, instead of relying on brute force and cunning, we should trust to the powers of nature combined with a judicious support of the same, as was done and indoctrinated by Hahnemann and his true followers?

If we could but know the untold psychological processes going on in the mind of many an experienced obstetrician, foil of desire to render helpful assistance in such trying circumstances, how deeply should we sympathize with him, and how earnestly desire to help him out of his perplexities, growing out of the inefficiency of allopathic treatment. He, if a kind-hearted man, will, in such straits, trust to the never-failing forces of nature more than to the drugs and manipulations of his school, and if doing so, he will find relief in his mind by the probability of the greatest success possible.

The following cases prove conclusively, at the same time the insufficiency of alloepathic treatment and the sufficiency and competency of nature for arduous tocological processes:

a. Case of Spontaneous Cephalic Version, by Velpeau. "A young woman, pregnant for the second time, came into the hospital at ten o'clock in the morning. The os uteri was little dilated; nevertheless, I could recognize a second position of the left shoulder. The waters did not escape until three, p.m. At eight, p.m., the shoulder had sensibly moved towards the left iliac fossa, and I could then readily detect the ear at the right. At eleven, p.m., the temple had almost gained the centre of the orifice; the contractions were augmented in energy; and the cervix was entirely effaced. At midnight the vertex had become lower; the head engaged, and in the course of an hour the vertex was delivered."

b. Case of spontaneous cephalic version, by Richardson. Medical and Surgical Reporter, Vol. XII., p. 39: "Mary Ann Burke, born in Ireland, aged 23 years, was admitted to the hospital, October 25th, 1858. On Friday preceding her admission, while at work, she received an accidental blow over the uterus, which ruptured the membranes and produced the entire discharge of the liquor amnii. The patient was not at term by several weeks. During Friday, Saturday and Sunday, her sufferings were very great. On Monday, as above stated, she was admitted into the hospital, having been conveyed there in a carriage. She was taken to the obstetrical ward without delay and placed in bed. Making an examination per vaginam, I found an elbow presenting; but owing to the rigid contraction of the os uteri about the arm, made no attempt to correct the presentation. The uterine contractions soon became rapid and vigorous. On making a second examination, I discovered the right hand protruding through the external organs. The position being the first of the right shoulder.

"About two hours subsequent to the first examination, the os was patulous and the vagina relaxed and moist. Deeming this an appropriate time to interpose, I endeavored to make version by the feet, but finding the uterus so sensitive as to contract energetically upon the slightest touch, was obliged to desist. In the hope of obviating the malpresentation, I exhorted the woman not to bear down, and she endeavored to obey the injunction, but without avail. The uterus continued to contract rapidly. Fearing laceration, I introduced my hand, determined to make the most eligible change in the position of which the case would admit. Much to my relief and gratification, I found the child's arm had receded into the uterus, the vertex having engaged. In the course of an hour and a half the child was ushered into the world, the head being first born, making evidently a case of spontaneous version by the vertex.

"The foetus weighed five pounds was still-born, having been dead apparently several days. The patient convalesced happily, being able to resume her usual vocations in about ten days. This was her second accouchment, the first child having also been born dead. It may not be uninteresting to state, that the whole time occupied in the above process, from the putting to bed of the patient until the delivery, was about five hours."

c. Case of spontaneous cephalic version, by Walker,. Western Homoeopathic Observer, Vol. II., p. 3.

"Mrs. H., married and the mother of two children, was seized with labor-pains at full term on the morning of Saturday, October 22, 1864, and was attended by a midwife. The case progressed without any untoward symptom until three, p.m., when the waters broke, and the midwife discovering the hand drew it down, and with all her. 'might and main' endeavored to deliver by traction upon the arm. At six o'clock, three hours after the rupture of the membranes, Dr. Vastine, an experienced practitioner of thirty-five years standing, was summoned. The hand and wrist were outside of the vulva, and at least twelve inches of the cord prolapsed. For three hours he made every effort to turn and deliver by the feet. The contractions of the uterus were most powerful, so that rupture of the womb seemed eminent. A mixture of chloroform and ether was administered, and under its influence repeated efforts to turn signally failed.

"He now deemed it best to eviscerate and force delivery, and for that purpose came to request my assistance. During his absence the midwife again essayed to deliver by drawing down the arm, which had been pushed up and pulling upon it. At ten o'clock, p.m., I arrived, and after a careful exploration, found the right shoulder and arm presenting, with the head in the right iliac fossa, the back of the child pressing the spine of the mother, and the head so rotated that its chin was in close proximity to the left shoulder. The occiput could be felt upon the extreme right. The cord was still prolapsed to the extent of a foot or more.

"As there was still pulsation in the cord, and the doctor deeming it altogether impracticable to turn at that stage, and the pains being exceedingly strong, I advised that we return the arm as far as possible, and wait to see if any change would occur. The necessary instruments being at hand to eviscerate, we resolved to delay the operation to the last practicable moment. The patient, who had been lying upon her back, was requested to take the position upon her left side. Pressure was then made against the shoulder and arm in a downward direction – that is, towards the left side – hoping, that, as the breech could not be made to enter the superior strait, the head might be induced, to take that position. After a few pains, which were most violent, and between which the patient insisted upon getting on her feet – which was allowed her – we thought we could feel a larger surface of the occiput. Being encouraged, we continued to wait. In half an hour after my arrival, the head had fairly engaged, and at eleven, p.m., the child was born by a vertex presentation – the right arm and cord prolapsing. The child was asphyxiated, and our utmost endeavors failed to excite breathing, although twenty minutes before its birth, there was pulsation in the cord. The weight of the child was not ascertained, but could not have been less, according to the judgment of both of us, than seven pounds and a half.

"In this case the prolapse of the cord, and the consequent pressure upon it, could have been the only cause of the death of the child. The pelvis of the patient, although well formed and sufficiently capacious, was not extraordinarily so. At the present writing, the woman is doing well, and recovering as rapidly as in a case of ordinary labor."

There are various causes in this case to which the death of the child may be ascribed. Among them the previous administration of a mixture of chloroform and ether, and the repeated efforts of turning, should not be lost sight of altogether.

33. All these cases, which could be multiplied if space would permit, are of the cephalic variety; they are cases of spontaneous cephalic version in utero and of cephalic evolution, accomplished by the force of nature. Though inviting to a multitude of suggestions, we must leave them to the reader's own consideration, who will not fail to mark, that in all these cases the membranes had been ruptured long before the version took place.

These dreadful presentations of superior extremities, which are commonly taken for a justification of so very superior extremities in obstetric handicraft, show, indeed, a fearful mortality. According to Churchill, one-half of the children. and one mother in nine, have been lost under the benefit of alloeopathic operations. It is, of course, too late, and perhaps impossible, to ascertain, what result would have followed spontaneous evolution, if it had been allowed to take its natural course. But it is reasonable to suppose, that not so many of the cases would terminate so unfavorably, if spontaneous evolution were allowed to proceed according to its own laws.

Denman was the first who observed that nature frequently corrects malpresentations by spontaneous version as he calls it, and, thus confiding in nature, he had no cause to complain of the result. Now, constantly, there are cases being recorded which have terminated successfully for the mother and sometimes the child by self-evolution without manual interference by version or otherwise.

34. But we may do better yet. If by nature, being left alone, so much is affected, how much more may be accomplished when we aid and augment her forces by the judicious, careful and circumspect appliance of homoeopathic potencies!

Already one splendid case is on record, by Croserio. This case shows, that more than ever before can be done by homoeopathic treatment. Here it is.

a. Case of delivery with an antero-posterio diameter of the brim of the pelvis of two and a half inches, by Croserio, Homoeopathic Manual of Obstetric, from the French of Dr. C. Croserio, by M. Cote, M.D. Cincinnati: Moore, Anderson, Wilstach and Keys, 1853, p. 69.

"In the case of a woman, 26 years of age, in her first labor, in whom the sacra-pubic diameter of the superior strait did not offer more than two inches and a half, I had the patience, to wait for seventy-two hours the natural efforts of labor. The head being in the first position at the end of the second day, it began to engage in the superior strait; at the end of the third day, the pains slackened very much; the woman became very feeble, was pale, exhausted and had lost all hope. I put Secale cor.30 in a glass of water, and gave her a teaspoonful at eleven o'clock in the evening; some minutes after she fell asleep and slept very quietly for three quarters of an hour; when awakened by a violent pain, she made a courageous effort, and two hours after gave birth to a child, pale and in a state of asphyxia, but which was recalled to life by proper care. The recovering of the mother proceeded in a regular manner."

On the whole this case is a much more serious one, than the much descanted case of a presentation of superior extremities with the ordinary dimensions or the pelvis. No Alloeopathician, being backed by his whole profession, would in this case have hesitated, one moment, to perform the bloody operation described in all the text-books, which inevitably victimizes the child, and always imperils the mother. But in this case the result proves, only, again, and conclusively, what we already know, viz., that where alloeopathic wit is at an end, true medicine begins. Ubi desinit philosophia, ibi incipit medicina.

Here we insert another good case, instructive about correct administration of the homoeopathic remedy.

b. Case of adherent placenta, by Bethmann, Archiv fur hom. Heilkunde, Ed. by Stapf, Vol. VII., 1, p. 65.

"Dr. Bethmann was called to a country woman of 85 years of age, of large, stout frame and violent temper, being in labor since two days, with the most violent contractions of the uterus. He found her with dark red face which was much distended, and her eyes protruding far from their sockets. On examination he found that the uncommonly large size of the head of the foetus was the only obstacle to delivery. He then delivered with forceps by some vigorous traction at once. But, shortly after, it was found that the placenta was adhering. At six, p.m., he ordered a simple emulsion of sweet almonds against the increasing thirst, and recommended perfect rest. Next morning, at eight o'clock, he found the patient with highly red face, brilliant eyes, dry skin, small hard pulse, 90. Since midnight, the vagina was dry, the placenta was found to adhere firmly to the uterus. The abdomen was much distended, and painful to touch in the right side of it. Short dry hacking cough, licking her lips without wanting to drink; great anxiety and inner unrest.

"He now administered a small part of a drop of the sixth attenuation of Belladonna. Already after half an hour, thorough-going pains came on, and the placenta, with a considerable coagulum, passed away without evil consequences. After two hours bland perspiration set in, the tension of the abdomen, and the hacking cough was gone, and in four hours the threatening disease had wholly disappeared. The patient was well towards evening and remained so ever since."

In this case, the Belladonna was indicated at the first instance when delivery of the foetus was delayed. If it had then been given, the foetus would have been born without; forceps, and the adherence of the placenta would not have taken place. As it was, however, it proved its potency, when it was given at the delay of the delivery of the placenta, being again indicated by the simility of the symptoms, the state of the organism after delivery of the child being similar to the preceding state. The obstacle to the child-birth was the head sticking fast in the pelvic canal, and the obstacle to the afterbirth was the placenta adhering to the uterus. But the fact is, that the uterus was equally unable to expel the foetus and placenta. Belladonna, by virtue of its homoeopathicity, enabled the uterus to resume its natural function, consequently to separate and expel the placenta, as it would have enabled it to expel the foetus.

However, we here only propose to discuss those cases, where the difficulty of presentation of superior extremities and no other, has been removed by homoeopathic treatment. To illustrate this point we refer to the celebrated

c. Case of spontaneous version., by Dr. Bethmann, Croserio's Manual, n. s., p. 5l.

"A woman in labor sent for him, the membranes were not yet ruptured and the orifice was but slightly opened, notwithstanding the presence of severe and frequent pains, and by an examination he recognized a shoulder-presentation; not wishing to precipitate anything, he gave a dose of Pulsatilla. Some minutes after, the woman experienced a violent pain with such a sensation of overturning in the abdomen, that she was frightened at it; then after some time of quiet, the pains recommenced regularly, and on a second examination, Bethmann was very agreeably surprised to find the head presenting; the delivery terminated naturally."

To which Dr. Croserio adds: "I believe, I myself obtained a similar result by the use of the same means and under the same circumstances."

35. Considering the different modes of expulsion of the foetus with regard to malpresentation of the trunk, or superior extremities, after the membranes have been broken, and the liquor amnii has been discharged, the term self-evolution appears to be singularly felicitous, as graphically describing the passage of the foetus from the womb through the pelvic canal. Evolution is an expulsion connected with a spiral motion. In this regard, there is no difference in the passage of the foetus through the pelvic canal between the common prompt expulsion in ordinary labor, and the less common, tedious expulsion in difficult labor, designated by the name of self-evolution, excepting only the difference of time, by reason of the obstacles offered by the maternal parts and the foetus.

The criterion between normal child-birth and self-evolution lies in the different mode of evolution, being, in the latter case, effected by spontaneous version. Hitherto by spontaneous version has been understood the spontaneous turning of the child within the membranes in utero, whilst by self-evolution is meant the turning of the foetus without the membranes in the pelvic canal, breech foremost. So, spontaneous version in the womb within the membranes is one thing, whether upon the vertex or upon the feet (if such a thing occurs) or upon the breech; and spontaneous version in the pelvic cavity without the membranes is another thing, also, whether upon the vertex, or the feet, or the breech.

Here we have, therefore,

1. Spontaneous uterine version, vertical and podical.

2. Spontaneous pelvic version, vertical and podical.

Consequently, what has been termed self-evolution par excellence, is in fact spontaneous pelvic version on the breech, or feet, and what has been termed spontaneous cephalic version is in fact spontaneous pelvic version on the head.

Expulsion is all the same here and there, and all cases of childbirth where the deliverance of the child is being developed by the mother herself, are, strictly speaking, cases of self-evolution, as contradistinguished from those cases where the child is forced out or taken away by the instrumentality of the operating surgeon, which might be styled surgical evolution.

36. The mechanism of the spontaneous pelvic version of the vertical variety is in no way different from the evolution in vertical presentation.

The mechanism of the spontaneous pelvic version of the podical variety is also precisely the same as that in all other breech or podical presentations (Douglas, Dubois).

The difference of these two mechanisms is in this only, that the pelvic version requires more energy on the part of the mother, to convert the horizontal or oblique presentation into the perpendicular one, and that it wants more time than in ordinary labor.

In this difficult undertaking the Alloeopathician is utterly destitute of means to help the mother. He does not acknowledge the laws of nature or the power of the homoeopathic potencies under them. And this is the only ground on which he can be excused for resorting to all kinds of reckless operations, desperately to take the child, alive or dead, out of the the grasp of the motherly organ. Let us see, now, whether we, too, have reason to be so desperate.

37. It is an undisputed fact, that the head of the foetus offers the largest diameter towards the pelvis of the mother, and, therefore, it presents the greatest obstacle in labor, because it requires the main strength of the maternal organs to squeeze it through the passage.

According to Radford the circumference of the portion of head presenting in labor, varies from twelve to thirteen inches and a half; that of breech with thighs flexed up, twelve to thirteen inches and a half; that of breech with one thigh turned up, eleven to twelve inches and a half; and that of hips with legs extended, eleven to twelve inches and a half.

Now, the foetus is "une masse spongieuse" (Capuron) the only inflexible part of which is the base of the skull, amounting in all to two inches and a half to three inches in diameter. All other parts yield to pressure, especially in horizontal presentations which, as a general rule, occur in poor subjects producing a poor foetus. We may, therefore, as it were, twist and bend the foetus as we please; its diameter will never surpass the diameter of its head. And this very head is, in the language of Dr. Slop, "naturally as soft as the pap of an apple" (Sterne).

38. If this is so, and it must be admitted, as there can be no reasonable doubt about it, why, then, is the danger so great? It is, because there is in the body of the foetus not resistance enough in the direction of expulsion. The head is turned aside and contributes nothing to the mechanical process going on. Hence the uterus has to supply the want of resistance on the part of the foetus by compression of the fetal mass into a denser body. Thus the uterus works to disadvantage, because its fundus, which is the originator of the most efficient labor-pains, is too much dilated and the longitudinal fibres are less active than the circular and oblique ones. Hence the foetus can make not so much progress, as it would in a cephalic presentation.

39. A similar difficulty arises in breech-presentation. But there, the breech being in position, it does not require as much power for the descension.

The difference is, that in shoulder-presentation the flexion first of the abdomen upon the thorax, and secondly of the feet upon the abdomen, during expulsion, must be considered as the preparation to a breech-presentation which could not be accomplished any sooner than at the inferior strait, while an original breech-presentation takes place at the superior strait. Consequently, there is in favor of the shoulder-presentation this one point, that there the inferior strait is passed as soon as the presentation of the breech is gained, while in the breech-presentation the breech has to pass yet the pelvic canal.

The rest of the difficulty, the actual expulsion of the foetus is equal in either case of shoulder or breech-presentation.

40. We observe another fact, proving that the delivery by self-evolution is only a modified and difficult case of breech-presentation. This fact is, that, according to Dubois, at the moment, when the breech appears over the perinaeum, the trunk suffers a revolution around its longitudinal axis, as is precisely the case in some breech-presentations.

The proper indication, in such a case, would be not to diminish the power of the uterus, as is done by large doses of Tartar emet., Opium and by bloodletting, and not to proceed at once to the artificial extraction of the child; but to support the contractive power of the uterus, that is, to moderate its action, if it become spasmodic (by Aconite, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla, etc.) and to increase its action, if the strength begin to fail (by Pulsatilla, Secale cor., etc.); always provided, that these remedies be selected with due regard to the general condition of the parturient, carefully individualized, and, above all, that they be given in such refined doses as to produce no aggravation, either homoeopathic or alloeopathic. Here, too, the main rule will prevail, the higher the susceptibility, the finer the dose.

At the same time it must not be omitted to use proper means, in order to support the nutrition of the mother, to inspire her with hope, to give her rest, when nature seems to invite it, and, in one word, to use all the advantages which careful individualization of the case and confidence in his art, give to the physician. In such manner to attend to the case, no doubt, requires much time, care, judgment and resolution on the part of the tocologian, but he is amply rewarded if crowned with success, as the probability is that he will be.

41. Directing our attention to the child, a very grave objection to trusting a delivery to spontaneous pelvic version as recommended above, may be raised on account of the danger of asphyxia. Such danger, certainly, exists. It may, however, be overrated. Even in regular cephalic presentation children are born nearly asphyxiated, blue and without signs of life; and still by the application of the proper means they come to life. There are numerous cases known where the child was with the head wedged in the pelvis for six or more hours, and yet born alive and healthy.

Dr. Baruch, in a case of long continuing false pains which pressed the child's head against the symphysis pubis, without making any progress, and accompanied with violent tenesmus in ano, terminated labor, at once, by a single dose of Cinnabaris in high potency. The child showed on the head a large bruise and was well.

This circumstance of threatened asphyxia of the child, I think, is to be risked any way, since, as a general rule, the life of the child is always sacrificed, when the safety of the mother requires it. "The mother is more than the child." We have not yet sufficient experience of homoeopathic treatment in such cases; still, from what we know already, we may safely conclude, that the chances of such treatment, for the preservation of the child, are better, than those of alloeopathic treatment

42. In this connection much stress has been laid on the compression of the cord. But before an argument from that could be made available, another question would have first to be decided, .viz.: how far such compression is allowed by the construction of this organ of the cord? It being formed of the structureless membranes of the chorion and amnion, and of the Whartonian gelatine, in which the arteries and the vein lie imbedded, besides the lymphatics and nerves, we are inclined to believe that, on close examination, the cord will turn out, to be not quite as compressible, as is generally imagined.

Nay, considering the harsh and rough measures, in such cases of unfavorable labor, employed under the common alloeopathic treatment, asphyxia of the foetus is often owing, not so much to the compression of the cord, as to the medicinal overaction of such drugs as Chloroform, Ether, Secale corn. in large doses, or to the effect of surgical manipulations on mother and child.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 07, 1866, pages 251-258, pages 297-304, pages 370-381, pages 424-437]

[Description: Homoeopathic Tocology.]

[Author: Fincke, B.]

[Year: 1866]

HYDROCELE. [ *Read before the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Cayuga County, N. Y., March 8th, 1864.]

BY B. FINCKE, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

There is, as yet, no case on record of Hydrocele cured by a single dose of a homoeopathic remedy as high as the fourteen thousandth. The following reports of two such cases are taken from my journals. The potency administered was a dilution potency of the kind described in the article published in the AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW, vol. II., p. 282.

I. B., a boy of German descent, six weeks old. October, 16th, 1861. Oval, elastic, bladder-like tumor in the right part of the scrotum, and moveable under it, as large as a pigeon's egg, sometimes larger, more like a small hen's egg. When the tumor is as large as that, patient spreads his legs apart. No testicle can be found at the right side. The veins injected at the surface of the scrotum at the right side. The tumor was never found to go away or to decrease, on the contrary it lately has increased so as to draw the mother's attention to it. The tumor offers an elastic resistance to the touch, without pain, and cannot be reduced. There is some eruption of small red pimples about the body and the mother is covered with larger red pimples all over. Silicea^16000 one pellet.

October 25th. After that the tumor gradually decreased. The testicle became distinct and the tumor receded above along the course of the spermatic cord, presenting a soft and roundish appearance.

November 5th. The tumor is entirely gone. Only now and then there is a slight appearance as if the right spermatic cord was a trifle larger than the left one also. This symptom disappeared.

II. K., a boy of American descent, six months old.

June 1st, 1863. Hydrocele as large as a pigeon's egg. Silicea^14000, six pellets. The tumor disappeared in two or three days.

REMARKS.

1. These cases give further testimony of the efficacy of single doses of high potencies of homoeopathic remedies correctly selected.

2. Their practical and scientific value consists, not only in the fact, that the cures were effected — although that is one of the many triumphs of Homoeopathy — but also in the fact, that the cases present clear objective symptoms without any complicity of subjective symptoms, and thus serve as test cases beyond cavil.

Hydrocele is a disease of such objectiveness, that the subjective sensation or judgment of the patient is not likely to interfere with the diagnosis. Here the patients were infants, unable to communicate any subjective symptom at all. And so here are clear cases leaving no room for conjecture or speculation. They rest entirely on the certainty of objective symptoms which are of a positive value, whilst subjective symptoms depend, more or less, upon the physical or mental condition, sincerity and capacity of judging on the part of the patient relating the symptoms, as well as of the physician guided by them.

Subjective symptoms are often decisive or guides for a correct treatment. Yet, where we can rely upon and succeed by purely objective symptoms, there is a certainty, almost absolute and far above mere faith, in the efficacy of our remedies. As Dr. Buchner used to say, "the ox does not believe it, and still he gets cured."

3. Such test cases ought to be multiplied. It would be well if Homoeopathists would direct their attention to such well defined diseases, where, as in Hydrocele, the only variable element is size and quantity, for test and experiment.

Similar investigations, already, have been made in the province of pneumonia. Alloeopathists used to take pneumonia as a test for proving the comparative advantage of expectative treatment. And Homoeopathists took up the same pneumonia as a test to prove the comparative superiority of homoeopathic treatment. The results are extremely valuable in their way. But pneumonia is, of itself, so complicated a state of the organism, that it would be well to find a simple, fairer and stricter test. Such is afforded by cases similar to those here reported.

Of course such tests must not jeopardize the life or wellbeing of the individual experimented upon. They should be made in cases which have no dangerous character, but which at the same time are known to be diseases without a tendency of getting well spontaneously.

And in order to make the experiment really a test, the remedy should be administered singly and not by alternating or combining with other remedies.

The habit of alternating remedies is as injurious to the science as is the practice of mixing them. If cure follows, it remains always doubtful which of the remedies really was the remedy. Alternating, as well as mixing, necessarily obscures and vitiates the observation, and it is properly rejected be the best homoeopathic minds.

Another caution for such tests, in order to secure the utmost certainty would seem to be this, that in every case only one dose should be given-at a time, and its action allowed to go on as long as there is reason to expect it to be active.

Frequently, when watching the effect of our remedy, we see it develop in a reversed order a train of symptoms which preceded the present state of the disease in the organism, and which some times constitute the serological symptoms of the disease on hand.

Lastly, such tests should be made with various potencies, high, middle and low, and the experience with each should be recorded respectively.

There is no reasonable foundation for animosity between high and low potencialists. It reminds one too much of the animosity of the Allopathists against Homoeopathy.

High, middle and low are relative terms, of which none has any meaning without the others. The truth is, that we want to know, which is the peculiar action of every potency, and want to know it of every potency of every kind, from the poison up to the hundred thousandth potency.

The question, what that peculiar action is, is a question of fact. It can not be answered by fighting personalities and authorities, not by ridiculing the low dilutionist, not by sneering at the high potentialist. The truth can only be arrived at by careful, patient, conscientious and persevering investigation of facts; by friendly cooperation and criticism; and by correct observation and exact experiment, such as Hahnemann made, advocated and insisted upon.

We, individuals that we are, can not do every thing ourselves. Non omnia possumus omnes — division of labor is the natural convenience and the correct principle. By it every one will find his appropriate place tor the work, the very place he likes and selects, being the very result of his talents and accomplishment.

A Homoeopathist who can not bring himself to acknowledge the fact, that a high potency does have effect at all, ought to beware of ridiculing high potencies. For, by doing so, he would show that he means that a question of fact and science should be settled by an appeal to belief or ignorance, and to the lower passions of mankind. Rather let him go to work to study the action of the low potencies with which he is acquainted, and let him faithfully record the facts which he then observes and experiences. In that manner his labor will contribute to our art and science.

Only he must be as careful as every scientific observer ought to be, that is, he must apply single remedies in single doses, not mix, not alternate, nor rotate, else his observations would lack exactness and his judgment would be discreditable.

It is a remarkable fact that the alternating and rotating method is mostly, and almost exclusively, met within the practice of exclusive low potentialists. On the other hand, the more one gets into the habit of using high potencies, the less occasion he finds to resort to alternating or rotating, and the more he relies on the single remedy and the single dose.

If there are practical excuses for alternation and rotation, they certainly do not concern or advance medical science.

Now, when we divide up our conjoint labor for observing the action of poisons and of low, middle and high potencies respectively, and when we shall have recorded and digested the observations gained, then, and then only, we may safely approach the next question, which and what potency is the proper one required in the given case.

This is a most serious and most practical question, no doubt. It can not be put off with the rule Similia Similibus alone, inasmuch as that rule, our fundamental one, is understood to relate to the quality of remedial action, whilst the question of the dose is a question relating to the quantity of remedial action.

Hence, before we shall have satisfactory evidence on the first question about the action of the various potencies, it would be gratuitous to dispute about the other question, which is the right potency in the given case?

In answering this second question, such only will be justified. who shall have either themselves made the required experiments and observations on the action of potencies in their various degrees and kinds, or who are able to avail themselves of such experiments and observations made by others.

4. The degree of potency used in the cases above reported may seem to be high; yet it is comparatively low. I have already myself instituted provings with potencies of the 15000, 16600 and 41000 centesimal dilution, and they resulted not only in the confirmation of the old provings, but also in new lights and shades of the picture.

Surely, in this matter of dose, we have just touched the threshold of the temple, and the vista opened before us only convinces us that many, very many, trustworthy observations will be required, before we shall be enabled to give a final answer to the question.

It is this most difficult problem, however, the problem of infinitesimality, more than any thing else, which is destined to give to Homoeopathy that precision, positiveness and certainty, and that separate and equal station among the exact sciences to which the laws of nature entitled it.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1864, pages 500-505]

[Description: Hydrocele.]

[Remedies: Silicea terra]

[Author: Fincke, B.]

[Year: 1864]

A NEW PROVING OF SPONGIA TOSTA .

BY B. FINCKE, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

Our Materia Medica Pura contains an excellent proving of Spongia tosta, furnished by Hahnemann.* [Reine Arzneimittettehre von Samuel Hahnemann 2. Aufl. Dresden u. Leipzig bei Arnold 1827. Vol. VI, p. 195.]

The symptom No. 145 offers a good picture of membraneous croup, but with the exception of the characteristic cough in the following words, (p. 219): "Schweres Athemholen, als ob ein Stoepsel in der Kehle steckte und der Athem durch die Verengerung des Kehl. Ropfes nicht hindurch Koennte (n. 1/2 St.)" i. e. literally: difficult breathing as if a cork were sticking in the throat, and as if the breath could not pass through the narrowing of the larynx.

It was this observation of one of his provers (Lehmann) which led the genius of Hahnemann to recommend the Spongia tosta as the principal remedy in membraneous croup, after the fever is subdued by a small dose of Aconite. The use of Hepar sul. calc. he thought very seldom necessary and lie considered it a remedy of secondary importance, (p.199.)

In accordance with the precepts of Hahnemann, I toasted some Sponge (Spongia officinalis L.) and obtained a brown friable mass, which emitted a penetrating odor, differing from anything I had ever before observed. This odor pervaded the room for several days, though it was ventilated thoroughly, and the impression upon my olfactories was so intense, that I carried it with me for several days; at the same time I felt a scraping in my throat.

I pulverized the mass and prepared the thirtieth potency of it on the Hahnemannian scale. One drop of this attenuation was given the same evening, (January 19, 1850) to Mrs Taube a highly sensitive and intelligent lady, a widow, about 60 years old, of small stature, light complexion, excellent physical constitution and a cheerful temper; she had an alto-voice, and was possessed of a remarkable memory. It must be mentioned that for many years a hard ball of pea-size, consisting of mucus mixed with blood, occasionally forms in her throat. This ball creates there an irritation and is expelled by coughing. She is accustomed to the use of a cup of coffee in the morning for breakfast. After the use of fruit or cider she usually feels a rawness and sensation like a wound in her throat, and loses her voice to more or less extent. In consequence of getting cold she had, many years ago, a lump in her left breast, which has been cured homoeopathically long ago.

PROVING. – Jan. 19, 9 1/2 P. M. Immediately after taking the drug, drawing towards and contraction in the larynx. In moving, severe pressing in the larynx, as if with a nail. Voice cracked. Hoarseness increasing, so that she can speak only with difficulty. Palpitation of the heart and rush of blood to the chest. Weakness in the abdomen. The larynx feels painful to the touch, and as if swollen. Dullness and sensation of gloominess over the root of the nose, as if a common cold were approaching. All these symptoms occur in the first hour until 10 1/2 P. M., when she retires and sleeps well.

20th, Towards morning: starting out of sleep from a shock experienced in the direction from the trachea upwards, as if she would be suffocated, passing off on sitting up in bed. Expectoration of saltish tasting slime. The coffee (she is accustomed to take for breakfast) tastes bitter and disgusting: dinner tastes well. Cheerfulness. Cracked voice. 10 1/2 P. M. Attacks, starting out of sleep from a sudden lacing together in the larynx as if she would be smothered, so that she must sit up quickly, and hawk strongly and hastily, after which the attack goes off.

21st. 8 1/2 A. M. Expectoration of much adhesive mucus.

22nd. A little after 5 A. M. Starting out of sleep from sudden burning, compressing, drawing towards the throat, accompanied with anxiety, disappearing on sitting up in bed, Increased flow of urine.

23rd. In the evening. Pressing in the larynx.

26th. In the evening. Induration of the left breast at a space of 2 inches length by 1/2 inch thickness, painful to the touch, disappearing in the morning.

27th. Taste like Glycerine until Feb. 7, then suddenly changing to that of fresh nuts; also desire for dainties. These latter two symptoms disappeared after 1 drop of the 30th attenuation of Saccharum lactis.

DIGEST OF THE SYMPTOMS. – 1. Dullness and sensation of gloominess over the root of the nose like that preceding a common cold, (the 1st hour after taking the drug in the eve.)

Penetrating odor like toasted Sponge (immediately.)

Scraping in the throat (immediately.)

Taste like Glycerine from the ninth to the twentieth day then suddenly changing to that of fresh nuts (the 19th to the 20th day.)

5. Desire for dainties (the 20th day.) Coffee, (which, she is accustomed to) tastes bitter and disgusting (the 2d day.)

Weakness in the abdomen (the 1st hour.)

Increased flow of urine (the 4th day.)

Cracked voice in the evening; the hoarseness increasing, so that she can only speak with difficulty (the 1st hour.)

10. Cracked voice (the 2d day.)

Severe pressing in, in the larynx, as if with a nail, when moving, in the evening (immediately.)

The larynx is painful to the touch, and appears as if swollen (the 1st hour.)

Pressing in the larynx in the evening (the 5th day.)

Starting out of sleep towards morning from a shock in the trachea upwards like a suffocative paroxysm, passing off after sitting up in bed (the 1st night.)

15. Drawing towards the larynx and contraction therein, in the eveing (immediately.)

Suffocating attack like a sudden lacing together in the larynx during sleep, at 10 1/2 P. M., passing off after sitting up in bed, and after quick and strong hawking (the 2d day.)

Attack of sudden burning and compression. Drawing towards the throat, and anxiety, passing off on sitting up in bed about 5 A. M. (the 3d day.)

Expectoration of much adhessive mucus at 8 1/2 P. M. (the 3d day.)

Saltish, slimy, expectoration in the morning (the 2d day.)

20. Palpitation of the heart and rush of blood to the chest (the 1st hour.)

Induration of the left breast at a space of 2 inches length by 1/2 inch thickness, painful to the touch, coming on in the evening and disappearing in the morning (the 8th day.)

Sound sleep (the 1st day.)

Cheerful mind (the 2d day.)

PATHOGENETIC PICTURE,-The foregoing proving shows the pathogenetic action of Spongia tosta upon the larynx with remarkable distinction and it presents a complete simile of membranous croup in the symptoms No. 9 to 19, as will be seen by the following chronological arrangement.

Immediately after taking the drug at 9 1/2 o'clock in the evening, drawing towards and contraction in the larynx takes place. She moves about the room and finds in moving severe pressing in in the larynx, as if with a nail. Her voice becomes cracked and hoarseness increases, so that she can speak only with difficulty. Palpitation of the heart and rush of blood to the chest follows. She feels weakness in the abdomen. The larynx now feels painful to the touch, and as if swollen, and at the close of the first hour, during which all the preceding symptoms were observed, a dullness and a sensation of gloominess over the root of the nose comes on, as if a common cold were approaching. The prover retires at 10 1/2 o'clock and gets a good sound sleep. But frightened she starts out of sleep towards morning from a shock experienced in the direction from the trachea upwards, as if she would be suffocated: this paroxysm, however, passes off after sitting up. Expectoration of saltish tasting slime follows; the coffee (she is accustomed to take for breakfast) tastes bitter and disgusting: dinner, however, is taken with good appetite and tastes well. The mind is unusually cheerful. Everything seems right, except the voice which continues to be cracked. After getting sound asleep early in the evening she starts up at 10 1/2 o'clock with sudden lacing together in the larynx as if she would be smothered, so that she must sit up quickly and hawk strongly and hastily; then the attack goes off. She is apparently well the same night and the next day, when in the evening, instead of an attack coming on, a great deal of tough mucus is expelled. The next morning a little after 5 o'clock she starts out of a sound sleep again with sudden burning compressing, drawing towards the throat, accompanied this time with real anxiety, which all immediately disappear on sitting up. For two days she is free from these attacks, when on the 5th day a new onset is made in the evening which, however, results only in pressing in the larynx.

CONCLUDING REMARKS : – Comparing the old provings I beg leave to submit the following suggestions:

1. This proving is obtained by a lady. The female larynx bears more resemblance to the puerile one, than that of the adult male, which is not exposed to the membranous croup.

2. It confirms the above mentioned symptom No. 145 of the old Hahnemannian proving, but

3. It shows more particular symptoms of the specific relation of the Spongia tosta to the larynx (No. 9 to 19) and

4. It presents typical paroxysms occurring in the fore and afterpart of the night, characterized by starting out of sleep, and increasing in violence for several days-and

5. It presents the effort to produce the peculiar croupous cough (No.14, 16) which is not expressed in the Hahnemannian proving: –

6. It contains two entirely new symptoms (No. 7 and 20.)

7. The rest of the symptoms partly repeat and partly extend the Hahnemannian proving, and among them No. 20- induratio mammae sinistrae-deserves attention.

8. This proving is one made by a high potency. Very likely the completeness of the picture is owing to this fact. What was not shown by the low dilution of the old provers is in this case brought out in bold relief by the higher power.

I heartly recommend provings by high potencies, as I am sure, our great science will very materially gain by the microscopic precision and accuracy of the pictures thus to be obtained.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 07, 1859, pages 317-322]

[Description: A new proving of Spongia Tosta.]

[Remedies: Spongia tosta]

[Author: Fincke, B.]

[Year: 1859]

PROVINGS OF GALVANISMUS. *[Read before the Homoeopathic Society of the County of Kings, Brooklyn. May 10th, 1859.]

BY B. FINCKE, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

Our homoeopathic literature possesses only few provings of Galvanic Electricity; furnished by Hartlaub and Trinks, in their "Systematische Darstellung der reinen Wirkungen der antipsorischen Mittel-3 Bande, Dresden, bei Arnold, 1829."

Lately, Dr. Nichol has rendered a valuable addition, obtained by a single shock, which was published by order of the Prover's Union, in the North American Journal of Homoeopathy, Vol. VII p. 67.

All these provings point to the pathogenetic relation of Galvanismus to Scarlatina.

The following provings by small doses confirm this view, and at the same time present some other and new symptoms.

The provings were made in the Spring of 1852, by means of a weak Daniel's Battery put up as follows: In a tumbler holding about two ounces of a solution of sulphate of copper, of about one drachm to the ounce of water, was inserted, a two dram bottle opened and closed again with a bladder at the lower end. This bottle was filled with water acidulated with three or four drops of Sulphuric acid. About ten grains of metallic zinc were put in this fluid. Two copper chains made of wire, about one twentieth of an inch in diameter were immersed, the one into the copper solution, and the other into the acidulated water, and the outer ends of these chains formed the poles.

In each case, the two poles were applied for a few seconds to the anterior part of the tongue, one touching it above, the other below.

PROVINGS-1. Mrs. Taube, a widow, 60 years old. hair blond eyes blue, small stature, excellent constitution.

Loss of voice. Tongue, palate, and the whole cavity of the mouth feel like burned. Metallic taste. Teeth hot to the touch, with sensation of coldness in the mouth. Spasm in the left cheek towards the upper jaw. All these symptoms occurred during the first day after application. Pain in all her teeth as after severe cold for two days in succession after application. Burning and tensive pain of the ligaments of the upper lip the second day.

2. Mr. Eimer, printer, single, 26 years old, eyes and half black, tall and stout. Painful pressing in of the whole chest in front, with difficulty of breathing. Painful blister at the inner right upper lip. Rheumatic pain in the right lower jaw behind. These symptoms occurred during the first day after application. Great weariness the second day.

3. Mr. Loew, printer, married, 40 years old; hair and eyes black, small stature, bilious, psoric:

Contraction of the tip of the tongue. Sensation of dryness of the tongue and palate extending into the throat. Tongue white coated. Buzzing in the right ear, Pressing in the sterno-cleido-mastoid at the neck, and sensation of dryness in the throat. Impeded swallowing. Contraction of the throat. Glittering before the eyes. Nebulosity of the head. Pressing upwards of the left side of the head, as if the brain were enlarging. Pressing toward the right side of the forehead from behind forward. The symptoms occurred during the first 3-4 hours after application.

DIGEST OF THE SYMPTOMS. – 1. Nebulosity of the head. (Loew the first 3-4 hours.)

Pressing upward of the left side of the head, as if the brain Were enlarging. (Same.)

Pressing toward the right side of the forehead from behind forward. (Same.)

Pressing in the right sterno-cleido-mastoid at the neck and sensation of dr. ness in the throat. (Same.)

5. Glittering before the eyes.. (Same.)

Buzzing in the right ear. (Same.)

Spasm in the left cheek towards the upper jaw, (Taube, the first day.)

Burning and tensive pain of the ligaments of the upper lip (Taube, the 2d day.)

Rheumatic pain in the right lower jaw behind. (Eimer, the first day.)

10. Painful blister at the inner right upper lip. (Same.) Teeth hot to the touch, with sensation of coldness in the mouth. (Taube, the first day.)

Pain in all the teeth as after severe cold, for two days in succession. (Taube, the 1st and 2d day.)

Tongue, palate and the whole cavity of the mouth like burned. (Taube, the first day.)

Contractions of the tip of the tongue. (Loew, the first 3-4 hours.)

15. Sensation of dryness of the tongue and of the palate extending into the throat. (Same.)

White coated tongue. (Same.)

Metallic taste. (Taube, the 1st day.)

Impeded swallowing. (Leow, the first three or four hours.)

Sensation of dryness in the throat. (Same.)

20. Contraction of the throat (Same)

Loss of voice. (Taube, the 1st day.)

Painful pressing in of the whole chest in front with difficulty of breathing. (Eimer, the first day)

Great weariness. (Same the 2d day.)

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 01, 1859, pages 34-37]

[Description: Provings of Galvanismus.]

[Remedies: Galvanismus]

[Author: Fincke, B.]

[Year: 1859]

LETTER FROM DR. E. P. FOWLER.

EDITORS AMERICAN HOM. REVIEW,

I observed in the Nov. No. of your REVIEW, a notice by Dr. J. R. Coxe, Jr., of Hempel and Beakley's Manual, just issued by Mr. Radde.

You will please pardon me for intruding a few additional remarks. I shall not dilate upon "the difficulty attending the production of a Domestic Physician." Judging from their numbers, however, one might easily fell into the conclusion that, conception, gestation and parturition of these beings were attended with no unusual degree of hazard; their subsequent existence, however is quite another question.

In looking over this new manual, I noticed on pages 98-9, this curiosity in the way of calculation.

"If every body now living," he says, "would at once discard the use of animal food, and confine himself to the use of vegetables and fruit, an universal state of starvation would ensue; for there would not be a sufficency of vegetable food to supply the demands of our own country, much less the population of the whole globe. The existing poverty of the globe is one principal, and probably the principal, objection to the introduction of a strictly vegetable diet in all families and countries. Man would consume immensely more vegetables than he now does, and if every spot of the globe's surface were cultivated, it is not probable that, with our present means of producing, tee should be able to make the surface of the globe yield enough to satisfy the wants of all its inhabitants. "

The first reading of such announcement in regard to the animal economy of our earth, awakened within me quite a sentiment of surprise; and when I paused for a moment, to reflect upon the relative proportions of land and human beings, and took into my hand a work on agricultural statistics. I confess that I stood appalled at the idea of becoming, in common with the whole world, a vegetarian; that is, provided we were to consume all that the earth would produce: for I found that every human being would be obliged, (after deducting one half for animal consumption,) to accommodate his stomach to the trifle of more than one ton of food per diem!

Fancying myself in the middle of that distant period, the Millennium, when all nations shall become one, and under the rule of a Vegetarian Autocrat, I found, according to Dr. Hempel's statement, that every human fated to live in that period was doomed to digest more than ten times his own weight (200 pounds) of food per diem. And this is the process by which I arrived at this solemn conclusion.

According to ordinary computation (1) [Black's General Atlas.] there are upwards of fifty millions of square English miles of land-surface upon our globe, and the same authorities estimate a human population of less than one billion, which would allow one square mile to every twenty inhabitants, or thirty-two acres to each individual.

With ordinary care in farming, the average crop of cabbage is from thirty-five to forty tons per acre; and of parsnips from thirteen to twenty-seven tons, (and some vegetables average still more);of the two mentioned the mean gives upwards of twenty-eight tons of vegetable produce per acre. (2) [Farmers Guide, vol, I p207, by H, Stephens, F, R, S, E,] Now this would allow to every human individual, a daily quantity of nearly fifty hundred pounds of food. But a good man (all will in that day be good,) should be kind and generous to his beasts, so let us deduct, say twenty hundred pounds of this daily allowance, with which to support three or four animals, leaving for every man, woman or child, nearly thirty hundred pounds per diem.

The capacity of the author of the first part of this Manual, however, is such, that under even these circumstances he fears starvation!

Another point: – our author recommends a continuation of the use of animal food, not because it is best, or was so intended by Nature, but because of necessity – as a matter of economy. Let us investigate, and perhaps we shall find here developed a new principle of economy.

An ox, at four years of age, (and tough proofs often remind us that thin animal not unfrequently survives this age by some years,) and weighing two thousand pounds, (3) [And this is unusually large weight, see Farmers Gside, vol. II, p. 700.] is obtained at a vegetable expense of not less than forty thousand pounds, or every pound of such flesh costs twenty of vegetable. (4) [Op. Cit. vol. II, p, 144.] This is counting the whole weight of the animal as he stands alive; but every one hundred pounds of this "live weight," gives less than sixty percent, (57) of batcher's meat, (5) [Op. Cit. vol. II, p, 144.] so that every pound of eatable beef costs over thirty ave pounds of vegetable food.

According to the army and navy diet-scales of France and England, about two and a half pounds avoirdupois of dry food per diem are required for each individual, (6) [Drapers Phys., p.11] three quarters vegetable and one quarter animal.

Now one pound of flesh per diem will not support an active man, and this one pound, as we have shown, costs over thirty-five pounds of vegetable matter, of which not more than five pounds per diem can be digested by one ordinary man, so that one days living upon beef (one pound) costs seven days of vegetable living, (5 lbs. per day.) Verily the present is a new era in the annals of economy! Who knows but that our temperance friends may be unconsciously precipitating us into a world of trouble; for upon the same manner of induction a scarcity of water might ensue were we to abstain from the use of liquors, coffee, &c.

It is truly (wonderful, to conclude our remarks upon the proceeding quotation), how any one with the ninth part of a rightful claim to knowledge of Comparative Anatomy and Physiology can totally disregard and ignore the foundation principle of the entire science, namely; that Nature adapts every part to its normal use; and canine teeth, and the construction of man's digestive organs belong to no purely herbivorous animal.

But this lop-sided theory, sometimes designated the 'Bran-Bread Philosophy,' requires no human opponent to overthrow it. To those who have eyes and understanding and are willing to use the same, Nature every hour proclaims it false. Therefore it is a waste of time and patience to employ one moment in demolishing the straw-man.

Reverting to pp. 15-16 we read as follows: –

"The treatment of disease is not only much more positive and certain than formerly, but it is likewise much less complicated, and the most enlightened members of the medical profession are constantly endeavoring to render it so simple, that it requires but an ordinary degree of intelligence and education to administer medicines in a successful manner, without much previous preparation in the class-room or hospital. The discovery of homoeopathy favors the adaptation of medical science to the plain, non-professional understanding. Homoeopathy is destitute of the technical jargon of the old school of medicine, of its Latin formulas and the undecipherable scrawls of pedantic practitioners: and all attempts to engraft the superannuated gibberish of the past upon the lucid science of the present, and of the future, should be discontinued."

Then why, pray, does our good friend, Dr. Hempel, in the capacity of a professor in a college avowedly devoted to instruction in the practice of Homoeopathic Medicine, take money and give in return that which can be no earthly use? What possible excuse, in conscience, has he for abstracting the money from, and trifling with the time of those mortals that would waste their years in vain study of Medicine, when they are just as successful and just as beneficial to their race "without much previous preparation in the class-room or hospital?" Why does he not honestly inform them that no such preparation is necessary, and advise them to go about their business and save their time and means?

With a mind and education such as I know Dr. Hempel possesses, and occupying the position which he does in the school of Homoeopathy, I have regretted this more than any thing else which I have ever seen emanating from his pen.

Homoeopathic physicians number largely and are yearly increasing; and such paragraphs as the above, from a teacher and a voluminous writer in homoeopathy, are calculated to instil into this large class a stagnating indolence and thereby to produce a state of ignorance which would degrade its adherents and render the school an object of merited contempt. Great heavens! how long must education be thus protested, and the arteries of Science be thus wounded by those who are nourished from them, and for the ignoble purpose of flattering the unlettered public with the idea that by purchasing a Domestic Manual they may at once rank in skill with Hippocrates, Galen, Hunter or Hahnemann? How can the quotation last made become reconciled with the following which I take from page 14?

"The study of the nature, course and relation of these phenomena (morbid phenomena,) has, from time immemorial, been a subject of high interest to man, and now constitutes one of the most important branches of human knowledge."

Or how does it compare with this, from pp. 88-9?

"Physicians who proceed in this manner seem to ignore the fact that diseases are disturbances of the organism, and that the symptom simply reveuls the nature of these disturbances to those whose intelligence enables them to interpret the phenomenal signs of disease."

And again this:

"The whole science of practical medicine resolves itself to these two questions: What ails a patient? and, secondly, what means have to be employed to care him? The first question implies a knowledge of all the various diseases that mankind are subject to; and the second, a knowledge of the remedial agents that Nature has furnished us against disease, and of tha curative virtues inherent in every particular medicine. Hence, in order to obtain this knowledge, it would seem as though a person ought to study medicine as a science, by attending lectures, visiting hospitals, dissecting dead bodies, and the like.

And this is certainly indispensable to a man who does not mean to content himself with the practice of medicine for a livelihood, but who has the highest interest of medicine at heart and is anxious to perfect it as a Science."

Between these, and the extract from pp. 15-16, others may be able to trace some element of compatibility; I confess I can not.

And now in regard to the "technical jargon of the old school of medicine:"will the author be so kind as to inform his readers wherein "Homoeopathy is destitute" of such "jargon?" If there be not as much of "technical jargon," "Latin formulas" and "superannuated gibberish," incomprehensible to the layman, in the two volumns of the Symptomen Codex, translated by Charles Julius Hempel, M. D., as there is in the two volumns of Allopathic practice by Dr. Watson, then I mistake the meaning of these terms.

But the denunciation of Latin is simply a popular species of talk for "Buncombr." Dr. Hempel knows very well that the terms of all Science, in all parts of the civilized world, are from Latin or Greek; and why should they be discarded, and new terms constructed in every language, thus rendering the acquirement of a new set of technics in each language necessary, before scientific works, upon the same subjects, in the different tongues, could be understood.

This mode of gaining popular applause may grace the speeches of a "stump orator," but they ill befit a work of science.

Under the head of "WHEN MAY PALLIATIVES BE USED," page 47, is the following: –

"Strictly speaking, man's whole life is a system of palliation. Man eats to satisfy his hunger; this is, so to say, a palliation, for after a certain period, the hunger returns and has to be appeased or palliated a second time, and so on until death. The same is true in regard to thirst, sleep, and all the other animal functions."

The term palliation, signifies not a fulfillment or satisfying of demand, but only a concealment of such demand leaving it nevertheless really unanswered. Food is the proper demand of hunger, and therefore food is not a palliation of hunger, but an absolute and real cure of it. The same of thirst, sleep, rest, &c., so that to say the least, the term palliative is here misapplied.

Passing to page 49, he thus gives poor bungling Nature a hit: –

"But it is well known that nature, unassisted by art, is generally powerless and insufficient to cure disease, or if she does cure, she does it bunglingly."

In some of the French hospitals Nature seems to have been in better humor than during her interviews with the doctor.

In the work are perpetuated many symptoms as pathogenetic of certain remedies, which symptoms are evidently chance occurrences; as, for example, (and I opened the book at random for the examples,) on page 228 he informs us that Hyoscyamus is indicated when one "acts as though he were chasing peacocks;" and on the opposite page Mercurius is indicated when she "heats the stove in the middle of summer, places candles in one corner of the room and boots in another;" also when she "laps up cow-dung," &c.

Is it not high time to disarm the opponents of Homoeopathy by the disuse of such (in some cases disgusting) nonsense?

There is one point at least, in the book, which is not stultified by contradiction; namely, the applicability of Aconite to every known disease.

The foregoing remarks may seem censorious: they are made however, with no ill will towards the author, Dr. Hempel, for I really respect his talents and learning, and, as exhibited in some of his productions, am proud of him as a writer. One's best friends however are never those who most successfully flatter, and with the kindest of feelings towards Dr. Hempel, whom I have formerly had the pleasure of knowing, I conclude these observations.

EDWARD P. FOWLER. M. D., 20 West 11th St., New York.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 04, 1859, pages 179-183]

[Description: Letter from Dr. E. P. Fowler.]

[Author: Fowler, E.P.]

[Year: 1859]

NOTES ON LACHESIS.

By J. H. P. Frost, M.D., Bangor, ME.

May it not have been the case that those Homoeopathicians who have thrown doubt upon the efficacy of Lachesis, did not possess a reliable sample of this heroic remedy? Such has been the thought that passed through my mind as, again and again, I have seen the most prompt and beneficent action follow the exhibition of Lachesis in the most hopeless and desperate cases. When properly prepared as a homoeopathic remedy, its power for good is the exact analogue of the tremendous power for evil which it exerts in the natural state.

The forms of disease that best display the astonishing virtues of Lachesis, though various, are fortunately rare. But when they do appear, no other remedy can arrest the march of the destroyer. And in its far-reaching influence upon the deepest and most interior recesses of the human organism, no other drug, save Arsenic perhaps, can be compared with this. For it not only reaches the disease in the very penetralia of the system, but follows its course and completely removes it, even alter it has produced such structural changes as, in themselves, threaten to become reactively destructive. Its wonderful power in advanced stages of membranous croup, and the regenerating influence which it exerts upon gangrenous and dropsical conditions are examples to the point. Even Hempel [Materia Medica, Vo., II p. 541, Second Edition.] is forced to admit its efficacy in gangrene; but he has as little reason for limiting the sphere of Lachesis to "traumatic gangrene," as he had for totally repudiating it in the first place. We give brief details of a case of each of the above-mentioned forms of disease, in which Lachesis was given alone and with the most gratifying results.

Case 1. About three o'clock of the second night I had spent in watching over a severe case of membranous croup, in a child of two years, I took advantage of some seeming abatement of the symptoms, to go home and get some sleep. Being summoned in haste, three hours after, I found the little boy in his cradle, recently awakened from sleep, apparently in a dying condition. This was not a simple paroxysmal aggravation of the case, but, after forty-eight hours struggle with the disease, the child seemed actually dying. I was just on the point of turning round to the parents and telling them so, and that I could do no more for him. But at the moment it occurred to me that they did not send for me for that purpose, but rather to try all in my power to save him. The desperate nature of the case and perhaps some peculiarity of the symptoms which I do not now recall and especially the remarkable aggravation after sleeping, led me to give Lachesis. And when I left the house half an hour after, so great had been the immediate improvement that I considered the patient out of danger. He took no other remedy, and made a speedy recovery. This was the termination of one of the severest and most obstinate cases of croup I ever fought out, one which began also in the middle of the afternoon. And I have ever noticed that the attacks of croup, which begin in the afternoon, are always of a graver character than those which first appear later in the evening; while those which occur after midnight seem milder still.

Case 2. A babe about a year old, and apparently healthy, had one or two incisors lanced. The little fellow proved to be what is popularly termed a "natural bleeder." For five days and nights the blood flowed constantly, resisting every homoeopathic remedy, and external application. The flow, kept up in no small degree by his incessantly sucking the bleeding gums, continued till he vomited blood, passed only blood per anum and refused all nourishment. At last the Per-chloride of Iron arrested the hemorrhage. But the child, being of a remarkably scrofulous constitution as indicated by the nature of the case, if by nothing else, became cachectic and dropsical.

The anasarca was very great. Black and blue spots, Ecchymoses, appeared all over him; the least touch or pressure would produce them; and it was exceedingly difficult to handle him on account of the excessive tenderness of his body; there was a well-marked aggravation after sleeping; and extreme deathly paleness of the face. To this condition the case had advanced, in spite of Sulphuric acid, Arsenic, China and other remedies. And still the child grew worse, and the vital powers so feeble, that all expected a speedy release of the little sufferer by death. Lachesis prescribed and administered by Dr. B. C. Woodbury, at that time studying with me, and under whose immediate care the case was (at a considerable distance in the country,) effected a complete cure, of which the child is now a sturdy witness.

It is greatly to be regretted that no examination of the urine was made in this case; as it is a matter of no small interest to decide that the dropsy which results from excessive loss of blood is attended by albuminous urine. Marshall Hall [Quoted by Marcy and Hunt, Il. 741] says of such cases "I do not know whether the urine be coagulable." Nor have I been able to find in other works, any more positive testimony on this point. But from what may be termed dynamic reasons, as regards the condition of the blood itself, I am inclined to think that the very scanty urine, whether whitish or darker colored, of persons laboring under dropsy from loss of blood, will be found largely albuminous.

Case 3. On the second day of last June I was called to see a Mrs. F., aged about 20, two years married, and now six months advanced in her first pregnancy. A year previous she had been very ill with fever, under allopathic treatment; and ever since, she had suffered from pain in the small of the back, and difficult, scanty and painful urination. Now, her lower limbs were very much enlarged, the dropsical swelling was very obvious in the sacral region; the urine was very scanty whitish, and threw down a thick sediment. In spite of the remedies which I gave, seeing her twice only in the first week of my attendance, she grew rapidly worse, partly from going up stairs to sleep at night, and was soon entirely confined to her bed. The urine on being boiled became wholly solid, albuminous to the last degree. The vulvae became enormously distended, so that she could only lie on her back with her legs widely separated. From her feet to her waist, the edema was very great indeed; her body up to the mammae was as round as a barrel. The totality of the urine passed in twenty-four hours would not exceed two ounces. She had little or no cough, and both heart and lungs remained unaffected; the edema was excessive but there was no effusion. The pulse was about ninety.

Acupuncture relieved the vulvae; the flow was copious, rapidly saturating the cloths; but although the almost transparent enlargement of the parts was not reduced more than one fourth during several days, she was made more comfortable. But neither Arsenic, Digitalis, Mercurius nor Apis, nor in fact any remedy I could find indicated, had any effect to increase the quantity of urine or in the least retard the steady and rapid increase of the general dropsy. It seemed that paracentesis would be absolutely indispensable; and even with that I could anticipate little more than temporary relief. And the more especially since I learned that not only her mother but all her mother's sisters and even her maternal grandmother were much inclined to dropsy in general, and particularly when enceinte.

Anxiously desirous of avoiding the operation which, if but partially successful, would yield little relief, and which if it allowed the escape of much of the vast quantity of water accumulated in the abdomen alone, could hardly fail to be followed by fatal collapse, I determined to make one more trial, and gave her on the evening of the 17th, one half of a fresh infusion of Apis. The next morning I found she had passed a chamberful of urine. Directing the remainder of the infusion to be given in divided doses through the day, on the morning of the 20th, I found to my disappointment, that no very considerable amount of urine had been discharged, though the patient was easier. Part of a new infusion of Apis was at once given, and at three p. m., being called in great haste, I found her in the almost convulsive agonies of desperate labor. The peculiar conformation of the edematous vulvae rendering the passage of the head impossible, I perforated it with my pocket knife, and, within five minutes of entering the house, successfully delivered my patient of a fully developed child of seven months, which had evidently been dead several days. Before the delivery, it did not seem possible she could survive, so intense was the agony, more than a few moments; while the distress about the chest and the imminent danger of thoracic effusion called for the most prompt and effectual action.

The next day the patient was quite as comfortable as could be expected. But the dropsy, instead of beginning to diminish after the delivery, continued rapidly to increase. The vulvae still required the acupuncture. The feet and legs at first seemed to decrease in size; but on the 26th inst., I found the left leg very much more swollen and painful from the knee down; and she had dry, hacking cough. On the 27th, her pulse was 110; the swelling of the bowels had subsided as the left leg increased in size; and she complained of great pain from the least movement of the leg, and a steady ache in it all the time. The whole of the left side was now remarkably enlarged, and but little urine had passed since her delivery. She got Bryonia with no improvement, till the 29th, when she complained of pain in the bowels and head, and nausea and faintness on being raised up; the urine was almost totally suppressed, and she was evidently very low. On the 30th no better; the left side and leg still more heavy, the latter almost like elephantiasis and so enlarged that she was entirely unable to move it. Gave Lachesis^8 a powder dry, once in four hours.

Calling the next day I was most agreeably surprised to find her better. She had passed six quarts of urine since taking the Lach. twenty-four hours ago; and she can move her leg a little. July 2nd, I continue to quote from my note-book, passed a great quantity of urine under Lachesis^8 July 3rd. Much better; the swelling is going down from the left side and leg; passes a great deal of water. Lach. 8 ter in die. July 4th. Still better; pulse ninety-six; Lach^200

July 6th. Much better; medicine continued. On the 9th, I gave Lach. 8 with benefit. On the 13th, for pain in calf of the leg worse on motion, she got Bry. On the 15th, she complained of feeling faint, "all gone" after eating; pains in the left knee, with considerable contraction of the cords; gave Kalm. lat. under which she improved. I find no further notes of his case till the 29th. "Still some swelling in the legs; but she is down stairs, goes up to sleep, and has been out of doors." Lachesis^8, a dose once in a day or two, for a little while, removed all the last traces of her illness.

Thus the Lachesis (with the doubtful help of one or two intercurrent remedies) in a remarkably short time restored to perfect health a young woman constitutionally predisposed to dropsy, whose kidneys had been diseased for an entire year, and in whom the dropsy and albuminous urine incident to pregnancy had very greatly increased after her premature delivery. Her health and strength are now, after six months, better than they had been for a year and a half previous; she keeps house and does her own work. The most strongly pronounced indications for this remedy in this case are found in the remarkable swelling of the left foot and leg, and the swelling of the whole of the left side. Great paleness of the face was also a marked feature in this case.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1865, pages 490-495]

[Description: Notes on Lachesis.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Frost, J.H.P.]

[Year: 1865]

POST SCARLATINA DROPSY

BY J. H. P. FROST, M. D., BANGOR, ME.

This form of dropsy constitutes one of the most frequent and important of the sequelae of Scarlatina. Its first appearance is usually in from ten to twenty days after the subsidence of the original symptoms; but the patient cannot be said to have escaped all danger of this kind till a much later period. The swelling having been known to set in as late as the fifth week after the completion of the desquamation.

A very different liability to this disease doubtless exists in different persons. In some children it makes its appearance in spite of all ordinary precautions and without any apparent cause; while others, who have been less carefully treated and much more exposed, may escape entirely.

"The swelling is first observed in the face and upper part of the body to which it is sometimes confined, though more generally it extends over the whole body." In severe cases the urine is thick, scanty, and dark colored; passed only at intervals, or almost entirely suppressed. There is more or less feverishness, especially at night, with great nocturnal restlessness. In mild cases the swelling may be the only obvious indication of disease, the change in the urine not being sufficiently marked to attract attention.

Scarlatina dropsy appears to be originally a pure anasarca or dropsy of the subcutaneous cellular tissue. In this primary stage, it readily yields to homoeopathic treatment; but if left to itself, it tends, after a certain time, to invade some noble organ. In the secondary stage, which is greatly aggravated by improper medication, there is seldom any possibility of saving the patient. For whether the effusion and accumulation be on the brain, in the chest, within the pericardium, or in the abdomen, the disease runs a course so rapid as to give little time for treatment. And where the kidneys are primarily or principally affected, the fatal termination may be still more sudden. As Dr. Laurie well remarks, "the extent of the anasarcous swelling does not always indicate the degree of danger." And so insidious is the disease, that children are sometimes past all help before the parents are so much alarmed as to send for a physician.

Scarlatina dropsy may come on without any apparent cause, or it may result from premature exposure to cold; but whether spontaneous or not, it appears only in those cases in which the primary affection was not of a severe character. Such at least has been the case with those which have come under my observation. This, however, is denied by an allopathic author,* ["North American Journal of Horn.," Vol. I., p.130] who remarks that he has observed dropsy to ensue more frequently after a severe attack of scarlatina, than when the symptoms were of more moderate character. But the weight of authority is against him. Dr. Phillips states "that the succeeding dropsy was very common in the mild epidemic which he witnessed." Dr. Watson states "that this dropsy has an inverse relation to the violence and danger of the preceding exanthem; and that it is much more common after a mild than after a severe disease." Dr. Tweedie states†["Cyclopaedia of Practical Medicine"] that "this dropsy is remarked to succeed as often to the mild as to the more severe forms of this disease. Bat it has never been observed to supervene in cases of malignant scarlatina."

In the more severe cases, which are less liable to be followed by dropsy, the subsequent desquamation is much more rapid, while the elimination of effete matters by means of abscesses, or otherwise, may greatly relieve the whole system in general, and consequently the kidneys in particular.

The question raised, in the article above referred to, respecting the presence of albumen in the urine of scarlatina patients, can have little interest for the homoeopathic practitioner, who does not expect to treat abnormal vital action on chemical principles.

Nor can the attempt to identify scarlatina dropsy with what is called "Bright's Disease" interest him further than as affording an illustration of the folly of treating diseases by name alone. For when it is attempted to show that albumen is present in the urine of scarlatina patients, authorities differ. Solon finds albumen in twenty-two out of twenty-three cases; while Phillipe states that in sixty cases of the disease in which he tested the urine for albumen, no trace of that principle could be found. So that considering the presence of albumen in the urine an essential characteristic of "Bright's Disease" the allopathic theorists are completely at a loss. Nor will the case be helped by the proof that we may have "Bright's Kidneys," that is granular degeneration, without albuminous urine, on the one hand, and albuminous urine without "Brights Kidneys," on the other.*["American Journal Medical Science." 1843, p. 452.]

In scarlatinal, as in every other form of dropsy, the kidneys are necessarily more or less affected. And the concentration of this dropsy, on these organs, is the most insidious and dangerous form in which it can terminate. And yet so long as it does locate in other vital organs, and prove fatal by effusion, as in the pericardium, it can never be properly considered identical with Bright's or any other disease of the kidneys. No good can result from attempting to imprison

the ever-varying forms of disease within the narrow limits of a fixed nomenclature. While by tracing the origin and development of the various forms of disease in accordance with the dynamic action, we may discover valuable means of prevention if not of cure.

Even in comparatively mild cases of scarlatina, the capillary system of the skin must be more or less congested and obstructed. And the same inflammatory action which renders the urine scanty, prevents perspiration. All this naturally tends to promote dropsical accumulations.*["That the distended or overloaded state of the capillaries which occurs daring inflammation, may cause great and disproportionate increase in the fluid exhaled, is established by the phenomena of the inflammation of the filamentous tissues, especially of the serous membranes. In the former, edema and anasarca are results by no means unfrequent.

"The best examples of morbid increase of exhalation is conceived to be found in those of the serous membranes, giving rise to the disease termed dropsy. It is most frequent in the peritoneum, and in the general cellular membrane; less so in the pleura and pericardium, and in the arachnoid and its divisions" — Craigie's Path. Anat., p. 190.

"Dropsy after Scarlatina is of an acute or sub-acute kind; arising from increased action of the sanguiferous system, the consequence of this increased action is the effusion of serous fluid into the external tissues of the body, or where there is still greater vascular excitement, into one or other of these cavities" — Tweedie.]

As the scarlatina subsides desquamation sets in, and the urine becomes even more abundant than in health; but this desquamation, by preventing the return of the skin to the performance of its proper functions, perpetuates the evil influence exerted by the primary disease, and continues to impose a double duty upon the kidneys, — a burden evidently greater than they can long sustain. And so, when convalescence seems almost complete, dropsy ensues from the failure of the kidneys to carry off the unusual exhalation, while, at the same time, attempting to do their own work and that of the skin. Or where, from exposure to cold in this period, a still more serious impression is reflected from the tender skin upon the already over-burdened kidneys, they become congested and entirely obstructed, the uraemic poison, accumulating for a short time, and finding no outlet from the system, is suddenly re-absorbed, and coma, vomiting and convulsions close the scene.

In the mildest forms of scarlatina, the principal, if not the only indication of its presence, consists in the vomiting which announces its onset. Even these cases are sometimes followed by dropsy, and that too without the intervention of any exposure. There can be little doubt that in these cases, the primary fever or scarlatina virus, failing to develop itself on the skin, attacks the complementary organic structure of the kidneys. In such cases the anasarca may be regarded rather as the consequence than as the cause of the renal disease.

Thus it will be seen that there are two distinct forms of scarlatinal dropsy. One, in which the dropsy begins primarily from the state of the skin as disordered by scarlatina, and, perhaps, aggravated by exposure to cold; the other, in which the dropsy arises from disease of the kidneys themselves, consequent on the scarlatina virus settling upon them instead of being developed on the skin. And this we regard as a most important distinction, as well with respect to the course and termination of the disease which must be anticipated, as with respect to the treatment which must be pursued. Not but that the totality of the symptoms, in each case, must indicate the appropriate remedies, but the comparative value of the symptoms themselves must greatly differ in these different forms of disease.

The tendency of scarlatina dropsy to attack some noble organ has been already noticed. But this has relation to the first-mentioned or anasarcous form of the disease only. Here the age and constitutional peculiarities of the patient exert a predominant influence. Thus it is easy to see how readily this dropsy may assume the form of Hydrocephalus in children predisposed to this disease. So in cases complicated with hereditary debility or actual disease of the lungs, the same dropsy may as naturally assume the form of Hydrothorax. For similar reasons, no doubt, the heart is often attacked, though the indications of such a predisposition can seldom be pointed out in advance.

But, in what we have termed the second form of scarlatina dropsy, that in which the kidneys are the primary and principal seat of the disease, death may supervene from re-absorption before the edema has exerted any injurious influence in other parts of the body. The mode in which this form is usually developed, we have assumed to be by the original scarlatina virus attacking these organs instead of manifesting itself on the skin: but this renal disease may also be brought on by the combined influence of severe exposure and local, organic, and constitutional obstruction.

There is still another form of disease intimately connected with this subject. This is seen in the inflammation, shining, swelling and intense pains in the (wrist and ankle) joints, which sometimes appear as the eruption subsides and the desquamation commences. By allopathic writers this is termed scarlatinal rheumatism.* ["Braith. Retrospect." No. 33, p. 30.]And it may be said to resemble simple, arthritic inflammation also in its disposition, so much greater in children than in adults, to metastasis to the heart. But it differs from all ordinary arthritic inflammation by an almost equally marked tendency to purulent effusion into the 'affected joints. This form of disease, though fortunately rather rare, is sometimes epidemic. Sometimes also it is complicated with great swelling in the neck, enlargement of the sub-maxillary glands and other indications of acute scrofulosis. Such a case I have seen baffle the utmost efforts of an eminent and skillful Homoeopath;†[The late Dr. F. Campos, Norfolk, Va.] and, under the ordinary treatment, these cases are usually, if not invariably fatal.

We subjoin brief notes of a few cases, illustrative of the views advanced in this paper, and of the action of some of the homoeopathic remedies.

Case I. — J. C, aged six years. Soon after recovering from a mild attack of scarlatina, in which he was attended by a homoeopathic physician, became dropsical. When first seen by me on the 10th instant, he "had been swollen about a week," His face, hands, feet, chest and abdomen were much swollen; a complete case of anasarca which had succeeded the scarlatina without any apparent exposure. Much thirst, hut drinks hut little at a time; urine scanty and dark colored; feverish; pulse 100, small; drowsy by day, restless by night. Has been taking Aconite with some relief of the fever. Gave him Aconite.3 and Arsenic.4, in solution, alternately once in four hours.

12th inst. Less swollen; pulse 88; urine more copious; is cross and fractious; calls for food. Medicines continued, a dose once in five hours; under which he made a rapid and complete recovery.

Case II. — The same physician*[DR. E. MANTER, Winterport, Me.] soon after reported to me the case of a child, who from general dropsy after scarlatina, was so much swollen as to be "nearly if not quite as broad as he was long," and who, in forty-eight hours, was restored to his natural size, and in a very short time after to entire health, under the influence of Cainca^1.

Case III. — C. N., aged nine years. October 3rd. Attacked by scarlatina tolerably severe, but from which, under homoeopathic treatment, he made a good recovery. He was a delicate child; and, perhaps, from exposure in going to the door, on the morning of the 23rd his mother noticed the swelling in his face.

24th. Considerable anasarca; dry, hacking cough; tongue covered with whitish coating; a slight eruption around the chin; nose bleeds at night; urine dark, thick and scanty; very restless at night. Apis in drop doses once in three hours.

25. No relief from the medicine. Feverish and very restless at night; cough dry and troublesome; other symptoms about the same. To take Arsenic. 4 in solution once in four hours.

26th. Rested much better last night; cough easier; face less swollen, but no diminution of the ascites; urine passed but twice in twenty-four hours, scanty, thick, dark colored, and smelling very offensively. Cainca^1 in two drop doses, once in four hours.

27th, p.m. The Cainca caused, this a.m., considerable discharge of urine so deep red as to greatly alarm the parents, who thought it blood. Rested better last night, and seems much improved in general appearance; nose bled freely in the night; scrotum still remains considerably swollen. Cainca 1 and Arsenic.4, in alternation, a dose once in six hours.

28th. Passed a large quantity of dark red urine this morning. Scrotum still swollen, right side more than left; cough continues dry and troublesome. Rhus tox^2 and Cainca.2 in alternation, every four hours; a dose of Arsenic^4 at night.

29th. Patient improving; passes considerable very dark urine. Scrotum and right testicle still swollen; no other dropsical appearance. Tonsils inflamed and enlarged; uvula elongated, causing dry, hacking cough. Merc. sol.4 and Rhus tox^2 alternate, every six hours.

31st. Dressed and runs about the room; scrotum a little swollen; urine copious and red as madder dye. Medicine continued.

November 2nd. Scrotum still swollen; tonsils enlarged and uvula elongated, but no cough. Bryonia^3, p.m., and Merc. iod.4, a.m.

12th. Found only some enlargement of the tonsils, which disappeared under Baryta c.4 and 30

It is possible that the Apis might have more rapidly relieved the persistent swelling of the scrotum and the throat symptoms. The severe nocturnal restlessness, due no doubt to incipient hydrothorax, was well controlled and finally removed by the Arsenicum.

Case IV. — H. T., aged four years, October 19th. Eruption of scarlet rash over the whole body except the face; not ill enough to be undressed; and the exanthem disappeared in the usual time. On the 24th, for the remaining sore-throat, he got Bell^3 and Merc.4, morning and evening.

25th, p.m. Began to grow worse, and suffered all night with severe pain in the backs of his hands, of which he seemed to have lost the use. They could not be moved without making him scream; and were covered with perspiration. Considerable stiffness of the neck; but no general fever; much worse after sleeping.

26th. Saw him at nine, a.m. In addition to the above symptoms, he complains of pain in his head. Gave Lach.4 one dose, and ordered Acon. 2, once in four hours. At three, p.m., found him quite comfortable, but feverish; pulse 120, and quick. Gave Acon. which relieved the fever, and he went to sleep. At five, p.m., he was much worse, as before, after sleeping. Intense pains "like a knife," as he expressed it, in the temples and head, which make him scream. Pains worse on the least motion; considerable fever; neck stiff; constipated, during the night he had made two or three ineffectual attempts to relieve the bowels. Bell.2, in solution, repeated every half hour greatly relieved him, so that his pulse came down to 100, before nine, p.m.

27th. Passed a comfortable night; some pain in the right ear, and in his head on rising; pupils dilated; temperature of body natural. Got Lach. 4 at eight, p.m., and injection per anum at nine, with no result. At four, p.m., his father becoming uneasy at his having had no stool for more than forty-eight hours, gave him a dose of oil. At seven, p.m., he raised himself up and cried with a return of the pain in his head, which was quickly relieved by a dose of Bell. Found him at nine, p.m., resting comfortably, with profuse perspiration on head, hands and feet.

28th. Had a very good night, passing at four, a.m., a very large, hard stool.

December 1st. The remaining stiffness of the neck was removed by Bryonia and Nux.

This child possesses a strong nervous sanguine constitution, from infancy suffered with hereditary and most obstinate constipation, with occasional severe attacks of inflammation and obstruction of the bowels; but, under homoeopathic treatment, he had for two years been almost entirely free from this difficulty. The symptoms of this case, as well as their prompt relief by the Bell., seem to indicate an attack of Cerebral (Meningeal) Tuberculosis.

Case V. — Miss E. G., aged nineteen years. Had what was thought to be the true scarlatina, in mild form. At the end of the second week was apparently in her usual health, when her brother, in whose house she lived, on his return from a journey, and knowing nothing of the nature of the disease, took her out sleigh riding. Such exposure could not fail to produce bad consequences. At the end of another week I saw her for the first time. Face considerably bloated, especially the right cheek, and of a dark purple color. From not having seen her before, and from her being of a (scrofulous) fleshy habit, I could not judge the degree of general swelling. Pulse slow and apparently obstructed; urine quite scanty,

Saturday. Gave Cainca1.

Monday. She seemed about the same; medicine continued.

Tuesday. The bloating had considerably subsided; urine more free. Continued medicine.

Was prevented from seeing her till the following Saturday. She had been out of medicine two days.

Thursday. She began to relapse, having improved till then.

Friday evening she learned the dangerous illness of a dear sister at a distance; and her decease was announced to her on Saturday evening.

This (Saturday, p.m.,) I found her dressed and about the room as she had been all the week; her face bloated and purple as before, and she complained of swelling in the small of the back. She was evidently worse than when I first saw her that day week. Apprehensive of serious mischief in the kidneys, I gave her Merc.4, with little hope of benefit.

Sunday. She seemed quite as well as the day before, and retired to rest at night as usual. But at breakfast time, next morning, was found in convulsions, with dark blood gushing from her mouth. She was quite insensible, and remained comatose all day, with convulsions and vomiting of blood at intervals, till about midnight, when she died.

This was plainly a case of re-absorption of the uraemic poison; the fatal crisis having doubtless been hastened by the distressing news she had heard a few hours before.

Case VI. — Miss C. B., aged nine years, cousin to case three. Had a slight touch of scarlatina. No physician employed till a week after she began to swell from premature exposure out of doors; then took the usual allopathic remedies (?) "Sal tartar" principally, and in liberal doses. The powerful influence of this drug in thinning the blood is so well known to the homoeopathic physician, that he will not be surprised to learn that hydropericardium and hydrothorax became very rapidly developed.

About the latter part of the second week of the dropsy, I was called to see her early in the morning, and found her laboring under that indescribable distress, and difficulty of respiration, which indicate the near approach of death. Arsenic^30, alone, gave partial relief to the most distressing symptoms; but she died the same evening, the victim of parental and professional ignorance.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 10, 1860, pages 433-443]

[Description: Post Scarlatina Dropsy]

[Author: Frost, J.H.P.]

[Year: 1860]

THE SYMPATHETIC AND SPINAL SYSTEMS IN RELATION TO PSORA.

BY J. H. P. FROST, M. D., BANGOR, ME.

The distinct, independent, yet intimately connected nervous centres, contain the corresponding vital principles, which combined make up the life of man. These are the ganglionic, the spinal and the cerebral systems. Of these, the lowest or ganglionic, rather than the highest or cerebral, is the original seat of life.

True the peculiar life of the ganglionic or sympathetic system, whose centre is the solar plexus, being purely instinctive and analogous to the life of the lowest invertebrate species, is lower than that of the spinal system and still lower than that of the cerebral. This fact, profoundly interesting to the physiologist, is so essential to the investigation of the hereditary disposition to and transmission of disease, that we take the liberty of prefacing the discussion of the main subject of this paper, with a brief abstract of the phenomena and experiments which are relied upon to prove it.

"The sympathetic nerve consists in an uninterrupted chain of ganglia, extending on each side of the vertebral column, from the first cervical vertebra down to the coccyx, and moreover extending upwards towards the cranial vertebrae, and occupying spaces between the bones of the cranium and those of the face." *[See Braithwaite's Retrospect, No. 22, page 52, for a full discussion of this oint.] The sympathetic nerve is found in the fetus before the brain and spinal marrow. These ganglia and nerves could hardly have been formed before the brain and spinal marrow but for the sake of the organs whose growth they promote, whose life they sustain and whose functions (with the exception of the genitals) are as perfect at birth as at adult age. The locomotive powers of the spine and the still higher mental powers of the brain are seen to be still more slowly perfected. And as the ganglionic system is both prior to and constructive of the spinal and cerebral systems, so the solar plexus, being the first formed in the embryo, becomes the source of development of the whole ganglionic system of which it forms the central and most important part. From this organic nervous system, not only the organs themselves, but even the brain and spinal marrow are developed.

Muller, in his Physiology, says that Ackerman asserts that the sympathetic nerve is the part first formed in the fetus. Roland declares what has usually been considered the first traces of the vertebrae at the sides of the spinal column in birds, to be the ganglia of the sympathetic nerve. The assertions of Ackerman" and Roland acquire great strength from the testimony of such men as Blumenback and Gall; both add the authority of their illustrious names, and confirm the former named physiologists in their opinions. Blumenback says, "that the nervous system," meaning the organic nervous system, "of the chest and abdomen are fully formed, while the brain appears still a pulpy mass; and refers to Gall's writings in confirmation of the same views."

In an acephalous monster, in which the brain was wanting, all the functions of organic life were successfully maintained; the breathing, motion and temperature were natural; it discharged urine and feces and took food.

A still more remarkable case, cited by Dr. M. Hall, of a fetus born without either brain or spinal marrow, proves the ganglionic organic functions to be independent of as well as distinct from those of the spinal and cerebral systems. The intra-uterine life was perfect, but upon being born it died; not because the brain or spinal marrow is essential to the vitality of the ganglionic system, but because of the absence of the motor nerves by means of which this system carries on the vital process of respiration.

After the removal or destruction of the brain and spinal marrow, the heart still continues to act and the blood to circulate, provided respiration be artificially supported, while the removal or destruction of the solar plexus inevitably causes speedy death. A slight blow on the epigastrium, over the solar ganglion will sometimes instantly kill a man; while extensive injuries of the brain or spinal marrow are not unfrequently borne with comparative impunity. After the separation of the spinal nerves, and even after the entire removal of the posterior portion of the spinal marrow, by which the corresponding extremities of dogs and frogs have been completely paralyzed, wounds of the flesh and even fractures of the bones of those limbs heal as readily as in ordinary instances. In the lower class of animals, such as the poly pus and oyster, which have neither brain nor spinal marrow, the organic, vital functions, such as absorption, secretion, circulation, digestion and assimilation, are as perfectly carried on as in man. Thus the sympathetic system alone appears competent to maintain animal life in the lower species. Why then may not it be equally competent alone to maintain the animal life of the more exalted species, which differ from the lower only in being endowed with additional principles or higher forms of life?

But while advocating the ganglionic system as the fundamental form of life, common alike to the lowest and to the highest species, we must not take too low a view of it as if it were altogether material. Instinct, which manifests itself with remarkable clearness in the invertebrate species, must in the absence of a brain and spinal cord, be regarded as the specific immaterial function of the ganglionic system. But the active exercise of instinct, which may be termed the natural soul of the sympathetic system, may be traced in the higher animals and even in man, in whom it resides in the same ganglionic system. Thus, persons affected by violent emotions, especially by fright, are seen to place the hand over the precordia, thus instinctively seeking to protect the cardiac or solar plexus from danger; and perhaps by such instinctive laying on of hands they may complete and strengthen the magnetic and vital current in the very center of life.

This lowest form of life, the source of all animal life, whether cerebral, spinal or organic, ganglionic as to its nervous seat and instinctive as to its immaterial qualities, which is all the infant possesses, and is overladen in the higher orders of animals by intelligence which, it holds in common with the molusk and anillidan, and understanding; and to these are superadded the pure reason, the crowning glory of the adult man, and that still higher moral faculty and intuitive perception which is the exact spiritual analogue of his material instinct. These higher and secondary forms of life may and do obscure, but do not extinguish the lower and primary. The former are founded upon the latter. The spinal and cerebral systems still depend upon the ganglionic, from which they derived their original existence, and from which they constantly draw their continued support and the power of performing their respective functions. Nutrition, growth, reproduction are the essential functions of the ganglionic system; and these embrace as well the substance of the spinal marrow and brain as that of all other organs. The nutrition of any and of all portions of the body involves the continued exertion of the same constructive energy whose developing influence originally produced them.

With the higher, spinal and cerebral forms of life, we have in the present argument no direct concern. Our object being simply to show that the lowest, instinctive form of life, or vital principle peculiar to the ganglionic system, is originally constructive and constantly sustaining of all the rest. Hence the conclusion, all that is meant by constitution, so far at least as it relates to vital power, to the purity of organic life and to the perfection of organic function, must belong to the ganglionic system, which in immediate relation to the seminal embryo, precedes both spinal and cerebral organization. In those obscure recesses of nature, the minute individual and collective ganglia of the sympathetic system, lie concealed the subtle but persistent germs of health and longevity on the one hand and of disease and premature decay on the other. Here amid the primary and most secret springs of life, ready to flow with them into all the vital organizations, and into the spinal and cerebral systems, and to perpetuate itself in procreation and conception, lurks the latent miasm, the agrea tophana of scrofula, or of that hereditary, hydra-headed psora, which since Hahnemann's time has been as great a quoesstio vexata to the physician, as the doctrine of depravity to the theologians.

This of course is not the place for moral or metaphysical speculations; but just as many disbelieve the doctrine of depravity, so many homoeopathic physicians reject and even ridicule the Hahnemannian doctrine of psora. And yet as hereditary dispositions to evil, if not actual evil dispositions exist in the moral world, so hereditary dispositions to disease and even actually diseased constitutions appear in the physical world of man; both too obvious to be overlooked or explained away, and each the complement of the other. And just as evil cannot be removed unless it be known, and cannot be known unless it appear, so disease cannot be remedied unless it be recognized and cannot be recognized unless it manifest itself or at least discover its type. And as disease itself may be latent or manifest, so its manifestation may be dynamic, sensational, functional or structural. And so incurable is chronic hereditary disease, in most of its ultimate forms, that it becomes the great object of the skilful physician to recognize its type and anticipate its development at the earliest possible moment. In the broad field of pathogenesis may not what we already know, though gross and crude and overladen with much extraneous matter, lead us to higher and still more valuable results in this desired direction? As the provings with massive doses produce innumerable low forms of symptoms common to many drugs, in addition to those peculiar to each, the former at once outnumbering and greatly obscuring the latter, may we not hope by accurate and scientific provings with the lower and even higher homoeopathic preparations, not only to eliminate the gross and worthless symptoms and verify those known to be characteristic, but also to make some real advance in obtaining a higher class of symptoms corresponding to the dynamic and primary symptom of hereditary disease? Prevention is better than cure! And may we not hope that the faithful physician will thus be enabled more than ever before, by anticipating and preventing disease, to experience the proud satisfaction of conferring benefits upon his fellow men which are none the less real because seldom recognized and never repaid? It is in this direction we believe the disciples of Hahnemann will make advances worthy of their illustrious teacher, and at the same time keep step with the ever advancing spirit of the age. Here opens a wide and glorious field in which indeed the physician must plough deep, but from which he will gather rich fruits; a field especially suitable to the high potencies, in which they will at the same time find reduplicate and transcendent proofs of the homoeopathic law and confer the most inestimate blessings upon mankind in the prevention and gradual extinction of disease.

Ridicule is the ingratitude of little minds. And it is just as natural for such men to deride great principles which they cannot comprehend, or which are attained by intellectual processes beyond their ability to follow, as it is for similar persons to return hatred for benefit which they cannot repay. The method by which Hahnemann arrived at his psoric theory may seem insufficient, as the limits within which he proposed to restrain it were too narrow. But his far seeing mind overleaped some of the intermediate steps in the chain of reasoning, and as if by a sublime intuition seized at once the mighty principles of hereditary disease, the master-key to all that is abnormal and obscure in the physical history of man. What though he erred in attempting to limit that disease to a single form and to indicate its single original type? Not more certainly does the law of the similars reveal the homoeopathic nature of medicine, than does his doctrine of psora, pure and simple, roll back, as with a flash of electric light, the darkness of ages from the true nature of chronic disease!

Instead of being limited to an "itch" suppressed in the person of the sufferer himself or in some of his ancestors, psora may be regarded as an hereditary taint of constitution, which may have been immediately derived from one or both the parents, which may have been increasing or diminishing in virulency from age to age, which may have skipped an entire generation, which in different generations, and run in different periods of individual life, may have assumed different forms of development; and whose substantial type can be discovered only by a careful study of all its forms.

Doubtless the skin is the primary and preferred form of development of all chronic as of all acute disease. This is confirmed by the fact that eruptions on the skin constitute almost the only form of disease which we have mentioned in the earlier history of man. As the poison of hereditary syphilis is said sometimes to overleap an entire generation, so the hitherto latent psoric miasm, by a sort of vital exosmosis, or like light through a transparent substance, passing directly through the intermediate organs secures their entire immunity by developing itself on the skin.

The relation between the sympathetic ganglia and the spinal cord, though well known to be profoundly intimate, is still but imperfectly understood. Disease in the Great Sympathetic occasions tenderness of the spinous processes, which is sometimes mistaken and unavailingly treated for spinal disease. It may be that a careful study and comparison of the morbid phenomena, resisted by the light reflected from a purer homoeopathic pathogenesis, will ere long enable us to distinguish the one class from the other. The ganglionic system, as the primary and fundamental seat of life, must contain all the hereditary elements of health and disease, which latter may be considered as latent till they begin to be transmitted to some of the organizations which this system supplies. But as the ganglionic system supplies to each of the involuntary vital organs all that is involved in their nutrition, structural and functional life, it must at the same time impart to them the germs of its own constitutional dyscasia. Then that which for the briefest space only may be supposed to have been absolutely latent in the solar plexus, may be apparently latent in the vital organs for a longer or shorter season, or passing harmlessly through them, be ultimated on the skin. And many forms of organic disease, which, from an accompanying tenderness of some corresponding spinous processes, have commonly been attributed to "spinal irritation," are thus seen to be the direct result of the psoric miasm flowing into these organs with the vital currents from the ganglionic system. And it is believed that the germs of the hereditary dyscrasia, latent in the sympathetic ganglia, may be discovered in the form of minute tubercules in the involuntary organs, in the spinal marrow and in the brain. Will it be possible for microscopic pathology to discover such germs in the ganglionic centre of life itself?

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 04, 1863, page 146-152]

[Description: The Sympathetic and Spinal Systems in Relation to Psora.]

[Author: Frost, J.H.P.]

[Year: 1863]

METRORRHAGIA

Treated Successfully by Arsenicum 12

BY DR. F. GABALDA.

(TRANSLATED FROM "LABANDERA DE LA HOMOEOPATICA EN LA HABANA.")

On the 15th of July, 1856, I was called to visit Mrs. A-----aged 32 years, whom I found suffering with metrorrhagia. The uterine hemorrhage had commenced four months before. A pretty copious leucorrhea, which had existed for some years, the pallor of her countenance, and her chlorotic aspect had caused her attending physician to treat this flow as a hemorrhage, symptomatic of an anaemic condition. Consequently he prescribed the ferruginous compounds, in large doses and for a long period. This treatment, instead of improving, only aggravated the diseased condition of the patient, and the hemorrhages became more profuse and more frequent. Secale Cornutum was afterwards substituted for the iron, but with no better result; on the contrary, every dose of the ergot was followed by hemorrhage, accompanied with the expulsion of large clots. New measures were then adopted. Bladders filled with pounded ice, placed on the abdomen, injections of very cold water, ice placed directly on the neck of the uterus, the tampon, and all the external applications used on like occasions, were fruitlessly tried. The hemorrhage persisted with the same intensity; various other styptics were also employed for three weeks longer, but in vain. At this period I saw Mrs. A. for the first time. In perfect desperation, the physicians who preceded. me, had ordered Mrs. A. to be immersed in a bath of water cold from the well, which had been done for two successive days. After the second bath, repeated faintings set in, followed by convulsions, so alarming as to prevent the repetition of the bathing experiment, which had in no ways checked the hemorrhage. The total inefficacy of the medication thus far employed, and the fear of a fatal result which appeared imminent, caused the husband of the sick lady to call in new counsel.

I found her in a state of extreme debility. Her pulse was filiform and her skin completely blanched, with the appearance of general infiltration, although without much swelling. Her voice was extremely low and weak, and fainting-fits were frequent.

Wishing to ascertain the nature of the evil, I made an examination with the finger, and found the neck of the uterus softened, and its posterior lip covered with growths of a fungous nature. The os was somewhat dilated, and the least pressure upon it caused the expulsion of good-sized clots of blood, which prevented me from making a complete exploration. The knowledge obtained by this examination was not sufficient for a definite diagnosis. Nevertheless, the inequalities and softening of the neck of the uterus made me fear the existence of cancer. I ought to add that the lady felt uterine contractions preceding the expulsion of a clot, but complained of no lancinating pains.

I immediately ordered all the external applications to be discontinued, and prescribed Chamomilla 6. once every four hours. This medicine was continued for six days. Frequent discharges continued during this period, but they were less copious than before my arrival. Then the regular menstrual period came on, which had from the beginning been characterized by a more abundant and dangerous flow. I substituted Kreosote 6. for the Chamomilla. The new hemorrhage lasted only one day and was less copious than former ones. I continued the Kreosote for several days, but with very little improvement. Her prostration was excessive, and her pulse very small and frequent. Every article of food she took, except cold broth, increased the hemorrhage. The neck of the uterus presented the same feel to the finger. I returned to the use of Chamomilla-afterwards I prescribed Ipecac. 6. but without any sensible improvement China, in the same dose was equally inefficient. Under these circumstances I made a careful and thorough study of the case, and decided to administer Arsenicum 12-a dose every four hours. Under this remedy the improvement was rapid. The hemorrhage daily diminished, her general state improved, and her anxiety and sorrow entirely disappeared. Twenty days after her menstrual period the hemorrhage had ceased, and was replaced by a sero-sanguinolent discharge, copious at first, but every day less colored. I continued the use of the Arsenicum, and waited impatiently for the menses. They appeared at the usual time, normal in quantity, lasting only four days. From this time, I considered my patient convalescent. The sero-sanguinolent discharge gradually ceased, and was replaced by a moderate leucorrhea, similar to that which had existed before this illness. Her health was thus perfectly re-established, and she remains well at the present time.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 05, 1859, pages 202-204]

[Description: Metrorrhagia treated successfully by Arsenicum.]

[Remedies: Arsenicum album]

[Author: AHomeo01]

[Year: 1859]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

By William Gallupe, M. D., Bangor, Maine.

Case 3. – Miss H. M., aged twenty-four years, of slender form, lymphatic temperament, called on me for advice Dec. 5th, 1864. She stated that she was never of robust health, but able to keep about in comfortable health most of the time, by exercising care, up to a little more than four years since, when she received an injury from which she has suffered much ever since. She is now of a very pale and sickly countenance and quite feeble – scarcely able to sit up much. About a year since she was taken more unwell — supposed from a cold and over-exertion, was confined to her bed mostly for five months, and attended by an allopathic physician - the same who prescribed for her after the injury. She has been quite feeble since.

A little more than four years ago she was thrown from a wagon, in such a manner as to fall mostly upon the hip and side; the wagon-seat fell upon the other hip. She was injured very much, low down across the hips and the small of the back; was very lame and unable to move much or to sit up, for some time, and has suffered more or less, and been in feeble health ever since. It has affected her very much to stand or walk since that injury. She thinks she has not been able to bear her weight on her limbs since, without more or less suffering through the hips. She has made much effort to exercise, as it has been urgently recommended by her friends and her physician, but cannot endure walking, even for a short distance, without suffering from it more or less for a week or more. At times she is confined to her bed for some days in consequence. Riding, or any jarring, affects her in much the same way.

Her general health had suffered much for the want of exercise, and yet she had suffered from striving to take it; mostly through the hips and lower part of the back, is obliged to keep in a horizontal position to get much rest.

Since the illness a year since, has suffered from difficulties at the stomach, in addition to former troubles – faint, gone feeling, fullness and flatulence from taking food, bowels more constipated, and suffered much more from hemorrhoidal irritation - has been troubled with the latter affection ever since the injury, and is not able to sit on a hard seat, from the tenderness about the coccyx and pressure on the hip sockets, producing a constant uneasiness there while sitting.

On examination much tenderness to pressure about the heads of both femora and the edges of the acetabulum, joint of the coccyx and sacrum; pressing the head of the femor against the acetabulum produces much pain and aching sensation, and she feels it so constantly while bearing any weight upon the limbs; migrating pains about the chest and much irritation to cough from slight causes; most about the left side; shooting and stitching pains; has had them more or less since the injury, but much more since the last sickness; head feels much of dizziness and of light aching feeling through the temples and to upper part of head; dull, languid, weak feeling much of the time; bowels constipated or variable mostly.

Sleep is restless and unquiet – most first part of night, and has been more or less so since the injury. Had what was called a salt rheum on left hand formerly and was much troubled with it; does not recollect having it much since the injury. Mother had it and died with it.

Prescription: Four powders of Nux vom.,30 each containing four pellets; a powder to be taken every other night, by dissolving a powder in six spoonfuls of water, and taking a part of it at evening, remainder in the morning; after this to wait a week for the general effect on the system. Then to use five powders of Sulph., each 4/30 in the same manner as the above, and to report after a week or ten days.

Jan. 26. Reports a decided relief of state of stomach and bowels, and quite regulated from the first course. From the second course, the pains and irritation about the chest and left side, and the shooting or lancinating pains are about gone; she feels much better generally; head quite well – rests very much better at night – sleep is more refreshing, pain and soreness about hips and through rather less – can lie with more quietness, but it affects her to stand or bear any weight upon them, and to press with the hand about the joints. Stomach and bowels, in quite a healthful state and hemorrhoidal irritation very much relieved; while taking second course a fine rash came out on chest and neck with much itching and burning sensation .

Four powders of Rhus. tox.30 Nos. 1, 3, 5,7. Sac. lac. Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8. to take as of the others, and repeat a powder every other night, and to take in the order as numbered.

Reports, March 8th, very much improved; can stand and walk about quite comfortably – can sit in a common chair without feeling any uneasiness, which had been constant before ever since the injury from the wagon. After walking awhile began to feel some of the old uneasiness at the hips and some soreness for a few days, but on keeping still awhile subsides and feels easy again. Slight tenderness to firm pressure about the edges of the acetabulum, and if pressed on trochanter firmly, is felt at the acetabulum, but is slight to what it had been; general health is much improved-countenance becoming healthful.

Three powders Rhus. tox. 5/30, Nos. 1, 2, 3. Two powders Rhus. tox. 5/200 Nos. 4, 5. Take as before, and repeat a powder twice per week for three powders and once per week after.

I did not see the patient again for five years after, as she resided about thirty miles from me. She states that she soon got well from the last prescription, and could walk with ease two or three miles with any of her neighbors, and had been quite well of her former difficulties.

Case 4. – Mr. L -, aged about forty years, of sandy complexion, strong, athletic and vigorous constitution, stated to me that he had met with a sad accident for him, eight or nine days before; that he strained the middle joint of his right thumb, and quite severely; that it had been very sore and painful, and with much heat, and painful nights; that he was making arrangements to get his timber together to build him a house; but as this had occurred, thought he should be obliged to give it up till next season.

I remarked that I thought it could be relieved so as not to be of much detriment to him.

Replied that he had lost all confidence in physicians for such difficulties – that he strained his left thumb in the same place and manner six years before, though he thought not quite so bad as this one appeared to be – that he followed the advice and prescriptions of a prominent surgeon, for nearly a year, without any sensible benefit – that he was unable to use it much for three or four years – would often pain him severely from trying to use it, and that even now it would have a catching pain in it from using it in certain ways.

On examining the thumb, it had evidently received a bad strain about the middle joint – was quite tender and painful to move the joint, and swollen some. I think it was the ninth day from the accident.

I replied to him that I could give him some medicine to take, so as to relieve his thumb in the course of three weeks, so that it would be no further detriment to him.

He thought it was rather a laughable idea to take medicine to relieve the joint of the thumb, but thought he would try the experiment, as he called it; but that his faith was very small.

I prepared for him six powders of Rhus. t. 4/30, to take: by dissolving a powder in six spoonfuls of water, and take a part of it at evening and remainder in the morning, and repeat a powder every other night for three powders, and for the remainder a powder once in three to five days, as felt required to keep up a gradual improvement; to keep the part cool by bathing it in fresh, cool water, and if not quite well in three weeks to call and report, as he resides some miles from me. I did not see him again for eight weeks, when he stated that the thumb was quite well at the expiration of three weeks, and he could use it freely since.

He asked if it was possible that he could have been deceived in calling it a strain of the joint.

I replied that I thought he could decide pretty well from former experience – that I considered it a pretty bad strain of the joint, and in all probability would have taken him as long to have cured it by any other practice, as it did of the left one.

The above cases I submit for the pages of your Review — hoping they may be of some benefit to some of your readers — not now recollecting to have seen cases reported under the use of Rhus tox., and having seen some who have been, in the practice of Homoeopathy, who had not been aware of such curative action from it.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 06, 1865, pages 221-225]

[Description: Clinical Contributions; Ailments after an injury; Strained joint]

[Author: Gallupe, W.]

[Year: 1865]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

By Wm. Gallupe, M.D., Bangor, ME.

I wish to report, through the pages of your Review, a few cases showing the value of Rhus toxicodendron in the treatment of inflammation of ligamentous and cartilaginous textures and synovial membranes resulting from strains and injuries about joints, dislocations, etc.

Case 1. Miss H -, a servant girl, about twenty-six years old, of strong athletic form, sanguine temperament, received a severe strain of the right wrist. It soon became painful and tender, when used at all, and sensitive even to slight movement or use of the joint, or to pressure from handling it. After receiving prescriptions and attendance for three months, from one of our prominent physicians of the allopathic practice, with but very little if any relief, she sought the advice of another, and one who prides himself much upon his surgical skill and ability to manage obstinate cases. She followed his advice and prescriptions for three months more, but without any perceptible benefit, except the concentration of the pain and tenderness in the inner parts of the joint; not being able to use the hand without suffering acutely from it at the joint, with heat, pain, swelling and soreness, lasting from one to four days. She then stopped all medical advice, except to make use of a few articles urgently recommended by her friends, which were represented as sure remedies, but did not enable her to use her wrist or hand. She then desisted from all remedies whatever for about one year. After the expiration of this time she came to me for advice respecting the wrist, being healthy and well in other respects.

She could not use that hand except with the greatest care and caution. It caused pain, soreness, and swelling about the joint. The external appearance of the wrist was about natural. On pulling steadily by that hand, in the direction of the forearm, no unpleasant sensation was produced, but to push the surfaces of the joint together was quite painful. Taking hold of the forearm near the wrist, and shaking the hand back and forth, produced much pain and irritation at the central portion and about the joint. Again, on pressing with the thumb and fingers at opposite sides, and over the central portion of the joint, it was quite tender and irritable, causing it to be painful for a short time. Afterward she could not use the hand in any sidewise motion, nor lift any weight, not even the hand, by the direct action of the wrist. It required much care and caution to use that hand, even for very light work.

It was evident to me that there was a decided inflammation of the cartilaginous surfaces of the whole joint and, probably, to a greater or less extent, of the synovial membrane of the joint. I prescribed Rhus toxicodendron^30 five powders, each to be taken in two doses, by dissolving one in six spoonfuls of water, taking a part of it at evening, and the remainder in the morning, also to repeat a powder twice a week until she could take hold of the arm above the wrist, and shake the hand back and forth without causing pain at the wrist. I did not see her again for six weeks. She reported that, after taking the third powder, and when it became time to take the fourth, she found she could shake the wrist freely without causing uneasiness; but as the next day was her time for washing, she thought she would take one more powder; and the next day, before she was aware of it, found she was using that hand with much ease and freedom, and without any uneasiness about the wrist. Next day no soreness was observed from it, and she used the flat-irons with that hand for the first time in twenty months. The next week she did her washing in the forenoon, and her ironing in the afternoon, for the family of five, and did not feel any inconvenience from it. Thus was the effect of a severe strain, which had withstood all her best directed efforts, with allopathic advice and prescriptions for over nineteen months, causing her much affliction and suffering, radically cured with about twelve small pellets, in the short space of two weeks time. About one year afterward she again strained that same wrist in handling some heavy articles. It was quite sore and painful, and she was unable to use the hand without much pain. She called on me for medicine, and I gave her three powders, the same as before, and with the same directions. After two weeks she reported that two powders cured her entirely, and she had no further trouble from the wrist.

Case 2. A strong, athletic man, of sanguine temperament, with large, hard, muscular frame, was crushed by a gravel bank caving in upon him and injuring the right hip. A physician, of considerable note and practice as a surgeon, was soon called, and decided that it was only a severe strain about the hips and across the back, with neither fracture nor dislocation. He was in considerable pain, and unable to use his right leg or turn himself. Liniments and cooling applications were applied about the parts, and anodyne powders given him to relieve his severe distress. A painful, sleepless night was passed and the doses were increased the next day, but without relief or even a momentary mitigation. The second and third nights were passed without much if any sleep, from the constant pain and distress, the physician having visited him three times.

On the fourth day I was called to him at three, p. m. I found him suffering from severe pain, and constantly groaning in anguish. It was stated that he had not slept any apparently since the accident. He was lying partly on his left side, with his legs diverging and partly flexed. The right limb appeared longer, from one to two inches, as well as I could ascertain, as he could not bear even a slight movement of it without great suffering. On examining the hip I found an erysipelatous redness, of a circle of eight inches diameter, over the region of the great trochanter, the parts considerably swollen, and such exquisite tenderness as scarcely to admit of handling it; the least movement of the thigh upon the pelvis was excruciating to him. I felt no hesitation in saying it was dislocated at the hip, or possibly fractured. But what could be done? In the existing high state of inflammation of the part, he could not endure any manipulation with it. I prepared a solution of ten or twelve pellets of Rhus., tox. 30, in a tumbler of water, one-third full. I added to it (as I happened to have it with me) some granulated Sac. lac. which had been medicated with Rhus. tox.12, as much in bulk as that of the pellets, and gave him two-teaspoonful doses, to repeat in two hours, and again in three to five hours, as I felt he needed quietness and sleep, also to bathe the part frequently with cool water. On visiting him the next day, at eleven, a. m., he reported decided good effects after the second dose, mitigation of pain, and he slept quietly after the third; he had taken four doses. I could examine the limb, and move it somewhat with comparative ease to the patient, and I was thus able to confirm my suspicions of the previous day of a dislocation into the foramen ovale. There was some soreness of the muscles of the limb when moved, though but little tenderness to gentle pressure about the hip. I gave a solution of pellets of Arnica^30 in a cup half full of water, to take two spoonfuls, and repeat in two hours, then again in four hours, and, after passing over six hours, to return to Rhus. again, and repeat it in two hours. I visited him next day, at two, p. m.; he had had a quiet night; there was very little soreness of the muscles on movement of the limb. I could examine the parts freely with comparative ease to the patient. I made preparations, and adjusted the bone to the proper place with as little suffering to the patient, perhaps less than usual, when this is done soon after the accident.

This case I think shows a decided power in potentised medicine to control the effects of injuries of parts about the joints, a matter which has hitherto been considered beyond the control of medicine, internally administered, by all classes of physicians, until the law of similarity became known. But even now how strongly do we see it contended against by nearly all of the old school of physicians. I feel quite sure, from observations since, that the solution of the pellets of thirtieth potency would have been amply sufficient. I added some of the powder of the twelfth, which I happened to have with me, as it was for an athletic, vigorous looking patient.

We find, in the pathogenetic symptoms of Rhus tox – Pain, as if sprained in the joints; painful sensation of the joints on rising from one's seat;" and in the enumeration of its general symptoms. – "Affections of the ligaments, tendons and synovial membranes." Thus its pathogenetic symptoms and the law of similarity are verified by its curative action.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 05, 1865, pages 177-181]

[Description: Clinical Contributions; Severe strain of the right wrist; Sprained hip]

[Remedies: Rhus toxicodendron, Arnica montana]

[Author: Gallupe, Wm.]

[Year: 1865]

CANNABIS INDICA.

BY RICHARD GARDINER, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

The following proving is made by a young friend of mine. The prover is a gentleman of good mind and of considerable reading; excellent moral character and worthy of the most implicit confidence. He speaks of the family consulting the doctor; the father called on me and appeared uneasy as to the result. I endeavored to quiet his mind and let the effect go on, at the same time gave him a powder of Nux vomica which the family could give him if they desired, and which, from the prover's remarks, must antidote the Cannabis. He says:

"I give you an exact account as I can of my thoughts and actions while under the influence of Cannabis indica.

I took Cannabis on two occasions; first I took fifteen grains of an American preparation, which having no effect I took, about a week afterwards, three grains of an English extract which was said to be much stronger. This latter I took at about eight o'clock, a.m., and expected it to operate about twelve. This hour passed however without any unusual feelings and I dismissed the subject from my mind, thinking it was too small a dose. At half-past four I was sitting with the family, playing the guitar, when one of the tunes, a rather solemn one, seemed suddenly to assume a more melodious character; it gradually increased in grandeur bar after bar, sinking deep in my soul until I was wholly absorbed with it. The words died away and I still went on with the accompaniment, my mind carried the air and all surrounding objects faded; I lived wholly in the music, and a deep subdued joyous feeling, such as I never before felt, pervaded my whole being. At last I came to myself somewhat and turned to the others and remarked that it was beautiful and asked if they did not think so. They were much surprised at the question and said it possessed very little merit. I was now surprised in my turn and began to argue its merits, offering to play it over. At this moment a strange crawling sensation commenced in my body, it extended to my limbs down my arms, to my finger's ends and up into my brain; it traveled slowly, yet so powerful was it that I was wholly overcome with surprise. I was a little alarmed at the feeling, but immediately the word "hasheesh" passed through my mind. Ah! that was it, that was the enchanter that made my music sound so sweet. I was glad to find it had not failed; I was reassured, it was undoubtedly the legitimate effect of the drug. All these things were very nice, but yet the thrill was a thing I had not expected, and another and another following in close succession I began to wish the last dose had been as ineffectual as the first.

I commenced considering what was best to be done. I could not decide whether to sit still or go to my room. I tried to play, but an apparent ebullition in the air prevented me from seeing the notes; the thrills were growing stronger every moment and I concluded I had best leave the room lest I should do something foolish. I arose abruptly and with guitar in one hand and music-stand in the other, I sallied forth to go down stairs. No sooner did I commence to move than the thrills increased; stronger and stronger they came, closer and closer they succeeded each other until one ceased not until an almost overwhelming thrill gave notice of another's birth. In going down stairs my mind ever and anon would wander to other matters and things, and when I recalled my thoughts to what was immediately before me, I wondered to find myself still going down stairs. Then a feeling of dread uncertainty seized me, "shall I ever reach the bottom?" I doubted that I would, yet my reason told me I was going right; so I pressed on. I put my guitar away safely and this reassured me. I say reassured because I had begun to doubt that any of the things around me had existence, but I reasoned that I had succeeded in finding the guitar box and hence some things must exist, and as I had seen one right so it was likely all existed.

Still I was uncertain that I maintained control of my faculties and motive powers; an intuitive assurance however made me depend on them and I determined to go quietly upstairs to my room; I went up very quietly; indeed I seemed not to touch the steps, I trod the air as a swimmer treads water, my feet came near the steps but did not strike them. I reached my room but what to do now, it did not improve my condition.

I determined to lie down until the thrills went off, which I thought would certainly be very soon, and then I expected other effects to follow. I threw myself on the bed, but immediately sprang to my feet again, for no sooner did I lie down than I thought of having read of catalepsy being sometimes produced by the use of the drug; no, I must not lie down, I must keep my soul in my body by force of will or perhaps it would never return, and I felt that it was trying to wing itself away. As the extract was strong and so small an amount had produced so great an effect, I was afraid I had taken too great a dose and became alarmed lest it should play me foul.

The thrills had now become continuous, the commencing of each being only known by an increase in their force; my heart and veins began to throb violently, the blood began to rush to my head and I feared apoplexy. My tongue became coated with saliva and I thought my body was dissolving into fluids. I spit from the window. I afterwards thought it was foolish for me to do so as I might jump from the window for I felt certain I did not possess full command of my faculties. The uncertain aspect of things now increased, with the whole force of my reason seemingly unimpaired. I could not convince myself the furniture in the room had other than an ideal existence; this feeling was so oppressive that I determined to seek the rest of the family. But how could I reach them? I was in another sphere, I had journeyed to a world whose objects I could not realize, an uncertain world whose paths I did not know. An atmosphere surrounded my little world through which I could not pass; to break through the open doorway seemed as impossible as to wing my way through the ethereal regions to the throne above. This was my station, here must I remain. A feeling of loneliness now overwhelmed me. I must seek the rest of the family. I hurled my body through the seemingly impenetrable though invisible barrier. On, on, I went pushing my way through a resistant atmosphere or surrounding, which was a creation of my state. I know not how to express the feeling of this existence, there is no type among natural things to which I can compare it, an ethereal fluid it seemed to be, not dense as water nor rare as air, yet it resisted and I by force of will overcame it step by step.

Here I noticed the two parts of my being acting separately, my will or spiritual existence was separate from my bodily existence, and spurring it onward, pushing it forwards and using it much as ah artificer uses a tool, onward it forced my body, seeming to exult in its supremacy. I cannot say whether my feelings at this time were more oppressed or buoyant, for while my mind seemed oppressed by the appearance of the objects along my rout, and fear of injury from the effect of the drug, my soul was exultant as though in a more congenial atmosphere, and glad of its partial disenthralment. I at last reached the room I sought; so long a time seemed to have elapsed since I had been last there that that I did not expect to see the family there; it was impossible for me to keep any record of time, but it seemed as though I had been a long time away and I expected to find the room tenantless, so certain was I that this would be the case that I was surprised to see them seated as I had left them. When I saw them for an instant I thought they were really there, but it was only for an instant, they immediately assumed the same unreal appearance which other things held. I had determined that I would say nothing about my having taken the drug to the others for fear of frightening them, though I had told them I intended to take it. I did not doubt I could control my tongue, but things about me seemed so unreal and they were so silent that I could not restrain myself; I must speak to them and see if they are really here, but what should I say? I rummaged my brain for a question to ask, but could think of nothing but "hasheesh," this I did not wish to speak of, but nothing else would come to my mind; I must say something for I could bear this feeling no longer. Then my reason told me it was best that they should know I had taken the drug, as they would then know how to treat me if any dangerous symptoms occurred, so I opened my mouth and said "I have taken hasheesh." My voice appeared strange to me, it seemed as though another person spoke; I looked around. My words had made no impression on those around me, is it possible they can sit silent, I had thought they would have all sprang to their feet, so suicidal did it appear to me for one to take the drug. "I have forgotten," thought I, "they do not know the nature of the drug." I explained to them that it was the drug I had spoken to them of shortly before; I told them of its effects, how everything even themselves seemed unreal, that I did not feel certain that I was even in the room with them, they all looked up and smiled and again resumed their former position without saying a word. This was agonizing, were these really only the phantoms of my friends that I had called up. "Speak to me," I cried, "speak to mo or I will go crazy, I think I see you here, I appear to be in the room with you, yet so uncertain does everything look that I cannot convince myself that it is so. Speak to me that I may be assured that at least I am not deceived in this." Some one answered me, I heard the voice, it seemed familiar, yet it was the phantom that spoke, still all was unreal, I myself was unreal, even my voice did not seem my own. I tried to reassure myself by conversing with them. I saw they knew not how I felt, an irresistible desire to make them know how I felt now seized me, this I felt was impossible, they had no fellow feeling with me. I was alone, no earthly being could sympathize with me, I saw the impossibility of making them understand me, yet I must make the attempt; I told them all my feelings, they seemed to think it only imagination, and that I was only using symbols to represent them, my feelings were hurt and I almost wept, it seemed as though they doubted my word.

I now began to think over my past actions while in this state, it seemed to me a dream, I could not believe I had been up-stairs or even out of the room; no, I had fallen asleep with my guitar in my hand and had dreamed I was up-stairs. I looked for my guitar, it was not there, certainly then I must have put it away or else I was dreaming yet, perhaps I had gone to bed at night and been dreaming all along, making a full day's work of dreaming.

I became convinced that this was so, but I immediately thought of the hasheesh which dispelled the illusion; I then asked how long I had been absent from the room, I was answered "about five minutes," it had seemed to me as many hours. I asked how I looked, was told "pale, eyes half closed and dull, and my hands were cold and clammy." I now felt a resinous matter exude from every pore of my body, it lined my mouth and throat, creating a great thirst, I got a glass of water and drank it, it seemed to form a continuous stream and ran down my throat by its own gravity without any aid from me. I became afraid to drink anymore; immediately on ceasing to drink it seemed to me that the water had formed itself into one bolus and gone down my throat within an atmosphere of its own, without touching either side. So everything appeared different after I had done it from what it did while I was doing. I would sometimes make a remark which I would think of the greatest importance and speak it in a very impressive manner that it might not be lost; immediately it would be figured to me as that of another and I would have to smile at the foolish fellow for making so ridiculous a remark.

At one time I felt constrained to let all my thoughts be known, I would think of a thing, digest it in my mind and then, with a pompous air, would make it known to those about me, something as follows, I was thinking of my thirst and feelings together, and suddenly broke forth with: "this drug is acting very strangely, it is operating upon the fluids of my body, it decomposes my blood throwing off the equivalents of water, the oxygen being thrown off at the + poles, the hydrogen at the — and the electricity produced by the decomposition as well as by the reunion of these gases as they escape through the pores in the form of perspiration, acts upon my nerves and produces this strange feeling: 'my stomach is the battery, hasheesh the acid and my nerves the conductors.'"

My tongue seemed to be under the control of my will, and things I thought best left unsaid I could generally keep to myself. My ideas of the propriety of things, however, were at times quite different from what they were in the natural state. After pacing the room (which I did continually to assure myself I still could move) I stopped suddenly, and turning to a sister I told her what I thought to be a grand discovery, clothed in the choicest language the English tongue would admit of. "This hasheesh," said I, "acts upon the urinary glands, and I feel that could I pass water I would feel better." This was not received as reverently as it should have been received which called forth a lecture on propriety from me, much to the amusement of the rest. I then began a censorship of my own conduct. I began noting my manner of walking and talking, at one time asking it I did not look like Mr. C. consequential; at another like Mr. F. a nervous individual; and again if I did not act like a Mr. C. a crazy man, remarking that I thought the last named had taken hasheesh.

The others now became alarmed at my strange actions and procured for me an emetic. I laughed at them and told them it was no use I had taken the drug early in the morning. — They then brought a mixture of ether, camphor, etc., I told them it would only make matters worse; I took it however at their persuasion. It put me for a while in awful agony without taking away my strange feelings, and when its first effects passed off left me extremely melancholy. I gave up hopes of coming back to my right state of mind. I asked them to send to the doctor for an antidote, being satisfied by their answering that they would if I grew worse. I turned my thoughts to what the doctor would say; "what," said I, "if the doctor should say I would never recover; minutes seem years, what an eternity of madness would there be before me then, to know that I must die in my madness at last; how awful!" I could not bear the thought.

At the suggestion of the others I went to the parlor, they thinking it would be more cheerful. As it became dark, I became more melancholy. I said that if God did not will that the antidote should be effective it would not be effective, but if He willed it to be so; so it would be; suppose we go to God at once instead of going for the antidote. "There is no use," said I, "of me praying, as I cannot tell whether I am talking or not, besides God would not hear the prayer of a crazy man; you are in your right senses, one of you pray for me." We knelt down, but the prayer being on the wrong subject I in disgust turned my thoughts to other matters and talked of other things until supper time.

As I entered the room the light fell full upon me. How beautiful did that light appear; all my melancholy feelings at once left me; I felt a dark shadow lifted from my soul and all was light within. The light penetrated through my body. I seemed transparent, I could almost look into any own body and see the various organs thereof, all of which seemed to me to be reflecting from their surface a calm lustre, which filled my whole soul. On turning myself to eat, I thought everything had something hurtful in it, I could not eat meat because it had chloride of sodium on it, nor eat bread because the butter was too strong a stimulant. Being persuaded, however, I ate a piece of meat; to do so I had to call to mind the various processes and modus operandi of "feeding."

"First," I reasoned, "they put the substance in the mouth, and by moving the under jaw down and up and mixing the saliva with it by motion of the tongue, they masticate it." This was easily accomplished. The spittle seemed to have legs and arms and I could feel it scrambling through the meat, but when it was thoroughly masticated I could not remember or rather could not date back to the time I put the meat in my mouth; chewing seemed to have been my regular business for some time past. It was time now to swallow it, here was a great difficulty. I could move my jaws at will, but to get command of the muscles of my throat wholly baffled all my endeavors. At last I made a sort of compromise. "They throw the bolus back on the tongue, press the tongue on the roof of the mouth, the bolus slides back, irritates the muscles of the pharynx and down it goes." I tried this, it succeeded admirably and I applauded myself for my good generalship.

A friend called to see me after supper, I determined to keep myself rational while he remained by force of my will, which I found I could do. At this time the sedative you sent reached me, I took it and afterwards went to the piano and played until the thrills went off. I had perfect control of my fingers excepting when I tried to vary a piece I knew well, in which case I could not play anything but the proper notes of the piece, my fingers being drawn to the keys either by the force of custom or by tenor of the tune.

My experiment was not satisfactory in its results, and immediately on its conclusion I wished to try it again, but put it off for fear of again frightening my friends; since then I have felt less and less like trying it, I seem to feel more and more aversion to it the more I think of it. The full effects of this drug did not go off from me for a week, and even during the next succeeding week I brought back the thrills strongly by taking hot stimulants, though they lasted but a few seconds, and brought no hallucinations.

Such is my experience of the drug Cannabis, and I hope it may be of use." a. d. p.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 09, 1863, pages 411-420]

[Description: Cannabis Indica.]

[Remedies: Cannabis indica]

[Author: Gardiner, R.]

[Year: 1863]

DIGNITY OF THE MEDICAL CHARACTER. *[Read before the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the City of Philadelphia, on Thursday Evening, April 19th, 1860.]

BY RICHARD GARDINER, M. D., PHILADELPHIA.

With a single exception, the science and practice of medicine places its fellows in the most elevated and responsible position in life. Such being its claims, dignity of character should ever distinguish the physician, without which he is not worthy of claiming a position in the high rank in which his profession is calculated to place him, or worthy of the confidence of the community or of his patients; he not only is the physician, but frequently the counsellor to the patient, for to him are entrusted the trials, troubles, difficulties, and not unfrequently the more private affairs, of the patient or family; for he is looked upon, under the most distressing circumstances, as one in whom confidence can be placed and whose counsel can be safely taken. Therefore, the dignity of his profession requires that he should be truthful, temperate, and honest, with all the qualifications of the gentleman; standing up for the dignity of the profession, the reputation of which is more or less involved, with that of the medical character. Since the physician may, by his own conduct, increase or diminish the estimation in which the profession will be held, he should carefully cultivate all the exteriors which characterize the gentleman but, especially, cultivate the moral senses, looking not only to future prosperity in this world, but also to that which is to come; basing his actions morally, professionally and religiously upon truth, that he may elevate his position in life with that of the great cause in which he is engaged. His profession, from the God-like principles which it embraces, leads to certain duties which it becomes necessary on the part of the physician to carry out in life.

The foregoing preliminary remarks lead to an inquiry into the more minute duties existing between the professional character and his patients, fellow-practitioners and the community at large.

The physician should not only be ever-ready to obey the calls of the sick, but his mind ought also to be imbued with the greatness of his mission and the responsibility he habitually incurs in its discharge. These obligations are the more deep and enduring, because there is no tribunal other than his own conscience to adjudge the penalties for carelessness or neglect.

Physicians should, therefore, minister to the sick with due impressions of the importance of their office; reflecting that the case, the health and the lives of those committed to their charge depend on their skill, attention and fidelity.

They should study also in their deportment, so to unite tenderness with firmness, and condescension with authority, as to inspire the minds of their patients with gratitude, respect and confidence.

Every case, committed to the charge of the physician, should be treated with attention, steadiness and humanity. Reasonable indulgence should be granted to the mental imbecility and caprices of the sick; secrecy and delicacy, when required, by peculiar circumstances should be strictly observed; and the familiar and confidential intercourse to which physicians are admitted in their professional visits should be used with discretion and with the most scrupulous regard to fidelity and honor.

The obligation of secrecy extends beyond the period of professional services. None of the privacies of personal and domestic life, no infirmity of disposition, or flaw of character observed during professional attendance, should ever be divulged by the physician, except when he is imperatively required to do so. The force and necessity of this obligation are indeed so great, that professional men have, under certain circumstances, been protected in the observance of secrecy by courts of Justice.

Frequent visits to the sick are, in general, requisite, since they enable the physician to arrive at a more perfect knowledge of the disease, to meet promptly every change which may occur, and also tend to preserve the confidence of the patient, But unnecessary visits are to be avoided, as they give useless anxiety to the patient, tend to diminish the authority of the physician, and render him liable to be suspected of interested motives.

The physician should not be forward to make gloomy prognostications, because they savour of empiricism, by magnifying the importance of his services in the treatment or cure of the disease. Hasty opinions, either in diagnosis or treatment, not unfrequently lead to unhappy results. A shake or nod of the head, to the eye of some observant patient, would do them more injury than days of the best treatment will repair. It is said of Dr. Wistar, formerly Professor of Anatomy in the University of this City, that he always entered the sick-room with a smile; it has its effect, and that a salutary one. The physician should not fail, on proper occasions, to give to the friends of the patient timely notice of danger when it really occurs, and even to the patient himself if absolutely necessary. This office, however, is so peculiarly alarming, when executed by him, that it should be declined whenever it can be assigned to any other person of sufficient judgment or delicacy. We speak from experience in this matter, looking over the past and remembering where we have been discharged for being candid in such cases. The physician should be the minister of hope and comfort to the sick, that by administering counsel to the drooping spirits, which would be like a cordial, he may smooth the bed of death, revive expiring life, and counteract the depressing influence of those maladies which often disturb the tranquillity of the most resigned in their last moments. The life of a sick person can be shortened, not only by the acts, but also by the words or the manner of a physician. It is, therefore, his sacred duty to guard himself carefully in this respect, and to avoid all things which have a tendency to discourage the patient and depress his spirits.

The physician ought not to abandon his patient because the case is deemed Incurable, for his attendance may continue to be highly useful to the patient and comforting to the relatives around him, even in the last period of a fatal malady, by alleviating pain and other symptoms, and by soothing mental anguish. To decline attendance, under such circumstances, would be sacrificing to fanciful delicacy and mistaken liberality, that moral duty which is independent or, and far superior, to all pecuniary consideration.

Consultations should be promoted in difficult or protracted cases, as they give rise to confidence, energy and more enlarged views in practice.

The opportunity which a physician not unfrequently enjoys of promoting and strengthening the good resolutions of his patients, suffering under the consequences of vicious conduct ought never to be neglected. His counsels or even remonstrances will give satisfaction, not offence, if they be proffered with politeness and evince a general love of virtue, accompanied by sincere interest in the welfare of the person to whom they are addressed.

In closing these remarks on the duties of the physician to his patient, we would name one that is too much neglected that is the attendance and treatment of the poor. It being too much the feeling of the young practitioner to commence the duties of the profession where his seniors leave off, not willing to give that attention, kindness and sympathy which the destitute and often wretched condition of the poor so often call for. It was remarked by the celebrated Rush, that the poor were the rounds of the ladder by which the young physician was to climb into the houses of the rich.

It is the best school for the young practitioner; it is there he gains his experience and becomes the debtor to the poor patient, who has entrusted his life in the hands of the inexperienced in the treatment of disease. The physician who has passed through this ordeal of rising in his profession, looks back with gratitude and pleasure to the many poor, to whom he has administered in their necessities, and thus gained that experience which has enabled him to gain entrance into the houses of the rich.

Of the duties of Physicians to each other.

Every individual on entering the profession, as he becomes thereby entitled to all its privileges and immunities, incurs an obligation to exert his best abilities to maintain its dignity and honor, to exalt its standing and to extend the bounds of its usefulness. He should, therefore, observe strictly such laws as are instituted for the government of its members; should avoid all contumptuous and sarcastic remarks relative to the faculty as a body; and while, by unwearied diligence, he resorts to every honorable means of enriching the science, he should entertain a due respect for his seniors, who have, by their labors, brought it to the elevated condition in which he finds it.

There is no profession, from the members of which greater purity of character and a higher standard of moral excellence, are required than the medical; and to attain such eminence, is a duty every physician owes alike to his profession and to his patients. It is due to the latter, as without it he cannot command their respect and confidence, and to both, because no scientific attainments can compensate for the want of correct moral principles. It is also incumbent upon the faculty to be temperate in all things, for the practice of physic requires the unremitting exercise of a clear and vigorous understanding; and, on emergencies, for which no professional man should. be unprepared, a steady hand, an acute eye, and an unclouded head may be essential to the well-being, and even to the life of a fellow-creature.

It is derogatory to the dignity of the profession to resort to public advertisements, or private cards, or hand-bills, inviting the attention of individuals affected with particular diseases — publicly offering advice and medicine to the poor gratis, or promising radical cures; or to publish cases and operations in the daily prints, or suffer such publications to be made; to invite laymen to be present at operations, to boast of cures and remedies, to adduce certificates of skill and success, or to perform any other similar acts. These are the ordinary practices of empirics, and are highly reprehensible in a regular physician.

Equally derogatory to professional character is it for a physician to hold a patent for any surgical instrument or medicine; or to dispense a secret nostrum, whether it be the composition or exclusive property of himself or of others. For, if such nostrum he of real efficacy, any concealment regarding it is inconsistent with beneficence and professional liberality; and, if mystery alone give it value and importance, such craft implies either disgraceful ignorance or fraudulent avarice. It is also reprehensible for physicians to give certificates attesting the efficacy of patent or secret medicines, or in any way to promote the use of them.

Professional services of physicians to each other.

All practitioners of medicine, and their wives, and children while under the paternal care, are entitled to the gratuitous services of any one or more of the faculty residing near them, whose assistance may be desired. A physician afflicted with disease is usually an incompetent judge of his own case; and the natural anxiety and solicitude which he experiences at the sickness of a wife, a child, or any one who, by the ties of consanguinity, is rendered peculiarly dear to him, tend to obscure his judgment and produce timidity and irresolution in his practice. Under such circumstances, medical men are peculiarly dependent upon each other, and kind offices and professional aid should always be cheerfully and gratuitously afforded. Visits ought not, however, to be obtruded officiously, as such unasked civility may give rise to embarrassment, or interfere with that choice on which confidence depends. But, if a distant member of the faculty, whose circumstances are affluent, requests attendance, and an honorarium be offerred, it should not be declined; for no pecuniary obligation ought to be imposed, which the party receiving it would wish not to incur.

Of the duties of physicians as respects vicarious offices.

The affairs of life, the pursuit of health, and the various accidents and contingencies to which a medical man is peculiarly exposed, sometimes require him temporarily to withdraw from his duties to his patients, and to request some of his professional brethren to officiate for him. Compliance with this request, is an act of courtesy which should always be performed with the utmost consideration for the interest and character of the family physician, and, when exercised for a short period, all the pecuniary obligations for such service should be awarded to him. But, if a member of the profession neglect his business in quest of pleasure and amusement, he cannot be considered as entitled to the advantages of the frequent and long continued exercise of this fraternal courtesy, without awarding to the physician who officiates the fees arising from the discharge of his professional duties.

In obstetrical and important surgical cases, which give rise to unusual fatigue, anxiety and responsibility, it is just that the fees accruing therefrom should be awarded to the physician who officiates.

Of the duties of physicians in regard to consultations.

A regular medical education furnishes the only presumptive evidence of professional abilities and acquirements, and ought to be the only acknowledged right of an individual to the exercise and honor of his profession. Nevertheless, as in consultations, the good of the patient he sole object in its view, and this is often dependent upon personal confidence, no intelligent regular practitioner, who has a license to practice from some medical board of known and acknowledged respectability, and who is in good moral and professional standing in the place in which he resides, should be fastidiously excluded from fellowship, or his aid refused in consultations, when it is requested by the patient. But, no one can be considered as a regular practitioner or a fit associate in consultation, whose practice is based on an exclusive dogma to the rejection of the accumulated experience of the profession, and of the aids actually furnished by anatomy, physiology, pathology, and organic chemistry.

In consultations, no rivalship or jealousy should be indulged; candor, probity, and all due respect should be exercised toward the physician having charge of the case.

In consultations, the attending physician should be the first to propose the necessary questions to the sick; after which, the consulting physician should have the opportunity to make such further inquiries of the patient as may be necessary to satisfy him of the true character of the case. Both physicians should then retire to a private place for deliberation, and the one first in attendance should communicate the directions agreed upon to the patient or to his friends, as well as any opinions it may be thought proper to express. But no statement or discussion of it should take place before the patient or his friends, except in the presence of all the faculty attending and by their common consent; and no opinions or prognostications should be delivered, which are not the result of previous deliberation and concurrence.

In consultations, the physician in attendance should deliver his opinion first; and when there are several consulting, they should deliver their opinions in the order in which they have been called in. No decision, however, should restrain the attending physician from making such variations in the mode of treatment, as any subsequent change in the character of the case may demand. Bat such variation, and the reason for it, ought to be carefully detailed at the next meeting of consultation. The same privilege belongs also to the consulting physician, if he is sent for in an emergency, when the regular attendant is out of the way, and similar explanations must be made by him at the next consultation.

The utmost punctuality should be observed in the visits of physicians when they are to hold consultations together, and this is generally practicable. But, as professional engagements may sometimes interfere and delay one of the parties, the physician who first arrives should wait for his associate a reasonable period; after which, the consultation should be considered as postponed to a new appointment. If it be the attending physician who is present, he will of course see the patient and prescribe; but if it be the consulting one, he should retire, except in case of emergency or when he has been called from a considerable distance, in which latter case he may examine the patient and give his opinion in writing, and under seal, to be delivered to his associate.

A physician, who is called upon to consult, should observe the most honorable and scrupulous regard for the character and standing of the practitioner in attendance; the practice of the latter, if necessary, should be justified as far as it can be, consistently with a conscientious regard for truth, and no hint or insinuation should be thrown out which could impair the confidence reposed in him, or affect his reputation. The consulting physician should also carefully refrain from any of those extraordinary attentions or assiduties, which are too often practised by the dishonest for the base purpose of gaining applause, or ingratiating themselves into the favor of families and individuals.

Duties of physicians in cases of interference.

Medicine is a liberal profession, and those admitted into its ranks should found their expectations of practice upon the extent of their qualifications, not on intrigue or artifice.

A physician, in his intercourse with a patient under the care of another practitioner, should observe the strictest caution and reserve. No meddling inquiries should be made, no disingenuous hints given relative to the nature and treatment of his disorder, nor any course of conduct pursued that may directly or indirectly tend to diminish the trust reposed in the physician employed.

The same circumspection and reserve should be observed when, from motives of business or friendship, a physician is prompted to visit an individual who is under the direction of another practitioner. Indeed, such visits should be avoided, except under peculiar circumstances; and when they are made, no particular inquiries should be instituted relative to the nature of the disease or the remedies employed, but the topics of the conversation should be as foreign to the case as circumstances will admit.

A physician ought not to take charge of or prescribe for a patient who has been recently under the care of another member of the faculty in the same illness, except in cases of sudden emergency, or in consultation with the physician previously in attendance, or when the latter has relinquished the case, or been regularly notified that his services are no longer desired. Under such circumstances, no unjust and illiberal insinuations should be thrown out in relation to the conduct or practice previously pursued, which should be justified as far as candor and regard for truth and probity will permit; for it often happens that patients become dissatisfied when they do not experience immediate relief, and, as many diseases are naturally protracted, the want of success, in the first stage of treatment, affords no evidence of a lack of professional knowledge and skill.

When a physician is called to an urgent case, because the family attendant is not at hand, he ought, unless his assistance in consultation be desired, to resign the care of the patient to the latter immediately on his arrival.

It often happens, in cases of sudden illness or of recent accidents and injuries, owing to the alarm and anxiety of friends, that a number of physicians are simultaneously sent for. Under these circumstances, courtesy should assign the patient to the first who arrives, who should select from those present any additional assistance that he may deem necessary. In all such cases, however, the practitioner who officiates, should request the family physician, if there be one, to be called, and, unless his further attendance be requested, should resign the case to the latter on his arrival.

When a physician is called to the patient of another practitioner in consequence of the sickness or absence of the latter, he ought, on the return or recovery of the regular attendant and with the consent of the patient, to surrender the case.

When a physician who has been engaged to attend a case of midwifery is absent, and another is sent for, if delivery is accomplished during the attendance of the latter, he is entitled to the fee, but should resign the patient to the practitioner first engaged.

Of differences between physicians.

Diversity of opinion and opposition of interest may, in the in the medical as in other professions, sometimes occasion controversy and even contention. Whenever such cases unfortunately occur and can not be immediately terminated, they should be referred to the arbitration of a sufficient number of physicians, or a court-medical.

As peculiar reserve must be maintained by physicians toward the public in regard to professional matters, and as there exist numerous points in medical ethics and etiquette through which the feelings of medical men may be painfully assailed in their intercourse with each other, and which can not be understood or appreciated by general society; neither the subject-matter of such differences nor the adjudication of the arbitrators should be made public, as publicity in a case of this nature may be personally injurious to the individuals concerned, and can hardly fail to bring discredit on the faculty.

Of pecuniary acknowledgments.

Some general rule should be adopted by the faculty in every town or district, relative to pecuniary acknowledgments from their patients; and it should he deemed a point of honor to adhere to these rules with as much uniformity as varying circumstances will admit.

Duties of the profession to the public.

As good citizens, it is the duty of physicians to be ever vigilant for the welfare of the community, and to bear their part in sustaining its institutions and burdens. They should also be ever ready to give counsel to the public in relation to matters especially appertaining to their profession, as on subjects of medical police, public hygiene and legal medicine. It is their province to enlighten the public in regard to quarantine regulations; the location, arrangement and dietaries of hospitals, asylums, schools, prisons and similar institutions; in relation to the medical police of towns, as drainage, ventilation, &c.; and in regard to measures for the prevention of epidemic and contagious diseases; and when pestilence prevails, it is their duty to face the danger and to continue their labor for the alleviation of the suffering, even at the jeopardy of their own lives.

Medical men should always be ready, when called on by the legally constituted authorities, to enlighten coroner's inquests and courts of justice, on subjects strictly medical, such as involve questions relating to sanity, legitimacy, murder by persons or other violent means, and in regard to the various other subjects embraced in the science of medical jurisprudence. But in these cases, and especially where they are required to make a post mortem examination, it is just, in consequence of the time, labor and skill required, and the responsibility and risk they incur, that the public should award them a proper honorarium.

There is no profession, by the members of which gratuitous services are more liberally dispensed than the medical; but justice requires that some limits should be placed to the performance of such good offices. Poverty, professional brotherhood, and certain of the public duties referred to recently, should always be recognized as presenting valid claims for gratuitous services; but neither institutions, endowed by the public or by rich individuals, societies for mutual benefit, for the insurance of lives or for analogous purposes, nor any profession or occupation, can be admitted to posses such privilege. Nor can it be justly expected of physicians to furnish certificates of inability to serve on juries, to perform militia duty, or to testify to the state of health of persons wishing to insure their lives, obtain pensions or the like, without a pecuniary acknowledgment. But to individuals in indigent circumstances, such professional services should always be cheerfully and freely accorded.

It is the duty of physicians, who are frequent witnesses of the enormities committed by quackery, and the injury to health and even the destruction of life caused by the use of quack medicines, to enlighten the public on these subjects, to expose the injuries sustained by the unwary from the devices and pretensions of artful empircics and impostors.

It is by carrying out the principles here laid down, that the dignity of the profession is sustained and the elevation of the physician secured.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 09, 1860, pages 385-397]

[Description: Dignity of The Medical Character.]

[Author: Gardiner, R.]

[Year: 1860]

ARE HOMOEOPATHIC DOSES NOTHING OR SOMETHING?

BY DR. HENRY GOALLON.

(TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN.)

BY C. WESSELHOEFT, DORCHESTER, MASS.

Homoeopathy considered from the practical and natural philosophic stand-point, &c.

Hahnemann originally used larger, i. e., customary doses, even according to his method; he soon found, however, as every subsequent experimenter must find, that these produced considerable aggravation of the condition they were intended to heal, before an improvement took place, whence he drew the very simple conclusion — that smaller doses were more to the purpose. Gaining experience by repeated experiments, he diminished these doses so far that they hardly seemed to contain matter at all. Hereon was founded the accusation so contradictory to the former one of poisoning patients, that homoeopathic doses were no better than nothing; on the ground that a millionth, a trillionth, &c, of a grain of some drug was equal to nothing. Over this nothing, a flood of cheap stale wit was poured out, without, however, stifling the living spark of truth. Mathematics even were brought to bear upon the subject, in order to prove that a trillionth part of a grain was an impossibility, unless the intention were to expand it to the size of this planetary system.

Let us first inquire how Hahnemann diluted drugs, and we shall see that he created millionths, &c., without incommoding the ocean and infinite space, if indeed we may here speak of matter as such any longer. It is well known that he mixed one drop of some powerful vegetable extract with ninetynine drops of alcohol by vigorous shaking, one drop of this was again mixed with ninety-nine drops of alcohol, and so on. In this manner he triturated, intimately, one grain of a metal or a mineral with ninety-nine grains of sugar of milk, of which one grain was treated in like manner, and so on. The third trituration was dissolved and then treated as a fluid substance. He carried this process to the thirtieth degree, which is now falsely called the decillionth solution.*[We shall subsequently see that a decillionth particle of matter is an impossibility.]

Hahnemann therewith connected the highly conceived idea not only to dilute medicines, but also to set free the inherent medicinal force, which he called potentizing.

Herein opinions differ, even among Homoeopaths; some preferring the higher, some the middle, others, again, the lower dilutions. We shall, hereafter, see under what conditions each deserves preference.

But reverting to the first question, whether the finest doses are still something, it becomes certain, by the aid of mathematics, so often abused for the annihilation of Homoeopathy, that a thing never can become a nothing; air, for instance, though continually diluted by the air-pump, can never leave an absolute vacancy. Though we may make the admission to our opponents, leaving aside the results of mathematics so frequently based on wrong suppositions, that even before the thirtieth dilution a body can no longer exist as such, having given up its form, the conclusion cannot be drawn, that also its ultimate component parts, and with these its force, have become extinct.

In order to illustrate the subject closely, it becomes necessary to inquire what number of fundamental forces, to which all others are related, as colors are to light, exist on this planet, and how they are connected with matter and with one another.

Of these there are only two belonging to this planet by right of its origin; magnetism, as planetary light, and warmth.

1. Magnetism. — This is the luminous substance imparted to this planet during its formation, i.e., its separation from the shining sun; which substance sought the centre, because all incipient formations begin with a centre.*[The breaking of light inwardly when passing from a lighter to a denser medium, is still a proof for this fundamental law of light.] Magnetism is. therefore, synonymous with gravity. Now, as ever, all matter tends toward the centre of the planet; in like manner to that of every detached portion of the same, as we are able to observe in the consolidation of fluids, where new matter is continually accumulated around a primary particle for a centre, thus forming either a sphere, a crystal, or, where there is an interruption of the process, an amorphous body.

Magnetism, therefore, is the cause of connection (cohesion) of bodies. In the magnetism of iron, where both poles draw the iron toward the centre or neutral point, we see the principle of cohesion illustrated. But that all bodies are actually magnetic is proved by the dia-magnetism (of Faraday) over the diverging of a pendulum in the neighborhood of great mountains.

Magnetism is accordingly perceived as gravity when it acts from the surface toward the centre. It becomes apparent as light, like the sun, when acting from the centre toward the surface, as it is seen in the northern light and during the rapid revolutions of a magnet opposite its opposite poles; it is also known as condensing, plastic and coherent power.

2. Warmth. — This represents the primary matter gravitating toward the sun, unlike the light gravitating toward the planet, designating as it were the return of matter to the sun as light designates the repulsion from the same. Solar light, as the ruling positive power, wherever it falls, liberates and develops warmth as its negative counter-pole. Warmth, herefore, being the counterpart of gravitation, magnetism, and cohesion, renders all bodies which it penetrates specifically lighter, so that they must occupy a greater space though their gravity is unchanged. Hence, it expands bodies, changes solids into fluids and fluids into vapor; lastly, it weakens the magnetism of iron while cold increases it.

Solar light and warmth constitute the simple primeval polarity.

Warmth, however, is the opposite force to magnetism; but magnetism being bi-polar, acting from two extremities toward the centre, warmth must in its turn of necessity possess bipolar properties.*[In like manner, a chemical element cannot unite with a binary compound without first becoming binary.] This state can only be entered into when warmth combines with light in the most varied relationship, † [Like the neutralization of light and warmth, forming colors.] forming electricity.

Electricity is light and warmth with the preponderance of the one; light-electricity we call positive, warmth-electricity is negative.

Electricity is by no means identical with magnetism, but rather the exact opposite. Both follow widely different laws.

Magnetism attracts uninteruptedly, making the minute particle bi-polar, which in its turn attracts, thus forming a magnetic line. An electric body, though it also attracts an indifferent one, repels it in the same moment, imparting to it at the moment of contact its positive or negative electricity.

Magnetism knows no isolation, its unbroken force acts through all that intervenes; electricity, on the contrary, is isolated by electric bodies.

The action of magnetism is linear through the density of matter and bodies; electricity manifests itself alone on the surfaces of bodies. The former gains strength by rest, but loses it by interrupted rest, as e. g., when the iron is often torn from the poles of a magnet. Electricity on the contrary, is constantly increased by movement, friction, concussion, interruption of coherence.

Both forces neutralize and limit one another, being everywhere opposed. Magnetism by itself would congeal all matter; while electricity alone would decompose the same into its elements.*[As is the case with water, and consequently also the water of crystallization of bodies causing their deflorescence.] The union of both constitutes actual being, which is the connecting link between coming into, and going out of, existence; their relation to one another conditions the degree of cohesion and density of all bodies, which are, therefore, both magnetic and electric according to their ever-varying density.

Metals are almost exclusively magnetic; air is in the same measure electric. Water stands between both, being magnetic when in the form of ice (crystallized), and electric when reduced to vapor and while in the act of dissolving solid matter.

Both electricities, positive and negative, are present in all bodies of the planet, the one or the other of them prevailing, on which account the same bodies are either positively or negatively related to others, which are positive or negative in less degree. Bodies with highly prevailing electricity of one kind are called idio-electric All bodies admit of a classification in three grand groups: — decidedly positive, decidedly negative and indifferently electric In the latter, both electricities are entirely or nearly counterpoised, manifesting no polarity outwardly,

The sum of both electricities, exhibited in each body of them groups, is at the same time the inherent power, properly belonging to each of these bodies. The difference of the innumerable manifestations of forces and properties of bodies depends alone upon the intensity of electric charge and tension; and every manifestation of force is neither more nor less than the sum total of electricity, showing itself in a free state and modified according to the composition of the body it belonged to.

Electricity, and consequently every special force of a body, is either at rest (latent), or active, or free. Free electricity is only observable on the surfaces of bodies; but beyond these, when in its present state, it forms an atmosphere of more or less extent which is proved to exist by numerous phenomena, particularly by the attraction and repulsion of bodies distant from one another. The mere friction of a glass cylinder or a stick of sealing wax is sufficient to act upon a magnetic needle at a distance of several inches. The action of magnetism is toward the centre, serving to confine and bind the forces. All, therefore, acting from the centre to the surface must be electric.

Warmth, magnetism, electricity, the forces of chemical action (electrism, chemism) are usually called forces; let us now see how they are connected with matter, and how they remain in connection.

All bodies, simple as well as compound, were ere this, and are now considered again as consisting of atoms, grouped together in more bold combinations.

Though consisting of exactly like component parts, two bodies may possess different properties. Thus starch, for example, by means of dilute sulphuric acid (also by other means) may be converted into gum, and subsequently into sugar, without entering into combination with the acid. These three substances, so different in taste and bearing, have, even in quantity, exactly the same component parts. This is explained by the assumption that the atoms occupy different positions to one another, their relation being a mechanical one; the manner, however, in which the difference of juxta-position of atoms is produced, is as yet undemonstrated. The power of determining their position can not lie in the atoms themselves, neither has sulphuric acid produced it. The varied juxtaposition of atoms, therefore, can only be sought after in a modified condition of electricity, i.e., in the attractive and repulsive proportions of these hypothetical atoms, or, what would be the same, in modified electric force with unmodified components.

In the above process nothing has been altered except the tension of electricity, and with this, its quality. The indifferent starch, pulverized by the sulphuric acid, was changed into chemically active sugar.*[We may, perhaps, explain the process in this manner, that the components, chaotically present in starch, such as Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen, unite with polaric tension through the action of Sulphuric acid one-half of the Carbon is united with Hydrogen, the other with the Oxygen. The Carburetted Hydrogen and Carbonic acid resulting thereby, are now related as base and acid and form the Sugar, the principal vegetable salt, of which all others are only modifications. Dorberesiner already considered sugar in this light.]

If we now proceed to ask, what atoms are, the answer will be: — Parts of a body incapable of further division. Bat if we imagine a particle of a body however minute, there is no reason why we should not imagine it by one-half smaller and this half again divided in two, and so on.

In mathematics this has no limits, which limit, therefore, is an entirely arbitrary supposition, although it must exist in reality.

In the physical and actual division of a body, we must ultimately arrive at a limit, beyond which it ceases to be what it was. This limit, then, is the boundary between the total dissolution of a body, and the possibility given by its dissolution of assuming once more its former state or uniting with a new body, according to new laws of attraction and repulsion modified according to circumstances. When we, therefore, suppose a body reduced to real (indivisible) atoms, it no longer exists as a body, because cohesion and gravity, the conditions for the existence of a body, must have ceased, if the word atom shall not be nonsense.

But this is mathematically and physically certain, that every atom of a body, in the true sense, must continue to exist as the bearer of its force, i, e., of its special (specific) electricity, so long as it does not enter new combinations. In fact, this force or power, this special electricity, must become free and potent, or, as physical science would express it would emanate from a latent into a free condition, after the force of binding magnetism is broken by interrupted continuity.

This process of setting atoms free, and with these their peculiar strength, is intended and accomplished by means of trituration, solution, and progressive dilution of homoeopathic medicine. Accordingly, it is not only possible but in complete harmony with the laws of the fundamental forces of nature, that the force of a body in a high state of communication can and must be made more effectual and free in its action upon a sensitive organism, than in its denser and coherent state. It is self evident that mechanical and chemical actions, as they are observed in inorganic nature, where in fact quality and volume stand in direct proportion to their effect, must here be left unregarded.

Liberation of matter from the laws of attraction and gravity by expansion, and liberation of force, whose vehicle is matter expanded into atoms, accordingly become identical.

Matter and Force. — Natural philosophers at this time agree that in reality there can be no force without matter acting as its vehicle, or better, pervading completely, and forming with it an inseparable whole.

Those, who regard matter as of the greater importance (Materialists), have thence drawn the conclusion, that matter creates force, and that consequently the sum total of force perishes, together with its sum total of matter composing a body; but that material particles, i. e., atoms, which do not cease to be bearers of particles of force, immediately enter into new combinations. According to their doctrine, each individual being ceases to exist with the dissolution of its body. There is but one kind of immortality, consisting in the eternal continuation of atoms in a circulation of accidental combinations into new beings.

This theory of atoms, about which long discussions have been carried on recently, is in itself totally false. Atom*[Atom is only a modern expression; that is, one by which a bridge may be built from the known to the unknown. An indivisible atom could only be a geometrical point, equal to nothing. Atoms having a form or shape are evidently impossible.]. is confounded with constituent part, and the expression of a body resolving itself wholly and as a whole, is confounded with decomposition of the same, according to chemical elective affinities. So long as the latter are not called into action, there is no reason why a given matter, in its highest state of so-called atomic expansion (dilution), should give up the laws of attraction according to which it was originated. Nor until one of its constituent parts is re-placed by another, more powerfully antagonistic (of nearer chemical affinity) and in sufficient quantity (chemical equivalent) will decompositon become possible; by no means otherwise. Thus kitchen salt, though atomically divided, will remain Muriate of soda so long as nothing is added annulling the attraction of its constituents; the utmost dilution will not do it

What may be said of a simple salt, equally applies to a combination of elementary substances united to a definite organic whole. The utmost solution of its coherence is in no degree the cause for a separation of its constituents; each atom is and continues to be what it was before, retaining its tendency again to condense with the rest to the former density of the body, provided other chemical actions do not interfere.

Indeed, the juice of Aconite or Belladonna, decomposing in the air, is chemically destroyed, its ultimate constituents, attracted by other elements, forming new combinations. When, on the contrary, preserved in alcohol and protected against chemical influences, it will continue to be purely Aconite or Belladonna in its subsequent dilutions. The atomization of matter, therefore, is to be regarded only as the highest degree of expansion, but not as chemical decomposition.

Now, the highest degree of expansion of matter is connected with the nullification of cohesion and gravity; such matter deprived of cohesion and gravity, capable of condensing in every degree, we call Ether (the matter occupying endless space). Atomization, therefore, may be more appropriately termed etherization, because atoms with cohesion and gravity cannot exist according to the nature of things. All kinds of matter can be converted into ether without losing their individual properties; and this ether is the proper vehicle of each natural force, needed by each in order to manifest itself.

This ether is no longer a substance of merely an ideal existence, but it possesses all the essential properties of matter. Astronomy teaches that it exercises resistance against the motion of heavenly bodies through space. In the form of light it can be deflected and reflected from its direct course; as warmth, it is as well bound as free; as electricity it may be perceived by the organs of taste and smell; it exercises its power in the shape of steam, etc. All natural forces, accordingly, are not without substance as was once believed, but they are ether in different degrees of tension; as light and warmth between the sun and planet; as magnetism between the centre and periphery of the planet. It is ether that penetrates the whole universe, controlling and giving life to matter; endowing each body with its special electric or magnetic value, thereby again designating its relation to other bodies. It flows spontaneously or through external action from bodies, disclosing their nature to us (as is the case in sounds, odors, &c.)

If ether, now, according to these proofs is matter, like this it is capable of condensation in every degree; and if it exists, as we have just seen, as luminous ether or "sun-matter," on the one hand, radiating in a linear direction, on the other hand) as warmth and with spherical motion; then, as electricity, composed of the latter two, and active on the surfaces of bodies; then again, as galvanism ("Chemism") penetrating the dimensions of fluids, and, lastly, as magnetism tending toward the centre of solid bodies; then must its condensation have occurred not only in numberless degrees, but also in groups of bodies, corresponding to the above-named fundamental forces and their combined actions.

It will, therefore, become necessary to consider and classify phosphorus and brimstone as condensed negative electricity, glass as condensed positive electricity, while the metals rank either as condensed magnetism or galvanism.

When planetary matter and bodies are once formed,*[That they could not have been formed in fire is proved and accepted as sufficiently evident by every thinking philosopher of the age.] they will not change their condition without an external cause, but they will continue to exist according to their original principle, which conditions their combination. Even a body of the most complicated nature must, in accordance with the tendency or idea, the cause and life of its being just as it is and not otherwise, be considered as a unit, which, even if expanded or solved as a whole, never can be lost; it consequently remains what it was even in the highest atomic division, so long as its constituent parts do not enter into new combinations according to our laws of attraction.

If we acknowledge the above-named laws, for in calm deliberation on the origin of matter and the multiplicity of equal bodies, we can hardly arrive at another conclusion, we must also acknowledge the existence of a special force or "special ether position" as belonging to each body, being itself condensed ether. This force becomes free, instead of being destroyed in the division of a body into atoms, or to speak more distinctly, in its solution into ether.

Friction of glass results in the free electricity of glass; sulphur, treated in like manner, gives us the free electricity of sulphur, &c Bodies cannot send out radiations unless these are parts these bodies themselves. Glass contains positive, sulphur, negative electricity, not as a thing distinct and by itself, but rather identical with these substances, representing the two kinds of electricity in a condensed state. They become apparent by means of friction, that is by partial atomization of their surfaces.

That this may be the case, that the electric current may bear with it matter itself, that perhaps all bodies exposed to the atmosphere, may as ether become part of the atmosphere and condensed again subsequently, is corroborated by the remarkable discovery of Fusenieri, that common electric sparks contain parts of that metal of which the conductor of the machine is made. A spark of this kind sent from a golden ball through a silver plate leaves on each side, at its place of entrance and exit respectively, a circular layer of gold, which after sometime again evaporates. Lightning sometimes leaves a decided sulphurous odor and blackens metals; consequently it was etherized sulphur. Some lightnings, according to Arago, contain iron and leave traces of the same; to how great an extent, then, must these bodies, ordinarily so ponderous, have become refined.

The doctrine of atoms and that of ether, are, therefore, identical. So long as the so-called atoms continue to follow the laws of gravity, they continue to be dense and consequently divisible, and, hence, cannot be called real atoms; but when they do not obey gravitation, then they are imponderable ether in its different modifications and tension. The more ancient designation of electricity, magnetism, &c, as imponderables, is the most correct.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, pages 349-360]

[Description: Are Homoeopathic Doses Nothing Or Something?]

[Author: Goallon, H.]

[Year: 1860]

CASE OF CINCHONA-POISONING.*[ London Monthly Homoeopathic Review, September, 1863.]

BY DR. GONZALEZ, MADRID.

On the 27th of October, last year, I was summoned to attend Mrs. E. L. de M., residing temporarily in this city, at No. 24 Rio Street. This lady, who was 24 years old, of lymphatic temperament and feeble constitution, had the appearance of one suffering from prolonged and deep-seated disease.

The following are the pathological phenomena, gathered from the patient herself:

In 1861, whilst residing in a town of Andalucia, she was attacked by ague, or intermittent fever, which was treated by large doses of Quinine. Although this drug removed the fever in a few days, her general health remained much impaired for some time afterwards. A gastric affection made its appearance, characterized by anorexia; foul taste in the mouth; burning sensation in the stomach; dyspepsia; costiveness; rheumatic pains in different parts of the body; general heat, with partial perspirations during the night, and great lowness of spirits. For the removal of these new symptoms, various means were employed, such as cathartics, Opium, and other so called "mild remedies;" but all were administered in vain; the disease became worse day by day. For a time the patient was treated homoeopathically, without much relief, and was unable to continue the treatment, on account of her removal from that part of the country. After this she became pregnant, and suffered much during gestation, and in her confinement, and was unable to nurse her child.

In the summer of 1862, she placed herself once more under allopathic treatment. Her medical adviser thought her illness was the result of "heat of the blood" (ardor de la sangre), and recommended her to have recourse to the baths of the Guadalquivir; these, however, produced an effect contrary to what was expected, and aggravated the rheumatic pains already mentioned. She then returned to Homoeopathy, and obtained considerable relief. She soon afterwards left for Aranjuez, where she was again attacked by intermittent fever, and was once more treated with massive and repeated doses of Quinine. This remedy removed the ague again, but left the patient in a miserable condition, and suffering from symptoms which I shall mention hereafter. In this deplorable state she came to Madrid, to be treated exclusively on the homoeopathic system.

The following is the pathological condition in which I found her at that time:

Pallid skin, with a yellowish tint about the face; general emaciation; eyes dull and sunken, with a dark rim under the lower lids; anguished expression; lips dry and cracked; great heat; the inferior extremities edematous; the borders of the tongue red, the centre white; anorexia; thirst, increased during digestion; dyspepsia; costiveness. The liver and spleen were not over sensitive, but a slight pain was felt, on pressure, in the epigastric and hypochondriac regions. The patient complained much of the stomach, where she felt an intense heat; and was unable to bear any pressure around the waist. The above symptoms were accompanied by sleeplessness; weak and small pulse; aggravations of fever during the night, terminating in copious perspirations. Perspiration came on, also, during the day, when she happened to fall asleep, whilst reclining in her easy chair, wearied by suffering. The patient also suffered from a pertinacious though not very troublesome cough; strong rheumatic pains in different parts, particularly in the upper and lower extremities. The menses were generally profuse, bordering on menorrhagia, appearing always in advance of the ordinary time. The discharge was mixed with leucorrheal and serous matter. Her moral state was lamentable in more than one respect: her spirits were depressed; she was full of fears, and had not strength to walk, or even to nurse her baby, or to hold it in her arms. Her voice was weakened by her constant sufferings, and was hardly audible. Her husband and family were very anxious about her, and feared she would succumb under pulmonary or laryngeal phthisis.

Upon reviewing the symptomatic group above recorded, I felt convinced that I had to deal with one of those medicinal affections, which Hahnemann has described as being more difficult to treat than natural diseases. In fact I had to combat the poisonous effects of Cinchona, taken in immense quantities, during two different attacks of intermittent fever. The state of my patient recalled to my mind the description given by Dr. Nunez of the symptoms produced by the abuse of Cinchona; the symptoms recorded by that physician, and those revealed in the present case are identical.

Having thus established my diagnosis, the selection of the remedy was the next step. Pulsatilla was selected, because it corresponds perfectly with the cause of the disease, and is at the same time the most efficacious antidote to Cinchona. I therefore administered Pulsatilla^200 three doses of five globules each, to be taken dissolved in two spoonfuls of water, every second day, an hour and a half before breakfast.

Four days afterwards, I saw my patient again, and observing that she had gained relief, in every respect, I allowed the medicine to act, and merely prescribed Sacch. lact.

On my third visit, on the 3d of November, I was struck by the progress of her recovery. The rheumatic pains had Almost left her, and all the other symptoms were much mitigated. Her moral condition and her countenance were cheerful. I still continued the Sacch. lact., and did not interfere with the action of the Pulsatilla.

On the 11th of November all the morbid symptoms had disappeared, except the perspiration, which, however, was much subdued.

On the 18th her condition was very satisfactory. She had gained strength, and was able to take an afternoon walk. – The languid feelings were replaced by cheerfulness, and she was able to attend to mental and domestic occupations. The intestinal canal recovered its natural vigor, and resumed its daily functions. I continued the same prescription.

On the 28th the menses made their appearance naturally, and she gained flesh gradually; she attended to domestic occupations with pleasure; her appetite, however, became almost voracious, so much so, as to produce suspicions of worms in the intestinal tube, for which I gave her Merc. sol. 200, two doses of four globules each, one dose to be taken immediately, and the other dose three days after.

On the 5th, 13th and 20th of December, I had the pleasure to see that her health was in a normal state; and on the 26th I concluded my attendance, leaving a dose of five globules of Sulph.200, to be taken in eight days from that date, in order to destroy the predisposition to worms. She returned to Aranjuez with her husband and family.

The rapid recovery of the patient in this case, gave great satisfaction to the family. The case from the first was considered hopeless, because of the intensity and long duration of the ailment, and the supposed predisposition to consumption.

The above is one of the numerous cases of drug-poisoning often met within our practice; difficult to treat, and generally fatal; records of the irrational therapeutics of the old school, against which we cannot raise our voices too high.

Finally, I would call the attention of my colleagues to the importance, shewn in the case, of allowing a well-selected remedy to act fully, without repetition or interference. – El Criteria Medico.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 04, 1863, page 176-179]

[Description: Case of Cinchona-poisoning.]

[Remedies: China officinalis]

[Author: Gonzalez]

[Year: 1863]

A CASE OF LEAD COLIC.

BY DR. P. A. GONZALEZ.

Translated from El Criteria Medico, January 25th, 1864.

BY E. M. KELLOGG, M. D., NEW YORK.

I was called, November 28th, 1862, to visit D. K. M., fifty-three years of age, married, of sanguine temperament and good constitution. Although somewhat inclined to alcoholic drinks, he did not abuse them and his manner of life was excellent.

Some two months before, he had bought a large glazed earthen vessel, which was filled with equal parts of peppers and the strongest vinegar. One month afterwards, thinking the peppers fit to be eaten, he took a moderate quantity of them together with some of the vinegar. Two days passed without any change, but late in the afternoon of the third day the patient began to feel general uneasiness, and a dull pain in the umbilical region, which radiated over the whole abdomen, especially in the direction of the recti muscles. This pain gradually increased during the night, becoming lacerating in its character, and causing great restlessness and moaning. It was accompanied by attacks of vomiting of a bitter, bilious, slightly green matter, constant nausea, metallic taste, anorexia, lack of thirst, chilliness, cramps in the lower extremities, sleeplessness and anxiety.

Next day an allopathic physician was called in, who stated that the sick man was poisoned by lead, and that the cure would be difficult and tedious. He arranged his battery, consisting of purgatives, enemas, cataplasms, ointments, potions, etc., with all of which he began to attack the disease. After a transient relief, all the symptoms except vomiting were aggravated; the purgatives, cataplasms, etc., were changed, but without benefit; the suffering of the sick man steadily increased, especially at night. Thus passed six or eight days, at the end of which the physician retired, notwithstanding the entreaties of the patient and his family, alleging as an excuse his numerous engagements and the length of time necessary to care this case.

Another Allopath followed. He employed a treatment similar to that of his predecessor, confirming his diagnosis, and especially insisting upon the use of belladonna ointments, and flax seed poultices over the abdomen. Some relief was obtained, but it was as transient as the first, and seemed only to add fuel to the flame. The abdominal pains, the sleeplessness, the cramps and chilliness increased still more. A muscular numbness began to invade the upper and lower extremities, together with a slight trembling of the upper limbs and some difficulty in the movements of the tongue. Thus passed ten days more. The disease would not yield to the varied means used, and the patient seeing himself in no ways relieved, but rather getting worse, at last requested his physician to apply some other remedies to diminish his sufferings. In reply he was (told that there were no others to be prescribed, that, all the means indicated in his case had been used, and the best he could do would be to go to Valencia for a while, where, perhaps, he might find some relief. This opinion plunged the sick man into a state of great despondency; and his mental condition only aggravated his previous sufferings.

Before taking the journey, however, he determined to try homoeopathic treatment, and I was accordingly summoned. I found him in the following condition: he lay on a sofa, on his right self, having his legs flexed upon his thighs, and these, in a slight degree, upon his abdomen; his skin was of a yellowish hue, not like jaundice, but like that which obtains among the workers in red or white lead; and his flesh was soft and wasted. His countenance was more emaciated than the rest of his body, and showed profound despondency. He complained of pain, in the abdomen, acute and lacerating, not continuous in the region of the umbilicus and relieved only by pressure of the hand. The tongue, covered with a yellowish white coat about the base, was otherwise clean, and partly paralyzed on the right side, impeding the promptness and clearness of his utterance. The taste was metallic, the breath fetid, with dryness of the fauces; there were anorexia, lack of thirst, pain in all the abdomen, especially in the umbilicus, accompanied by a burning sensation in the intestines during an attack of pain, which frequently changed to a species of insensibility of the abdominal walls; weight in the rectum, constriction of the belly, and a stool only once in eight or ten days of scanty, blackish feces, whose expulsion caused acute suffering. Pains, though not so acute, were felt in the extremities, and cramps in the legs, which at times; were intense; the numbness increased day by day, and there was an incessant trembling, worse at times, especially in the upper extremities, in which the paralysis of the extensor muscles was manifest, particularly in the right hand, which could not grasp or hold any object. Add to all this a general coldness with frequent shiverings, which obliged him to be warmly clad and remain near a fire.

All these symptoms were aggravated at night, and particularly by lying in bed, and they produced such a continual agitation and anxiety as to compel him frequently to arise and walk about the house. In this mode he passed the nights until the light of a new day saw him lie down on his couch, worn out by fatigue and exhausted by suffering. These nightly walks always needed the aid of another person, and he retained, when walking, the same bent position as in repose.. Finally, his mental condition was sad enough; given over to thoughts of life-long pain, he imagined his disease incurable and gave way to the gloomy thoughts which the fear of death excited, and to repinings caused by the dread of his journey to Valencia.

From the totality of these symptoms, I was convinced that this was a case of lead colic, complicated with paralysis and incipient cerebral affections. It is well known that the potters generally employ for glazing purposes a preparation composed of six parts of protoxide of lead and four of argil or white clay; with this they wash their wares after they are sun-dried and then bake them. In the baking temperature, the protoxide of lead or litharge attacks the silica, forming a fusible silicate of lead, which on cooling produces the glazing on the earthenware. In the case of which we are writing, the vinegar attacked this salt of lead and formed a neutral acetate of lead which was taken into the stomach of the patient, and caused all the above symptoms.

In selecting the remedy I decided upon Opium to diminish, if possible, the abdominal sufferings. Before administering it, however, I repeatedly asked if the sick man had taken any Opium during his allopathic treatment, and was always answered in the negative. I then dissolved five globules of Opium 200 in half a glass of water, one spoonful to be taken every four hours, and ordered no food to be given but pot broth and no drink but water.

29th. The patient has experienced some relief, especially at night, though he did not sleep; the pains in stomach and the trembling are somewhat less; other symptoms unchanged. Sacc. lactis.

December 1st. Patient much worse; a very decided aggravation. The pains and cramps have increased wonderfully, and the whole surface of the body is icy cold. I now learned that the patient has had Opium prescribed for him on several occasions previously, which, however, he did not recollect on account of its being called by another name. This then explained the fleeting benefit received from its attenuation. I now prepared and administered in the same way, every four hours, Platina^300.

3d. The improvement has begun. I gave Platina^300, a dose every six hours, the same regimen to be still observed.

5th. The coldness has entirely gone and the trembling scarcely shows itself; the abdominal pains are felt in the evening, but more lightly and briefly; the appetite is returning. His moral state, although sad enough still, is relieved from these terrible attacks of desperation and anguish, and he begins to entertain a hope of being cured, which causes him unspeakable comfort. His nights are passed tranquilly in bed, though still without sleep. I allowed him to take a little soup, which he greatly desired, and continued the Platina^200 once every eight hours.

7th. the improvement continues marked; the trembling and pain have entirely disappeared, and he has a blackish stool with much tenesmus and heat in the rectum. The appetite increases, the tongue pronounces more distinctly, and its base is perfectly clean. His cheerful countenance shows how he is gaining, and he had had a tranquil sleep which lasted almost all night. Under these circumstances, I gave him Sacc. lactis, and allowed him some chicken and chocolate.

21st. Up to this time the patient has steadily improved without anv drawback. His skin is losing, little by little, its yellow color which can hardly be perceived, even in the sclerotica; he can walk alone, though with difficulty; his extremities have began to recover their natural movement and sensibility, and his hands can grasp and hold objects; his tongue is entirely free from any signs of paralysis, and every word is uttered clearly, and promptly. His appetite is fully restored, and his bowels act regularly. Hope glows in every feature, and his eyes sparkle with new life. At his request, I allowed him to walk out, though leaning on another's arm, during the middle of the day, and continued the use of Sacch. lact.

26th. The yellowness of his skin has entirely disappeared and he is improving steadily in every way.

I did not see him again until January 12th, 1863, when he was apparently restored to the full measure of his natural health and strength. I was called at this time because he had been over-indulging in alcoholic drinks, which caused some return of his abdominal pains. These, however, were quickly removed by Nux vom.200

It is now a year since I prescribed for him, and he has continued to enjoy uninterrupted good health.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1864, pages 551-555]

[Description: Case of Lead Colic.]

[Remedies: Opium, Platinum metallicum, Nux vomica]

[Author: Gonzalez, P.A.]

[Year: 1864]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTION.

By D. A. Gorton, M. D., Newburgh, N. Y.

Typhoid Fever complicated with Jaundice. – The case here presented is chiefly remarkable for its complication. It is one of those cases which do not always yield promptly to medical treatment, on which account they are often early given over to baseless experimentation; and while some, even then, will get well, the majority, it is believed, sooner or later succumb to the disease. If, in the treatment of any class of diseases it were desirable to adhere strictly to the principles of our science, this class is the one above all others, because, as it is more malignant and fatal, greater certainty of prescription is requisite to conduct it to a favorable issue. Yet, unhappily, it is too often the case that the Homoeopathician, finding the case stubborn, not readily yielding to his remedies, feels it his duty to ignore his most cherished principles and resort to any method, system or drug, that in the annals of medicine — or out of them – ever succeeded in the treatment of an analogous case.

This case is more interesting because we have in its issue the gratifying reward of a faithful adherence to homoeopathic principles.

G. H. S. is of a frail constitution, with a predisposition from youth to bilious and catarrhal difficulties. Temperament, nervo-bilious; scrofulous diseases appear to be hereditary in the family, as indicated by the early death of a brother with pulmonary tuberculosis. Age, twenty-four years.

August 27th, 1865. Has been suffering for the past two days with temporary swimming in the head and a disposition to chilliness. Had today, as the occasion for calling me, a decided chill. The following Mercurius symptoms were present, viz.: .swimming in the head when attempting to arise; vomiting of slimy mucus; the tongue and fauces are covered with white slime; ardent thirst for cold water; hot and dry skin; aching in the bones, particularly in the back and legs. Dissolved a few pellets of Mercurius sol.30 in half tumbler of water, and give a dissert spoonful once in two hours.

28th. Rather less fever and pain in the bones; pulse steady at 100 per minute, otherwise not much change.

29th. Seems decidedly improved. The bowels however are constipated and pain him considerably; the abdominal pains seem of an obstructive character. There is frequent disposition to evacuate without the power to do so. Dissolved in half tumbler of water a few pellets of Nux vom. 30 and gave a dessert spoonful once in two hours.

30th. Much relieved; bowels have moved twice today; Skin feels natural; some return of appetite of which he has been entirely wanting of late; complexion sallow; and the conjunctival membrane of the eyes strongly indicate considerable hepatic torpor. Mercurius sol^30 in water, once in three hours.

I pass over the brief period of five days in the history of my patient, during which time Mercurins sol.30 had been continued, with occasional intermissions of twelve hours. He was doing finely – had gotten along too well as the event proved-serious relapse now followed as a natural consequence, it is believed, of untimely exercise and fatigue. — Typhoid symptoms had now clearly set in, of which I give the following synopsis:

September 5th. Hot and dry skin; pulse 110, unsteady; mind confused; great thirst for cold drinks; mouth dry; tongue coated yellowish brown; extremely restless; throws his arms and legs wildly about; tosses himself from one side of the bed to the other; loathing of food; slumbers for a few minutes and then wakens to toss about; bowels feel natural although there has been no stool since 30th ult; all the nervous symptoms are worse at night. Gave Arsenicum alb.30 a few pellets dissolved in half tumbler of water, of which a dessert spoonful is ordered once in two hours.

6th. The symptoms are unchanged, except that the mind is less clear than yesterday; muttering delirium; calls for ice and iced water.

8th. Seems rather brighter in the morning; his naps are longer, but he wakens weary and restless; pulse 100 per minute; heat of skin much less. Sacch. lac.

10th Much as usual; increased feverishness and restlessness last night, against which Arsenicum^30 was given in solution. Although he seems more comfortable this morning, I order the medicine continued.

11th. This morning the face, neck and chest are decidedly jaundiced; the urine is strongly impregnated with bile; it passes unnoticed, not unfrequently, imparting a deep yellow stain to the linen. The mind is clear in the morning, but toward evening becomes excessively dull; doses considerably, but is restless during waking intervals. Gave Mercurius sol.30 in solution as before, and ordered farina gruel to be given in four hours.

14th. The case grows more critical. There is a sluggishness about him, painful to both physician and nurse. Though greatly reduced in flesh and strength in the early part of the day, he answers questions correctly. He always feels "first rate" when his health is inquired after, but presently kicks off the bedcloths exposing his person to whoever may be present. Sleeps heavily; no inclination to stool; still the abdomen is not tympanitic, and auscultation discovers no fearful gurgling at the cecum; the breath emits an odor of putrid flesh; tongue brownish; the teeth are thickly crusted with offensive sordes; lips brown; corners of the mouth cracked; they bleed profusely at times. Percussion reveals great tenderness at the hypogastrium, and considerable hypertrophy of the liver. The urine is scanty, of a dark brown color, and deposits no urates.

As will be observed Mercurius sol.30 was continued, although I was not fully satisfied with it. It did not seem to do the patient any good, and yet what remedy in our Materia Medica covered the totality of the symptoms better? What remedy answered the long roll of symptoms so well?

Dr. Dunham, of New York, in consultation. He thought the case unhappily complicated. Recommended patience on the part of the attending physician, and perseverance in the use of Mercurius sol. to the patient. Spoke hopefully of the issue. If, however, after a further use of that remedy it be found inoperative, he would suggest Lycopodium.

The next day after our conference, the symptoms were favorably modified, and seemed every way to justify the confidence which had been reposed in Mercurius. On the day, following, however, we were doomed to disappointment. The worse features of the case were again presented. I quote from my notes as follows:

September 16th. Had quite a severe chill this afternoon; the skin is very hot; pulse 116 per minute; does not seem to notice anything; cannot get replies to questions; dull incoherent muttering. Lycopodium in solution, dessert spoonful once in two hours.

17th. Less fever; no increase of jaundice.

18th. Decidedly less fever; mind clearer and stronger.

P.M. Increased restlessness. One dose of Arsenicum^30.

19th. Improving satisfactorily; pulse 84 per minute; no appetite; takes farina gruel and beaf-tea, because he is urged to do so; drinks lemonade for which he has had a fondness from the beginning; mouth very dry; tongue chapped and sore. Continued Lycopodium".

The patient remained in this condition, comparatively comfortable, neither gaining nor becoming visibly worse, for several days. Lycopod. seemed no longer operative. The friends were losing faith of his recovery. I quote as follows from my note book:

23d. The lower border of the liver is quite sensitive to Pressure; no stool in twenty-three days; abdomen greatly sunken and hard. Sulphur 30 in solution, a dessert spoonful once in two hours.

25th. Improvement in the appetite; sleeps better; talks rationally.

26th. Rested tolerably well during the night; pulse 76 in the a.m., 80 in the p.m.

Gave also strong beaf-tea once in two hours, baked apples, toasted bread and oranges, ad libitum.

28th. Pulse 72 per minute; skin cool and dry; the hepatic soreness seems to have passed away; coliquative sweat during sleep; great atony; the condition is clearly dyscrasic; bed sores appear on the ankles; the back and hips are chafed and sore. China^30 in solution, a dessert spoonful once in two hours.

29th. Status quo.

30th. Not much change in the symptoms, except increase of appetite and painful swelling of the left parotid gland. Lachesis^30.

The case now looked discouraging enough. He was extremely emaciated. Thirty-one days had elapsed since the last passage from the bowels, and still no rumbling sound could be heard – nothing indeed to indicate that they were ever to move. All injection of warm water had been given, but only a few hardened feces had been discharged from the rectum. Dr. Dunham, in response to a note from me, advised Lachesis. A few pellets of the thirtieth potency of that remedy, therefore, were dissolved in half a tumbler of water and a teaspoonful given once in two hours. I quote from my note book:

October 2d. The parotid gland is intensely swollen, but much less painful.

4th. The swelling is subsiding without suppuration; had a natural passage from the bowels last evening, just thirty-three days from the date of the last one. His appetite is becoming absolutely voracious; the bed sores have commenced to heal; bile has disappeared from the urine. Sacch. lact.

12th. Gains strength daily. Dreams of rich viands and dainty dishes; talks or little else during waking moments. The parotid swelling has entirely disappeared; the urinary secretion is perfectly normal; the patient, however, is very weak; sits up but a few minutes, morning and evening; complains of numbness and prickings in the left leg; not removed by rubbing nor motion. Gave a few doses of Nux vom^30 in solution.

14th. Improves steadily; walks from the bed to the chair. Sacch.lac.

21th. With slight and unimportant variations, the patient has steadily improved since last note; he now walks unaided down stairs; takes long drives; enjoys his dinner; sleeps soundly and long; has a clean mouth and a soft cool skin. Discharged.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 07, 1866, pages 263-268]

[Description: Clinical Contribution; Typhoid Fever complicated with Jaundice.]

[Author: Gorton, D.A.]

[Year: 1866]

TABES MESENTERICA.

By D. A. Gorton, M. D., Newburgh, N. Y.

In fixing upon a definite and just name for this formidable malady, the same difficulty is experienced as with other diseases of far less magnitude. The predisposing and proximate causes of any disease may be the same; and yet, in the course of its progress and the variety of tissues implicated, conditions of a very different nature may be developed, each of which, according to the prevalent mode of nosological classification, would be entitled to distinct designations. Thus in the disease under consideration. There may be simple mesenteritis, excited perhaps by contiguous inflammation of the bowels, or peritoneum – one or both – or there may be induration of the follicular and mesenteric glands; or hypertrophy of the same, all of which would be mesenteric disease, and possibly all might be dependent on the same predisposing cause, viz., scrofulosis. None of which, however, would justify the use of the term tabes, which signifies in plain English a wasting or consumption of the part to which it is applied. Still, the long continuance of any form of disease of the glands of the mesentery would inevitably result in destruction of nutrition, and a universal wasting of the body, i. e., a tabes, or more properly, marasmus.

Nosological writers have tried hard to find a term that would convey a just definition of the various forms of chronic mesenteric disease, with, however, little success for the reasons already stated. Hoffman termed the disease atrophia mesenterica; Sydenham, febris hectica infantum; Sauvages, scrofula mesenterica; Cullen, tabes scrofula; Good, parabysma mesentericum. Other names have also been suggested with equal satisfaction as, for example, mesenteric fever, chronic mesenteritis, etc. The term tabes mesenterica is most used and, therefore, the best understood, for which reason only is retained in this paper.

Tabes mesenterica although occurring in rare instances in adults, is essentially a disease of early childhood. This fact no doubt led to the solution of such names as tabes infantum, marasmus infantilis, atrophia infantilis, etc., which occur in works of old authors.

The subjective symptoms of tabes mesenterica have been succinctly stated by Dr. Copeland: "distention and, enlarged abdomen; emaciation gradually increasing; irregular and otherwise disordered bowels, and ultimately hectic fever from enlargement and disease of the mesenteric glands," (Medical, Dictionary). I comprehend in my definition of this disorder all those morbid changes of the glands of the mesentery and enteric mucous membrane, which produce the characteristic derangement of digestion and nutrition. The organic lesions which follow this derangement have been well described by the author just quoted. The glands of the mesentery are hypertrophied. They increase in size to such an extent, in some instances, as to be perceptible to the touch through the walls of the distended abdomen. But the hypertrophy does not stop here. The follicular glands of the mucous membrane, and the absorbent glands throughout the system, become implicated in the same morbid process. As the disease progresses, the mesenteric follicular glands soften and ulcerate, [Watson says they enlarge but never ulcerate. – Practice of Physic] producing peculiar diarrhea and hectic fever. I have myself observed several cases, when there was reason to believe suppurative inflammation existed throughout the entire length of the alimentary tube from the mouth downward. Similar lesions take place in other organs of the body, as the brain, lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas, etc. This form of mesenteric disease is almost exclusively confined to children at the breast, and those in process of weaning.

Another and not less fatal form of the disease is occasionally observed in adults chiefly, and consists of induration, not only of the mesenteric glands, but also of the absorbent glands throughout the system. In cases of this kind the abdomen is sunken and hard. The bowels extremely constipated. The unhappy victim is hypochondriacal and, despite a voracious appetite and its full indulgence, etc., gradually wastes away and dies from lingering starvation. This disease is properly termed marasmus, which it is not proposed to discuss here.

Causes. – In respect to the causes of this formidable malady few will hesitate to concede that a strumous habit of the body is chief among the predisposing causes. Unfavorable locations, breathing impure air subject to a miasmatic atmosphere, privation of light or sunshine, sleeping in low unventilated apartments, personal uncleanliness, difficult dentition, improper and insufficient food, and other depraving, irritating and debilitating influences are also among the predisposing causes. Dr. Copeland and others regard, with questionable propriety, the "epoch of infancy and childhood" as predisposing causes. I am not prepared to admit that infancy or childhood, youth or maturity, has anything to do with producing or disposing to disease of any sort.

Unhappily the exciting causes are numerous enough. — Among the most prominent may be mentioned improper food furnished at unreasonable hours. Too early and too radical changes in diet. Neglected diarrhea and then gastric disorders. Too free indulgence in crude and inapplicable drugs, such, for example, as Calomel, Aloes, Rhubarb, Castor oil, Glauber salts, Nitre, etc., with which over anxious and ill advised nurses and mothers so frequently ply themselves and their little ones. Insufficient clothing, and sudden exposure to cold and inclement weather, by which atonic congestions and inflammations are induced. Scrofulous nurses. Inattention on the part of the nurse to the kind and quality of her own diet, to habits of cleanliness and chastity; in brief, any error of circumstance or condition which tends to irritate her milk and disorder her general system, is a direct and palpable cause of exciting this form of disease in her child.

Symptoms and Diagnosis. – For convenience of description, the disease, as occurring in childhood, may be divided into three stages, as follows:

1. The premonitory symptoms of mesenteric disease are not peculiar. There is obvious indigestion; the bowels are loose; the appetite capricious; the child exhibits considerable languor; throws up its food; is fretful and restless day and night. The doctor says its food disagrees and is not at all appropriate. He recommends, perhaps, farina gruel; or, may be, arrow root; not unlikely malt; and, more than likely, mutton broth, without regard to age or condition. Each is faithfully tried in its turn, but the child grows rapidly worse.

2. The second stage supervenes. The child has fever; its little hands are hot and dry; there is much thirst and manifest hunger, indeed the appetite is rapacious; the bowels move hourly; the stools are lienteric, watery, of deep yellow color, commingled with green; there is much flatulence; the abdomen is bloated and tympanitic. He may have been ill but a few days, and already the disease has made fearful draughts on his strength and flesh. Foolish but well intentioned experiments may have been instituted to nourish the little sufferer, but evidently with no success.

3. The third stage, arbitrarily speaking, finds matters still growing worse. Emaciation and hunger, always characteristic indications of the disease, are now more than ever prominent and ruling symptoms. The skin, owing to the extreme wasting, literally hangs in wrinkles from the limbs; the stools are not less frequent, often fetid, mixed with the ingesta, watery; sometimes amber colored, sometimes white and chalky, at others still, green as grass. Hectic fever, ___olliquative ___ sweats occur, with frequent rigors; restlessness continues; the pulse is frequent, thread-like and compressible; the features are pointed; eyes either dull or glassy. The voice at this low stage of the case is hardly human; its faint whines resembling more the feeble bleating of new born lambs. The bowels may remain swollen to the close, hut not unfrequently they become sunken, and exhibit, in common with other parts, an extremely wasted appearance. Well may Sydenham have designated such cases "febris hectica enfantum."

When lung complications exist, which is not unfrequent, it is at the later stages they assume the most serious aspect. In addition to the symptoms already noted will be cough; enlargement of the cervical and bronchial glands; ulceration of the throat and the characteristic signs revealed by percussion and auscultation. I have known infants of a few months old afflicted with the disease, cough and raise like old tubercular patients.

It will be observed that I have related above the symptoms, such as will be presented in a case of the disease allowed to run its course unchecked. All cases, happily, do not present this serious phase, because early and effective medical treatment arrests its progress. I always feel proud of my art and satisfied with myself when conscious of having thus arrested the malady and saved the little innocent from a premature and torturing death.

Prognosis. – In respect to the prognosis, much might be said; but would it not be better to read what respectable allopathic authorities say on this point?

Dr. Copeland writes: "When the disease is clearly manifested, the prognosis is unfavorable; and no hopes of recovery should be entertained when it is associated with tubercles in the lungs, or with chronic peritonitis. On the other hand, when the disease is not far advanced, and before hectic symptoms are established, or the emaciation becomes great, or the stools have assumed a chalky or lienteric appearance, hopes of recovery may be entertained, although, even in these cases, a cautious prognosis should be given. The younger the child the greater is the danger. The causes and complications of the disease should also in some degree influence the prognosis. When these causes admit of removal; when unwholesome food and impure air produce the malady, and may be removed; and when intestinal irritation is the only complication, then, a more favorable opinion may be given than under other circumstances" (Medical Dictionary).

Dr. Good writes; "Yet it is only in recent and uncomplicated cases that we can fairly hope for success, let our medical plan be what it may. In the scirrhous, sarcomatous, steatomatous and, especially, the fungous modifications and, more especially still, where several of these are playing their parts simultaneously, the art of medicine may possibly retard, but can never entirely ward off, the fate that is approaching, with perhaps a slow, unperceived. and insiduous, but at the same time, with a certain and irresistible stealth of footstep" (Study of Medicine; article, Parabysma Mesentericum).

Dr. Watson writes: "This (tabes mesenterica) is not only a very common, but a very fatal disease among children and young persons. The glands of the mesentery enlarge and become charged with tubercular matter. * * Their enlargement is commonly connected with scrofulous disease and ulceration of the mucous follicles of the intestines; and the little patients die because the lacteals are no longer able to take up from the food a sufficient supply of nutriment ( ? ) They die starved. But some few cases do recover from tabes mesenterica," (Watson's Practice of Physic). Dr. Dunglison also remarks, that the prognosis "is usually unfavorable," (Medical Dictionary).

Such briefly is the allopathic estimate of this truly terrible malady, and the confidence which they repose in their method of treating it. What graver comment could be made against a system of therapeutics than that it were important in the treatment of a disease, or class of diseases, not strictly self-limited, and which by nature tend irristibly to death?

The propriety of rendering a cautious prognosis in so grave a disease as tabes of any kind, is not to be questioned. It is fairly questionable, however, that we are not to hope for success except in "recent and uncomplicated cases," "let our medical plan be what it may." Although it is freely admitted that many case will die despite our "medical plan," from causes and circumstances not within our control, yet when we are able to remove the direct exciting causes of the disease, in other words, to place the patient under favorable relations to life, such as appropriate food, proper clothing, fresh air and sunshine, we should not only hope, but confidently expect, to save our patient, whatever may be the specific predisposing causes which we have to contend against.

Treatment. – The indications of treatment may be briefly stated thus: First. To sustain by appropriate regimen the vital powers; Second. To cure the disease and existing complications.

The means best adapted to consummate this most desirable result are often difficult of discernment, and when ascertained, frequently, it must be confessed, prove inadequate for the purpose. They consist of:

1. Agents of Hygiene; embracing the natural requirements of the system in health and disease; such, for example, as appropriate food and drink, fresh air, plenty of sunlight, cleanliness, change of location, appropriate exercise, etc.

2. Remedial Agents; consisting principally of Arsenicum album., Baryta carb., Chamomilla, Calcarea carb., Iodium, Phosphorus, Sulphur. Other remedies have been suggested and will sometimes be found serviceable, chiefly as auxiliary aids in the treatment, it is believed, such as Belladonna, Asafetida, Causticum, Cina, China, Hepar, Lachesis, Magnesia, Nux vom., Petroleum, Pulsatilla, Staphysagria, Sulphur, etc.

Hygiene. – The diet and regimen of the patient are of the first importance. Failure in meeting the hygienic demands of nature would compromise the otherwise most skilful treatment. A trifling error in diet, either in quantity or quality, or time of administration, may aggravate an existing intestinal irritation, or produce one where it did not exist previously, and render abortive the most wisely selected remedy. More attention, therefore, to the subject of diet, especially, is demanded of the therapeutist, if he would cure his patients of intestinal and digestive disorders.

What are the indications of diet in this malady? Obviously, the selection or such articles of food as are easy of digestion, and which, at the same time, meet all the circumstances and constitutional peculiarities of the case. This is by no means an easy task. There are, it is true, certain general principles to guide us in selecting the proper food; but even with these, valuable as they are, and must be, much must necessarily be left to individual experiment.

Milk is the only pabulum designed and purposed by nature to nourish the young mammal; and experience proves it best adapted to fulfill the requirements of food for infants, either sick or well. Privation, or insufficient supply of the mother's milk, in a majority of cases of tabes infantilis, is the chief exciting cause; and if the disease be fully developed, and the child very young and frail, no time should be lost in providing for it a full supply. If it be impracticable for the mother to nurse the little sufferer, a wet-nurse, of good condition and appropriate age, should be gotten at once. Do not delay. It were useless to proceed with remedies and leave the indication of diet, so clearly manifested, unheeded. A few days experimentation with rank cow's milk or the milk of goats or asses or raw beef or, still worse, farinaceous preparations and nauseating malt, and the various but inappropriate broths so commonly used, will find the disease far advanced and, may be, beyond hope of recovery from any source. With the restoration of its natural pabulum — that good which Infinite Wisdom expressly provided for it — the chief cause of gastric and intestinal irritation will be removed, and some reasonable ground of hope furnished thereby that the disease may promptly yield to some remedies.

In other cases the necessity of woman's milk may not exist. The child is farther advanced in years. There are, perhaps, four, eight, twelve, or sixteen teeth. The period of infancy, with most of its perils, is already passed. In such cases fresh undiluted cow's milk or the milk of goats – rarely even that of asses - may be demanded and prove the great desideratum – easy of digestion and, consequently, soothing to the intestinal disorders. Cases will occur, however, even among children thus advanced, where the milk of those animals disagrees. It makes its appearance undigested in the stools, and solid pieces of curd, frequently of considerable size, are ejected from the stomach. If such disagreement be radical and does not yield promptly to homoeopathic remedies, arrow root may be given instead and will often prove a valuable substitute.

Another valuable substitute for milk, in the treatment of tabes mesenterica and other intestinal disorders of young children, is mutton-broth. I have known children of a few months old, doomed by pitiful circumstances to the bottle, thrive well on mutton-broth, when all other unnatural preparations had proved indigestible and disease producing. – Chicken-broth is sometimes useful, under similar circumstances and conditions; and although not possessed of all the virtues of the broth of mutton, affords the patient an accessible and often agreeable change of diet.

When the disease occurs at a still later period of childhood, numerous other articles of diet are allowable and, indeed, highly serviceable in sustaining the vital powers and improving his condition; such, for example, as the essence and extract of beef, raw beef, farina, rice, hominy and other farinaceous products; toasted bread, baked potatoes, grapes, etc. Where the teeth are developed it is fairly presumable that the digestive powers are so also, and both kingdoms of nature – the vegetable and animal – are free to the patient, from which he may draw his nourishment, that which experience shall have proved best for him.

The regimen in other respects must be judiciously prescribed. The patient should be dressed in flannel and plenty of it. Its sleeping apartment should be elevated, exposed freely to sunlight and well ventilated. Warm water baths to the extent and for the purpose of cleanliness — nothing further – should be given. Allopathic authorities have, with questionable propriety, recommended saline baths. But, what have they not recommended? When one reads over the list of remedies and recommendations which they have suggested for this malady, it seems as if all the devils in pandemonium had conspired with them in the destruction of the infant race. It should be borne in mind that there is far more danger in bathing these patients too much than too little. Exercise should not be neglected, and it must be tempered to the age and condition of the child. If an infant, and the season and state of the weather do not forbid, he should be taken out of doors daily. If he be too feeble to endure the jolt of a carriage, carry him in the arms gently; care being taken in all cases to avoid undue exposure and fatigue.

Change of location, for reasons not clearly understood, is generally attended with good results. The free country air is preferable to the vitiated atmosphere of closely crowded cities. Residence by the sea-shore, inhaling the saline breezes, is, with this, as with many other scrofulous maladies, highly salutary. In older patients, the advantages of a sea voyage must not be underestimated. The disease is thus stayed, and its effects eradicated, many a time when, inland, the medical art seemed unavailing.

Sleep is also highly important; use every means consistent with reason to promote it. Keep the patient free from exciting causes. Make no draft on his mentality. If sleepless do not poison his brain with anodynes, but relieve it by appropriate homoeopathic remedies.

Wet-Nurse. – In selecting a wet-nurse, particular care should be taken that she be sound in body and mind. Avoid one whose secretions are foul. If she have catarrh; habitually, loaded tongue; offensive breath; hacking cough; chronic diarrhea; tumors in the mammae and axillae; copious and excoriating leucorrorea, or either of them, reject her. She is not a proper person to serve any child in that capacity. It is highly proper also that the age of her milk should approximate that of the patient as nearly as possible.

The influence of a wet-nurse over the destiny of the patient is very great. Her conditions, both physical and mental, react upon and modify those of the child. She may undo by erroneous habits, all that our art can do and as fast. She deserves special attention therefore at our-hands.

Her regimen should be strict; her diet generous and regular; she should have sufficient sleep. It will not do to overwork, nor subject her to undue exposure; still she requires, for the patient's sake, plenty of exercise. Care should also be taken of her person – when ill, prescribe for her without delay – an occasional sponge-bath will, I venture to say, not only improve her personal condition, but prove highly serviceable to the health of the one whose very life she supplies.

If the secretion of milk become, from any cause, defective or insufficient, do not allow her ale, whiskey, nor "strengthening" bitters so much in use, with the view of correcting the difficulty. In most cases a diet of bread and milk and beef soup, in addition to the more hearty food, will supply the want. If the difficulty be not amenable to a more generous diet, ascertain its precise nature and remove it homoeopathically.

These small details may seem unimportant to many, and it is for that reason, and also because they are so often disregarded in practice, and with too often fatal consequences, that I linger upon them. It should always be borne in mind that judicious attention to diet and regimen, in respect to both nurse and patient, is of the first importance, without which, in severe and fully developed cases, the best remedies will be prescribed in vain.

Remedies. – In attaching so much consequence to diet and regimen in the management and care of this disease, I trust not to be understood as underrating the value of appropriate remedies. I say appropriate remedies. The term appropriate in this connection is used with its full signification; for it were ten thousand times better that the case be left entirely to the beneficent influences of a correct regimen, then that repeated doses of drugs, large or small, be given, the nature and effects of which are unknown, or if known, entirely disregarded. Better do nothing at all than to do the wrong thing. Wait, study the case awhile, and become, if not already, familiar with its essential features. The patient can far better afford to wait a day or two longer, and would no doubt prefer to do so if he was capable of intelligent choice, rather than take the risk of taking inappropriate and incongruous drugs. Having definitely ascertained the disease and its specific counterpart, the remedy, we may proceed with our prescription in the full assurance of, at least, doing no harm.

In this connection Dr. Dunglison's words of advice, himself a venerable allopathic author, and writing for the benefit of allopathic physicians, are singularly pertinent. How many precious little lives would be annually saved if they were heeded! He writes, "The physician exhibits his skill by controlling disease by appropriate regimen, than by administering combinations of whose effects he often knows little, and where much of his practice must necessarily be involved in conjecture. The science of medicine is more demonstrative than is usually imagined, and, when the case is not so, the practitioner had better for the time do nothing. Any experiment may have one of two opposite results; it may do good or harm; and hence a practitioner is not justified in administering a powerful medicinal agent at random. If he be desirous of instituting experiments, he ought to take example from some modern therapeutical inquirers in Germany, and make them upon himself rather than upon his patients" (Therapeutic Materia Medica, Vol. I, p. 24).

If then we would cure these patients, for cure them we must if cured at all, it is obviously necessary, first, that the true nature and seat of the disease be discovered; second, that the exciting and predisposing causes be definitely ascertained; third, the pathognomonic symptoms be fully noted; fourth, that a remedy be selected whose pathogenetic symptoms in their entirely exactly correspond to the totality of the symptoms of the case. When this analysis shall have been made, our medicines can be administered with a positive certainty of doing good.

Clinical Observations. – The following clinical observations must not be regarded as in any sense exhaustive. Such indications only are given as have been repeatedly verified by successfully treated cases in my own practice, and which, for the most part, are justified by the record of trust-worthy provings.

Arsenicum alb. – Great physical prostration and emaciation; skin cool and dry, or dry and burning; abdomen distended and hard; swelling of the mesenteric glands; stools frequent; excited by eating and drinking, mixed with ingesta, green, slimy and watery, offensive or odorless. Inordinate appetite; unquestionable thirst for cold water; nothing seems to satisfy the patient; frets and moans, and tosses about; excessive restlessness; if a child, desires to be carried about constantly, day and night.

Arsenicum is rarely, I believe, indicated, in the beginning of the disorder; neither will it cure it when fully developed. It is capable, however, of mitigating the patient's sufferings and improving his condition generally. It is of great use, nevertheless, in so much that it frequently renders the disease amenable to the influence of other and more appropriate remedies. It seems to be more appropriate to the stage of ulceration than of induration. Hence in the later stages of the malady the drug reaps its best laurels. Even where the disease is beyond the hope of recovery, Arsenicum will often do more to sooth and comfort the last hours of the patient than all the anodynes put together.

Baryta carb. – This drug is more appropriate in children of advanced age, and in cases of induration and enlargement f the glands. The abdomen is tense and inflated; stools loose and pappy, or hard and dry; immoderate appetite; troublesome inflation of the stomach after meals; enlargement and induration of the tonsils; sound of bells in the ears; eczematous eruptions on the face and scalp; dry harsh skin, etc.

Calcarea carb. – Applicable to all ages of the patient and in in all stages of the disorder, except, perhaps, the very last, Calcarea carb., is one of the chief and most successful remedies against the disease. Given early, in sufficiently high potency, in cases to which it is truly homoeopathic, and the malady need never put on its serious phases. In cases fully developed I believe it not incapable, frequently, of meeting every requirement singly and alone. The chief symptomatic indications are: scrofulous and cachectic children with tumid abdomens and tendency to emaciation: appetite voracious; morbid craving for indigestible articles; milk disagrees; the child is uneasy from flatulence and colic; loose stools of creamy color and consistence, fetid and frequent; sometimes watery and calcareous and mixed with undigested substances; worms; wetting the bed; difficult dentition; nocturnal perspiration; loose cough; heat at night; hardness and swelling of the glands of the neck; great bodily weakness; the mind, however, is clear and often precociously developed.

Chamomilla vulgaris. – Mention of this remedy is made here only to remark that its early and judicious administration to children at the breast, will in many cases remove the existing causes of the disorder, such as offensive diarrhea and indigestion so peculiar to infants, and thus prevent the development of the malady.

Iodium. – This remedy is highly valued by allopathic physicians in the treatment of tabes of every form and variety. And the study of its pathogenesis would lead one to believe the confidence reposed in the drug by them, well-founded. The pathogenetic symptoms rendered by Jahr, closely ally it with Calcarea carb. and Sulphur in the treatment of mesenteric disease. I regret to say, however, that in my hands it has not yielded the results which its pathogenetic symptoms had led me to expect. Has it in other hands?

Surphur. – This drug should stand at the head of the list in scrofulous affections. There is, probably, no remedy in the Materia Medica Pura, whose sphere of usefulness can compare with Sulphur. Well might the eccentric Paracelsus have declared it one of the three great types of remedies, Mercury and Salt being the other two.

Sulphur is applicable in all conditions and stages of the disease. Unlike most other remedies, in cases to which it is truly homoeopathic, it fulfils all the indications of treatment from the beginning to the end. It resembles Calcarea carb. in that respect. It is superior to the latter remedy, however, in other particulars. It is more prompt in its action, and possesses superior range of virtue. It is, moreover, more generally appropriate to desperate stages of the malady under consideration.

It should be observed that Sulphur possesses prophylactic virtues against mesenteric disease. In young children of scrofulous mothers, especially if the teeth develop slowly, and with constitutional irritation; if milk disagrees, and there be colic and distention and soreness of the abdomen, fetid and frequent stools, Sulphur given in high potency will often afford prompt and permanent relief. When the disease is complicated, and the indications of treatment obscure and ill-defined, Sulphur may be given cautiously, if an exception may be allowed to a former remark, until a more complete individualization of the case be obtained.

Phosphorus. – This remedy ranks with Sulphur in tabes mesenterica. In later stages of the malady, and when the disease is complicated with phthisis pulmonalis, the drug has its superior only in Sulphur. In phthisical adults, with mesenteric disease superadded – a complication frequently met with in practice - presenting the following symptoms, Phosphorus will be found an invaluable remedy:

"Great weakness and paralytic lassitude, which sometimes come on suddenly, especially in bed in the morning, or after a short walk. Fainting fits. Inability to remain in the open air especially when it is cold," and great tendency to take cold. Atrophy of the lymphatic glands, and of the whole body. Sharp ringing cough, day and night, mostly dry. Soreness and painful dryness of the throat. Dainty appetite. Any excess in eating is followed with increased diarrhea. Bowels sunken. Periods of accession and decline of the cough alternate with diarrhea. Stools from six to eight daily, occurring both day and night. Serous stools, of greenish or grayish color, offensive and mixed with the ingesta. Painless stools, followed with lassitude, and aggravated by eating and drinking. Great desire for cold drinks – especially cold water — which seem to produce less inconvenience than warm fluids. Night sweats.

Young children with sprightly nervous temperaments, who have large heads, bright eyes and sharp features, presenting the following symptoms and conditions, generally find a remedy in Phosphorus:

Rapid wasting of the flesh, and great exhaustion. Mental activity. Sleeplessness. Voracious appetite. Engorgement of the glands of the mesentery, neck, throat and groins. Tumid, or "tub-shaped" abdomen. Stools frequent, lienteric, watery; greenish, or amber color; attended sometimes with griping, at others, entirely painless; offensive or odorless. Milk produces colic. Coldness in the morning, and fever in the afternoon. Copious and exhausting perspiration, chiefly after sleeping. Pulse frequent, thread-like. Dry hacking cough. Shortness of breath. Respirations greatly accelerated.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 08, 1866, pages 291-297, pages 334-341, pages 383-383]

[Description: Tabes Mesenterica.]

[Author: Gorton, D.A.]

[Year: 1866]

HOW DO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES ACT?

"Homoeopathy considered from the Practical and Natural Philosophical Stand-point"By DR. H. GOULLON.

TRANSLATED BY C. WESSELHOEFT, M.D., DORCHESTER, MASS.

"We have seen that a substance, in order to produce a homoeopathic curative effect, must make a morbific impression on the body, that is, it must be perceived by the same; not exactly, as is self-evident, by the senses, but through the nerves in general. But there are three kinds of peripheral nerves: — 1, The nerves of the special senses and those of general sensation conveying impressions to consciousness; 2, the nerves of motion leading to the muscles, and 3d, the nerves of nutrition which, in union with the blood, control the formation and degeneration of matter, and whose impressions are only brought to consciousness in a morbid condition It is particularly the latter kind of nerves which perceive and convey morbific and medicinal impressions, transmitting the same to an, as yet unknown, central organ, whence they may again be reflected to other parts of the body. We, therefore, do not speak of such medicinal particles, which must first be carried into the current of the circulation, in order to excercise their morbific influence on one or more portions of the body; but, for reasons already explained, we can only think of the etherized medicinal substance, medicine-electricity, streaming along the course of the nerves from the point of contact. We have a very accurate illustration of this process in the perceptions of the organs of smell and taste. Like the olfactory nerve, spread upon the surface of the nasal mucous membrane, perceiving the etherized-electric exhalations of odorous substances in the air, and like the tasting properties of the tongue, a small galvanic chain, composed of the end of an artery and a nerve, perceiving the galvanic (chemical) changes in water,*[Only soluble substances can be tasted.] every sensitive surface will be able to perceive and transmit to the corresponding central organ any medicinal-electric or medicinal-galvanic impression without its necessarily coming to our consciousness, as it is the case with the impressions of the special senses.†[By smelling of the medicine.]Thus we are infected by disease without knowing when and where; in fact the majority of diseases attack us, while we have not the least conscious perception thereof. The nature of the process is not known; but if we do become conscious of such impressions occasionally, we are forced to assume the existence of central points adapted for their reception, from which the seat of the higher functions of the soul have the power of isolating; in a similar manner the ganglia (knots into which nerve fibres pass and again emerge) may be considered as isolating organs placed between the various organs and the spinal cord, and whose isolation can only be overcome by morbidly increased sensations. Thus we neither feel the peristaltic intestinal motion, nor the contact of substances in the intestines, while colic and ulceration of the bowels are connected with excruciating pain.

Thus, when an impression has been conveyed to a nervous centre (brain, spinal cord or ganglion) a reaction must immediately ensue from the centre to the surface according to a general organic law.

Impressions of the special senses generally produce voluntary motions, while impressions received unconsciously produce reflex or involuntary motions. The actions of medicines then belong to the latter class; making themselves manifest after producing the primary impression, according to the peculiarity of each drug, or, according to the individual state of the body, either sooner or later, oftentimes immediately; sometimes, as in contagious diseases, after the lapse of several days; their action becomes apparent in a diversity of directions, being at one time directed back toward the original point of contact as in vaccination, at another toward any one of the different organs. Even pains can be reproduced in this centrifugal manner, as is proved by the phenomenon of so-called irradiations (radiation of nervous force), a pain being produced in a nervous point, when another portion of a nerve is irritated lying in a part remote from the point where the pain is felt.

With Hahnemann we call all these actions medicinal primary effects, and medicinal aggravations when they fall together into a disease similar to them, which, as has been already shown, appear stronger and more lasting in proportion to the size of the dose.

After these shorter or longer primary effects the reaction (counter-action) invariably sets in, also proceeding from a nervous centre (spinal marrow) and necessarily spreading over the same nervous course through which the primary impressions are conveyed, and in all those organs lying within the sphere of these nerve courses, the exact opposite of the primary effect is produced.

We have already seen that, without this vital force and its medicatrix, the existence of which has been so often denied of late, the organism would speedily be destroyed by the physical and chemical forces of the great nature surrounding it, as is the case in death. The continuance of life is made possible only by the union of all forces of the living body in a unit or central point whence they derive their sustenance. Life itself is a continued strife against outward forces.

Even in the so-called inorganic nature we see someoccuring thing like primary and counter-actions, in the facts that one pole of the magnet demands the other, positive electricity demands the negative, an alkali demands and calls for an acid for its counterpart: in the latter case even elements must combine to form such, for instance, nitrogen and oxygen combine to form Nitric acid, provided free alkali is in contact with the air. Thus, and not otherwise, an explanation of the action of homoeopathic atomized medicines is possible. It consists of a morbid action of nervous force with its manifold consequences as produced in substance and tissue and its subsequent equalization by means of the aroused vitality. That also chemical changes can here be produced and consequently cured, is sufficiently proven, as e. g. diabetes is immediately produced by a lesion of the medulla oblongata.

Let us, for example, suppose a drop or part of a drop, impregnated with particles of Belladonna tinct. in contact with an absorbent and sensitive surface and then suppose it simply absorbed; it would pass in the current of venous blood into the lungs where it is exposed to air, which essentially changes the venous blood and purifies it of all foreign evaporating ingredients, after which complicated course so deleterious to their existence, the particles in question at length arrive in the different parts of the body. How can we expect an effect in this way? The impression on the contrary made by the Belladonna upon the sensitive nerves of the place of contact, can he immediately propagated to the centre and thence reflected with equal rapidity in all directions, which, among numerous other examples, is illustrated by the quick dilatation of the pupil. In this manner and if the effect is continued a sufficient length of time and sufficiently intense upon the healthy body, head ache, vertigo, insanity, likewise cramps, pain, erysipelas, fever, etc. can be produced without the necessity of absorption of Belladonna.

We do not intend to deny, that, under the use of massive doses of medicine, as they are customary in allopathic practice and also with some homoeopathists, besides the effect produced by contact there is also absorption, directly producing chemical changes, particularly in the composition of the blood. Thus, if we still adhere to the above example, when the counter-action of the vital force against the effect of the Belladonna coincides with a disease similar to the symptoms of this drug, for instance, inflammation of the brain or facues, cutaneous erysipelas, or a spasmodic cough, this disease will give way, particularly after the administration of very fine doses, overcome by the surplus of organic counter-action, which is then denominated curative action.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 11, 1860, pages 490-494]

[Description: How Do Homoeopathic Medicines Act?]

[Author: Goullon, H.]

[Year: 1860]

MEDICINAL MATTER AND FORCE.

"Homoeopathy considered from the Practical and Natural Philosophical Stand-point"By Dr. H. GOULLON.

TRANSLATED BY C. WESSELHOEFT, M. D., DORCHESTER, MASS.

When the theory of atoms which we have been discussing, is applied to the preparation of homoeopathic medicines, it will soon become apparent that we have not been treating of mystical and incredible arithmetical decillionths, or even infinitesimal fractions of a medical body, of which particles one or two are said to be solved or even suspended in the thirtieth dilution, whence they must be carried into the blood; but we have rather been considering the liberation of the specific electricity (force) of a drug by means of trituration and succussion. Such is contained in all bodies, more or less free, and is undoubtedly rendered more active where it is already free by a more complete solution* [I had a drop of perfectly clear second dilution of Aconite tincture magnified by the solar microscope, and perceived that dark molecules, surrounded by the clear alcohol, collected from the circumference toward the centre, whence I concluded that the Aconite matter was not completely dissolved.] and increased expansion of matter, †[But also this must have its limits, just as electricity cannot be conducted into endless space.]

This needs no further proof, and only the seeming paradox, dividing homoeopathic physicians into two parties, remains to be solved, that medicines are at one time weakened and at another strengthened or potentized by dilution; this is a contradiction, which next to Hahnemann's calculations by fractions, has injured Homoeopathy in many respects. But Hahnemann's fractions were merely an unessential formula, selected by him for the sake of equality of the dose ‡ [ Medicines operate in the twelfth as well as in the thirtieth dilution, their difference being imperceptible; at the same time it is immaterial whether medicines have been prepared in the proportion of one to ninety-nine, or five to ninety-five. The result is the same in practice.] and that this contradiction is only an apparent one will be shown hereafter.

I. The fact is well known that there are substances in nature, so incompatible with life, that they will destroy the same in their normal condition or at least disturb it in a high degree, i. e., produce disease. This is affected in a three-fold manner. First, by local destruction or irritation of the point of contact. Second, by producing changes in the composition of the blood. Third, by direct changes in the nervous system. These effects do not permit of a strict distinction, because blood and nervous system, being so closely connected, are at once made to participate in the local destruction or severe irritation, so that morbid processes of the one must call forth morbid actions in the other, as has been sufficiently proved by the most recent discoveries.§ [Thus, irritation of a certain portion of the brain may call forth formation of sugar in the liver; or, irritation produces congestion, inflammation, &c.]

Nevertheless we may still adhere to the above classification of drug-effects, because we know the locality first affected by many of these substances, the most violent of which we call poisons. Thus, all substances acting according to the laws of inorganic chemistry, belong to the first class; such as concentrated acids and alkalies, some salts and metallic oxides, also, some kinds of acrid vegetable matter. As belonging to the second] class may be considered hydrocyanic acid, some kinds of contagious matter and products of disease, and some gases. Lastly, those which stimulate and over stimulate the nervous system, such as Nux vomica, Opium, Belladonna, &c, rank in the third class.

Hahnemann has never asserted that these condensed, and at the same time free, forces could be intensified by the dilution of their material vehicles, but he has maintained and proved that, from dubious and uncertain drugs, they are converted into mild and certain remedies*[Is it not a right down folly to reject and disregard a powerful medicine as Arsenic is proved to be in many diseases, instead of making the same useful by refining the dose.] by dilution, i. e., by weakening their purely chemical, corroding properties, which stimulate the body into an unwieldy process of elimination; furthermore, that these medicines, being no longer ejected by vomiting and other means, and no longer exciting tempestuous revolutions in the system, gain a far greater expansion in the same; instead of their producing single violent signs of poisoning, they now call forth a great variety of nicer pathological effects, and are known to cure even in much finer doses according to the homoeopathic law. For instance, if we take a most corrosive poison, such as Arsenic, a severe inflammation of the stomach will be the consequence, in which case a small quantity of Arsenic is discharged by vomiting and diarrhea; if we take only one thousandth part of a grain the effect will often be scarcely perceptible; but if we continue to take one thousandth part of a grain, which can be done with care, a series of phenomena will be elicited, such as could never be produced or which will be overlooked in the violence of reaction induced by a large (poisonous) dose, while these minute particles of Arsenic can actually be conveyed into the circulation and thus to the various organs without producing violent symptoms.

We must mention here, and in all similar cases, that such drugs are weakened by dilution, but rendered available for the purpose of proving and healing; and, inasmuch as they produce a greater number of more delicate symptoms, when given in refined doses, the diminution of the dose can be called potentization. If a well person should receive a quadrillonth part of a grain of Arsenic several times, no effect would become visible, while the same weak dose, only charged with Arsenic atoms or Arsenic force, would heal the symptoms of a disease most similar to those of Arsenic disease by inducing a beneficial re-action.

No one, therefore, will persist in saying that remedies like Arsenic, Belladonna, Prussic acid, &c., are made stronger by dilution, even if this be combined with severe shaking or friction, but their sphere of action on the sick and the well is greatly expanded by comminuting their bulk (dilution). They are weakened interiorly while they gain extensively in action, and only in this sense is it correct to speak of potentization of these substances by means of dilution.

II. But there are substances whose cohesion is so great, and whose usual condition so inert (indifferent), that they do not manifest the least force while in an unchanged condition, or their effect on the human system is only a chemical one. Thus, e.g., metallic gold, silver, tin, vegetable coal, silicia acid, &c, are totally indifferent; even if taken in large quantities, they are scarcely noticed and are discharged again unchanged through the primae via; carbonate of lime and magnesia combine with the gastric acid but hardly leave any other marks of their presence.

When these apparently inert substances, which are, however, charged with a latent, bound force, are triturated with a non-conductor of electricity, for instance, with sugar of milk, their inert, indifferent condition, is changed into an active one. The more successfully their surface is atomized by trituration, i. e., their atoms are liberated, or, according to the above representation, the more their latent, peculiar electricity is developed and at the same time transmitted to another vehicle as it is done with every electric-machine: then do they deserve the name of medicinal potency, i.e., medicinal force rendered active through the solution of cohesion. All such substances are, therefore, decidly potentized or their latent force liberated in their first alcoholic dilutions as well as their first triturations, for each of which Hanhemann directed two whole hours to be consumed. It is readily understood that this liberated force may still be too strong for a human system, the morbid symptoms of which are similar to those of the medicine; which, therefore, from a certain point, only to be determined by experience, and not alike in all cases, must be reduced by progressive dilution to a dose proportionate to the increased susceptibility of the patient for a medicine similar to his disease.

These seemingly inert substances, then, are only potentized in the beginning and again weakened afterwards, like those evincing active properties in their crude state.

III. There is still a third class of medicinal substances, whose active principle, though naturally free, is easily overcome and equalized by the body, which even may become inured to them by their continued use just as it can become accustomed to articles of diet, not only natural to it, which is the case even with such articles having at first a decidedly disturbing effect. It is a remarkable fact that some of these substances have equal constituents, even in quantity, with some exceedingly virulent poisons; e. g., Coffeine and the alkaloid of Nux vomica, on which account they can not be borne by some persons. What has been said in a former paragraph regarding the position of atoms, has reference to this topic. The majority of these substances belong to the vegetable kingdom, such as Valerian, Camphor, Chamomile, Achillea millefol., Coffee, Tea, &c.; others are derived from the animal kingdom, such as Musk and Castoreum; Iron also belongs to this class of substances. These remedies do not, stand in need of development of force, nor a high dilution but they are best applied, homoeopathically, in very small doses of the mother preparation, that is in the first or second dilution or trituration.

The contradiction, then, is not real, but only apparent, that the action of some remedies is lessened by their comminution while that of others is developed by the same process; it is a difference founded in the individual nature of each.

The potentization of indifferent substances, such as gold, silicea, lime and others, not only does not contradict the known laws of nature, but rather harmonizes directly with the development of glass and resin electricity, or, to express it in another form, it corresponds with the transmutation of glass or resin into etherized glass, or resin atoms, by friction of their surfaces For one of these two kinds of electricities lies in a modified state in each body, as its peculiar force more or less bound and undeveloped.

It is self-evident that this medicinal force, after and during its development, must be prepared in non-conductors of electricity; hence we select sugar of milk and alcohol, glass and porcelain for its preparation; glass and paper are used for the preservation of homoeopathic medicines for a length of time.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 10, 1860, pages 443-448]

[Description: Medicinal Matter and Force.]

[Author: Goullon, H.]

[Year: 1860]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

BY R. R. GREGG, M.D., BUFFALO, N. Y.

I propose furnishing to the profession, through the columns of the Review, from time to time, reports of such cases, within my own practice, as may seem to involve valid illustrations of the law of Hahnemann.

I do not propose, in these reports, either theories or discussions, but simply a narrative of facts, and I shall, therefore, confine myself exclusively to cases in my own practice; and in these cases to the following points only:

1st. The condition and symptoms. 2d. The drugs administered. 3d. Their potency. 4th. The intervals of their administration. 5th. Duration of treatment. 6th. The result.

Case I. Acute Pneumonia, — A male child, eleven months old. He had been sick ten days under allopathic treatment, failing rapidly from the first. I found him lying on his back unconscious, and so extremely prostrated that he had but little control over the muscular system, and could not apparently make any motion, excepting a slight movement of the hands during a paroxysm of coughing. There was great emaciation; the face, body and limbs presenting the appearance of a child well advanced in marasmus. He had taken very little nourishment for several days.

The cough, which was worse during the night, was loose, rattling and recurred in frequent paroxysms, which were as violent as the strength of the patient would permit. Before the loss of consciousness, these paroxysms had apparently caused severe pain; and the patient now manifested some pain when coughing. The chest had, from the first, been very sensitive to pressure. The bronchial tubes were not cleared of the secretions by the cough, and appeared to be filling rapidly. Respiration hurried and rattling. Pulse 160. Bowels constipated; eyes fixed and insensible to light, and the cornea appeared to be shriveled. Skin clammy, and the extremities cold. Of course the case was apparently a hopeless one. I however prescribed one dose of Sulphur^2000 at eleven o'clock, a.m., and awaited its effects. In thirty minutes slight relief was obtained, and at the end of an hour the improvement was very marked. I remained another hour, during which time the condition of my patient had so improved, that I considered it safe to leave him until the next day. I left the following prescription, one dose of Sulphur^2000 to be administered if the child became worse. My directions were that it should not be given until it became evident that the aggravation of symptoms was permanent. Improvement continued until evening when consciousness was restored, after which there was further improvement up to midnight. From this time the patient remained about the same for an hour, and then gradually grew worse until four, a.m., when the second dose was given.

Marked improvement followed at once, and continued without interruption four days. I then gave another dose of Sulphur^2000 which restored the child to perfect and continued health.

Case II. Phthisis Pulmonalis. — This occurred in a young man who had inherited consumption, was 23 years of age, had nervous sanguine temperament, light brown hair and light eyes.

He enlisted in the army and soon after went into active service in which he continued some months, when he was attacked with diarrhea and sent to the hospital. He was then very sick between two and three weeks, then recovered sufficiently to resume duty for one week, when he was again returned to the hospital; this time, with cough, chills, fever and night sweats, in addition to the diarrhea. These symptoms continued though varying in severity, through the succeeding four months, during all which time, of course, he continued under army or allopathic treatment. He was then transferred to a hospital in Philadelphia where he was discharged from the service on a certificate of his attendant army surgeon, which avers, "disability from phthisis pulmonalis." A few days after his discharge, he called upon me at Buffalo for medical treatment. Upon examination I found his condition and symptoms as follows:

The superior lobe of the right lung contained tuberculous deposits throughout; and there were considerable deposits of tubercle in the apex of the left lung. The patient complained of much soreness in the right lung, which he referred to the central portion of the superior lobe. This soreness was aggravated more or less by his cough, which also at times excited darting pains through the superior part of the right side of the chest. The cough occurred in severe paroxysms in the morning on rising, and in the evening on going to bed, and was also quite troublesome during the day and sometimes annoying at night. Expectoration, which attended the cough at all times, was yellow or gray, often a mixture of the two, in the morning, and frothy with a partial mixture of yellow through the balance of the day. Chills, fever and night-sweats were, much of the time, present. The chill generally occurred at about ten, a.m. Diarrhea troublesome, but painless. Appetite poor. Pulse about 100 per minute. The patient had, of course, become considerably emaciated, and his strength was much exhausted. For these symptoms I prescribed Arsenicum^2500, one dose, and awaited the result.

Two weeks from the administration of the above prescription, I received a letter from my patient saying his cough was very much better, chills, fever and night-sweats almost wholly controlled, diarrhea entirely relieved, appetite good, but was considerably annoyed with soreness, pain and bloating of the stomach. As the Arsenicum was evidently still acting, I saw nothing in these new symptoms which required, in the connection in which they occurred, further medication.

In the course of another week my patient called upon me. He said he was entirely relieved of his cough, chills, fever and night-sweats, and of the soreness in the right lung, and had gained some ten pounds in flesh. His appetite was good and he was gaining strength rapidly. The soreness, pain and bloating of the stomach were much better and bowels entirely regular.

Seeing no further occasion for my services, in my patient's case, I dismissed him without further medication, the single dose of Arsenicum being all I had administered in his case. Some weeks after this, my patient informed me that he found himself in the enjoyment of health, and that he had resumed work at his trade, which is that of a carpenter.

Case III. This case, which did not reach the character of a distinct, disease arose under the following circumstances:

I attended a lady in confinement, and, as labor was in every way natural, I considered further attendance unnecessary. Before leaving my patient, I informed her that she would not probably have an evacuation of the bowels in less than five or six days, and in case of this delay she need give herself no uneasiness; in any event she must take no suggested cathartic or other medicines.

I heard nothing further from the case until the fourth day after confinement when a messenger came for me in great haste, saying my patient was suffering from extreme pain. I found the lady sitting up in bed with her hands upon her abdomen and writhing as though in great agony from what she ascribed as griping pains. She had been in this condition nearly an hour; surprised at meeting with such symptoms and at the suddenness of their appearance, I enquired the cause and found that the patient had been visited that morning by some lady friends, who told her she would certainly have inflammation of the bowels if she did not get an action of them immediately, although, at the time, she was entirely free from pain, and in every way comfortable.

Under the alarm which these meddlers created in the mind of the patient, she took a table-spoonful of Castor Oil. Soon after taking this she began to have pain in the bowels, which increased in severity until I arrived about two hours after the dose was taken.

There had been no evacuation of the bowels. I promptly administered one dose of Nux vomica^200 which gave entire relief in ten minutes, and the patient soon after fell asleep. I gave no more medicine, and my patient continued comfort- able four days longer when she had a perfectly natural evacuation of the bowels, the first since confinement, which was now eight days.

A noticeable feature of this case is that the Castor Oil never produced any action whatever, except causing the pain that was quieted by the Nux; since the cathartic action pertaining to the oil was never realized in the slightest degree.

CASE IV. Dysentery. — This was a case occurring in a hard laboring woman, of quite large bony frame, aged 44 years, of billious nervous temperament, black hair and black eyes. She had been sick three days when I was called to her, and during this time had been taking laudanum, brandy, etc., but obtained no relief.

Symptoms. Frequent evacuations of the bowels accompanied by severe "bearing down" and. cutting pains in the hypogastric and sacral regions and soreness of the lower portion of the abdomen upon pressure. Stools were composed entirely of blood and inspissated mucus passed in small masses. There was tenesmus vesicae, urine high colored, causing burning pains when passing.

Appetite poor; considerable thirst and some tendency to nausea. There was a very thick coating on the tongue of a yellowish white color, which covered the central third in width, through the entire length of the organ, while the surface at either side was nearly natural in appearance.

There was some fever; pulse about 90 per minute, full and hard; some pain in the forehead; sleep much disturbed; aggravation of symptoms during the night.

Treatment. I administered Mercurius cor.1000 one dose, five pellets,*[In all cases where pellets are mentioned the No. 1 1/2 is to be understood, as I invariably use this size in all my practice.] and left my patient until the next day, when I found all her symptoms much relieved. I still allowed the one dose to continue its action another day when I found my patient sitting up and reading, and so far recovered that I dismissed her case. The dysenteric symptoms had all been controlled; the tongue was entirely clean, moist and natural; appetite good, and she was recovering strength rapidly.

Two days subsequently I was recalled to the case. My patient had brought on a relapse by exerting herself too much and eating too heartily. The symptoms in this relapse were severe, and as nearly like those of the first attack as it was possible for them to be. I again administered Merc. cor. 1000 one dose, five pellets. This controlled all the severe symptoms in a few hours, and a rapid recovery followed. I gave no more medicine, and at the end of one week the patient appeared to have regained all of her natural strength, and resumed labor without any return of symptoms or further inconvenience.

CASE V. Cholera Morbus. — This occurred in a man who possesses one of the most powerful physical constitutions that I ever met. He is six feet and one or two inches in height, has a very large and well developed chest. Ordinary weight 210 to 215 pounds, and is well proportioned. Temperament, nervous-sanguine-lymphatic; was 34 years of age; had been very healthy through life, with the exception of one or two attacks of fever, of short duration, in former years. I can assign no cause for this attack of cholera morbus, unless it is to be found in the fact that the patient was subjected to great irregularities of diet and sleep during two or three days traveling, immediately subsequent to several weeks very arduous attention to in-door business.

Symptoms. The patient was first attacked with diarrhea, which was unaccompanied by any severe symptoms for twenty-four hours, when cramping spasmodic pains in the epigastrium and umbilical regions ensued, which increased in severity, until at the end of twenty-four hours — when I was called they had assumed great violence. The paroxysms of pain occurred about once in ten minutes and were of such violence that the patient would be suddenly thrown into almost a convulsed state, with the thighs thrown up upon the abdomen, and the chin down upon the chest. These paroxysms were attended with severe retching and vomiting.

The matters ejected from the stomach were fluid, nearly colorless, exceedingly sour, and contained no solid matter, except that the first thrown off held some small portions of undigested food.

Evacuations from the bowels had taken place once in two or three hours, and were preceded and attended with considerable pain; but nothing so violent as that which accompanied the vomiting. During the interval of the violent paroxysms of pain, the patient was quite delirious and would sometimes fall into a very uneasy sleep-, which, was troubled with incoherent talk and muttering. Pulse 120 per minute; small and weak. Extremities becoming cold.

Treatment. I administered Nux v.2000 one dose, five pellets. This to all appearance caused an almost instantaneous aggravation of symptoms. The paroxysms of pain were more violent, and more frequent, coming now as often as once in three to five minutes; the vomiting was more profuse, and the delirium greater. The aggravation continued from twenty to thirty minutes, when the paroxysms lessened in violence, and their intervals lengthened, until at the end of three hours all violence or even severity of symptoms had so far yielded that there was left only an occasional mild griping pain in the stomach together with the soreness of the abdomen which such an attack would necessarily produce. I gave no more medicine; none from the first but the one dose.

The patient recovered rapidly during the succeeding two days, from the soreness of the bowels, and the weakness left by the attack, and on the third day resumed his business, prosecuting it with all his accustomed vigor, without a return of any of the symptoms; in short, had then fully recovered all his natural strength and energy of constitution.

CASE VI. Chronic Bronchitis. — This patient was a married man, aged 26 years, of nervous-sanguine temperament, fair complexion, light hair and blue eyes. He had evidently inherited a marked catarrhal, if not a consumptive taint; as other members of the family had been troubled considerably with catarrhal ailments, and one brother had suffered from asthma from his infancy.

The case under consideration had, for its immediate developing cause, a severe cold taken in the month of February, 1862, which immediately settled upon the lungs and promptly developed a very serious class of symptoms. The patient at once placed himself under the care of a homoeopathic physician, who continued his treatment, without intermission, until the succeeding August when, despairing of his patient's recovery, he sent the case to me.

Symptoms. The cough which succeeded the cold was severe from the first, and continued to increase in severity until I first saw the patient, when it was one of the most violent in character that I ever met. It occurred in both short and in long paroxysms, and was present at nearly all hours of the day and night, but most severe in the evening and before midnight. It generally began to increase in severity at four or five o'clock in the afternoon, though sometimes not until after tea, and would then continue severe through the evening until bed time, when upon lying down it would assume greater violence for an hour or more, then partially subside; though still remaining severe enough almost always to prevent sleep until midnight, and quite often to prevent it until three or four o'clock in the morning.

There were also severe paroxysms of coughing in the morning on rising, but as soon as the bronchial tubes had apparently been once cleared of the secretions poured into them during sleep the severity of these would give way, most of the time, though not always, to milder paroxysms during the day until the regular time for the increase of the cough in the evening. Expectoration attended the cough more or less at all times, and was sometimes accomplished without much effort, and at others with extreme difficulty. The sputa varied much in color and character, being transparent, frothy, yellow, green and bloody, at different times. In the morning on rising, it would be yellow or green, sometimes both, though much more commonly the former, and during the day frothy and transparent, with yellow matter occasionally present; while in the evening and night, during the violent paroxysms of coughing it was not uncommon for the sputa to be bloody or streaked with blood. It was also at times quite fetid.

Chills, fever and night sweats had been much of the time, from the first, daily occurrences in the case; though at times these were absent a few days and would return. The chills occurred at different times in the day, sometimes there being two — one in the morning at eight or nine o'clock and the other in the evening at about the same hours — but more of the time there was but one chill a day, and that occurred at about noon. The chill, when occurring but once a day, was generally severe, lasting about an hour, and when twice a day was of shorter duration and less severity. Fever always followed the chills, and at times would run high, especially after the more severe ones. Sweating at night Was often profuse, sometimes occurring many nights in succession, then suspend one or more nights and again resume. Pulse varied from 90 to 110 per minute.

The patient complained much of soreness and dull heavy pain in the mammary and clavicular regions of both lungs, but most in the left one. Considerable soreness and irritation existed, at times, in the throat. Occasionally severe paroxysms of dyspnea occurred. The appetite varied, though much of the time was very poor. Thirst at times annoying. There were no prominent symptoms of the stomach. Diarrhea was very troublesome full half the time, but was not attended with much pain.

The patient, was, of course, much emaciated and had lost strength so that he was only able to walk a short distance at a time. There was marked dullness of sound, on percussion, over the whole anterior surface of the chest, and auscultation revealed extensive irritation throughout both lungs. In fact there was hardly a spot over the whole chest where the morbid sounds which indicate more or less severe inflammatory action in the bronchial tubes could not be heard. In addition to this, there were unmistakable indications that the disease had advanced to the stage of tuberculous deposit, and I believe this matter to have been present in small masses throughout considerable portions of each lung; but I could detect no cavities, certainly no large ones, resulting from the suppuration of the tubercle. The left lung, in almost all respects, was the farthest advanced in diseased action.

Treatment. — No one familiar with our Materia Medica will fail to see in many of the symptoms, above narrated, a striking resemblance to the symptoms of Arsenicum, and this was the remedy apparently indicated. I say apparently, because there was no other remedy which covered the symptoms as they presented themselves, so well as this; and I had about concluded to prescribe it, when upon inquiry I found the patient had been informed by his physician — I had no direct report on the treatment of the case from the physician himself — what drug he had taken, and that Arsenicum had been a very prominent remedy in his treatment. Acon., Bryonia, Hepar sulph., Mercur., Spong., Sulph., etc., had been given, but neither of these had been so commonly used as Arsenicum, which had been the main reliance for some length of time previous to my seeing the case. All the above remedies, however, were given, as nearly as I could learn, in the low potencies, and alternated or repeated, as the case might be, at intervals of only a few hours. Here then was a new and important feature of the case which I could not overlook. Was Arsenic the drug indicated when it was first given, and had it aggravated the symptoms — it certainly had not acted as a curative — by being administered in too low a potency and at such short intervals; or had it masked, in part, the symptoms of the disease by producing those wholly its own, which for the time were as prominent as those of the disease? These were questions which I could not answer at the time, but was decidedly of the opinion that the symptoms of the disease were either aggravated or masked by the drug or drugs that had been administered. Under this conviction I set myself to the task of selecting the proper remedy for the case, as Arsenic must, of course, be discarded from further use. My task was one in which I met with but little success for a time, from the fact that the patient lived at a distance and only remained some twenty-four hours where I could see him, thus, of course, cutting me off from all advantage of seeing the case at brief intervals and comparing the symptoms one day with another, and in this way arriving at the remedy indicated. I prescribed, however, Drosera^200, Calc. carb.3000, Belladonna^300 and Nux vomica^2000, each one dose, at intervals of a few days. The first and last two of these I gave more particularly to subdue, if possible, the violence of the cough, until I found the proper remedy, and thus avoid a rupture of blood vessels and hemorrhage which I feared might take place; while I gave Calc. carb. hoping from it some curative action. All this, however, resulted in failure in so far, at least, as relieving suffering or improving the condition of the patient. One result, however, was accomplished either by the delay, or possibly by the drugs which I administered. It was this, some of the existing symptoms passed through some changes, though they became none the less severe, while other and new symptoms, made their appearance, which, in the connection in which they occurred, pointed unmistakably to the remedy sought.

The most prominent new symptoms and changes of the old, were as follows: between two and three weeks after I first saw the patient, severe darting pains began to trouble him in the central and lower parts of the left lung. The soreness which had previously existed in both lungs, and been dull in character, had become more acute and was nearly all concentrated in the left one. The paroxysms of dyspnea became more severe and were attended with faintness, and all of these symptoms, together with the cough, were very much aggravated by lying on the left side. The sputa had also changed materially in one respect. What was described as "fresh blood" was now expectorated every morning. At the time the patient reported to me the above change in his symptoms, his family physician, who was still watching the progress of the case, wrote me as follows: "I examined his lungs yesterday and am of the opinion that a cavity actually exists, I likewise examined the expectoration with a microscope which revealed pus globules in considerable quantity, and he has had night sweats ever since coming home." The patient further reported that he had lost strength, so that he was now obliged to lie down half of the time each day.

Now in putting all this together, and giving due prominence to the increased severity of the old symptoms in the left lung, together with the addition of the darting pains, and all aggravated by lying upon the left side, we have a case which no other known remedy covers so well as Phosphorus. I therefore administered one dose of this drug in the three thousandth potency, on the morning of the 4th of September, 1862.

It would no doubt interest the reader to peruse the daily record which the patient kept of his symptoms and forwarded to me, but as this was continued through a number of successive months, its insertion here would occupy too much valuable space, and I must therefore content myself with giving the more prominent results of the action of the remedy.

Only the day following the administration of the Phosphorus, the soreness of the lungs, which had been of such long duration and had recently become more severe in the left one, disappeared and, according to the patient's record, never returned except in a slight degree on one or two occasions after taking cold. The darting pains in the left lung were nearly as promptly relieved.

The cough, which had previously been so violent in character, was so much improved in one week that, at the end of this time, the patient reports it as "winding off." Expectoration was now accomplished with ease, and the sputa changed so rapidly in character that at the end of two weeks he says, "I raise only a little mucus."

On the 20th of September, he further says, "I can swell out my chest without hurting my lungs, they are free from pain at present." From this time on to the close of the treatment his report contains no complaint of pain in either lung, except on two or three occasions, and it was then of short duration and of much less severity. Chills, fever and sweats better, but not so rapid improvement in these as in other symptoms. His appetite, which had been unusually poor for two weeks before taking the dose of Phosphorus, rapidly improved and soon became so good that the record says, "I get hungry and have to eat between meals every day." The diarrhea remained about the same. The patient's strength increased about in the ratio of the improvement of the symptoms in general; and the pulse was somewhat reduced in frequency.

As soon as the soreness and pain of the left lung were relieved, the patient began to complain of pain in the legs, and this increased until it became almost a regular daily symptom and was at times the cause of great suffering.

On the 11th of September he reports, at nine, a.m., "legs have ached hard all the morning, it hurts me now to walk." The following day he says, "legs ache very hard, left one hardest." During the succeeding five days there was quite rapid improvement in all the internal symptoms, but no particular change in the symptoms of the legs. These continued painful every day until the 16th of September, when the patient says, "had a severe attack of diarrhea last night; legs do not trouble me when the diarrhea is severe."

September 17th. "My knees commence to pain me, and are quite lame.

18th. "Legs ache hard; knees very sore."

19th. "Soreness of my sides below the ribs, and the whole lower part of my abdomen, and my legs are sore the whole length."

20th. Continued pain in limbs, and soreness of sides and abdomen." It was on this day that the patient said he could "swell out his lungs," without experiencing pain.

22d. "Legs ache and are very hot below my knees, also my feet burn as if heated by fire."

23d. "Legs and feet continue to ache and burn, otherwise feel quite well; left foot lame."

24th. "Lungs a little stuffed: it is a damp day, left shoulder a little lame."

25th. "Legs ache harder than before; no soreness in either throat or lungs; back lame through the kidneys."

The succeeding ten days from this date the record is much the same. There was more or less pain in the left side below the ribs and in the back, and the pain of the legs was at time so severe that, the patient says, "it seems as though they would drop off."

Here it becomes necessary to state that I would allow the patient to make no external application whatever to the legs or other parts to relieve the pain, nor did I give any thing myself internally for this purpose, as I well knew that any such interference could do nothing but prevent a culmination of the disease in one or both legs — a result which I earnestly sought — and thus drive it back into the lungs, and hurry my patient to an untimely grave.

The following results show that it was well that nature's indication was not disturbed: On the 6th of October, the patient's report says, "a swelling or boil makes its appearance in my left foot at the ankle." This went on favorably to suppuration and discharge, thus expelling from the system so much tuberculous matter at a far less vital point than the lungs, and where the irritation produced by the deposit and suppuration of the tubercle could work no danger to life.

That this was among the most favorable results which could have taken place, is shown by the fact that during all this time that the disease required to reach a culminating point in the legs, all the symptoms of the lungs, as well as the general symptoms improved. True there was yet left some cough, and this was more troublesome some days than others, but the patient almost constantly refers to it as "slight," and says, that expectoration is accomplished with ease. The chills, fever and night sweats much better. The appetite was good nearly all the time now, and the patient was gaining in strength daily.

This improvement in all the symptoms continued another week, when, thinking that the single dose of Phosphorus administered, September 4th — being now thirty-nine days since — must by this time have exhausted its action, and fearing that the disease might, through neglect on my part, gradually return to the lungs, I prescribed another dose of Phosphorus^2000 which was taken on the morning of the 13th of October. In this I evidently committed a serious mistake; this dose having produced a severe aggravation, continuing through the succeeding two weeks. The cough increased and became severe, expectoration more difficult, sputa greater in quantity and changed from transparent mucus to thick and yellow matter; chills more severe, pulse increased in frequency, appetite became quite poor, in short all the symptoms which would arise from or be aggravated by increase of disease in the lungs were present in greater severity than at any time before, since the first dose of Phosphorus was taken. This aggravation continued until the 24th of October, when boils made their appearance again, but this time upon the shoulders. The report from which I have already quoted so frequently, says of them, "they are small but very sore." After these had suppurated and discharged, a marked mitigation took place in all the lung symptoms. So marked indeed was this, that the last chill which the patient had was on November 1st, only eight days after the eruption of this crop of boils.

On the 11th of November his record says, "cough almost stopped. I continue to have boils yet." All the other symptoms improved nearly as rapidly. Again during this improvement his legs pained him severely at times.

October 30th, he says, "left leg aches very hard and foot has swollen, it is inflamed and looks very red." This time there were no boils upon either the leg or foot, as many had appeared and matured elsewhere. There was also a great deal of headache attending this second relief of the lungs.

For the succeeding two months there is nothing of particular interest to report, except that there was a steady and continued improvement of all internal symptoms, attended with an eruption of more or less boils upon the back, shoulders and neck until the last of December, when the lung symptoms increased considerably for a week or more, and I again prescribed Phosphorus^3000, one dose, which was taken on the morning of January 2d, 1863. This gave immediate relief without aggravation and the case continued to improve until the 6th of February, when, in a letter — my patient was now so much better he had discontinued his daily record — he says, "I have had a bad cold, but am now over it; it did not effect my lungs at all. They feel as sound as ever. My pulse is regular." Again on the 11th of February, he writes, "little pimples are coming out on my face and body, which arc quite sore and discharge a little." Here, then, is disclosed, in this humour, the agent — call it psora or what you will — that had been acting upon the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, and by its irritating presence there had caused the chronic inflammation and the tubercle, in short was the real primary cause — aroused from a dormant condition by the cold taken the previous February — of the long list of sufferings which the patient had endured through an entire year.

This eruption increased and was attended with further improvement in internal symptoms until about the middle of March, when there was a renewal of disturbance in the left lung, which, in a letter bearing date March 27th, 1863, he describes as follows: "I have been complaining a little harder for the past ten days. I first felt dull heavy pains in my left lung which kept growing worse until Monday the 23d. On raising up in the bed that morning, I was taken with a severe coughing spell. I felt something give loose in ray left lung, on raising it in my mouth I found there was a hard lump nearly as large as a pea, followed by matter of a bad taste and some fresh blood. My lungs pained me very hard at the time."

Of his examination of this mass, he says, "it was hard and of a dark yellow color. I opened it; on the inside was a black speck a little to one side of the centre, half as large as a pin's head. This black speck was hard, and when mashed by my knife, it broke like a piece of stone coal or cinder," He further says, "the next day after I raised this lump, my lung pained me some and I raised a little matter, and yesterday I had a most violent headache, lasting until midnight. Today my throat smarts some and I cough, but not hard. My lung has not felt sore today but little."

As the increase of symptoms in the left lung, at this time, was evidently owing to the process of detaching and expectorating the mass which the patient describes in the language above quoted, and as the lung was now rid of this disturbing agent, I concluded that the effects which it had produced must soon cease, therefore gave no medicine but awaited the progress of the case. I did not hear from my patient again until the 25th of April, when he reported as follows: "I am feeling quite well, I had mostly got over the pain in my side when I received your last letter; it has all passed away now and I feel better than I have before in one year. I feel strong, and am gaining flesh. I do not cough but very little, that is in the morning when I first get up. My throat appears to be better than it has before since you commenced treating me." Here then it was clearly demonstrated by this report, that further medication was as yet unncessary.

On the 27th of May, he again writes, "I am feeling almost well, I have no trouble with my lungs at all, they are as free from pain and I breathe as freely as I ever did. I am strong and gain flesh every day. I could stand a good day's work. I cough a very little yet, but my throat is gaining so that it does not trouble me but very little. My appetite is good and I cannot Bee but my pulse is right, it stands about 70 all the time."

Three weeks later, on the 18th of June, 1863, my patient called upon me. I had not seen him since the previous August. He had improved so much in appearance that I did not at first recognize him. The pallor of the countenance which was so marked ten months before, had given place to the color of health, the emaciation had been succeeded by considerable plumpness of muscle, and instead of the langour and depression which was then so manifest in every action, there was now that buoyancy of spirit, and activity of both mind and body which restored health and a renewed hope of life can alone give. There was no cough, no pain, no diarrhea, in short no active symptoms of any kind. I examined the lungs again by auscultation and percussion and found no indications of any disease then acting in either one of them.

At this interview he informed me of an important series of symptoms which arose in the progress of his cure, and which he had not before reported to me. Sometime during the month of December preceding, he began to suffer from pain in the roots of a partially decayed tooth, one of the left inferior molars. The pain increased in severity until it was at times the cause of much suffering, and in a few weeks resulted in a swelling of the gum which suppurated and discharged freely. After this abscess broke, he said it discharged a teaspoonful daily for many weeks and then slowly and partially healed, though still continued discharging a little at the time of this visit. Here, then, in addition to what the numerous boils had accomplished in expelling tuberculous matter from the system we have a great quantity of the same carried off through the gum, and the lungs, by this means, still further relieved from the ravages of tubercle. This action in the tooth and gum was not interferred with in any way by the patient, as he acted upon the advice I gave him at first, that any new symptoms occurring under treatment, especially if they arose in parts not vital and remote from the lungs must be let entirely alone, for like the boils, any successful attempt in controlling them could result only in disaster, by forcing the disease back to the lungs, from which it could probably never be removed a second time. The result shows, of course, that there was full compensation for the suffering borne from the tooth, as well as from all other parts not essentially vital.

Finding the condition of my patient in every way so favorable that in my judgment a little more time was all that was necessary for restoration to permanent and continued health, I gave him no more medicine. I had given him none now since the morning of the 2d of January, and since I found the curative remedy in his case I had given him only the three doses; the first September 4th, 1862, the second, October 13th, 1862, and the third, January 2d, 1863.

I have heard from my patient several times since his last visit to me, and to the time of his last report he continued in health, and was engaged in labor upon the farm.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 02, No. 04, 1863, pages 79-83, pages 165-168, No. 04, 1864, pages 322-333]

[Description: Clinical Contributions; Pneumonia; Phthisis Pulmonalis (tuberculosis)]

[Author: Gregg, R.R.]

[Year: 1863]

REMARKABLE CURE AND SUBSEQUENT CONVERSION OF A PROMINENT ALLOPATHIC PHYSICIAN.

BY S. G. GUENTHER, M. D., MILWAUKEE, WIS.

BARON KACZKOWSKY, Doctor of Medicine and Surgery, Bachelor of Obstetrics, and Practicing Physician at Vienna, gives, in the "Monthly Magazine of the Association of Homoeopathists of Austria," an interesting relation of his conversion from the doctrines of the old school.

After setting forth the fanaticism and bigotry with which for fifteen years "he fought in the ranks of the most ardent and exasperated opponents of Homoeopathy," he proceeds as follows:

"In 1840, I was appointed Second Surgeon at the Imperial General Hospital, where I fell sick with a severe rheumatic attack, caused by taking cold during the performance of a very difficult surgical operation. Knowing that complaints like mine were usually treated for several months, and without any permanent relief, I, of course, had very little confidence in the practice of the Hospital, and I therefore applied a curing method of my own. Innumerable drastic remedies, such as cataplasms of mustard, Russian steam baths, &c, proved ineffectual; for, although the swellings in the joints subsided, the parts remained very sensitive to changes of temperature, with an evident proneness to rheumatic pains, and an unmistakable disposition to inflammation of the throat. This ultimated in hypertrophy of the tonsils, which were at length removed by excision."

Shortly after, in traveling for scientific purposes, over the greater part of Europe, he suffered much from complaints of the throat, which terminated in

"an inflammation and swelling of a gland beneath the right ear, that, in spite of the remedies applied, became indurated and enlarged to the size of a man's fist, extending to the clavicle, and causing violent pain upon turning the neck.

"I can safely say, that the whole medico-surgical therapeutics were exhausted in my behalf, and that I used everything that I thought of any avail, or that could be devised by my friends and colleagues, especially by the professors of medical art in the University-Doctors Sigmund, Kolletschka and Rokitansky. Thus, for six years, I underwent every sort of treatment, without even the slightest relief."

Thus becoming despondent, and losing all hope of any relief, he was at length persuaded to visit the Homoeopathic Hospital, in the Leopoldstadt, and was very much surprised to find

"that the proceedings in that institution, with regard to the examination of patients, to the establishment of the diagnosis, and to all measures and methods of exploration, treatment and attendance, were even more precise than in the Allopathic Hospitals."

He gradually became interested in Homoeopathy, and concluded to try its effects upon his own person, in curing the disease above mentioned.

"The swelling, meantime, had increased to an intolerable size. Commencing on the first of April, A. D., 1851, I took, every morning, one drop of belladonna in the sixth dynamization, alternating every second day, in the evening, with one grain of hepar sulphuris calcaream, of the same potency. In a couple of days, some striking modifications were manifested, in the indurated swelling of the gland, and the homogeneous hard mass began to disperse into separate smaller and painless knots, and, in like proportion, the motions of the neck became easier. Before the end of July, the swelling, as well as the pain and stiffness of the neck, had entirely disappeared. Certain hemorrhoidal complaints that troubled me, for a long time, had also totally ceased by this date."

The Baron then concludes with a statement of the remarkable success that followed his treatment of patients in accordance with the Homoeopathic law, and his ultimate public adhesion to the faith.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 15-17]

[Description: The cure and subsequent conversion of a prominent allopathic physician.]

[Remedies: Belladonna, Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum]

[Author: Guenther, S.G.]

[Year: 1858]

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS ON TEREBINTH.

BY EDWIN M. HALE, M. D., JONESVILLE, MICH.

Case I. Mrs. C, wife of a clergyman, aged 22. A few months previous to the birth of her child, now one year old, she had unusual pain in the back, renal region and down the ureters into the bladder, accompanied by urine of a very dark color and strong odor, and depositing a black sediment. These symptoms had persisted, varying in intensity, but on the whole increasing, until the lime she came under my care. She had been treated by two eminent physicians in the city of Cleveland, but had received no benefit from either.

Present symptoms. — Emaciation, anaemia, an appearance of having lost a large amount of blood; weakness, exhaustion upon walking a short distance; after going upstairs, palpitation, dyspnea, and throbbing in the head. Skin very pale, and had an unhealthy feel; flushes of fever in the afternoon followed by profuse night sweats; constipation; tongue pale and flabby. Urine dark, almost black when first emitted; depositing a sediment amounting to nearly one-twelfth of its quantity, and black as coal dust. The urine was not much below the normal amount; looked smoky, as Dr. Todd says urine always does when it contains blood.

Here was apparently a grave case of chronic hematuria; what the actual pathological condition was, it seemed difficult to decide.

That the blood came from the kidneys, constant pain in the back and ureters, which had persisted from the commencement, would seem to prove conclusively. The question next arose, was it blood? In certain morbid states the urine may be brown or blackish, and may deposit a dark sediment somewhat like that produced by blood. But bloody urine is generally turbid when discharged and afterwards becomes clear by subsidence; the matter deposited is not dissolved when the urine is heated. On the contrary, colored urine, above alluded to, is often transparent when discharged and becomes turbid upon standing, re-dissolves the deposit when heated and is not coagulable.

In order to test the patient's urine for blood, it was heated; it coagulated somewhat, and the sediment was not dissolved. Under the microscope the sediment resolved itself into disorganized blood globules. But there were none of those cylindrical coagula which are supposed to be formed in the ureters. There was no trace of pus, mucus or casts of the tubuli uriniferi.

The following conclusions were arrived at:

1st. It was a chronic, passive hemorrhage.

2d. It did not depend on ulceration, inflammation or any organic disease of the kidneys.

3d. It was a condition of passive congestion, relaxation, with perhaps enlargement of those organs, associated with a depraved state of the blood, like that present in purpura hemorrhagica. The patient was therefore slowly bleeding to death.

After much consideration of the various remedies recommended for hematuria in general, I determined to try the Oil of Turpentine. In the meantime, the physicians who had treated her were written to with a request as to what remedies had been tried, but as yet no answer has been received.

It was presumed that the homoeopathic physician had tried all our prominent remedies during the six months he treated her. Moreover the testimony was so strong in favor of the Turpentine, which is so little used in our school,' that I felt solicitous to test its obvious homoeopathicity.

Our provings mention that it causes bloody urine. Dr. Todd says, "that the kidneys of those poisoned by Turpentine, are enlarged, the uriniferous and Malphigian corpuscles full of blood — the precise source of the hemorrhage — thus clearly displayed, and farther that Turpentine causes an excessive excitement of the kidneys, which diminishes the flow of urine, the state of engorgement being too great to be compatible with the healthy functions of the organs; finally the vessels yield and hemorrhage is the result."

Dr. Wood says, "I have known bloody urine to result from inhalation of the vapors of Oil of Turpentine." Yet both these justly eminent allopathic authorities strongly advise the use of Turpentine in renal hemorrhage, especially if passive! Are they willfully blind?

Finally this drug causes a condition of the blood analogous to that in purpura hemorrighaca and typhoid fever. It disorganizes the blood globules, diminishes the fibrin, while it increases the albumen.

The first decimal dilution of Oil of Turpentine was given to this patient, in doses of five drops every four hours. No other medicine used. In twenty-four hours the sediment had sensibly diminished; in forty-eight hours only a slight deposit could be seen, and in sixty hours no sediment was discovered. It is now nearly eight months and as yet no trace of blood has even been seen in the urine. The woman has constantly improved in health since that time, and is now as well as over before in her life. I will add that the Turpentine was suspended at the end of a week, and ten drops of syrup of Superphosphate of Iron given three times a day instead, continued for several months or until she had regained her usual health. I use this preparation in preference to the trituration because it is much more efficient; and as each drachm contains only one grain of the iron, it is analogous to the first trituration in point of strength. For the same reasons I prefer the syrup of the Iodide of Iron.

It is my conviction that the members of our school do not sufficiently appreciate the great therapeutical value of Turpentine, as I shall try to show by further illustrations.

Case II. Mr. E., aged 30, had typhoid fever which had been treated with Baptisia, Belladonna, and Phos. acid, and seemed to be progressing favorably. The bowels had been rather loose, three or four soft yellowish-green evacuations a day; when on the fourteenth day of the disease, he was taken with profuse diarrhea of the color of prune juice, dark

red, reminding me of the juice of the berries of the Phytolacca. Under the microscope it showed a large amount of bran like particles, mingled with disorganized blood globules. Pieces of linen dipped in it became of a red color. It had a peculiar fetid odor, small coagula were found in the bottom of the vessel, they were not firm, but deliquescent. There was excessive tenderness in the left iliac region, stupor, mild delirium, dry tongue, red at the tip, heavily coated at the back, subsultus, etc.

Here the totality of the symptoms indicated Turpentine, although tympanites, one of the most characteristic, was not present. Five drops of the first dilution (decimal) wa3 given and the patient had but two more evacuations, each less in amount, while the general condition changed favorably. The tongue became moist, slightly coated white, and the stupor, etc., gradually disappeared. The medicine was continued one day, every three hours; then three times a day in alternation with Muriatic acid. The patient recovered.

It is one of the most potent remedial agents which we possess in the treatment of the severest form of typhoid or enteric fever, and should be oftener resorted to. (See article on "Turpentine in Typhoid Fever, "N. American Journal of Homoeopathy, Vol. VII.)

Case III. Mrs. Mc K., had a severe attack of Enteritis, marked by the following symptoms: intense febrile heat, preceded by a chill; excessive tenderness of the abdomen; tongue red in the centre and dry; thirst, but drinks, especially cold, aggravated the pain in the bowels; tenesmus, with very scanty bloody evacuations; urine scanty, painful and high colored. Under the use of Aconite and Belladonna the fever abated. Colocynth relieved the severe lancinating pains, and Mercurius mitigated the tenesmus. On the fifth day she seemed to be doing well, abdomen slightly distended but not very sensitive to pressure. But on the morning of the sixth day I was sent for in great haste, as she was said to be dying. On my arrival I found her almost pulseless; face, hands and limbs cold; great agitation of mind; fear of death; much difficulty of breathing owing to a tympanitic state of the abdomen which was of enormous size, not sensitive, but hard and resonant like a base drum. There had been no evacuation of flatulence or urine for twenty-four hours. The tongue was dry and looked as if seared with a hot iron in the centre.

Here was evidently paralysis of the muscular tissue of the intestines or perforation of the bowels. If the former, the patient might possibly be saved, if the later, no human aid would avail.

After thinking of China, Coloc., Ars. and Colc., recommended in our books, I preferred to trust to the efficacy of Turpentine as the only remedy which seemed to be capable of causing the same symptoms and pathological condition. Ten drops of the first decimal dilution were accordingly given in a little brandy, and at the same time one dram of the same dilution was mixed with one pint of milk and water and the whole thrown up into the bowels by one of Davidson's syringes. The effect of these measures was wonderful. In less than fifteen minutes the pulse rose, and vast quantities of flatulence were emitted with much force and noise. A rapid convalescence followed under the use of Nux vomica and China.

Our allopathic colleagues recommend the Oil of Turpentine in similar cases, and are successful in the treatment of severe and even dangerous conditions like the above. They know too that Turpentine in large doses will cause fever, inflammation of the bowels, suppression of urine, tympanites, collapse and death. And yet this drug is "not homoeopathic to such morbid conditions!" Oh no! It removes them "by — ah — by — stimulating the muscular fibres — and — and — ." O blind leaders of the blind! when will ye ever consent to see the truth?

Whenever tympanites occurs during attacks of typhoid fever, malignant dysentery, peritonitis and enteritis, colic and even in hysteria, Turpentine is the homoeopathic remedy, because capable of itself causing similar diseases and conditions. Colocynth and Colchicum are useful in similar conditions, but of much less intensity. China is only useful when it is the result of general and local atony, and is not an acute, but a chronic affection. The same may be said of Nux vom. Carbo and Sulphur. Arsenicum and Phosphorus will be found useful when the other symptoms correspond. Nux mos., Moschus and Asafetida are most useful in hysterical cases. The Aesculus glabra and AEthusa cynapium cause fatal tympanites.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 10, 1863, pages 454-459]

[Description: Clinical Observations on Terebinth.]

[Remedies: Terebinthiniae Oleum]

[Author: Hale, E.M.]

[Year: 1863]

COFFEA IN ODONTALGIA.

By E. M. Hale, M. D., Chicago, Ill.

I have lately had occasion to verify a curious clinical fact in relation to Coffea, and deem it of sufficient importance to give it to the profession.

When I was a student of medicine in the office of Dr. Blair, of Ohio, a man came to consult him for a severe pain in a decayed tooth. He stated that he had ridden about twelve miles since the pain commenced, and the only relief he got was from holding cold water in the mouth. The instant the water became warm, the pain was renewed! He had carried a jug of water with him during his drive, replenishing it at farm houses along the route.

Dr. Blair prescribed a single dose of Coffea^3 (centesimal dilution) a single drop. In twenty or thirty minutes the pain abated, and in less than an hour had ceased altogether, and the patient left the office blessing Homoeopathy.

The incident left a lasting impression on my mind, and I treasured it up for future use. Six years afterwards I was called to see a lady suffering from prosopalgia, which extended to the molar teeth of the right side (it might have originated in the teeth). She was very irritable, sensitive and moaning from the distressing pain. She held in her hand a bowl of crushed ice and was engaged in eating small pieces, stating that she felt relief from the pain only when the ice was in contact with the painful teeth.

I remembered the case above alluded to, and gave her a spoonful of a solution of a few pellets of Coffea in half a glass of ice water. In about half an hour the pain had nearly left her, and in an hour she fell asleep.

The second case which came under my treatment was that of a old lady in feeble health, whom I was treating for climacteric difficulties. She sent for me one evening, stating upon my arrival that she was suffering intensely from pains in the right molar (upper and under) teeth, the pain extending to the head and ears. She obtained momentary relief by holding in her mouth the coldest water she could procure. The pain had lasted all day. Here, I thought, was a good opportunity for testing the high potencies. I dissolved a few pellets of Coffea^200 (Lehrmann's) in half a glass of water, and ordered a spoonful every half hour until the pain ceased. The next morning the patient stated to me that after the first dose the pain was slightly ameliorated; after the second, considerably relieved; and after the third, ceased altogether.

It will be admitted that the above are notable cases, in which the symptom "relieved by cold water" was the characteristic indication. But the strangest part of the matter is that this symptom is not found in any pathogenesis of Coffea. Even the symptom "pains relieved by cold applications" is not to be found. Coffea has proved curative in "toothache with restlessness, anguish and whining mood especially at night and after a meal," and "jerking in the teeth, also with tearing." Is it possible that Coffea cured the above cases by reason of other indications? Was the peculiar symptom alluded to of no importance?

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 03, 1864, pages 164-165]

[Description: Coffea in Odontalgia (toothache).]

[Remedies: Coffea cruda]

[Author: Hale, E.M.]

[Year: 1864]

COPAVIA BALSAMUM IN BLENORRHAGIA.

BY E. M. HALE, M. D., CHICAGO, ILL.

This valuable remedy is, with Terebinth, too much neglected by the homoeopathic school. It had been so abused by the allopathic, that the adherents of the new felt a repugnance to its use.

Since the publication of Teste's Materia Medica, in which attention was called particularly to Copavia as an analogue of Sepia, its use has become more general, yet I frequently meet with homoeopathic physicians who have never used it.

According to Teste, the only analogues of Copavia are Sepia and Alumina. I admit that Sepia is a true analogue of Copavia but with this qualification, that the latter is to acute catarrhal affections what Sepia is to long lasting or chronic affections of that nature. I could never see any resemblance between the action of Alumina and the drug under consideration. I should arrange the analogue, of Copavia thus:

Erigeron canadense, Sepia

Cubabe, Pulsatilla,

Terebinth, Senecio gracialis,

Ura ursi, (Kali hyd. & brom.)

My reasons for this arrangement are briefly set forth.

1. They all cover acute and sub-acute inflammation of mucous membranes (primarily).

2. All cause blenorrhea of more or less sub-acute or chronic character (secondarily).

3. All cause in excessive doses, hemorrhage from the urinary passages, diuresis, suppression of urine, etc.

4. They are capable of curing the above-named conditions. "This balsam," says Teste, "has been employed in medicine for at least two centuries past." By all the old medical authors it was recommended for blenorrhagia or profuse discharges from the various mucous surfaces; in bronchitis with profuse expectoration; vesical and urethral catarrh gonorrhea, leucorrhea, diarrhea, etc.

The provings of our school have evolved the fact that Copav. is capable of causing all these affections. It is indeed the typical remedy of a group which exercises a vast power over all catarrhal diseases.

I propose to give briefly my experience with this drug, illustrating its action by the narration of a few cases.

CASE I. Chronic Nasal Catarrh. — A young man applied for relief of profuse, yellow and green, thick, fetid discharge from the nasal passages of several years continuance. There was no perceptible ulceration of the mucous membranes. The discharge troubled him at night by running down the posterior nares, and causing choking and other disagreeable symptoms. He had taken all manner of "catarrh snuffs," etc., and had been treated by physicians of both schools but with no benefit.

Copavia 1/100 ten drops every four hours. He was ordered to inject, twice a day, up each nostril one ounce of the following solution: Copavia 1/10, one drachm, warm water four ounces. In two weeks he reported himself cured. Since which time, over a year, he has had no return of the disease.

CASE II. Gastric Catarrh. — Mrs. L. applied for relief of a "dyspepsia."Her symptoms were: distention and fullness after eating; spitting up of the ingesta, with large quantities of mucus; sometimes vomiting of mucus. The stools were often coated with mucus; she had frequent attacks of mucous diarrhea.

Pulsatilla was selected as the remedy, but failed to cause more than temporary palliation. From some remote symptoms I was induced to give Copavia. Ten drops of the second, dec dil, was prescribed, to be taken one hour before and two hours after meals. In a week the improvement was great, and it continued use effected a cure.

CASE III. Bronchial and Vesical Catarrh. — Miss G., of this city, a young girl aged 15, of lymphatic-sanguine temperament, caught a severe cold sometime in the month of March. This resulted in a cough which was considered by the parents as whooping cough, and little or no treatment given. In May, after the affection had continued about six weeks, I was called in. Her symptoms were: emaciation, hectic fever, night sweats, debility, unable to sit up, respiration quick and panting; could breathe easily only when bolstered up in bed, mucous rale on the whole chest, most in the left lung; dullness under left clavicle, and a want of normal resonance on the whole left side. Heart's action tumultuous, pulse irritable and 100 per minute.

The cough was harrassing, severe, accompanied with profuse expectoration of thick heavy masses of yellow or greenish, and putrid tasting mucus; sometimes bloody; and in such quantities as to cause choking and vomiting. There was also dyspnea, soreness and rawness in the chest, and occasional stitches in the left side; loss of appetite, restless nights, weariness, tongue coated white, greenish diarrhea, mixed with mucous flocculi.

Pulsatilla and Phosphorus were given for a week with but little benefit, although apparently well indicated. Upon further questioning I ascertained that the urine was high colored, thick, and deposited an abundant reddish sediment. Spasmodic pains in the bladder occurred every morning at nearly the same hour. Upon examination the urine was found to contain a large amount of viscid mucus, some blood and detached portions of mucous tissue, in the shape of discolored.

There was evidently a catarrhal inflammation of the bladder, analogous in its pathological character, to the inflammation going on in the interior of the chest.

This led me to prescribe Copavia. It was given in ten drop doses, of the first dilution, repeated every four hours. In twenty-fours hours all the symptoms were ameliorated, and in four days the cough and expectoration had entirely ceased. The mucus and blood had disappeared from the urine; the hectic fever was much lighter, and the night sweats less profuse. In eight days her appetite had returned and she was able to sit up several hours, and all the symptoms, which appeared so serious, were dissipated. No other remedy but the Copavia was given, and in three weeks she had regained her usual health. This case is a beautiful example of the remedial and specific powers of this remedy.

CASE IV. — A young man had "dysentery." I saw him on the fourth day of the disease. He had taken Mercurius and Ipecac. with no benefit. The evacuations were made of thick, brown, tenacious mucus, tinged with blood. There was some tormina and tenesmus, and sensitive hypogastrium. The urine was hot and scalding, red, and deposited a thick mucous sediment. Copavia^1, ten drops every hour cured him in thirty-six hours.

By the above it will be seen that Copavia is curative in very many conditions of blenorrhagia, even when disorganizations have appeared. No drug has been more useful in my hands, and I would urge the profession to give it a more extended trial.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 04, 1863, page 162-165]

[Description: Copavia Balsamum in Blenorrhagia.]

[Remedies: Copaiva officinalis]

[Author: Hale, E.M.]

[Year: 1863]

GLYCERINE

As a vehicle for the external applications of Arnica, &c.

BY E. M. HALE, M. D., JONESVILLE, MICH.

Nearly a year ago I was accidentally led to the adoption of this valuable agent, as a vehicle for medicines used externally. Having a case of vesicular herpes, on the face of a child, characterized by some tingling-itching. I was importuned by the parents to give some external, soothing application. I put up some Glycerine, and the idea struck me, that Rhus might be added with benefit; a few drops of the mother tincture were therefore added with it, (1/2 oz). It acted like a charm, allaying the irritation, and hastening the cure. Since which time I have used a similar preparation in many eruptive diseases.

In a recent Medical Journal, Glycerine is strongly recommended as a dressing to wounds, ulcers, &c. It may be good. alone, as an external application, but when combined with the remedial agents we possess, it becomes invaluable.

I know of no other Homoeopath who used it, and while I hesitatingly claim the merit of first recommending its use, (with Arnica, &c.) it is with pleasure that I give the profession the results of my experience; and will therefore give my method of preparing the medicated Glycerine.

To 10 parts Glycerine, add 1 part of Mother Tincture of Arnica, or any other drug (I prefer Tilden's Fluid of Arnica and Aconite, to the common Tincture.) If a large quantity is to be used, the Glycerine can first be diluted with water, as much as desired.

While we get the mild, soothing and perhaps healing effects of the Glycerine, we also get the specific, remedial effect of the medicine we combine with it.

The following are the principal preparations I have used, and can recommend:

Glycerine and Arnica, for Contusions; contused and punctured wounds; boils; some kinds of ulcerations; excoriations.

Glycerine and Calendula, for cut and lacerated wounds; all unhealthy ulcerations; ulceration of os uteri; sore nipples.

Glycerine and Rhus tox, for vesicular and herpitic eruptions, with intolerable itching, strains of joints and tendons.

Glycerine and Aconite, Neuralgia; prosopalgia; odentalgia; spinal tenderness; highly inflamed wounds and swellings.

Glycerine and Hamamelis, contusions; extravasations; painful tumors; wounds with excess in hemorrhage; bleeding piles; varicose veins and ulcers.

Glycerine and Urtica urens, Nettle rash; excess in itching of the arms from ascorides or piles; prurigo.

Glycerine and Kali hyd., Tumors; Hydrops articuli, (of which I have cured many cases by giving it internally and using it externally; Hyd of Potash is best given in Glycerine)

I have used some others, but suffice it to say that in all conditions of irritation, I consider it the best and most proper vehicle for applying remedies externally. I hope to see it generally used by the profession and prepared by all our pharmacies.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 78-79]

[Description: Glycerine As a vehicle for the external applications of Arnica, &c.]

[Remedies: Arnica montana, Aconitum napellus, Calendula, Hamamelis, Urtica urens, Kali hyd., Rhus toxicodendron]

[Author: Hale, E.M.]

[Year: 1858]

LACTATION,

BY L. HALLOCK, M. D., NEW YORK.

The secretion of milk after parturition, although a normal and healthy function is so often affected by various disturbing causes, as to require careful and discriminating attention from the physician. The first nursing is usually attended for several days with painful distension of the breasts, more or less soreness of the nipples, and sufficient constitutional disturbance to deserve the designation of "Milk Fever." These symptoms are less marked in each subsequent lactation, so that women, after nursing their first or second child, often suffer hardly the slightest general disturbance in re-establishing the function. This remark, however, does not apply with equal propriety to the local irritation occasioned by nursing, for many mothers suffer as severely from soreness of the nipples with their later children as with the first. This is usually attributed to constitutional irritability or a psoric diathesis, but is sometimes seen in women enjoying-, the most perfect general health, both before and after parturition. An instance of this kind I am now attending in a woman of uncommon health and vigor, never affected with a cutaneous eruption; who, though nursing her sixth child, is suffering the same painful process of excoriation, fissures and exquisite tenderness that has been endured with each preceding infant. The treatment of sore nipples is usually required only during the first 3 or 4 weeks of lactation, after which they gradually acquire a callous hardness and insensibility, which renders subsequent nursing an easy and pleasurable function.

The topical application of Arnica I find in many cases all that is necessary for the speedy relief of sore nipples, when it fails after having been kept applied for 3 or 4 days, I usually resort to demulcent or oily applications, after which astringents as solutions of Alum, Zinc, and especially the Nitrate of silver, are often useful if not indispensable.

Chamomilla, Calcarea and Silicea have seemed to me the most valuable of our internal remedies, each of which may often be usefully applied to the suffering organ. Bryonia given two or three times a day after the abatement of after-pains, is useful in preventing painful distention and soreness of the breasts, and usually secures an alvine evacuation about the 5th or 6th day after delivery, which is quite as soon as that function is required, as is shown by the uniform and speedy recovery of women whose bowels are thus left undisturbed, and who thereby escape the dangers of prolapsus, hemorrhoids and prostration from the early administration of cathartics.

Perhaps the most troublesome and formidable disease connected with Lactation, is aphthous stomatitis or nursing sore mouth. This affection seems due, not so much to inflammation of the mucous surface, as to general exhaustion from protracted or excessive lactation. It occurs only after the woman has been some time nursing when the system begins to suffer the debilitating effects of the discharge.

Its invasion is more or less early in different women, according to the difference in constitutional vigor, and ability to endure the daily drain of milk. Hence its first symptoms are not those of follicular inflammation, but these are preceded by signs of weakness and exhaustion, such as a dragging, aching pain between the shoulders during the act of nursing, soon followed by a sense of emptiness and sinking at the stomach. If these symptoms receive proper attention by sustaining the mother with porter, milk-punch, eggs, and a generous, invigorating regimen, the threatened disease may be averted, but if disregarded, other sufferings soon follow; the patient loses her appetite for solid food, while the thirst (which we believe is generally increased during the period of nursing) become more urgent, the face acquire a pallid, ashy hue, headache, giddiness on rising, nervous irritability, slight fever and nocturnal sweating succeed. During the progress of these symptoms, the edges of the tongue become red and tender, and aphthous spots appear, not diffused in numerous white specks as in the apthae of children, but in distinct spots on the tongue, gums and lining of the mouth, each encircled by an inflamed border and becoming a distinct ulcer: These often spread and enlarge to the size of a 5 or 10 cent piece, attended with salivation often profuse and offensive, and with painful swelling of the submaxillary and neighboring glands. In favorable cases the ulcers, after a time, gradually heal as the general condition improves, but are often followed by others usually less extensive.

In the worst cases we have seen the ulcers progressed in depth and extent over nearly the whole buccal membrane, attended with copious discharge of thick bloody mucus and such exquisite tenderness of the mouth and throat as to permit only the use of the blandest fluids and these in sparing quantity; the general state of the patient being exhausted by the double process of wasting discharge and insufficient nourishment, she lay pale and white as her pillow, reduced to an alarming extremity of feebleness and prostration.

The successful treatment of this form of the disease requires the prompt removal of its cause by the immediate weaning of the child. Without this we believe no treatment will avail to prevent the mother from sinking by early exhaustion or by more tardy pulmonary decline. Of the various remedies recommended, Merc. sol., Nat. muriat., and Nitric acid are most useful in the early period or the milder forms of the disease, and in the severe forms, especially when connected with a strumous or psoric diathesis, Arsenic, Carb. veg., Conium, Iodine and Sulphur. Applications of Nitrate of Silver and Tinct. Iodine, often diminish the sensibility of the sores and seem to promote their cicatrization. Two aggravated cases complicated with painful diarrhea and other indications of an extension of the disease into the alimentary canal were much improved by the Chlorate of Potass, five grains given 3 or 4 times a day in watery solution. From some other employment of this medicine we can recommend it as peculiarly useful in similar ulcerations of the mucous membrane, especially when occurring in asthenic conditions of the general system.

Much difference exists in the quantity of milk secreted by different women. While some mothers, including those of a light and delicate organization, furnish a full supply for their infants, others apparently rigorous and healthy, secrete little or none, the fulness and soreness of their breasts after an abortive effort of a few days subside, and the gland returns to its normal condition. Others are able to furnish a partial supply for a few weeks and are then compelled to relinquish nursing entirely. The cause of this deficient function it is difficult to determine, being often seen in women with full, well formed breasts and in good general health. The only peculiarity I have noticed respecting these cases is, that they have occurred in women who have married late in life or begun child-bearing beyond the usual age.

The annals of medicine record many anomalies respecting the function of lactation; as that of nursing by women in advanced age, a grandmother, years after having nursed her own children, being again able to perform the office to her grandchild and furnish it with an abundant supply of wholesome milk; of Virgins never impregnated, and even of Males, furnishing fair specimens of the lacteal fluid. But such cases, if they ever occurred, we must regard as freaks of nature, interesting only for their rarity and apparent impossibility.

A few instances of wholesome long-continued lactation have come within my notice. In two families I attend, one wet nurse has supplied two children in succession, nursing the first nearly two years until the birth of the second and then performing the office to the last until the usual age of weaning. In both cases the second child seems as healthy and vigorous as the first. In another family with which I am acquainted, the mother had no milk for her 9 or 10 children and one woman continued the office of wet nurse for a period of eight years, supplying successively four healthy boys with an abundance of milk, all of whom are now vigorous, well grown men.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06, 1859, pages 247-250]

[Description: Lactation]

[Author: Hallock, L.]

[Year: 1859]

ALTERNATION OF REMEDIES

By W. A. Hawley, M.D., Syracuse, N.Y.

It is the peculiar glory of the homoeopathic system of medicine, that, acknowledging man's inability to trace out or to understand the ultimate processes of nature, it bases itself, not on theories, but, like other natural sciences, on facts as they are observed in the world of man. A result of this peculiarity is an entire freedom of criticism and of opinion. It frees its disciples from all dogmas and simply asks them to look and see. It takes as its principle the principle of all true science — first establish the facts. These once fixed, any theory which will perfectly account for them is good.

At the present time and indeed for a long time, much is being and has been said and written about the alternation of remedies. It is assumed by many, and it seems to me to be the tendency of the leading minds of our school, that one remedy only should be given at a time and that each one should be allowed to exhaust its action before another is given. This rule is based upon the theory that two or more medicinal forces cannot together act upon the economy without so modifying each other that neither shall produce the effect it would if only one were acting. Now it is granted that, a priori, this seems reasonable and I confess that my own predilections tend in that direction. But the question is, do facts support the theory? Is it true, for instance, that remedies do not act as readily and in the same way, upon one who uses tobacco as upon one who does not? Does not the experience of every Homoeopathician show that persons accustomed to the use of coffee are just as readily affected by remedies as others and in precisely the same manner? It certainly seems so to me, and, if one case can be shown in which two medicinal forces do act upon the vitality without modifying each other, it follows that there may be others, and we can in no case decide the question in any other way than by experiment, the only scientific test in all questions of fact. It is unquestionable, that to arrive at the characteristic effect of any drug it must be proved by itself, but it does not follow that, the peculiar action of a drug being discovered, that action cannot be depended upon to take place, without disturbance or modification, another drug being at the same time in action. To establish this position it is necessary to institute another set of experiments. To assume such a position without such experiments, it seems to me, is simply to dogmatize. But let it be granted that two or more remedies cannot at the same time act upon the human system without mutual modification, how shall we know but that such modification may be an improvement in the action of each, and hasten the cure? Surely this question can no more be answered a priori than the other, for without experience we have no data on which to reason. What is our experience, as physicians, on this point? It might be profitable for us all to ask ourselves this question. It seems to me that I have often had cases in which two remedies nearly alike indicated, administered alone, have each failed to produce the desired result; while a cure has promptly followed the alternation of the same remedies in the same potency. I well remember a case of phthisis complicated with chronic metritis, which was under my care something more than a year ago. I treated the case at first with the so-called antipsorics – Sulphur, Calc. carb., Sil., Graph., etc., usually giving only one at a time. The case did not improve, but steadily and in a marked degree declined under any and all these remedies. At length there appeared a tearing, stitching pain in one shoulder which, taken with the other symptoms so pointed to Bell. or Bry. that I put the patient upon them in alternation. The relief of all the symptoms was prompt, decided and continued. A short intermission of the remedies however, either allowed the patient to fall back or at best to remain stationary. A repetition of the prescription always brought improvement. Having in mind the doctrine that one remedy only should be given at a time, the question naturally arose which is the remedy of these two which is producing this result, or is it the alternate action of the two? With the distinct purpose to test this I gave, after the intermission of all remedies, first Belladouna without the previous relief. I then gave Bryonia with a like result. A repetition of the alternation promptly resulted, as before, in improvement. In the course of some five or six months in which the patient was under treatment, I repeated this experiment three times with the same result each time. Under the alternate action of these remedies, in the thirtieth potency by the way, the patient has recovered a better state of health than she has before had for years.

A few days ago I had a case of intermittent fever, in which I hesitated in my choice between Arsenic and China, but gave Arsenic. Not getting the desired relief I followed with China, and still the chills continued. With this question distinctly in view, I gave the same remedies in alternation and got an immediate cure. Now how shall we dispose of such facts? Shall we say as the Allopaths do, when a Homoeopathician comes in and cures their cases, that the cure is not the result of the remedies last given but of those previously administered? Or shall we say, as they often do, that the case had just reached its crisis and would have recovered without anything? Surely such argument has no more force against the alternation of remedies than it has as used by the old school against the doctrine of attenuation. Nor does the case seem to be met by the assertion made to me by a distinguished advocate of the use of but one remedy at a time, when I related to him the first case here spoken of, "that probably some single remedy might have been found, by further study, that would have covered and cured the symptoms as well as or better than two;" for this is only a begging of the question, being only a reassertion of the point in dispute. But suppose it true that in any given case of the use of two remedies some, one remedy might have been found that would as well, or better, have answered the purpose. The question is still not met, for it is to be supposed that the prescriber has given the case his best thought and study, and no such remedy has suggested itself; and the question is not could some person have done better than I, but have I done the best I could? If he has done the best he could, it certainly is proved that for him the use of remedies in alternation is better than the use of a single remedy.

But we are told, as the final and perfectly conclusive argument on this question, that the great founder of our system always taught and practised, as a law in medicine, that one remedy, and only one, should be given at a time, and that one should be left to exhaust its action before another is given, and the inference sometimes is that no one can be a real Homoeopathician who does not, in his practice, conform to it. We grant that Hahnemann always so taught and practised, but does that at all effect the facts? Besides does he any where claim that he had reached the acme of medical discoveries and that there is nothing more to be learned! Surely not, and the assumption that anyone must adopt this rule to be a Homoeopathician is but an illustration of the tendency there is in men to follow a leader – to seek some authority outside of and beyond their own reason, whose doctrine shall be final, failing to see that the moment a man comes into such a position he has encrusted himself with a shell beyond which, so long as it remains, there is no possibility of growth. I conclude, therefore, that this is still an open question and must remain so for a long time, for the simple reason that we have not yet any such collection of facts as will warrant any generalization.

The building of theories to account for facts in science is a very pretty amusement, always innocent, perhaps, and no doubt often profitable. But let us beware how we make any theory our Shibboleth, the pronunciation of which shall admit or exclude a man from our brotherhood. But let us rather give ourselves to such careful experiments and observations as we may, and give to our brethren as we can from time to time the results of our studies. Thus and thus only may we hope to build up our system to the beautiful proportions of a perfected science. Any other course dooms us to the same condition of bigotry and dogmatism which characterizes the old school of medicine.

REMARKS. – We publish with great pleasure articles which, like the above, though they seem to favor a practice which we deprecate, are, nevertheless, honest expressions of the earnest convictions of men of close observation and faithful study.

Nothing could be farther from our intention than to undertake to dogmatize on this question which we admit to be an open question and on which men of eminence entertain opinions at variance with our own. It may be allowed us nevertheless, in all courtesy to our contributor, to signify the points on which we take issue with him.

1. We, assuredly, do entertain the belief that "two or more medicinal forced (or, we prefer to say, "morbific forces") cannot together act upon the economy without so modifying each other that neither shall produce the effect it would, if only one were acting." This belief has prevailed among medical men from the earliest ages. It is the foundation of the practice of Polypharmacy in all its varieties, from the complex prescriptions of the seventeenth century to the alternations of our own colleagues. For we hold with Dr. Sorge (by no means a Hahnemannian, let us add) that "the practice of alternation, as it exists among Homoeopathicians is only another form of mixing remedies with the intention of getting an effect compounded of the action of the two or more drugs that are alternated."

We say, this belief is the foundation of Polyphannacy. The rationale of a compound prescription we take to be the following: the drug which is regarded as the one chiefly indicated possesses, let us suppose, certain properties which would be hurtful to the patient. Another drug is conjoined with it for the purpose of antidoting those hurtful properties. Again it lacks the power to produce certain effects which are deemed desirable. Another drug is added to supplement this deficiency and so on ad infinitum. This entire procedure rests on the belief that these medicinal forces will so modify each other in the economy that neither shall produce the effect it would if only one were acting.

As an example, we mention Calomel and Opium, a very familiar combination. Certainly, the object of giving the Opium, is, that it may modify the action of the Calomel and in a way which conforms to the known action of Opium when given alone.

If there were no reason to believe that "two or more morbific forces (a drug is a morbific agent exciting a morbific force) could not together act upon the economy, without so modifying each other that neither shall produce the effect it would if only one were acting," how could we ever cure disease?

The morbific force which constitutes the disease is acting upon the economy and we bring to bear upon the economy another morbific force, viz., a drug. Now if the latter be properly selected with reference to the former, we know that these forces will so modify each other that, on the one hand, the manifestations of disease will cease, and on the other hand, the drug will not produce pathogenetic symptoms as it would on the healthy subject. This statement rests on a basis of such "facts" as our friend invokes. On what other theory than the mutual modification of morbific forces acting together upon the economy could it be explained ? On what other theory could we explain the action of antidotes as Homoeopathicians understand and employ them? How else could we explain the action of Belladonna, in large doses, in antidoting poisonous doses of Morphine (American Journal Medical Science, Jan., 1862,) as well as the mutual antidoting powers which Allopaths have recently discovered many of the cerebro-stimulant and spinant alkaloids to possess? How else, finally, could we explain the efficacy claimed for the practice of alternation in general and for certain instances of it in particular, such as the cases related by Dr. Hawley, and which we fully credit, where Belladonna and Bryonia in alternation accomplished what neither could do singly, and where Arsenic and China in alternation cured a case which neither alone had cured? How else but by conceding that two or more medicinal forces cannot act together upon the economy without so modifying each other, that neither shall produce the effect it would if only one were acting?

The fact that medicinal or morbific influences must be avoided when we are engaged in proving drugs is universally admitted, even Dr. Hawley assenting to it. But on what other grounds than the belief already stated?

That persons long accustomed to use tobacco or coffee are easily affected by drugs is accounted for, probably, by the fact that long habit has, in so far as those persons are concerned, caused tobacco or coffee to cease to be "medicinal forces." Use has become" second nature." That in persons not accustomed to the use of coffee, a dose of it will modify the action of another morbific, or medicinal, force is demonstrated by the effect of coffee in antidoting Opium, Nux v., Alcohol, as well as in neutralizing the beneficial curative action of many drugs, as our clinical observations often satisfy us that it does. The same statements apply to tobacco.

2. We think we may then assume, as conceded, the fact that "two or more medicinal forces cannot at the same time act upon the human system, without mutual modification." It is now asked, whether, granting this modification, we may not avail ourselves of it to derive, from the alternate use of drugs which modify each other, good effects that we have attained in no other way? There can be no doubt of the possibility of this being done; no doubt that it has been done with advantage; as, indeed, Dr. Hawley shows by two instances.

But, in the present state of our science, it would be impossible for anyone to lay down rules for the selection of remedies to be given in alternation, with the view of gaining any desired modification of the action of each. Nor can we conceive of the possibility of arriving at any such law. The rule of the ancient Polypharmacy, viz.: to select remedies according to the effects which they produce singly, and to combine them with reference to the effect desired, does not always work well in practice. For example, Calomel and Opium produce a combined effect which is clearly a modification of the known action of each drug. But on the other hand, the combined action of Opium, Ipecacuanha and the Sulphate of potash in Dover's powder is quite distinct and different from that of either constituent alone, and is such as could hardly be anticipated from what we know of these constituents. Arsenic and China produced a combined effect which cured an ague that neither singly would cure. Now if this fact were to be taken as a guide in selecting a combination for a case of uterine disease, for example, in which we were at a loss to decide between Sepia and Pulsatilla, it might lead us to alternate those two remedies. But it is not three months since one of us took charge of a case in which this alternation, on this very ground, had been employed, but the patient had not recovered. We were led to the conclusion that the Sepia was really the remedy indicated – that it did good, but that its effects were constantly antidoted by the Pulsatilla. We omitted the Pulsatilla, gave Sepia judiciously, and the patient promptly recovered.

When, in addition to this difficulty arising from the fact that alternated drugs do not always produce a morbific action which can be predicated in advance from their known single action, we consider that the various degrees of susceptibility of the organism to drugs indicated with different degrees of accuracy, will cause the modification by drugs of each other's action to be different in each individual case, we clearly see that we can never be in a position to predicate, in advance, the effect of the joint administration of several drugs. We can never, therefore, have a scientific indication for such a combination or alternation. If we make it, it must always be the result of "guess-work" - of "feeling our way along," just as Dr. Hawley did in the cases he relates.

But we claim superiority for Homoeopathy in that it gives us the means of selecting our remedies with a reasonable certainty of their effects, and we rightly claim that medicine should not rest content with anything short of a method which, given the symptoms of a disease, points us to a certain remedy if our Materia Medica contain it; or, given the pathogenesis of a drug, indicates to us, a priori, the complex or symptoms which the drug will remove.

But the method of alternation throws us back from all such certainty – back to the field of unmethodized clinical experience - back to the trackless wilderness of Polypharmacy and Allopathy.

For these reasons, briefly and imperfectly stated, from the stand-point of science we hold that homoeopathic medicine cannot countenance nor tolerate alternation. And we have such a faith in the unity of nature as to believe that what sound reasoning shows to be erroneous, accumulated facts will prove to be mischievous and unnecessary.

3. But there is another view of this matter, from the practical Stand-point. Dr. Hawley says, "Grant that in a given case of the use of two remedies, some one remedy might have been found that would as well, or better, have answered the purpose; the question is not, could some other person have done better than I, but have I done the best I could?" Undoubtedly, yes! And, so far as the prescriber's own conscience is concerned, this answer exonerates him, even though his prescription were a faulty one. And in so far from the practical point of view, alternation may be justifiable. But will this question, "have I done the best I could," if affirmatively answered, always justify the prescriber? The practitioner of one year's experience may commit a sad blunder and yet be fully justified, because being inexperienced and young, bad though his error was, he did "the best he could." Would this plea justify the same blunder ten years later? Obviously it would not. Yet is it not the tendency of this plea to satisfy a man with the knowledge he has and with the methods he pursues, and thus to blunt his zeal for greater knowledge and better methods. Remonstrate with the Allopathist for murdering patients with lancet and purge; he replies, "I act according to my light – I do the best I can." And so through all degrees of error and imperfect knowledge. It is a dangerous plea, unless its complement be always added, "I have done the best I can, but, please God, I will do better next time! "

And here we see the advantage of a sound "theory," which our friend holds in so light esteem.

Suppose a practitioner driven, as Dr. Hawley was driven, to alternate. The patient recovers. He has, nevertheless, a conviction that drugs modify each other's action in a way that we cannot foretell, and that the action of the entire organism is so harmonious that "two morbid states cannot coexist independently," and that, therefore, the morbid state being essentially One, there must be a possibility of one similar drug-disease to oppose it. A sound theory compels him to the belief that alternation is not justifiable nor defensible on scientific grounds, and that it can do nothing to advance our knowledge of Therapeutics, but rather confuses it. He enters in his mind a protest against the practice to which the necessities of practical duty and his limited knowledge of the Materia Medica have constrained him, and turns with redoubled vigor to the study of Materia Medica, smarting a little with shame that the exigencies of practice have found him unprepared and have compelled him to a resort which, though successful, his reason condemns, and determined that, the next time, he will, if possible, be equally if not more, successful and by a method which shall commend itself to his reason, and shall add to his stock of knowledge for future use.

And if, while" doing the best they can," as each case presents itself, practitioners will earnestly and systematically study the Materia Medica, determined, to do better and better the next time, we shall have no word of reproach to utter against their temporary expedient of alternating drugs. — With broader knowledge they will alternate less and less, and we are very sure that they will see, as we have done, how in case after case, in which they had alternated, the recovery was in truth retarded by the mutual reaction of the drugs; and how the careful individualization of the case and the pains-taking selection of the single drug in the manner that Hahnemann advised will be, in their hands, the means to a success far beyond any ever reached through alternation .

For, though we have admitted and do admit that success is often attained through alternation and that "success is the object of all our labors," we are nevertheless convinced, through our own experience, for we have alternated in our day, that a much larger measure of success is obtained by adherence to the rule of administering single remedies, and that closer study of the Materia Medica and sharper investigation of cases will preserve us from those dilemmas in which we are tempted or compelled to resort to alternation.

4. And if we appeal to the experience of Hahnemann, let it be understood that we appeal to the man who both knew Materia Medica better than any other man ever knew it, and who had more practical experience than any of us has had. Let us not indulge in the fallacy of supposing that, because we are now practising in the fifty-ninth year since the Organon was published, we have had fifty-nine years experience in homoeopathic practice and have been studying Materia Medica fifty-nine years. On the contrary, our own experience is measured only by the actual number of years we have practised; since in this matter of assimilating to one's own mind the facts of the Materia Medica and of seeing the correspondence between these and the facts of disease. we can borrow but little from the experience of others.

If then we, from our little experience of fifteen, or ten, or five years, appeal to Hahnemann with his venerable experience of more than fifty years of active practice, with his unapproachable knowledge of the Materia Medica, of which he might justly say like Eneas "magna pars fui," with his unrivalled powers of observation and discrimination – if we appeal to him as "authority" on this question, at once practical and scientific, can it justly be said, that we are seeking some "authority outside of and beyond our own reason?" Our colleague appeals to collections of "facts." Is not Hahnemann's statement of his practical conclusions, a most stupendous "collection of facts?" Whoever observed so many of them? Whoever observed so well as he? Facts must be received on testimony; who ever reported more graphically and more faithfully than Hahnemann? If we doubt his ability, his capacity, his candor, what are we doing with his Materia Medica on the truth of which we risk our patient's lives?

This outcry against" swearing in the words of the master" has come to have a very different meaning from that of the ancient original protest. It was never meant to intimate that the opinion and testimony of him whose abilities had crowned him" king of men" should not have a royal weight of influence. [Eds.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 08, 1864, pages 337-348]

[Description: Alternation of Remedies]

[Author: Hawley, W.A.]

[Year: 1864]

ALTERNATION.

By W. A. Hawley, M. D., Syracuse, N. Y.

I have read with a great deal of interest, I trust with some profit and I sure with not a little amusement, the discussion of this subject which has been called out by my article, published in No.8, Vol. V, of The American Homoeopathic Review. That article was written for our County Homoeopathic Medical Society with the purpose of provoking, if possible, some discussion there, and was allowed to be published with the hope that it might elicit some more public discussion and, at the same time, perhaps allay somewhat the rancorous spirit with which discussions on this question have, for the most part, been carried on. The first part of that object has been much more generally accomplished than I had dared even to hope, while it has, I think, not entirely failed of the second. Still there are some who cannot approach this subject except in an angry spirit, and I have yet to learn that that spirit ever in any way promoted science.

In that article it was assumed that all science is based upon facts, and the advocates of both sides were called upon to observe and bring forward facts. At the same time it was admitted that my own predilection and I might have said practice were in favor of the single remedy. Some facts observed in my own practice were given, the like of which, it was presumed, have often been observed by others. No conclusions were drawn, except that, for a given prescriber, in certain contingencies, alternation might be better for him than the single remedy, and that the question is still an open one. That anyone, on either side, should have regarded it as conclusive or have supposed that the writer so regarded it, or was by it in any way committed to the alternation of remedies, seems ludicrously absurd. That it has been so regarded seems only to be accounted for on the supposition that the Alternationists were so sadly in want of something to quiet their uneasy questionings, and the strict Hahnemannians so overzealous to defend their cause, that neither party read the article further then to see, the one, what crumb of comfort they could find and, the other, what there was to fight. The one, amusingly illustrated by the avidity with which the London Homoeopathic Review seizes upon and quotes the article to support its own conclusions, far beyond anything intended by the writer; and the other, still more amusingly illustrated by the fiery zeal with which a writer in The Hahnemannian Monthly "pitches in," with the apparent intention to annihilate not only the doctrine of alternation, but the author of said paper and even the London Homoeopathic Review, itself. His modest threat to keep a "standing article" in said Hahnemannian Monthly till all this is accomplished is very funny, and makes one feel like saying something to him as Job said to his friends: "Doubtless ye are the people, and wisdom will die with you,"

At the same time he is so very complimentary to the article in question as even to treat it to a literary criticism, whereas nothing was further from the writer's intentions than a literary essay. He might be answered by a like critique upon his rhetoric, but all that is wholly irrelevant and seems entirely beneath the dignity of the subject. It is therefore allowed to pass with only the remark that it seems a pity that his definitions of such words as fact, theory, criticism, dogmatism, etc., so grandly, sublimely, transcendently lucid and conclusive, could not have been given to the world before the late revision of Webster's great dictionary.

All his criticism in regard to the indications for Arsenicum and China is also irrelevant, for it does not touch the facts. Here was a case of intermittent fever which, yielding neither to Arsen. alone nor China alone, promptly recovered under the alternation of those two drugs. Grant all that he claims, that one properly acquainted with the two remedies would never hesitate which one, if either, was indicated, yet the fact remains. An intermittent which would not yield to Arsenicum nor China, did yield at once to Arsenicum and China. He calls for the symptoms in this "rare case." They are of no consequence so far as related to the present discussion. Suppose them given and all learning decided that neither Arsenicum or China was indicated, but some other drug. It makes no difference. The fact is still there. How account for it? What does it mean? Has it any significance or value? I neither assert or deny.

All his quibbling about relief and cure is simply an unmanly play upon words and argues nothing, unless it be the writer's conscious weakness.

It still appears that this question of alternation is to be settled, if at all, only by an appeal to facts. If to know my own opinion were of any consequence, I would not hesitate to say that I have no doubt such an appeal will sustain the doctrine of the single remedy, which certainly seems much more in accordance with the genius of Homoeopathy, at least as at present developed, than the alternation of remedies. Nor is this a new conviction, as I have never alternated without the feeling that if I were as wise as I might be, or perhaps ought to be, I should not need to alternate. Yet I have sometimes alternated and cured, when my best efforts had failed without. And I suspect that even the learned writer in The Hahnemannian would admit that, if a man could cure his case by alternation when he could not without, he would better cure his patient.

In the article in question two facts were given which seem to sustain the doctrine of alternation. At the same time it was felt, and indeed hoped, that many others of an opposite character would be brought out which should more than sustain the doctrine of the single remedy. Such facts do come out from time to time (vide the case of Pterygium given on page 71, Vol. V, American Homoeopathic Review). One such fact is worth more to convince doubters than an age of mere ratiocination. Let than the facts come out. And in God's name let them be brought out in charity. All the honest men are not among the so-styled Hahnemannians. There are multitudes of Alternationists who are just as honest and earnest as they, who seek only to cure their patients and in the best way. Vituperation and calling hard names never converts men. They are rather driven by it into a spirit of combat and led to maintain themselves in their position whether of truth or error.

I cannot close this article without expressing the great satisfaction I have felt in reading the papers on this subject, which have lately appeared in The American Homoeopathic Review. They are admirable both in tone and matter, and if they are in any measure attributable to the fact that I have spoken, I shall always congratulate myself that I did not keep silence.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 07, 1866, pages 248-251]

[Description: Alternation.]

[Author: Hawley, W.A.]

[Year: 1866]

CASE OF PHTHISIS PULMONALIS [Read before the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Oneida County, N.Y., June 21, 1864]

BY W. A. Hawley, M. D., Syracuse, N. Y.

I suppose every man, who has undertaken to practice the art of healing, feels at times a want of satisfaction in the use of remedies, and a sense of uncertainty as to the curative action of drugs, such as lead him sometimes, perhaps often, into a condition of skepticism in regard to medicine which makes his daily labor a weariness to the flesh. Sometimes, however, he is permitted to witness such brilliant and indubitable effects that he gets courage and strength on which he labors for many a common day. And not only does he find encouragement from such cases in his own experience, but it is an aid to his hope and a stimulus to his industry to get authentic reports or such cases in the experience of others. It is this consideration which leads me to give you today a report of such a case from the records of my own practice.

On May 5th, 1861, I was called to see E. S., a little girl of some nine or ten summers. An examination resulted in the following notes:

Great irritation, with excessive paleness and dinginess of the skin; dry hacking cough; dullness on percussion, quite marked over upper part of right lung, complete over the base and slight over upper lobe of left lung. Bronchial respiration in upper part of both lungs, very marked in the right, with perfect silence at the base. Respiration hurried and performed entirely by the chest muscles; hectic chill every day followed by considerable fever; most profuse sweat on sleeping, day or night; listlessness with no disposition to play like other children; tongue clean and pale; appetite variable; desire for acids; bowels regular; urine scanty and high colored with whitish mucous sediment on standing; pulse 124 and very small; nails hooked; the fingers looking as if terminating in balls, very marked. A symptom, by the way, which is always regarded as certainly diagnostic of confirmed phthisis, and which I never before saw cured.

After a considerable study of the case I prescribed Ars. 6 and Phos.6 in alternation once in two or three hours. The next day, the sixth, continued the same. Visiting her again on the seventh and finding no improvement, I gave her Sulph.30 once in six hours for two days, followed, on the ninth, by China^6 once in two hours for two more days, when the Sulph.30 was resumed and continued till the fourteenth, when, still getting no positive mitigation of the symptoms and feeling that the indications were, if possible, to control the excessive prostration and sweating, I went back to Ars. once in two hours. This was continued, with a relief from the chills and perhaps a little mitigation of sweating, up to the twentieth, still there was no such improvement as to give me any encouragement and with a feeling that the case was almost, if not utterly, hopeless, I carefully restudied it and concluded to give her a single dose of Sulphur^150, followed by Sac. lact. once in two hours and await the result. In a very few days I had the satisfaction of seeing a most marked improvement. The sweats ceased, the lungs began to be cleared out, and all the symptoms were so much improved that on the twenty-eighth she walked to my office, a distance of at least half a mile, and back. Continued the Sac. lact. till June 1st when, the improvement seeming to have ceased, she got another dose of Sulph 150 with Sac. lact. till the sixth when, complaining of some return of the chills, she had a single dose of Ars^200, which was repeated on the eleventh and was the last medicine she had. About July 1st she was discharged cured. Her cough gone, her respiration perfect, flesh restored, fingers tapered off nicely, nails straightened, and she is playful as other children of her age. I have frequently seen her since, and today she is as healthy looking as any child you may meet.

This case seems to me beautifully to illustrate the wisdom of allowing remedies to exhaust their action before repetition in such chronic cases, as well as to demonstrate the efficacy of high attenuations, even when the lower have failed. It is to such cases as this that one can always look back in hours of despondency and doubt, and find encouragement for renewed application and labor. If it shall give like encouragement to any others, the object of this writing will have been fully accomplished.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 03, 1864, pages 116-118]

[Description: Case of Phthisis Pulmonalis (tuberculosis)]

[Remedies: Arsenicum album, Phosphorus, China officinalis, Sulphur]

[Author: Hawley, W.A.]

[Year: 1864]

POISONING BY PHOSPHORUS. [Read before the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the County of Cayuga, N.Y., September 18th 1864.]

By E. R. Heath, K. D., Palmyra, N. Y.

Having just prepared some tincture of Phosphorus, I took five drops about five o'clock in the afternoon. Thinking no more about it, I finished my business for the day and retired about ten, p.m., but was unable to sleep. The desire to sleep was very great but I could not find a comfortable position. Felt an uneasiness accompanied by drowsiness which was unusual. My mind was greatly oppressed with melancholy. Tears would start without cause. A feeling of dread, as if awaiting something terrible, yet unable to resist or move, overcame me. Sometimes it seemed as if I was beginning to bloat, and then I could hear a multitude of voices saying, in high glee, "fill him up a little more and he will burst," followed by demoniacal laughter which made the cold chills run over me. Darting, cutting pains gave me much distress, starting from one point and flashing over the whole abdominal region, each one having a separate starting point. — I imagined myself an Aurora Borealis, and could distinctly hear voices shouting, "beautiful! oh, was that not splendid !" as the pains became more severe and lasting. Soon, however, the agony became so great that it threw off in a measure the stupor that clouded my senses.

Springing from the bed I hastily attired myself and set down to collect my scattered and various thoughts. My fingers were all thumbs; I felt a numbness of the whole body accompanied by a pricking sensation, as being encompassed by innumerable needles that just touched and, on the slightest motion, entered my body, at first severe then followed by vibrations of less distinctness. My throat felt dry and parched; it seemed as if a flame of fire was passing through me. Rising, I attempted to walk; my feet and limbs seemed swollen and glued to the floor. The slightest motion caused great pain. With great exertion I reached the vessel; the moment the bowels began to move the pains assumed the form of cramps. The passages were like the scrapings of intestines and almost constant, attended with tenesmus for upwards of two hours, at the end of which time I lay down upon the bed weak, sore and almost helpless.

Abdomen sore, but not tender to the touch; thirst intolerable; drink did not quench it, but caused drops of cold clammy sweat to exude from the pores of the skin the moment that water entered the stomach. My wants were numerous and changeable; my lungs felt clogged up; dyspnea troublesome; pleuritic pains through the thorax extending into the throat and down the right arm; vertigo; cephalalgia; sense of suffocation and involuntary passages on the least motion. Urine suppressed with a constant desire to urinate. I lay in this condition for nearly eight hours when the passages changed to mucus and mucus mixed with blood and slime, still involuntary. The muscles became flabby; the skin dry and wrinkled; tongue coated with a thick fur, dark centre and red edges; sordes on the teeth; breath offensive, even to myself; at no time was I free from pain; could not extend my limbs but lay with them drawn up; motions involuntary and uncertain as one attacked with palsey. The exertion or an attempt to move my arms, hands, or even turn myself produced great prostration; countenance peritonitic.

At the end of twelve hours, passages began to become periodical at every half hour and then every hour, still involuntary with tenesmus at least an hour after each passage when they became as far apart as two hours. The rectum lost its sensibility; the sphincter became paralyzed, and I had a slight prolapsus ani after each passage. About six, p.m., or eighteen hours after I began to be troubled, the passages of urine became frequent, copious, scalding, high colored with a strong ammoniacal odor. Dull heavy pain in the region of the kidneys. After this the symptoms began to abate. Appetite ravenous but the smallest quantity of food, the moment it entered the stomach produced vomiting and passages from both bowels and bladder. My mind now became very clear. I could remember with the utmost distinctness my past life. Orations delivered during college days, I could rehearse word for word and tell the day and circumstances attending their delivery. Lectures I had heard years before came before my mind. As the darkness of night began to enclose the earth, my peace was disturbed by the most frightful visions and thoughts. Constant fear of death, with an almost uncontrollable desire to commit suicide. — Pulse intermittent, thready and varying from 53 to, 135.

During the night I was compelled to use the vessel a number of times, making my calculations to have a passage every two hours, as they were involuntary the moment anything entered the rectum. This condition lasted me for two days, obliging me to go to stool as often as every three hours. The next morning, about thirty hours, I dressed myself with difficulty and went to my office. I was as weak as one suffering from a long and severe fit of sickness. I then took eight pellets of Camphor^3; this being the first I had taken, the attack being so sudden and prostrating, I was not able to help myself to medicine or call assistance.

During the whole time the passages were odorless, except a slight mouldy smell. At the expiration of three days the pains seemed to leave my bowels and settle in my joints, producing a crackling noise on motion. Every time I went from a warm room into the open air my bowels would move. Could eat but little food, as a few mouthfuls satisfied my ravenous appetite. I was not able to assume an upright posture while walking or endure much fatigue for some time, nor did I become free from the effects for more than two months. I regained my strength very slowly and could eat nothing but the most easily digestible food. Spiced food and pastry invariably producing looseness of the bowels.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 04, 1864, pages 215-218]

[Description: Poisoning by Phosphorus]

[Remedies: Phosphorus]

[Author: Heath, E.R.]

[Year: 1864]

APIS IN SURGICAL DISEASES.

BY WM. TOD HELMUTH, M. D., ST. LOUIS, MO.

Of all the medicines that have lately been introduced to the notice of the profession, there is not one that, in a surgical point of view, should hold so important a place as Apis mel. Its varied, prompt and efficient action in various acute diseases is daily becoming more widely known, is filling as it were an important void in our Materia Medica, in many diseases, the treatment of which has hitherto been extremely unsatisfactory. I may here allude to hydrocephalus and intermittent fevers. Its action in the former, when exhibited immediately before the stage of exudation, is often so prompt as to be surprising, while in the latter disorder I know from certain experience that it will cure when all other agents have failed.

It is now nearly ten years since I first became acquainted with Apis. Dr. Hering presented me with a vial of the first attenuation from the administration of which were developed upon myself some symptoms which I recorded and handed to him. Since then I have prescribed it frequently and with excellent results. The first case, however, that forcibly impressed upon my mind the great power of this agent, in surgery, was one of dropsy of the right ovary. The patient presented herself at the Philiadelphia Homoeopathic Dispensary in the early part of 1855, when I was attending physician to that charity. The accumulation of fluid was very great, and the allopathic physician who had previously had the case under treatment had pronounced it perfectly incurable. Apis mel., in the third dilution, three times a day, continued for three months, restored the patient to her wonted health, the swelling entirely subsided and from being unable to move without great inconvenience, she was enabled to resume with ease the usual avocations of life. In the half yearly report of the Dispensary rendered May 1st, 1855, and published in the Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy, allusion is made to this interesting case.

From that period to the present I have used the medicine continually, and have observed its beneficial action in many of the so-called surgical disorders. A few of these it is my intention to notice here.

In the first place, then, in erysipelas that occurs in wounds, whether accidently inflicted or purposely made by the surgeon, no medicine in our Materia Medica equals the Apis. I lately removed an encysted sebacious tumour from the occiput of a gentleman in this city. On the evening following the operation, he was seized with a severe chill which lasted three hours, and was followed by high fever with all the accompanying symptoms of great vascular excitement. Upon examining the wound it was found much tumefied, with the blush of erysipelas extending for two inches around it, with great sensitiveness of the scalp and swelling of the cervical glands. Around the ligature which was applied to the artery an unhealthy suppuration had commenced, and upon the whole the case had rather an unfavorable appearance. Apis was prescribed as follows: Apis mel.3, twelve powders, one every two hours. The next morning the symptoms were all ameliorated, and on the following day had almost entirely disappeared.

In another case of erysipelatous inflammation following a slight operation upon the scrotum, a similar effect resulted. For the idiopathic form of erysipelas, the curative action of the medicine is well known to the whole homoeopathic profession, and need not be alluded to in this place.

An important sphere of its action is upon the extremity of the digestive tube. There are certain cases of prolapsus ani accompanied with hemorrhage from the bowels, with burning pain, excoriation of the anus, with constant tenesmus, that Apis mel. very promptly relieves. I have in my mind at this moment four cases, two in adults and two in children, that were cured by the medicine in question. In conjunction with the remedial agent I use, in adults, the prolapsus ani truss to support the part during exercise, having it, however, always removed at night or during quiescence, and applied again when the patient is about to walk, stand, or use other exertion.

I have, however, yet an important sphere of action to record, and that is upon the prostate gland. No medicine in our Materia Medica has an action at once so powerful and so prompt as Apis. Strange as it may appear, the case that elicited this fact, was that of an allopathic physician, who having resorted to all the known means of relief possessed by his school, resorted to Homoeopathy for relief. It is unnecessary in a paper like this to enter into any minutiae respecting the disease. The excessive pain in the vesical region; the strangury; the agony in voiding urine; the constipation; the peculiar nature of the discharge, etc., are too well known, to need any comment. I tried the medicines. that appeared to be indicated, Thuja, Phos. acid, Canth, etc., and finally resorted to Apis, empirically, guided only by a general knowledge of its powerful action over the urinary and genital organs. From the time the first dose was administered improvement began and continued steadily, until in six weeks the patient was cured. I trust others will observe and try the medicine in this affection.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 10, 1863, pages 459-461]

[Description: Apis in Surgical Diseases.]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: Helmuth, Wm.T.]

[Year: 1863]

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE IN SURGERY.

BY WM. TOD HELMUTH, M. D., ST. LOUIS, MO.

The surgeon, who in connection with operative procedure, prescribes medicines according to the homoeopathic law possesses great advantages. The value however of such is not, or cannot be for a considerable period of time, either well understood or fully appreciated, because there are so few professional gentlemen of our school who devote any time or attention to surgery, and those few are prevented in many instances from having their share of surgical operations, by the prevalent popular notion, that a homoeopathic physician is nothing but a globulist, a vendor of little pills, who fears a lancet and faints at the sight of blood. How many families, who even appreciate the system of Hahnemann, and who approve and use it, if a fracture occur, or a wound be inflicted, send for an allopathic surgeon.

This popular idea will take time for its overthrow, particularly as many members of the antiquated school of physic endeavor to strengthen and spread such erroneous notions; and also because there are a great number of uneducated men, who by means of the beauty and truthfulness of the homoeopathic law, are enabled to cure serious and dangerous diseases by the administration of globules, prescribed according to the routine laid down in every work upon practice. For instance, Aconite and Belladonna may be prescribed for a case of scarlet fever, and Aconite, Bryonia, Rhus, or Phosphoric acid for typhoid symptoms, and the patients may be cured, and the individual who prescribed the medicines receives the credit of vanquishing dangerous disease, whereas he may be perfectly ignorant of the true nature and pathology of the affection. To such men as these Anatomy is a closed book, and consequently Surgery a dead letter. They eschew the evil to prevent being detected in their quackery. In the second place there are many over enthusiastic Homoeopathists, who, aware of the powerful action exercised by certain remedial agents in surgical diseases, would believe, or endeavor to believe, and "teach men so" that operative Surgery is only to be resorted to in cases of accident, etc., while dynamized medicines exhibited according to the law of Similia, will cure all tumours and aneurisms, exostoses, abscesses and ulcers without mechanical interference. — Hence the very common remark "I did not suppose that homoeopathic physicians ever resorted to surgical instruments."

Again and particularly the exclusive study of symptomatology, to the neglect of surgical, pathological or anatomical science, has a great tendency to induce in the mind of the student a distaste for these important collateral branches of medical science. The study of barren and often incongruous symptoms is lain down to be the great labor of life; while the investigations of those sciences upon which not only Surgery, but true Therapeutics rests is considered of no import.

From these or somewhat similar causes, the laity are led to believe that a surgeon must necessarily be an Allopathist.

As in most instances of this kind, the extremes are both wrong. Operative surgery will ever hold its legitimate position in medical science, and Homoeopathy, while it lessens the number of surgical operations, will save an immense amount of suffering, both in the treatment after operative procedure, and in the medical treatment of surgical diseases.

For some examples I may quote a few cases of my own:

On the 16th of April, 1861, a child about nine months old, was brought to my office from Illinois to ascertain what were the prospects of a cure. On removing the bandage from the face, I found an opening immediately under the left eye, with a sinus running on the outer face of the superior maxillary bone and opening beneath the upper lip a few lines from the frenum; on passing a probe through the opening, it distinctly felt carious bone, and I proposed to lay open the cheek by an incision, take away the diseased mass with a scoop or chisel, and afterward prescribe the usual medicines. To this both parents objected, and desired that medicine should be prescribed; accordingly I made two prescriptions: No. 1, Aurum mur.6, pulv. xx; No. 2, Calc. carb.6, pulv. xx. a powder to be taken every night for one week from number one. Then to omit all medicine for one week, after which a powder to be taken every night from number two for a similar length of time, and so continue in alternation, allowing seven days interval between the administration of the different medicines.

After these directions had been strictly followed, I received a letter stating that great improvement had taken place and desiring more medicine. This I accordingly forwarded, and' in about three months had the satisfaction of seeing the child perfectly cured.

In July last (1861), a gentlemen applied for relief for ulcerated nostrils, enlargement of the turbinated bones, and a node which gave intense pain. The patient had been mercurialized for Syphilis two years previously. I gave him the third trituration of Aurum mur., followed the treatment with Mezerum and Asafoedita, and cured him in four months.

After an amputation which I performed in November last, the patient suffered severely from Neuralgia of the stump, an affection which is so excruciating in character that it calls out in allopathic practice the largest doses of Morphine, Extract of Belladonna and Quinine. For this, Aconite, Belladonna, Mezereum and Glonoine were prescribed with perfect success.

In May, I was called in consulation to see a woman, who had been unable to swallow either food or drink for some time and was absolutely in a state of starvation. She had been partly deserted and partly given over to death by her former physicians. I found a severe stricture in the upper part of the esophagus. She was so much exhausted that death was near at hand. I dilated the stricture sufficiently to allow the passage of a flexible tube into the stomach and injected about a pint of weak chicken broth into the viscus. This was done at intervals, several times. She immediately revived, and each day I introduced a larger probang. As soon as she could swallow at all I administered Cocculus and Nux vomica, and occasionally Arsenicum and Calc. carb The results produced by these medicines were certainly surprising. For several days I used only the dilators without the internal use of medicine, in order to ascertain if there were any different results, and although the stricture was dilated exactly in the same manner each time, I found upon the next attempt at introduction almost as much resistance as was manifest at the first passage of the probang. The administration of Cocculus in particular was always followed by the best results.

Some months since I performed the operation for hare-lip in a child about eight months old. Every thing went on well until about the second day when a violent coryza set in, discharge being very profuse and quite acrid. It had fallen to my experience to know that an operation of the kind carefully and skillfully performed, terminated very unfavorably from a precisely similar condition of things. The union was interfered with and the pins loosened by the acrid discharge, and I foresaw trouble. The prescription was Nitric acid and Arsenicum, and in a day the disease was arrested and the cure after the usual time was complete.

This case is merely mentioned to show the superiority of homoeopathic medicines in a surgical point of view. If the coryza had not been speedily checked, the probability is that the wound if not wholly torn apart would gape considerably, leaving an unsightly scar and a large pro labial notch, which is the bug-bear of many surgeons in labium leporinum.

The case has also taught me this lesson, that after hare-lip operations (particularly if the patient come from a distance and the surgeon has not an opportunity to superintend the after treatment), the whole surface of the upper lip, pins, ligatures, etc., should receive several coatings of Collodion, thus protecting the parts from any nasal discharges.

In February last a lady came in great trepidation to my office, assuring me that she had a "cancer in her breast." Upon examination I detected in the left mamma a round, movable smooth tumour the size of a hen's egg. My candid opinion in reference to medical treatment of this affection was unfavorable to cure, although I could not detect the pathognomonic signs of cancer. This opinion was frankly expressed although mention was made of the recorded cases of tumours cured by the internal use of medicines. The patient stated that it was from such recommendation that she had left her allopathic surgeon to apply to Homoeopathy for relief. The prescription was Conium mac.8, pulv. xx., one night and morning.

I confess I gave the prescription in bad faith, for I supposed that the knife would be the only resort, for I had seen so much time lost in attempting to cure tumours, etc., with medicine, that I supposed that a similar result would follow in this case. The patient paid me a visit in ten days; I was somewhat surprised at a slight diminution in the size of the tumour. The medicine was continued and in six weeks a perfect cure was effected.

Numerous other cases could be added showing the great value of homoeopathic medicine both in the treatment after surgical operations, in the prevention, often, of the use of instruments, and in allaying many symptoms which would tend to render operative procedure very unsuccessful. In some future number of this periodical, it is the intention of the author to call the attention of the profession to the experience of our school on this important point.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 03, 1862, pages 112-116]

[Description: Homoeopathic Medicine in Surgery.]

[Author: Helmuth, Wm.T.]

[Year: 1862]

STOMATITIS.

BY WM. TOD HELMUTH, M. D., ST. LOUIS.

The Varieties of Sore Mouth. — It is scarcely possible for one commencing to investigate the different varieties of stomatitis, not to be somewhat perplexed by the multiplicity of terms that are used by different authors to express the varied form of the disease.

This discrepancy has arisen in part from recent pathological and microscopical investigations, and in part from the difficulty in drawing the line of demarcation between the different diseases themselves. A simple stomatitis may progress to the follicular variety, and thus under certain circumstances may merge into the ulcerative form of the affection.

Condie* ["Diseases of Children," p. 126.] states that the disease of the mouth occurring in children during the period of suckling, in which the inner parts of the buccal cavity are covered by minute portions of a curdy matter, is the Muguet of the French, the Thrush, or Aphthoe infantilis; whereas Churchill† ["Diseases of Infants and Children," p. 427.] states that Muguet and Thrush are very different affections, the latter being true aphthae or follicular stomatitis, while the former is held to be a pseudo membranous affection. His words are as follows: "By many it (Muguet) has been and still is confounded with vesicular aphthae or thrush, though no two diseases can be more distinct, Muguet being an abnormal secretion upon the mucous membrane of the mouth, and thrush constituting a vesicle or pustule formed beneath the epithelium." And Mr. Bird, in his translation of Bouchut,* [A practical treatise on the "Diseases of Children and Infants at the Breast," etc., translated from the French of M. Bouchut, by Peter Hinckes Bird, F. R. C. 8. L. London, John Churchill, 1855.] omits the term muguet entirely, or we should judge probably translates the word muguet in French to the English thrush. This appears was evident from a quotation given by Churchill in his chapter upon muguet, which in the translated text appears under the head of thrush.

Teste† ["Diseases of Children," p. 229.] also states that muguet and aphthae or thrush are often confounded, but that they are separate affections. Churchill again makes a difference between muguet and simple erythematous inflammation of the mucous membrane, which, however, appears to me to be only a difference in intensity more than in essential characteristic. The other points in the diagnosis of the forms of stomatitis will be noticed as each is taken up, and upon reflection and experience we would divide the whole class into

1. Simple erythematous inflammation of the mucous membrane, readily and frequently assuming the characteristics of Muguet.

2. Aphthae, Thrush, or follicular inflammation of the mucous membrane.

3. Ulcerative Stomatitis, or ulcerated sore-mouth.

4. Stomatitis Mercurialis, or an inflammation of the buccal cavity caused by the abuse of Mercury.

5. Stomatitis Puerperalis, or as it is termed nursing sore-mouth.

6. Cancrum Oris or gangrenous stomatitis.

Let us examine for a short time the first variety of this affection: Inflammation of the mouth; Erythematous stomatitis; Muguet; Pseudo membranous stomatitis; Aphthae lactantium; Aphthae lactamen.

This form of the affection is very frequently observed by any practitioner who enjoys a moderate opportunity for treating the diseases of infancy and early childhood. Probably the first symptom that calls the attention of both parent and physician is the restlessness and fretfulness of the patient; there is but slight fever, Sometimes none at all, but in many instances acidity of the stomach and the regular pains ensuing therefrom. There is often considerable thirst, the child is eager to take the breast, but ceases to suckle after a few mouthfuls have been drawn. If the mucous membrane be now examined, it will be found much inflamed and red, the whole mouth is hot and dry, or perhaps only parts thereof may be involved, as the cheeks, or the inside of the lips and gums. A bland saliva flows from the mouth, and the inexperienced physician and the young mother often decidedly agree that the infant is precocious in cutting its teeth, and examine the alveolar arches to ascertain the eruption of the masticating organs. Perhaps some have gone so far as to "lance the gums," to give vent to the supposed mischief makers. So far there may be no exudation observable, and a case of simple erythematous inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth is made out. If the child, however, somewhat older and the period of first dentition has arrived, then it behooves the practitioner to examine more particularly the condition of the gum and ascertain if it be the pressure of the teeth that assists in the establishment and extension of the inflammatory action, and to take the requisite steps to remove so much of the exciting cause.

The disorder, however, may progress, and small points or patches of a curdy material are observable in different parts of the mucous membrane. We have then a case of muguet before us, whether the flocculi are deposited in the form of white points on the tongue, of shreds in various parts of the oral mucous membrane, or in a large pseudo membranous formation involving almost the entire cavity of the mouth. — There can be no doubt that this form of the affection which we are now describing is held to be, nay is very commonly called, both by nurses and physicians, thrush although doubtless the term is a misnomer as pathological investigation has shown.

When the disease is mild it is readily amendable to proper homoeopathic medicines, although under some peculiar circumstances the inflammatory action continues, the patches become larger in size and the constitutional symptoms are of a more grave character, and a slimy watery diarrhea assists in the prostration of the patient.

The disease may occur at any period of infantile life, it is, however, much more frequently noticed within the first few months, the slime is hot and dry from the beginning to the termination of the attack, although the pulse is not very much increased in frequency. Billard, to whom with Valleix, Guersent and Selut, we owe many additions to our knowledge of the nature and pathology of the disease, "counted the pulse and beating of the heart in fatty children, aged from one to twenty days, affected with it, and found fifty, sixty, sixty-four, eighty, and in one instance one hundred pulsations to the minute."

M. Bouchut believes that there is both idiopathic and symptomatic muguet, the former depending upon a bad state of the constitution, the latter upon decayed health from constitutional disease.

Some authors assert that not only the esophagus and stomach may be affected, but that the whole tract of the intestines may be involved. Billard and Guyot have remarked instances of this kind, while Vernon maintains that it is never met with beyond the esophagus. Dr. Condie is of the latter opinion, and Dewees and Eberle make the same observation.

Pathology. — The difference between muguet, or the erythematous inflammation of the mouth and aphthae or thrush, consists in the different parts of the mucous membrane which are affected. In the former the exudation is upon the epithelium, in the latter the deeper parts are affected; in the former, in the majority of instances, the epithelium remains intact, while in the latter an ulcerative action is observed when the crusts are thrown off.

Dr. Teste gives the following strong quotation from Billard: "I have given the closest attention to the examination of the seat of this excretion, and I have never found it below the epithelium, upon the surface of which it is always seated. It is external to the membrane and coats it over like the mucus, of which the muguet is really but a morbid concretion." Guyot regards the "curds" in somewhat the same light as Billard, only that the coagulated mucus is modified by an excess of fibrin.

Most Pathologists agree, however, that there is a parasitic growth in the exudation, and I shall here requote from Mr. Churchill's work some passages which really have an important bearing on this point.

M. Bouchut gives the following extract from the report of the "Academie des Sciences,"* [The report was prepared for the Academy of Sciences by the Micrographic Naturalist M. Gruby. See Bouchut on "Diseases of Children," p. 408.] the exactness of which he states that he has many times proved. "A portion of muguet being placed under the microscope, it is seen to be composed of a mass of cryptogamic plants. It consists of conical elevations of twenty-five millimetres† [Carpenter on the "Microscope," p. 540.] in diameter, each one consisting of separate portions, provided with roots, branches and sporules. The roots are implanted in the cells of the epithelium, they are cylindrical and transparent of 1/400 of a millimetre in diameter; and in their development they perforate each series of cells composing the epithelium to arrive at the surface of the mucous membrane. The trunks or stems which grow from the surface of the epithelium are equally transparent, interrupted at distances by divisions and enclosing in their cavities corpuscles. Like the roots they are cylindrical and rectilinear, one-fourth of a millimetre in length, and 1/400 of a millimetre in thickness. These stems are divided into branches which again subdivide, bifurcating at a very acute angle. The branches are composed of oblong distinct cells, enclosing in their interior, one, two or three transparent knots (noyaux), their sides here and there exhibit sporules, of which there is a great number at their extremity. The diameter of these sporules is from 1/200 to 1/400 of a millimetre. Cryptogamia have considerable analogy with the mycodermia of the porrigo-favosa, and resemble the genus sporotrichium of botanists."

Much more could be said and many more quotations could here be introduced to prove that there certainly exists a fungoid growth in the form of stomatitis which is now under consideration, but however interesting such might be to the scientific inquirer into microscopic anatomy, they would perhaps be rather distasteful to many who read medical works, not so much for the sake of minute knowledge as for practical suggestions. We would only therefore introduce here a few words on this very subject from Dr. Carpenter, who, speaking of these affections, writes: "In these and in similar cases two opinions are entertained as to the relation of the fungi to the disease in which they present themselves; some maintaining that their presence is the essential condition of these diseases, which originate in the introduction of the vegetable germs, and others considering their presence to be secondary to some morbid alteration of the part wherein the fungi appear, which alteration favors their development. The first of these doctrines claims a strong support from the fact that the diseases in question may be communicated to healthy individuals through the introduction of the germs of the fungi by inoculation; whilst the second is rather consistent with general analogy of what is known of the condition, under which the various kind of fungoid blights develop themselves in or upon growing plants."

Dr. Berg, of Stockholm, has paid much attention to this affection, and has made several important discoveries in relation to the peculiar character of the exudation.

M. Baun believes that the disease is not contagious. — Billard agrees with him when he says, that "he has seen children not affected with muguet drink from the game spoon with children who had it, without contracting the disease." Churchill, Guersent and Marley think that though in ordinary cases there is no contagious property in the affection, yet that under peculiar circumstances the disease may be transmitted from one to another. This accords with my own observation and with that of those of my own professional friends with whom I have conversed in reference to this subject.

Unwholesome atmosphere, improper clothing, irregularities in the diet of the mother or nurse, but above all deficient care in cleansing the mouth, are the chief causes with those above enumerated.

Berg believes that the disorder is, if not produced, readily increased by the saccharine matter in the food, but this would scarcely hold good in those children who are exclusively fed by the bottle or spoon. The disease may also prevail epidemically and frequently does so in crowded localities or hospitals, or among the poor who are crowded together in lanes or small streets without ventilation, care, or the requisite amount of food.

The disorder may be complicated with pemphigus, erythema, meteorism, colic, vomiting, diarrhea, ulcerations in various parts of the body.

Mr. Churchill has given quite a long quotation from Valleix,* ["Mal des Enfans," p. 167.] who gives a summary of twenty-four cases. Of this I shall only give the latter portion as evidencing to what stages the disease may progress; it reads thus: "towards the end of the disease all the symptoms seemed to diminish, but it was only to give place to collapse. The erythema became less vivid; the ulcerations were covered with crusts; the diarrhea diminished or ceased entirely; the infant refused the breast and would scarcely drink; the muguet diminished and ordinarily consisted only of a few grains on the tongue. The pulse fell to eighty, seventy, or even sixty in a minute; the heat was succeeded by chilliness, at first of the extremities and afterward of the whole body; the agitation gave place to almost complete insensibility; the cries were changed into groans; the emaciation and pallor became extreme and the face acquired the appearance of decrepitude. About this period were developed, in certain cases, inflammations, not very acute, characterized by edematous swelling, obscure redness and pain; they occurred in the nose, lower lip and neck. At this time, also, abscesses, occasionally numerous, were formed in different parts of the subcutaneous cellular tissue, and in one case gangrene of the integument of the limb occurred; at last death closed the scene without pain."

Treatment. — The great desideratum in the treatment is to prevent the erythematous inflammation from developing itself into true muguet; one of the chief resources to accomplish such a desired end is frequent ablutions of the entire mouth with cold water. There are many nurses and many mothers who are extremely careful regarding the cleanliness of their children, who have them regularly washed or bathed two or three times a day, and yet do not think the cavity of the mouth should receive the care of which the harder integument is the constant recipient. The tender mucous membrane of the mouth should be washed three times a day, and the ablution should be carefully performed. A piece of whalebone with fine linen cambric, part of a worn pocket handkerchief for instance, tied to one extremity should be inserted into the mouth, and the tongue, gums, and hard palate carefully cleansed. By this method there will scarce be danger of the simple erythema, proceeding to the exudative form of the affection. If this does not arrest the inflammation, the medicines are Caps., Nit. acid, Phos., and Sanguin. I speak of the idiopathic form of the disease. I have used Sulph. acid also with benefit. Very frequently, however, the physician's interference is not considered necessary by the nurse or those who have the care of the child, and a weak solution of Borax, with additional care in washing, cures the affection. If the disorder arises from disordered or acid stomach, and is accompanied with colic, which is often the case in very young children, Nux vom., Calc. or Sulph. are the most appropriate medicines. I have been in the habit of treating these affections thus: I use a pallative treatment for the severe colic, and a regular constitutional treatment for that condition of the stomach upon which the colic depends. I know very well that Cham. is the great medicine recorded in all the text books, and more particularly in the Domestic Physicians, for colic and restlessness of children; the medicine has been so often repeated in different periodicals, etc., that many are prone to believe it a specific for colic, deranged stomach, restlessness, etc. Now this is not the fact according to my observation. Cham. does no doubt possess a wonderful influence over some children; it almost immediately relieves colic pain, and produces refreshing slumber. Every physician has had abundant experience of this. In typhoid and other fevers I have known a few doses of this agent produce quiet; but there are other, very many other cases, where Cham. is not the medicine at all, and he who would place implicit reliance upon it in every case will very soon discover his mistake, as he will likewise if Nux vom. is administered for every case of constipation and Puls. for amenorrhea.

As a general rule I select according to the symptoms, either Nux vom., Calc. carb., or Sulph., and have about six or eight pellets of the most appropriate given three times during the day, and leave with the patient Cuprum met., third trituration, gr. 3, Aquae font. z3 vi, and have a teaspoonful given every thirty minutes during the paroxysm of pain, or, perhaps, in some cases Coloc, dilution third, gtt. xx, Aquae z3 vi. dose as above.

The former of the medicines according to my own observation is the better of the two. Apis mel. and Kali hyd. have also served well in many cases of this form of the affection.

On this subject Teste* ["Diseases of Children," p. 231.] remarks, and very truly, "I do not know of anything in our homoeopathic literature which has direct reference to muguet; authors, in general, confound this affection with aphthae, which does not demand precisely the same treatment." He recommends Cinnab. and Merc. sol. in a high dilution and later China.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 09, 1863, pages 402-411]

[Description: Stomatitis.]

[Author: Helmuth, Wm.T.]

[Year: 1863]

NUX VOMICA.

BY DR. HENCKE, OF RIGA.

(Translated from the Allgemeine Homoeopatische Zeitung.)

1. Mrs. M., 46 years of age, of choleric temperament, very robust, but very irregular in her menses, very fond of strong coffee, has suffered for years with frequent attacks of cardiac pains, which are generally brought on by mental excitement, especially by anger, and continue for several days. She has taken a great deal of medicine of various kinds, the latent having been Bismuth, which, as she says, palliates and shortens the paroxysms.

The pains are griping, constringing, and continuous, the least pressure causing slight nausea; there is an entire absence of appetite, and even aversion to her favorite beverage while the pain lasts. Her complexion is sallow; her tongue presents a yellowish coat; the abdomen is distended and very tender to the touch. At almost all times, patient is liable to sluggishness and hardness of the alvine discharges, and during the paroxysms she suffers much from fruitless straining. She also complains of languor, especially in the morning after rising from bed; she is apt to be startled while falling asleep; and is very irritable, cross, and violent.

July 20th, 1845. This afternoon I prescribed Nux vom^15 four doses; one powder, dissolved in water, to be taken through each succeeding day.

July 24th. Patient reports that after taking the first two powders, she was extremely sick, and that the pains in the stomach were more violent than ever before; so much so, that she had discontinued the medicine without using the other two powders. At the time of my visit she was somewhat better, but there was still an annoying sensation of pressure in the stomach; and my attention was called particularly to a pain beneath the right ribs, and in the right shoulder, as having never occurred before. On examination I found the abdomen somewhat distended; and the liver, which could be plainly felt, was also distended, and very painful when handled, or when the patient moved. The pain was described as dull, pressing, and less acute than that in the shoulder, and the right side. The tongue had a thin yellowish coat; there was occasional belching of a sour fluid; and for the last two days, no movement of the bowels. In place of the two remaining powders of Nux vom^15, I gave one dose of Nux vom.30, to be taken in water.

Jnly 26th. A very copious and lax discharge from the bowels, the day before, followed soon by a second, proved the precurser of a cessation of the pains in the stomach and liver; the pain in the shoulder, too, soon disappeared and the patient slept well through the night.

July 28th. Patient was quite well today, except that she felt somewhat languid.

Up to 1847 the attacks have not returned, although since her recovery she has used coffee as before.

2. August 18th, 1845. Mr. F., a corpulent man, fond of good living, and a great gourmand, was taken sick the day before, in consequence, as he said, of catching cold. I found him in great uneasiness, tossing about on the bed, and his features expressing intense anguish. He complained of insufferable pain in the right lumbar region, extending along the ureter downwards to the bladder. Lying on the back was almost impossible. Any attempt to void urine involved a painful straining, and was well nigh fruitless, a few drops only being discharged. The patient was generally disposed to costiveness, and no operation had taken place from the bowels for two days. He was troubled at intervals with squeamishness and nausea, and in the morning had vomited repeatedly. The right thigh felt heavy and painful, and any attempt to move it increased his suffering. The evening and night before a feeling of chilliness had alternated with great heat. His skin was hot, dry and burning, and his pulse, strong and frequent; thirst, however, was only moderate. Nux vom.30; one dose to be taken immediately, the other, after an interval of two hours.

10 o'clock, P. M. Soon after taking the second powder there had been a copious discharge of urine. The pains in the kidneys had subsided, and the patient was more comfortable, but still unable to lie on his back. The skin was not so hot, and the pulse was full, soft, and moderately frequent. He had a great desire for water, but drinking it was followed by nausea.

August 19th. During the night the patient had a copious perspiration, and towards morning, a calm and sound sleep. Only trifling pains remained in the lumbar region. In the morning there was another copious discharge of urine, together with a soft and plentiful evacuation of the bowels. The patient felt very weak and reduced, started at the slightest noise, was very irritable, and had an aversion to all food. No medicine was given.

August 20th. Mr. F. still complained of languor, and that neither his tobacco, nor his coffee relished well. I did not think it necessary to prescribe any more medicine, and by the 23d of August, he was again able to attend to his business.

3. September 6th, 1845. Mr. M., of choleric temperament, had already been sick for six days, in consequence of overloading his stomach. The principal symptoms were heartburn; belching of a bitter and sour fluid; foul taste; aversion to food, and to tobacco; tongue coated and whitish; dryness of the mouth; stool sluggish; diminished secretion of urine. In the evening, dullness of the head; heaviness and sensation of weight in the forehead; pains in the limbs; yawning and stretching; shivering, and coldness of the extremities, with blueness of the nails; chattering of the teeth; and nausea. It was difficult to become warm in bed, heat coming on very gradually, and with great restlessness. His sleep was disturbed, and he was terrified with harassing dreams. Towards morning, sweat of offensive smell, and extreme fatigue. I left two doses of Nux vom.30, one to be taken each afternoon.

September 8th. Last evening the chill was accompanied by violent vomiting. The chill lasted but a short time, and was succeeded by heat, with pains and rumbling in the bowels. A very copious and lax stool ensued after midnight, followed soon by a second, and a third. Towards morning the patient fell into a sound and comfortable sleep, with a general sweat of a sour smell. On awaking, he felt much reduced and very languid.

7 o'clock, P. M. No fever has appeared thus far. The tongue is clean; the patient has taken some food with a good relish; there is no belching: and the headache is gone.

September 9th. The patient rested well last night and had but a slight perspiration in the morning. The urine contained a reddish sediment, but the general state was good.

September 15th. Mr. M. has continued well, and is attending to his business as usual.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06, 1859, pages 270-273]

[Description: Nux Vomica.]

[Remedies: Nux vomica]

[Author: Hencke]

[Year: 1859]

APIS MELLIFICA.

Resume of the Symptoms by C. Hering, M. D., translated from Americanische Arzneipruefungen, by P. P. Wells, M.D. For remarks see Review Vol. VI. p. 13.

Sensorium:

Indifference. Depression of spirits.

Anxiety, excitement, presentiment of death.

Irritable, perverse temper; nothing is right with him.

Passionate during the itching, the sufferings attending the menses, and other difficulties.

Restlessness of disposition, mind and body.

Bustling, frivolous, laughing, gay.

Delirium, with congestions, eruptions, heat; during sleep.

Cannot direct his thoughts to any determinate object.

Vertigo while standing, sitting, lying down, closing the eyes, with obscuration of sight, nausea, headache, and sneezing.

Dull confusion (eingenommenheit) especially over the eyes.

Head :

The head as if too full; it seems too large.

Heaviness, pressure; pressure in the head, especially when rising from sitting or lying, increased in a warm room, relieved by pressing together with the hands.

Pain in the head extending as far as the eyes, over the eyes and in the eyes.

Sharp shooting pains in the temples.

In the scalp, drawing, tightness, increased sensibility, burning, shooting, itching and pricking and falling out of the hair.

Eyes :

Eyes sensitive to light with the headache. Redness of the eyes. Weakness of the eyes with aversion to using them; indistinct vision. Whirling before the eyes.

Twitching and jerking of the left eyeball, especially at night.

Heaviness, fullness and pressure in the eyes and eyelids.

Severe shooting pains into the eyeball; borings and stickings.

Cuttings, burnings and redness of the eyes. Shooting itchings in the eyes and lids and about the eyebrows.

Flow of tears with restlessness of the mind, at night, with headache, sensibility to light, and redness and burning of the eyes.

Sensation as if there were mucus in the eyes.

Itching in and around the eyes and lids, and in the angles of the eyes with smarting.

Sticking together of the lids.

Swelling of the lids.

Dropsical and erysipelatous swelling around the eyes.

Ears, Nose and Face :

Sensitive to noise. Sticking burning of the ears. Tension around the ears.

Sneezing, then pressure in the forehead and vertigo.

Coryza, with sensation of swelling in the nose, dryness and burning of the lips.

Itching, pain, redness and swelling of the nose.

Paleness of the face. Burning sticking, with sensation of fullness, heat, redness, and desire for washing in cold water.

Livid, blue red color of the face.

Tension, swelling and redness. Crawling and pricking in the face.

The lips are painful, the pains extending even to the gums and head, or over the whole body.

Mouth:

The lips as if crushed, as if swollen, pricking, chopping, tension, burning and swelling, in which the inner surface is everted.

Jerking closing of the under jaw.

Jerkings in the left upper back teeth.

The pains in the teeth extend to the head.

The tongue as if scalded, especially on the edges. Vesicles along the edges of the tongue, especially the left, with burning, rawness and stickings.

Dryness, fiery redness, burning sticking and swelling of the tongue.

The tongue is coated, with diarrhea

Dryness of the mouth, fauces and throat. The surface is sensitive as if scalded.

Salivation. The saliva is tenacious and frothy.

Throat :

Hawking up of mucus every morning.

Pressing pain in the upper and back part of the throat, as if from a hard body.

Sticking, itching and contraction in the throat which hinders swallowing.

As if raw in the throat, with tenacious saliva when hawking.

Burning, smarting, sticking in the throat especially when swallowing.

The tonsils red, swollen, painful, smarting.

Stomach :

Loss of appetite. No thirst with dropsy; with dryness of the throat, during the heat. Desire for a drink of water with sinking of the vital forces.

Eructations with waterbrash with taste of the food, increased after drinking water.

Disgust, nausea with vertigo, fainting, sinking of the forces, even to vomiting, with headache, swelling of the head, pain in the stomach and diarrhea

Pressure in the stomach; prickings, as with needles; rawness; burning; add extreme sensitiveness to pressure.

Below the ribs, sensation as if crushed, more on the left side. Burning. Pains which extend from below upwards.

Abdomen :

Throbbing boring over the left os ileum, relieved by eructation.

Rumbling in the abdomen.

Sensation of nausea in the abdomen.

Pain in the· abdomen in the morning, with urgency to stool.

Heaviness, painful pressure, severe squeezing, contractions (zusammenziehen) in the abdomen.

Pain in the abdomen while walking.

Severe pain while lying down, relieved by rising up.

Burning, internal rawness, externally sensitive to pressure even of the bed-covering (of the abdomen).

The abdomen is full, swollen and sensitive to pressure, with swelling of the feet and scanty urine.

Stool :

Sensation as of diarrhea:, with urgency, pressure and tenesmus.

Soft stool every morning, of a light color.

Greenish yellow, watery, slimy, diarrhea, without pain, especially in the morning.

Offensive diarrhea, then tenesmus with blood. Discharge of mucus with pain as if the bowels were crushed.

The anus as if completely stopped, with heat and throbbing in the rectum.

Electric shocks in the rectum before the inclination to stool. Rawness in the anus with diarrhea. Insupportable itching, with swelling; intolerable shooting, boring pains in the hemorrhoids; a bloody oozing with swelling of the anus.

Urine and Genitals :

There is little or no urine discharged, with great pain.

Frequent inclination to urinate.

Increase of urine, day and night. Scanty and high colored urine.

Burning and excoriation in the urethra, as if scalded.

Uneasiness in the spermatic cord.

Pain in the ovarian region as if dislocated, with sensibility to pressure. Cuttings in the left side, then in the right, drawings, shootings, with bearing down.

Bearing down in the uterine region as if the menses would appear.

Swelling of the labia.

The menses are interrupted for a single day, and then appear again, and this is repeated many times. Hemorrhage from the uterus with abortion.

Respiration :

Hoarseness with sensitive larynx, roughness in the throat and dryness.

Coughing and tickling behind the throat-pit, in the evening. Cough before midnight, after lying down and sleeping with headache; it ceases immediately on the least expectoration.

Respiration slow, difficult, with constriction in the throat, accelerated especially by motion, ascending stairs, walking, with soreness as if bruised under the ribs, with heat, headache and drowsiness. Sensation as if the breath would fail.

A heated room is insupportable.

Fullness in the chest, he must sit up .

Pressure in the chest, especially in the upper part. Pain in the left side near the sternum. Sharp pains. Shootings, especially in the left side.

Excoriation and bruised, as if crushed, especially in the false ribs and more in the left side.

Coldness and heat in the chest.

Pain in the region of the heart, shooting and impeding respiration.

Pulse accelerated, full and strong; hard small and rapid.

Trunk and Extremities :

Tense pain in the nape of the neck, on the left side from the shoulder over the head; shooting in the right side when moving the head to this side.

Pains under the shoulder-blade, aggravated by motion.

Stiffness of the loins.

Drawing pains which begin at the shoulder and extend to the finger ends. Numbness, especially of the left arm.

Burning and shooting in the hands, redness, heat, swelling, they are blueish and cold.

Itching, burning and chapping of the hands.

Weakness and pain as if from excoriation in the hip joint.

Drawing pain through the leg to the end of the toes.

Sensation as if bruised, in the flesh.

Pains about the knee, swelling, burning and shooting.

Shooting in the left outer ankle and in the toes. Burning of the feet and toes.

Swelling of the feet. As if the toes were too large.

In the evening the feet were heavy, stiff, painfully full, swollen, crawling, itching, as if they had been frozen.

Itching nodules on the joints.

Extreme sensitiveness of the fleshy parts to the least pressure.

Disposition and Strength :

Irritability and restlessness; weakness and trembling. Painful weakness.

Exhausted, as if after severe labor, especially in the back. Must lay himself flat on the ground.

Weakness, especially in the back, in paroxysms, with vertigo. Fainting, with paleness, coldness, vomiting and diarrhea

Sleep :

Yawning and great desire for sleep, starts up suddenly from sleep. Frequent waking. Tension in the face, stitch in the skin, burning pain under the left ribs and other troubles prevent sleep.

Sleep is restless, frequent waking and incessant dreaming.

Dreams full of cares and troubles, – of flying through the air - of traveling long roads.

Tossing about, especially the last half of the night. No enjoyment of sleep. Long sleep in the morning.

Fever :

Shivering, in the afternoon, at three or four o'clock, aggravated by warmth, afterwards heat and cough.

Slight shiverings on the least movement, while sitting, in the evening, with headache, heat of the face and hands.

Shaking chill, with nettle rash after the heat.

Sensation of heat in the whole body, especially over the chest and region of the stomach.

Skin :

Heat and redness of the skin, evening and night; with excitement, headache and diarrhea, swellings and cough. Burning of the hands and feet.

Alternation of sweating and dryness of the skin. (Emaciation.)

Violent itching, like pricking of needles, as if from insects, recurring after motion. Itching, in small and defined spots; hindering sleep, nights.

Burning, sticking, irritating, insupportable itching.

Violent shooting pains with swellings.

Bright red swellings, with red streaks lengthwise the limbs

Swelling of the skin, pale red, as if puffed, extending itself farther and farther over the surface.

Burning, shooting, flat swellings, with redness or paleness or both.

Nettle rash, red spots, small white spots, with red areola, which itch violently; pale blotches; elevated spots, which are very sensitive; blueish red, painful, hard spots. Dropsical swellings of the body, limbs, hands, feet; of the abdomen, without thirst.

Character and Condition :

Burning sticking pains in all parts, with and without eruption. Excoriating pains, especially under the ribs; tension of skin and muscles, especially about the shoulders, neck and head.

Warmth aggravates the sufferings, especially in a close room.

Cold water relieves the pains, swelling and burning.

Aversion to cold air.

Extreme sensibility to touch and external pressure, especially on the abdomen.

External pressure relieves the headache.

Lying down increases many of the sufferings which are relieved by sitting. Walking and movement relieve many of the most violent sufferings.

Evening attacks of vertigo, headache, pains in the eyes, teeth, and abdomen; hoarseness, cough, chilliness and heat.

Night attacks, besides those connected with sleep, especially in the eyes and chest. Towards morning, increased restlessness, chills, headache, slimy mouth, pain in the abdomen, inclination to stool and diarrhea.

Apis is especially indicated, where there is the required similarity of symptoms, in cases of widows and children, and for many of the results of repelled or suppressed eruptions, or in those cases when the appearance of acute eruptions on the surface is delayed; as of nettle rash, scarlet rash, measles, miliary rash and other important eruptions.

When cases of disease present the above symptoms and indications, we may expect Apis to prove curative, especially if the other symptoms of these show correspondence to the other symptoms of the poison, and also, in these circumstances, in the following acute and chronic diseases and groups of symptoms:

Different forms of mania, especially sexual mania of females. Hydrocephalus of children, and apoplexia of the aged. Headache of all varieties. Neuralgias of the head, with bilious and abdominal complications. Migrane, proceeding from ganglionic centres; also gastric. Baldness. Inflammations of the eyes, internal and external, rheumatic and gastric. Iritis. Corneitis. Blindness. Cloudiness of the cornea, cicatrices, staphyloma, edema of the eyeball. Hordeola. Fistula lachrymalis. Neuralgia of the lips, tongue and gums. (See Dolichos.) Edema of the face. Erysipelas of the face, especially if the pale and livid, of one side, of the chin, under jaw and throat. Inflammation of the tongue, swelling:, ulcers, and cancer of the tongue. Inflammation of the palate, mouth, fauces and throat, erysipelatous and other ulcers in the throat. Gastralgias. Erysipelatous and nettle rash affections of the stomach and intestines. Abdominal inflammations. Inflammations of the diaphragm and spleen. Ascites. Chronic diarrhea, especially bilious and erysipelatous. — Hemorrhoidal affections. Cystitis. Morbus Brightii. Diabetes, dysuria, strangury. Gonorrhea. Pains, inflammations, swellings, hypertrophy and dropsy of the ovaria. Uterine hypertrophy. Uterine dropsy. Menstrual affections. Swelling and neuralgia of the vulva. Threatening abortions. Uterine hemorrhage. Cancer of the breast. Edema of the larynx. Hydrothorax. Hydrops pericardii. Pleuritis. Peri carditis. Rheumatism. Gout. Gouty concretions in the joints. Edema of the limbs. Swelling of the knees. Swellings, spots, nettle and scarlet rash on the skin. Measles. Boils. Inflammation of the fingers. Hysteria. Hysterical spasms. Punctured wounds, erysipelas of wounds and many other affections too numerous to mention.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 11-12, 1866, pages 485-493]

[Description: Apis Mellifica.]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera.]

[Author: Hering, C.]

[Year: 1866]

CASES OF DIPHTHERIA. *[Reported to the American Institute of Homoeopathy, at its Seventeenth Annual Meeting, in Philadelphia; June 2, 1860.]

BY CONSTANTINE HERING, M.D., PHILADELPHIA.

The epidemic diphtheria commenced in Philadelphia, December last, and increased slowly in number and violence during the following three months, and I have not seen any more during the last six weeks.

All my patients, except cases where I was the consulting physician, belonged to families I had been attending for years, nearly all very intelligent families which I consider a great advantage in treatment. I have had during this time about 50 to 60 cases with marked symptoms of diphtheria, in one case I succeeded in obtaining the membrane for microscopic examination, which I add herewith. I had about the same number of light cases'. All recovered within seven, days, except a very few of so called scrofulous diathesis, which required more time. The time it took to effect a cure, I consider one of the most important items in statistic tables, as I remember that since I have learned to give the doses higher and higher, the duration of acute cases has been shortened.

The medicine given has been mostly at first Belladonna. In some cases Bryonia or Antimonium crudum, which last one corresponded to the genus epidemicus particularly well.

After the first medicine, Lachesis was indicated by the great sensibility to the touch on the throat, with or without a swelling. In a few cases Iodine or Bromine, the first in persons with dark hair and black eyes, the latter with blue eyes and blonde hair, was given with good effect. Mercury I gave only once without benefit to the patient. No other medicine seemed to me to be indicated, and least of all the Iodide of Mercury. Every single dose of any of the medicines, even in the worst cases, I allowed about 24 hours to act before I decided to make a change. The lowest potence given was the 200 of Jenichen, generally I used them higher, giving always in every repetition a higher degree.

Dr. LIPPE has had about a like number of cases, and as far as I recollect, has given nearly the same medicines in the same potences with like success. Dr. Reichhelm had had 6 or 8 weeks ago, about 80 cases, has given the 30th potence and lost none.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 11, 1860, pages 515-516]

[Description: Cases of Diphtheria.]

[Remedies: Belladonna, Bryonia, Antimonium crudum, Iodium, Bromum]

[Author: Hering, C.]

[Year: 1860]

DIGITALIS ACCORDING TO THE MONOGRAPHS OF BAEHR AND BLACK.

BY CONSTANTINE HERING, M.D., PHILADELPHIA.

Part I. — A Survey of Parties and their Tendencies. — In the midst of a tedious war, which is a burden to our souls, every bold exploit to which a man arouses himself, every adventurous exercise of power, every progress, every victory, however limited, is greeted with joy — with that penetrating joy which desires peace, and sees in every such step a guarantee that the time is approaching when there will be a mutual understanding, at least among those who long for that which alone is worthy of desire.

In a similar fashion may we greet, of late years, in the domain of Homoeopathic literature, a series of monographs, treatises and works, which, although they differ as much from each other as the marshes of our southeastern coast from the wild highlands of the west, must yet all be regarded as signs of a progress which gives us room to hope that also in the history of our school a leaf will at last be turned and a new page begun with a new chapter of our history.

We propose to justify the assumption that our school is on the threshold of a new development, by a short survey of the most important of these signs, before passing to a closer consideration of one of these works, "Bahr's Monograph on Digitalis."*["Digitalis purpurea in ihrem physiologisch-therapeutischen Wirkungen von Dr. B. Bahr, Leipzig bei Weigel, 1859."] This prize essay is a fruit grown upon the soil of that thirty years' opposition which has existed within the domain of Homoeopathy. We may regard it therefore as a representative of this party, which by its majority of numbers has in our day become the dominant party.

It is just half a century since the first publication in opposition to Hahnemann, that of Hecker,†[† Annalen der gesammten Medicin.] burst like a plague-boil, and scattered its stinking ichor over Germany, whence it has ever since been spreading wider and wider. But Homoeopathy had already become of age — she was 21 years old.

1790. First experiment upon the healthy. 1795. "Essay upon a new Principle in Medicine." 1805. Medicine of Experience, "as Manual Fragmenta de Viribus medicamentorum positivis,' as Materia Medica; and AEsculapius in the Balance" as Critique. 1810 Organon. 1811. Hecker's Criticism.

And, as at the official jubilee, or at the golden wedding friends flock together to exchange congratulations and good wishes on the fifty year's continuance in office or in the wedded state, so in this year the first respectful scientific opponent presents himself before us — thee very first in fifty years.

Dr. Hoppe, of Basle, who is generally recognized as one of the foremost representatives of the physiological new school, has, expressly as a Non-Homoeopath, but yet in one of our own journals,‡[Allg. Hom. Zeitung, Vol. 60 (1860), No. 18, p. 137, etc., etc.] given his opinion of the Hahnemannian pharmacology in a scientific manner, and with such penetration and acuteness that a reaction toward the old school may reasonably be expected from it, and upon the rising generation such an enduring reaction as has never yet been produced.

The writer of this paper has endeavored to counteract the effect of this opinion in so far as it might prove a hindrance to the younger Homoeopathic physicians (in Cl. Muller's Hom Viertcljahr-schrift, vol. 12, pp. 236-289, 1861). He desires — he who has been so very often misunderstood — to express again and again his great esteem for so eminent an investigator as Hoppe, not only on account of his achievements, but because among the opponents of Homoeopathy, he stands without a rival — and all the more so because almost at the very same time that he published the above-mentioned defense, the writer had lashed as mercilessly as he could, nay torn to pieces the wishy-washy Wunderlich in his History of Medicine,*[Geschichte der Medicin, Vorlesungen von C. A. Wunderlich, Stuttgart, 1859, pp. – 271 and 84. Neue Hanheckeln, No. 3, Philad., 1860.] without any regard to the high and influential position of the latter.

For the influence of Wunderlich, where he has any, is simply a hurtful one, smearing over and bedaubing, instead of solving the real question of science, while that of Hoppe is invigorating, stimulating, and inciting to investigation and to progress. Hoppe speaks as a scientific man to other men of science. Wunderlich has never known what science is; he thinks, in his self-complacency that accumulated knowledge may be held together by a handful of meaningless phrases.

At the same time appeared Grauvogl's "Fundamental Principles of Physiology, Pathology, and Homoeopathic Therapeutics" as the master-piece of the new period.

With the weapons of the new school of German philosophy, the "physiological school of medicine," which pretends to be based upon this philosophy, is demolished, yes, crushed to powder, in the persons of its representative Virchow and of other renowned contemporaries (especially Liebig in a subsequent publication†[†Das Homoeopathische Aehollchkeitsgesetz von Dr. Von Grauvogl, Leipzig bei Purflirst, 1861.]), and this with such acuteness that among really thinking men there can not remain the least doubt in the world which school has under its feet a solid, unshakable foundation — our Homoeopathic or the physiological.

Physicians who have not busied themselves with Philosophy, nevertheless know that advance in the Natural Sciences began to be made when the maxims of Bacon were more and more. closely followed. "Natural science has made its greatest progress since Kepler and Newton through the means of induction." In the schools of medicine, the necessity of a corresponding method has, it is true, been much talked about; attempts have been made, too, to base on this idea certain modifications of existing deeply-rooted false opinions. In so far as physiology and pathology are concerned, exceedingly important contributions to our knowledge have been made, and powers of the first order have been exerted in the endeavor to make what has been acquired in these departments directly available in the art of curing, but in vain! From Virchow, the worthy successor of Johannes Muller, also of the greatest of German investigators — from Virchow down to the compiler and imitator of the French — down to Wunderlich the phrase-rider, who is incapable of reasoning, they rear their structures, so far as the art of curing is directly concerned, all in confusion, and without any real foundation under their feet; in other words, they are in their therapeutics without method. They have only a semblance of method. Grauvogl has irrefutably demonstrated this, and that from the writings of these very gentlemen. He bases his argument chiefly upon Apelt. He it is who has established the Theory of Induction in Germany. Even Whewell, the historian and philosopher of Induction, confesses that "the logic of Induction is hitherto a vain wish." Apelt, to the honor of German philosophy, has solved this problem.*[Die Theorie der Induction von E. F. Apelt, Leipzig, Eagelmann, 1854.]

Grauvogl has shown that Hahnemann had already made all his incontrovertible discoveries by following this, the only right path of the strict inductive method, and that the dominant schools have followed either no method at all or only such a one as involve in contradiction — that is, a false method.

At the same time a work appeared in Homoeopathic literature which was received among Homoeopathists themselves, on the one side with a real horror, and on the other with a transport of astonishment. Wolfs "Fundamental Poisoning of Man-kind and their emancipation therefrom"*[Grundvergiftungen der Menschheit and ihre Befreinng davon. Hom. Erfahrungen von C. W. Wolf. 2d. bis 5, Heft. Berlin bei Herbig, 1860.] It could hardly be believed to be possible that from the same basis and soil of the Hahnemannian doctrine, two works so diametrically opposite could have grown. Indeed, it appears on a superficial observation almost impossible that the two works can agree in a common fundamental principle. This, however, is the case. A brief historical review will put every one in a position to see that this is really so.

The adherents of the Hahnemannian art of healing, at a very early period, separted into two parties. The first, Hahnemann's oldest pupils and their real successors, accepted the doctrine of the master, and all that he discovered and observed, as an indication how to become healers; accepted the drugs that he proved, as instruments wherewith to heal the sick, and bestirred themselves truly and honestly to do as he had done. They contented themselves with striving day by day to become masters of the art. We call them the party of the Artists.

Among the physicians who gave in their adhesion at a later day and who, it is true, admitted the Homoeopathic law of cure, induced thereto, especially by the sensation which the Homoeopathic cures of cholera in 1830 made, there were, however, a great many who nevertheless did not become real and hearty adherents of the Homoeopathic mode of cure. They accorded to the theories, as well as to the practical maxims, only a halfway acceptance and called this criticism and themselves Reformers.

There arose meanwhile in the first division, that of Artists, many who accepted, in the full extent, Hahnemann's practical directions for curing the sick but not his theories; as far as art was concerned they were strict followers of Hahnemann; but as regards the theory, they sought, in manifold ways, to make it tenable and to bring it into accord and agreement with general science. In this party we may reckon as representative men, Grauvogl in Germany, and Fincke in America, who have brilliantly carried out that which the author of the introduction to the American translation of the Organon has at all times striven to accomplish.

Of the representatives of the other party — that of Artists — who do not dispute Hahnemann's explanations, and who give themselves no concern about theory, Bonninghausen stands at the head. To this party Wolf belongs, with his most remarkable book, in which is contained a real treasure of the finest observations for the art as such.

These remarks may serve as an explanation of these two equally important phenomena in our literature, and which required to be mentioned here in order that we might rightly appreciate the Homoeopathic opposition party — that of the half, or pseudo Homoeopathists — to which we owe both of the Monographs upon Digitalis.

We do not propose to discuss here the sub-parties into which this opposition has divided. We notice them only in the hope that in the course of manifest progress, some of their numbers may gradually approximate again the Hahnemannian art of curing. From this party, the collaborators of the Austrian Journal of Homoeopathy separated, to their great honor. The drug provings in this journal are gigantic labors and have furnished confirmations of Hahnemann's Pharmacology in such abundance and completeness, that they have not yet been digested either by the old school nor by the new. There is as yet no critique of them anywhere. On the other hand, there has arisen from this opposition in our day a critic of the Hahnemannian Materia Medica who, corresponding in this respect to Hoppe, is the first to confine himself to scientific rigor — Roth of Paris, in his "Studies of the Materia Medica.*[CI. Muller's Vierteljahrschrift, 10-12 Band, 1859-61.] He goes to work in a thoroughly scientific manner and with such industry and carnestness, and so vigorously as thereby alone to compel respect and regard from all sides; and without agreeing with him we must recognize him as the worthiest representative of this opposition INTRA MUROS.

Along with this almost exclusively negative spirit came at the same time the above mentioned prize article. If we now examine Black's previous article*[† Dr. Francis Black of Edinburgh. British Journal of Homoeopathy, Vol. IV., 1846, pp. 61-91 and 267 to 280.] on the same subject, we shall recognize in the difference between the two articles the progress that has taken place within the limits of this party, and in the errors which are common to both we shall see the errors of the whole party. Both monographs then are equally indefatigable in contemptuous disparagement of the Hahnemannian Materia Medica, our great treasure. In this they agree, too, with Roth. And it is with especial reference to this disparagement, now kept up for thirty years, and which must of necessity render the younger Homoeopathists averse to the study of the Materia Medica — a study in itself sufficiently tiresome — that I regard it as a duty to expose with all my powers the utter groundlessness of all the objections which the above named publications offer.

A preliminary sketch of this party is indispensable to a correct comprehension of what is to be said concerning these studies of Digitalis. We can in no other way form a judgment respecting the progress of our art than, on the one hand, by means of history and of criticism, and on the other and contrariwise, by a survey of the practical contributions which have been made by it and of their value.

Among those physicians who accepted only the Homoeopathic law of cure, without thereby becoming real pupils of Hahnemann, a great number took umbrage at all sorts of accessory and incidental matters, and allowed themselves to be led astray to such a degree as to shove aside Hahnemann's fundamental doctrines which alone are capable of insuring a rich and beneficent exercise of the art. Among other difficulties, too, was a dread of exertion, an indisposition to become students again; they desired to have the new art made more convenient and easy, and so, remaining entangled in their preconceived errors, they accepted scarcely one half of what Hahnemann had observed and discovered; they followed not the great "Pathfinder" in his maxims as healer; they gave credence, as did the old school, to the most wretched calumnies which envy and jealousy *[* Indeed the people in our day, and in the greatest and mightiest State, are doing the very same thing with their greatest hero, "the hero of the West"] had raised against him; yes, they even assumed to be critics of a higher order, who would not in blind admiration "swear by the words of the master;" in short, as Hahnemann said, "they stopped half-way" and completely misunderstood the great man in his entire scope and tendency. As it has frequently occurred in history the half-and-half party has succeeded in winning the multitude to itself; it has become the majority; and all that, in our day, belongs to preponderating numbers — recognition, influence, power — is at its command. In America it has even succeeded in fastening upon the people and making them believe the plausible lies, that the science has taken forward strides since Hahnemann's day, and that the old Hahnemannians are narrow and behind the age. These lies do not deserve a word here — it would be necessary only with very ignorant persons.

But the half-way position of this majority calls for untiring admonition, from the fact that in consequence of its destructive teachings cures of the sick are much diminished in number, as the more honorable of their body must confess and have indeed publicly admitted.

By the limited recognition of the Hahnemannian doctrine which the half Homoeopathists have chosen to adopt and to regard as "scientific" they find themselves in a position of two fold difficulty. For their recognition is not sufficiently complete to enable them to imitate Hahnemann in his cures and thus console themselves by the result; but it is more than sufficient to make them participants in that odium with which we have always found and still find ourselves regarded in our relations with the old school. This explains their bitterness, which is directed more especially against the unreserved adherents and followers of Hahnemann. They really believe in sober earnest that if we should all, with one accord, follow their example, the unfounded hatred on the part of the old school would soon come to an end. This too is nothing new; it is the hereditary fashion of the half and half. There was once a government engaged in a contest for law and liberty, and which, nevertheless, was far more assiduous in providing for the alienation and subjugation of all who were really in earnest in the struggle than in carrying on the war itself, and this through a fear lest the inordinate zeal of those earnest people might do some mischief. And just as the supreme authority thought no measures too bad to be employed for this end, but welcomed even the most despicable methods, so, too, our halfway adherents of Homoeopathy have availed themselves, at times, of the basest means. It is indeed in the very nature of halfness to hate all wholeness and greatness.

The half Homoeopathists concede much to Hahnemann, but in respect of some principal matters they stop half way. The fundamental law that the remedy for each case is to be chosen according to the maxim Similia Similibus Curantur, they admit; but many of them say at the same time, there are other laws of cure which have a value too. They do not comprehend how it is that all the facts which they adduce in favor of the law of cure work no damage whatever to the universal applicability of the law of similarity; just as the law of gravitation suffers no abatement of its extent, although it be shown that magnetism, also, and light, electricity and caloric move the world. The mathematical expression for the law of gravitation is the same as that for all the others. They are all, at bottom, one and the same, although we may not understand how to demonstrate it.

The half Homoeopathists, moreover, admit the doctrine of one remedy at a time, but the majority, in the most ordinary cases, give two or three remedies in alternation or succession. If each remedy be only half right, they shall jointly make up one that is wholly right! And then, in addition, they select the remedies wholly at random, without the least rational grounds in the world!

The half Homoeopathists, again, give, it is true, smaller doses than the old school, but yet they give sometimes so much as to endanger the life of the patient; for example, tincture of Aconite in poisonous doses, tincture of Belladonna in the same, and sometimes the two in alternation! I have more than once unquestionably seen death induced by this treatment. As one of the most ignorant and least scrupulous of them openly said, they give poisonous doses, "but endeavor to stop short of poisoning" Only a very few, it is true, have gone so far as this; and if such extremes are depicted, it is only for the purpose of pointing out the end to which that path in which the majority are now walking leads, and must, of necessity, lead!

The half Homoeopathists do not make the examination of the patient in the manner which Hahnemann regarded as indispensable; they, for the most part, do not take down the symptoms in writing, or, in many cases, they only pretend to do so; for they do not follow the only indications which the Hahnemannian physician recognizes — the symptoms; but their choice of a remedy is determined rather by the pathological name which they give to the so-called disease, i. e., the name which, according to their degree of cultivation at the time, they are in a position to give, one giving one name, another another. They declare that this is "scientific" — to betake themselves to the uncertain swamp of pathological abstraction, because, forsooth, the world has been so stupid since Galen's time as to as to take it for granted that if a doctor knows what ailsa man, and where it ails, he can surely also cure him.

Of all the indications which enable the Homoeopathic physician to select the remedy, the symptoms of the case takes first rank. It matters not whether a child has Scarlatina or Measles, or a bastard of the two; whether a patient has Gout or Rheumatism, although these diseases stand diametrically opposed; it matters not whether heart or kidneys, or both, be "the seat of the disease," he is to be guided by the symptoms; and all besides is and remains only accessory and auxiliary It is to be understood, as a matter of course, that this is said only of the choice of the remedy; for it is universally admitted and conceded by all Homoeopathists, and by Hahnemann himself that a physician should and must understand pathology in so far as it is a natural science; he must make as accurate a diagnosis as possible, were it only for the sake of the prognosis. But in the choice of the remedy, pathology can determine nothing, and least of all should the Materia Medica be pathologized, that is, dressed up and rectified after the fashions of the day.

The half Homoeopathists marshal their opposition to Hahnemann — just as the old school do — chiefly upon two fields. Hahnemann's theories are one, and certain alleged or real errors in his Materia Medica are the other.

As to the former, they are completely amazed and shocked, one at one theory, another at another; but all, with one accord, at the Psora doctrine. A mite, they seem to think, can overthrow the fruits of tens of years of continued observation — wrong letter on the coin destroy the gold!

Hahnemann's endeavors to explain the facts observed and newly discovered by him, are open, certainly, to numberless corrections; but let no one imagine that anything of any moment is said in this, or that thereby any great practical gain is achieved. Whoever will take the trouble to read the before mentioned introduction to the American translation of the Organon, which was written in 1834, while the Master was still alive, by one of his truest adherents, will find that the author declares all of Hahnemann's theories to be unimportant, since they appear to him to be, each and all, untenable; whereas, on the other hand, he admits all the practical instructions of the Master to be, without exception, sound and full of value. But upon these latter, all cures are based; upon the development of these practical rules, depends all true progress.

It is with Hahnemann's discoveries just as it is with gold. That it may circulate and subserve the needs of the people in their daily life, the gold is coined. Hahnemann gave to the gold of his discoveries and experiences a coinage also, in order that it might be transferable. This coinage corresponded to the coinage of his time. All genuine experiences are imperishable and eternal, but the explanations that are given of them are often subject to wide changes. What is once true, remains true forever; but the manner of expressing it, the coinage, the explanation of it may, in the course of time, become obsolete or require changes. Hahnemann coined his gold as well as he could half a century ago, and now the half Homoeopathists, as well as our opponents of the old school, throw away the gold because it has an antiquated form, a form that does not please them — form which, perhaps, might rightly enough be discarded. But instead of bringing the gold into another form, they substitute for it Nickel, which, at the very highest, is good only to make pennies of, or imitations of silver spoons. So much for the subject of the Theory.

The most important distinction, however, of the half Homoeopathists, and that which, above all others, is characteristic of them, is the manner in which, like boring worms, they penetrate and eat away the Hahnemannian Materia Medica. Since 1830, they have, with untiring zeal, thrown contempt upon it. The whole of the last generation of Homoeopathists have seen, heard, and understood scarcely anything else from all aides than shrugging of shoulders, doubting, striking out this or that symptom, with a constant outcry about indispensable corroborative provings, about necessary reconstruction, and such like phrases in abundance.

Let one imagine a company of young laborers, as, hungry and eager, they draw near to a well-spread table covered with food and begin to partake, in order to gain fresh strength for future work, and thus, day by day, maintain their vigorous condition. Thus it was formerly when the previous generation of young physicians came over to Homoeopathy. And now let us suppose that first one and then several of the company, day after day, before the eyes of all, draw a hair out of the soup, or discover worms upon the smoking roast, and, with solemn head-shaking, declare that such an unseemly thing must cease. The result is inevitable; the majority of the company will lose appetite; the keenest will hardly be able to hold out; many will even, like nervous girls, be seized with nausea; others will on a sudden turn their backs, like the sea-sick on shipboard!

How can beginners determine to make it the chief business of their lives, day by day, to read the Hahnemannian Materia Medica, to study, to collate it, "nulla dies sine linea," until at last they master it? And how can we expect this when the only words we hear on the subject are forever those of contemptuous disparagement?

And yet all the talk of these so-called critics, as we shall here show, is either utterly groundless, or, if an error of Hahnemann's can really be shown, it is by no means worth all the bustle they make about it, for it effects no complete alteration in anything, and gains nothing for practice.

This depreciation of the Materia Medica, either groundless or profitless, shall form the chief subject of the following remarks, the aim of which is to arouse and strengthen love and respect for the Materia Medica.

Digitalis may serve as our best example for the elucidation of this subject, inasmuch as it furnishes an opportunity also to show, in a practical way, what are the characteristic symptoms, and how to seek them out and discover them. Digitalis, it is true, is' not, at least in our day, and in this country, a polychrest, not a remedy applicable every day and in a majority of cases; but it is an indispensable remedy in very serious cases, in which all the polychrests we have would leave us in the lurch.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 02, 1862, pages 49-61]

[Description: Digitalis According to The Monographs of Baehr and Black.]

[Author: Hering, C.]

[Year: 1862]

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. [Delivered at the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, October, 1864]

By Constantine Hering, M.D. Philadelphia, PA.

What should be our first consideration, when we strive to attain an end, particularly when we, in the relation of teacher and students, aspire to an object?

Clearly and definitely that which we are striving for must be fixed in our minds; the way in which we expect to reach the goal must be clear before us.

What is our object today, beginning lectures on Therapeutics? To heal the sick! That is all. It is a great end, truly a very great one.

Let us take for granted, everyone of us knows this, and everyone of us bears it constantly in mind, night and day. It is not your wish to become doctors only, to get a position in society, to attain honor before the people, to make a living, make money, get rich, etc., but it is solely and mainly to be a man able to heal the sick. Let us take this for granted as a matter of course. Now let us go to work and see what is hidden in these few words, to heal the sick.

Firstly: we must have means to do this, and these means we must know.

Secondly: we must know the sick and all that is to be known about them; and as every sickness is only a deviation from health, we ought to know what is health.

Thirdly: the connecting link between the first and second, how we must use the first, the means at our command; for the second, the sick, by what rule we must apply the means we have to the sick who come under our care.

The rule of Hahnemann is, like all great truths, plain and simple, but to apply it in life requires the greatest exertion of the human mind, and in fact we have to learn continually and never cease learning. Let us now glance over these great dominions of the empire in which we have to rule.

While we are spreading it out like a map before our eyes, let us remember that to heal the sick is an art, and remains an art, in spite of all that has been said and done to make it appear as a so-called science. It is an art to find in nature the means to heal, an art to prove drugs, an art to prepare them. It is an art to examine the sick before us. It is an art to apply the right means in every case. But there is no art without knowledge, and every art leads to knowledge. Therefore a physician is like a man who, when walking, first puts his left foot forwards, this is knowledge, then the right, which is art. Thus he continues and advances. It is only when knowledge is brought into order that we may call it a science.

Now let us overlook our first great domain.

If there are means to heal the sick, where are they? What may be used as such? How are they to be had? Where do they come from? What is said about them? What is really the fact, how do they act? What is the way, the sure way to find it out? How are they to be prepared, administered, etc?

To learn all this you must first have a knowledge of Chemistry, the great key to unlock the inner world of things. Chemistry will tell you all about the metals and the metalloids forming the mountains; tell you what is deposited as their foundation, what crystallizes in their veins, what is poured out in their fountains, and what is contained in the seas, and even what forms the ocean of air we breathe and live in. Without Chemistry you can understand neither the vegetable world, nor the animal, nor the formation of our body, nor its functions, nor the conditions of life, nor the causes of sickness, nor the ways and means to prevent or to heal it.

Further, you should have a knowledge of Botany. It was the beginning of the downfall of the old schools, to abolish the professorships of Botany in their Colleges. Since they had the impudence to declare Botany to be a study for girls, they began to murder methodically with Mercury and other metals, and to kill people by their alkaloids.

A true physician must have a knowledge of his tools, and without plants we cannot heal the sick. It was and shall be forever true, what is said of the tree of life: the leaf thereof shall be for medicine.

The next is Zoology. The number of animal medicines had been lessened very much, they were even disregarded and despised, since the remains of the middle ages had been shaken off; and it became the fashion to doubt as much as possible, in order to appear to be a wise man. Notwithstanding all this, Hahnemann has, by his researches, also opened the animal kingdom again to our art.

If you are sufficiently acquainted with the sources of Materia Medica, the next step, is to know how to prepare the drugs. A true master of his art must be independent and know how to help himself. It is not only to save the dollars; plenty will go to the apothecaries, and it is a blessing that we have such trustworthy assistants, but, if a good mechanic is able to make his own tools, should a physician not be able to do the same? The certainty we feel in handing a self-prepared medicine to our patient, is worth having. Let us at least now and then prepare a drug ourselves, following our great master also in this respect.

But the most important of all is the knowledge of the effects of our drugs.

In the good olden times of our school we considered it our duty to prove even newly prepared tinctures or triturations of Hahnemann's old medicines so as to be convinced of their efficacy, and many a useful symptom was obtained in this way. After potentizing a medicine we tried to convince ourselves of its efficacy, and took some of it ourselves; this kept us in the constant habit of observing, kept us on the lookout, like a sportsman walking through the woods.

And further, while we were preparing the so-called old medicines we never forgot our position as explorers of the unknown world of results, of effects; never forgetting the ground-work of our healing art, we prepared from time to time new medicines also; we made a regular proving at least once a year, often twice and even three times a year. These provings were the high feasts in our church, and you cannot consider yourselves true members of it without joining in these feasts.

Proving is a most wonderful thing, the world has never known it's like. We suffer, and we enjoy it; we sacrifice a little of our comfort, and gain abilities and power by it; we lose a part of a few days, and gain years of strength by it; we go to school to learn, and we increase the certainty of the healing art. At the same time, to prove drugs is of all other ways the very best, the nearest and the easiest to learn to master our Matera Medica. It is the way to learn; to observe the art of arts, the principal one, on which all others are based.

Thus if you ask an introduction into our Materia Medica, this is the most natural and the most effectual.

Our Materia Medica may seem to some like an impenetrable forest, but only to such as do not follow the example of our master. Suppose you live in the midst of a wilderness, and are not afraid to rise early, rain or shine, and go out to ramble through the woods; suppose you make the same exertion as a man who goes for the pleasure of shooting wild birds, the strange dark forest will very soon become a familiar hunting ground, where you easily find your way in and out again. Such an exertion we cannot expect of every one – I mean hunting in the woods, but the other exertion we have a right to expect everyone to make who intends to be a follower of Hahnemann.

We come to another division in our empire, we come to the bed-side of the sick, to the art of collecting and arranging the symptoms of a case before us.

At first sight, nothing seems to be easier for a Homoeopathician than the plain teaching of Hahnemann: take the symptoms, but all the symptoms. Either the patient, or, if it is a child, the mother or the nurse tells one symptom after another; the rest we see before us or hear, by sounding. Nothing seems to be easier, and it may be so sometimes, but a physician should be ready for all cases, not only for the easy ones as they occasionally happen to come in his way. And you will soon find the examination of the sick is not only the first thing you must learn, but you will find it the most difficult. Hahnemann's advice you will find is an entirely new one; never before taught. It will necessarily occupy the most of our time during the lectures on practice; and you will not only find that, as an art, it requires great skill, but it also requires of you, as a necessity, that you store up in your minds knowledge upon knowledge, science upon science; you have of course, in most cases, to complete the report given by the patient or nurse, by questions. But you cannot ask a single question, you cannot know what differs from health without knowing all about the healthy functions. Physiology is, in fact, the light you must constantly have at hand, to shed its rays on every symptom; you can do nothing without it. At the same time, we can never complete the symptoms, never look to them as influencing each other, never bring them into order without knowing all that has been collected and stored up for ages under the name of Pathology. To understand something about the connection of symptoms, to know the importance of the one above the other, to inquire in such directions as will lead to the full knowledge of all the symptoms, to be able to give an advice with regard to the diet and manner of living, to be able to tell with some probability what we have a right to expect as the next or prognosis, in fact, everyone of our acts as physicians requires Pathology.

Our opponents have said and still say," Hahnemann denies all science, particularly the science of Pathology." They have said so everywhere, all over the world, now these fifty years. As often as it has been said, it was a slander. It is not an error, not a misunderstanding, – no, it is a slander. No one that said so has ever tried to learn to examine the sick according to Hahnemann; they do not even know what is required to be able to do it nor what they must know before they can attempt it. Why is it that up to this day old-school physicians find it so difficult to learn to examine the sick according to Hahnemann? Why is it that most of them never learn it? It is so great a difficulty and for the majority insurmountable, that it has been the original cause of a split in the ranks of Homoeopathicians. Since thirty years a new sect of Half-Homoeopathcians has been started, some among them of even a lesser fraction than half, quarters, halves-of-quarters. This class of Homoeopathicians take as much Pathology as they can get hold of, fork it up, and put it down on the field of Homoeopathy; they push between themselves and their patients as many names of diseases as they have been able to commit to their memory; they take only a small number of the symptoms of a case, and give them a high ruling rank, and call them diagnostic symptoms, change them into a name and are ruled by such names, not by symptoms. It may be much easier for such doctors, it certainly is not for their patients. These halves or quarters call their doctrine an improvement; they call it the perfection of our healing art, whilst they turn the carriage back and downhill into the mud again, out of which Hahnemann had with his herculean power lifted it, and, after ages, was the first to turn the wheels of our art forward. They call this an improvement, because it makes the examination of the sick and all the rest of our art so much easier for them. They are exactly like the slaveholders in our times, the slaveholders who preach to the world this strange doctrine, that the most perfect state of society, in fact the only "respectable" one is to have a handful of men called the aristocracy, to form the "republic," and to rule it; the rest of the inhabitants are either what is called "white trash" or black slaves. The former do not care to learn to read and write, and the latter are forbidden to learn it. Such a miserable imitation of the slavonic Asiatic nations they call an improvement! Call it the most perfect state of human society! With the same contradiction to common sense, such "would-be" Homoeopathicians call their half or quarter Homoeopathy the progressed, the improved, the most perfect system of medicine. They introduce a similar kind of aristocracy among the symptoms, where a few are to overrule the rest, and the same aristocracy they introduce into their revised and improved Materia Medica; for instance, fever and hot skin and quickened pulse – Aconitc is to be given of course; difficulty in swallowing and redness of the skin, and of course Belladonna is the remedy; if both are to be found together or blended, of course both remedies are to be given in alternation, and as they pretend to be homoeopathic, they do not mix them in the same tumbler, but prefer to mix them in the same stomach.

Hahnemann's doctrine is to examine each case as if it were the only one, regard each sick person as the true sole object, and each case as an individual one. The healing art has according to Hahnemann the sick as its sole object, not the sickness.

A quarter of a century ago this main rule of Hahnemann's healing art was already expressed by his followers in these words: We have nothing to do with disease, we have only the sick to treat. Diseases are never an object of cure, only the sick. As we cannot plough the fields with the horse in natural history, but must have a real one out of a stable, just so we must have a real drug and know it's real symptoms, and likewise we must know the one sick patient and his real symptoms.

Five years ago the latest writer of a history of medicine told his astonished readers (Wunderlich, Gesch. d. Med. p. 360) the main idea, the ruling thought of the new intuition. "In the medical art of our age, the main idea is, the physician's calling is not to cure the diseases but the diseased."

So says one of the bitterest opponents of Homoeopathy. He stole his remark, like all and every good one in his book, from others, this one from Professor Oppolzer, and Oppolzer had adopted it. Oppolzer is a great allopathist, but a reader of homoeopathic journals, and is famous for his good memory.

You see, there is hope, there is a beginning; the rays of the morning sun fall on the old school. It is high time for all of you to rally round Hahnemann and not remain behind the age like the quarter men; never forget, as they do, when examining a patient, that we have to heal the sick, and have nothing to do with diseases; never forget, that this is the main idea of our age.

This brings us to the third part of our bird's-eye-view, the shortest part in an Introductory, the longest in your life.

Suppose you have prepared yourself to know the means of healing, suppose you are properly informed in all the knowledge indispensable for the examination of the sick; suppose you are artistically skilled in it, by what rule must we apply the means we are master of, to the cases before us? We all know Hahnemann's answer in three words or even two words. It is our sole rule, it is the great law of nature. It will be the object of more than one lecture, to show you how such a plain, briefly expressed rule can be applied. In some cases it is easy enough, in others very difficult, and we must know how to meet all such apparent and real difficulties. You will find that it requires the skill almost of a general, of a good tactician. One little thing you ought to keep in mind from the beginning, from the very first hour. In the national meeting of the so-called allopathic physicians of the United States, a by-law was passed unanimously. All students of medicine, all physicians, whether they have studied medicine in all its branches for months or for years or not at all, are declared to be, if they follow a simple rule, or if they make a general law of nature their keystone, they are without exception declared to be quacks. Webster's dictionary must be altered and must give this "improved" definition, or else the whole body of physicians will reject it as imperfect. So they say. And you will have to make up your minds, in spite of all your learning, in spite of all your cures-to be quacks. They exclude us, because they would like to get rid of us, but there are two sides to the question. They did not ask us whether we wished to get rid of them.

Again, the case is exactly parallel with the southern states wishing to get rid of the Yankees and expel the six Yankee states, the main obstacle in their way, because they think they can easily rule the rest afterwards.

But there are also two sides to this question. The Yankees do not want to get rid of the union, and if they were driven to the necessity, they would come down from their mountains, invincible men, with money by the millions, and conquer the whole continent.

So it is with us. The Allopathists try their best to get rid of us, but we will not get rid of them. We will study all the sciences, all natural sciences, all medical sciences, every discovery they make, every invention, if it is really useful, we intend, as well as themselves, to master all they master, and our own art besides.

May our College be one of the means to increase the number of such as are really able to heal the sick. Let the fashionable schools try to exclude us in civil life, they cannot exclude us from the free empire of science, nor can they prevent our healing the sick. The time will come, when we will have "men and money" to rush down like an avalanche from our mountains and reconquer our domain – the whole continent of the healing art.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1865, pages 481-489]

[Description: Introductory Lecture.]

[Author: Hering, C.]

[Year: 1865]

OUR MATERIA MEDICA. ["Advice to Beginners, Etc.;" a lecture delivered at the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania, October, 1864.]

By Constantine Hering M.D., Philadelphia, PA.

So you would begin in earnest to study the Materia Medica, if you had a "purified" one. You have heard so many say they had found a hair in the soup served up by Hahnemann, that you have lost your appetites! If you intend to wait for Hahnemann's purification, you may have to wait a long while; may the Lord comfort your patients! But to him among you who really means to come and work hard, I will give some good advice that will give him a real appetite, especially if he possesses a sound intellectual stomach. But, first of all, this so-called "purification" must be done away with.

When purification is spoken of, regarding a Materia Medica expressly called "pura" by Hahnemann himself, the beginning of false judgment and the impulse leading to a permanent confusion of ideas is already given.

If it is intended to refute Hahnemann, as his opponents have already done, then it is another matter; their first object being to distort and twist the meaning of words. If it is intended, as all the purifiers have really done, to imitate their opponents in everything, then indeed it may serve its purpose. But all this must be dropped, if we really intend to further the healing art; and in this case we must not use the word "purification" in an entirely different sense from that in which Hahnemann used the word "pure." What Hahnemann meant by "pure" and why he used this expression has been clearly defined by his own words, and has been sufficiently discussed; it certainly is not synonymous with "spotless." In his Fragmenta he speaks of "viribus positivis, absolutis;" more pertinently and correctly he afterwards called his Materia Medica "pure," in order to indicate its freedom from fiction, experimental cures, preconceived opinions and abstract ideas. Such impurities are not found in the least degree in the whole eleven volumes.

That much found its way in, which had better come out again, shall not be denied. If this is to be eliminated, it should be called revision. But what do the purifiers propose to reject?

1st. Many, perhaps most, of the quotations from ancient authors.

So they have ascended and descended with praiseworthy assiduity the library ladders; have opened old dusty quartos and folios, and shut them again and were happy when they found evidence against Hahnemann. But what is all this for? Strike out, if you will, quotations and all from the Materia Medica, and then see what becomes of the remedy. Each one remains exactly as it was, not a single one among them is in the least changed in its characteristic peculiarities. But if nothing is to be gained, why this scrubbing and scouring of brass buttons? The object is, after all, to vanquish the foe, but that can be done with unscoured buttons as well.

2nd. They intend to root out the symptoms belonging to the individual who proved the remedy, and imagine that the quantity of symptoms recurring among many remedies proved by one individual, belonged to him and not to the remedy. The non-recurring symptoms, on the other hand, are regarded as peculiar to the remedy, and not to the prover. Singular! Since we have of one prover but a few provings, of a second a few more, of a third more still, how many provings are requisite in order to be justified in striking out? What could be done with such provings, where the same prover could only prove a few remedies? They would have to be laid aside entirely. Suppose, e. g., we had six or seven provings of one prover, and then erased all repeated by recurring symptoms, say one-half; but then, suppose our prover to furnish six or seven provings of other remedies, in that case a mass of symptoms would again present themselves to be erased from the remedy already half demolished. But that were an endless striking out. Whoever wishes to try it, may begin with the provings in the Oesterreichische Zeitschrift, and then see what he has gained. Among Hahnemann's disciples and provers, single symptoms, obtained from male and female friends, were unconditionally added to the report. You are not certain, in a single case, that the prover observed all the symptoms upon himself. Of Hahnemann's own, it is positively known that he observed and collected them without distinction of person, upon many different people. Only in regard to the Austrian provings we are certain; let those who will, begin with the latter their process of assorting and erasing individual symptoms! It will then be found that the symptoms of the same prover of different remedies will indeed coincide much less with one another, than is the case with Hahnemann's provers, and that undoubtedly is progress and a preference; but, alas! another difficulty soon arises. How great must the similarity of symptoms be, how close the coincidences of expression, and how far must either the same or different organs be affected? Compare, for example, the similarity of Aconite and Bryonia, and the related remedies Bryonia and Colocynth. Where, in this case, is the boundary of that which is to be eliminated? The entire individual-symptom-purification depends on this boundary, which cannot be drawn by arbitrary power like that of the Erlking.

3rd. All the "impure" symptoms of "patients" belong to what should be eliminated. But there a boundary line would have to be drawn through a mass of humanity so dense that even the Erlking's might would be powerless. In a large city of a given number of inhabitants, we have, next to a certain number of daily deaths, a ten or hundred-fold greater number of patients lying in bed; a very rapidly increasing ratio of less and less sick patients, and an exceedingly great number of those who are still able to attend to their business; and lastly the greatest number of those who are neither sick nor well. Then the proportion of those less sick rapidly decreases; but entirely, ideally well, without any complaint at all, even without dormant dyscrasia and unpoisoned, either by Rhubarb or kine pox, we shall see but few, and soon none at all. For the sake of illustration, if this were to be represented by a curve, this mass of humanity arranged according to its degrees of health, would assume the form of a black radish, held by its green tuft, not upwards but downwards, (representing mortality, resurrection etc.,) while its root and few radicles pointing upward, would represent the "pictures of health." If you cut a whole radish transversely across its thickest part, it will be apparent that the upper half at first appearing as the largest, is the smallest when separated. Thus it is with the well and the sick.

The question then is, how far shall the caudal extremity of the radish be bobtailed, since that is to be thrown away when the radish is eaten? In the purification of the Materia Medica, on the contrary, it is considered as alone worth keeping, and as health-bringing.

4th. But the fourth and most prolific activity is manifested in the endeavors to arouse suspicion, and in calumny of individuals: the casting out of the black sheep. Here one is said to have approached the mirror too often to examine his pupils, without sufficient knowledge of all the optical and physical improvements made tens of years afterwards. Then, another is accused of having used the milliners employed by his wife, for the purpose of manufacturing symptoms; and, just as the peasant women of Tiefenfort decorated themselves with the ribbons and caps obtained from the factory of the mistress, in like manner did Hartlaub and Trink's pure Materia Medica 1 – 3, and, later, Hartlaub and Trink's Annals, parade the provings derived from the symptom-factory of the husband. And as the ribbons and caps of those peasants, in the region of Tiefenfort in Bohemia, have become old-fashioned, in like manner have the productions of the symptom-factory of that well-meaning but logically inexperienced Surgeon Cajetan Nenning gone out of fashion and belong in the lumber room along with the bivalvular hoop-skirts of ancient spinsters.

Twenty years ago (not now) another class of doomed provers were subjected to the ordeal of bottle-flies and other insects, and were called bashful, sensitive, timid, more timid, most timid, white-livered sensationalists. In Paris, on the other hand, the work was done more boldly, by placing the necks of such people under the guillotine, and the word was "heads off!" What an enormous lot of symptoms must have tumbled into the pit along with the corpses! The pure Materia Medica stood like a man of snow in the March sun, melting away, leaving only the dismal eyes of charcoal and the pipe stem. That is called the foundation of a life saving healing art. Such, it is thought, are the four hinges of the gates that close or open our domains.

But, say the undaunted, if this is not to be called "purification," then call it revision, necessary by all means! And in case of insurmountable difficulties, arising out of disagreement regarding the capacity of implements to be employed in the sifting process, one point would stand above all doubt; a security must be demanded, and this, Hufeland would have said, should be demanded in tones of thunder.

This, as a matter of course, is willingly admitted at the outset. Among remedies there is a great difference regarding their value; this applies with equal force to the provers, as well as to individual symptoms of each remedy. On this point, then, we are a unit; why then do our paths diverge henceforth? Indeed, they do not even diverge, but we proceed in directions so entirely opposite that we strike our heads together. It is no ordinary misunderstanding, common among men, leading to this or that side from the right path, but an essentially opposite fundamental idea, not simply leading astray, but in consequence of which "minds burst upon each other." Why must we cut loose from each other, as the school of Hahnemann in its totality does from that of its opponents, who hate and despise us? Why must we witness a repetition of the same hatred and scorn? Do we not wish to cure all our patients? Do we not strive to render the task easier, and to acquire quick, precise decision regarding the one right remedy, in every case? Who would always flounder like the camels in the desert of symptoms, or seek the mountain paths among brambles and rocks, like goats.

The great chief difference is this: we followed the counsels of Hahnemann, and when we found it difficult to cure or failed altogether, we thought the fault lay in ourselves. But the opponents of Hahnemann, within his school, blamed the Materia Medica instead of themselves. While we at length achieved artistic facility by dint of perseverance, thereby augmenting our respect towards Hahnemann's Materia Medica, the opponents in our own camp made the Materia Medica the great scapegoat of their want of success, vieing with each other in expositions, kickings and bickerings without end. Who could expect them to approach such a mass of symptoms, replete with uncertainties, much more to enter these newly opened halls of books with reverence, to inspect and search again and again in each new case of disease, baffling all curative efforts. That was the manner in which we mastered the old remedies, as well as the new.

Berberis is a good illustration; when the proving of this remedy reached Allentown, it created surprise on account of its numerous symptoms, comprising one thousand two hundred and twelve in all. The students thought they could more easily eat their way through the mountain of pudding, like the mouse in the fable, than conquer this remedy. The translation of Jahr's Manual was then in progress. The tedious work was accomplished, and an extract made; one thousand two hundred and twelve symptoms were reduced to two hundred and ninety-six, the juicy grapes became dried and shriveled raisins, pressed singly or in bundles into various compartments. The seeds, nevertheless, yielded the following prolific vines upon this soil.

Dr. Jeanes cured by Berberis a fistula of the rectum, with short cough and other chest symptoms. This curious complication of fistula ani with consumption, was discussed among us in 1834, and corroboroted by many analogous cases. With the appearance of fistula ani, the chest symptoms sometimes disappear; but after the so-called operation for fistula, the patients often die with irremediable consumption. The alkaline Phosphate of Lime which we proved at that time, but which is not yet printed, produced symptoms corresponding to both the above named conditions. Our knowledge of these facts led to the frequent exhibition of the remedy with great success.

Dr. Jeanes reported the case of a fistula recti of three month's standing, combined with frequent, troublesome short cough, sallow color of face, etc. After Berberis^18, the cough ceased within forty-eight hours, and the fistula improved for a few weeks. Then the patient had an attack of bilious colic, to which he had been much subject three years ago, and which was relieved by Colocynth. Then the fistula continued to improve, and healed completely, after the eruption of boils, which took place after several weeks.

Dr. Jeanes ascertained that another patient, frequently suffering with so-called bilious colic followed by jaundice, was permanently cured by drinking an infusion prepared from the bark of the root of Berberis.

Dr. Lingen cured a painful diarrhea preceded by rumbling, with burning sensation and pain on the left side in the descending colon. The burning extended down through the anus, but did not come at night. In another case, old yellow blotches about the navel had vanished, with desquamation, after Berberis. Dr. Lingen pointed out how frequently the symptoms of Berberis corresponded to chronic gonorrhea.

Dr. Kitchen used it successfully in affections of the kidneys, marked by continuous straining to urinate, and pain in the neck of the bladder, particularly burning; and passing but little urine. Subsequently it was also used in a case where the burning was felt at the extremity of the glans penis, but within the urethra particularly.

Dr. Neidhard used it in many affections of the kidneys, marked particularly by burning and soreness in the region of the kidneys. Also particularly when kidney disease is followed by sour or bitter taste in the mouth with congestion of the neck, together with good appetite, bolting of food and reddish sediment in the urine. He reports another very important case, in which he was governed entirely by the symptoms. A patient who had been operated upon for strabismus suffered from violent stinging pains, at first going from the knee toward the eyes, then passing through the eye inwardly, or from the temple toward the eye, sometimes flying toward the arm; Berberis brought relief, and a farther application of this experience may be expected.

Dr. Lippe used it in very many cases of renal and vesical affections and passage of small calculi, whenever the urinary symptoms of Berberis were accompanied by the pain in the hips which characterizes this remedy. He cured by means of Berberis a severe stinging behind the right ear appearing in paroxysms, with aggravation every evening. It was also used in several cases of stiffness in, the neck, (throat?) sometimes one-sided, also with internal puffiness, similar to Pulsatilla.

Dr. Pehrson used it when indicated by a feeling of a lump in the throat, with very violent pains before and during stool, resembling constriction, "feces could not pass through," also heat of the body in the afternoon.

Dr. Williamson cured with Berberis a case of violent burning and stinging in the urethra of a woman aged fifty, since the cessation of menses.

N. N. used it in a case of chronic ovarian disease, in four doses of the 6th in absence of voluptuousness during coition.

Dr. Ingals wrote that Berberis had decidedly improved the following case: A man aged 70 or 80, suffered from a cord-like induration along the dorsum of the penis, reaching to the end of the corpora cavernosa, causing a considerable curve of the glans upwards during erection, the symptom of Berberis being "the penis harder and retracted."

This list of cases might easily be prolonged, particularly if the accumulation of reports and memoranda, collected around the mines of our experience should be sifted.

Nothing was experienced in Germany in the first decennium after the appearance of this proving, notwithstanding the inviting report of Widemann, (Hygea iv, p. 97, 1836,) who, notwithstanding his neat cure, thinks it his duty and according to fashion, to complain of the one thousand two hundred and twelve symptoms, as well as to protest against drawing hasty conclusions regarding the case reported by him.

So little did Widemann comprehend Hahnemann's Materia Medica, that he thought it fit to remark, p. 99, "no great inventive faculty is requisite, in order to hunt up several appropriate symptoms corresponding to many and various diseases, among those (one thousand two hundred and twelve!) enumerated by Hesse!" What dreadful conceit! What an entire want of clear conception of given facts, furnished on the one hand by the case itself, and by the symptoms of the remedy on the other! What has "inventive faculty" to do with such a case? There is nothing at all to be invented, and why this contempt of one of the most significant intellectual functions of the human mind, serving the high purpose of curing disease?

Nothing but the absurd fashion of those days has called forth the above remarks. The onions of doubt were cut up, till the pungent vapor obscured clear vision and distorted the objects standing clearly in view. Almost all symptoms presented by Widemann's patient were to be found among those of Berberis, and the most important, decisive symptoms of the case were at the same time prominent and peculiar indications of the remedy. No other remedy of the Materia Medica presented an equal similarity, and more than this, the remedy administered in 3/6 produced new symptoms which likewise corresponded to symptoms found among the one thousand two hundred and twelve! These, too, were plainly specific. The patient, whose case had dragged along several years, has been well for four weeks, "having danced at a party." But lo! The doctor shrugs his scientific shoulders, because "we cannot know what might follow." Suppose now, the entire case of the woman had reappeared, and the same remedy, instead of being given in higher and higher dynamizations "must," from prejudice, be given stronger and stronger without benefit etc., what conclusions could have been drawn? None, except that the industriously collected facts of Hesse were, singly and collectively, corroborated. Could Hesse have survived the success obtained by homoeopathic physicians, returning to the alone-curing method of Hahnemann, he would have experienced the pleasure of seeing the inexhaustible fountain of his excellent production giving relief for all generations to come. Rosenberg's case of coryza (Oehme 166) is sufficiently important to lead to further results. Also Buchner's case of Berberia (A. H. Z. 47, 176.) is useful in confirming many facts. But the best of all these cures is that of Veit. Meyer, in the A. H. Z. 53. 176. Oehme 5. 270. More are ardently hoped for.

If all these cured symptoms were underscored in the proving of Hesse, they would at once bear a defined and determined aspect, like a painting which cannot deceive.

Why should we be detained and bothered by erasing? What would it avail to scrape and erase the strong dark lines of a line engraving, representing a human figure? Look at the face and take it as it is.

"But not a single scraper or eraser or broom-maker has assailed Berberis." For this very reason this remedy furnishes the best example; its numerous symptoms having been lamented. But this was the first thing to be done away with; this fear of insurmountable numbers is a miserable delusion. On the contrary, the more symptoms a remedy has, even were they a hundred thousand strong, the more surely and distinctly – for it cannot well be more easily in matters of such importance – the experienced reader will discover at first sight, the character of the whole. Would it not appear singular if a well schooled violinist should be afraid of the number of notes in a symphony of Beethoven? Why should a physician shrink from such labor?

Supposing Berberis were "pure," and the rest really impure, which, however, cannot be admitted, could we not, in a similar manner form a correct idea concerning them? Would not this process lead to certainty in the course of years?

Suppose now the attempt were successfully made, and prior to all other experiments patients were cured; whereupon all the cured cases were remembered or noted with red ink in the registers of symptoms; then suppose, we were thereby enabled to achieve more cures, placing them among the "conglomerations of symptoms," would not that gradually define the character of the one dim picture in strong relief?

But one condition still exists, no matter whether great or small; we must have cures, and consequently achieve cures, even at the risk of blundering a little. Our own cures should be numerous, and the more of them we have, the better; else the reports of others would not be credited. For a "man of education" (so-called) never believes what he cannot understand, particularly not the physician if he has a "medical education." That has been proved by the Petersburg folios, wherein all homoeopathic cures were crushed to pulp. The same was done by the little imitations of those great folios, on the part of "scientific" Homoeopathists versus the Hahnemannians in general. Only our own cures enable us to judge the cures of others.

But how stands the case if these cures should fail occasionally, or even in most instances, what then? We could not be expected to accept in good faith the cures of others, particularly of suspicious "fanatics" or "one-sided amateurs!" But the fault, of some kind, must be somewhere, if the expected cures are not forthcoming.

As a matter of course, the question pertains only to curable cases; for everything declared as incurable hitherto by "scientific" physicians must necessarily remain so. But supposing the cases were curable, even easily curable, and all other conditions were fulfilled, – but notwithstanding all this the patients did not get so rapidly well, or not at all, as we are told to believe – an important alternative remains — either we are to blame, or something else is.

If we mortals are unsuccessful, or have met with adversity, we are always ready to place the cause upon external objects. Since we are bound to consider all homoeopathic physicians, from the recruit up to the scar-covered veteran, as men subject to adversities, we have a right to assume, that in case of failure in an attempt at curing, the reason must exist somewhere among us. As natural laws must be applied analogously in all instances, our first thought would be, in case of failure that perhaps the dose was too small, or was not often enough repeated. Then supposing cures to become less and less frequent, particularly rapid cures of acute diseases, and permanent cures in chronic diseases, what then? One remedy might have been wrongly selected; but if many were selected in rapid succession, another remedy having been given every few hours or days, should not the right one have been hit upon, once, in all probability? Particularly if the person making the selection was neither an "one-sided amateur," nor an "orthodox fanatic," but, on the contrary, a highly educated physician, who could "exert his judgment," "after mature and profound reflection," "with great intellectual ability," and who "does not lack the criteria of experience," could, in such a case, the cause of failure be sought after outside of the Materia Medica? If "scientific" physicians could not succeed in its use, it necessarily follows that it must be condemned as "unscientific;" and since we must yet wait awhile, until essays with and without prizes have alleviated this essential deficiency, the Materia Medica should first of all be purified. Even very respectable beginners have arrived at this conclusion.

Notwithstanding the propriety of this conclusion, another question regarding the above named alternative must be permitted. How much brushing is required in order to make a coat fit? If remedies do not fit the case; purification will never make them do so.

The purpose of purification is one worthy of respect, since the remedies are thereby rendered more sure and prompt in their action, as well as more accessible. They are rendered more sure on account of the firmer foundation they have received; they are more prompt because they may be cut to suit pathological indications, and more accessible because "intellectual ability," combined with "mature and profound reflection," would select remedies about as follows: Aconite for phlogosis, Colocynth for hyperaesthesia of the nerves, Thuja for dermatic excrescences, etc. Everything else that might have escaped this cleansing process must henceforth be considered as thrown out.

The purpose, then is a proper one, and sanctions the means and clears our Materia Medica. Whoever thinks so may adhere to this kind of purification and strike out. But whoever wishes to make the proof of the sum, may try the following rules for purification, under-scoring instead of erasing.

The Materia Medica comprises three divisions; a, six volumes of pure Materia Medica; b, five volumes of Antipsorics; c, all the rest of scattered material; but all are accessible to everybody, and can be had, cheap as penny songs.

Since the purifiers have thrown their entire force exclusively upon division a, preferring to reject b entire, and without ceremony, and annihilating c, by severely ignoring it.

Since the first of these divisions has chiefly established the renown of Homoeopathy on the face of the earth, because it contains all those remedies principally used in acute diseases, and in daily practice, while we, with the rest of mankind, are indebted to it for a rich harvest of cases, firmly establishing our confidence in future success: therefore we gave the preference to the process of under-scoring in place of erasing.

Let each one remember that the ultimate object is critical analysis, and that consequently it is in fashion; it is criticism with red ink, only in the opposite direction, that is the whole difference, and no one should shun so slight a trouble.

In every successful cure, especially if it was accomplished by one remedy, we should review all the carefully noted (as a matter of course) symptoms of the case; then the Materia Medica is consulted again (as should have been done in selecting the remedy); search out the symptom, or symptoms, like those of the cured case, and mark them. At first a little mark will be enough; the second time it is lengthened, and at the third or even tenth, yea, the hundredth time, we may feel big, and make our mark accordingly, or even place a to point it out. Symptoms which are not found in the list are noted in the memorandum book.

This simple, straight-forward method should be adopted not only by one but by many, and continued as long as possible; for if the post hoc practice (not to say the propter hoc practice possibly proving true) should increase to such an extent, the chances would be even, and the difficulty greater.

Suppose a community of Homoeopathcians should spin these red lines into a red yarn, becoming visible in every shred of rope throughout the entire navy. Suppose, moreover, we had a complete edition of the entire Materia Medica, wherein these corroborative observations were noted, and likewise those obtained from trustworthy friends, of whom each one must have at least one or more, and then it will be something worth having. It will be gradual of course; but did not Hahnemann protract his labors over twenty years before he began to publish them? Perhaps we too may learn something in twenty years.

This then is briefly a proposition made for the purpose of securing the certainty of the Materia Medica, which process, though not a purification, or sifting, gradually tends to the same end.

But it must be presumed that no one will be vain enough to find a hair in the soup: indeed it is hot, and so is the work; but there are plenty of ways and means.

Ernest Wagner tells a story of a man who went about among people as a guest, with a sound stomach and wits, so that people liked to see him. Grace being said, he never failed to crumb bread into his soup, saying that he always did so because, firstly, it cooled the soup; secondly, it made more of it; and, thirdly, he liked it better that way. After that he would make such good use of his spoon, that it was a pleasure to see him.

Let that stand for us as an example. First of all, remember how many honorable men have sat at our board, to enjoy the meal with us after toil. Always labor first and come afterwards. Do not heed the imperfections of the repast, but take the bread of life and crumb it in – that is, cure your patients.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 01, 1865, pages 07-12, pages 48-54, pages 121-124]

[Description: Our Materia Medica]

[Author: Hering, C.]

[Year: 1865]

Proposal to Publish a Standard Work on Materia Medica. — The original observations on which our materia medica is based, the results of provings as well as the result of practice, are scattered about in our literature. Since Hahnemann gave us his "Arzneimittellehre" in six volumes, and its continuation in the four volumes of his "Chronic Diseases," no larger work has appeared; and after Hahnemann's death no new edition of any of his works was published.

In the meantime Homoeopathy has had a great number of journals, besides hundreds of smaller and larger works; has spread from Germany to France and Italy, to England and Spain, and has particularly been adopted by thousands in America. Provings have been made, and re-provings (nachprufungen); but all these valuable observations are scattered about in journals and books. The difficulty which homoeopathic practitioners experienced in getting "posted up," increased from year to year until it became an impossibility.

Extracts took the place of the original and complete reports of provings; the period of Jahr, Noak and Trinks, Possart and the period of repertories set in.

The intention of all such books was to enable physicians to find, for each case before them, the nearest corresponding medicine, as the one which would most likely cure. They not only collected what was scattered and inaccessible except to the few; they also shortened and condensed. They aimed to make it easier, but in this the same mistake was made that physicians make in ordering the extract of a pound of flesh, supposing that, if swallowed, it would give the same nourishment as the same pound of flesh properly prepared, cut, chewed and gradually digested by the stomach. It never will do such a thing, and never has done it. Besides that, the experience of the last twenty-five years has more than sufficiently proved, not only how incomplete and inefficient all such books are, but also, how injurious to our art. The period may have been a necessary one, an intermediate transition state of our art, but it has decidedly not favored mastership in the materia medica of our school.

All such books were shorter, and of course ought to have saved time; but, on the contrary, it took more time to find in them what we wanted. A large dictionary, well arranged, saves time, while with a condensed smaller one we lose time by fruitless search.

All such books seemed also cheaper, but still our literature became more and more expensive through them; when editors and publishers made arrangements to save a few dollars in the printing of them – for instance by letting the symptoms run on in the same line, or by a horrible number of abbreviations — our eyes and our minds were tortured by using such books, and we not only lost time, but even our willingness to look over the mass, and to compare and become familiar with what is the most important in our art, i. e. with the minutiae.

Whereas our eyes could glide over the large number of symptoms, if singly printed, with the same ease with which a bird, soaring in the air, views the field and its furrows, we now stumble along and totter about, more like turtles ashore or terrapins on ploughed ground; and when once we fall on our back it is hard work to get upon our feet again.

But the worst of all is the dependence in which we are placed. We depend upon the views and notions of the individual who prepared the extract. We are, in this respect, like birds caged in and hung up against the wall, to be fed with whatever our master pleases to let us have.

A Homoeopathician will never learn to master the materia medica, overlooking and commanding the whole, as a general does the regiments of his army, as long as he is dependent on such extracts.

Thus it is a large work that we need, containing all that has been obtained thus far, and as complete as it can possibly be made, spaciously printed, arranged for the eyes, facilitating the operation of the mind through them, and enabling everyone to look over it quickly and with ease, and to find particulars when wanted.

Having been engaged for the last twenty-five years, by daily additions and arrangements, in the preparation of such a work, we presume that the main objection – In fact the only one – to publishing it, might be the high price.

Books for everybody are cheap; books for a minority, and therefore for physicians in general, must bring a higher price; books only for a minority among the physicians, consequently the highest. Thus no publisher could undertake a work of such extent. The only way is to do without a publisher, to have it printed for subscribers, and at their expense, and in order to avoid all risk, the first edition of at least five hundred, if possible one thousand copies, to such only as prepay. This will make it one of the cheapest books of its kind. Thus, under the following

Conditions. – Every subscriber giving his full name and residence, and paying in advance not less than five dollars, receives a check, and for every additional five dollars a separate check. For such checks every agent of the work is bound to give to hearer, at any time when presented, as many sheets of the work as have been printed after the date of said check, for cost price, free by mail, in the form of a journal or newspaper. Said cost price consists of one per thousand, or in case of a smaller number of subscribers, one and a half or two per thousand of (the cost of) stereotyping the plates for each sheet, and the price of paper and printing, and the mailing of it by sheets. If binding is ordered, the original cost of the same is added. An account of expenses in full is to be given on the cover.

Every subscriber will receive as many sheets as are paid for in advance, and a notification of the period when his subscription runs out. No credit to be given, not even to the publisher himself, who must pay in advance for every copy he wants besides the proof sheets.

No free copies shall be sent to editors or publishers. The trade price afterwards is to be double the cost price, the plates and copyright becoming the property of the editor. Every subscriber is invited to send by mail, in legible letters, his views, propositions and preferences; every such letter will be duly acknowledged and answered on the cover.

Additions from trustworthy colaborers are welcome, and will be added; contributors receive a fee after the publication of the work is secured, by checks for the work, not cash.

The Plan of the Work. – The work will be published in monographs, the main medicines and those most proved each in a separate volume, and the clinical experience given separately.

The smaller, less known medicines are to be given in families and the clinical observations united with the symptoms in the same schema. When the smaller provings make it desirable, the symptoms of several families with their more or less known drugs shall be placed together in one volume. The main rule shall be to publish what is ready for the press as soon as the money for printing has been advanced. As nearly as possible the order is to be the following: a chemical drug, a plant and drug of animal origin, alternatively, and in each kingdom to follow the natural order.

The whole work will, even in a few years, show, like the map of a newly discovered world, how far our explanations have been extended and what still remains for us to do.

The first number will contain the schemes, fully elaborated, in German and English, serving as a key to the whole work and at the same time as a glossary to settle all the difficulties of translation. As the majority of proving thus far were originally written in German, and as now the majority of homoeopathic physicians speak the English tongue, it has been thought best to use both languages in opposite columns, facilitating at the same time a familiarity with both languages.

The first volume will contain Sulphur, all the symptoms given by Hahnemann, by the Austrian provers and others, arranged according to the schema, like all other drugs afterwards.

As another series of monographs, which will be separately announced as soon as a sufficient number of colaborers are secured to be able to continue the publication with an equal promptitude to that which can be promised in regard to the first series, a history of each of our proved drugs will be given, in the manner first introduced by Dr. Stapf and afterwards adopted by Dr. Franz, Dr. Seidel, Dr. Noak and particularly by the Austrian provers; a history containing the introduction of the drug into Materia Medica, its application according to the different opinions of the older schools and cases of poisoning, if there are such, etc. To this will be annexed all the day-books of the provers as far as they can possibly be obtained.

Such a work would be a real basis to Materia Medica, as a science, in the same measure as our first series will be the basis of our art as an art of healing.

Repertory. – A repertory according to the same schema has also been in preparation for several years, based upon the manuscript of the Materia Medica, and shall be printed in parts according to the main divisions; the first part, containing the mental symptoms, will be arranged by Dr. Raue as the most efficient colaborer in this psychological part, and shall be printed as soon as finished. It will be considered as belonging to the Materia Medica and will be sent to all the subscribers without further notice. Notwithstanding the high prices at this moment, the work may be delivered to the first thousand prepaying subscribers, in the large dictionary size, like Allibone's Biographical Dictionary, at an approximately (not binding) estimated cost of one sheet for ten or fifteen cents; for five dollars prepaid the subscriber may receive at least thirty, or if the number of subscribers amount to one thousand or if paper becomes cheaper, as many as fifty sheets. Renewing the subscriptions once or twice every year, within a few years every subscriber will be in possession of the completest work on Materia, Medica which has ever appeared, and of which the trade price may be very nearly one hundred dollars.

A homoeopathic practitioner will not be considered as fitted out for his profession without this work.

Philadelphia, July 4th, 1864. Constantine Hering.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 02, 1864, pages 88-96]

[Description: Proposal to Publish a Standard Work on Materia Medica]

[Author: Hering, C]

[Year: 1864]

PROVING OF LITHIUM CARBONICUM.

BY CONSTANTINE HERING, M.D., PHILADELPHIA.

Introduction. — Many friends of our cause, when it was proposed to prove Lithium, objected that it was too rare a substance; that the hunting after rarities divides and exhausts our forces. To this, the following may be said in reply:

Suppose it were proved that widely diffused substances have a widely diffused application and so in proportion — that, accordingly, weeds belong to the most important drugs, it would still be important to acquire a knowledge of the rarer substances,

1. Purely for the sake of science,

2. With a view to the treatment of the less common diseases, which present themselves the more frequently to us Homoeopathists, and by the curing of which our reputation is established or maintained,

3. Because, in truth, we do not yet know very much about the origin and diffusion of substances.

But, in fact, the above proposition is by no means proven. True, Silex is one of the most widely diffused substances. And Silicea is a Polychrest; we administer it in very manifold diseases and could not get along without it. Common salt, lime, carbon might be cited as other examples and the conclusion drawn; widely diffused remedial agents correspond to widely diversified diseases! But yet this would be false! "We must admit the correctness of an altogether different conclusion. It is true that Silex is found in the greatest abundance in the crust of the globe — more so than any other earth. It is also present in plants and necessarily so, although in relatively less quantities and yet as it appears, more important. It is found also in the human body, but in a. still smaller relative quantity.

Now since Silicea can unquestionably induce, in the smallest doses, the most remarkable changes in the human organism, can effect the most important cures, may we not rather draw another conclusion, viz.: constituents of the body, though smallest as regards quantity, produce the greatest effect. Perhaps the facts are to be regarded inversely and Silicea is so important a remedy, not because it predominates in the crust of the globe, but because it exists, in the smallest quantity, in the human body.

Hahnemann has demonstrated that effect and quantity are not proportional to each other; from this many sequences follow. Those who cling to quantity may make as long faces as they please * * that does not alter the matter. Every substance which is contained in the body as a constant constituent, is necessary; it has therefore a constant, necessary function, although our Physiology, still in its infancy, may not yet enable us to recognize it. This function must be so: much the more important, the smaller the quantity of the substance. Substances of this kind, probably exist in the body in the same condition of attenuation ("Spauning") as that into which our remedies are brought and which Hahnemann called potency ("Potenz"). They develop the activity discovered by Hahnemann, and which, though analogous to chemical action, is yet a higher, a more important, a conditioning and withal a physiological action. If the same substances in the same condition, be laid upon the balance of the living organism, they disturb, throughout, the whole body, the functions of this substance, i. e., they give rise to symptoms.

If they be placed upon the balance in appropriate cases of illness, where the similarity, i. e., likeness and contrariety, is conditioned by illness, they cure.

This conjecture has grown out of a great multitude of experiments on myself and others, on animals and plants; that is to say, many definite experiments led to the above explanations as their probable basis.

It may certainly be objected, that it is questionable whether the experiments were properly made, and still more questionable whether the conclusions were justifiable; it is possible, I know it right well, that in many respects this may be so. Well! he who ten years ago, was in pursuit of errors, which he subsequently recognized to be such, may today, be again pursuing other errors, of which it may, perhaps, take him ten years more to free himself!

Inasmuch however as nothing complete and definite can yet be printed touching the above premises, I purpose here merely to say, in reply to lazy opponents, who imagine that these investigations have been made with a laziness corresponding to their own, that my statements are not premature and that they are the result of much labor and painstaking.

But is Lithium contained in the human body! We know not. Will it prove to be a good remedy! We do not know. But we must acquire a knowledge of it, as a remedy, if it were only for the sake of comparison. If we mean to have a science, we must possess the means of comparing among themselves the groups of nearly related substances; we must learn to know that similarity by which they are characterized as a group, not merely through their chemical action upon other substances, but also through their action upon the living organism. Even when we in this way elaborate for example the salifiable Cyanogen, Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine and Fluorine, we are unable to determine anything definitely until we have, along side of this, another family for comparison with it. As yet only Ammonia, Kali, Natrum are known to us. If now we associate Lithium with these — the fifth alkali is as yet wanting (1843) — the first steps are taken.

But we derive also another motive and from the old school. Lipowitz discovered that the presence of Carbonate of Lithium renders uric acid much more soluble in water. Uric acid is sparingly soluble in water; perhaps it is more soluble in the blood through some influences not yet investigated. If influences of this kind do not diminish an overplus of the uric acid when such an excess has been produced by other derangements, then this Tartarus of Hohenheim is excreted and forms gout-stones gravel or vesical calculus. Carbonate of Lithium is less soluble in water than the similar salts of Natrum or Kali; one hundred parts of water dissolve only one part of Carbonate of Lithium. But this one part renders soluble four parts of Uric acid, whereas, otherwise, only one part of Uric acid is soluble in ten thousand parts of water. Its solubility therefore is increased four hundred fold, and one grain dissolves in a quantity of water which would otherwise have dissolved only 1/400 of a grain, and Lithium in this respect surpasses the other alkaline salts in the proportion eight to four, two and one (1. Bicarbonate of Soda; 2. Borate of Soda or Carbonate of Potassa; 4. Carbonate of Soda; 8. Carbonate of Lithium). There is an additional advantage, that this one part of the Carbonate of Lithium, dissolved in one hundred parts of water, has no such strongly corrosive properties as the other alkalies. Andrew Ure found that in such a solution at blood-heat, a vesical calculus was corroded and lost five grains in five hours; he therefore recommended injections of Lithium. (Gazette Medicate de Paris, February, 1844; Buchner's Repertorium, Bd. xxxiv, Heft. 2.)

This gives us only a further reason for investigation. All substances, which dissolve others or render them more soluble, must have for the latter a kind of affinity, or relationship; they have, so to speak, a love for one another. These substances, as, for example, Lactic acid and Phosphate of Lime, etc., must have a similarity in their action and must support and complete each other in the cure of diseases.

Upon the principle, that the chemical action must be analogous to the dynamic action, we must bring into especial prominence these actions upon the Uric acid. Lithium must have, in its dynamic action, a similarity to those processes upon which the deposits of Uric acid depends. The phenomena, which are produced by Lithium, from a homoeopathic antithesis to the phenomena through which Uric acid in excess is produced.

While all these conjectures and hypotheses should serve only to clear the way for repeated experiments, Kirchoff has demonstrated that Lithium is a very widely diffused substance.

It is not merely contained, in a few varieties of Swedish mica, not alone in the granite of Penig in Saxony; not merely in the Carlsbad and Franzens-Brunnen waters, as Berzelius discovered, and in the Wein-Brunnen of Nassau as Kastner found, not alone in many other earth formations, our knowledge of which is every year increasing — but according to Kirchoff it is contained in every cigar — and, who knows where besides! Now if it should only by accident get into the human body it might yet through substitution, change the well known actions of Potassa and Soda. But the questions whether? and which? and how? can only be answered by a long series of experiments of which only a small beginning has here been made; incomplete and insufficient, it is true, but still very promising and already useful in many ways.

EXPERIMENTS WITH LITHIUM CARRONICUM FROM THE FACTORY OF SCHONBERG.

1. When making the trituration, pains in the eyes as if little grains of sand were in them; decidedly greater in the left eye. Later stiches in the right eye. C. l. r.

2. 1843, April 15th, 11:30, a.m. About a half grain of the third trituration taken while driving in a carriage — only chocolate taken in the morning; no stool — a damp, cool day.

In 5m. In the right inner canthus a cooling sensation, as if from salt.

In 6m. Pain inwardly above the globe of the eye — above the external canthus. Pain in the left side of the head, a sticking-burning sensation, going from below upwards — the same in the right malar bone.

In 10m.. The same sensation in the epigastrium. The head is painfully confused on both sides.

In 15m. The same pain internally at the left knee.

In 20m. The same sensation in the right lower molar teeth. Sensation as if the bladder were affected.

The above pain over the right eye outwardly, above the right knee and inwardly towards the patella.

12:00, m. Itching burning pain in a small spot, externally on the right hip, then on the thigh, then on the outside of the little toe. Pain on the anterior side of the right shoulder-joint, near the insertion of the Pectoralis major, at the margin of the muscle. A shudder runs over the anterior surface of the body, starting from the thorax, like a drawing together. (Other shudderings, subsequently, starting from other regions.) Dropping from the nose in open air; also, later, in the room. Twitching, drawing pain around the right eye, above, on the external side especially, and deep in the orbit. The middle finger of the left hand, which had been chafed about 10, a.m., is painful; a pain which goes from other parts towards the spot, precisely of the same character as the other Lithium pains.

The sunlight blinds him upon the streets, on a dull day. The knees pain on going up-stairs, but more the parts above the knees. Sensation in the throat as though it would become sore. Pain superiorly in the right calf, and which goes downwards. Violent pain horizontally in the hypogastrium, in the upper region of the bladder. Twitching pain through the right foot, beginning at the heel and extending towards the middle foot. Itching, sticking pain internally on the left thigh. Coryza (dropping). Headache, like a stitch, superiorly in the vertex on the right side, sensitive when touched, 1:30, p.m. Sudden violent tenesmus of the bladder; the dark yellowish urine is in much smaller quantity than usually follows such tenesmus, with him; seven ounces instead of nine, ten, and eleven ounces. (The next morning, the urine was turbid without deposit or cloud, such as had always accompanied this phenomena before.) Five minutes later a sensitiveness and pain in the middle of the urethra, a kind of pressure; yet without any tenesmus.

1:40, p.m. Sensitive pain in the region of the bladder, a sharp pressure, more on the right side, like a flatulent colic.

1:30, p.m. Pain in the region of the heart, twitching, like dull stitch, lasting from five to ten minutes.

2:00, p.m. Pain behind the left ear in the bone, extending somewhat towards the neck and farther.

The prover took a good dinner, without drinking wine or beer, but after dinner took coffee. Gentle twitching to and fro in the seminal cords and vesical region.

2:30, p.m. Coffee and cigars.

2:33, p.m. Pain along the middle finger towards the extremity, then in the left metacarpus in an outward direction, with burning stitches as if it would itch, especially is the ball of the thumb. The Lurning-sticking pain, in jerks from within outwards and ending in itching seems to the prover to be characteristic. Burning stitch in the ball of the left thumb. The left middle finger, in the spot that was chafed is very painful.

4:30, p.m. Twitching pains in all the fingers, especially in the second and third fingers of the left hand as if in or upon the bones, internally from the hand towards the extremities, throbbing, twitching, very sensitive during repose; but ceasing on pressure, on being grasped and on motion; first on the right side, then on the left.

In the evening pain in the metacarpal bone of the little finger of the left hand. Headache, superiorly, on the right side. Great weakness of the knees on going upstairs, this morning, but not at noon nor in the afternoon and evening. Evening, eight o'clock, when walking, a violently painful, dull stitch in front of the anus in the perineal region, from within outwards and from above downwards. Ten o'clock same in the sacrum. Pressure as if with a dull pain here and there internally as if near the bone; in the evening, most on the left side.

Tenesmus of the bladder and micturition in the evening between eight and nine o'clock in the street; before and for a short time after it, Lithium pains in the region of the neck of the bladder and other parts of the urinary organs. The same pain in the region of the neck of the bladder on the right side. The ankle joints pain when walking, first the right the more and then the left. Frequent urgent pains, of moderate severity, of a sticking character, from within out wards, ending in a burning itching, in a small spot, more on the left side.

From eight to nine o'clock sore-throat posteriorly on the right side, as if sore when swallowing.

9:45, p.m. Itching in the anus, very sharp, sudden and short. (He drank beer in the evening.)

Late in the evening, toothache in a left lower molar tooth. Slept during the night without further symptoms.

April 16th, a.m. Tenesmus of the bladder for awhile and then a discharge of clear frothy urine in a great quantity, thirteen ounces; more than he could retain so long when in health. On rising to pass water, pressure about the heart, which ceases only after urinating. Sore pain in the margin of the superior right eyelid, a feeling of dryness. The urine of the forenoon — two to three ounces — is peculiarly turbid and forms a scanty fluent deposit. Two o'clock after dinner, a hard stool, the first since day before yesterday. Before urinating, fugitive, sensitive pains in the lower region of the bladder, somewhat towards the right. After urinating, pains extending into the spermatic cords, more on the left side.

8:00, p.m. When sitting, Lithium-pain on the right side in the penis and at the root of the penis, throbbing stitches.

April 18th. In the morning diarrheic stools, immediately after chocolate. Later, a dark reddish brown urinary deposit. The prover has the so-called gouty diathesis, and at this time, had been for a long while free from his usual hemorrhoidal difficulties.

3. The same prover (C. Hering) took, November 7th, at ten, a.m., five drops of a 1/100 solution of Lithium causticum. Did not remark until after taking it, that it seemed to have attacked the walls of the containing bottle and had a scanty deposit at the bottom. The solution had stood three years. The deposit seemed to increase after opening the bottle. (The experiment may serve to compare with the others, for the caustic solution of Lithium unites with Carbonic acid even in the act of passing over the tongue and fauces.) Prover had had, for several weeks, a pain in the external lower part of the right scapula which this morning showed itself on the left side also.

12m. Headache on the right side superiorly, later on the left side.

12:15, p.m. Pains externally, first in the left shin, then in the left hand.

1:30, p.m. Painless, but unpleasant tensive pressure on a small spot in the neighborhood of the stomach, towards the right of, and below and behind the epigastrium. Slow belching eructations before dinner; then pain in the left parietal bone. Already before one o'clock, a paralytic stiffness in all the limbs and the whole body. Now and then, tooth-ache on the right side and posteriorly. Slight pains here and there, sometimes becoming more violent, most perceptible in a small spot in the right temple (for several days together). Passes less urine although he drinks as much as usual. Must blow the nose a great deal, in the evening, more mucus hangs behind (in the nares).

Evening, itching of the left middle finger near the nail and around on the left side of the finger.

Late in the evening intense itching, compelling to scratch until the part becomes raw, on the whole inner side of the right thigh and also on small spots in the adjacent parts.

November 8th. Memory for names less retentive than usual. Yesterday no stool — today, first hard, then soft and bright yellow (yesterday evening, he ate eggs in bread soup).

November 7th, 8th, 9th. Very many small penetrating-putrid smelling evacuations of flatus.

November 10th. For several days past a striking decrease of appetite. Neither desire for breakfast in the morning, nor during the day any desire to eat anything. On beginning to eat, the appetite is immediately satisfied; no desire for wine, beer, coffee or sugar.

At evening, he eats some herring; later when lying down has a violent cough without expectoration which compels him to sit up; the irritation, which provokes the cough, is in a small spot posteriorly and low in the throat. It consists of quick shocks, which do not seem to come out of the chest; not from low down; but they seem to be produced in the throat, only in short paroxysms, but very violent and exhausting; ceases gradually. For several days, when eating and drinking, all further desire ceases, yet without any aversion. For several weeks, on the borders of the nails, soreness, redness and pain only prevented from extending, by constantly loosening the fold of skin from the root of the nail. It is more at the external angle, first of the left thumb, then of the right fourth finger, then of several fingers of the left hand, then of the middle finger of the right hand. The skin adheres more firmly to the growing nail, which had also been observed before and since.

4. A young lady of twenty years, took Lithium carb.20, evening and morning, on account of violent pains in the region of the heart, before and during menstruation. Menstruation ceased too soon and suddenly, and at the same time the pains in the heart ceased also. The next day, she had, on awaking in the morning, a violent headache in the vertex and temple. The third day, headache still continued. The fourth and fifth day it was less, but the sixth day very severe again in the left eye, in the temple and in a small spot in the occiput; on the seventh day very severe in the temple and vertex, and inasmuch as she thought vomiting might relieve her, she drank some warm water, but to no purpose. It is like a heavy weight upon the vertex and pressing in the temple; the whole head seemed too large and as if it were seized; the most violent pain is in small spots and this in particular increased the nausea. Could hardly keep the eyes open; they pained as if sore from morning till noon. When looking at any thing the head became worse; she cannot remain lying down, it pains everywhere; when sitting, somewhat better; relieved by going out,

5. A young man, R., who has been for several years tormented with a peculiar irritability of the bladder, a frequent, burdensome tenesmus, which rendered all business, society or traveling irksome to him, took for experiment Lithium carb.20 from twenty to one hundred globules. The first day, the first dose was taken after the regular stool, after breakfast. An hour afterwards, a second stool, which was quite uncommon. In the evening, the second dose. At night, lustful dreams. On awaking, micturition, and after it a violent erection and lustful feeling, such as he never before had, for an hour; then he slept again. This night he waked two or three times again with erection, tenesmus vesicae and lascivious titillation in the urethra; and, on account of the erection, he could not pass water, When, however, he succeeded in doing so, the erection ceased entirely; therewith, pain in the bladder and scanty urine, about three wine-glass-fulls.

The second day, in the morning, he took nothing. Urinated more frequently and more copiously, and had after it the lustful titillation in the urethra. His customary bladder symptoms however did not appear. At noon he took the third dose.

2, p.m. A disposition to weep over his lonesome condition, so that he sobbed, the nose being full of water.

The whole afternoon, very frequent urination.

Evening, nine o'clock, the fourth dose. This night, again, lustful dreams. On awaking, tenesmus vesicae and erection, which ceased after urinating.

The third day, in the morning, the fifth dose. Urination.

Noon, the sixth dose. Afternoon better.

Evening, the seventh dose. The first three days he had an expectoration of mucus from the choausae and fauces, in thick masses, especially morning and forenoon; at noon the whole abdomen felt as if swollen, distended with wind.

From three, p.m., till ten in the evening, frequent discharge of very offensive flatus. The third day, in the morning, the urine was scanty, dark and very acrid; pain, on passing it, as when lye passes over an irritable surface; the evacuation of it is thereby rendered difficult. The fourth day the same; and the whole day, pain in the bladder. In the evening, sweat on the backs of the hands, while the palms are dry. Itching of the sole of the left foot on the inner margin, compelling to vigorous scratching. The offensive flatus continues. The fifth day, on going out after breakfast, a constriction of the chest, then, by hawking, an expectoration of mucus in great quantity, appearing to come from the middle of the sternum. The whole day, a restlessness in the renal region. Afternoon, again a pressure in the middle of the chest, pain in the bladder, frequent urination, yet all these less than formerly and all ceasing gradually.

After drinking water, unusual gulping up of water, and for a whole week diarrhea after fruit, which was also unusual, and for which he took Nux and Puls. This increased the quantity of urine and the sudden tenesmus vesicae. He took Rhus, whereupon the quantity diminished, but the irritation continued. He therefore again took Lithium carb.20, one hundred globules, whereupon it ceased.

The following day, he took, in the evening, the second trituration in water. The next morning and the whole forenoon, the nose was obstructed, above in the nose and forehead; the bladder less irritable until three, p.m.; the acidity of the stomach ceased. The next day, he alternated globules of the thirtieth, and solution of the second trituration and continued them for several days, without noticing anything, except a very copious sweat He took on this account Lithium mur.; he had to go on a journey, and while on the road was seized with cholera, and subsequently with a cough, which indeed he did not connect with these circumstances, but which had already previously befallen him after many remedies take at random.

6. The same. Has had for several years a sore nose. The nose felt very much swollen and was really somewhat so, with a moderate redness, inwardly sore and sometimes forming thin crusts or scabs; everything was worse on the right side. The nose dry and as if inflamed; at the same time his former bladder symptoms; frequent urinating, especially at night.

After Lithium carb.20, the nose became immediately moist and every sign of inflammation, redness and swelling, entirely disappeared. The frequent urination ceased, he slept undisturbed at night. The painful tenesmus of bladder had been also relieved by Argentum nitr., which, however, does not act upon the nose. If he had both troubles together he must take Lithium. As an entirely new symptom, he perceived after taking Lithium, fine twitching stitches through the pubis, passing from behind forwards and across — as fine as the smallest line, passing suddenly and like lightning hither and thither and repeated every time after taking it anew. It leaves an enduring pain after it After repeated doses he feels over and over as if beaten, stiff and sore in all bones, joints and muscles. He took for this in alternation Bryonia, which did not hinder the good action of the Lithium upon the other symptoms, until the general symptoms vanished.

7. A. Gk, a young lady took Lithium carb. first centesimal trituration, in water, in the evening. She had, the next morning, a headache in the left vertex, a kind of stitch. Before breakfast, a fullness in the pit of the stomach, she could not endure the pressure of her clothes upon the parts; pressure upon it with the hand would have made her vomit; she had never before felt So. In the afternoon on going out, violent pain in the region of the liver, between the crest of the ilium and the ribs (upon the extreme right) such as she had sometimes had previously; and in the left iliac bone a pain such as she had often had before.

8. The third trituration caused in G., a man 70 years of age, pain on the right side in the ureter and through the spermatic cord into the testicle, which however did not become sensitive to the touch; then, turbid urine with more mucous deposit; after which the urine became and continued clearer than for a long time.

Dr. Neidhard took half a small phial of a solution of the first centesimal, at nine, p.m.

10:15, p.m. Pressure in the region of the liver and a gentle pressing pain in the left forehead, and subsequently over the eyes; the pain in the forehead becomes gradually worse and extends, to the left side with nausea.

10:30, p.m. Heaviness in the whole forehead, pain in the sacral region. The second day, the stool which usually passed only by considerable straining, because of its solidity, was next morning soft and easily discharged. A customary burning of the urethra was diminished. This morning he took the other half of the solution. In the evening very offensive flatus; at night, very offensive diarrhea.

10. The same. Took in the evening Lithium carb.3 The whole next day, heaviness in the sinciput, especially in the frontal eminences. Lax feeling of the whole body, especially in the knee-joints and in the sacral region. Sometimes a sudden jerk or shock in the heart. General feeling of heat in the body. The first day the urine was redder, the next day more scanty.

11. Dr. Ch. Geist took, May 21st, 1846, at 7:30, a.m., fasting, one drop of the fifth. Immediately, pressure from without inwards, in both temples. The next day after breakfast, eight, a.m., one drop. Soon after a moderate pain in the left abdominal ring, like a pressing from within outward with confusion of the head in both temples, a dull pressure from without inwards. In the afternoon, pain and weakness of the feet; weakness in the sacrum, when writing, standing at a high desk. Evening very sleepy. At night restless dreams. The third day, in the morning, very sleepy, can hardly open the eyes.

8, a.m. Another drop. Pain in the sacrum when standing, with confusion of the head.

12. The same. July 7th, five, a.m., two drops of the fifth potency. Immediately, pressure in both temples from without inwards, with a pressing pain in the middle of the chest outwards, towards both sides, in the region of the fourth rib.

13. Dr. Neidhard gave it to a patient who had decided induration of the aortic valves, with the following symptoms: a bruit de scie followed by a bellows sound within a small space in the region of the aortic valves. Sharp pains shot through the heart towards the back; through the shoulder into the arm; the arm as if paralyzed. After Lithium carb.3 trituration, given in the evening, a more violent paroxysm than usual; which was renewed on going to bed; he had to rise again and remain sitting up. His face became blue; pulse weak and slow, almost vanishing; the heart acted languidly. The attack differed from former ones, in that mucus and blood were expectorated. After this the condition of the patient improved wonderfully, astonishing his attendants, yet no diminution of his objective symptoms was perceptible. At the end of a week he grew worse and died. The autopsy showed ossification of the aorta and of its valves.

14. Dr. Felger tried Lithium, by my advice, on a woman who suffered from ulcers of the bladder and kidneys, that were probably incurable. A grain of Lithium carb. was dissolved in a glass of water, and a table-spoonful of the solution given three times daily, for five days. He reported as follows:

Mrs. H., aged 52 years, who, of her fifteen children, had lost thirteen before they reached their fourth year, has been constantly ill since her second marriage, eighteen years ago; for several years bedridden, and for the last year homoeopathically treated with low potencies, and ostensibly for hemorrhoids of the bladder; has taken Ars. citr., Sulph., Nux vom., Con., Caust, Kreasot, Graph, and preparations of Antimony without effect, until at last the reporter resorted to frequent catheterization for the relief of the vesical pains with violent tenesmus.

September 25th, eight, p.m., the first dose. Violent sticking pains in the bladder so that she must sit up; pains continued until a piece of the mucous membrane of the bladder and concretions came away from the bladder; increased heat and burning in the bladder until one o'clock at night, when it became a little better. The pains in the limbs were at the same time more tolerable than usual.

September 26th. In the morning, soft, abundant stool, which for months before had been scanty, hard and very difficult. After stool, increasing heat in the limbs as always during the whole illness. Also the pains in the head increased, became tearing and sticking upon the right side, more violent than ever towards morning; worse on assuming the upright position and on motion, better during repose; sticking pains in the left hypochondrium. Evening, heaviness in the legs, as if she had one hundred pounds in them, the feet swell. The urine was diminished by one-half, but the deposit increased and the odor was ammoniacal. From the silver catheter, without which she could not pass water, the discharge was at first black. In the evening again, tenesmus until the discharge of a membranous fragment.

September 27th. After headache, all night, till four, a.m., pressure to stool, which occurred at six, a.m., twice and was soft. At stool the headache goes to the nape of the neck and down the back into the thighs. The pains above become less severe, but below more so. During the day, in spite of a bitter taste and excessive thirst, a better appetite, slept very much, and was free from pains in the limbs. Sticking in the right hypochondrium.

September 28th. The burning pains in the bladder more violent and discharge of urine increased; with less pain in the limbs, increased disposition to sleep. Tearing and pressure in the left abdomen and less appetite. Coldness of the feet, especially of the soles; then sudden heat, which begins in the soles and extends thence into the legs; more thirst.

September 29th. Pains in the limbs and head increased, especially on the right side, so that she cannot lie upon it.

7, a.m. Soft stool, violent sticking pains in the bladder, and burning on urinating; urine increased, blood red, with a reddish sandy deposit; general heat, constant thirst, entire loss of appetite. Last night, sour eructations, which taste, as soon as they come into the throat, like the last food.

September 30th. Vomiting of mucus attended by violent pain with a sharp, bitter taste in the mouth. Pains in head and limbs much increased, with violent, burning pains in the abdomen, constant thirst with aversion to drinking. The whole night, anxiety and restlessness.

October 1st. Pains continue; stool hard and difficult; sticking in the abdomen; no appetite; thirst for water, will not drink because it makes her vomit. The teeth feel dull, numb and loose, so that she cannot bite. Urine bloody, with a sandy deposit. The patient had taken about sixteen tablespoonfuls of the solution, but from the beginning with great aversion, because "the water has a very offensive taste like pitch or horn" and now she positively refused. The only alleviation, up to the time of her death, was the frequent discharge of water through the catheter. The autopsy showed an almost complete destruction of kidneys and bladder; the bottoms of the ulcers were full of concretions of Uric acid, of mucous deposits and pas. The very decided and enduring increase of the pains resulted from the gradual increase of the doses. Whether smaller doses would have done more is very doubtful (why so? — C. HERING).

The action of the remedy may be recognized in a few symptoms. If the urine were analyzed daily, a daily increasing dose of the Lithium would afford very interesting results. — Dr. FELGER.

15. Mrs. P. took, August, 1853, the sixth dilution, about six, a.m., eight globules, on two successive days. Observed that it had an effect, but was compelled to visit a sick friend and then to take upon herself the cares of the household. An unpleasant feeling in the head and stomach, might be due to these disturbing causes. She watched one night by the corpse, was exposed to the night air in cold weather, but the next night slept very well at home, but was wakened early by a pain in the abdomen, followed by diarrhea which was repeated now and then the next day, had five or six more stools without much pain. Gentle pains on the two ensuing days. She took therefore nothing more until fully restored to her usual state of health. She then began to take, evening and morning, twelve globules of the fifth. The first forenoon the same pain returned, the same gnawing sensation in the stomach which increased almost to vomiturition. It increased about dinner time, yet she ate without repugnance. Afternoon, pain in the right side of the face from the root of a tooth (which had been sawn off) up towards the temple; not severe, but continuing a long time. Evening, between nine and ten o'clock, she took the same dose. The night was undisturbed. In the morning the same dose. After breakfast, she felt the same pain in the left side of the face. It went from the throat into the left ear and caused earache. At the same time very gentle and brief pain in the left temple. The pains on the left side were more violent and lasted longer than the pains of the day before, on the right side. Before meal-times, especially before dinner, the same gnawing sensation in the stomach. The third morning, all these symptoms were still more severe. The gnawing began about an hour before dinner, accompanied by pain in the left temple, which extended into the orbit. The appetite was good and the gnawing sensation passed away "while she was eating and so at last also did the pain in the orbit, which however came back about fifteen minutes after the meal and at the same time was felt in the right temple. The whole afternoon a fullness remained in the temples. Soon after supper, a sensation as if a heavy, hard body were in the stomach, only for a short time. She therefore ceased, this evening, to take the medicine. Next morning, on rising, a pain or rather a feeling of soreness on the right side, near the spine, below the loins in a spot not larger than the end of the finger, sensitive to the tonch; continued the whole day until bed time. Next morning (the fifth day), after rising she bent forwards over the bed and felt instantly a very violent pain in the region of the heart Before meals, when driving, easily nauseated; fullness in the temples; the latter lasting the whole afternoon and evening, with some pain in the right ear. During the night, but little sleep, without further cause, also without restlessness, not disturbed by any symptom, except the above pain near the spine, and which seemed to change to a dull pain in the sacrum, which did not pass away until she got up. The menses occurred three or four days later and were diminished. On the second day of their flowing, while she was reading, she was obliged to get up and go out of doors for a short time. When she came back and took up her book again, she noticed an uncertainty of vision and an entire vanishing of the right half of whatever she looked at; or if two short words occurred in succession, that on the right hand was invisible. She tried each eye, alone; it was the same with both. At the same time, pain over the eyes and tension, as if bound, in the temples. This ceased while she was eating, but soon after eating it came again as an unpleasant sensation in the temples and remained, as a pressure, until in the night and seemed to go away during sleep. Later, nothing else was remarked except now and then rheumatic sensations in the legs.

16. The same person took (one week later) the same preparation again, morning, evening and morning. After ten or twelve hours, pain at the outer end of the right brow, gradually extending to the temples and about the ear. On awaking in the night, rheumatic pain in the right foot, passing away on rising. The next day, towards evening, pain and heaviness over the brow and restlessness in the stomach, unaltered by the evening meal and by walking out, lasting until she fell asleep.

The following day, pain in the right thigh in front and toward the outside, in a small spot, as it were the seat of insertion of a muscle. Once, a transient pain in the left temple. More than twenty-four hours after the last dose, when walking, pain through the hollow of the left foot, extending horizontally to the outside of the foot and thence along the leg to a little below the knee. This pain was the most violent and most persistent.

Three days after ceasing to take the medicine, the same returned in the right thigh, also now and then again in the right brow, where the action of the medicine had first of all begun to show itself. After a long walk, on a very warm day, she had great soreness of the corns, which had not troubled her so for a long time before.

17. The same took the same dose, but after breakfast, and very soon afterwards took a walk. During slow driving, a transient pain in the left temple, then in the right brow. When walking, pain in the left foot, similar to that in the foregoing proving, but not so extended. Heat in the eyes. Towards evening, tension in the temples and heaviness in the forehead. Pain in the left hip as before, in the night. Pain in the heart. The menses a few days later and also less in quantity. It seems to her as if the symptoms occurred earlier when the remedy is taken after breakfast. Before the menses, the symptoms were most violent on the left side, after the menses on the right. The eyes pained during and after reading as if dry and the lids especially were sore.

18. As the eighteenth proving, I take the liberty of presenting a proving, if I may venture to call it such, of the foregoing seventeen. For I would rather, myself, here, once for all, attach all the notes of interrogation and exclamation which might, by many persons, be subjoined with "little wit and great delight" to this word proving!

Not one of these seventeen correctly detailed reports is, strictly speaking, a proving, if we apply to it the standard which might certainly, with more or less propriety, be applied, and should be applied before we give to such experiments a name, which those manifold models that have been given us, deserve. The foregoing seventeen are all, taken one with another, only skirmishings, preliminary reconnoisances, scoutings into an unknown region — and they should be nothing more than this. That they extend over a period of ten years, alters nothing in the plan. But to what end? and why? And then, to print such a precious medley!

To the first interrogative, thus much of an answer may be given. A prover's society which was proposed to be widely extended, was to have been established, was actually founded, but soon fell in pieces, because it received no "encouragement." Let nobody reproach us in America for this. The very same thing occurred, yonder in Germany, at the very same time, and singularly enough without any concert of action.

Only remedies which were already known, at least provisionally, to be great remedies were to be selected for proving; every year one remedy was to be chosen, and one remedy to be proved by all, in one and the same year, and by many provers. The copy of the reports would have made an annual of the greatest value. But they would not carry out the plan. Now not only would such preliminary experiments, as these cause many remedies to be regarded as worthy of selection for proving, but by making the results known, votes would be gained, This is the reply to the exclamation. Notwithstanding that the foregoing reports if taken singly can with little trouble be "snapped like pipe stems," yet very much that is important has already resulted from them. An eye-symptom was the first symptom, and an eye-symptom the last symptom. And, already, a large number of eye-diseases, both those of daily occurrence and those of rarer chronic character have been cured by this remedy. When time shall be found, to seek out these cases from the books of clinical record, the peculiarities shall be communicated.* [In June, 1862, L. K., reports, a tobacconist and his daughter took cold in the rain, especially in the feet: they got ophthalmis, the sclerot. c was red, the lids agglutinated by muco-pus. The father had sticking pains in the eyes, very frequent congestion of the head and cool copious sweat of the head. After Lith. 12, he was able to work the next day. The daughter had a jerking together and around in the reddened eyes and a veil before them; could not see, and had such photophobia that she applied a bandage over the eyes. The right eye was worse; the left affected later and less severely. This grew better the first day after Lith. 12, and the right eye on the third day: the fourth day she is well.]

The heart-symptoms have already proved themselves to be a second angle of the triangle. Let the comparison which was made in the preceding pages on scientific grounds, between the salifiable substances and the alkalies, be recalled to mind and then the remark under Bromine, Archiv. 22, 3, 113, that the eyes and lungs, especially, are affected. When we shall have made more experiments upon these two remedies, a very important place may be attained by Bromide of Lithium by means of a very few provings.

The very distinct action of Lithium upon the kidneys and bladder, may even now be regarded as the third angle of the triangle which we are thus already able to draw in the sphere of action of Lithium. This is sufficient and it fully justifies us in making a comparative collection of the symptoms. W e have now a key in reading them, when we find everything brought together in each place. That which is more certain and that which is less so brought together in such a way that we can sift and separate as it were "in the mind." That, by this process, a large number of symptoms fall into the shade, is a matter of course; but, on the other hand, others, by the same intellectual process are brought so much the more into the light, as we read. Erasure is easy, and so is a critical crumbling of a subject to pieces, but to keep hovering with steady wing-strokes, over the details as they are arranged side by side, to maintain a sharp look-out and to choose with artistic accuracy — this will lead us to cures far sooner than all the erasures and the crumbling. It requires, assuredly, more intellectual muscular-force and greater sharpness of the intellectual senses; but by frequent practice it is not so excessively difficult to attain.

Young people can always learn it. Imagine a person, sufficiently versed in our Physiology and Pathology, so that when reading the symptoms, he can do a little thinking between the lines, or strictly speaking, upon the lines. We must assume that when one is tolerably familiar with our Materia Medica, every somewhat striking or prominent symptom he meets with, calls to his mind at once other remedies which have the same symptoms but either under opposite conditions or in different connections. For such a person it cannot be regarded as useless to give here a completely elaborated resume of symptoms, even though this should be merely preliminary and an invitation to more provings, to provings more properly so styled.

SUMMARY OF SYMPTOMS.

ABBREVIATIONS.

1. Observed by the operator while triturating.

2. C. Hering, a., from a half grain of the third trituration.

3. " b., from five drops of a solution (1-100) of what had been caustic Lithium.

4. S. " c., from the thirtieth repeated.

5. R.a., the thirtieth dilution.

6. R.b. " "

7. G. a. " "

8. G. b., from the third trituration.

9. Neidhard, a., from the first centesimal.

10. "b., from the third centesimal.

11. Geist, a., from the fifth dilution.

12. "b.,.

13. S. Neidhard, from the third dilution.

14. S. Felger, solution of the crude substance.

15. P. a., from the sixth.

16. P.b., "

17. P. c. "

S. Designates symptoms on the sick

* Cures.

Disposition and Mind.

1. Disposition to weep about his lonesome condition so that he weeps even to sobbing, the nose becoming full of water. Second day. R. a.

S. The whole night anxiety and feeling of helplessness. Felger.

Palpitation after mental emotions. *181.

(Power to recollect names is still weaker than common.) Second day. — C. HERING. b.

Head.

5. Painful confusion on both sides, R., after ten minutes. C. Hering.

(C. HERING. The same with headache, 108, with pain in the sacrum, 187.)

Heaviness in the whole forehead. Neidhard, a. Compare 21.

Heaviness in the sinciput, especially in the frontal eminences, the entire next day. Neidhard, b.

Pressive pain in the forehead on the right over the eyes, then on the left with nausea. 101.

The pain over the eyes and tension, as if bound in the temples, diminished while eating, but came again soon after eating and remained as a pressure in the temples until in the night, and seemed to go away only after falling asleep. P. a;

10. Towards evening, pain and heaviness over the brows, with restlessness in the stomach, unchanged by eating supper and by walking out, continuing until he goes to sleep. Second day, P. b.

Pains in a small spot in the right temple. 265.

Pain in the left temple (67) extending to the orbit. 98.

Fullness in the right temple, the whole afternoon. 40.

Pressure in both temples from without inwards; immediately. Likewise, dull pressure with confusion; the second day. Geist, a.

15. Pressure in both temples from without inwards, with a pressing pain in the middle of the chest, extending outwards and towards both sides, in the region of the fourth rib; immediately. Geist. b.

When driving, before dinner, easily nauseated and fullness in the temples. The latter continues the whole afternoon and evening with some pain in the right ear. Fifth day, P. a.

Tension as if bound in the temples, with half-vision. 33.

Pain in the temples, originating in the brows. 51.

Transient pain in the left temple. Third day, P. b.

20. Pain in the left temple, when driving in a wagon, then, in the right brow. P. c.

Towards evening tension in the temples and heaviness in the forehead. P. c.

S. Tearing, sticking headache on the right side, worse on assuming the erect posture and on motion, better during repose. Felger.

Pain in the left parietal bone, after belching. 80.

A sticking burning sensation passing from below upwards, first in the left side of the head, then in the right malar bone; after a few minutes in the epigastrium. C. Hering.

25. Headache on the vertex, right side, superiorly, like a stitch, externally sensitive to pressure; after two hours, a. The same; evening of the first day, a. The same; b. after two hours, and later on the left side. C. Hering.

Headache in the left vertex, a kind of stitch, morning of the second day. G. a.

S. Early on awaking, violent headache in vertex and temples (after sudden cessation of the menses), second and third day; less on the fourth and fifth days; but on the sixth day, in the afternoon, again very severe in the left eye, the temple and a small spot in the occiput; in the temple and vertex very severe with nausea; endeavored to induce vomiting with warm water in the hope of getting relief, but in vain. Heavy weight upon the vertex with pressure upon the left temple, the whole head is as if too large; at the at the same time it feels as if it were violently squeezed (angepackt) in a small spot which greatly increases the nausea. Could hardly keep the eyes open; they pained as if sore from morning till noon; when looking at anything, the headache grows worse. She can't continue lying down; it pains everywhere; somewhat better when sitting; relieved by going out. C. Hering, c.

The pain in the heart extends into the head; it is a trembling and throbbing. *181.

Unpleasant feeling in head and stomach. P. a.

30. Toothache, going up into the temple. 67.

Head seems too large. 27.

Head externally sensitive. 25.

Eyes.

On the second day of the menses, after being obliged to get up from reading and go into the open air, she noticed, on taking up the book again, an uncertainty of vision and an entire invisibility of the right half of whatever she looked

upon; if two short words occurred in succession, the one towards the right hand was invisible. She tried each eye singly; it was the same with both eyes; at the same time a pain over the eyes and a tension, as if bound in the temples. P. a.

Although the day is obscured, the sun-light blinds him upon the streets, after thirty minutes. C. Hering.

35. When looking at anything, the headache gets worse. 27.

When reading the eyes are affected. 44.

Stitches in the right eye, after triturating.

Eyes pain as if sore, forenoon. 27.

Pain in the orbits proceeding from the temples, better after eating. 98.

40. The pain in the orbits, when driving in a wagon, before dinner, and which went away when eating, came again, fifteen minutes after eating, and at the same time in the right temple; and there remained, the whole afternoon, a fullness in the temples. Third day. P. a.

Fains internally in the globe of the right eye, above the external canthus, after six minutes. C. Hering.

In the right inner canthus a cooling sensation as if from salt, after five minutes. C. Hering.

Fains in the eyes as if little grains of sand were in them; the left pained much more than the right; when triturating.

The eyes pained during and after reading as if they were dry and ailing; especially the tarsal margins were sore. P. a. b. c.

45. Feeling of dryness in the eyes although they were moist, worse in the left; also feeling as if sand were in them. 27.

Sore pain and feeling of dryness in the margin of the right upper lid; forenoon of the second day. C. Hering, a.

Cannot easily open the lids; with sleepiness in the morning. 235.

Could hardly hold the eyes open during the headache. 27.

Fain over the right eye towards the outside, then above and in the right knee, as if toward the patella, after twenty minutes. C. Hering.

50. Throbbing, drawing pain about the right eye, around, outside, above and deep in the orbit, after thirty minutes. C. Hering.

Pain at the outer end of the right brow, gradually extending to the temple and ear, after one day. P. b.

Pain in the region of the right eye-brow. 20, 219.

Pain over the eyes, with half vision. 33.

Heat in the eyes. P. c.

Ears.

55. Pain in the right ear. 16.

Pain behind the left ear, in the bone, extending towards the neck, after three hours. C. Hering.

Ear ache, left side, from the throat, with prosopalgia. 67.

Pain about the ear. 51.

Nose.

Nose obstructed, above and in the forehead, morning and whole forenoon. R. a.

60. Must, in the evening, use the handkerchief very much; much mucus remains behind in the choanae. First day. C. Hering, b.

Dropping from the nose, in the open air; also later in the room; repeated. C. Hering.

Nose full of water when weeping!

Nose, especially on the right side, somewhat swollen, red, sore internally — shining crusts form in it; it is dry and as if inflamed (at the same time frequent urinating at night, disturbing the sleep). R. b.

Teeth.

Pain in a right lower back tooth, after twenty minutes. C. Hering.

Toothache in a left lower back tooth, late in the evening. First day. C. Hering.

65. Now and then, toothache, on right, the side, behind, after four hours. C. Hering, b.

S. The teeth seem dull, numb and loose, so that she can not bite. Felger.

Pain in the right side of the face, afternoon, from the root of a tooth that has been sawn off, extending to the temple. The next morning, the same pain, left, in the face, passing from the throat to the left ear, causing ear ache and a moderate brief pain in the left temple. The pains on the left side were more violent and more enduring than the pains on the right side the day before, The first and second days, P. a.

Fauces and Throat.

Feeling in the throat as if it were sore, after two hours. C. Hering.

Evening, eight to nine o'clock, sore throat, behind, right side, in a corner; when swallowing as if sore. The first day. C. Hering.

70. Sore throat extending into the ear (67) and from ear to throat. 56.

Expectoration of mucus from the choanae (compare 60) and out of the fauces in solid lumps, especially morning and forenoon, the first three days. R. a.

Hawking up mucus in large quantities. 169.

Irritation, provoking cough, in the throat. 170.

Gastric Symptoms.

Good appetite, with gnawing in the stomach. 97, 98.

75. Decreasing hunger from the first day onward; the fourth day neither, in the morning desire for breakfast nor appetite during the day; as soon as he begins to eat, the appetite is at once satisfied. C. Hering, b.

No desire for wine, beer, coffee,. sugar, etc.; the fourth day. C. Hering, b,

Before dinner, fullness in the temples. 16.

Before dinner, the gnawing in stomach is worse (97); before every meal. 98.

When eating and drinking, immediately all further desire ceases, yet without aversion; for several days. C. Hering, b.

80. Sluggish, belching eructations, before dinner, then, pain in the left parietal bone; after three or four hours. C. Hering, b.

While he eats, the gnawing in the stomach goes away (98), and so do, also, finally, the pains in the left temple and orbit (98), and the headache gets better. 9.

The headache returns again after eating (9), and so do the pains in the orbits. 40.

After the evening meal, heaviness in the stomach. 96.

Nausea, with fullness in the temples (16) with headache. 37,101.

Note. — (Symptoms 85-90 of the manuscript have been blended with the above.)

90. Nausea and gnawing in the stomach. 97.

Gulping up (contents of the stomach) after watermelon; the fifth day. R. a.

After breakfast, when walking, constriction of the chest. 169.

*Acidity in the stomach was relieved by nothing so quickly as by Lithium^12. Very often. R.

Painless, but unpleasant, tensive pressure upon a small spot in the neighborhood of the stomach, to the right of, below and behind the pit of the stomach; after three or four hours. C. Hering, b.

95. Fullness in the pit of the stomach; could not endure any pressure of the clothes; pressure with the hand, she thought, would have caused vomiting. Morning before breakfast; second day. G. a.

Soon after supper, sensation as of a heavy, hard body in the stomach a short time; third day, P. a.

Gnawing sensation in the stomach, which increased almost to nausea, the whole forenoon, increasing towards dinner time; yet she ate without aversion; first day. P. a.

Before meal time, especially before dinner, the same gnawing sensation in the stomach, the second day; the third day, it began one hour before dinner, accompanied by the pain in the left temple which extended into the orbit. Appetite good. The gnawing sensation ceased during the meal, and so did finally the pain in the orbit; third day. P. a.

Restlessness in the stomach with pain over the brows. 10.

100. Unpleasant sensation in the stomach and head. 29.

Hyponchondria.

Pressure in the hepatic region and gentle pressing pain in the right side of the forehead; later over the eyes. The forehead-pain extends to the left side, with nausea, after one hour. Neidhard, a.

Violent pain in the hepatic region, between the ilium and the ribs. S. a.

S. Sticking pain in the left hypochondrium, later in the right. Felger.

Abdomen.

Pain in the epigastrium. 24.

105. At noon the whole abdomen feels swollen and as if distended with wind, the third day. R. a.

Violent pain transversely in the abdomen in the upper part of the vesical region; after two hours. C. Hering.

Pain in abdomen, waking. Gentle pains in the abdomen, several days. P. a.

Groins.

Pain in the left abdominal ring, like a pressing from within outwards, with confusion of the head and dull pressure from without inwards in Loth temples; the second day. Geist, a.

Perineum and Anus.

Violent painful dull stitch in the perineum near the anus from above downwards, from within outwards; when walking, eight o'clock, p.m.; the first day. C. Hering.

110. Very sharp quick short itching in the anus, evening after nine o'clock; first day. C. Hering.

Stool.

After dinner, two, p.m., a hard stool, the first since the day before taking the remedy; second day. C. Hering, a.

The stool omits, the first day; the next day it is, first, hard, then soft and light yellow. C. Hering, b.

A second stool in the morning. R. a.

Nine, a.m., a stool, and one again at one o'clock, p.m., with micturition; second day. R. a.

115. The stool, which was usually passed only by great effort on account of its solidity, is soft the next morning and passes easily; the second day. Neidhard, a.

S. Soft, abundant stool in the morning; it had for a long time been hard and difficult. Felger.

S. Early, soft stools. Felger.

At night, very stinking diarrhea. Neidhard, a.

Diarrhea immediately after drinking chocolate; the fourth day. C. Hering.

120. Diarrhea after fruit, for a week. R. a.

Diarrhea and stomach ache wakens him early, it is repeated five or six times during the day, without pain. P. a.

Numerous small emissions of rotten-stinking flatus; first to third day. C. Hering, b.

Frequent very stinking flatus from three to ten, p.m.; third and fourth days. R. a.

Very stinking discharge of flatus; evening. Neidhard, a.

Kidneys and Bladder.

125. Restlessness in the region of the kidneys; fifth day.

R . a.

Feeling as if the bladder were affected after twenty minutes. C. Hering.

Sensitive pain, sharp pressure, in the vesical region, more on the right side; after two-and-a-half hours, about ten minutes after passing water. C. Hering.

Tenesmus vesicae and micturition, evening, eight to nine o'clock, when walking in the street; always before and for some time afterwards the Lithium pains in the region of the neck of the bladder or other neighboring parts; first day. C. Hering.

Pain in the region of the neck of the bladder on the right; evening of the first day. C. Hering.

130. Before passing water, flashes of pain in the region of the bladder, inferiorly, more towards the right; after urinating, pains extending into the spermatic cord, more on the left; second day. C. Hering.

Pain in the bladder (239), in the upper part. 106.

Pain in the bladder, the whole fourth day; in the afternoon of the fifth day. R. a.

8. Increase of the pains and symptoms of the ulceration of the bladder. Felger.

Very fine itching stitches through the pubis, passing from behind forwards transversely, suddenly and in a curve, like lightning; afterwards a continuous pain. R. b.

S. Tenesmus vesicoe and micturition.

135. Quick, strong tenesmus; the dark, yellowish urine in much smaller quantity (only seven ounces instead of nine to eleven ounces) formerly produced no such tenesmus; five minutes later, sensitive pain in the middle of the urethra, a pressure without tenesmus; the second day. C. Hering.

Subsequently when a desire to urinate is felt, it is possible to retain the urine for a longer time; the urine is clear, frothy and measures thirteen ounces — more than he had otherwise been able to retain for so long a time; morning of the second day. C. Hering.

Very frequent micturition the whole afternoon; second day. R. a.

Frequent urination; fifth day. R. a.

Tenesmus vesicae when waking at night. 240.

140. Urination, when waking; then erection. 239.

Urination painful. 150.

On rising to urinate, a pressing in the region of the heart, which did not cease until after urination; morning, the second day. C. Hering, a.

Passes less urine although he drinks as much as usual; the first day. C. Hering, b.

Frequent and copious urination; the second day. R. a.

145. Less urine, at night. 239.

After urinating, a voluptuous titillation in the urethra; morning, the second day. R. a.

The urine is turbid, but does not, as formerly, form a cloud or deposit a sediment; morning. The urine passed in the forenoon becomes again quite turbid and forms only a scanty flocculent deposit; second day. C. Hering.

Turbid urine with much mucous deposit; subsequently the urine remained clearer than it had been for a long time. G.a.

Urine red, the first day; the next day less so. Neidhard, b.

150. Urine more scanty and dark, very acrid; it pains when being passed, like lye upon an irritable surface, and the evacuation is at the same time more difficult; morning, third day. R. a.

Dark reddish brown deposit, for more than a week. G.

S. The urine is diminished one-half, the sediment increased, the odor ammoniacal. Felger.

*Very frequent urination, disturbing in sleep. 62.

Male Genital Organs.

Pains on the right aide in the ureter and through the spermatic cord into the testicle. G. b.

Fain in the urethra. 135.

155. *Barning in the urethra. Ncidhard, a.

Voluptuous titillation in the urethra, at night on awaking. 239.

Titillation in the urethra, on urinating. 146.

Erection after urinating, at night. 289.

Erection, passing away after urinating. 240.

160. Pain extending into the spermatic cord, worse on the left. 130.

Pains in the testes. 153.

In the evening, eight o'clock, when sitting, in the penis on the right side and at the root of the penis, the peculiar throbbing stitch of Lithium; second day. C. Hering.

Female Genital Organs.

The menses suddenly cease and headache comes on. 27.

The menses are three or four days later and diminished. P. a. c.

165. When taken before the menses, the symptoms were most violent on the left side; when taken after the menses, on the right side P. a. b. c.

Thorax.

On inspiration, the air feels bo cold that it seems to be felt unpleasantly even in the lungs. *181.

Pressive pain in the middle of the chest, from within outwards, towards both sides, in the region of the fourth rib. 15.

Again in the afternoon, pressure in the middle of the chest; fifth day. R. a.

Constriction of the chest when walking out, after breakfast, then expectoration of mucus in great quantity brought up by hawking; the mucus seems to come from the middle of the sternum; fifth day. R. a.

170. Violent cough, late in the evening, while lying down, compelling to rise, without expectoration; the irritation, which provokes the cough, is in a little spot, posteriorly and interiorly in the throat. Cough consists of very quick shocks which do not seem to come out of the chest but out of the throat and to be very violent and prostrating in short paroxysms; fourth day. C. Hering, b.

Shudder, which starts from the chest, and extends over the anterior superior surface of the, body, with a contracting sensation; after half an hour. C. Hering.

Heart.

Pains in the region of the heart, throbbing, like a dull stitch, lasting five to ten minutes; after two hours. C. Hering.

Sometimes a sudden shock in the heart; second day. Neidhard, b.

As she bent forwards over the bed, in the morning after rising, a very violent pain in the region of the heart; fifth day. P. a.

175. Pain in the heart. P. c.

Pains in the heart, after pains in the bladder. 127.

Pressure in the region of the heart on rising to urinate; passing away after urination. 142.

*Rheumatic soreness in the region of the heart. Neidhard.

* Pains in the heart, before and at the time of the commencement of the menses. C. Hering, c.

180. S. Aggravates the pain of the paroxysms in a case of ossification of the aortic valves. Neidhard.

* Often, in deficiencies of the valves especially after mental agitation of a vexatious character, to which she is very subject, a trembling and fluttering of the heart, distressingly painful in the heart and as far as between the shoulders. It extends upwards also into the head where it is felt as an equally painful throbbing. At the same time the air, on inspiration, seems so cold, that it is felt unpleasantly cold even in the lungs. Lithium" in water gave relief. C. Hering.

Nape of Neck, Back and Loins.

In the morning, on rising, a feeling of soreness on the right side near the spine, below the loins, upon a spot not larger than the point of the linger, sensitive to pressure. It continued the whole day until he lay down at night; fourth day. P. a.

Near the spine, pain in a small spot, the whole night. 236.

Stitch in the sacrum, ten, p.m.; first day. C. Hering.

185. Pain in the sacral region, after one hour and a half. Neidhard, a.

Weakness in the sacrum when writing at a standing desk; second day. Geist, a.

Pain in the sacrum, when standing, with confusion of the head; third day. Geist, a.

Dull pain in the sacrum, at night (236); feeling of prostration (abgeschlagen) in the sacrum. 231.

Upper Extremities.

Pain on the anterior side of the right shoulder-joint near the point of insertion of the pectoralis major muscle on the margin of the same; after half an hour. C. Hering.

190. The left hand is painful. 232

In the evening, sweat of the back of the hand, while the palms are dry; the fourth day. JR. a.

In the evening, pain in the metacarpal bone of the little finger of the left hand; first day. C. Hering.

Burning stitch in the ball of the hand, compelling to scratch. 197.

Burning stitch in the ball of the left thumb; after four hours. C. Hering.

195. Itching, throbbing, very sensitive pains in all the fingers, especially in the second and third fingers of the left hand, as if it were in and upon the bones, extending from the hand to the ends of the fingers, only during repose; it ceases upon pressure, when grasping, and during motion; after five hours. C. Hering.

Had rubbed a spot sore on the left middle finger two hours before taking Lithium; after two hours, the finger pained, the pain drawing towards the sore spot. C. Hering.

Pain along the right middle finger extending towards the extremity; later in the left middle finger; at the same time, in the ball of the hand, a burning stitch, compelling to scratch; after four hours. C. Hering.

The left middle finger very painful, through and through, after four hours. C. Hering.

In the evening, internal itching of the left middle finger near the nail, and around on the left side of the finger; first day. C. Hering, b.

200. Soreness at the margin of the nail, redness and pain, more at the external angle, first of the left thumb, then of the right fourth finger, then of several fingers of the left hand, then of the right middle finger; lasting several weeks. C. Hering, b.

Lower Extremities.

Pain in the right hip; subsequently in the left. P. a.

Pain in the left iliac bone. G. a.

Itching, burning pain in a small spot on the right hip, then on the thigh, then on the little toe; all on the external aspect of the limb; after half an hour. C. Hering.

Occasional rheumatic pains in the lower extremities. P. a.

205. Pain in the right thigh anteriorly and externally, in a small spot, as it might be the point of insertion of a muscle; third day. P. b.

Considerable itching on the whole inner side of the right thigh, also upon a small spot of the adjacent parts, compelling to scratch till it becomes raw, late in the evening; first day. C. Hering, o.

Pain internally on the left thigh; after two hours. C. Hering

Itching sticking pain internally on the left thigh; after two hours. C. Hering.

8. Heaviness in the legs, evening. Felger.

210. Pains over the right knee, towards the patella. 49.

Sticking burning pain internally at the left knee, after a quarter of an hour. C. Hering.

Pain of the knees, or rather above them, especially when going up-stairs; after the first day. C. Hering.

Great weakness of the knees, on going up-stairs, after one or two hours, which entirely disappeared in the evening; first day. C. Hering.

Prostrated feeling in the knee -joints, 231.

215. Fain along the legs as far as the knee. 219.

Shin is painful. 232.

Fain from above downwards in the right calf; after two hours. C. Hering.

Feet.

On awaking at night, rheumatic pains in the right foot; they pass away on rising; second day. P. b.

When walking, pains through the dorsum of the left foot, near the ankle-joint, extending horizontally to the external side of the foot and anteriorly up the leg to below the knee; third day.

Twenty-four hours after taking the last dose of Lithium the pain was the most severe and continuous. Three days after ceasing to take the medicine, the same pain came in the right thigh and occasionally in the right brow. P. b.

220. *Painfulness of the feet, ankles, metatarsus, all the toes, especially at the border of the foot and the sole, as it were, gouty. Dr. Whitey.

When walking, pain in the left foot. P. b. c.

Fain and weakness of the feet, afternoon; second and third day. Geist, a.

The ankle-joints pain when walking; first the right is the more painful, then the left, evening; first day. C. Hering.

Twitching pain from the Os Calcis into the middle of the right foot and through the foot; two hours. C. Hering.

225. Itching upon the sole of the left foot on the inner margin, compelling to a vigorous scratching; fourth day. R. a.

(The feet, especially the soles, are first cold, then hot.) 249.

Fain in the little toes. 203.

Burning in the great toe, especially around the corns, occasionally in different parts of the toe. Dr. Whitey.

Great soreness of the corns, after a long walk on a hot day. P.b.

The Extremities Collectively.

230. A paralytic stiffness in all the limbs and in the whole body; after two or three hours, C. Hering, b.

Prostration of the whole body, especially in the knee-joints and in the sacrum. Neidhard, b.

Pain in the left shin externally, then in the left hand; two hours. C. Hering, b.

Over the whole body, as if beaten, stiff and sore in all the bones, joints and muscles. Bryonia gave relief. R. b.

Sleep.

Very sleepy in the evening; second day. Geist, a.

235. Very sleepy in the morning; cannot well open the lids; third day. Geist, a,

Night Symptoms.

But little sleep at night, without any special cause, without restlessness, or pain, further than a pain in a small spot near the spine, which seemed to become a dull pain in the sacrum, and disappeared in the morning on rising; fifth and sixth day. P. a.

S. (Anxious and restless at night.) 2.

Sleep at night disturbed by urination. 62.

Voluptuous dreams; on awaking, urination and then violent erection and sexual excitement for one hour; after which he fell asleep and awakened two or three times again, with erection and tenesmus vesicae and a voluptuous titillation in the urethra; could not urinate, because of the erection; when he succeeded in doing so, the erection subsided completely; the quantity of urine less by two or three wine-glassfuls; at the same time pain in the bladder; first day. R.a.

240. Voluptuous dreams, tenesmus vesica, and erection which subsides after urination, on awaking; the second night. R.a.

At night, restless dreams; second and third day. Geist, a,

Stinking diarrhea, at night. 118.

Headache on awaking. 27.

(Stomach ache, waking one early in the morning.) 107.

245. Pains in the feet on awaking in the night 218.

On rising in the morning, the pain in the sacrum is relieved. 236.

On rising in the morning, the pain in the feet passes away. 218.

Chill, Heat, Sweat.

Shudder, starting from the thorax. 171.

S. Coldness of the feet, especially of the soles, then sudden heat beginning in the soles of the feet and extending over the whole body. Felger.

250. General feeling of heat in the body; second day. Neidhard, b.

Very copious sweat. R. a.

Sweat on the back of the hands. 191.

Skin.

Itching at the anus. 110.

Itching in the middle finger around margin of the nail. 199.

255. Itching on the side of the thigh, compelling to scratch until that part is raw. 206.

Itching in the sole of the foot, compelling to scratch. 225.

Burning-stitch in the ball of the hand, compelling to scratch. 194. Ditto, in the palm of the hand. 197.

Itching burning in the hip. 203.

Itching sticking in the thigh. 208.

260. The pains draw towards an abraded spot on the finger. 196.

Redness and soreness of the nose. *62.

Redness and soreness of the margin of the nail of several fingers. 200.

Varieties of Pains.

Pressing, as if with a dull point, here and there, internally, as it were near the bone, most on the left side, evening; first day. C. Hering.

Burning stitch which goes from within outwards, and ends in an itching (felt decidedly within four hours). C. Hering.

The whole evening, frequent stitch-like pains, which press from within outwards, and end in a burning sticking in a small spot, most on the left side; evening, first day. C. Hering. Compare 194.

265,. Moderate pains, here and there, sometimes, becoming violent; most distinctly felt in a small spot on the right temple, for several days together. C. Hering, b.

Contracting sensation, with shudder. 171.

Pains in the bones. 195, 56,

Conditions.

Pressure with the hand is intolerable. 95.

The pains in the fingers are better from pressure, and on being grasped. 195.

On lying over forwards on the bed, pain in the heart. 174.

Cannot remain in a recumbent position; severe headache, relieved by sitting, diminished by going out. 27.

Only during repose, pains in the fingers. 195.

In repose, headache is better. 22.

270. When sitting, stitches in the penis. 162.

When sitting, the headache is better. 27.

When standing, pain in the sacrum. 187.

On assuming the erect position, headache is worse. 22.

When driving in a wagon, pain in the temples (20); fullness in the temples, and nausea. 16,

(During motion, the headache is worse.) 22.

During motion, the finger pains are better. 195.

275. Going out relieves the headache. 27.

On going out, constriction of the chest. 169.

When walking, stitches in the perineum (109); tenesmus vesicae (128); pains in joints (273); in the foot. 219, 221,

On going up-stairs, pains in the knees. 212.

Weakness in the knees. 213.

Chocolate causes diarrhea (119); fruit also. 120.

Water-melon causes a gulping-up. 91.

Bryonia relieved the pain as if beaten. 233.

Times of Day.

Morning, pain in vertex (26); nose obstructed (59); pain in face, left side (67); fullness in the epigastrium (95); pain

in the heart (174); expectoration of mueus (71): stool (113, 114); soft stool (115, 116, 117); titillation in the urethra (146); long retention of urine (136); turbid urine (147); pains in the heart (142); pains near the spine (182); sleepiness. 235.

280. The symptoms appear to set in sooner when the remedy is taken after breakfast. R. a, b. c.

Forenoon, pains in the eyes (27); nose obstructed (59); expectoration of mucus (71); gnawing in the stomach, increasing before dinner (97); turbid urine. 147.

Noon, abdomen distended (105); one, p.m., stool. 114.

Afternoon, headache worse (27); fullness in the temples (40, 16); pressure in the temples (9); pain in the face, right side (67); two, p.m., stool (111); offensive flatus (123); pain in the bladder (132); frequent urination (137); pressure on the chest (168); pains in the feet (222); towards evening, tension in forehead (10); tension in temples. 21.

Evening, headache (25); fullness in the temples (16, 40); pressure (9); pain over the brow, on going asleep (10); toothache (64); sore throat (69); heaviness in the stomach (96); stitch in the perineum (109); itching of the anus (110); offensive flatus (124); tenesmus vesicae (128); stitches in the penis (162); cough (170); stitches in the sacrum (184); pains in the hand (193); itching of the fingers (199); sweat of the back of the hand (191); the legs are heavy (209); itching of the thigh (206); paint in the ankles (223); sleepiness (234); pains are worse. 262, 264.

Direction of the Pains.

285. From above downwards, pain through the thigh (203); pain in the calves from above downwards. 217.

Pains in the foot, going toward the toes. 224.

Pains in the fingers going towards the ends of them, 195, 197

From below upwards, in the head. 24.

290. From behind forwards, stitches through the pubis. 134

Front Right to Left.

First on the right side, then on the left; after five hours. C. Hering.

Headache (25); pain in the forehead (101); pain in the middle finger (197); pain in the ankle joint (223); pain in the face (67); pain in the hip. 201.

From Left to Right.

In the head and malar bone (24); pain in the left temple and then in the right brow (20); temples (40); in the left foot, then in the right thigh (219); on the left side, when taken before the menses, on the right when alter them, (165); on the left side, the pains are worse than on the right. 67.

RIGHT.

LEFT

Headache. 25, 22. In the temple, 265. Above the brow, 21. In the supraorbital region. 51.

Headache, 24. In temple, 27, 19, 20. From temple to orbit, 98; parietal bone 80; vertex, 26.

In the eye, 49; the right half of an object invisible, 33; stitches, 37. Pain around the eye, 50; smarting in the canthus, 42; smarting of the upper lid, 46; in the eyeball, 41.

Pain in the ear, 16.

Pain in the eyes, 43, 27. Dryness of the eyes, 45.

Nose, red, swollen and dry, *62. Malar bone, 24. Pain in face, 69. In the molars, 63, 65. Sore throat, 69.

Earache, temple, 67; behind the ear, 56.

Pain in stomach towards the right, 94.

Pain in the face, morning, 67. Toothache, 64.

Stitching in the hypochondria, 103.

Pain in hypochondria, 103.

Pain in the ureter, 153; in the bladder, 127, 129; towards the right, 130; stitches in the penis, 162.

In the abdominal ring, 108.

In the spermatic cord, 130

Pain in the shoulder, 189. Pain in a small spot near the spine, 182.

In the ball of the hand: burningstitch, 194. Pains in the fingers, 192, 195; in the middle finger, 196, 198. Twitching, 199.

Pain in the hip, 203. Itching in the thigh, 206. Pains, in thigh, 205, 219; in the knee, 49; in the calf, 217; in the foot, 224, 218.

Pain in hip, 201; in the ilium, 202. In the thigh, 207, 208; in the knee, 211. In the shin-bone and hand, 232. In the foot, 219, 221. Itching in the sole, 225. Pains worse, 262; with itching, 264.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 11-12, 1863, pages 481-488, pages 538-552, Vol. 04 No. 01, pages 09-28]

[Description: Proving of Lithium Carbonicum.]

[Remedies: Lithium carbonicum]

[Author: Hering, C.]

[Year: 1863]

SIFTING THE DRUG SYMPTOMS.

By Constantine Hering, M.D., Philadelphia, PA

In Vienna and in Prague, according to Heyne (page 36), the caesarling, Agaricus caesareus, is not allowed to be brought to market; it is forbidden by an order of the police. Why forbidden? Because the caeasarling has a red hat, and so also has the Agaricus muscarius, and because the former might be confounded with the latter! The ordinance is certainly a well-meaning, paternal one, and likewise judicious. In the first place, by means of it the ignorant are protected from injury; in the second place, by means of it this noble fungus is protected and preserved for him who alone deserves to enjoy it. The solitary connoisseur knows that the spathous naked pileus, the yellow flesh on the outer circumference of the stipes distinguish the prince of the fungi. But above all, he is made certain, by the pure yellow color of the larmelloe, that there stands before him the most complete of all the agarics – the noblest, the fairest, the one in flavor all others surpassing, the one highly – renowned since the earliest ages – of which even Pliny speaks as that to be preferred (Hist. Nat. c. 22) – that the imperial agaric stands before his eyes, and is in his hands, and is thus worthy to reward him who knows it, and to pass over into his juices and blood.

But few may have had the good fortune to hold both in their hands at the same time – in the right the caesar, in the left the fly-killer; [The Agaricus muscarius or "Bug Agaric" is used as a fly-poison. – D] but whoever is so fortunate as to be able to lay before himself Harper's work on the fungi, let him compare the first plate with the last.

As nobility of sentiment displays itself in every word, and imprints itself on every stage of development – so here nobility is to be seen in every line, even down to the burgeoning egg – on the other hand, in every line of the fly-agaric, the malignant, the adder like, the toad-like, even in the very egg. There is healthy, laughing, red gold, like apples; here a sinister, livid aspect, by reason of its sickly warts.

Just so it is in the Hahnemannian materia medica. What in Austria is called the police, is called, in relation to the materia medica, criticism. Our police requites that we should rather leave patients uncured than cure them by means of symptoms among which there are perhaps false ones, because these symptoms come from provers whom it pleases us to regard with suspicion, or because they were observed on patients.

The police allows no mushroom with red hat; scientific criticism allows no symptoms from patients, no symptoms from timid dosers, no symptoms which appeared after the potencies, etc. The police say: they have red caps; they may be poisoners; away with them; we are no connoisseurs! Our criticism goes still farther, for it not only says: they may be false, but it says: they are false! Surely this criticism might learn so much as this from the police, as to say: they may, they might, they could be! For precaution's sake let everything that resembles them be culled out. Many of our critics go still one step farther. They not only say: these symptoms are altogether good for nothing; no, they regard them as a kind of scabby sheep; they think that even the good symptoms may be poisoned by these bad symptoms! It reminds one of the tooth-puller of the last century, who taught the people that the black teeth must come out, because otherwise they would infect the lest. In like manner they would tear out. the carious symptoms, 60 that the rest might then stand so much the firmer; but that, in consequence, the entire row of teeth becomes loose, can only be shown by the result on many thousands of maltreated persons.

That this horrible delusion has fixed itself in the best heads like a mold upon the brain, and disseminates itself probably after the manner of such yeast sporules floating in the air, let an example show.

In a quarto volume begun in 1852, an honored commentator of the provings of Kali bichrom. says (p. 4, note): "I have subjected the narratives of the provers to what may appear somewhat rigid criticism; and in the fear of incorporating any useless or doubtful symptoms, may have left out many that really belong to the drug, and which may turn out to be valuable. But I hold that it is better to reject many real symptoms than admit one false one, as one false symptom tends to vitiate the whole by destroying our confidence in the rest."

Truly we must be thankful for this, that a man has the courage boldly to write and send out into the world such horrible nonsense as this. Thereby we learn things which, otherwise, we should not have understood how to regard as possible.

There are then really men, physicians, Homoeopathicians, who have "confidence" in the collection of drug symptoms; And what sort of confidence? A confidence in the hundreds and thousands of symptoms of the various remedies – a confidence more tender than the sugar manikin upon a macaroon – one jolt and down it goes!

"One false symptom tends to vitiate the whole." What is a false symptom? Neither is there a single one, among many thousands and thousands, which positively and certainly is a false one, nor has it ever been, in a strictly scientific manner, demonstrated of any single one. We have hitherto only suspected, we have sought to make it probable, very probable, in the highest degree probable; but all this is no proof!

There are many "false symptoms" in all probability — it could not reasonably be expected to be otherwise; and, for this reason the old school too knew nothing better to say in opposition to this greatest product of the century, than to throw suspicion on the whole of it. Now come along such imitators of our opponents, and think if they throw suspicion on single symptoms – for a proof that the suspicion is well-grounded has never yet succeeded even in one single case — the not only must these symptoms be thrown out, but even the good, the true ones along with them! If, among the servants of a house, one falls under suspicion, we hang them all; for the "sugar manikin" of our confidence has come to grief! In this way have they thought to rescue science and to build the highways of truth!

But by what means do we find out that any symptoms whatever, of any drug, really and truly belong to that drug? There must be ways and means, for even the most conscientious, most careful prover, the most attentive observer, may possibly err; for he remains a man, and "to err is human." That such a thing is possible, and is to be taken for granted, follows from the very words of the same critic; for not without emotion do we read his confession that he may, in his zeal for the rescue of our science, "have left out many that really belong to the drug;" and he is willing to admit that these" may" perhaps, later in the course of time, "turn out to be valuable." But how shall these unlucky symptoms begin to "turn out to be valuable" if, in the collocation of symptoms in the Symptomen-codex they have been already thrown overboard?

There is but one way in which we can, from time to time, render single symptoms more probable; in this way many symptoms may gradually turn out to be valuable; but this is only possible on condition that we do not throw them overboard into the jaws of the ravenous sharks of criticism.

But this way is that of the strictest method, the method of Hahnemann who, a full half-century before Apelt wrote his theory of induction, solved the great problem practically in the very same manner. In the same way we must continue to travel; we must develop after the manner of all sound growth, and we shall attain what Hahnemann had in view — mathematical certainty.

To this may belong:

1. Provings on the healthy, with or without poisonings.

2. Observations on the sick.

3. Cures of groups of symptoms.

4. Collocation of all these symptoms in all their relations.

5. Comparison among themselves of the symptoms of each remedy.

The last, the great essential, the estimation of the value or the single symptoms, the sifting, the separating, the valuing and everything else that is based on this estimate of the value of single symptoms – in the region of the art: determination in the choice of the remedy; in the region of the science: columns and arches to be erected – all this, however, is most plainly impossible unless we first have collections of all the symptoms — collections the completest possible! These, too, must be in the hands of everyone, in order that a few prominent ones may not, through their preconceived opinions, confuse and throw dust into the eyes of the many who ought to see for themselves, whether by means of clouds of learned dust from the quartos and folios which they flap open and shut, or through the whirlwinds of sand which they raise.

We must have our materia medica before us accessible to all, and just as it was proposed in this journal (Allg. Hom. Zeit., 69, 12, 89, and American Hom. Review, Vol. V, p. 88), on the one hand historico-genetic monographs as the foundation of the science (American Hom. Review, p. 90); on the other hand the pure symptomatology in the encyclopaedic form as the foundation of the art. All of our contentions bring us not a step forward, and they tend, in spite of our thirty years' war, at the very best, only to a peace of Westphalia, that is, to a still greater distraction. The three editions of the Organon will certainly not unite us, but these two collections of the materia medica might at least render a sound and healthy criticism possible.

In the lottery to raise money for the completion of the tower of Cologne Cathedral, every ticket costs one dollar, and it is hoped that the two towers will be built simultaneously. In the enterprise for the building up of our two towers, each share is to cost five dollars. That is a difference to be sure; but on the other hand, there a building only is to be completed; here one is to be begun. And whereas there it may chance that one gets something; here everyone is sure of getting his portion. But to contribute to our enterprise is by no means to come over to our party; and one may contribute for no other reason than this, that he approves the simple accomplishment of an enterprise, solely that the thing may at last come into existence, and that the world may have it. But perhaps even this is asking too much; if so, then we must nurse it quietly until the world is ready to have. [D.]

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 06, 1865, pages 201-206]

[Description: Sifting The Drug Symptoms.]

[Author: Hering, C.]

[Year: 1865]

TELLURIUM.

BY C. Hering, M. D., Phildelphia.

History. – 1782. As Aurum paradoxicum, Metallum problematicum, sent by Muller of Reichenstein, to Klaproth; it may be similar to Bismuth or Antimony, yet characteristically different.

1789. Determined and fixed by the latter.

1804. C. G. Gmelin's experiments on animals.

18. Its position and relations investigated by Berzelius.

1850. Tellurium obtained pure for the first time by Dr. Genth, of Philadelphia.

1850. The 26th of October, C. Hering's experiments with a low trituration. 1

1851. January 18th, Dr. Raue took the third trituration. 2

At the same time Oscar Pietze took the same. 3

Mrs. M. L. Cooms. through C. Hering. 4

In April, Dr. Kitchen. 5.

Dr. Gardiner. 6.

Dr. Whitey, the 3d. 7.

27th May, Dr. Gosewisch, the 12th, prepared from Tellurium precipitated in the form of a powder. 8.

June 6. By the above N. N. 9.

" " Mrs. F. 6th. 10.

Aug. 14. Dr. Metcalf, third trituration prepared from the precipitate. 11.

1852, March 26. Cure by Dr. Metcalf, published in the N. A. Journal of Homoeopathy; thence in Homoeopathic Times, 1853, No. 186; thence in the Zeit. fuer Hom. Klinik,

1853, No. 16; thence in Hirschel's Archives, 1855, p.126. 12.

1852. Dr. Dunham's proving with the third trituration (prepared from the precipitate). 13.

Dr. Dunham's cures with the 30th. 14.

Dr. Wells' cures. 15.

1853, May. Liebig & Woehler's Annalen der Chemie, 86, p. 208 to 215. K. Hauser's experiments with telluriate of potash; thence in Fechner's, Central. Blatt, No. 37, page 723; thence in Zeit.fuer Hom. Klinik, 1853; thence in Hirschel's Archives, 1855, p. 245, No. 22, p. 189,

K. Hauser, 16

Roeder, 17

Woehler, 18

Introduction (1854). – We, provers of drugs, occupy a singular position, such as has never yet been held by investigators of nature. A prodigious majority of physicians pay no regard to us; this indeed were nothing new; the like has often happened before, but has never lasted so long a time.

All investigation works first in a narrow circle; then in a wider, and finally wider and wider. Ours, however, is like the wave in a well, made by a frog that has jumped into it.

More than nine tenths, perhaps ninety-nine hundredths, of the physicians, set themselves, like slippery, algae-covered stones, against all drug provings. Every little minority which accepts these requires that great masses be swallowed after s violent fashion, and fixes its investigating eye upon the excrement, as the non plus ultra. Sweat, urine, intestinal and pulmonary excrement, have high seats of honor in their temple. They are masters, not upon the professional chair but in the stool.

If we come now to the school of Hahnemann, things are not much better. Nine tenths or ninety-nine hundredths of this minority are swayed by the fashions, being also adorers of fence-rail doses; the frog which jumps into the well must be at least a bull-frog.

The very worst resistance, however, comes from those among us who – as the deer, according to Bechstein, nibbles by preference at every new kind of tree and destroys it — also only desire the old-accustomed forest; it appears to them as a hankering for strange novelties or oddities, if one wants to go farther than in the old wood. One finds himself, therefore, in the awkward position of being compelled to ask a thousand pardons for proving something new, and spending one's life and body for the common welfare! While all naturalists, in every other department, receive every contribution, be it ever so trifling, with thankful acknowledgments -- on the other hand, a prover of drugs is considered as a sort of a fool, even by those who recognize generally the importance of such proving a upon the healthy, as soon as he proves something which they are scarcely able to remember, as having been a great rarity at the time when they were at college. I will now, therefore, discuss the reason why the proving of Tellurium was made and why it will become one of the most important provings. There were four principal reasons for it:

First. Because, in general, everything ought to be proved and must be proved; and, inasmuch as Tellurium also belongs in the category of "everything," there is already a sufficient reason for it a priori.

Second. Because everybody for whose silly brain this is too much, need only to jump over it with both his eyes — a very little trouble this.

Third. I have proved Tellurium because I had been longing to do so, ever since my provings of Selenium; why, will be explained farther on.

Fourth. I proved Tellurium on the same day, in the morning of which, for the first time in my life, I saw Tellurium and took it into my hands. Now, everything of that kind must, with me, pass as soon as possible over the mucous membrane of the tongue, mouth and pharynx; and I then listen with a more attentive spiritual ear than if a symphony of Beethoven were being performed. I listen eagerly to hear what kind of an answer may be forthcoming from the unknown depths of the human body and life.

All of these four reasons, however, will hardly satisfy a sprawling criticaster, because he has other ears which have no such longing. The following, therefore, may serve as a justification in the meantime.

Tellurium is such a rare metal, that the majority of chemists have never seen it. Although discovered since 1782, its ores are still rarities in the collections of minerals, and its artificial chemical preparations and combinations are still greater curiosities in the laboratories.

If, now, somebody should prove Tellurium for the sole reason that it is a rarity, there would indeed be something droll about him; but it will probably be conceded that he who does not want it to be proved because it is so very rare, must be taken to be much droller still!

Tellurium, judging by the sources from which it is obtained, is one of the neighbors of Gold. Gold is found only in elevated mountains, and moreover only near the surface, disappearing again in the depths. On the surface it has been laid bare here and there, and its surroundings have been destroyed by the influence of air and water. Gold is noble, i. e. durable; soft as love, and heavy as Earnestness; it has maintained itself through destructive centuries, and during the crushing storms of ages, it has remained just, what it was; it only sank in the loose masses of stone and earth, and is now mostly found in the beds of rivers and in layers of sand, in the form of grains, scales and nuggets. There man, the greedy wader, washes it free from the mud and the sand, and collects it in little bags. Where man detects gold in its rocky veins, he takes upon himself the office of those centuries, and he throws the ore under the stamping mill, where, with all its associate ores and gangues, it is crushed in a shorter time, and where mud and rubble are separated from it.

Here we see the reason why the Tellurium which exists associated with the rare Gold, is still more rarely to be precured. The mills pound it and the washings carry it away; but the same has been done by the great washings of the world; and in the deposits of the rivers, and, still more, of the oceans, there may, yea there must, be a great quantity of Tellurium.

Though I am by no means worthy to direct the attention of the provers of drugs to those muddy deposits of the sea, still I must here interpolate something, and remember my most esteemed friend, the Magus near the Elbe, who, on the occasion of my proving of Selenium, the near neighbor of Sulphur, thought of it, that the chemists had discovered Selenium in the mud of the factories of Sulphuric acid. I answered this in my own way, that is, by adopting his way. Is not mud similar to mud? And if diseases come from the one mud, and also out of the factories, why not fetch remedies out of similar mud and similar factories?

I have however, in truth, neither in the case of the Selnium nor in that of the Tellurium, once thought of the mud. But, speaking of mud the most sublime contemplations suggest themselves. As Hamlet says: "To die; to sleep; to sleep! perchance to dream; ay, there's the rub; for in that sleep of death, what dreams may come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil, must give us pause." But what kind of life may spring from this mud, that is the rub!

Mud is something universal. As the dust in the air, so the mud passes through the fluid, and with the fluid, everywhere and from everywhere, is deposited. Without mud no vegetable, no animal life. And what the chemists, up to the end of the first half of our century, have proved to be essential or accidental constituent elements of living bodies, is certainly far from being all, yea, those small quantities which at the present day "are comprised under the errors of observation," will become, every year, less and less, and many a thing may still reasonably be expected to be discovered in this region (compare Kirchhoff, 1864). Enough, the mud particles containing Tellurium have passed through the Streams containing gold in ___Tl1r o' ToI oo, TooI oo, lI ' lI[ •• 0 0;___ have also passed through many which once contained gold; therefore, through nearly all of them; they have passed and pass into the ocean.

From this, however, among other things, come oysters and Codfish, herrings and sardines, yea, cod liver oil and foam of the sea waves which diffuse themselves all over hungry and bathing, healthy and sick mankind. Thus those small quantities reach, in a large and mighty circuit, the life of men.

Of all those who shudder at such millionth part contemplations as these, we may, as was done to the pharisees in the Scripture, "stop the mouths" by referring to the existence, the diffusion, the indispensableness of fluoric add. The teeth, as is known, contain it on their surfaces, in the enamel; the whole existence of the teeth is evidently conditioned by it. The teeth inevitably hasten to their ruin if the fluoric acid be wanting; everybody knows the consequences hereof. But besides this, fluoric acid is also in all and every bone, and it must be there; all the firmness also of the bones must mainly be conditioned by it; there must be found Fluoride of Calcium in every bone; none can exist without it. Already twenty-nine (now thirty) years ago, I wrote to Stapf: Men have found at last Fluoride of Calcium in the bones of oxen; shall we wait till oxen find them in the bones of men?

Liebig finally found them in human bones, at least in those from Pompeii. But inasmuch as Fluoric acid must be found in all bones except it be wanting through the influence of disease – as sometimes, in an analogous way, iron is wanting in the blood (Manganese would be more analogous yet) — from what other source then, than from the plants, do the animals derive it? It therefore must be present in hay and grain, probably most abundantly in beans, peas and lentils. If now it is found in all these plants, it would be folly to assume that the plants only contain it accidentally, nay, even simply in order that it might be deposited in animals and men. Fluorine must also have a function in vegetable life; if then Fluorine has such a function, it would be equally silly to assume that, with animals and men, it has no other business but to make the enamel of the teeth harder; and as I may now, supported by the provings, maintain, also all the bones, surely Fluorine has still many other functions. All this is taught by the provings upon the healthy, and by innumerable cures of the sick. Both the provings and cures of course are made only by potencies; for Fluorine likewise is always present in the body only in the state of diffusion, extension, tension, potentiation, and, like only acts upon like, this is an old axiom.

And if the physiological significance of one single___ I___ is secured, no more reasonable objection can be made to the possibility of a significance also of others: and it would be nonsense if, after this is once secured, one should say: thus far and no farther the decimals of such like fractions in life shall have their value, and shall be allowed to act! It is a matter of course that it must go on, still much farther on, and ___li. ill, I'v,___ will soon have to be acknowledged, in healthy life, to be indispensable and physiologically necessary constituent elements.

A substance which has existence is also necessary; what was necessary was conditioned, and it, in turn, conditions again. That which conditions has a function, a purpose, and, if you please, a use, a destination. This destination must be found out; but this is only possible by presupposing it in general. That which is presupposed in general, however, can again, in special, only be found by investigation. Every stubborn resistance to progress, therefore, earns for itself the very same treatment which is the portion of the mules on Alpine roads; that is, incessant whippings from behind, till they move forward again.

The basis of all investigation into the significance and function of substances, is their influence upon man. Provings upon the healthy give us a portrait and knowledge of the corporeal and spiritual function of each. This we must, first of all, know before we can take a step further.

Therefore inasmuch as Tellurium exists, Tellurium must be proved. Tellurium may exist everywhere in millionths and billionths. Tellurium ought to be proved in___ I___ and ___U___, etc., even if it were never to become a healing medium. The doctrine of medicines must be conceived and built up as a science, and as such it has nothing whatever to do with the art of healing. Its object is action of the substances, it being a matter of indifference whether a substance cause something to appear, to show itself, or whether it causes something to appear no more, to cease to show itself. And inasmuch as both of the causations are action, they both will be an object for science; whether such things be pleasing to the single individuals or not is a matter of indifference to science. But Tellurium promises to become a very important medicine, for it is one of the neighbors of Gold.

In my preliminaries to the" Pharmacology considered as a Natural Science" (not yet printed), I have pointed out the probability of a most important proposition which I discovered when treating lepra, in that all those earths which are associated as neighbors, also correspond with pathologically similar diseases or groups of symptoms; therefore, much as they may vary otherwise in their effects, still in this respect again they stand near each other, just as they had formerly been together in the rocks and gangues of the ore. Experience will soon show whether this be the case with Tellurium,

The very same is true or the plants which thrive chiefly on certain kinds of mountains. It is not by a mere accident, but in accordance with law, that Belladonna, which grows upon limestone mountains and cannot live without lime, is not only a good sequent of Calcarea (showing always a relationship), but also is so often useful in the same diseases in which Calcarea is indicated, that every practitioner, knowingly or not, gives these remedies to the sick, in succession. This therefore, already at the outset, gives a greater importance to Tellurium.

Tellurium is found in Transylvania in the pure metallic state, in veins in porphyry, the same formation which also contains pure gold, in quartz associated with pyrites and black blende; as leafy ore in veins in porphyry, especially in clay-porphyry with Lead, Iron, Arsenic and Zinc ores; as type-ore in clayey syenite porphyry with calcareous spar, pyrites, gray copper, rarely with native pure gold; as white ore in porphyry in small veins with gold, blende, gray copper, copper quartz, quartz and pyrites.

Dr. F. A. Genth, in North Carolina, about five miles N. W. of the Washington mine, in Davidson County, found Tellurium as an associate of a gold vein, in small masses reaching the size of a nut, partly in quartz, usually with Manganese ochre, partly oxidized as tellurous acid. Keller's

North American Monatsbericht, Vol. I, p. 165.

In the second volume, p. 249, Genth reports that the telluric ore, which he discovered, is Tetradymite or m Bi S 3 + 2 Bi Te 3. There is found with pure gold, in a quartz vein, associated with oxidized Tetradymite, magnetic ore in octahedrous, iron ochre, Malachite, Sillimanite and Pistazite. Out of this North Carolina Tetradymite, Dr. Genth prepared metallic Tellurium. In this way I got into my hands, for the first time, Tellurium, in the pure metallic state, as a rarity which I had never seen before. My first thought was, instantly to take a powder of sugar of milk out of my pocket, to open it and to rub the shining cake of metal, as large as a dollar, upon the sugar of milk, and to shift it thereon to and fro until the white sugar began to assume a grayish hue. This was the treasure which I carried home and which I triturated, in a new mortar suitably prepared, until the grayish hue disappeared under the addition of more sugar of milk in the proportion of about one to ten thousand. I have treated other metals which were difficult to obtain in a pure state, such as Cadmium, Antimony, metallic Arsenic, etc., in the same simple way, and if our only purpose is to make preliminary experiments, I think it quite unnecessary to insist upon a trituration of strict quantitative accuracy. The first experiments were made with this trituration. And inasmuch as they had very peculiar results, and I desire to make comparative experiments with pure bismuth, Dr. Genth complied with my wishes and prepared some Tellurium in the form of a powder, which should be entirely and decidedly free from bismuth. Tellurium which had already been, purified and reduced to the metallic form, was dissolved in hydrochloric acid, precipitated by sulphate of ammonia and thus obtained in a fine powder; but it was not made red-hot. In this preparation, then, the last trace of bismuth was removed. All later experiments have been made with this Tellurium in the form of powder. I have given it to Boericke and Tafel for exchange and sale.

The action of Tellurium upon man had not been investigated at all, when the following provings were made. All that we knew of its action, was what could be learned from C. G. Gmelin's experiments upon animals. He gave the oxide of Tellurium, which had been prepared from the leafy ore according to Klapproth's method. In a rabbit which swallowed four grains, and the third day ten grains, and which was found dead the fifth day; on opening the abdominal cavity, an odor like garlic was diffused (p.44) which Gmelin, however, (p. 46) describes as being like that of the radish. It was believed at that time, that the oxide of Tellurium on evaporation gives out an odor similar to that of the black radish. But Berzelius has pointed out that this odor proceeds from Selenium, which it; its common associate in the ore.

This "association with each other," and likewise what the chemists call the "obstinate adhering together," might also, according to my theory, become important. So far as the present experiments and comparisons of the remedies go, it is, like the already mentioned neighborhood of locality in which substances are found, an assurance that the remedy would be serviceable in the same families of disease, i. e., in similar groups of symptoms which are in close relation; the other fact, the" obstinate adhering," seems to me always to point to a great concordance in the effects, together with essential differences (compare Selenium and Tellurium). The chemical affinity likewise indicates simility in the substances, yet more in the physiological departments and always with characteristic contrasts; for instance, in the sides of the body, in the times of the day; in anticipating or postponing, etc.

In Gmelin's experiments with animals, the liver appeared as if bestrewed with red inflammatory spots, the lungs showed only a few red spots. From this the conclusion was drawn, that Tellurium acts pre-eminently upon the liver. Further experiments with both may decide whether this was more the effect of the adhering Selenium or of the Tellurium. Selenium had a quite peculiar and very decided action upon the liver (compare Stapf's Archiv., 12, 3, p. 195, symptoms 36 and 37). It is not merely the fact that Selenium is found in the neighborhood of Tellurium and the fact of its "obstinate adhesion" to the latter metal, but also their relatively near position among the elements that makes these remedies akin. In the electro-chemical grouping of the undecomposed substances, Leopold Gmelin puts Tellurium into one group with Sulph. and Selenium, whilst he associates the Antimony with Phosphorus and Arsenic, and places Bismuth near Plumbum and Argentum. But Tellurium has otherwise, according to its chemical relations great simility with Antimony and Bismuth. According to Berzelius, the salts of the oxide of Tellurium taste almost like those of the oxide of Antimony; according to Koelleuter their action is emetic. L. Gmelin Handbuch d. Chem., Vol. II, p. 874, 5, Berzelius remarks: "Tellurium is, like Oxygen, Sulphur and Selenium, an amphigenic element which forms acids and bases; therefore, chemically, a great curiosity."

As a remark for future times, the relation of the stoechrometrical numbers may here be given: Oxygen, Sulphur, Zincum, Tellurium, Antimony. The next proving after those of Selenium and Tellurium, should be that of the pure metallic Antimony. It might then be possible to give a very beautiful comparative group. – After that might then follow the oxides and acids, particularly the latter.

C. G. Gmelin's experiments 1824, p. 43. Three grains of the oxide of Tellurium prepared, according to Klaproth's method, were introduced into the stomach of a very lively dog of medium size, together with some meat. After twenty-two minutes, vomiting of a watery slime ensued; the animal lost its liveliness, and would not eat, but drank much water and passed much urine. After four hours the vomiting was repeated several times. After eight hours the appetite returned, and the next day the animal was quite well.

A rabbit was forced to swallow four grains of the oxide of Tellurium made, by means of gum arabic, into six pills. Immediately after swallowing the oxide, the rabbit ate with appetite, and was perfectly well the next day.

On the third day the same rabbit was forced to swallow ten grains of the oxide of Tellurium, made into ten pills with gum arabic (at three p. m.). Immediately after swallowing the pills, the animal lost its liveliness for a time, but soon recovered it and ate with appetite. Also the next day it ate, and there were in general no particular accidents; even in the evening of the same day the animal was lively. On the morning of the third day it was found dead.

On opening the abdominal cavity a peculiar odor was perceived, which reminded one of the odor of garlic; this odor developed itself in laying open the intestines still more. The intestinal canal showed, except distended blood vessels, nothing particular. On opening the stomach, a thick, white, frothy slime made its appearance, in which the mucous membrane of the stomach, which everywhere came off with the greatest facility, seemed to be, as it were, dissolved. An inflammation proper had not taken place. Near the pylorus a quantity of black, ink-like slime was found, which filled all the small and large intestines entirely, as far as the rectum.

This slime was washed off with difficulty, and gave out very strongly the mentioned odor. The rectum itself was void and contracted. The liver was bestrewn with red, inflamed spots; the gall bladder was full of green bile; kidneys and bladder were sound; the ventricles of the heart were filled with a polypus-like coagulum of blood. The serum, not only of the heart but also of the remaining organs, as liver and kidneys, had a violet hue. The heart was not inflamed; the lungs showed, some red spots excepted, nothing particular.

The small quantity of Tellurium which was at my disposal prevented me from making more experiments. Such experiments are, moreover rendered difficult by the circumstance that Tellurium cannot well be given in a suitable form.

Thus much, however, appears from the experiments above described, that Tellurium, even in the form of the oxide, exerts a depressing action upon the canine nervous system, and occasional violent vomiting. With rabbits, the effect indeed is much slower, which may be ascribed either to the insoluble form or, in part also, to the circumstance that these animals have their stomachs constantly filled. The oxide of Tellurium produces a destruction of the mucous membrane of the stomach, and seems to be reduced thereby. The third experiment at least points to this fact; the radish-like odor and the ink-like slime diffused throughout the intestinal canal. At the same time it seems to act preeminently upon the liver (!). So far Gmelio. To this it must be remarked: in the above passage the same odor is called "radish-like, which in a previous passage reminded one of garlic. Now since Selenium appears in connexion with Tellurium, and adheres to it "obstinately;" since Klaproth's method of preparation of Tellurium, before the discovery of Selenium, could not take this latter element into consideration; and since Selenium has an odor like radishes decayed, it is, no doubt, Selenium which here cooperates, and to which also the action upon the" liver" may be due; because Selenium is one of the greatest "liver remedies," a fact which the Symptom-coverers knew after the first reading; the "Science-savers" however, of course did not. Whoever had learned to read "lists of symptoms" saw it at the first glance; but he who wants first to hatchel, to curry and to comb them, and who goes a hunting with the critical comb, he of course does not see it but something else.

1. C. H--g took, October 26th, 1850, 7 45 p. m., an indefinitely large dose, as a preliminary experiment. After the trituration, the part which adhered to the mortar and pestle was washed off with some alcohol, and the blackish gray fluid mixed with some water, and then swallowed. Immediately a pressure upon a small place behind the vertex; soon violent pressing pain through the metacarpal bone of the right fourth finger, beginning scarcely a minute later and increasing; a confusion in the head behind at both sides and worse towards the backpart. Disagreeable sensation in the stomach; something comes up as far as the pharynx as though a wet eructation were about to occur, but nothing comes up; finally a difficult retching, then an accumulation of water in the mouth. After half an hour accumulation of water in the mouth, retching, then yawning; 8h. 3m. at the outside of the right knee interiorly, a burning aching; 8h 5m., a peculiar pain in the head, above the eyes, deep interiorly in a long line, like pressure from within outwards, worse on the right side; 8h. 15m., inclination to stool without straining and urging.

8.20. Pain in the right metatarsal bone, as if the bone were pressed. Headache continues.

8.30. Dullness in the head; headache has ceased; feels his fauces and pharynx; has at times a strange sensation, as if round waves pushed against the pharynx below. Feels strange and singular in his whole body, but cannot describe the sensation.

8.44. Violent linear pain in a small spot above the left eye, behind the brow; early in the evening sleepy; went to sleep while sitting. Then, at a late hour, ate soup with appetite, but had no desire to smoke. Went to bed early. Coitus normal. Afterwards headache. Toward morning, when waked up, the same headache internally in the left sinciput, in a small spot; it presses there like a hazel nut, continuing slightly through the morning.

Oct. 27. The second day, once again the same pain in the right metatarsus very distinctly. This morning, and several subsequent mornings, an external tensive headache over the whole left half of the head when lying on the right side, passing away when lying on the left side. Had, for weeks every morning, a stool, sometimes soft, sometimes harder, often with some blood. Since taking the Tellurium, also, every day a second stool like the first; so every following day for one week; later again, as had been the case some time before, every morning thin stool.

The same day, October 27th, very peculiarly stinking flatus, like a compound of hydrogen, such as he never smelled before. After one week the same once again, not occasioned by the mode of living.

The fifth and sixth days, at the anterior margin of the left axillary cavity, a sensation as if it were thicker, as if there were a round tumor internally, and painful on pressure and by motion; it went away without becoming a boil.

He forgets and neglects much; also the writing down and even the observing of the symptoms; it is all too much trouble to him. When thinking of the one, or of any business, he forgets everything else, and on account of this, he neglects much that is necessary. A cough, which often came on by day or night in slight attacks, with a wheezing in the larynx without becoming loose, especially after smoking, drinking and much walking, or after going upstairs, came on again, and always toward morning, and with much violence; after a few days it became loose, and then ceased. After taking cold it came again, and then ceased permanently, so that even taking fresh colds did not bring it on again.

For one week a much more excited and powerful sexual instinct, but after that time this appeared to be entirely extinct; without any want of capability thereto, he renounces its indulgence for weeks without missing it. For six weeks continued sweat of the feet, especially anteriorly at the toes, somewhat ill-smelling. During the first week and now and then during the following, a peculiar twitching and distortion of the left facial muscles, often when speaking; the left angle of the mouth is drawn to the left, and upwards.

The "first right, then left" was exhibited in several pains, which, however, were so fugitive and indistinct, for example, in the right side and shoulder, that he recorded nothing of them.

2. Dr. Charles G. Raue took, on the 18th of January, 1851, at 10.30, p. m., a few grains of the same original trituration, third centesimal. A little rough, scratchy sensation in the throat, not passing off by swallowing; sensation of coolness in the mouth and pharynx, as after having peppermint lozenges in the mouth, very distinct on drawing in the air.

Jan. 19, 10 a.m., a few grains of the third trituration. In the afternoon, a prickling itching at the scrotum; worse on the right side; then on the inside of the left thigh, high up; then low on the right side of the abdomen; then on the left side; later between the buttocks. After having been, during the forenoon, in sharp, cold air, slight burning sensation in the lips during the afternoon. Towards evening dull headache over the whole head. In the evening, about 10 o'clock, a few grains.

Jan. 20, in the morning, much secretion of slime from the posterior nares, of a saltish taste, like smoked herrings. Pressure of incarcerated flatus under the last ribs, first on the left side, then on the right, an hour and a half after breakfast.

12.30 p.m., one grain. In the afternoon burning in the middle of the upper lip.

Jan. 21, fasting, one grain. Early in the morning painful pressure or pain as if beaten in the os sacrum, worse when stooping, but not ceasing on getting up again; it extends, after a time, into the renal region, abating by walking in the open air, but returning after a short time when sitting. In the afternoon headache worse on the left side. At six p. m., headache worse in the fore part of the head. Nausea before the evening meal, ceasing by eating, together with the headache.

Jan. 22, in the morning, a prickly sensation of dryness in the fauces, worse on the left side. The left nasal passage is stopped; from the right a quantity of slime is secreted, towards behind. The pain in the sacrum begins again when standing in a stooping posture; is better when walking. After breakfast, the prickly sensation of dryness in the fauces is better. The pain in the sacrum is worse when lying upon the back; but when lying on the left side, it is worse towards the right. No stool for two days. Today, 11 a.m., a stool, not hard, composed of crumbs enveloped in some brown reddish slime. The whole forenoon, the left nasal passage is stopped from the right one; slime is running off by the posterior opening. 5 p.m., sensation of dryness in the throat. Very tired in the knees and lower legs; worse on the right side; the whole evening, drawing in the right leg posteriorly from the right posterior superior spinous process down to the calf; worst in the kneeholder. In the left forearm and hand heaviness and sensation of numbness, about ten p.m. The pain as if beaten across the sacrum; the drawing in the right leg, and the tiredness after lying down (11.30 p.m.) are so hard, that for awhile it prevents him from getting asleep, and compels him to frequently turn and twist. The sleep is very good, with amelioration of all the pains.

Jan. 23, morning. The pressing across the sacrum comes again immediately on stooping, and becomes almost intolerable when the stooping posture is persisted in. The sensation of dryness in the fauces, worse on the left side, comes again also in the morning, but is milder. In the forenoon it seems to him as if his ears were suddenly stopped. Whilst walking in the open air, and after doing so (11 a. m., to 12 m.,) the sensation of dryness in the fauces on the left side ceases; in its stead the right side becomes painful-worse on empty swallowing; the pain at the same time extends into the right ear, which feels internally as if stopped. The pains in the sacrum and leg cease by motion in the open air; sometimes itching in the car, with secretion of a thinner ear-wax than usual. Stool in the evening, the first part like that of yesterday, the last part softer. After the stool itching in the rectum. When pressing to stool, the pain in the sacrum increased; also when coughing and laughing. The pain then extends from the sacral plexus through the large foramen ischiaticum, along the great sciatic nerve down into the thigh; worse on the right side. About ten p. m., sensation of obstruction in the ears; worse on the left side. The sensation of dryness is always perceptible morning and evening.

Jan. 24. Wakened with sweat about four a. m. The slime in the posterior nares has been deposited as a yellow reddish rosin, which is hawked out in the morning. Sensation of dryness, involving the whole fauces, but worse on the right side. Obstruction of the right nostril; prickly soreness in the fauces when swallowing; worse on the right side. When walking in the clear, fresh air (11 a. m., to 12 m.), a fluent coryza develops itself, with hoarseness and watering of the eyes, with short cough and pressure in the middle of the chest, under the sternum; after being for some time in the open air it goes away again. About ten p. m., pinching in the abdomen; better after passing wind.

Jan. 25. On awaking, much thick slime in the nose; during the night he had breathed through the mouth. The nose sometimes stopped, sometimes free. Again, about eight a. m., pinching in the abdomen and stool, first thick, then diarrheic. On pressing to stool, on coughing and on laughing, aggravation of the pain in the sacrum, extending into the right thigh. On going out into the open air (eleven to twelve a. m.), again violent coryza with hoarseness, as yesterday. Towards evening dryness of the fauces.

Jan. 26, ten, a.m. Diarrheic stool. After stool urging in the rectum for awhile, with some burning; thereupon stronger retraction of the rectum. Sometimes, for an instant, a sensation as if air catches itself in the left eustachian tube. On taking a pinch of snuff, and on eructation of wind, the air catches itself in the left eustachian tube, as in a sac.

Jan. 27. Several times catching of air in the left Eustachian tube, as yesterday, when eructating or on taking snuff. In the evening sore throat, worse on the left side on empty swallowing. The pain and the sensation of dryness in the fauces go away when eating or drinking, during the entire proving.

Jan. 28. Pain in the first phalanx of the little finger of the left hand, as if he had fallen upon it; on touch and pressure no sore spot can be discovered; on moving it, it is painful; sore throat on empty swallowing, evening.

Jan. 30, 11.30 p. m., whilst going asleep, sudden desire for apples, which makes him wide awake again. Towards evening, in the left upper eyelid, toward the inner canthus, itching and pressure, as if a hair had grown in the wrong direction.

Dr. Raue's Proving, continued. – February 4th. He wakened early with a pale red, dropsical, biting, itching, swelling in the left upper eyelid; rather towards the inner angle. This swelling secretes some fluid; after a few days a scab forms.

5th. A scratchy feeling in the throat, worse towards evening.

6th. Coryza with thick mucus; hoarseness, early in the morning, after rising. The eye is worse; the globe also is reddened; the chest is oppressed.

3. Oscar Tietze, son of the well known homoeopathic physician, took the above described third trituration and reported as follows:

First day. Drawing and dull pressure at the right scapula; soon afterwards also upon the left. Dull headache and dullness of the head. A sensation between roughness and pressure in the region of the larynx, which generally provokes a cough, passes gradually into a pure tickling. Slight stitches in the chest, transient, more on the left side. The dullness of the head becomes more perceptible. Internal chilliness with single shudderings. Pressure at the tonsils. Drawing, cutting pain around and in the left nipple, extending towards the scapula. Single pressure like stitches anteriorly at the forehead. Stitching pains lasting from three to ten minutes above the fifth rib, on the left side. The headache becomes more and more pronounced and consists of that unpleasant pressure above the eyes which is commonly felt after having been awake for several nights. Unpleasant drawing in the right hand, later involving the whole forearm. Sometimes tearing pains towards the elbow and in the palm of the hand towards the thumb-joint. Sensation as if the skin of the hands, especially of the right hand, were contracted, from the tips of the fingers downwards, so that it seems as if, on extending the fingers, one must stretch the skin forcibly. At the same time there was experienced in the ends of the fingers a kind of sensation as if dead.

Second day. The pains in the head have, for the most part, disappeared; but a coryza seems to set in. Afternoon, the coryza has set in – it is dry – after a few days it ran a natural course; it is only to he remarked that it appeared worse at irregular times.

After about five days, there appear on the left hand small red points, shining through the skin, which sometimes itch. The feet also itch, especially the left one, as though there were some heat-vesicles there. After the lapse of several days, there appeared, first on the calves and then extending up to the thighs, similar small red isolated points, which itch like those on the hand. The itching is especially in those spots where the skin perspires most. The abdomen seems not to be affected; but, after a few days, a number of similar pimples, itching like the others, appear in the epigastrium. On rubbing the parts that itch, these points become more visible. The itching is not unlike that caused by bed-hugs. From the epigastrium the eruption extends towards the left nipple; and lingers here as well as at the epigastrium longer than on the before mentioned localities; and it finally turns towards the left axilla. At the same time, also, it itches in various parts of the back. Meanwhile a spot is remarked on the right side of the forehead which is sore when pressed upon, as it a blow had once been received there, which he does not remember to have been the case, neither is there any red or blue spot to be seen. The itching now begins at the head, only at the posterior and superior parts, not towards the anterior part. When working quietly (sitting with the head bent forwards) without any provocation whatever, a sudden rush of blood towards the head, with perceptible reddening of the face, recovering irregularly, but almost daily twice, now in the morning, now in the afternoon. The itching at the head lasts about fourteen days and the rush of blood to the head recur for about the same period. At the same time, a peculiar kind of vertigo sets in, every evening while getting asleep, about a half hour after going to bed – a sensation as if he were wafted and drawn forth very quickly in the direction of his legs.

He is always wakened by it. It never returned later in the night. On the contrary, one day when he had gone to bed earlier than usual, about half-past eight o'clock, the sensation appeared in like manner, about a half-hour after he had lain down and when he was first getting asleep. This vertigo kept coming for eight or nine days, was interrupted at one time by two days of quiet sleep, returned and then ceased altogether. During the whole time, a good appetite and a disposition to drink a glass of beer oftener than common which always tasted good. Both later ceased.

4. Through C. Hering. A well educated woman took Trellurinm^2, January 18th, at ten, p.m., on going to bed. After about one hour she felt a dull pain, deep internally in the whole length of the right thigh; later for a short time in the head, above and behind the left ear; then a pain in the pelvis at the left side, while the pain in the thigh continued. A sharp pain passed quickly over the toes of the right foot, then into the heel. She got asleep, lying on the left side, and awakened once in the night with a dull pain in the region of the heart, which passed away when she lay upon the back. No change of position had any influence upon the pain in the thigh.

19th. Very frequent urging to pass water, and a very unpleasant sensation if she cannot yield to the urging. Sudden cold weather had formerly a similar effect upon her, but to a far less degree. She walked today eight or nine miles and felt the effects so sensibly that she stopped taking the Tellurium until the fatigue should have passed over.

20th. The menses appeared in the afternoon, one day too early. She felt the effects of her walk, more particularly in the shape of a sticking pain through both temples, a pain from hip to hip and in both acetabula, for a whole day. On the left side, in the region of the uterus, across, in the groin and towards the hip violent stitches or cuttings

21st. Frequent stitching pains from the middle of the pelvis across towards the left side, in attacks, during this day and a part of the next.

25th. She took again the third trituration in the evening. The first noticeable symptom was a pain in the back at the upper end of the sacrum which extended upwards.

26th. Took a dose again in the morning. Whenever she has no pain, there is yet a sensation of weakness in the back, the whole day long. Ten p.m., another dose. After lying down a throbbing on the right side, superiorly in the pelvis.

27th. About ten, a.m., a pain above the left eye; it came suddenly and went as quickly; it seemed to have been caused by a sudden rush of blood thither. As it was passing off, the pain was accompanied by a sensation not easy to describe, along the left side of the neck, as if the blood there had suddenly been retained in one of the large veins, or had streamed backwards. Next followed a feeling in the stomach like weakness or faintness and a pain in the left chest. — Throughout the whole day, constant pain in the chest, anteriorly in the middle, sometimes extending; backwards between the shoulders and a dull unpleasant feeling in the head especially above the eyes. The weakness and the pain in the back continued.

28th. The pains change their locality more frequently this morning then yesterday; mostly on the left side of the chest, only now and then in the right chest and over the right eye; once or twice in the right shin. An hour and a half after dinner, heat of the face; the sinciput is hot; the gums bleed so that the mouth is full of blood.

She had already had these symptoms previously before the proving, but not lately and not in such strength. She had been reading the evening before until a late hour, which she was not in the habit of doing. The pains in the back and in the chest are quite unusual. They were so continuous and so violent that the prover was compelled by reason of them to remain at home in the afternoon.

29th, nine, a.m. Pain above the right eye after going out; the pain goes toward the temple; then in the flanks below the ribs, then in the right side of the pelvis, the right shin, then over the left eye, left ear, then into the right eye; at the same time she is chilly.

30th. Return of most of the earlier symptoms but with less severity. The parts which had been attacked with pains now pain as if beaten or sore.

31st. Some heaviness above the brows. Ten, a.m., an attack of sneezing lasting several minutes. Had this frequently after rush of blood to the head.

February 3d. Some pain above the left eye after lying down.

4th. Constant pain in the region of the heart. Now and then pain over the left eye. She ceased to record the symptoms, but was never free from them for two days in succession.

The next menstrual period came three days too early; the first day the usual quantity, later less than usual.

Latest, the pain over the eye and in the heart ceased, if, indeed, they do not again return. From the 21st to the 25th February no pain in the heart. This pain appears to be in the apex of the heart. She had something similar five or six years ago, but was then much more seriously affected. Some symptoms may have been produced by her occupation as public teacher, others may depend upon her age, forty years. She has a long walk to her school and labors there six hours a day. In the forenoon, in school, she had always a fullness and oppression in the epigastrium and was obliged to open and loosen her clothes. Ate much less, was obliged to lie down after eating, which however gave no relief; the oppression became indeed rather worse. The left thigh upon which she lay became numb and her feet cold. At last she took Nux vomica, lay down again and then slept better.

The symptoms, especially the attacks which compelled her to lie down, were more violent the first Tuesday after taking the medicine, came again the two following Tuesdays, but with less violence. The fourth Tuesday she was quite free, but they came again on Thursday and somewhat changed.

She reports on the 2d March that, several days previously, she had put on a somewhat tight petticoat, this was very uncomfortable and caused a return of the pain in the left groin which she had had several weeks before.

She should have mentioned that the disposition to become easily faint in the region of the stomach had often recurred. During the latter part of the proving, whilst having the pains in the heart, she had a great disposition to bend over forwards even so as to lie upon the face without being able to go to sleep in this position or without experiencing any relief from it.

5. Dr. Kitchen, of Philadelphia, took the third trituration. Pain in the left flank within the crest of the ilium. Pain in the sacrum, worse on stooping or when rising from a sitting or a recumbent position. The pain passes down in the right thigh in the direction of the sciatic nerve. It is, therefore, almost impossible for him to press when at stool.

Restlessness, fullness in the region of the upper part of the abdomen and of the liver. The pain in the sacrum and in the sacral ligaments was sometimes, when moving, like a stab with a knife. He had erections all night long, a thing which had never before happened to him.

6. Dr. Gardner, sen., took the third trituration, evening and morning. He dreamed at night of smoking cigars, a thing he never does. In the forenoon, when sitting, a burning in the right of the hepatic region and, later, a heavy painful pressure. The next morning, while dressing, a very violent attack of vertigo, which became much worse after walking out; he could hardly stand, was compelled to lie down and to remain at home several days. The vertigo caused nausea; after eating rice he was obliged to vomit. At every motion while he was lying down, even when he turned his head, still more on sitting up, the vertigo returned. At the same time, the pulse was more frequent. He had previously had similar attacks, also one severe after Glonoine. On other occasions Aconite had always helped him. This time it did not. Nor did Glonoine, nor Belladonna. It gradually passed away after three or four days.

7. Dr. Whitey took the second trituration, several grains, night and morning. In the fauces above the larynx, an itching and a kind of burning, as if he had scalded himself with a hot drink, lasting several days. After two or three days an eruption makes its appearance, such as he had never had. Small red pimples, very bright red and very sharply defined with minute vesicles upon them, first on the lower extremities, then also upon the upper, most on the left side; they began first on the outside of the calves, and then on the inside of the forearms, above the wrist, and spread from that point, caused very severe itching day and night, but worst at night after going to bed.

8. Dr. Gosewisch took the twelfth May 27th, 1851, at four, p.m. After supper very full in the abdomen, but not bloated. When lying on the left side, a throbbing sensation on the right side under the ribs, somewhat towards the epigastrium, as from wind balls, undulatory. In the morning, it is as if, when lying on the right side, wind had accumulated in the corresponding spot on the left side. Flatus does not pass oft so freely in the morning as is customary and the hitherto rather diarrheic stool intermits. Latterly the flatus became stinking. When lying on the loft ear, a kind of sharp pressing pain from the neck into the left ear. After a few days, an eruption; small red papules, which itch very much, on the abdomen, on the inside of the thighs and on the perineum. The itching is worse in cold weather. — Almost every remedy that he had ever before proved, gave him headache; this, however, did not. During and after the proving, his disposition much more quiet; for generally be is much disposed to fly into a passion.

Through Dr. Gosewisch, in June, 1851, took at five, p.m., a drop of the sixth potency of the latter preparation from the precipitate as before described. Slight dull toothache on the left side in teeth that had been filled with lead. Sensation of numbness in the abdominal walls, as if it were in the flesh, began below the umbilicus on each side of the same and extended around and upwards to the ribs, while he lay on the sofa after supper. Slight feeling of suffocation in the upper part of the throat. Palpitation of the heart and general throbbing through the whole body, with fullness of the pulse; after it had lasted an hour, copious sweat for an hour and a half. A metallic, earthy taste in the mouth. Feels empty and weak in the stomach, yet without appetite. Dull pain in the middle of the back between the shoulders. Sensation of numbness in the occiput and nape. Heartburn, a sensation of warmth, as after spirituous drinks, in the epigastrium and on both sides of the same. General sensation of warmth in the abdomen, as if after spirituous drinks. Expectorates white mucus, which is easily discharged. For a few minutes, itching at the anus. The next morning, the customary stool was lacking. Urine transparent, dark, easily evacuated, without pain. The sleepy, heavy condition, in which he was for several days before he began the proving, has vanished; instead thereof, a feeling of restlessness on going to bed. Some pain in the middle of the sternum. Some dull pain low down above the pubic region and anteriorly on both sides of the abdomen. Pain in the clavicle. After supper, he took a walk; on returning to the house, his knees, hips, elbows, and shoulder-joints were as if sprained and beaten. On every moment the brain felt as if bruised. Eructations, tasting of the food. Some pressure in the left chest above the first rib. In the morning, after deep sleep, with bad dreams, he felt heavy and dull. Skin hot and dry, sensation as if over-strained, as if bruised, as if he had taken cold after severe exertion. At the close of urinating, burning in the orifice of the urethra. The mouth feels pure and moist; he has again the natural taste.

10. Through Dr. Gosewisch, F., an educated woman, took the sixth, in drop doses and made the following report:

Lassitude and weakness, then pains in the elbows, ankles and various parts, sharp and quick. Singular contracting sensation in the epigastrium as if the parts were folded together. When this sensation passed away, there remained a pain and being otherwise very lively, anxious and full of care. After she has, for some time, remarked nothing further, a pain and sensation of soreness began in the regions of the Kidneys. This extended downwards and over towards the abdomen with a pressing down as if by a weight, which increased during the whole night. Nightmare during the night. In the morning, the kidney pains were still worse, especially the sensation of soreness. She was also attacked in the right side of the abdomen, but worst of all, low in the back, which continued several days, with gnawing rubbing pains in the abdomen. The next day the head was heavy, full and sleepy. Constipation with much wind. Blind hemorrhoids. Pimples in the face.

11. Dr. J. W. Metcalf took one grain of the third trituration of the precipitated Tellurium, in dust form, prepared by Dr. Genth, August 14th, 1851, at five, p.m. After fifteen minutes, drawing, cramp-like pain, as it appears, in the supinator longus of the left arm, just below the bend of the elbow, and lasts half an hour. General warm sweat over the whole, body, when sitting, while writing. The afternoon was cool, and a pleasant sea breeze swept through the room. – Fine, sticking prickling in various parts of the skin, the whole afternoon and evening, very annoying; it compels him immediately to rub the spots. Nine, p.m., a second grain.

August 15tb. 6.30, a.m., a third grain; 10.30, a.m., a fourth grain. Already at 10.20, a.m., the fine sticking prickling came again; like flea-stings, here and there, during the whole day. Although no more Tellurium was taken, this itching sticking continued and became at many times very annoying, especially during repose. Not until after several weeks did it gradually vanish.

24th. The ninth day after the last dose, there appeared on a small spot or the forehead a ring-worm (herpes circinatus) just above the external angle of the right eye about a half inch above the brow. The prover does not remember ever having a similar affection. It was at first a small group of round vesicles upon a red areola. The vesicles dried up into small scabs and extended gradually at the external circumference; it itched and pricked but little.

31st. The spot is now completely circular, a half inch in diameter, consists of a ring of larger or smaller vesicles upon a red base which surrounds an areola apparently deeper [The Areola (Hof.) means here the spot encircled by the eruption; otherwise it is like the halo around the moon, that what encircles the eruption.] a red, desquamating spot without vesicles. It itches but little and produces thin white scales which detach themselves. The urine is acid, in smaller quantity, 17 1/2 ounces in twenty-four hours, dark red, sp. gr. 1030.

September 1st. The itching stinging became very troublesome, continued the whole evening and wandered over the entire body. A similar herpes to that on the forehead, appeared with intolerable itching on the left side between the last rib and the crista illii; it forms about three quarters of a circle and is not so regular as the at on the forehead. 2d. The urine the same as before, 22 1/2 oz., during the day.

The analysis gives:

Fluids 930-10

Solids 69-90 therefore almost 1/12

Urea, 30-06 37 3

Uric acid, 80 1 1.2

Incombustable salts, 19-40 24 2

Organic constituents, 19-64 24 2

The coloring matters were in very marked excess; hydrochloric acid produced striking changes of color.

25th. During the last week, the sixth from the first dose, the sticking pain in the skin was much less; but it was followed by a constant itching upon the scalp which compelled him to continually scratch it. This itching seems to come from an eruption; very small fine vesicles upon small and somewhat reddened spots, dry up within a few days and leave little white scales behind. This eruption is most frequent on the occiput, in the nape, at the margin of the hair, behind the ears, and on the posterior surface of the conchae. The itching has been constant for a week past and very annoying, and seems disposed to continue. The ring-worm on the forehead is diminishing; the ring has several open spots, is about three-quarters of an inch in diameter. But exactly above it another has appeared just like it, but smaller.

October 1st. The eruption on the head is almost gone; the itching has well nigh ceased; the first ring-worm on the forehead has disappeared, save that the skin where it was is still a little red. That on the side has also gone. But the second one on the forehead is still on the increase and forms about two-thirds of a circle. Now and then, though seldom, stitches in the skin. The urine is normal.

8th. The herpetic spots have all vanished; no further symptoms.

12. Tellurium was given with good results in several cases of ring-worm. Only one of these cases is here given.

March 26th, 1852. P., a boy, three years old, lay on his mother's lap when I saw him, was very restless with great heat of the skin and full pulse; complained of thirst and headache; the whole body was covered with ring-worm, consisting of red elevated rings which were very distinctly marked, especially on the lower extremities. These spots appeared the evening before for the first time, the child having been ailing for a few days previously. The vesicles are very distinctly perceptible, even on a cursory observation. The rings intersect one another at the most various angles and are in many places so close that the circular form can hardly be appreciated. I gave Tellurium^2 in water, a teaspoonful every two hours.

27th. Everything had disappeared, but the skin was still rough. The child is no longer hot and restless and makes no complaint. After a few days the patient was playing about as usual, and from that time continued well. Dr. Metcalf. [What is stated at second hand in Hirschel's Archive. 1, 121, concerning Metcalf's experiments, must be corrected by the above in particulars which to us are very essential]

13. Dr. Carroll Dunham, New York. The preparation used was the fourth centesimal trituration, prepared from some of the third trituration procured in 1852, from Boericke and Tafel, and stated by them to be part of a specimen received by them from Dr. C. Hering, and the same which Dr. Metcalf used in his proving.

The original records of this proving were sent, some years ago, to a former Secretary of the New York State Society and, unfortunately, lost by him. The following is a summary (from memory and a few imperfect notes) of the most striking effects. The statements of the time at which the symptoms followed the doses taking in the proving and of the order in which the symptoms occurred, must be regarded as only approximately accurate. The symptoms, it is believed, accurately stated.

A grain of the fourth trituration was taken every night on retiring for about five days; nothing more for three months.

About fifteen or twenty days after the first dose, the left ear began to itch, burn and swell. There were aching and throbbing pains in the external meatus, and, in the course of three or four days, there was a copious watery discharge from the ear, smelling like fish pickle.

This discharge was acrid and caused a vesicular eruption on the lower lappet of the ear and on the neck, wherever it touched the skin. The inflammation of the ear, generally, was not vesicular. The color was a bluish red, and the ear had the appearance of being infiltrated with water.

This eruption which was very troublesome from its itching and burning, and from the copious, offensive and acrid discharge, lasted for a long time; if memory be not in error, nearly three months.

During the second month of the proving, the spine, from the last cervical to about the fifth dorsal vertebrae, became very sensitive and the seat of a peculiar sense of irritation which made the prover dread having the part touched or even approached. This dread was disproportioned to the actual sensibility of the part when pressed or rudely touched, for this sensibility was not really very great.

From the vertebrae before mentioned, a peculiar irritation seemed to radiate upwards into the neck outwards into the shoulders; and forwards through the thorax to the sternum.

The distress caused by this sensation was aggravated by fatigue, but only partially relieved by repose. It was great and very annoying and lasted, as I remember, nearly two months.

On two subsequent provings with the same preparation, made within two years after the above, the same symptoms, substantially, were reproduced.

14. Cures with Tellurium^30 by Dr. Carroll Dunham.

I have given the thirtieth potency of Tellurium in at least six cases of swelling, eruption and discharge from the ear, resembling the symptoms obtained in the above proving and attended by more or less deafness.

The curative action was very marked and rapid, no other remedy being needed to complete the cure.

In one case of spinal irritation the symptoms of which resembled the above, Tellurium was given with good effect.

15. Cures by Dr. P. P. Wells, of New York; Dr. Wells, to whom Dr. Dunham's proving was shown about the time it was made, has given Tellurium 30 with satisfactory results in several cases of ear-affection resembling those described in the proving.

Experiments on the action of Tellurium upon the living organism, by X. Hansen, of Norway.

Since preparations have been made to prevent in the future the loss of the Tellurium in the technical working of the Tellurium - bearing Gold Ores of Transylvania (these Annals, L xxxiv,), and there being every prospect that this substance, hitherto so rare, will become more accessible and cheaper, it becomes a matter of interest to institute experiments regarding its physiological mode of action upon the living organism, even from this point of view, that it perhaps produces effects altogether peculiar and may perhaps in Some form or other find its application as a remedy in the healing art. Stimulated thereto by my honored teacher, Prof: Woehler, and furnished by him with material, I have instituted in his laboratory some experiments for the solution of this question, the results of which I will communicate in the following lines :

I have in vain sought for a continuation of Gmelin's experiments by other investigators; Kohlreuter observes that the salts of the oxide of Tellurium have a strong action; Christison in his Treatise on Poisons, (fourth edition, 1845) has quoted most of Gmelin's other experiments, but says nothing about those made with Tellurium. Neither has Orifila in his Traite de Toxicologie (cinquieme edition, 1852) made mention of experiments with Tellurium.

In the experiments made by me I employed sometimes Tellurous acid, sometimes, in order to have it in a more soluble and therefore a more active form, Tellurite of Potassa.

Experiment 1. – Into the stomach of a lively, well-nurtured dog of medium size, three grammes (or about five grains) of bi-tellurite of potash, which was dissolved in water by the

aid of a few drops of caustic potash, were injected. The animal immediately lost his liveliness, seemed to be stupefied and lay down quietly. After one minute his breath acquired an unpleasant garlic-like odor, which reminded one of the smell of the tellureate of ethyle, described by Woehler. After twenty minutes vomiting set in, which was frequently repeated in the course of the first hour; the appetite was lost. On the following day, the animal had recovered but gave out strongly the garlic-like odor of Tellurium. After it had eaten something, it received again 0.3 gramme of the salt. — The stupefaction and the vomiting followed as on the first day. The matters vomited, as well as the excrements, were mucus and black colored. Under the microscope it appeared that this coloring was due to black points which were not changed by the addition of alkalies, hydro-sulphuret of ammonia, or hydrochloric acid, but were speedily dissolved on being heated with nitric acid. In the afternoon of the same day, the dog received, with the same results, a third dose of 0.3 gramme; in all, therefore 0.9 gramme, or more than fourteen grains. After three days he had entirely recovered, but still smelled strongly of the Tallurium.

Experiment 2. – In this experiment I gave the Tellurous acid pure. A dog, of medium size, received 0.5 grammes (equal to eight grains) on a piece of meat; on the following day a similar dose. I observed, however, no other phenomenon there from than that his breath had acquired a weak Tellurium odor, and that the excrements of the second day were somewhat black colored. On the third day he received 0.7 gramme (equal to eleven grains) of bi-tellurite of potash, in the form of a solution. The odor manifested itself after one minute to a much greater degree; vomiting of mucus, black grayish masses set in; the excrements were black colored. The latter showed the same relation to reagents as the before mentioned: On the fourth day 0.7 gramme of the same salt was introduced into the stomach of the dog. After half an hour there occurred vomiting and discharge of a tenacious mucus from the mouth. He had, therefore, received altogether one gramme (equal to sixteen grains) of Tellurous acid, and 1.4 gramme (equal to 22 grains) of the bi-tellurite salt. On the seventh day 0.5 gramme (equal to eight grains) of the salt in solution was injected into the jugular vein. There followed a few convulsive movements, exoneration alvi, and in four minutes death. The abdominal cavity was immediately opened, whereupon the garlic-like Tellurium odor was strongly perceptible. There was found therein a half spoonful of a serous clear exudation, but no indications of a hyperaemia or inflammation. The stomach and intestines contained some bile, were otherwise empty; they showed no changes of structure. Their walls were colored, through and through, blue-black, so much so, indeed, that the coloring gradually decreased from the mucous to the serous coat. The liver upon its surface was somewhat darker than common, with a shade of grey but without inflammatory points as Gmelin saw it. The spleen was apparently normal, but the kidneys throughout their whole substance were of a blue-black color; so were all the glands, even the parotid. The walls of the bladder were bluish; the the right ventricle of the heart and the venae cavae were injected with blood. The lungs and likewise the brain and spinal marrow were of normal appearance. The blood serum was not of a violet color. The black coloring of the stomach, of the intestines, of the kidneys and of the glands appeared under the microscope to result from a deposit of black points which behaved toward reagents as above mentioned. The reaction of the urine was acid and the odor was decidedly that of Tellurium.

On both eyes there were cataracts; the bulbi were removed and opened, whereupon a distinctly perceptible Tellurium odor was diffused from the fluids which they had contained. My honored friend, Dr. Schrader, made some minute observations upon the eyes and had the goodness to communicate the following interesting facts:

"Upon the anterior surface of the lens of the left eye, particularly its centre and the vertices of the curves, a chalky mass had been deposited. Under the microscope this was found to consist of isolated, yet for the most part in compact heaps of deposited granules of varying size, which by transmitted light appeared black. They were not affected by caustic soda, nor by ammonia and hydro-sulph. of amm. They were slowly dissolved by concentrated acetic acid. — The centre of the lens was uniformly but to a much less degree turbid and still somewhat transparent. The central opacity depended likewise upon such deposits as above described. In the right eye there was a similar deposit, but it was much less extensive."

The urine which the animal had passed during the last forty-eight hours, the liver and the stomach with the intestines, were each by itself, in three different vessels, treated with chlorate of potash and hydrochloric acid in the usual manner for the destruction of all organic matter. The fluids after being sufficiently boiled were filtered; sulphuretted hydrogen was passed through the filtrate, the resulting deposit was filtered, again brought into solution by being treated with chlorate of potash and hydrochloric acid, and to this solution, after being highly concentrated by a moderate heat, sulphurous acid was added. From this resulted black precipitates which were already, by their mode of origin as well as by the white margin upon the charcoal before the blowpipe, and the blue coloring of the flame, characterized as Tellurium.

Experiment 3. – A small young dog received in four days 1.2 grammes (nineteen grains) of Bi-tellurite of potash with the same results as in the previous experiments. On the ninth day he was killed. The autopsy confirmed in every part the observations made under number two. The inflammatory points in the liver cited by Gmelin were no more to be perceived than in number two. The blood serum had a normal color.

Experiment 4. – In this experiment in which a dog had received Tellurite of potassa, only this peculiarity is to be remarked: that the excrements, as early as a half hour after the administration of the salt, were colored black through and through. To the before mentioned gastric phenomena were added violent attacks of colic, tenesmus and diarrhea. But the beast had been already devoted to various experiments, hence was otherwise sick so that we dare not assume that these phenomena were due to the action of Tellurium alone, inasmuch as they did not appear in the other experiments.

Experiment 5. – I now determined to prove the action or Tellurium upon myself, and with this view I took for seven days, each day an hour before dinner, a definite dose of Bi-tellurite of potassa, dissolved in water by the aid of some Potassa (therefore strictly a neutral salt). During the first four days 3.0-4 grammes (more than half a grain), in the two following 0.05 grammes (almost one grain), and on the last 0.08 gramme (more than one grain). On the first two days sleepiness set in, which compelled me, contrary to my custom, to sleep for half an hour after eating. In the subsequent course of the experiment I no longer felt this sleepiness. In the first three days I thought I noticed an increased appetite, but subsequently this diminished more and more. After I had taken, on the seventh day, 0.8 gramme of the salt, there occurred oppression in the cardiac region, disposition to vomit without actual vomiting, and uncommonly copious secretion of saliva. The tongue was coated white and somewhat swollen, so that on its margin the impressions of the teeth were strongly marked. The appetite was lost. These gastric phenomena did not cease until after fourteen days. The most striking phenomenon in this connection was the garlic-like Tellurium odor, which my breath acquired. It was manifested already in the first minutes after the first dose of the salt, and it was still perceptible even seven weeks afterwards, indeed it was in the beginning so strong and so offensive to others that I was compelled to withdraw from society. There can be no doubt that it arises from a volatile organic Tellurium compound similar to the Telluric Ethyle.

In the urine which was passed twenty-four hours after the close of this experiment, I could discover no trace of Tellurium although one may suspect that while it was being taken it must have existed in this secretion also.

Experiment 6. – My friend, von Roeder, took before dinner 0.04 gramme (more than half a grain) of Bi-tellurite of potassa in solution. Already, after a few minutes, his breath also assumed the peculiar garlic-like odor which was immediately apparent to all who conversed with him, and who knew nothing of the experiment. There occurred frequently light eructation, he could however eat as he thought with more than usual appetite, then felt unusual sleepiness and actually fell asleep. In the course of this day there appeared in addition to the Tellurium odor no further effects. During the following day he took a dose of nearly one grain (0.05 gramme), there resulted eructation, but again, as he thought, increased appetite without further effects. But still, after three days, his breath betrayed the Tellurium odor.

Strictly speaking only an accidental observation which however well deserves to be cited in connection with the experiments. It was communicated to me by Prof. Woehler. While the latter was busied with his investigations of Telluric Ethyle, his breath had for several weeks the above mentioned odor of garlic, and, it happening once during this period that in consequence of taking cold he got into a very profuse perspiration during the night, the sweat gave out this offensive Tellurium odor to so great an extent that it was hardly tolerable – a phenomenon which he had opportunity to observe a second time during the, course of this work.

Although, it is not possible from these few first observations to form a clear idea of the mode in which Tellurium acts upon the living organism, still the facts related may furnish several points of view for further study. The black coloration of the contents of the stomach and intestinal canal which appeared soon after the taking of Tellurium, must come from the metallic Tellurium, as may be with great probability deduced from the behavior of the black colored substance under chemical reagents. It must, therefore, have undergone a process of reduction already in the primae viae. The coloring of the intestines, which is most decided in the mucus membrane, gradually decreasing toward the serous membrane indicates the direct absorption of the Tellurium reduced in the contents of the intestines. The violet coloring of the blood serum observed by Gmelin, indicates the presence of the absorbed metal. If, in the cases observed by me, the blood serum in the autopsy did not appear to be violet colored, the reason may have been that the animals on which I performed the autopsy were not killed until several days after taking the Tellurium, whereby the reduced metal suspended in the blood had time to deposit itself in the tissues, which therefore in my experiments were highly impregnated with it. Simultaneously with this reduction there evidently takes place, as was already mentioned, the formation of a volatile organic Tellurium" compound, which is excreted through the lungs and the skin, and which must have an extremely intense odor inasmuch as this odor is perceptible for so long a period, and therefore so long as even the most infinitely small minima continue to be excreted.

Compare Annalen der Chemie. Neue Reihe, Band X Heft

2, Sec. 208, ff,

Coincidences of various provers none of whom knew on the others the effects of the drug; in general not at all.

The sudden rising of blood to the head, 12. O. T., and the sudden rush of blood toward a spot above the left eye. 13. P.

Vertigo worse on every motion, 5, Grd., and (its opposite) rush of blood when sitting quiet. 12. O.T.

The slightest motion causes vertigo, 5, Grd., makes the brain as if beaten, 3, 4, N., Gsw., Eustachian tube 50 and 89, R; 53 Gsw.

Sensation of weakness in the stomach. 108, C., and 111, N., Gsw.

As if round waves were beating against the pharynx. 116, C.Hg., wave-like throbbing like balls of wind, on the right side below the ribs. 135.Gsw.

Itching in the anus. 158. R., 159. Gsw.

Pain in the sacrum worse when stooping, along the sciatic nerve on the right thigh, allows scarcely any pressing at stool, 221. K; worse when coughing, laughing and pressing to stool. 219, 220. R.

When lying on the left side worse on the right, pain in the sacrum, 214. R., headache. 37. C. Hg.

Under the ribs throbbing, 135. Gsw.; eruption ascending from below upwards. 311. 312. O. T. 316. W.

Eruption worse on the left side, 310. O. T., 316 W., and many others.

Duration of Action. – Drs. Kitchen, Gardner, Whitey, Gosewich and his provers observed only a few days; Raue, and Oscar Tietze three weeks. C. Hering and his female prover six weeks. Roeder, who took a grain and a half in the course of two days, still perceived the odor after eight days. Hansen, who took seven grains within seven days, perceived the gastric symptoms for fourteen days, the odor for seven weeks. The strength of the dose has therefore only a subordinate influence, viz., only on the secretion. The coryza lasted twelve days with Raue, Cooms and Oscar Tietze. The rush of blood to the head, fourteen days with Oscar Tietze, likewise the itching on the head. The reddened left eye on the 16th day. Raue. Pain over the left eye the 16th and 17th days. Cooms. Pain in the region of the heart the 17th day. Cooms. Aching spot upon the forehead more than three weeks. Oscar Tieze. Fullness of the epigastrium and oppression from the clothing in the fourth week and later. Cooms. Ring worms almost eight weeks. Metcalf. Eruption and pains in the back nearly two months. Dunham.

Register of Symptoms.

* Denotes curative effects symptoms marked with cipher.

Symptoms added after the register was made up and numbered.

p. Symptoms observed on patients or that had been previously observed by the prover on himself

Mind:

1. Lost his liveliness for one day. Dog. Gmelin.

Lost his liveliness immediately, seemed to be benumbed and lay down quietly. Dog. Hansen .

- Lost liveliness, soon recovered, remained lively until the second day at evening; the third day in the morning, dead. Rabbit. Gmelin.

Stupor and vomiting. Hansen. Has a very quieting action upon his disposition, not so apt to fly into a passion. Gsw.

Disposition particularly quiet, whereas, otherwise she

is very easily moved, anxious and full of care. Gsw.

Dreads having the part touched, or even approached, with but little sensitiveness in the region of the fifth dorsal vertebra. 206.

Forgets and neglects much; when he has anything in hand, he neglects for it everything else. C. Hg.

Head:

5. p. Very violent attacks of vertigo in the morning when dressing; on walking out it became so bad he could hardly stand; was obliged to lie down and to remain at home two days. Every time he sat up he became dizzy, even by every motion when lying and by simply turning the head. At the same time increased pulse; nausea, after rice he was obliged to vomit. Had previously somewhat similar attacks when Aconite gave relief, which it did not this time; also Glonoine which had caused a somewhat similar attack did not relieve, nor did Belladonna; returning after ten years, Opium relieved for a while; Glonoine^200 relieved permanently. Gardner.

Vertigo, while going asleep; a drawing away in the direction of the legs, every night from the second to the ninth day. 289.

Caused him no headache, which every other proving had done. Gsw.

Dullness in both sides of the head, more towards behind. C. Hg.

The head is heavy and full with sleepiness, the next morning. F. Gsw.

Dull headache and dullness of the head, soon and gradually increasing. O. T.

10. Dull, unpleasant headache, especially above the eyes. P.

Toward evening, dull headache over the whole head. R.

Sudden rising up of the blood towards the head (compare 13) with perceptible reddening of the face, now early in the morning, now in the afternoon at various hours, but twice almost every day, when sitting quietly at work; for fourteen days. O. T.

Ten, a. m., pain above the left eye, came suddenly, and went away just as suddenly, as if from a sudden rush of blood to this spot (compare 12). On going away, accompanied by a sensation difficult to describe along the left side of the nape, somewhat like a sudden stopping and backward flowing in a large blood-vessel. A sensation of weakness in the stomach followed. P.

Pain over the left eye, after lying down, the sixteenth day; the seventeeth day now and then repeated. P.

15. The pain above the eye lasted the longest. S.

Pressure from within outwards in a line deep inwards, above both eyes, worse on the right. C. Hg.

Violent linear pain in a small spot above the left eye, behind the brow. C. Hg.

The headache develops itself more and more and becomes an unpleasant pressure above the eyes, as after watching through several nights. O. T.

Heaviness above the brows and sneezing. 62.

20. Above the brows dull pressure. 10.

Above both eyes, pressure. 16. 18.

Headache above the eyes, with chest pain. 187.

Above the right eye, pain. 258.259.

Above the left eye, violent pain. 17. 250.

25. Sudden rush of blood to a spot above the left eye. 13.

Single pressure, like stitches, anteriorly upon the forehead. O. T.

Towards morning, on getting awake, internally, in the left sinciput, a pain in a spot as large as a hazelnut. C. Hg.

Six, p. m., headache worse in the sinciput, goes away after supper. R.

Stitch in both temples, after a walk. 261.

30. In both temples, pain. 968.

The right temple pains. 259.

Pressure on a small spot behind the vertex. C. Hg.

Violent headache above in the occiput, it extends anteriorly as far as into the eyes, stitching from the temple towards the eye; Tellurium^18 in water evening and morning. n. n. C. Hg.

Afternoon, headache, worse on the left. R.

The brain feels as if beaten on the slightest movement. N. Gsw.

35. The headache passes away after eating, together with the nausea. 117 .

The headache goes away and coryza sets in. 63.

External Head:

External tensive headache over the entire left half of the head, while lying on the right side; passes away when lying on the left side. Several mornings. C. Hg.

On the right side of the forehead a spot which is sore when pressed upon, as if he had received a blow thereon; lasted more than three weeks. O. T.

Itching upon the head behind and above, after itching in the epigastrium, chest and axilla (312); lasted fourteen days. O. T.

40. Sensation of numbness in the occiput and nape. N. Gsw.

Occiput dull. 8.

Heat of the sinciput and face, afternoon. 67.

In the seventh week after the passing away of the itching stinging in the skin, there began a constant itching upon the scalp, which compelled constant scratching; it came from an eruption of small, reddened spots with five very small vesicles, which after a few days dried up and desquamated mostly on the occiput, in the nape of the neck, at the border of the hair, behind the ears and on the posterior surface of the conchae of the ear. At the end of a week it had almost disappeared. Metcalf.

Eyes:

Vision becomes clearer, the eyes feel brighter. 12. nn. C. Hg.

Cataracts upon both eyes, Tellurium odor from the fluids of the eye. Dog. Hausen.

On the anterior surface of the lens of the left eye in its centre and the vertices of the curves a chalky white mass was deposited; isolated granules of various sizes, for the most part however, deposited in thick heaps, which, by transmitted light appeared black. Upon the right eye a similar but less appearance. Dog. 2. Schroeder, according to Hausen.

Itching and pressure in the left upper lid toward the inner corner, as if an eyelash were turned inward, evening. The next morning on awaking, a biting, itching swelling, pale, red, and edematous, until after a few days ascab forms. The tenth and following days. R.

The left eye reddened. Sixteenth day. R.

The left eye somewhat inflamed; twelfth in water. n.n. C. Hg.

45. Lachrymation with fluent coryza. 57.

Ears :

Pain over the left ear. 259.

Above and behind the left ear dull pain, evening in bed. P.

It seems to him as if a shot were fired in front of the ear, forenoon third day. R.

Sensation as if stopped in the ears especially in the left ear. Ten, p. m. R.

Deafness.

50. Sometimes, for a moment, a sensation as if air whistled through the left Eustachian tube, and when taking a pinch of snuff or when eructating the air passes into it. Sixth and seventh days. R.

Itching in the ears with secretion of a thin wax, third day. R.

Itching in the ears. C. Hg.

When lying upon the left ear a sharp pressing pain from the throat into the ear on the left side. Gsw.

Pain on the right side in the throat extending into the ear on empty swallowing. 89.

The left ear began to itch, to burn, and to swell with painfulness and throbbing in the external meatus; after three or four days a discharge of a watery fluid, smelling like fish pickle, which caused a vesicular eruption upon the external ear and the neck wherever it touched the skin. The ear was bluish-red, appeared as if infiltrated with water. The sense of hearing was impaired. After about twenty days. Lasted about three months. Dunham. Thirteenth group.

* Several cures of affections similar to the above by

Dr. Dunham; 14; by Dr. Wells, 15.

Nose:

55. The whole forenoon the left nasal passage obstructed; from the right nasal passage much mucus flows through the posterior opening; second day. R.

Obstruction of the right nostril in the morning early; fourth day. R.

When walking in the clear, fresh autumnal air from eleven to twelve, a. m., coryza comes on with hoarseness and lachrymation, short cough, pressure in the middle of the chest under the sternum; on continuing a longer time in the open air it passes away again; fourth day. R.

When going out in the open air between eleven and twelve a. m., again a severe coryza with hoarseness as yesterday; fifth day. R.

Nose sometimes obstructed, sometimes free; fifth day. R.

60. On awaking, much thick mucus in the nose; had breathed through the mouth during the night; fifth day. R.

Coryza with secretion of thick mucus; twelfth day. R.

Heaviness over the brows and paroxysms of frequent sneezing lasting several minutes; ten, a. m., thirteenth day.

P.

The headache passes away the next day and coryza sets in. O.T.

Dry, nasal catarrh, as often before; but now it is more severe at irregular times. O. T.

65. On taking snuff, catching in the Eustachian tube. 50.

Face:

Peculiar twitching and distortion of the facial muscles of the left side, particularly when talking; the left angle of the mouth is thereby drawn to the left and upwards; first week. C. Hg.

An hour and a half after dinner heat in the face; also the anterior part of the head is hot with bleeding of the gums; tenth day. P. Compare 73.

Perceptible reddening of the face from a sudden rush of blood to the head. 12.

In the afternoon, a gentle sensation of burning at the lips (in the forenoon he was exposed to a sharp cold air). R.

70. In the afternoon burning in the middle of the upper lip.

Pimples in the face. F. Gsw.

The ninth day after the last dose, a small ring-worm on the forehead just above the external angle of the right eye about a half-inch over the brow. First a small group of round vesicles upon a red areola; the vesicles dry up, desquamate, and upon the external circumference new ones appear, with little itching. After a week the eruption is completely annular, a half-inch in diameter, the internal portion throwing off thin white scales. During the fifth week it decreases; the ring has several interruptions and a diameter of three-fourths of an inch, but just above it another, altogether similar, has appeared. In the sixth week the seat of the first is scarcely reddened, but the second is still on the increase and forms two-thirds of a circle. Metcalf.

Mouth and teeth:

Flowing of tenacious mucus from the mouth. Dog. 2. Hausen.

Uncommonly abundant secretion of saliva. R. Hausen.

Sensation of coolness in the mouth and pharynx as after taking peppermint, distinct on drawing in the air. R.

Mouth feels better and cleaner, and properly moist; he has his natural taste again, the next day. N. Gsw.

Whitish coated and somewhat swollen tongue so that the impressions of the teeth are clearly shown upon the margin of the tongue. Hausen.

Gum bleeds so that it fills the mouth with blood; tenth day. P.

Very soon a slight toothache on the left side, in teeth filled with gold. N. Gsw.

Fauces and Esophagus:

75. Expectoration of light mucus, easily loosened. N. Gsw.

The next day early in the morning much secretion of mucus from the posterior nares, of a saltish taste like smoked herrings. Compare 35. 80.

Early in the morning the mucus, which during the night dried in the choanae, is discharged as a reddish yellow clot. R.

Rough, scratchy sensation in the throat, not passing away on swallowing. R.

Rough, scratchy sensation in the throat, worse towards evening; eleventh day. R.

80. Early in the morning, prickly sensation of dryness in the fauces, worse on the left side; the left nasal passage is obstructed; from the right, there is secreted a quantity of mucus backwards; second day. R.

After breakfast, the prickly sensation of dryness in the fauces passed away; second day.

About five, p. m., again a sensation of dryness, in the throat; second day. R.

The sensation of dryness in the fauces, worse on the left side, comes again early in the morning of the third day. R.

Sensation of dryness involving the whole fauces, worst on the right side early in the morning of the fourth day. R;

85. Toward evening dryness of the fauces; fifth day. R.

The dryness on the left side of the fauces ceases during and after a walk in the open air, from eleven to twelve a. m. R.

The sensation of dryness in the throat is always more marked in the evening and morning. R.

In the fauces above the larynx itching and burning as if he had scalded himself with too hot a drink; for several days. Whitney.

After the sensation of dryness on the left side of the fauces has ceased during a walk in the open air, the right side begins to be painful, worse on empty swallowing, whereby the pain extends into the right ear which always feels as if stopped; the third day. R.

90. On swallowing, prickly soreness in the fauces, especially on the right side early in the morning of the fourth day. R.

Sore throat on empty swallowing; evening, eighth day. R. Compare 89.

Sore throat on empty swallowing in the evening, worse on the left side, removed by eating and drinking; seventh day. R.

Pressure upon the tonsils. O. T.

The sensation of dryness in the fauces, and the sore throat Always removed by eating and drinking.

95. In the pharynx, coolness as after peppermint. 71.

Sharp, pressing pain on the left side, extending from the throat into the ear. 53.

Worse on empty swallowing, dryness of the fauces. 89.

On swallowing, soreness in the fauces. 90.

On empty swallowing. sore throat. 91. 92.

100. Sore throat passing away on swallowing food and drink, worse on empty swallowing, 92.; on eating and drinking dryness of the fauces, right side. 94.

Taste, Appetite, Stomach:

Moderate metallic and earthy taste in the mouth, after several hours. N. Gsw.

No appetite from the beginning of the provings. 111.

Loss of appetite; seventh day. Hausen.

Appetite lost. Dog. Hausen.

During the proving better appetite and more desire for beer which subsequently passed off. O. T.

Increased appetite. Roeder.

The appetite appeared to be increased during the first three days, but subsequently diminished more and more

Hansen. Compare 107.

About twelve o'clock at night on going to sleep, craving for apples by which he gets wide awake again; 10th day. R.

105. Would not feed but drank much water, for eight hours. Dog. Gmelin.

Forenoon (in school, on teaching) fullness and oppression in the epigastrium so that she was compelled to loosen the clothing; fourth week. C.

Oppression in the cardiac region with disposition to vomit and copious saliva; fourteen days. K. Hausen.

Ate less on account of the fullness in the epigastrium and lay down after eating which, however, gave no relief. The oppression became worse, the left limb upon which she lay became numb, the feet were cold. Took Nux vom., lay down again, slept, and then was better. P.

Sensation of weakness (like faintness) in the stomach with pain in the left chest. P.

Sensation of weakness in the stomach after local congestion of blood in the head and nape. 13.

Weakness in the epigastrium, in consumptive persons. Pehrson.

110. Stomach full of thick, white, frothy mucus, and the mucous membrane of the stomach easily detached. Rabbit. Gmelin.

In the stomach sensation of emptiness and weakness, but no appetite from the beginning of the proving. N Gsw.

Sensation of warmth in the epigastrium and toward both sides, with heart-burn. 119.

A peculiar constrictive feeling in the epigastrium, as if the parts were strapped together; then after this has given way, a pain and sensitiveness in the left side, increasing. F. Gsw.

The gastric phenomena did not completely cease until after fourteen days. K. Hausen.

Abdomen, Stool:

When the abdomen is opened a strong odor of garlic, and a half-spoonful of clear serous exudation without hyperaemia or inflammation. Dog. Hausen.

In the stomach and intestines some bile, the walls colored blue-black through and through gradually decreasing from the mucous to the serous coat. The liver darker on its surface with a tendency to grey. Dog. Hausen.

Attacks of colic, tenesmus and diarrhea. Dog. Hausen.

Tellurium odor on opening the abdominal cavity.

Teasing pain in the hypogastrium with pain in the sacrum and pressing down heaviness in the abdomen. P. 170.

Pinching in the abdomen, ten p. m., going off after passing wind; fourth day. R.

Eight, a. m., again pinching in the abdomen and a stool first thick, then diarrheic; fifth day. R.

145. Flatus does not pass away as freely as usual. Gsw.

Passage of very offensive flatus; later days. Gsw.

Peculiar and violently stinking winds; second to seventh day. C. Hg.

The hitherto somewhat diarrheic stool is retained; the second day. Gsw.

The accustomed stool in the morning fails. N. Gsw.

150. Stools in the evening instead of the morning. C. Hg.

Evacuation slimy and black, from metallic Tellurium from two doses of five grains each T O, K O. Hausen.

On the second day stool colored somewhat black after sixteen grains Telluric acid. Hausen.

After thirty minutes intestinal evacuation colored black through and through. Dog, after T O, K O. Hausen.

Excrements colored black by Tellurium. Dog. 1. 2. Hausen; colored black through and through. Dog. 4. Hausen.

Constipation, much flatus and piles. F. Gsw.

No stool for two days; then about eleven a. m., not hard but consisting of crumbs enveloped in some reddish brown slime; second day. R.

In the evening, stool, first knotty, lastly softer; 3d day. R.

Ten, a. m., diarrheic stool sixth day. R.

In the intestines distended blood vessels. Rabbit. Gmelin.

155. Rectum empty, contracted. Rabbit. Gmelin.

On pressing to stool increased pain in the sacrum and thigh. 219, 220, 221, 243.

After the stool an urging in the rectum with somewhat of burning, lasting some time; thereupon stronger retraction of the rectum; sixth day. R.

Itching in the rectum after stool. R.

Itching in the anus lasting a few minutes. N. Gsw.

Urine, Male Genitals:

The kidneys colored blue-black throughout. Dog. Hausen.

Walls of the bladder bluish. Dog. Hausen.

In the urine passed twenty-four hours after the termination of these experiments no trace of Tellurium could be discovered. Hausen.

Urine acid, smelt decidedly of Tellurium. Dog. Hausen.

Urine acid, diminished quantity (nineteenth day, seventeen and a half ounces; twentieth day twenty-two and a half ounces, specific gravity 10.30; gives almost one-twelfth solid constituents, then almost one-half urea). In one hundred parts, 42.94 urea, 0.114 uric acid, 27.71 incombustible salts, 28. organic substances; these four, therefore, were proportioned to each other almost as 3, 1, 2, 2. The coloring constituents were altogether preponderating. In the eighth week the urine was normal. Metcalf.

160. Passed much urine. Dog. Gmelin.

Frequent urging to urinate and very unpleasant sensation if she did not soon yield to it. P.

The urine clear, highly colored, passed easily and without pains. N. Gsw.

On passing water slight burning at the orifice of the urethra near the end. N. Gsw.

A glueish little lump had come during the night out of the urethra, so that the penis became adherent to the shirt; on awaking at night, after the ninth dose of Tellurium. N. N. C. Hg.

Sexual instinct and power for one week much more lively and vigorous; then, for several weeks, altogether without desire. C. Hg.

165. Erections the whole night, in one wholly unaccustomed to them. R.

In the afternoon, prickly itching at the scrotum, worse on the right side, later internally on the left thigh high up, then on the right side of the abdomen, then on the left, and finally between the buttocks. P.

Itching pimples on the perineum. 314.

Small itching herpes on the perineum; later action. N. Gsw.

Flanks and Groins:

A ring-worm, like that on the forehead (70) appears with intolerable itching, on the left side of the abdomen, between the last ribs and the crista. ilii. Metcalf.

Pain in the left flank from the crista ilii inwards. R.

Dull pain on each side of the abdomen more downwards and over the pubis. N. Gsw.

170. Pain in the left groin from tighter clothing. 130.

Pelvis and Female Organs:

Evening, pain and sensibility of the region of the kidneys, which after a while extends to the lower part of the abdomen, with a pressing downward as from a weight; increased the whole night; she had night mare, and in the morning the pain was still worse and combined with great sensibility; the right side especially was effected, but the pain was worst of all in the sacrum, where it continued until the next day with a tormenting pain in the hypogastrium. F. Gsw.

Throbbing in the upper part of the pelvis, on the right side after going to bed. P.

In the pelvis, on the right side, pain. 259.

Dull pain, low in the pelvis, on the left side. P.

Frequent sticking pains out of the middle of the pelvis, horizontally toward the left side now and then; the whole second day and a part of the third and fourth days. P.

175. In the uterine region on the left side and horizontally across through the groin toward the hip violent stitches or cuttings. P.

The menses appear one day too early, and in the afternoon. P.

Menses three days too early, the second and following days less than common. P.

Breath:

The breath even after a minute acquired an unpleasant garlic-like odor like that of the Telluric Ethyle described by Wohler; after eleven grains of Tellurite of potash. With others the breath got a weak Tellurium odor after eight grains Tellurous acid; became stronger already after one minute. Dog. 1, 2. Hausen.

While Wohler was busy with his experiments on Telluric Ethyle, his breath and even the perspiration had for several weeks an odor of garlic.

Liebig and Wohler's Annals, 1853, Vol. LXXXVI, pages 208 to 215. .

Fechner Centralblatt., 1853, No. 31, page 723.

Already within a few minutes the breath assumed the peculiar garlic-like odor, which was at once perceptible to all who spoke with him. Roeder.

The Telluric odor of the breath manifested itself already in the first minutes after the first dose of Tellurite of potash, and was so strong and so offensive to others that he was obliged to keep out of society; it was still perceptible even seven weeks later. Hausen. He had during one week taken 0.34 grammes, i.e., about four grains of Tellurate of potash.

Chest:

Moderate sensation of suffocation above in the throat. N. Gsw.

Hoarseness early after rising. R.

180. Hoarseness with fluent coryza. 57, 58.

Chest oppressed with hoarseness in the morning; the sixteenth day. R.

In the region of the larynx a sensation between roughness and pressure gradually passing over into a tickling and exciting a cough. O. T.

Cough toward morning; becoming loose after several days. C. Hg.

Short cough with fluent coryza. 57.

185. When coughing and laughing increased pain in the sacrum. 219, 220.

Pain in the clavicle. N. Gsw.

The whole day pain in front in the middle of the chest, sometimes extending through to the back and between the shoulders; therewith headache above the eyes. P.

Pain in the middle of the sternum. N. Gsw.

Pressure in the middle of the chest under the sternum with coryza. 37.

190. Dull pain in the left chest, just above the last rib. N. Gsw.

Drawing cutting pain on the left nipple and around it, and extending to the scapula. O. T.

Sticking pains on the left side above the fifth rib, lasting from five to ten minutes. O. T.

Stitching in the chest more on the left side. O. T.

Pain in the left chest, with sensation of weakness in the stomach. 108.

Pain in the chest below the ribs. 259.

195. (A few red spots on the lungs.) Rabbit. Gmelin.

Eruption at the nipples. 312.

Heart and Pulse:

Wakened in the night (after lying on the left side) with a dull pain in the region of the heart which passed away when he lay on the back. P.

Continuous pain in the region of the heart; seventeenth day. P.

Pain in the region of the heart continued longest; from fourth day not again until the seventeenth; appears to be in the apex of the heart. P.

200. The ventricles of the heart filled with polypoid coagula. Rabbit. Gmelin.

The right ventricle and vena cava distended with blood. Dog. 2. H.

The serum in the heart and other organs violet. Rabbit. Gmelin.

Palpitation of the heart and throbbing through the whole body with full pulse, for one hour; then copious sweat for one and a half hours. N. Gsw.

Increased pulse with vertigo and nausea. 5.

Nape. Back:

On the left side of the nape a sensation like a sudden detention and regurgitation in a large blood vessel, after pain and rush of blood above the left eye. 13. 205. Sensation of numbness in the nape and occiput. 40. Dull pains in the middle of the back between the shoulders. N. Gsw.

The spine from the last cervical to the fifth dorsal vertebra, sensitive to pressure and touch with a fear, when these were threatening, already on approaching, as if it were much more sensitive, than it really was. This sensitiveness seems to radiate, and especially upwards into the nape, sidewards into the shoulders, forward through the trunk, as far as the sternum. The distress is increased by exertions but only partially relieved by repose. Appeared during the second month and continued almost for two months. Dr. Dunham.

Pain in the back at the upper end of the sacrum extending upwards until the ninth day, at night. P.

Sensation of weakness in the back the whole day until the ninth day. P.

Pain in the chest from the middle of the chest through to between the shoulders, 187, from behind through. 206. 210. Cutting toward the left scapula through from the left nipple. 190.

In the evening pain and sensibility of the region of the kidneys, increasing· during the night and extending into the hypogastrium. P. 170.

In the renal region pains from the sacrum out 213, towards the sacrum. 170.

The kidneys colored blue-black throughout their whole substance. Dog. Hausen.

Itching on the back. 312.

Sacrum:

Early in the morning painful pressure or pain as if beaten at the sacrum, worse when stooping, but not passing away on resuming the upright posture; after some time it extends in the form of a drawing pain into the region of the kidneys; is diminished by walking in the open air, soon comes again when sitting. R.

The pain in the sacrum is worse when lying on the back, and when lying on the left side is worse toward the right; second day. R.

215. The pain in the sacrum begins again when standing bent over, diminishes when walking; second day. R.

The beaten pain across the sacrum, the drawing in the right thigh (compare 220) and the tiredness are so violent after lying down, eleven-and-a-half, p. m., that for awhile they prevent sleeping and compel frequent turning and twisting; second day. R.

The pressure across the sacrum comes again immediately after stooping and by a continued stooping is rendered almost intolerable, early the third day. R.

Pains in the sacrum and thigh pass away after motion in the open air; third day. R.

When pressing to stool, when coughing and laughing, the pain in the sacrum becomes worse and passes into the right thigh; morning of the fifth day. K.

220. The sacral pain increases when pressing to stool, when coughing and laughing, then extends from the sacral plexus through the great sciatic foramen along the sciatic nerve, down into the thigh, especially the right side. R.

Sacral pain, worse when stooping or when standing up from sitting or lying posture, extends down the right hip in the direction of the sciatic nerves. The pain makes it almost impossible for him to strain at stool. K.

The pain in the sacrum and in the ligaments of the sacrum was sometimes like a stab with a knife. K.

The pain which begins in the evening in the region of the kidneys with pressing downwards in the hypogastrium, is, in the morning, most violent in the sacrum (according to 170). P.

Upper Exremities:

A radiating sensitiveness from the region of the first dorsal vertebra extending into the shoulders. 206.

Drawing and dull pressure at the right scapula, soon afterwards also at the left. O. T.

Shoulder as if beaten, after walking. 362. 225. In the anterior wall of the left axillary cavity an internal swelling as if a boil were about to appear; it pains on pressure and on motion; but passes away after a few days; fifth and sixth day. C. Hg.

Sharp, quick pains in the elbows; after 259.

Elbows as if beaten, after walking. 262.

Drawing, spasmodic pain, as it seems, in the spinator longus of the left arm; more below the elbow bend; after fifteen minutes, lasting a half hour. Metcalf.

About ten, p. m., heaviness and numb sensation in the left forearm and in the hand; second day. R.

Unpleasant drawing in the right hand, later involving the whole forearm. Sometimes tearing toward the elbow, and in the ball of the hand towards the thumb-joint. O. T.

Violent pressing pain in the metacarpal bone of the fourth finger, on the right hand. C. Hg.

230. Pain in the first phalanx of the left little finger on motion, as if he had fallen upon it; on feeling of it, no sore spot can be discovered; eighth day. R.

Sensation as if the skin on the hands had contracted, especially on the right hand, so that it seems, on stretching out the fingers, as though one must forcibly stretch the skin from the ends of the fingers; at the same time a kind of dead sensation in the ends of the fingers. O. T.

Eruption on the inside of the forearm especially above the wrist. 316.

Itching points on the hand. 310.

Lower Extremities:

Itching between the buttocks. 166.

235. Pain from hip to hip. 261.

Hips as if beaten, after walking. 262.

Pain in the sockets of both hips after walking. 268.

An hour after going to bed, dull pain deep in the right thigh, its whole length; later in the head, left side, and in the pelvis, left side. P.

The pain in the thigh is not relieved by any change of position. P.

240. Drawing in the right limb, posteriorly from the right posterior superior spinous process down into the calf, worst in the popliteal region. R.

Drawing in the right thigh, from the sacrum. 216.

The pain extends from the sacrum along the sciatic nerve into the thigh, worse from pressing to stool, coughing and laughing. 220.

* Helped a patient (long unsuccessfully treated) with sciatica on the right side, so that he could work again as a blacksmith and remained healthy. One dose^3. Dr. A. Bauer.

The left thigh goes asleep when he lies upon it. 107.

Itching papules on the inside of the thighs. 314.

245. Itching on the internal, upper part of the left thigh. 160.

Burning aching, internally, on the outside of the right knee. C. Hg.

The whole evening, very tired in the knees and legs, especially on the right side; second day. R.

Knees as if beaten, after walking. 262.

The popliteal region pains the most. 240.

250. Pain in the shin, 250; right side in the shin bone. 258.

Itching points at the calves. 311.

Eruption at the calves outside. 316.

Pain in the right metatarsal bones, as if the bones were pressed repeatedly. C. Hg.

Sharp, quick pains in the ankles; after 259.

Sharp pain passes quickly over the toes of the right foot, then into the heel; evening in bed. P.

255. Sweaty feet especially anteriorly in the toes, somewhat ill smelling, lasting six weeks; late in the autumn. C. Hg.

Cold feet when lying down; afternoon. 107.

The feet itch, worse on the left side. 310.

All the Limbs:

The pains during the morning change their locality more than the previous day and are more on the left side; only now and then on the right side in the chest and over the right eye, once or twice in the right tibia; tenth day. P. At nine, a. m., after going out, pain over the right eye comes toward the temple, then toward the chest below the ribs; hereupon into the right side of the pelvis and into the right shin; later over the left eye and left ear; then over the right eye; at the same time chilliness; eleventh day. P.

After lassitude and weakness, pains in the elbows, the ankles, and other parts of the body, sharp and quick. F. Gsw.

260. In the parts in which the pains were, there remains a wound-pain. P.

After a long walk, stitch through both temples and pain from hip to hip. P.

On coming home from a short walk after supper, the joints, knees, hips, elbows and shoulders are as if twisted and beaten. N. Gsw.

Sensation as after over-exertion, and bruised-pain all over, as if he had taken cold after hard work. N. Gsw.

The pressure of the clothing is felt unpleasantly in the hypochondria. 130.

She must loosen her clothing, with fullness in the epigastrium. 106.

265. Bruised sensation, as after taking cold. 263.

Sensation of numbness in the occiput and nape of the neck, 40; in the abdominal walls, 140, in the left forearm and hand, 227; sensation, as if they were dead, in the ends of the fingers, 231; the thighs fall asleep. 107.

Pain in a small spot, in a line, 16, 17; headache in a spot as large as a hazel-nut. 27.

Strength, etc:

Fatigue after a long walk; at the same time stitches through both temples; pain from hip to hip and in the hollows of the joints of both thighs; for twenty-four hours. P.

Obliged to remain at home on account of the pain; tenth day. P.

270. Had felt heavy and sleepy for several days; this condition disappeared during the proving; instead of it, there was a restless feeling on going to bed. N. Gsw.

Lassitude along with the pains in sacrum and joints which prevents going to sleep. 216.

Heavy, dull feeling in the morning, after a deep sleep and bad dreams. N. Gsw.

Lassitude and weakness; then, pains in various parts of the body. F. Gsw.

Attacks compelling her to lie down, on Tuesday of several weeks; at last on Thursday, with other symptoms. P.

Jerkings, evacuations of the bowels, and after four minutes, death; after eight grains of Tellurite of Potassa introduced into the jugular vein of a dog. Hausen.

Sleep and Night Symptoms:

Yawning after belching, C. Hg.; at the belching and with water in the mouth. 115.

Difficulty in going to sleep because of fatigue, pain in the sacrum and thighs. 216.

275. Restlessness on going to bed. 270.

Increased itching, after going to bed. 316.

In the evening on going to bed, pain over the ear. 47.

Before going asleep, frequent tossing and turning on account of pain in the sacrum. 216.

At night, after going to bed, pain in the thigh. 238.

280. Pains in the sacrum and thighs which increased at half past eleven o'clock at night. 216.

At night, pain in the back above the sacrum. 207.

Evening in bed, pain in the toes and heels. 254.

At night, longing for apples. 103.

At night, during a coryza, breathing through the mouth. 60.

285. Erections at night. 165.

Sore throat, awaking him at night. 197.

Itching increased at night. 316.

Headache on waking, towards morning. 27.

Peculiar vertigo from the second week, recurring eight or nine days; every evening while going to sleep about half an hour after lying down, no matter whether he go to bed earlier or later; a sensation as if he were drawn away forcibly and very quickly in the direction of his legs, where-upon he wakens; not recurring the same night. O. T.

290. Dreams in the night of smoking cigars, which he never

did before. (A person not in the habit of smoking.) Grd.

Bad dreams. 272.

Nightmare with pain in the back and downwards pressing into the hypogastrium; after 170. P.

Sleepiness compels him, contrary to his custom, to sleep half an hour after eating; the first two days, not subsequently. Hausen.

Uncommon sleepiness, after he had eaten with more than ordinary appetite; really goes asleep; first day. Roeder.

Sleep very good, with relief of all pains; second day. R.

Awakes with sweat about foul, a. m.; third to fourth day. R.

Towards morning, headache. 27.

Towards morning, cough. 183.

295. Morning, on awaking, heavy and dull. 272.

Morning, on awaking, an edematons swelling has formed at the eye. 43.

On awaking, thick mucus in the nose. 60.

Early in the morning, mucus from the choanae. 76.

Early in the morning, dryness in the fauces, 80; sensation of dryness. 81. 83.

300. Early, after rising, hoarseness. 179. 181.

Pressure over the eyes, as if one had been up several nights. 18.

Chill, Heat, Sweat:

Inward chilliness, with single shiverings. O. T.

Chilliness with the pains; eleventh day. P. (Compare

259.)

Skin hot and dry, morning. N. Gsw.

As he chanced once., while busy with Telluric aethyle, to get into a very profuse perspiration at night, after taking cold, the sweat possessed so strongly the repulsive Tellurium odor that he could hardly endure it. Woehler.

305. Copious sweat after throbbing throughout the whole body. 202.

Sweat on awaking, four a. m. 292.

Sweat at the feet. 255.

The spots which sweat itch more. 313.

General warm sweat over the whole body when sitting writing on a cool summer afternoon, with open windows and a sea breeze; simultaneously (compare 313) sticking itching, after a half hour; lasting several hours. Metcalf.

Glands:

All the glands, even the parotid, are colored blue-black. Dog. 2. Hausen.

Skin:

Skin dry and hot. 304.

Smelt of Tellurium the next day and for three days longer. Dog. 1. 2. Hausen.

310. Small red points shining through the skin on the left hand which sometimes itch; also itching at the feet, especially at the left foot; after five days. O. T.

Isolated, red itching points on the calves, and gradually extending up to the thighs; a few days later than those at the hand. (310.) O. T.

In the course of a few days, after the eruption on the thigh, innumerable small, red, itching points appear at the epigastrium, which become more perceptible by rubbing, with an itching, as after bed-bugs. From the epigastrium the eruption extends to the left nipple and continues longer there (as in the epigastrium) than it did in the spots first affected; it finally goes to the left axilla. At the same time various spots on the back itch; later also at the head, but only behind and above. O. T.

Itching, especially in those parts of the skin which sweat most. O. T.

Eruption of isolated small red papules which itch very much; especially at the abdomen at the inner side of the thighs and at the perineum. Gsw.

315. The eruption itches more in the cold or in cool air. Gsw.

Eruption of small red spots, very bright red and sharply defined with minute vesicles, appeared first below, then above, on the outsides of the calves and on the inside of the forearms, especially above the wrist, and more on the left side. The itching was very severe day and night, worse at night, especially after going to bed. Whitey.

Itching on the head, for fourteen days. O. T. 39.

Itching at the upper lids. 43.

Itching in the ears, 51, and burning with bluish-red swelling of the ear. 54.

Watery eruption at the external ear· and neck where the discharge from the ears runs to. 54.

320. Itching at the scrotum, especially on the right side, at the left thigh above, at the right side of the abdomen, then at the left side, at last between the nates. 166.

Itching eruption ascending from the calves to the thighs. 311.

Eruption first below, then above. 316.

Fine sticking prickling in the skin in various places, soon after taking Tellurium, annoying one the whole afternoon and evening; it compels to rub the parts quickly. Metcalf.

Fine sticking pricklings like flea bites, now here, now there, during the entire second day; for several weeks together, very troublesome sometimes, especially during repose. Metcalf.

In the third week, the nineteenth day, the itching sticking was very troublesome, wandering over the whole body during the evening. Metcalf.

* With great heat of the skin and full, quick pulse, very restless, complains of thirst and headache. The whole body covered with ringworm, consisting of red, elevated rings, very distinctly marked, especially on the lower extremities. It first broke out the previous evening, after being unwell for several days; the vesicles very clearly perceptible. The rings intersect each other at the most various angles, in many places so closely together that the annular form is hard to be recognized. After three weeks, every two hours.

The next day all had disappeared also the heat and restlessness, but the skin was still rough; after a few days welland remained so. Metcalf.

Small itching herpes at the perineum. 167.

* Ringworm on the abdomen. Neidhard.

Conditions :

In the cold, the itching of the eruption is increased. 315.

Spine sensitive to pressure and touch. 206.

When lying on the left side, painless throbbing below the ribs on the right side; when lying on the right side, a pressure on the left side in the same place. 135.

325. When lying on the right side, headache on the left side. It goes away when lying on the left side. 37.

Pain in the sacrum worse on the right side when lying on the left side. 214.

Pain in the heart after lying on the left side. 197.

The thigh goes asleep when lying on the left side. 107.

When lying on the left side, pain in the throat extending into the left ear. 53.

330. When lying, numbness of the abdominal walls. 140.

When lying on the back, the sacral pain is aggravated. 214.

When lying on the back, pain in the region of the heart goes away. 197.

When lying, the fullness in the epigastrium is not ameliorated. 107. – Sensitiveness of the back is not ameliorated.

When sitting up in bed, vertigo. 5.

335. When sitting, rush of blood to the head. 12, pressing and burning in the region of the liver 133, recurring pain in the sacrum. 213.

When rising from a sitting or lying posture increased pain in the sacrum. 221.

Pain in the sacrum aggravated by standing bent forward. 215.

Pain in the sacrum worse from stooping. 213. 221.

Pain in the sacrum, returning after stooping. 217.

340. Vertigo, on every movement when lying, on turning the head. 5.

On the slightest motion, the brain is as if bruised. 34.

On moving, stitch in the sacrum. 222.

On going out, increased vertigo. 5.

Fluent coryza, on walking in the cool autumn air. 57. 58 .

345. Dryness of the fauces ceasing when walking in the open air. 86. 87.

After walking out, pains. 259.

After walking, the joints as if bruised and twisted. 262.

After a long walk, symptoms 261, 268; even after a short walk, 259, 262.

Bruised as if after hard work. 263.

Exertions increase the sensitiveness in the spine. 206.

350. Better when walking in the open air; pain in the sacrum, 213, 215; pain in the sacrum and thighs. 218.

Direction of Pains:

Pain in the chest extending through from the front to the back. 187.

From the back through the trunk into the sternum. 206.

After stomach cramp, pain in the left side; the next day, after pain in the back, most in the right side. F. Gsw.

The pains go more from above downwards, or first right, then left; the eruption and the itching more on the left and from below upwards. 311. 316.

On the right side over the eye, etc., and then left, over the eye, etc. 259.

On the right side in the thigh, then left in the head and pelvis, pains, P. 238; right, in the scapula, pressure, then also left, 223; right, itching at scrotum, then left at the thigh, then right, then left, itching at side of abdomen, 166; right, sore throat, fourth day; left, seventh day. 89. 90. 92.

First left then right; feeling of dryness in fauces. 89. Pressure and flatus under the ribs. 131.

355. Right.

Pressure over the eyes, worse. 16.

Over the eye and in shinbone. 258.

Over the eye, pain, then left, then, again, right. 259.

External soreness on the forehead. 38.

Ear as if obstructed. 89.

Nose obstructed, 56. Mucus out of the choanae (left one stopped). 55.

Feeling of dryness in the throat. 84.

Aching in fauces on swallowing. 90.

In throat pain on empty swallowing. 89.

Under the ribs, throbbing. 135.

In the pelvis, pain, 259: Throbbing above in the pelvis. 171.

Pain in chest. 258.

Sacral pain worse. 44.

Pressure on the scapula. 230.

In the hand, drawing extending to the forearm. 278.

Pressure in the metacarpal bones and fourth finger. 229.

Contractive feeling in the skin of the fingers. 231 .

In the thigh, drawing from the sacrum outwards. 216.

Pain in the thigh, extending the sacrum. 216, 220.

Pains from the sacrum, down the hip. 221.

In the thigh, pain at night. 238.

Drawing in the thigh. 240.

Aching on outside of knee. 246.

Tired feeling in knee and leg. 247.

Pain in tibia. 268, 259.

Pressure in metatarsus. 253.

Sharp pain in the toes, then in the heels. 254

Left

In sinciput, pain, 27; worse, 33.

In head, pain. 238.

Over eyes, pain. 13, 14, 17, 259.

Externally on head, tension. 37.

Distortion of facial muscles. 66.

Cataracts. Dog., 45.

Itching and pressure in upper lid.

43.

Eye reddened. 44.

Ear obstructed, 49. Deaf 54.

In the eustchian tube-catching of the air. 60.

Pain from throat into the ear. 63.

Ear inflamed, swollen and discharging. 54.

Nose obstructed. mucus in choanae, right. 55.

Nose obstructed, early. 80.

Dryness in fauces, then right. 89.

Dryness in fauces worse. 80.

Dryness in fauces. 83.

Sore throat worse. 92.

Pain in plugged teeth. 74.

Pain in the groin. 130.

Pain in the flank. 168.

Deep in the pelvis, pain, 173. In the pelvis pain. 238.

Stitches out of the middle of the pelvis towards the left. 174.

Stitches in the region of the uterus. 176.

Chest pain, 108. Stitches in chest. 192.

Stitches over the fifth rib. 191.

Cutting in the region of the nipple. 190.

In the nipple, eruption; in the axilla. 312.

In the side of the neck, a stopping and streaming. 13.

Pressure on the scapula. 223.

In the anterior muscle of the axilla, swelling pain. 226.

Pain and numbness in the forearm. 227.

Pain in the little finger. 230.

Itching of the hand. 310

The thigh goes to sleep when he from lies on it. 107.

Itching at the foot. 310.

Pains in morning. 258.

More eruption. 316.

Periodicity and Times of Day:

356. The symptoms were most severe, the day after taking (Tuesday) and were aggravated on the two successive Tuesdays; the fourth Tuesday was free, but many symptoms came on Thursday. P.

At the same hour, fluent coryza. 58. 59.

Attacks of sudden rush of blood, twice daily. 12.

Now and then, repeated pain over left eye. 14.

360. Coryza increased at irregular periods. 64.

By day, at various hours, early or afternoon, rush of blood 12; by day, pains in chest, 187; during the day, weakness in the back. 208.

Morning on awaking see sleep symptoms.

Morning; when dressing attack of vertigo, 5; external tension at head, 37; nose obstructed on right side, 56; dry in fauces, 83; and evening, throat dry, 87; pain in fauces on swallowing, 90; pinching in abdomen, then stool, 144; pain in sacrum, 213. Pain in sacrum from a stooping attitude, 217; sacral pain 219.

The pains change locality more, 258; hot dry skin. 304.

Forenoon; nine o'clock, pain over left eye, in the temple, chest, etc. 259.

Ten o'clock, pain over left eye, 13, like a shot before the ears. 48.

Sneezing and heaviness over the eyes. 62.

Obstruction of nose and discharge from choanae. 55.

Eleven to twelve o'clock, fluent coryza. 57. 58.

Fullness and pressure in the epigastrinm, 106, 107; stool 151; diarrheic, 153.

Afternoon; headache, left, 33; towards evening headache. 11. Heat of face and head and bleeding of gums, 67; burning of the lips, 69,70; increased scratchy feeling in the throat. 79 .

Five o'clock, recurring sensation of dryness in the throat, 82; dryness of the fauces, 85; itching of the scrotum, 166; falling asleep of the thigh and cold feet. 107.

Evening; headache, 28; itching and pressure in the eye, 43; ears obstructed, 49, and throat in the morning dry, 87; sore throat on empty swallowing, 91, 92; after eating, fullness in the abdomen, 125; pinching in the abdomen relieved after discharge of wind, 113; numbness of the integuments of the abdomen, 143; stools (instead of in the morning) 150; stool, 152; pain in the forearm and hand. 227.

Antidotes and Sequences:

365. Nux moschata helped for the stomach cramps given after Tellurium. Gsw.

Mercurius acted well, given after Tellurium, in ulcers. Gsw.

Nux vomica relieved symptoms. 107.

Aconite, Glonoin and Bellad., did no good in the vertigo. 5.

Similars:

Vertigo, 5, like Selenium. Longing for beer reminds of longing for liquor in Selenium. C. Hg.

Eructations tasting of food, 113, like Antimonium crud. C. Hg.

Longing far apples, Tart. emet.

C. G. Raue remarked after his proving: Tellurium seemed to him to resemble Graphites; we find in it the following reddish mucus about the lumpy feces. 509.

Catching of air in the Eustachian tube. 185.

Pain in the sacrum, better during motion. 136.

We may add to this, the ringworms, the dryness in the mouth, particularly in the morning early, as well as the flowing of saliva out of the mouth, 340, and many other symptoms.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 01, 1864, pages 26-33, pages 75-80, pages 125-130, pages 166-174, pages 218-222, pages 366-369, pages 426-428, pages 466-470, pages 507-517, pages 542-556]

[Description: Provings of Tellurium.]

[Remedies: Tellurium]

[Author: Hering, C.]

[Year: 1864]

THE BRITISH REPERTORY .

BY CONSTANTINE HERING, M. D.

First Article.

After a delay of nine years the "Pathogenetic Cyclopoedia" is to be continued, and to the three chapters of the 1st vol., published in 1850, "disposition," "mind," "head", there are now to be added: eyes, ears, nose, face, teeth, tongue, throat appetite &c.

The former boasting title a la Trinks has been changed to the plain, non assuming "a Repertory;" the reprinting of all the symptoms in the original form, adopted by the Cyclopoedia from the large Symptomen Codex of Jahr, has been omitted to save paper, and after a great many alterations of the plan, and working it over and over again, a number of real, i.e. well educated physicians have performed the laborious task, with the evident intention of giving the homoeopathic practitioners a better work than any former, even in the German Literature, and in a more concise form a Repertory, which is more complete than any other.

In the English homoeopathic literature the physicians have had nothing but old stale meager extracts with a poor pathological index to the same, called Hulls! Jahr. A certain thick book made for money by a penny-a-liner, a hasty compilation with the most arbitrary omissions under the title: "Complete Repertory," cannot be named except among the "bad literature." Hence this Repertory is the first in the English tongue, and the only one.

Every homoeopathic practitioner ought to consider it his duty to buy it; the continuation and completion may depend on its sale. If every honest practitioner will try to learn to use it, which at first may require great patience, this Repertory might be the turning point in the course of our art in England and here, and prevent the rapid "going down" which has become apparent of late years. We all know, that the numbers in our homoeopathic ranks are not lessening, but it is the general observation, that the number is year after year increasing, who instead of deriving benefit from Homoeopathy, are made incurable by so called homoeopathic practitioners.

The introduction of Drs. Drysdale and Atkin contains the remarkable concession: "our success is inferior to that of the earlier homoeopathic practitioners; it must be admitted, that our practical gain has not been equal to the extension of the Materia Medica. "

Such a candid, upright and noble acknowledgement deserves the greatest praise, but we cannot allow it to pass by without giving a few remarks on it. The great increase of the Materia Medica on the one side, and the decrease of success on the other are here brought into parallelism, which is too cutting against our "main law" as well as against our "great treasury," the provings on the healthy, as not to require a most careful examination of the causes of this contradiction.

The authors of the Introduction give their decision about the causes of the inferior success. But it can be proved, how completely mistaken they are in almost all their arguments. The causes are different, and can be clearly pointed out.

We take first as granted and admitted by the majority of the leading men, as a uniform observation made in Germany as well as in France and in England and here long ago, that in general the success of Homoeopathists in our days is inferior to that of the earlier homoeopathic practitioners. We reject for ever all that may be said hereafter by the not small number of boasting geniuses, who talk about unfailing cures, by the dozen or the hundred, following the patern of the numerous quack advertisements in the newspapers; we do not intend to take the slightest notice of them. We take the facts, as admitted by the honest.

We suppose, there are none who would dare to assume that Hahnemann's success had at a later period of his life lessened. Hahnemann practiced Homoeopathy nearly 50 years, and continually increased his Materia Medica. The same can be said of Gross and a large number of the real followers of the Master, who parted from us long ago. And some of those "earlier homoeopathic practitioners of acknowledged superior success" are still among the living. Have they not a right to give an opinion as to the causes? Stapf, Haynel, Boenninghausen and others will not only be able to prove, that their success is at least equal to any former, but every one of them will also be able to mention a number of younger practitioners, who have had a decided and continually increasing success! At the same time they will all unanimously point out other entirely different causes of the minor success in our days.

In the introduction we find the following: "The greater practical success of the earlier practitioners can only arise from one of two causes:

1. They had no repertories etc.

2. The new provings are incorrect etc."

We will examine these two causes, and show, that they cannot influence the difference of success as stated.

"They had no repertories." The very first "Fragmenta of Hahnemann," 1805, had a long alphabetical index as a repertory. Before the time of the sudden increase of Homoeopathists, when the Materia Medica consisted only of six volumes, a systematic repertory by Hartlaub appeared in 12 volumes, in 1826, soon afterward Schweickert's by Ruckert's, Weber's etc. As soon as Hahnemann published in his chronic diseases a number of new medicines, Hartlaub and Trinks followed with a repertory, Weber ditto. There was thus only the time, during which the six volumes of Materia Medica were published, when a repertory was wanted and was missed by the very small number of the followers of Hahnemann at this time. Every one had to make his own, and I remember, how eagerly they were compared and copied.

"The early practitioners were obliged to study the Materia Medica closely," but not because they had no repertory, but because they adhered strictly to Hahnemann's rules; their "study of Materia Medica" was a diligent and concientious comparison of all the symptoms of a given case, with the symptoms of several, if not all the proved medicines, until they found the right one. This was the "study," but it was done as well with as without a repertory.

It is true: "they thus became thoroughly acquainted not only with the details of the pathogenesis of each medicine."Why not say plainly: they became acquainted with the symptoms? What else can it mean: the details of the "pathogenesis?" Every scholar must smile at such a monstrous word, particularly when applied to our collection of symptoms, which in plain truth is all that we have. Such newly manufactured words are eagerly caught up and used by all who do not know what they really mean. The spirit which fabricated such words, and made them fashionable, that same spirit is a cause why the study of Materia Medica has been neglected, and the success in our days having grown less.

"They became thoroughly acquainted not only with each medicine, but also with its genius and sphere of action."

That is a great and important truth! But we ought not to forget to mention here, that it was not the laborious comparison of the symptoms of each case with the symptoms of several medicines alone, but it was principally the success, the cures following a medicine, that led Hahnemann and his followers to the general idea of the "genius" and principal "sphere of action." During the conscientious and scrupulous comparison of the symptoms of a case on the one side, and the symptoms of medicines on the other, during the consideration of particularities we rather loose sight of generalities. But a number of cures made by the same drug leads as it were involuntarily to the idea of characteristics. Compare what Hahnemann has said, compare his remarks about the "genius and sphere of action" in his preface to the single drugs, compare it with the abstracts given as the "genius and sphere of action" by others, even in some of the Vienna provings, compare them, and you will find, that the latter, although they sound very scientific, and also fit nicely to descriptions of the diseases as written down in the books, are nevertheless of no value for the individual cases (except by accident) as we meet them in life. They lead gradually away from the true Hahnemann examination of the sick, from the careful selection of the most similar medicine, step by step down, down to the handling of "specifics" for this and the other "diseases."

That is the way "they go" into the soft mud of quackery, selling specifics for all the ills of the human frame in paper boxes, two for a quarter. It is the way to the manifest: Aconite is the backbone of Materia Medica.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 11, 1859, pages 517-521]

[Description: The British Repertory.]

[Author: Hering, Constantine.]

[Year: 1859]

THE MORBID FEAR OF HYDROPHOBIA.

BY CONSTANTINE HERING, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

A short time ago while glancing over some medical journals I found, without now being able to remember where, the question "what should be done in the above mental derangement?" It can only be answered by experience; but to wait until a remedy produces the above symptom under its provings, and then again to wait for its confirmation, is not answering the question. In this case, as in other cases, where the prominent symptom is not yet to be found among the provings, we must choose a remedy in accordance with all other symptoms, or if that is not sufficient we must generalize the symptoms of the special fear; for instance, fear of imaginary threatening evil; but this belongs to the a, b, c of prescribing, and every body knows it. Again the remedy might be found by resorting to other symptoms as the "dreams of dogs," "fear of dogs in his dreams," or other shrewd artifices. Two complete and permanent cures, both effected after the disease had existed for years, are worth relating, notwithstanding that the first inducement for this relation reminds one of the well-known story of the painter; an artist who had endeavored in vain to paint the foam at the mouth of a horse so as to satisfy the connoisseur, finally, irritated and out of patience, took the sponge which he had repeatedly used for wiping off the paint, and dashed it against the picture. Behold, there was the foam!

A patient, who belonged to the class of "tormentors," complained, besides innumerable other symptoms, of a fear of being "syphilitic," but contended that he must have become so in an extraordinary way, etc. After he had been compelled to acknowledge that he was decidedly better in every respect, he still continued to be haunted by this fear; he demanded a remedy which would show whether any portion of that disease remained in his system. I gave him Syphilin^30 (Lappe), which had just been received as something new, principally to find out whether it would produce any new symptoms. He thought he experienced some, but they were too trifling to be noted. His tormenting fear however grew less and then ceased entirely. With a vial of this medicine in his pocket he took leave and has not been seen since.

A few years later the father of one of my students told me, under the seal of the greatest secrecy, that he feared that his son would show symptoms of syphilis as a paternal inheritance, although he, the father, had never known any other woman than his wife, the mother of his son. The son was the picture of health, and very likely it was this fear which induced the father to urge the son to study medicine. I gave the father Syphilin, told him it would cure him, which it did.

Of course it will be understood that these two cases prove nothing; and they are only related because they induced me to give Hydrophobin for the fear of hydrophobia, in cases where persons had not been bitten by a mad dog or had hot been bitten at all, a fear which imbittered the life of the well known poet Raymond.

A rich and influential merchant of Philadelphia, after having especially demanded a confidential interview, related that he was mentally diseased; for years, he said, he had been tormented by the idea that he might be attacked with hydrophobia. He could not recollect ever having been bitten by a dog, not even by a healthy dog, but certainly never by a sick or a mad dog. His reason compelled him to understand, that he had no right to have this fear, but notwithstanding his reasoning he could not rid himself of it; he was not afraid of dogs, but he disliked to see them because their sight renewed his fear; he did not dream of dogs but he passed most of his nights sleeplessly walking up and down in despair. "I feel," he said, "that I cannot physically endure this much longer, and I shall be compelled to go into an Insane Asylum, my imagination alone is sufficient to cause the disease I so much dread." In answer to the question, whether he had seen any one suffering from this disease, he said, "no; but I have read about it until my physician interdicted it and my wife with tears in her eyes begged me to read no more on this subject. But that is of no use," said he, "can you do anything for me."

"That I do not know," was my answer, "it may be!" His physician was one of our local celebrities, one of those block-heads who think that Homoeopathy cures through imagination; therefore I told the patient, intentionally, that cases of this kind were of very rare occurrence, and that nothing could be promised with certainty, that he should continue for some time to take homoeopathic remedies, having tried the ordinary mode of cure long enough, and knowing that by that he could not be cured at all. I gave him Hydrophobin^30 (Lappe), and he went away without encouragement. This cruelty was indispensably necessary, as the patient confessed, he had no faith in Homoeopathy, and I had told him, "faith was not at all requisite." The man would never have submitted to a continued treatment. It would have been labor lost to try to investigate the case fully, and I could therefore only make an experiment. Nothing entitled me to choose this remedy, as there was no connection between the salt in the saliva of a mad dog dissolved in alcohol and the brain of this mentally diseased person, who only imagined that he might be attacked by a disease which sometimes attacks persons bitten by a mad dog where the saliva becomes mixed with the blood. The provings on the healthy have shown that it produces certain effects, among which is the symptom of "tormenting fear of a threatened evil." In the above related doubtful cures with Syphilin for the fear of syphilis, analogy decided the choice! Analogy, "the mother of so many errors," was to be justified; the cases with Syphilin, which might easily be doubted and controverted, were to be confirmed by facts which cannot so easily be thrown aside. A week later, the gentleman returned and said, "I feel quite well, the torment I have suffered for years has left me. The first powder (the one which contained the medicine) I felt through the whole body; while taking the others I recovered entirely. Why did you not tell me this?" "Because I did not know it, could not know it," was my answer. "Am I now cured? and for ever?" "That I do not know; very likely not; but should your disease return, you may call again. Did your small powders produce this effect?" Why not? they do still more. He asked for another package and received something innocent. He asked how he should regulate his mode of life, and was answered, "as he had not been requested to make any changes during the last week, he need certainly not make any now." This happened twenty years ago, and he has not been seen since. While no inference can be drawn from this one case, the following is of much more importance.

A respectable physician from the neighborhood of Philadelphia, Dr. R, C. S., brought me a patient on account of the peculiarity of the case — he was what people generally call a very nervous man. He related verbally, and, as we were frequently interrupted, at my request, in writing, the following:

Two years ago he visited a friend in the evening; a small dog came running out of the house and bit him in the right calf, without causing a wound or even a visible impression. The little dog was healthy and remained so. For six weeks the patient felt a continued pain in that spot, later only now and then; sometimes the pain came when he was not thinking of it at all, lately it became much worse and quite severe. It was a burning pain, precisely on the spot where he was bitten by the dog, from thence it extended over the whole body, and he felt very strangely. During the night it changed into a trembling, he is full of fear, this fear consists in the painful conviction that hydrophobia was attacking him, nevertheless he felt very thirsty and had no aversion to drink, but, on the contrary, drank large quantities of water. Yesterday, at ten, a.m., he began to spit a great deal, which continued all day till supper, could take no nourishment, could not remain at the table, drank some strong tea, after which salivation discontinued until eight, p.m., and then commenced again. During the night he slept little, was disturbed by disagreeable disconnected dreams, felt "strangely." This morning when he came to Philadelphia he had eaten nothing, had a continual trembling sensation through the whole body. Mental emotion always makes him worse. The burning sensation on the above mentioned place had been relieved by hot steam striking against it; Arsenicum had been given previously. Since the bite, two years ago, he is afraid of dogs. Night before last and since then he has a pricking sensation under the tongue. This is all I could ascertain. I gave Hydrophobin^200 (Jenichen), a few pellets on his tongue; this was on the 27th of January, in the forenoon. The pricking under the tongue at once became more perceptible. A letter from his physician, who was, as well as the patient, not informed what medicine I had given, stated on the 1st of February, while traveling home the pricking pain under the tongue and the pain in the right eg became less severe, the salivation was also diminished. The day following he felt worse without the frequent spitting; the next day the improvement began again and continued. On the third day the salivation returned, it was supposed because he had not eaten his meals at the regular times. On the same day he felt pain in his foot, similar to a rheumatic pain his brother complained of. On the 1st of March he came to Philadelphia on his way to the West. All his symptoms of two years standing as well as the later ones had disappeared. He could eat as formerly, he spit but little, the pricking under the tongue had ceased and also the hurtling, and all the other morbid sensations through the whole body. He has now a pain in the sole of the right foot extending up to the ankle; great weakness in the back as if it would split and fall a part. I gave him, in case that the burning pain should return, a higher potency of the same remedy.

Among the symptoms of this case some were similar to those produced on the healthy by the same remedy, especially the frequent spitting which is very characteristic, but scarcely would this alone have induced me to give it, had I not had the experience of the former case.

In this manner weak rods may become strong staves by augmentation. Should similar cases confirm the above, then we could add this missing symptom with certainty to our Materia Medica. There are a great many symptoms which we can never expect to produce by our provings, the only way to learn how to cure these, is by experience with the sick.

NOTE BY DR. LIPPE. — Analogy, "the mother of so many errors," is at times the only means by which we can cover symptoms, which by their nature are not even to be observed on the healthy prover; and to justify this occasional mode of ascertaining the curative remedy, I here state a certain cure by Hydrophobin.

Ten years ago in the month of August, I was requested to see a gentleman over fifty years of age, who had suffered for one month from a severe dysentery and allopathic treatment.

After treating him for ten days, relieving him at times for a day or so, he stated a new symptom which he had not spoken of, as he thought it of no importance. He had several striking symptoms. The attacks were worse at night, the straining to evacuate caused a violent pain in the small of the back and in the rectum, compelling him afterwards to walk about, although weak; he could neither lie down nor stand up for any length of time.The desire to stool was immediately caused when he heard or saw the running of water. On the morning on which he stated this one characteristic symptom, he related that after one of those evacuations of bloody mucus and after the diminution of the pain he sat down at his open front chamber window, all at once the large street water plug was opened to cleanse the streets, and as soon as he noticed the water running down the gutter in front of his house, he was seized with violent pains and had to go at once to the water-closet. When, in the morning, a member of the family poured out some water from the pitcher into the wash-basin, this same pain and desire to stool returned; he then recollected that this had been of frequent occurrence before, but he had not believed that the seeing and hearing of the running of water could have had any effect on his disease, but was now at least willing to state the facts and ask the question. It further appeared that he had not been drinking any water for some time, he had occasionally taken some hot tea.

Carefully selected remedies had given only short relief, and this one very characteristic symptom had not been recorded in the Materia Medica, and would probably never be experienced by healthy provers. By analogy alone I gave the patient a few pellets of Hydrophobin^200 (Jenichen) on the tongue. The improvement was rapid and permanent. The disease had now lasted almost six weeks and five days, after this single dose of Hydrophobin was taken he was dismissed as cured.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1864, pages 481-487]

[Description: The Morbid Fear of Hydrophobia.]

[Author: Hering, C.]

[Year: 1864]

TEUCRIUM MARUM-VERUM

And its effects upon Polypi of the Mucous Membranes.

BY DR. HERMEL.

(Translated from the Allgemeine Homoeopatische Zeitung.)

BY M. J. RHEES, M. D., MOUNT HOLLY. N.J.

Among the pathogenetic symptoms of Teucrium marum verum are to be found manifestations which are very similar to those produced by a nasal polypus, viz:

"Violent titillation in the right nostril with weeping of the right eye." "Titillation in the nose soon after taking the medicine, recurring frequently." "The right nostril feels as if it were half closed; the obstruction cannot be removed by blowing the nose or sneezing." "Brief lancinations in the upper part of the right nasal cavity." "Fluent coryza in the open air." "The nose is much obstructed, several times during the day, and particularly in the evening while reading aloud." (Archiv. V.) The following remarks, are also to be found in the same Journal ( XX.) "A thickening of the mucous membrane of the nose, the sequence of an erysipelas of the face, was removed in six days by the use of the powdered leaves of Teucrium." Again-"A recent nasal polypus, was cured in a short time by the powdered Teucrium." A nasal polypus which had already been removed three times by the operation, did not reappear after Teucrium had been administered, in the dose of one drop every evening for several months. At the same time, the sense of smell returned, which the patient had been deprived of for 20 years. (Nusser's Allgem. Ztg. I.) A mucous polypus which entirely filled one nostril, was cured in a few weeks by the use of Teucrium. (Hygia V.)

In consequence of these positive results, the writer applied the remedy in the following case.

Mrs. S. aged 25 years, consulted me on the 14th of July 1854 in regard to a polypus in the right nostril. In the course of three years, this unnatural growth had twice been extracted by Dr. Le Breton and had reappeared each time. Six months, since, it began to form for the third time in consequence of a coryza. The polypus fills the upper part of the left nostril. The patient feels titillations and painful prickings in the root of the nose, and in the left frontal protuberance. The eye weeps much, and the effected nostril discharges much mucus. Blowing the nose is attended by great pain, and at times by hemorrhage; respiration through the diseased nostril is impossible. Dr. Timbert and the author, ordered Teucrium 6, 2 drops in 200 grammes of water, one spoonful to be taken morning and evening. But as no improvement had occurred at the end of 14 days, we prescribed the 1st attenuation for one week, the 3rd att. for the next week and returned to the 1st att. the third week. Three weeks after the commencement of this treatment, the circumference of the polypus and the secretion of mucus had sensibly diminished, and air could again pass through the nose. The same prescription was continued for three weeks longer. On the 8th of Sept. 1854, nothing more could be seen of the polypus, and the patient experienced only a slight inconvenience in the left nostril during respiration. The writer could not discover whether the polypus had dropped off or had been dispersed. When he saw the patient in subsequent years, there was not the least trouble existing. The case had continued nearly four years, when on the 7th of May 1858, the patient feared a relapse in consequence of a coryza, as the same nostril appeared to be obstructed, and she felt, at intervals, pricklings in the root of the nose. Nothing could be discovered on examination. Nevertheless, she received Teucrium^6 as above. Immediately after the first dose of this remedy, all morbid sensation again disappeared, but she continued the use of the medicine for some time afterwards, that she might be secure against any relapse.

This is the third case as far as we know, in which the cure of a polypus without relapse, is at length acknowledged to have been the result of the internal administration of small doses of Teucrium; and it is difficult to conceive, why the discussion of this subject of small doses is always renewed so zealously especially when we consider that as the majority of physicians generally practice in a circle of definite and circumscribed extent, and in a definite sphere, tiny are therefore totally unable to deduct conclusions and rules from the conditions of one class of society or one climate, which will invariably apply to all other climates and classes. This question requires no further consideration. As has been frequently remarked heretofore, we must continue in use, the whole scale of the attennuations of our medicines, from the crude substance to the 30th;*[The 30th is to be understood in this connection, as the representative of the value of all neighboring dilutions; there is certainly no greater difference between them, than there is between two shocks of electricity, one given after 20 and another after 40 revolutions of the disk of the machine.] it always has been and must continue to be, a very useless and impracticable proposal, to confine ourselves to either the lower or higher dilutions, as the use of the latter at one time, and of the former at another is not only desirable but absolutely necessary. Aside from all discussions as to the preference, we might consider this as conclusive, that, Each attenuation must be chosen according to its peculiar sphere of action, and according to the experience obtained with it in that sphere.

That we may sometimes (although it is seldom) administer the crude substance with success, and even cannot dispense with it, is known to all of us, and Hahnemann also has availed himself of it in some instances. The following example has recently occurred in my experience, with a medicine which is generally administered, only in the higher attenuations.

A scrofulous child 12 years of age, was effected with a rheumatic ophthalmia with the followig symptoms, viz; Phlyctaenae and slight dimness of the cornea, yet without congestion; excessive photophobia and contraction of the eyelids which had entirely closed the left eye for three months, and the right eye was sympathetically affected to such an extent that it could only be opened for a minute at a time; frequent raging, burning, stinging pains &c. This case had been fruitlessly treated for three months with Calc. c.20 .,6 .,4 then with Sulph., Graph., Caust., Ars., Phos., with Acon., Bell. Con., as intercurrent medicines. It was perfectly cured in five days by the use of a wineglass full of freshly prepared lime water, twice a day, so that the dimness of sight only, continued for a few days afterwards. It is remarkable that, four lympathic glands at the inner edge of the lower jaw, which were enlarged to the size of beans and as hard as cartilage, and which had been felt for a long time, disappeared simultaneously with the other symptoms.

We would not by any means discard, or condemn as useless, the thirtieth attenuation; and particularly would we not in the case of those medicines, which in their crude state are inert, and must undergo preparation to develop their powers. The efficiency of the thirtieth requires no additional proof, because our literature contains abundant and important evidence of it. To insist on its use in every case would be an error; to reject it altogether would be a crime.

If we could bring this part of the homoeopathic doctrines to a definite conclusion, and finally look upon each attenuation as equally authorized according to circumstances, one of the principal obstacles to a universal union among us would be removed; this is very necessary just now, and is pressingly recommended to the attention of all Homoeopathists.

We will now return to the consideration of Teucrium.

The following case was observed by Dr. Gabaldo: –

Jos. D., 42 years of age, has felt an obstruction during respiration for a long time, which increases daily. On the 9th of May 1854 Dr. G. discovered some mucous polypi in the left nostril and advised the patient to draw into the nose several times a day, some water in which a few drops of Thuja tincture had been mixed. On the 24 of May, as no change had taken place during the last two weeks, Dr. G. ordered Calc. c.20 glob.; j, in 120 grammes of water, one spoonful every morning. June 9th the respiration is less difficult; the right nostril, which previously seemed the most obstructed although no polypus could be discovered in it, is at present the most free. In the left nostril a small polypous mass can still be seen. Ordered Teucrium^12 gtt. IV, in 120 grammes of water, one spoonful every morning. July the 25th Considerable amendment; respiration is free, and the polypus is very much diminished. Ordered Teucrium marum^20, glob. IV, in water as before. On the 5th of September Dr. G. saw the patient again : there had been no obstacle to respiration for some time, and there was no trace of the polypus. There has been no relapse.

ROTH has observed the following case.

A single woman 25 years of age, complained of a difficulty while walking. On examination R. found a perfect hymen, and protruding from the small orifice of the vagina, a soft and smooth polypus, 5 inches long and having the form of a pear. The tincture of Teucrium was applied in the form of fomentations, lotions and injections, for 6 weeks. The polypus had already began to shrink, when R. was compelled by the impatience of the parents, to consult with BLANDIN The preparations for the operation were scarcely completed, when an accidental pull detached the polypus. The patient subsequently married and bore several children. There has been no relapse.

The different modes of administering this medicine, sometimes locally, sometimes internally, and its prescription in low and high dilutions, prove conclusively that it possesses true specific properties against the disease under consideration. Nevertheless it would be hazardous to assert that it is an in fallible specific against all kinds of mucous polypi, as our literature exhibits several cases in which it has failed of success. It is therefore impossible to furnish at present, certain indications for its administration.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 12, 1859, pages 556-516]

[Description: Teucrium Marum Verum.]

[Remedies: Teucrium Marum Verum]

[Author: Hermel]

[Year: 1859]

ACALIPHA INDICA IN PULMONARY HEMORRHAGE.

BY WM. H. HOLCOMBE, M. D., WATERPROOF, LA.

About three months ago I was called to see a negro man suffering with Hemoptysis. He had been much exposed a month before that, as he had run away from his master and prowled about the woods or out-houses during a spell of very bitter weather for this latitude. When he first came home; he had what they supposed was pneumonia, for which he was treated by cupping and blistering externally and Aconite and Phosphorus internally. The man had got up and about, but remained weak and spiritless, had no appetite, and was constantly hawking up mouthfuls of fluid red blood. There was little or no pain in the breast and little or no cough; no night sweats, but some emaciation and a remarkable slowness of pulse. I prescribed Ipecac^3 and Hamamelis^3 alternately every two hours. The next day the red color of the sputa paled to a deep rusty hue, but the day after it was as bloody as ever. The crepitant rale was heard over the upper half of both lungs and there was slight dullness on percussion.

I treated this case for three or four weeks with the greatest care — with high dilutions and low. Aconite, Arnica, Arsenicum, Calcarea earb., Crocus, China, Digitalis, Ipeeac, Kali bichrom, Lachesis, Hamamelis, Secale, Sepia, Sulphur were all employed — from the form of mother-tincture or crude substance up to the 200th attenuation, and even the 1000th and 2000th were tried, but all in vain. Hydropathic appliances were also futile, as Well as external irritations. In despair I resorted to some allopathic measures. Strong purgation, nauseating doses of antimony, and strong ones of Digitalis, cod liver oil and lime, gallic acid, turpentine, table-salt last pills of Opium, Ipecac and sugar of lead were faith fully used, but no impression whatever was made on the disease. In the mean time other and more threatening symptoms had appeared. He had constant and severe pain in the chest and a very distressing cough. The pulse had become rapid, ranging from 100 to 120, and the expectoration of liquid blood more profuse. The dullness on percussion had greatly increased, emaciation was progressive, and the patient confident that he had consumption, was gloomy and despairing and very unwilling to die. His master had determined to try change of air and climate in his case, when I persuaded him to send him to my house where I could give him constant and close personal inspection for a while.

I began with very high attenuations and persisted, only one dose a day, for several days with no result. The pains in the chest, the nightly cough and the bloody expectorations were distressing. One morning I pitched upon the Acalipha indica, and put twenty drops of the 7th dilution in a tumbler of water, and told him to take a spoonful every two hours. The next morning to my great surprise he told me the bleeding had entirely stopped, and that the pain and cough had greatly decreased. By the next morning, pain, cough, and expectoration were all gone, nor have any of them returned although ten days have elapsed. The man declares himself perfectly well, has fine appetite, perfect secretions, c, and walked out home five miles, rather than wait for a wagon which was to have been sent for him. He has had no medicine since but one dose of Calcarea carb.30 on the day he left me.

Now if this was not a propter hoc it was certainly a very curious and satisfactory post hoc. I am very cautious in making the diagnosis, whenever it is possible, between a recovery and a cure. We very frequently give to the remedy last employed the credit of doing what has really been brought about by previous medicines, by time, nature or various and sometimes inappreciable favoring circumstances. In my general skepticism as to the result of medication, even homoeopathic, I am more a disciple of Forbes than of Hahnemann. Still in whatever way I study or analyze the above case, the conclusion is forced upon me that Acalipha indica effected a prompt and wonderful resolution of the disease, which at least promises to be permanent.

Acalipha indica was introduced to the notice of the profession in this country by Dr. Tomieire, of Calcutta, in a letter to Dr. Payne, of Bath, Maine, and by him laid before the Am. Provers' Union, and published, I believe, in the Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy. It was recommended to Dr. Tomieire by a native as a remedy for jaundice. While taking it, it seemed to bring on cough and hemoptysis, and he used it accordingly in three consumptive cases with hemorrhage in all of which it promptly checked the bleeding. I had employed it twice before with speedy curative effect, but as some other remedy was given in alternation (a very bad habit which it is very hard to break) I attached no special importance to the experiments. The article I used was procured some six or eight years ago by the late Dr. Bratt, who preceded me here in practice. I strongly recommend it to the notice of the profession.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 06, 1860, pages 274-276]

[Description: Acalipha Indica in Pulmonary Hemorrhage.]

[Remedies: Acalypha Indica]

[Author: Holcombe, Wm.H.]

[Year: 1860]

CHARACTERISTIC SYMPTOMS ["On the insignificance of those symptoms in a proving and in a disease which determine the choice of the remedy." By Professor Dr. J. Hoppe, of Basle. From the Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 68, 105, April 24th, 1864.]

BY PROF. DR. J. HOPPE, OF BASLE

Homoeopathy has not as yet given prominence and emphatic utterance to the fact that the decisive symptoms, in diseases and drug-provings, are, in many respects, insignificant indeed very insignificant and trifling. Nevertheless Homoeopathy has not been unaware of this fact; she has only not expressed it in sharp, clear words and thereby given a full currency to the importance and to the apparent unusual nature of this circumstance. For, when we are taught that, in examining a patient, we must go to, work in a sharp and thorough fashion, and must investigate with indefatigable zeal until we find out the peculiar phenomena which give us our rule of action, it is clearly implied in this very teaching, that often these peculiar phenomena do not present themselves obviously in the foreground, but are, on the contrary, insignificant and apparently trifling.

And when, further, we are taught how to conduct ourselves when proving a drug, in order to allow the symptoms to develop themselves and not to pervert and cloak them by accidental phenomena, as well as to take cognizance of them undisturbed, the conclusion, in like manner, follows from this teaching that the decisive, instructive and important symptoms do not always stand, fair and square, full before the eyes.

In truth, it has been seen and felt that the determining symptoms present themselves in many respects insensibly. But everybody has, timidly as it were, kept this fact to himself and not given prominence to it, as the experience which furnishes the rule; we have silently accorded to it an importance which we have not been willing to express publicly, aloud, clearly and boldly.

And we have been timid in this matter, because we have regarded it as a token of incompleteness and of unripeness, that we are obliged in many ways to avail ourselves of so insignificant and trifling symptoms. But he who has been initiated into this open secret, that the very determining symptoms are often insignificant, and has been in the habit of profiting by it – he has ever distinguished himself by an especial practical ability. Yet in doing so he might fall into the opposite danger, viz.: of taking these insignificant phenomena in a subtler sense than the progress of science up to the present day enables us to do and justifies our doing — misfortune which, where the investigations were truthfully made, may indeed damage the individual, but can only benefit the science.

Let us then say it – emphatically, loud and frankly — that the determining symptoms appear in many respects to be insignificant and unimportant, and let us proclaim it to be a requisite condition, that in proving drugs and in examining patients, the insignificant symptoms are not to be neglected, but even to be noted and regarded with especial care.

It is true, that which we here say. This truth has its analogy in every department of science. And this truth has its necessary fundamental basis.

A slight sticking or digging pain in the teeth, when proving a drug, a slighter increase of heart-beat, an inconsiderable pain in the throat, a somewhat unpleasant taste, which recurs only at long intervals, a slight change in the stool, a somewhat restless night, a slightly more abundant sweating, a somewhat depressed or a somewhat exalted state of mind, etc., etc. – these phenomena are to be taken notice of; and it is, in good part, only when these are reckoned in, that the entire picture of the disease or of the drug-action is made out.

And has not also the diagnosis of diseases its difficulties and its subleties? Is the diagnosis of iritis always so dazzlingly obvious; the diagnosis of pneumonia always so rudely palpable; the distinction between diphtheritis and catarrh always so striking, as it seems to be in very well developed cases?

There are, also in these cases, phenomena which appear insignificant and unimportant, but yet are so important that they decide the whole matter.

And as it is in diagnosis, so it is also in microscopy, so in all departments of medicine, so in all sciences, so also in all affairs of daily life.

Where no dazzling facts present themselves, the examination, the investigation must keep to the insignificant circumstances, and it lies in the nature of the thing, that these occur more frequently than the striking indications and are often even more important than the latter.

And if the grosser changes in and upon the tissues are often but little developed, how much more may this be the case in regard to such phenomena as present themselves only as the subjective expression of excited tissue-functions? For the insignificant and apparently unimportant phenomena, on which often so very much depends, are manifestations of the tissue activity - also manifestations which are as yet pretty much undisturbed and not yet covered over and concealed by the results of the excited pr perverted tissue functions. They are initial-phenomena and they may easily be lacking there, where a process has become developed in its full extent; they are lacking, for example, in a fully developed pneumonia, whereas at the beginning of the same they may be still present and may indicate the peculiar character of the existing irritation.

The "peculiar," the "characteristic" symptoms – these are to be regarded as the determining ones; but we must, at the same time, never forget, and we must always say emphatically, that these symptoms may be very insignificant ones and that we have to seek them, for the most part, in the series of little and unimpressive phenomena. Accordingly, free from all feelings of timidity, we receive these seemingly insignificant phenomena within our field of investigation. What microscopic research is, in the case of small objects, the same, in semeiotics, is the scientific investigation of the trifling, unimportant, subjective and objective phenomena of disease, and he, who cannot labor in this field of the small ane the few, can never be a master in either department of science. The riper spirit adventures into the depths, whose limits are immeasurable and whose products may indeed, to the uninitiated, seem insignificant, unimportant, trifling and profitless. D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 01, 1864, pages 07-10]

[Description: by Prof. Dr. J. Hoppe, of Basle]

[Author: Hoppe, J.]

[Year: 1864]

INTERCOSTAL NEURALGIA WITH SPASMS .*[Allg. Hom. Zeit., 67, 75.]

BY PROF. DR. J. HOPPE, OF BASLE.

Dr. Hoppe, a distinguished Professor of Physiology in the University of Basle, has, for a number of years, been investigating the subject of Homoeopathy. To the Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung he has contributed, while expressly disclaiming the position of a Homoeopathist, a number of very valuable papers upon the homoeopathic law, the modus operandi of remedies and the efficacy of infinitesimal doses. He does not hesitate to admit the power of high potencies and, assuming to be an impartial observer and not an Homoeopathist, he distinctly affirms that the strict Hahnemannian Homoeopathists have higher claims to a scientific status and to success in practice than those Homoeopathists who use only the lowest potencies, and who seek to harmonize Homoeopathy with the Physiological School of Medicine. The following case is interesting not merely from its practical bearings, but also from the physiological views which Dr. Hoppe uses it to illustrate. — Ed.

Mrs. H. K., 36 years old, of medium stature, well-nourished and rosy-cheeked, was confined four weeks ago and nursed her child. For the last fourteen days she had sticking pains in the lumbar region of the back. These had increased and extended since yesterday evening, and since noon to day (May 7) the pains had reached a very high degree of severity. I was called in the evening, after the patient had suffered agony from noon till evening. I found a very desperate state of things. The woman was sitting in bed and her husband crouched near her, supporting her at the back. The pain continually darted through the patient and on each occasion the body was spasmodically drawn backward with a wild cry: The room was full of persons who had run together thither and who stood staring around the bed. This scene had continued since noon, sometimes with the greatest intensity, then for a while somewhat moderated. There were convulsions such as we see in traumatic tetanus; nevertheless in the jaw and elsewhere, there were no tetanic symptoms. When the patient was sharply spoken to, there was a brief cessation of the storm, and the patient hastily gave us to understand that she had stitches in the back, which were the cause of this outcry and of these spasmodic movements; with every stitch a cry and a spasm. Hardly had the patient said this, when she went off as before in violent outcries and jerking spasmodic opisthotonos. Her husband must not only hold the patient at her back, but also press upon the back; this pressure gave relief. After this explanation, I was able to survey the scene with better courage and to picture to myself how it was that once on a time people could talk of being bewitched and such like.

Were the stitches so violent that the patient was compelled to thrash about so fearfully; or rather did she thrash about thus fearfully because there lay something tempestuous in her whole manner of thought and sensation? The latter was certainly true in no slight degree. The outcry too relieved the patient. She therefore screamed without stint. Pressure relieved and so the husband had to press, and the patient herself, with the impetuous bending backward of the body, pressed her back against the pressing hand of her husband, And all this happened with such a stormy rapidity that the jerking bending backward of the body appeared involuntary. That it was voluntary, however, I think, one could see from the aspect of the man who was at work supporting his wife's back. He certainly perceived that the pressure was voluntarily modified, and he drew consolation from this fact — consolation and perhaps something more, for his countenance was very different from that of those who stood around the patient full of astonishment and terror.

The tongue was white, the epigastrium very sensitive on pressure, the pulse rather full and pretty strong, the face red and dripping with sweat. There was, therefore, a so-called gastralgia caused by too early exertion after confinement, by milk-diet and by taking cold. The cataplasms upon the back, which had been prescribed before I was sent for, had increased the suffering. I ordered a mustard plaster and three drops of tincture of Aconite in nine powders, one powder to be taken every two hours. I forbade milk.

May 8th. After the mustard plasters which were applied upon the stomach and back, the patient improved and she slept pretty well. After waking, however, the pain came on again. Now, however, the patient could lie down. She screamed and was convulsed; the convulsion was of such a character that the patient jerked downward and thus pressed the back against the bed. This feature was not so continuous as yesterday. The seat of the sticking pain was now under the left scapula, and it radiated thence toward both sides along the ribs as far as the hypochondria. The pain was more severe on the left side and occurred both spontaneously as well as on every movement, and inasmuch as motion excited the pain the spasmodic convulsions also necessarily excited pain, so that the patient, by her behavior, kept working herself up to a higher degree of pain, until she became exhausted and thereby got a little repose. Pressure on the epigastrium caused severe pain which extended through to the back. Though the tongue was coated, the appetite was good. Pulse 88; warmth of the skin, and sweat.

I now prescribed Bryonia^12, twenty-four drops in eight powders, one powder every two hours. I ordered the gastric region to be covered; during the raging of the patient it had remained uncovered.

The patient took Bryonia, and two hours after the first powder the storm was calmed. The patient now lay quiet in bed, and though she still felt some sticking pain on the left side about the lower ribs, she could sit comfortably again and could lie as she pleased.

On the 9th of May, in the morning, the patient perceived only occasionally a little sticking pain under the left scapula. Covering the gastric region warmly was agreeable; pressure on the epigastrium was still somewhat painful and the tongue was somewhat coated as before. In the evening the patient was out of bed.

The reader of course understands that it is not proposed here to treat of a radical cure, but only to depict the striking instantaneous action of Bryonia; yet nevertheless the patient received from it a good enduring effect, for up to this day, middle of August, she has remained free from every kind of stomach trouble and to all appearances well. That effect was however, in fact, very striking. In two hours the whole morbid picture was changed; still more, from the very moment of taking the first powder, all the by-standers became immediately aware of the change which was in progress. Indeed the cure was almost too quick for the patient and for her relatives; for the latter were compelled to say to themselves, "if the malady was really so terrible as it appeared to be, how could it vanish so quickly, and if it was not so very bad, why did the patient act so extravagantly" The people are not capable of rightly appreciating a rapid Cure, and it must be confessed this has Its difficulties for physicians too.

Bryonia accomplished it however, and this in the twelfth, therefore in a high dilution. Why Bryonia? Why Bryonia the twelfth? And by what process was this effect brought about? Not otherwise by any possibility than through the action of Bryonia upon the vessels. But when the apparent spasmodic attacks of the patient had vanished, her raving and screaming had ceased, and the pain had become reduced to a very moderate degree of discomfort. All this after taking the Bryonia. All the subjective phenomena still remained unchanged. The tongue, the pulse and the sensibility of the epigastrium were just the same as before.*[ Whoever has watched a severe case of pneumonia or of pleurisy run its course under homoeopathic treatment, and has carefully noted, day by day, the physical signs, must have observed the same mot to which Dr. Hoppe here calls attention, viz.: the rapid and almost complete subsidence of pain, cough, fever and all subjective symptoms long in advance of any marked change in those objective symptoms which make up the physical signs of the disease. The same thing is observed in all diseases, under homoeopathic treatment, which present at the same time, both subjective and objective symptoms. D.] How, then, could the Bryonia have brought about a cessation of the pains, while yet the entire stomach-catarrh out of which the stomach-pain and the associated intercostal pains proceeded, still continued to exist as before!

The reply to this question is not a difficult one. Indeed it is quite frequently the case that the patient already perceives an improvement in his condition, before any change in the objective phenomena of his disease can be detected, and that amelioration obtained from remedies does not at all accord (in point of time) with the objective changes. In all violent pains, which are caused by vascular irritation, it depends upon the tension of the vascular muscles; in these cases, the vessels are swollen and, in this swollen condition, their muscles are extended and tense — facts which experiment attests.

Not only does a greater quantity of blood in consequence stream through the vessels to the tissues, but the blood in the overfilled small vessels is also driven with increased force to the overflowed tissues and this very increased tension of the vascular muscles, this stormy acceleration of the blood-waves in the vessels, is the hostile element. If now a remedy exercises a healing, quieting influence upon these morbidly active vessels in such wise that the latter return to the normal condition, then first of all the increased tension of the vascular muscles is relaxed, and this affords the patient great relief even without the tangible part of his morbid condition having as yet undergone any change. A vessel-remedy, however, can only bring back to a normal state the function of the vessel; everything else, subsequent to this, is a result of this restoration of the vascular function to its normal condition.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1863, page 213-217]

[Description: Intercostal Neuralgia With Spasms]

[Remedies: Bryonia alba]

[Author: Hoppe, J.]

[Year: 1863]

DIPHTHERIA.[Case reported to the Vermont Homoeopathic Medical Society.]

By M. G. Houghton, M.D., St. Johnsbury, VT.

The subject of this case, a girl of ten years, had diphtheria in August, 1864, was treated by a homoeopathic physician, but had not been well up to the time of writing this report, having had repeated attacks of inflammation and swelling of the tonsils, as I was informed.

I was summoned to visit her on the 2d of March, 1865 when I found her with a swelling immediately beneath the angle of the lower jaw, on the right side, about the size of a turkey egg, which I ordered poulticed, and on the 8th lanced the same, when it discharged freely a thick pus, which continued, more or less, for two days, amounting in all to about one-third of a pint.

But that which I had purposed to report more particularly, was a subsequent attack of diphtheria.

I was summoned to see this girl on the 20th of March, 1865. Has had inflammation and swelling of the tonsils for two days past, with some membranous deposit; tonsils are now exceedingly swollen, with fiery redness about the margin of the membrane – externally on the left side is a swelling as large as a hen's egg; respiration hurried; pulse upwards of 100 per minute. Gave Mercurius sol^200 in powder, to be repeated every two hours.

Visited her again the 21st. She has had a restless night; has not slept five minutes at a time; constant thirst; difficult and painful deglutition; respiration hurried and very much obstructed; membrane in the throat not materially increased; pulse 120 per minute. Continue Mercurius sol.200 every two hours.

Visited her again on the morning of the 20th. The swelling externally has abated, and also somewhat internally; the membrane is being detached, and there is less fiery redness, though deglutition is difficult and respiration laborious; pulse 120 per minute and short hollow sounds of the heart's action. During the past night, has had violent twitchings of the muscles; incoherent talking; occasional choking when falling asleep; has not slept three minutes at a time. Continued Mercurius sol^200 once in two hours.

Visited her again in the evening of the same day. The swelling is reduced one-half and the membrane is clearing off; can swallow better, but cannot breathe through either nostril; a discharge from right nostril which is ichorous in appearance and corroding in effect. Notwithstanding she cannot breathe through the nose, there is a fan-like motion of the nostrils in every act of inspiration, not only observable by myself, but had attracted the attention of the attendants.

This, gentlemen, is a symptom which characterizes a certain remedy, and no other remedy in the Materia Medica has it.

Violent and hurried beating of the heart, and, to cap the climax, she has sinking spells. Gave Lycopodium^200 every two hours.

Morning of the 23d. Has had hemorrhage from the posterior nares during the past night, though not excessive; no discharge from the right nostril now, but from the left; has not slept during the past night; very restless but no sinking. Continued Lyc. 200 once in three hours, and sent for counsel.

Visited her again on the evening of the same day. Feels better; less discharge from the nose, and not so much thirst; pulse 108. Continued Lycopodium^200 once in three hours.

Morning of the 24th. Has slept some three hours during the past night; breathes better; less thirst and a little appetite; can now force the air through the nose with some exertion; has blown a thick matter from the nose; pulse 108. Counsel has arrived. Continued Lyc. 200 once in three hours.

Visited her again on the 25th. No discharge from the nose; slept four hours the past night; more appetite; pulse 100. Continued Lycopodium 200 once in four hours.

26th. Is doing well; slept six hours the past night; good appetite. Continued Lyc. 200 once in five hours, and I am happy to say, gentleman, the patient made a speedy recovery.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 10, 1866, pages 383-385]

[Description: Diphtheria]

[Author: Houghton, M.G.]

[Year: 1866]

CAUSES OF MALARIOUS FEVER.

BY F. W. HUNT, M.D., NEW YORK.

We have seen that the conditions necessary for the development of this disease consist of dead organic matter, resting on or blended with the mineral elements of the soil; "water, not in any but a certain quantity; and a temperature above 60 degrees of the thermometer, and continuing for at least two months." That these conditions are all indispensable to the production of the fever is shown by the fact that "the absence of any one of them puts an end to the prevalence of the fever." We proceed to enquire

What is the efficient cause of this disease? It was observed in the earlier ages of the world's history, that certain febrile diseases were more prevalent in some localities than in others; and that these same diseases were always associated with stagnant surface water, containing decaying vegetable matter dispersed in the atmosphere by the heat of the sun. They employed the word Miasma, (from a Greek word meaning "to infect or polute,") to designate any infectious or contagious matter, but they made little effort to investigate the more intimate nature of any of these poisons.

In 1717, Lancisci, an Italian author employed the term Marsh Miasma, or Malaria, to express more definitely the specific cause of Intermittents; and since his time it has been generally considered as consisting of certain exhalations, or fine particles of decaying organic substances floating in the air, and highly deleterious to health. The correctness of this view of the subject was first questioned by Dr. Ferguson in a publication "On Marsh Poison" in 1821. Dr. Ferguson had been attached to the Medical Staff of the British army in the Peninsular War, and had seen Intermittents and Remittents in places where there was no vegetation then growing, or in any visible state of chemical decomposition. And, as men at that day looked no farther than to chemical theories for the explanation of vital phenomena, he came to the conclusion that vegetation and vegetable decomposition could have nothing to do with ague. He had been with the army with which Wellington. (Wellesley.) had defeated Joseph Bonaparte in one of the hottest days of July at Talavera: and, a few days after the battle, He saw the same veterans shaking with ague and dying of fever on the parching sands, between stagnant pools in the Red of the Guadiana river. He says

"The country around was so arid and dry for want of rain, that the Guadiana itself and all the smaller streams had in fact ceased to be streams, and were no more than lines of detached pools in the courses that had formerly been rivers: and there they suffered from remittent fevers of such destructive malignity that the enemy, and all Europe believed that the British host was extirpated; and the superstitious natives, though sickly themselves, and unable to account for disease of such uncommon type among the strangers, declared they had been poisoned by eating the mushrooms (a species of food they hold in abhorrence) which spring up after the first autumnal rains about the time the epidemic had attained its height."

Now when we remember that this river originates in a region of marshes; that all its waters are saturated with vegetable matter from those widely spread swamps, in which the river Gaudiana itself is so far lost that for a distance of fourteen miles the current cannot be found; that the excessive heat of Summer had just evaporated the great mass of the water, depositing all its organic contents on the damp and drying surface of the bed of the river; that the low places in the river formed pools of stagnant water, still in the course of evaporation; we must see that all the conditions ever supposed to be necessary to the generation of Malaria in its highest potency were found in the most deadly combination in the spot selected for the encampment of the British Army.

Unable to recognize in the exhalations of the bed of the Guadiana any visible or tangible vegetable materials, Dr. Ferguson decided that no such thing existed there; that vegetable decomposition was not necessary to produce the disease: "that the peculiar poison may prevail where there is no decaying vegetable matter, and no vegetable matter to decay:" and that for its production "all that is necessary is a surface capable of absorbing moisture, and that this surface should be flooded and soaked with moisture and then dried; and the higher the temperature, and the quicker the drying process, the more plentiful and virulent is the poison that is evolved."-(Edinburg Phil. Transactions, 1821.)

We find here no opinion on the specific cause of endemic fevers; but the facts given by Ferguson have continued, to the present time, their influence over medical men, not in furnishing them with any definite view of the nature of this "virulent poison," but in leading them to seek for it in any direction whatever, except in decomposing vegetable matter. Some of the ablest writers of a later time, confused by the multiplicity of facts presented by their own observations and those of others, have abandoned all theories that have in view any specific Miasm; and declare that there is no such thing as Malaria; and that other well known and appreciable causes are sufficient to account for all that has ever been seen or suffered from Malarious fevers. This view of the subject was announced and ably defended by Dr. Bell of Tennessee, thirty years ago. – (Phil. Jour. Med. Science.) More recently Dr. Gayley of Virginia, starting from a different series of observations, has reached substantially the same conclusions, He says:

1. That the lungs and liver are the great decarbonizing organs of the body; and the functions being complementary, the activity of that function is always in an inverse ratio.

2. During winter, and in cold climates, the lungs are more active in consequence of their employment in generating a larger supply of animal heat. In summer the liver is the more active organ.

3. Exposure to cold repels the blood from the surface. In winter it is driven principally upon the lungs; in summer the congestion falls more generally on the liver, and we see as its result, derangement of those organs, the blood from which, has to pass through the liver to reach the heart, manifesting itself in Intermittents, Remittents, Dysenteries, &c; hence in hot climates these diseases prevail extensively. – (Amer. Jour. Med. Science, Jan. 1849.)

This theory of the origin of Autumnal diseases is supported by a vast array of facts presented by different authors; from all of which it may indeed be clearly seen that the common causes of disease, by arresting the functions of the skin, and deranging those of the liver and lungs, participate in some degree and in some way in originating almost every case of every disease. The process by which this is effected is well presented by Dr. Bradley of California, in a communication some time ago received from him. After alluding to the constant change going on in the structure of the body, through the processes of assimilation and depuration, and the importance of the function of perspiration he says: –

"The exhaling vessels of the skin are ordinarily capable of conducting the refuse and effete materials of the body to its surface amend presenting them to the atmosphere: and under the stimulus of other great warmth or physical exercise, of actually throwing them on the skin in the form of sweat. But, in the absence of such stimuli, another auxiliary is required: viz. an atmosphere having an affinity for the exhaled matters. In a healthy condition of the atmosphere such affinity is an active, positive force of great power. But this healthy state of the atmosphere does not always exist. Its absorbing power may be diminished by several causes;

1. By the evaporation of simple water in such quantity that the temperature of the air in warm weather and the dewpoint are brought to a near approximation.

2. By an excess of carbonic acid gas in the air. While vegetation is growing luxuriantly, carbon in large quantities is abstracted from the atmosphere, assimilated in the formation of liquin and the basic structure of woods and plants; and the atmosphere is purified by the loss of carbon. But, later in the season, when plants decline in their growth, the atmosphere becomes surcharged with carbonic acid; and by thus becoming satiated with those materials of which the waste and refuse exuvia from the human lungs and skin are composed, its affinity for those carboniferous exhalations is greatly weakened."

Now I can readily accept all of these propositions as true, But I still feel confident that all these external physical influences, after acknowledging their importance to the fullest extent, are only the exciting causes which stir up and modify the action of Malaria in constitutions already saturated with it. These exciting causes of disease are in operation in a high degree every where, and yet we never see a clear case of pure "every other day, shaking ague" produced by any of them, though they originate almost every other disease that any of us have ever seen. Some writers acknowledge that they have met with cases of ague that originated they know not where or how; as Dr. Wood says, (Practice, Vol. 1., p. 239,) he has seen some cases "that could by no possibility be traced to Malaria" If the author was searching for stagnant pools of evaporating water in which might be seen great quantities of vegetable material in a state of chemical decomposition, he may have failed to discover it He may also have seen large masses of such material in an active state of putrefaction, like the rotting cabbages in London, mentioned by Dr. Watson, (Practice, p. 454,) and seen no ague produced by it; for it is not in the formation of deleterious gases by chemical decomposition that Malarious diseases originate, In what then does Malaria or Ague Miasm consist, and what is its nature and character?

Of the precise nature of this agent it may not be possible to speak with positive certainty. "It is" says Dr. Drake, "known only by its effects on the living organism," but, "relying on its effects to guide us in our estimate of its character, we may say that the efficient cause of Intermittent Fever is a peculiar poison of a sedative and irritating quality, somewhat like the narcotico-irritating gases, or certain solid and fluid bodies which in large doses, suddenly destroy life by reducing the powers, and in smaller portions weaken while they pervert the functions."-(Drake, Diseases of the Mississippi Valley.)

On reviewing all the facts collected by my own observations continued through many years in a malarious country, and carefully examined the different theories yet proposed by Medical Philosophers, I have been convinced that the only one capable of explaining the phenomena I have witnessed, is that which I wish now to present in the smallest space that will permit me to render it intelligible.

Malarious diseases are generally, perhaps always excited by some of the ordinary disturbing causes that originate other diseases: but these causes never produce real Intermittents or Ague in persons who are not already infected or poisoned by breathing, or otherwise receiving the specific poison that is the common cause of that peculiar disease. That poison, though of vegetable origin, is not the result of ordinary vegetable decomposition: it is not formed by chemical action disorganizing the dead plants and forming their constituents into new chemical compounds: for Malarious diseases every where occur most frequently at the season of the year in which chemical decomposition of plants has scarcely begun. Ague occurs, not at the time of the year when plants are undergoing any chemical decomposition, but at that time in the Summer when ordinary vegetation has completed "its period of active growth, and its vital powers are exhausted," and when another race of less perfect plants spring forth from the dying and dead vegetables, grow upon them and feed on the substance, "the exhausted debris and the various exuvia of plants, weeds and grasses" Having waited for their food to the latest season of heat, they spread and reproduce themselves with astonishing rapidity. Of these parasitic, or fungous plants some are too small to be visible to human sight, and others grow rapidly to a great size, feeding always on old and decomposing organic substances in a state of decay or incipient putrefaction.

It is believed that universal observation will show that, although the chemical decomposition of all animal and vegetable products may give rise to disease of some kind; still it is not Intermittent fever that is thus produced. It is only seen when the more perfect plants become the prey of others more minute, analogous in their character to those imperfectly organized fungi which start up by millions over every surface of decaying vegetation in the warmth, moisture and darkness of a hot Summer evening. That they are all poisonous need not here be proved at length, the fact is generally admitted; but its importance is only beginning to be appreciated. I have now only room to present a few considerations which may indicate the direction in which the true theory of Malaria and its effects may be sought for.

"The insolubrity of a place," says Dr. Mitchell of Philadelphia, "has the most constant relation to the habits of the living vegetation. Whatever be the temperature or humidity the most unhealthy period of the year is, in any given locality that when the more perfect plants have completed their annual task of growth, flowering and fruitage, and feel the weakness of an exhausting effort," and when the mysterious fungi, "as if to triumph over a worn out foe, come forth to plunder and destroy it." (On the origin of Malarious Fevers.)

The cause of Ague, whatever it be, is most active during the hours of darkness; and it is then only that the infinitesimal organic fungi grow with a rapidity that surpasses the powers of propagation of all plants known to science. As the minutest mushrooms spring up and grow to maturity in a single night, absorbing into their own structure all the hydrogen and nitrogen that can be extracted from the dead but partially decomposed matter on which they live; they throw off into the air the surplus carbonic acid not needed in the completion of their own watery organization. The conditions most favorable for the development of the infinitesimal fungi that originate Ague, are found in the "rich damp air of a swamp." Each growing sporule or vesicle that rises to float in the evening mist is invested, says Heasinger, "with a polarizing membrane, and consequently, possesses electrical relations to the polarized vesicles" of the fog that surrounds it, "being imbued with moisture, with exhalations from the earth and screened by the shadows of night."

It has often been remarked that the poison that originates Intermittent fever may remain for many hours or even days in a dormant or inactive state after it has been received into the system in large quantities. This mysterious feature in its character is considered to be only explicable on the supposition that the marsh poison. "is organic and vital, and that the phenomena of the disease depend on its modification and reaction in the body." It can therefore "remain dormant like some of the animal poisons; and its absorbed germs may be stimulated, not only by time, but season, according to laws little as yet understood," and "there is no known poison but the fungi, whose action is so uniformly and irregularly postponed."-(Mitchell, Causes of Malarious and Epidemic diseases, Phila. 1847, and 1859.)

The cell spores of the fungi, being more or less electrical, may sometimes be arrested in their progress by a low wall, or a screen of trees; they can in this way produce Agues in certain places very near to others where the disease is never seen. They may occur on one side of a street and not on the other; may encroach on new territory in a hot season succeeding a wet one: the spores may be wafted in some cases to great distances, passing near to healthy places. Being susceptible of reproduction and progressive growth, the cell germs may originate Ague in any place that furnishes the proper soil for their growth, and when this is not found, the place is healthy, though very near the most poisonous places. For the reproduction of the spores the marsh mist is an important element, though not the only one. They may be developed amid the filth, the rubbish and decaying material found in an old building, or in grassy lawns surrounding it; in the damp sheets of beds standing long unused: and in old books and papers. They may be borne by the evening wind from marshes in the suburbs into every apartment and dwelling of a city; and, yet produce Ague only in places that furnish the proper material for the cell germs to grow in. Consisting of Organized bodies, possessing electrical qualities, and enshrouded in the moisture of the mist they may be arrested by the most trifling defence, as by a gauze veil or screen drawn across the window in the vicinity of the most unhealthy places; and their poisonous powers may be destroyed by artificially drying and heating the air in the apartment. We know of no poison but the infinitesimal fungi that is thus disarmed of its power by heat.

Here it is necessary to draw a clear line of distinction between that peculiar vegetable product called Malaria and all others which never produce any of its peculiar effects. It may in general terms be asserted that Ague is never caused by any of the gases formed in the chemical decomposition of any vegetable; nor by the drinking of water containing any of the known aquatic plants that are large enough to be within the visible and tangible field of Botanical research. Of all plants known to Botany not one is capable of directly causing Ague, except in the manner pointed out by Hahnemann. We have just seen the effect of the fresh water Algae, Conferva and numerous other aquatic plants tested on a grand scale by the eight hundred thousand inhabitants of this city, who have been using Croton water fully saturated with them for many weeks: and yet it cannot be said that Ague has been sensibly increased by it. What then are the conditions necessary to transform the minute vegetables of the Croton river into the pestilent Malaria? Spread it abroad over a large surface of the ground, let it stand long enough to be called "dead water," let the heat of August dry it up into the air, leaving all its vegetable material spread upon the earth's surface. During the progress of evaporation, all the organic matter will be invaded by that new, more mysterious sub-vegetable fungus, which will find in this dead material its favorite soil and food. The infinitesimal spores of which it consists, though transcending in their minuteness all the powers of your Microscopes are as much a real organic existence as the matter of Small pox, or Syphilitic contagion; though they are less able to reproduce themselves under all circumstances. This is the enemy that rose from the drying sands of the Guadiana in Spain. Though invisible to the eyes of Wellington and his Medical Counsellors, it possessed a dynamic power which neither the arms nor the science of Britain could overcome.

The nature of the Malaria that produces Yellow fever is still an enigma among Medical Philosophers. The opinion is gaining ground that the specific cause of this disease consists in minute fungous sporules. Mr. Hassell says, (Lancet Feb. 12, 1853,) that the matter of "black vomit" examined by him with the microscope, consisted of a vast number of irregular, brown colored bodies, resembling blood discs shrivelled and discolored, but insoluble in Acetic acid. From this insolubility he infered that they could not be blood discs, and that they must be sporules of a Microscopic fungus, and that they might be important agents in keeping up the vomiting.

The connection between Yellow fever and Intermittents will, we think, be found to consist in their being each produced by a specific Malaria consisting of an infinitesimal fungus entirely distinct from that which causes the others, though in many respects they obey similar laws.

On no other theory yet proposed can we explain the introduction of Yellow fever by means of trunks and unwashed clothing from infected places into new localities where it never appeared before. It has been repeatedly proved that Yellow fever is a non-contagious disease: but it is equally well established that it can be introduced: that it may be carried in trunks or clothing, in the filth and animal impurities which in darkness and dampness furnish the most favorable place for the growth of the cell spores. When thus carried to a Northern city, they encounter the usual difficulties of tropical plants attempting to establish themselves where the soil and climate may not be the most favorable. They may grow in New York though transplanted from Havana or Vera Cruz; but if they do grow it must be under the most favorable conditions; the soil, temperature &c., on which the prosperity of the whole tribe of fungi depend, must be favorable. The germs when once ashore, may slowly migrate toward the land, and even by chance be wafted to other neighboring spots where they may grow and create new foci of disease. As in such places Yellow fever is an exotic it cannot flourish as successfully as in its native climate; and it is always destroyed by the first frost. We thus see how it is that Yellow fever though not contagious, can be imported: that it spreads but little in Northern villages: that it may become Epidemic in cities in which great impurities are permitted to accumulate: that in the warmer cities of the South it may originate from the cell spores of the preceding season which the mild winter had not entirely destroyed. We see how a crew, perfectly healthy, may bring with them in the closed hold of their ship the germs of disease, which may afterwards infect those who unload the ship. These first cases may, after a few days be followed by other cases of disease in the vicinity, originating from the new crop of cell spores grown upon the land.

We pass over many of the features of Yellow Fever which on any other theory would be inexplicable, but which become entirely intelligible if the theory we have adopted be the true one. We omit, for want of room, the application of this theory to the explanation of the anomalous phenomena presented by Asiatic cholera. We might trace it from its point of departure from the Delta of the Ganges in India to Bokhara and Samarcand; to Teheran and to the Caucasian Mountains, to the shores of the Black Sea: thence counter marching to Bagdad, and advancing again northward into Russia. We might follow it in its invasion, in winter, of the frozen steppes of Tartary; and then marching over Northern Europe to Britain, crossing the Atlantic to Canada, ascending the St. Lawrence, following the lakes and great rivers to every city and most of the villages of the Mississippi Valley. We should everywhere see that in "its progress along streams, its preference for the damp parts of cities, and its domestication in India, its anomalies and inconsistencies can all be accounted for on the supposition that "its producing cause consists of invisible organic spores, capable of being conveyed in the atmosphere, reproducing themselves where the proper soil is found in which they can grow, and dying out when this appropriate soil is not found. – (Mitchell, p. 137.)

There are still many forms, yet unnoticed, in which Malaria rises from the earth. As one among them, presenting the acme and climax of what Malaria can do, we may select Cretinism in the valleys of the Alps. A few years ago when Dr. Johnson travelled through Switzerland and Italy, to observe the influence of change of air on health, the centre of Cretinism was Sion in the Valais. With mountains rising 4000 feet on each side and shutting out the light of the sun, this village presented in most of its streets "a nameless mass of vegeto-animal corruption which under a tropical sun would be the seat of pestilence and death." "Goitre on such a scale," says Johnson, "as we see it in this valley is bad enough; but Cretinism is a cure for the pride of man, and may here be studied on the largest scale and in its most frightful colors. This dreadful infirmity of body and mind," which was first described on this very spot 200 years ago, still reigns in the valleys of the Alps, a standing and perpetual curse, blighting the present and the future of thousands of families through successive generations. From common Goitre to Cretinism, from a state bordering on health, down to complete destitution of intelligence, and to an existence purely vegetative, the disease presents an infinite variety.

The physical aspect of the Cretin is melancholy. "He is not more than four or five feet in height, often much less.

The head is deformed in shape, too large for the body: skin yellow, cadaverous, or of a mahogany color, wrinkled or of an unearthly palor, with unsightly eruptions: the flesh is soft; tongue large, often hanging out of the mouth: eyelids thick, eyes red, prominent, watery, squinting; countenance idiotic; nose flat; mouth large, gaping, with saliva flowing from it; lower jaw elongated; abdomen pendulous, limbs crooked, short, distorted, and permitting only a waddling progression; external senses often imperfect, many being deaf and dumb. The whole appearance is that of premature old age. The moral picture is still more humiliating. The intellectual functions are suspended and the lower animal passions are increased in activity. To eat and sleep are their chief pleasures. After eating they bask in the sun, insensible alike to every stimulus that agitates the minds of savage or civilized man."

The cause of Cretinism is a physical, not a moral one. It is bounded by certain altitudes above the level of the sea. The valleys and ravines of the mountains are its chief seats. "At the height of 500 or 600 fathoms on the mountains Cretinism and Goitre disappear, and within a few years sanitary reform has greatly diminished them in Sion, and other places in the Alpine Valleys. Among the moral causes known to promote them, authors mention the indolence of the inhabitants, their want of education, the filth of their houses, the badness of their food, intemperance, and their many low vices." (Johnson on change of Air.)

I must now leave, without naming them, a vast number of Malarious diseases that equally deserve our notice. We have at least seen enough of the character and nature of Malaria to be satisfied that it is an evil of such magnitude, that had Pandora's box contained nothing else, the goddess would have left behind her on earth a penalty sufficiently heavy to punish the whole race for the impiety of Prometheus.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 02, 1859, pages 49-61]

[Description: Causes of Malarious Fever.]

[Author: Hunt, F.V.]

[Year: 1859]

FOLLICULAR ENTERITIS.

Infantile Interitis -Cholera Infantum-Summer Complaint of Children.

BY F. W. HUNT, M.D., NEW YORK.

The extensive prevalence at the present time of the disease usually known under some one of the above names, its great mortality, and annual recurrence in all the large cities of our country during the Summer months, will justify an effort to present a condensed eclectic review of our present knowledge of its pathology; with such suggestions in regard to its treatment as our space and personal observations may permit.

GENERAL REMARKS. – The seat of the disease is the Gastrointestinal Mucous membrane. The Epithelium which lines the whole alimentary canal with all its appendices, even to the minutest ramifications of their tubes, also covers the skin; forms the surface of all the serous and synovial cavities, and lines the heart, blood-vessels, lymphatic glands, and all other secreting surfaces. On the external surface of the body, it consists of numerous layers of minute scales or laminae, which are easily separated by rubbing the skin with a flesh brush. These scales are formed by the drying of the vesicles or cells of which the epidermis primarily consists. The structure of the epithelium which lines the mucous membrane of the Intestinal Canal is essentially the same. It consists of spheroid cells of very small size, each containing within it a roundish oval nucleus, which is a hollow sphere, and sometimes encloses a nucleolus more minute. They are situated on a primary membrane, from which they appear to grow; are bound together by a delicate tissue, and are believed to perform important services in the function of secretion. The epithelial cells are constantly undergoing the process of further development. Those composing the outer layer burst and discharge their contents, and the next layer of cells is pressed forward to supply the place of the former. "New cells," says Sharpey, "are developed from germs contained in the "basement membrane" and formed and nourished from the blood which transudes from the blood-vessels beneath. No vessels enter the tissue of the epithelium, but the nutrient fluid penetrates a certain way into the growing mass, and the cells continue to assimilate this fluid, and pass through their changes at a distance from, and independently of the blood vessels." Even in the finest vascular network of mucous membrane, as well as in the muscular structure, the nutrient fluid, on exuding from the vessels, has to penetrate the adjoining mass by transudation, in order to reach and yield new substance at every point where secretion or renovation is going on.

As the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal performs the important function of absorption, and its covering of epithelial cells are at the same time the agents by which the secretion of mucous is effected, its structure must be highly complicated. The extent of its surface is prodigiously increased by means of numerous folds and projections, as well as by the pits or follicular depressions dispersed along its whole extent. And it is believed that the function of absorption is performed by the epithelial cells of the villi which cover the folds and projections on this surface: while that of secretion is performed by those cells which line the follicular pits and depressions dispersed along its whole extent. The villi, like the spongioles of the roots of plants, are endowed with the peculiar property of selecting the nutritive fluid and conveying it to the lacteals. These absorbents do not reach into the extremity of the villi; and they do not open on the surface of the mucous membrane by any appreciable apertures; but the end of each villus is composed of a loose spongy tissue, in which a number of cells may be seen in various stages of development, during the process of absorbing the chyle.

In health this delicate surface of the mucous membrane is either of a grayish white or yellow color, from the coloring principle of the bile, or of a darkish livid hue, from the imbibition of blood. It adheres closely to the subjacent tissue, and can only be detached with difficulty. The solitary glands of the small intestines and colon, as well as the villous layer and the glands of Lieberkuhn, are invisible to the naked eye. The patches of Peyer's glands may be distinguished at the earliest period of life by their greater opacity when the membrane is held up to the light When distinctly seen they are always in some degree diseased. The largest patches are situated near the ilio-colic valve; the smallest are in the jejunum. They vary in number from 18 to 36 patches, and are referred by pathologists to atrophy of the mucous membrane.

DIAGNOSIS. – First stage. Diarrhea, succeeded about the second day, sometimes later, by vomiting and remittent fever, with evening exacerbations. Pulse varying with the fever, small and quick or full and tense; slight delirium, when the brain is sympathetically affected; there is then a fierce wild expression of the countenance which at other times is bright and animated; the stools are thin, watery, pasty, or mushy, and variable in color, sometimes resembling mucus in color, or like eggs chopped and scalded with water. The vomiting occurs three or four times a day, the matters thrown up consist of the food but little changed, or only mixed with mucus. The milk of the nurse is thrown up in an acid, coagulated state. The skin is generally dry, warmest on the head and abdomen, while the lower extremities are cooler: respiration little affected: tongue moist, red at the tip and edges, with a yellow or brownish coating toward its base; sleep generally quiet except when the fever is highest; the child is then irritable and restless. As the disease progresses the abdomen grows tense, tumid, painful on pressure; and the thirst becomes more intense.

In general, the true Follicular Gastro-Enteritis is characterized by frequent discharges from the bowels: the bowels are primarily affected. The cerebral symptoms occur only in the latter stages of the disease; there is then drowsiness or stupor. The rattling of wind in the stomach and the lenticular spots seen in Typhoid fever are absent, and there is agitation, and delirium at night.

Tubercular Meningitis is characterized by: bowels usually torpid; the brain is the primary seat of the disease, and it commonly occurs in delicate scrofulous children. The pain in the head is intermittent, and is manifested by a peculiar cry, disturbed sleep, tossing about of the hands, rolling of the head from side to side, moaning, grinding the teeth, delirium, and a peculiar expression of countenance; the drowsiness and stupor often accompanied by convulsions.

CAUSES. – The heated, confined, and impure air of the city in Summer acts directly on the skin, and indirectly on the mucous membrane. At the period of dentition several collateral influences operate to predispose to disease of the gastrointestinal mucous membrane. The irritation of the teeth during the process of dentition, produces inflammation and even ulceration m the lining membrane of the mouth; and, since the same membrane extends throughout the whole intestinal canal, the irritation is usually propogated along this delicate surface, producing indigestion, vomiting or diarrhea; and at the same time there is also increased development, and activity of the muciparous follicles. If this period of infantile life could be passed in a pure atmosphere of a moderate temperature, the disturbance of the health caused by dentition might not be very great; but it is always sufficiently so to strongly predispose to disease, and to aid other agencies in exciting or perpetuating diseases of the most serious character; and often such maladies are excited by dentition alone. The other causes which originate the fatal "Summer complaint" of cities and towns are: improper food, whether too stimulating or indigestible; irritating drugs; vicissitudes of temperature; insufficient clothing in the summer when hot days are succeeded by cool nights; intestinal worms, and all other irritating substances originating in, or received into, the digestive organs. But, in addition to all these causes which operate in the country as well as in the metropolis, there is certainly a zymotic or other poisonous miasm in the air of all large cities, which conspires with bad diet, bad clothing and inefficient medical treatment to originate this disease as well as render it more unmanageable when excited by other causes. A large proportion of the cases in large cities occur in ill ventilated houses, situated in courts and alleys in which bad air stagnates, and fifth accumulates, where light is deficient, and where heat during the Summer months is intense.

PATHOLOGY. – Effects of Congestion. 1. In the mucous membrane. The membrane presents a rose-red or cherry-red color, diffused in isolated patches, or in arborizing trunks. It is diminished in consistency but still adheres firmly.

2. The glands of Peyer, which occupy the free border of the intestine, are rendered more red and prominent. These glands are only mucous follicles which are not perceptible until about the fourth month, or about the time when nature by pushing forward the teeth is preparing the digestive organs to digest and assimilate a higher order of food, they are found distributed over every part of the intestinal surface, and each receives an artery, a vein and a nerve. These follicles perform an active part in the process of digestion by furnishing the surface of these organs with a fluid which assists in the elaboration of the food. In carnivorous animals, as dogs and lions, they are largely developed. From them is usually discharged the excess of mucous fluids thrown off by diarrhea at the time of teething. In severer cases of Cholera infantum and Follicular enteritis they are inflamed, and in protracted cases are destroyed by ulceration.

3. Inflammation of the Peyerian glands,-When this disease has contained in the chronic form the patches show a grey-blue or slate-grey color, contrasting with the mucous membrane which is quite pale. The tissue appears atrophied or elevated according to the stage at which death took place. As inflammation of the Peyerian glands constitutes the essential pathological basis of Follicular enteritis, or Summer complaint; so, a continuation of the same diseased action in the same glands becomes the anatomical base of Marasmus or Atrophy. These inflammatory affections are extremely common; whereas enlargement of the mesanteric glands, apthous formations, gastromalacia, &c, are comparatively rare.

4. Softening of the Intestinal Mucous Membrane.-This pathological change of structure occurs more frequently in the small intestine than in the colon. The adhesion of the mucous membrane to the tissue below it is lessened; it becomes edematous, homogeneous, pulpy, and easily lacerated. When this state continues long, the red color it presents in earlier stages disappears, as the inflammation subsides. The softened membrane becomes white in the same manner as the softened brain does in ramolissement, and from the same cause.

It is thus seen that acute inflammation of the Peyerian glands is the most frequent and dangerous of the diseases of children during the first year of life. That it is a real inflammation is proved by the fact that tubercular disease is seldom complicated with it, though inflammatory affections of the lungs, and purulent effusion in the brain are quite common and frequently cause the fatal termination.

In children of a tubercular diathesis, secondary acute inflammation of Peyer's glands, as well as of the solitary glands, often occurs; but it is observed that abdominal tubercules and typhoid fever belong almost exclusively to the second and later years of life; whilst Follicular enteritis is peculiarly severe and fatal in the first year, which is to every child, particularly in the city, the most perilous of earthly existence.

PROGNOSIS. – Favorable: When the pulse becomes slower, the skin warmer; when the vomiting ceases, the alvine discharges become less frequent and more natural; a gentle perspiration appears over the whole surface.

Unfavorable: The pulse continues quick, feeble and more irregular; the skin is cold, the discharges continue, increasing in frequency, and resemble the washings of meat; the uneasiness and restlessness increase; the limbs are tossed about in restless agony or become rigid and partially paralyzed. Cerebral symptoms, stupor and delirium increasing.

TREATMENT. – Prophylactic. When the season in which the disease is expected arrives, examine the condition of every child which presents any marks of indisposition and let them be removed to the country, or at least to the most healthy location attainable. From the commencement to the termination of the process of Dentition, the teeth should receive special attention. The complicated apparatus by which the teeth are to be formed consists of a vascular and nervous pulp, covered by a very delicate membrane; and these again are invested by a fibrous membrane of very firm texture composed of two distinct layers. The body part of the tooth is secreted by the fine membrane of the pulp; and, as the ossification advances from within outwards, the cavity occupied by the pulp is contracted, until reduced to the dimensions of the hollow of the perfect tooth. As soon as the ossification is completed, the inner surface of the fibrous coat takes on the office of secretion and furnishes the tooth with its covering of enamel; and as soon as this is done the fibrous membrane is no longer of any use, and must be removed to make way for the tooth before it can advance above the gum. Its removal is effected by the action of the absorbent vessels; and the increased now of saliva, and the increased flow of mucus from the bowels carry off the effects of increased excitement Such is the process of dentition in a state of health. Growth and absorption are going on at the same time; and the absorption should progress just fast enough to remove the investing membrane out of the way of the advancing tooth. In a state of disease this dose not occur, and the growth of the tooth may be irregular or imperfect. Pressing against the investing membrane it excites irritation and then inflammation. The gums become red, tumid, painful, and even ulcerated. From this focus of irritation a similar state of excitement extends down the alimentary canal to the stomach and bowels, exciting obstinate vomiting or exhausting diarrhea. If this state of things is removed in any way, it is most likely to be effected by removing the chief source of irritation. If this be not done, it frequently progresses to either a fatal inflammation of the intestinal follicles, or to a more sudden termination in convulsions or inflammation of the brain.

In every case of disease of the stomach and bowels, of the brain, or general fever occurring between the beginning and termination of the period of dentition, the gums should be carefully examined; and in every case where the gum is inflamed it should be so lanced as to give little or no pain; but still take off the tension of the membrane and permit a drop of blood to flow from each tooth suspected of causing or keeping up excitement. The objections still made even by physicians, to this simple and important operation no longer deserve a serious answer.

In the first stage of Summer Follicular enteritis, when the disease consists chiefly of an abnormal development of the mucous follicles of the digestive organs, the fever and irritation can always be removed by change of air, proper temperature and clothing, restricted diet, and the mildest treatment. The child should occupy a large and well ventilated room; it should lie on a mattrass rather than on a feather bed; and cleanliness and comfort should be secured by proper washings, bathings, &c. When there is much fever and restlessness, a warm bath always procures better rest, and diminishes the internal local disease. It should be repeated at intervals regulated by the violence of the fever, and continued each time just long enough to show evident relaxation. If the external heat should be increased by the bath it will always be found to have reduced the local inflammation, and this is always a real gain, and advance towards recovery.

The diet should be regulated with great care. Nothing is so good as the mother's milk when it is perfect; and when her health is good it should be almost exclusively relied on, giving all reasonable care in her choice of food, and attention to health in all other respects. But there are cases in which the mother's milk acts as a poison, even when her health is considered good. In these cases it acts as a drastic purgative passing off speedily from the bowels in a curdled state, undigested, but giving severe griping pain. Upon making an entire change, for even one half day, and substituting other food, a sufficient respite is allowed to enable the child to bear the milk again. But in many cases other food must be substituted for that originally designed for children; and we seek for it among the purest, most nutritious and most easily digested articles. Of these, the best is the milk of the cow properly diluted, boiled, or at least slightly sweetened and reduced to the blood temperature. When cows are kept in stalls the milk is unfit for any use whatever; the cows themselves become tuberculous, the milk loses most of its sugar, and the butter and casein diminish. After the first teeth come through, the child may be allowed a greater variety of milk and nutritious substances. Whatever is used should be often made fresh, and never kept long enough to undergo any change. Mucilaginous drinks, rice, barley, farina, pure starch, toast water, sago, tapioca, and a great variety of articles well known to cooks and nurses, are in common use.

Medical treatment. -Follicular Enteritis is in its first stage an incipient inflammation. As soon as all exciting causes of irritation are removed, Aconite will be found a specific for the congestive stage of the irritation and fever. It is indispensable when there is great heat of the skin, thirst, sleeplessness, or agitated sleep; fretfulness, with inflammation of the intestinal follicles imperfectly established. Alternated with Belladonna when the head is the chief seat of suffering, or with Mercurius sol. when the dysenteric symptoms are serious. I have never failed in arresting this disease when it appeared in the form already described.

SECOND STAGE. – The disease when not successfully treated advances to its second stage, in which it still exhibits the same general features, though in an aggravated degree. The vomiting becomes less frequent but the alvine discharges are more painful, accompanied by nausea and great prostration; and the limbs are drawn up towards the abdomen. The matters evacuated become more watery, stained with blood, or more generally of a dark green color. The abdomen now becomes tumid or painful on pressure; its temperature increases while the extremities are cool. As the disease progresses the pulse increases in frequency from 130 to 150 per minute, and often intermittent, irregular or entirely imperceptible. Emaciation progresses till the skin hangs about the neck in folds; the eyes are sunken in the orbits, with a dark areola around each: the nose becomes sharp, the lips shrivelled; the feet edematous; the skin loses its sensibility; and the flies are permitted to collect on the face; petechise come out on the skin; the tongue is dry, incrusted, and covered with aphthae; deglutions is painful; the mouth dry, and the child thrusts its fingers far back toward the throat. The appetite is capricious; thirst constant; an eruption of the minute vesicles often come out on the chest. As death approaches, the brain becomes more strongly engorged with blood; the eyes are suffused, the lids tumid, conjunctiva injected; the pupils are unequally dilated, though they contract on exposure to light; the hand is frequently raised to the head; twitchings of the muscles, and throwing back of the head, portend convulsions which often terminate in death.

The Pathology of this extreme form of the disease presents inflammation and softening of the mucous membrane; ulceration of the follicles, particularly of the large intestine; the inner surface of the stomach is less changed, though it is sometimes injected and softened; the change of structure extending to all the coats. More frequently there is found a layer of whitish opaque mucous covering the lining membrane of the stomach; the mucous follicles of the stomach and intestines are visible, the mucous membrane of the latter being softened and pale. The duodenum is often inflamed, presenting a shade of pink, with injection of the minute vessels. The large intestine is generally inflamed and softened, sometimes in bands extending longitudinally for several inches, injected with fine arteries, and of a deeper red than the surrounding membrane. In some cases the whole lining membrane of the colon is thickened and of a vivid red. The follicles of the colon, having been the points first inflamed, proceed to ulceration as the inflammation extends to the surface around them. The rectum presents the deepest ulcerations; its lining membrane being thickened, inflamed, or covered with a thick layer of mucous.

The brain or its membranes in all cases, attended by the above symptoms, presents after death marks of active disease. The Pia Matter is more or less distended or injected, the arachnoid is pale and moist, with effusion into the sub-arachnoid cellular tissue. When the brain itself has not been the seat of active inflammation it is usually injected, showing that congestion had existed at the time of death.

The treatment of Follicular Enteritis in its severest form and in its advanced stage demands the highest degree of professional skill. Our first object is to so read the external phenomena presented, as to detect the true source of the existing irritation, and, so far as is possible, remove it immediately. There is probably no disease that more severely tests the tact and discriminating powers of the physician than this: since it presents not a single symptom that might not have originated in any one of several causes. He will begin by reviewing the causes of disease that may be still in operation in the individual case before him and provide for their removal. The remedies capable of having caused the then existing pathological condition will then be carefully compared; and the remedies selected would perhaps always be successful if actual disorganization of vital organs had not already progressed too far.

The remedies that are generally successful in arresting this fatal form of "Summer Complaint" are: –

1. ACONITE – In all the earlier stages it is indispensable. It is specific for the hot and dry skin, flushed face, tormina and tenesmus; pain in the head and back, flushes of heat alternating with chills, burning pain in the abdomen; eyes, glistening and painful, suffused and red; urine high colored; alvine discharges watery, frequent, attended with nausea and exhaustion, manifested by paleness and perspiration followed by reaction and fever; mourning and weeping.

2. BELLADONNA in alternation with Aconite greatly increases its power in all febrile affections in which cerebral symptoms are prominent.

3. MERCURIS SOLUBILIS. This, with other preparations of Mercury, is peculiarly applicable in cases in which the symptoms most resemble dysentery; in children that exhibit scrofulous tendencies; who are often affected with glandular swellings or cutaneous eruptions. They are pale, sickly, precocious in intellect, suffer much from slow and imperfect dentiton, during which the superficial glands about the neck are enlarged. When the intestines become slightly irritated, the restating inflammation assumes a dysenteric form. Constipation is complete; and, instead of solid or fluid feces, the evacuations consist of bloody mucous passed with pain, tenesmus and nausea. In other cases of Cholera Infantum in which the stools are watery and of a dark green color, frothy or composed of undigested chopped matter, mixed sometimes with dead lumbrici, Mercurius has given immediate relief. When the chronic stage, usually called Marasmus commences; when emaciation is progressing, and aphthous crusts begin to form on the lining membrane of the mouth, Mercurius sol. is generally effective in destroying the parasites of which the crusts consist.

4. IPECACUANHA. – Serous diarrhea, with vomiting of green or white mucus, with much griping pain; nausea, eructations, flatulent colic, faintness from excessive efforts to vomit; pain in the head relieved by vomiting.

5. BRYONIA-Diarrhea, thirst, and vomiting after eating, caused by cold, or by excessive hot weather. The heat is more internal than on the surface. Digestion is imperfect; all food disagrees, causing acidity, pain in the head, pleuritic pain in the sides of the chest, constipation, dry cough, with quick anxious breathing.

6. DULCAMARA. – The diarrhea excited by exposure to cold, damp air, and commencing with colic and aching in the epigastrium.

Veratrum album, Senna, Kreosotum, Tartar emetic, Arsenicum, Argentum nitricum, Rhus toxicodendron, and a long catalogue of remedial agents suggest themselves as appropriate in particular cases; but the subject has already taken up all the space that can be here given to it. In the chronic form of this disease called Atrophy or Marasmus, I have succeeded in the use of Arsenicum and Iodine.

Success will more frequently depend on the skilful application of a small number of remedies, after preliminary and adjuvant measures are disposed of, than on bringing forward a great many agents whose powers are imperfectly understood. When the purity of the air, the degree of light, the temperature of the room, the clothing, food, and drinks have been judiciously regulated; and when the condition of the teeth and gums has been duly attended to and its influence fairly estimated, some of the above remedies, properly selected and administered, will be generally successful; and if they fail, it will only be in cases which present some constitutional or psoric peculiarity which may still admit of removal by homoeopathic remedies properly directed.

In the treatment of this disease Allopathic experience is not entirely without value. And it may now be observed that the practitioners who have acquired the highest distinction in curing diseases of the alimentary canal in children, have always succeeded by measures, the action of which can only be explained on homoeopathic principles. Dr. Parrish employed small blisters behind the ears to produce counter irritation; and this practice was adopted by Professor Eberle, who says he was afterwards much more successful. Professor Mettauer advised the blister to be made by employing the strong acetous tincture of Cantharides, by wetting the skin with the "fly vinegar," and covering the head with a leaf of oiled silk, a blister is formed in an hour or two which lessens the cerebral irritation. The vomiting has always been a perplexing symptom, and, when relieved at all, it has been effected on homoeopathic principles. Dr. Chapman allayed it by teaspoonful doses of lemonade, Dr. Parrish succeeded with half-ounce vials of soda water, kept ready and administered at intervals; Dr. Condie gave Saccharum Saturni with white sugar in solution, in minute doses every hour till the vomiting ceased. Mercury in minute doses has been generally successful. Dr. Hallowell used Blue Mass triturated with gum-arabic and white sugar, forming what we might call a "second trituration" of Mercurius viv., a teaspoonful of the syrup every three hours. Other Mercurials in minute doses have long been successfully used in this disease. The best were the Hydrargyrum cum creta, and a trituration of proto Iodide of Mercury with Magnesia, and containing but an infinitesimal proportion of the Mercury. All the external applications ever used advantageously act homoeopathically. The Cayenne poultice, in which the quantity of Cayenne is very small, applied over the epigastrium, lessens the local inflammation within, by acting homoeopathically on the intestinal inflammation through the sympathy existing between that surface and the skin. All the mild purgatives and the demulcent and mucelaginous drinks, remove irritation through that power which they all possess of causing it when given in larger quantities. The Rhubarb and Blackberry syrups arrest dysenteric purging because they are capable of producing it. Hence, in doses small enough, they are remedies in this disease.

Coffee, as an article of diet, as well as a medicine is highly useful in the summer complaint of children, I have often used it for the following symptoms: Extreme emaciation, distended abdomen; pulse small and frequent; great restlessness, imperfect sleep with the eyes half open, and convulsive motion of the eyes when awake. A teaspoonful every hour of an ordinary infusion of coffee has arrested the vomiting, caused tranquil sleep, changed the character of the evacuations from the bowels, and improved the digestion and general strength. It has been occasionally used for various medical purposes for more than half a century; but has seldon been directed according to any definite principle of science.

So long as the Weekly Report of Deaths in this city shall exhibit the large proportion of nearly one third of the whole number of deaths in the city as the result of "Cholera Infantum," "Infantile Marasmus," and "Infantile Convulsions," the common treatment of the disease we have considered in this article can hardly be considered satisfactory. We hope by our present effort to draw forth from practitioners of larger experience the results of their practical observations.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 11, 1859, pages 497-511]

[Description: Cholera Infantum; Follicular Enteritis; Infantile Interitis; Summer Complaint of Children.]

[Remedies: Aconitum napellus, Belladonna, Mercurius solubilis, Ipecacuanha, Bryonia alba, Dulcamara, Coffea tosta.]

[Author: Hunt, F.V.]

[Year: 1859]

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND CHARACTER OF MALARIA .*[Read before the Hom. Med. Soc. of the Co. of N. Y., Sept. 14, 1859.]

BY F. W. HUNT, M. D., NEW YORK.

It is said that when the proudest of the imperial despots of Persia reviewed the largest army ever commanded by a single soverign, his heart swelled with pride when he reflected on the greatness of his power; but it immediately sank with in him, and he wept when he remembered that of the countless thousands who were before him to obey his orders, not one would be alive a hundred years from that very day.

We have been assured by wiser men than Xerxes, that of the still larger army of one thousand millions of human beings who now inhabit our earth, scarcely one will be living on it a hundred years from the present time, and that of this great number, more than one half will die of some of the forms of fever which continue to be the most common diseases of every country. Of all fevers, those which have pervaded the world most extensively in all ages and countries have been attributed to one cause, now usually designated Miasm or Malaria, Arising in the same localities, under the same conditions that could bring it into being three thousand years ago, Malaria has never been destroyed or exterminated, except in small territories under a higher civilization than the nations have yet reached. And, if it may sometimes lose ground in one place, it is always gaining. Rome, which in ancient times was uninhabitable for two months in every year, continues to be occupied by the same blighting influence. Malaria still reigns over that city and all its surrounding territories, defying all the resources of ancient and modern science, and promising well to outlive the Eternal city itself. In all the places where Febris, the goddess who presided over fevers, was ever worshiped; from the Appenines to the sea shore, and for a distance of two hundred miles north and south, her power is as great as when her temples were most honored. In modern times this whole territory has been called the region of Mal-Aria or bad air. Instead of improving under the influence of modern civilization, it has been gradually worse. From the Pontine Marshes, fifty miles south of Rome to the centre of the old city, the malignity of the marsh-poison has long been increasing. For two hundred years the Ague has disputed the supremacy of the Pope on the throne of St. Peter and Charlemagne in the Vatican; and for nearly that period, the Palatine Hill, the Circus Maxim us, the Forum, and nearly the whole of the ancient city have been abandoned to this mysterious spirit of desolation. And it still walks in darkness over the sane hills that the bird of Jove pointed out to Romulus as the proper site for his village of straw roofed huts, the future mother of empires, to which in other times

"The ancient kingdoms and the nations came,

In supplicating crowds to learn their doom."

I propose briefly to generalize and sum up the most important part of our knowledge of the physical properties and character of Malaria. And,

First of Malarious, Autumnal or Intermittent Fever, and its varieties.

It prevails in the latter part of Summer and Autumn in all parts of the American Continent, from the Gulf of Mexico to the northern parts of the United States, or about 44° of North latitude, South of 33° it extends to the Atlantic ocean, farther North it is less known east of the Alleghany Mountains. In the South-west it is found in all the valleys on both sides of the Cordilleras of Mexico; and in the Northern territories of the United States, Malarious diseases exist on all the fertile plains and forests of the Mississippi valley, and on all the tributaries of the Missouri as far west as the Western parts of Kansas and Nebraska, six hundred miles above St. Louis.

In considering the conditions that impose geographical limits and give prevalence to Autumnal Fever it is, says Dr. Drake, "a safe generalization to affirm, that all other circumstances being equal, Autumnal Fever prevails most where the amount of organic matter is greatest, and least where it is least." The conditions necessary to produce this fever are:

1. Decaying organic matter for supplying the material for the generation of the poisonous agent, whatever that agent may be.

2. Surface water, which, by impregnating the air with water, gives a high dew point; promotes those chemical actions in certain soils supposed to generate malarious exhalations: favors the growth and decomposition of a luxurious vegetation; produces animalculae and microscopic plants; and, through evaporation and condensation produces electrical changes, all of which effects of surface water have been supposed to cause malarious fever.

3. Elevated Temperature.-These diseases prevail extensively and virulently in warm climates, and become milder and less general as we pass from the tropics toward the poles.

These conditions which combine to originate malarious diseases and the phenomena by which they are characterized are essentially the same in all ages and countries. All observers have remarked the general vital degeneration produced on all the inhabitants of the malarious districts; and it has often been noticed that the most disastrous results may follow a residence in a marshy region in persons who have never suffered from Intermittent Fever in a regular form. The description given by Montfalcon of the inhabitants of La Bresse in France, is applicable in many places well known to me. He says: –

"Each child languishes and grows thin; a yellow tint tinges his skin and eyes, the viscera become engorged, and he probably dies before he has attained his seventh year; or if he reaches this age he does not live but vegetates, he continues cachetic, edematous, subject to putrid and malignant fevers, to endless autumnal remittents, and passive hemorrhages, to ulcers of the extremities which heal with great difficulty, and the miserable being is scarcely able to fight against the diseases which convert his life into a prolonged dying. The inhabitant of the Bresse, having perhaps arrived at his 20th or 30th year, the disorganization commences, his faeulties become enfeebled, and generally the age of fifty years is the limit of his days"

When a resident of the Pontine Marshes was asked, how it was possible to live in so unhealthy a place, he replied: – "We do not live-we die!"

In every country where malaria exists, its peculiar powers are conspicuously displayed. In the worst places we remark an imperfection of physical development, engorgement of the abdominal viscera, especially of the spleen; general inertia, torpor of intelligence; an appearance of apathy passing in some cases into Idiocy: atony, and diminished power of reaction of the nervous centres," all of which symptoms mark the power of maleria over all the physical intellectual and emotional faculties; and the duration of life is diminished. In every country where agriculture opens to man the fairest and happiest road to earthly prosperity, the elements of disease float in every breeze. In every great city, erected by the highest civilization the world has yet reached, a large proportion of the people, crowded together in small and ill ventilated homes, breath an atmosphere that poisons, enfeebles and depresses all the powers of life. And the poorer classes only obtain final rest when

"The groaning hospitals eject the dead,

While others sigh for sad admission there."

But the subject of Malarious diseases peculiar to cities is too extensive to be introduced here, and we must omit it entirely.

The Characteristic features of Malarious diseases vary in different seasons and indifferent localities. Besides the usual ensemble of symptoms commonly included under the term Fever, the disease may simulate almost any other disease. We may have the external symptoms of Cholera Morbus, Asiatic Cholera, Dysentery," Bilious Diarrhea, Menorrhagia. Enteritis, Inflammation of the brain, or of any other organ. Even Tetanus may be the only outward expression of a paroxism of Autumnal Fever.

In those sudden and violent attacks, properly called Congestive, there is a collapse, a sinking of the dynamic powers, similar to that seen in Malignant Cholera; though there is not the same exhaustion of the circulating fluids. In the congestive form of Malarious Fever, the collapse is in the nervous and cerebral systems. "The cerebral and nervous influence is prostrated as a primary effect of the specific poison that causes the disease."

The Diagnosis of Autumnal Fever docs not rest on any generally observed assemblage of symptoms, but on the attendent circumstances which may accompany the accession of the disease in its origin. We may consider the locality, the season, the epidemic constitution of the atmosphere, the recent history of the patient, the exciting causes to which the attack may be attributed; and from these, with the concurring evidences of the existence of malaria, presented by the case before us, the true nature of the disease may be determined.

FORMS AND VARIETIES OF MALARIOUS FEVER.

In the United States, and especially throughout the Missisippi Valley, two great varieties of these fevers may be distinguished:

1. Fevers of open excitement. 2. Congestive fever: These forms of fever are not distinct cases; they are only different manifestations of the same disease, operating in a different way, on different persons, according to their individual states of general health. It is observed by Dr. Monetto of Mississippi, that "the tone of fibre, and degree of tension in the Northern constitution, resists the febrile influences, especially those of a debilitating or relaxing nature; whilst the natives of the South, whose systems are already relaxed and enervated by the climate, are obliged to take greater precautions to escape the eeidemic of the country. Strangers arriving from the North, are usually only attacked by the fever in its simplest form, with open excitement, which is easily' subdued. But if the same person remains to be attacked after spending a second or third summer in the country, depletion will not be so requisite nor so well borne; and, at a later period, after migration from the North, he will be more likely to be attacked by the fever in its congestive form." (Fevers of Mississippi, West Med. Jour., 1850.)

Farther Northward, and in the region bordering on the North Western Lakes, we only observe that the effects of Malaria are manifested in different degrees, somewhat proportioned to the powers of the constitution to resist its influence. When the atmosphere holds a large quantity of the specific poison, a few days, or even a few hours, may be sufficient to develop the disease in some form. When the amount of poison in the air is smaller, it might require a year or two to bring the system so far under its influence, that the common proximate causes of disease will excite Malarious fever.

This fever, when established, may assume any one of various types:

1. When the atmosphere is strongly saturated with moist poison, the most trifling exposure to changes of temperature or exhausting exercise will develop true Intermittent fever, or "Shaking Ague."

2. When there is less Malaria in the air, but other causes combine with it to derange the ordinary operations of the different organs, the disease produced is characterized by less chill, but this is followed by fever of longer duration. The intermission if complete, is still very short; and we have the form of disease known in the West as "Chill Fever."

3. When the amount of Malaria in the air is still smaller than in the last form, but it is assisted by great exposure, extreme heat of the weather, or excessive bodily fatigue, the disease resulting is called "Remitting Fever"

4. When Malaria, existing in a greater or less degree, is aided by exposure to cold air long continued, the effect of the marsh poison is almost obliterated by the strength of the exciting causes of the attack, or some epidemic influence. The remission is scarcely perceptible, and the case is called one of continued fever.

5. Any of the preceding forms of Malarious fever, inefficiently treated, may terminate at the end of the first, or of the second week in a lower form called Typhoid Fever, though improperly. The remission is not perceptible, or scarcely so.

6. An attack of fever in any of the foregoing types, occurring in an individual greatly prostrated or exhausted by previous ill health, is liable to assume the form much dreaded in the newer territories, and known as Congestive Fever, Sinking Chills, or Malignant Intermittent Fever. This form of fever is always mortal when not arrested, and it is a common remark that "none survive the third paroxysm," and in some localities beyond the range of enlightened medical practice, it constitutes in autumn the principal outlet of human life.

We stop not now for further details of symptoms or treatment of any of these forms of a disease which continues to be in our day as in the time of Hercules, a Hydra with a hundred heads. It is sufficiently gratifying to professional pride to be able to say to them all,

''That science can elude their fatal ire

And calmly turn aside Death's level'd dart,

Soothe the sharp pang, allay the fever's fire,

And brace the nerves once more, and cheer the heart."*[This subject will be continued in the next number under the title of, Causes of Malarious Fever."]

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 01, 1859, pages 11-18]

[Description: Physical properties and Character of Malaria; Forms and Varieties of Malarious Fever.]

[Author: Hunt, F.V.]

[Year: 1859]

PRACTICAL USES AND ABUSES OF STIMULANTS.

BY F. W. HUNT, M. D., NEW YORK.

Under this head I propose to review and bring into small compass some of the most important conclusions of modern science on the Medical Properties of Alcoholic Stimulants. My attention will be chiefly directed to those practical questions on which some discrepencies of opinion still exist among medical men.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF WINE. — The beneficial effects are: 1st, Exhilaration; 2nd, Nutrition; 3rd, Arrest of destructive metamorphosis of structure. The injurious effects are: 4th, Inebriation; 5th, Degeneration of tissue; 6th, Derangement of digestion.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS, — I. Exhilaration. This may be produced by various articles that do not intoxicate: as, essential oils, peppermint, onions, valerian, assafetida, tea, coffee; the eating of substantial food, slight exercise, quickening the circulation of the blood. But fluids that contain alcohol are the articles most commonly employed in this country for purposes of exhilaration, though their effects are not proportioned to the quantity of alcohol they contain. When pure wine is taken in an exhilarating dose, it increases the amount of vital power that can be rendered available in a given period. When alcohol in any form is given in an intoxicating dose, it positively diminishes the available vital powers. From an extensive series of chemical experiments Dr. Bocker obtained the following general results:

1. "The special action of alcoholic drinks is to arrest destructive assimilation — to stop the over-active processes of life in their effects upon the organism: so that, for a certain period, during the stay of alcohol in the system. less urea, less phosphates, less water are excreted by the kidneys, less carbonic acid by the lungs, and less digestion goes on in the alimentary canal, showing that the muscles, bones, nerves, &c, are not getting rid of their effete tissue, but retaining it and making use of it as far as possible."

2. "But at the same time they give rise in the body to a defensive reaction, which is prominent first, immediately after taking the dose, then gives place to the special action, and on this ceasing, is again manifested to greater extent."

3. "So that if a suitable quantity be taken, and both action and reaction are allowed to exhaust themselves before the dose be repeated, more manifestations of life, represented by more excretion, and more consequent renewal of the body takes place in a given time with the alcoholic drink than without. There has been a positive gain in vitality, but if such a large quantity is taken at once that the reaction is overpowered, or if it is arrested by a continuous repetition of the dose, the manifestation of life is kept down; the body is not renewed, because its effete particles are not removed and the amount of vitality must certainly be reckoned at a loss."

The essential use of wine has been stated by a prominent Homoeopathist to consist in exhilaration. It has power "to deepen case and pleasure on high tides, and at harvest homes when endurance is not required;" "to enable us to surmount seasons of physical and moral depression, and to keep up the life-mark to a constant level, influenced as little as possible by the circumstances of the hour." It is acknowledged to be possible, in certain conditions of depressed health, to introduce just that quantity of alcohol into the stomach that shall produce the effect of simple exhilaration, and so manage the quantity and the repetitions that the stimulant shall constitute a medicinal diet, adding strength to both the physical and mental powers;" "to show to age by occasions that its youth lies still within it, and may be found like a spring in a dry land with the thyrsus for a divining rod;" "to make us kinder than our reason and more admissive than our candor, and to enable us to begin larger sympathies and associations from a state in which the feelings are warm and plastic;" "to save the resources of mental excitement by a succedaneous excitement of another kind;" "to balance the animation of the soul by the animation of the body, so that life may be pleasant as well as profitable." It is even said by learned and wise men, that wine has power "to reveal men's powers to themselves and to their fellows." (Wilkinson.)

The doctrine may be true without being safe, and its votaries, though armed with reason for all they do, tread a perilous pathway over hair-breath bridges and along the verge of giddy precipices.

How may the beneficial effects of alcohol be obtained without the accompaniment of injurious consequences?

1. By using it in such combinations with sugar, extractive, vegetable essential oils, and ethers, described as the aroma or Bouquet, as constitute the fine wines. It is supposed that the better kinds of wines possess these elements in some peculiarly happy combinations, and that each may possess especial merits and be applicable to peculiar conditions. In cases of mental depression, hypochondriasis, nervous exhaustion, over anxiety, hysterical fainting, vomiting from gastric debility, Bordeaux, Champagne, Rhine, or Moselle wines have been particularly recommended.

2. By using it in a state of effervescence. Sparkling Champagne produces higher and less injurious exhilarations than most other wines. It is supposed that in the act of the elimination of carbonic acid, some exhilarating ethers, little understood, are developed, and that they may quicken the nervous energies and improve the digestive powers. Liebig found protoxide of nitrogen or "laughing gas" in some specimens of Champagne.

3. By its mixture with the other constituents of wine the exhilarating properties of the alcohol are increased, while its poisoning powers are lessened, The ether in wines is said to be a remedy for drunkenness; twenty or thirty drops will restore to temporary sobriety. ( M. Batilliat on the Wines of France, Brit. and For. Med. Chir. Review, 1858.)

II. Nutrition Wine affords but little nutritive matter in itself, but it renders the absorbent apparatus of the digestive tube more ready to take up the nutriment furnished by other substances. Oleaginous substances, in particular, are more easily assimilated with its help, but articles containing albumen are rendered less digestible by the presence of alcohol.

In the administering of wine to promote nutrition, consider,

1. That the alcohol alone should regulate the quantity given, as all other ingredients contained in the selected wine may be considered as innocent and less important.

2. That alcohol may aid development of adipose, but not of muscular tissue.

3. Wines containing but little material for refermentation, for rendering fatty matters rancid, or but little acid in proportion to their alcohol, should be selected.

4. They should be taken with oleaginous food, or immediately after it

III. Arrest of Destructive Metamorphosis of the Tissues. — This is the most important of the beneficial effects of alcohol. Pure wine or brandy is believed to be capable of checking "the progress of interstitial death in low fevers till the period of the zymotic poison's virulence is passed, and it has been evacuated or become inert." By the judicious use of alcoholic drinks we can check the exhaustion of the body through excessive secretion, as in cases of chronic catarrh, ulcers, abscesses, amputations, &c.; and may diminish the rate of progress of that "wear and tear" process by which the overworked mind wears out the body in metropolitan life, and thus breaks down so many struggling, toiling, thinking men.

But, "in wielding this two edged sword," the greatest judgment is required lest we carry the effect too far. "The destruction of effete tissues is a part of life, and necessarily precedes constructive renewal; if then we check it too far, interstitial life is diminished and the system is overloaded with matter incapable of vitality." In order to obtain the benefits of the stimulant without the danger of producing bad effect: first, let it always be given in a diluted form, even when its most decided action is desired. Second, give it combined with other nutritious and easily assimilated substances. The sugar contained in good wine is shown by Dr. Bocker's experiments to have a special effect in limiting the destruction of tissues containing phosphates, as the bones and nerves. The ethers may possess a similar power. The acids and extractive matter of wines lessen the injurious effects which the alcohol alone, though diluted, exerts on the mucous membrane; hence, wine is far better than brandy, even when the latter is largely diluted. Third, after a stimulant has been persisted in for some hours, an interval should be allowed during which its effect may subside, "and the system recover for a time its metamorphosis, so that the effete tissues may be duly eliminated and expelled." (Brit. and For. Med. Chir. Review.) Even the purest wines should always be given in a diluted state. Troy was taken by heroes who drank their wine forty times diluted with water. Such practitioners would be regarded as "high dilutionists" among modern Homoeopathists.

We have now seen that alcohol, when judiciously employed, is capable of performing important uses in the treatment of disease. For all the objects faintly presented above, fermented liquors have been in use from the earliest ages, and distilled alcohol has been constantly rising in estimation and influence among men since the days of the Arabian Alchemists. It has long ago been employed in, perhaps, every disease known to our race, and its best and worst powers are perhaps as generally and as fully understood as those of any other article employed by science or the arts. And yet, with all the experience and all the knowledge with which the popular mind is imbued, alcohol, which is almost a household word in every dwelling on the globe, and applicable to the most important medical uses, is the article of all others least likely to be employed for good. The injurious effects of stimulants are too numerous and extensive to be satisfactorily treated of here; the more important only must be noticed.

INJURIOUS EFFECTS. — IV. Inebriation is a fourth effect of alcoholic stimulants.

Alcohol is a powerful diffusible stimulant. It increases the action of the heart and arteries, occasioning increased activity of the mind, a rapid flow of ideas and images which are usually of a pleasant description; and, by exciting the nervous and vascular system, it produces a general exhilaration. When a larger quantity of the stimulant is taken, the effect is the physical and psychical disease known as inebriation, intoxication, or drunkenness. Its pathology and treatment, when established as a chronic disease, are becoming highly important, but must be passed over at present.

V. Degeneration of Tissue. — When alcohol is used for the purpose of exhilaration, this effect is always succeeded by a state of depression, varying in intensity in proportion to the previous amount of excitement When the stimulant has been given at or near the termination of an acute disease and a temporary effect only is needed, we may safely repeat the stimulant sufficiently often to prevent the vital powers sinking too low. Under the action of wine or brandy the process of "destructive metamorphosis of the tissues" is temporarily arrested; the dead and effete materials remain as a useless burden in the system mixed up with the healthy fluids, and are finally converted into oil or fat, the least vitalized of all the fluids. In acute cases this repetition of the dose, for the purpose of keeping up uniform action, may be always safe, since we know that it will not long be needed, and that as the disease recedes, it may be suspended entirely.

But in chronic cases a new danger is encountered. That stage of depression which follows temporary exhilaration, may indeed be averted for a time; but, if the dose of the stimulant be repeated before the arrest of metamorphosis has ceased and the reaction of the system begun, a second arrest indeed takes place as before, but the postponed reaction is augmented in force each time it is delayed; and when it occurs at last, it is so painfully depressing that it becomes more and more difficult to resist the instinct to put it off, and in the end it is really dangerous to do so suddenly. During the time that the patient is endeavouring to keep up his physical energies by a moderate stimulation, and while the old blood discs of dead effete material are retained and circulating in the blood vessels, there is a real degeneration of tissue going on in the heart, liver, kidneys, or other organs of the regular though moderate spirit-drinker; even when there is an increase of fat, if there be not also increased muscular power, the apparent improvement is fallacious.

Upon this acknowledged power of alcohol to arrest the metamorphosis of living into dead effete matter, are based all the efforts ever made to treat successfully chronic diseases by the use of stimulants. The reason that they have so rarely succeeded is found in the fact, that alcohol itself produces degeneration of the tissues when this arrest of metamorphosis has been too long and continuously kept up. That transient elevation and consequent depression which alcohol produces, and which can be managed in cases of debility following acute diseases, to keep up artificial strength till that which is more permanent can supply its place, is only]a "broken staff" when trusted by sufferers from organic chronic disease. Extreme and reckless measures may possibly succeed in peculiar constitutions, but they can not be generally relied upon. The experiment of treating phthisis pulmonalis and other asthenic diseases with wine or brandy alone has often been tried, and has sometimes succeeded, but that it cannot be generally a safe or successful practice, will appear from considerations already advanced. Perpetual stimulation can not long be borne without causing disastrous consequences. When alcoholic stimulants in any form are prescribed for a chronic disease, which will probably endure for a few weeks or months, let it always be remembered that habitual drunkenness is not the only rock in the whirlpool to which we have introduced our patient. As soon as we have taught him that alcoholic action will alleviate certain morbid phenomena, he will begin to find it necessary to recur to it again and again for the benefit of the transient relief it affords. The patient knows no harm in alcohol except drunkenness, and so long as he avoids that vice, thinks he can not keep up too steadily the agreeable support that alcohol gives. Following strictly his physician's advice, he feels that he must be safe. "Alas! much safer for him would be the occasional debauch of a man he despises as a profligate, than his own continuous steady course toward death." ( Brit. Rev., No. 42, p. 243.) Complete drunkenness brings about its own temporary cure, and is usually allowed to be followed by a reaction afterward; but the tippler feels safe because he does not get drunk, whereas, the most alarming symptom in his case is, that he cannot get drunk. Day by day there is a little less life in his system until at last his degenerated body is fit for burial.

These effects of alcohol are not generally caused by wines as they are seldom used to this extent; but when brandy or any other form of alcohol is prescribed by official authority, it is sure to be faithfully taken at short intervals. The temporary elevation and resulting depression are more decidedly felt; the "want" of renewed stimulus returns with increased intensity after each indulgence.

VI. Derangement of the Digestive Power. — A sixth effect of alcohol, which furnishes another reason why it can not generally be given in large doses or long continued in the treatment of disease, is the derangement of the digestive power that it always ultimately causes, whether intoxication be produced by it or not. In estimating the injury done the stomach by its use, we must not wait for the sensation of pain to reveal the fact, that the mucous coat of the stomach is passing into a state of inflammation.

In the nervous system, says Dr. Johnson, "we distinguish two great classes of nerves; those that take their origin from the brain, and those that arise from the spinal marrow, besides those that constitute the ganglionic system of nerves. The nerves that originate in the brain transmit sensations to the sensorium, and nervous influence to the voluntary muscles; while the nerves which proceed from the spinal marrow regulate the functions of various vital organs, as the stomach, liver, heart, &c."

"Of the nerves of the first division, we notice that each has its particular sensibility in health, but when they are inflamed or diseased they become exquisitely sensible to impressions which in health they would not have felt. Common food, swallowed, ceases to be felt as soon as it reaches the stomach, but a tea-spoonful of capsicum produces a burning heat in the same surface by inflaming its nerves.

"Here arises one of the most useful precepts in the art of preserving health. Whenever we call forth conscious sensation in the stomach, whether of a pleasurable or painful kind, we offer a violence to that organ; the injury may be slight but it is none the less real. When food of the right quality, and in the right quantity is taken into the healthy stomach, no sensation is felt, but when a full meal is taken, which includes some stimulating article, a sensible impression is made on the nerves of the stomach; when this sensation is a pleasurable one, when a general exhilaration is produced, the pulse is quickened, the face flushed, the mind more active, and the flow of ideas more free. But this exhilaration is transient and partial. In proportion as the ganglionic system of nerves is excited, the voluntary nerves and muscles are disqualified for action. These nerves of the ganglionic system convey the vital power from the nervous centres to those organs which continue their action independent of the will, as the nerves of the heart In a. state of health, pleasurable sensations are diffused over the body, as well as to the mind by the presence of food in the stomach, without any conscious sensations being produced by it." (On morbid sensibility of the stomach, etc.)

The practical bearing of these facts is highly important particularly in all the forms of chronic diseases in which there is a failure of function in some of the vital organs, and a call for the aid of stimulants in keeping up their action.

It has recently again been proposed to treat tubercular consumption with stimulants alone, on the ground that alcohol possesses the power of arresting the progress of degeneration of tissues. We have already seen that it possesses this power, but for reasons, some of which have already appeared, its beneficial influence is chiefly confined to cases of brief duration. We here find another reason for the final disappointment of those who for a time think themselves stronger and more comfortable under the use of large potations of brandy. They cannot be long kept up without deranging the digestive powers, though some constitutions will bear up longer than others. The mucous membrance of the stomach becomes morbidly sensitive, irritable and partially inflamed; the gastric juice is then secreted in a perverted state; it possesses imperfect solvent powers; it becomes at the same time highly irritating, and the peristaltic movements of the stomach are deranged also. Food then taken into the stomach, instead of being digested, undergoes the acetous or lactic fermentation. When different kinds of wines are tried in these cases, the effect varies in degree, but they all contain free acid in some quantity; and, unfortunately, they are quite frequently adulterated. Most of the wines sold contain large quantities of undecomposed fermenting matter, which is speedily excited to action by the warmth of the stomach; they run rapidly into a state of acidity in which irritating gases are formed. "There may be often found a much larger quantity of acid than the taste indicates, concealed by molasses or perhaps sugar of lead. Instead of tartaric there may be malic acid, the consequences of which to the digestion are well-known to the eaters of rhubarb tarts, and the drinkers of hard cider." (Batilliat, p. 142.) "There may be alum, copper, iron, nickel, and even arsenic accidentally added to inferior wine, and nobody knows what else for purposes of fraud. (Brit. and For. Med. Chir. Rev., 1858, p. 246.)

When brandy or other distilled spirits are habitually used for a certain period, the derangement of digestion is still more serious than that caused by the worst of wines.

The effect of alchohol on the mucous coat of the stomach, says Dr. Budd, "depends greatly on the degree of its dilution. Cirrhosis or 'gin-drinker's liver' is generally caused by drinking distilled spirits, which injure the stomach more than fermented liquors do, even when the former are diluted to the same degree of strength." In all cases in which the mucous surface of the stomach is already inflamed, or when the passage of the blood is obstructed in the liver, (in which case there is always a congested state of the blood-vessels of the stomach predisposing to inflammation or hemorrhage,) the influence of alcohol in every shape is pernicious and destructive. In hot climates a very small quantity of fermented liquor of any kind often effects incalculable mischief. (On Diseases of the Stomach, London, 1856, p. 71.)

In the case of St. Martin, a Canadian, who, in consequence of a gun-shot wound had a permanent fistulous opening through the abdominal parietes into the stomach, the rare opportunity was afforded of seeing much that went on in the stomach during digestion. At one time Dr. Beaumont observed that the interior of the stomach exhibited erythematous and aphthous patches on the mucous surface, caused by the drinking of ardent spirits during the preceding eight or ten days; but there was no pain, and the patient had a good appetite. This state continued several days; the secretions were vitiated, and the small quantity of gastric juice extracted by a syringe from the stomach was vitiated and impure in appearance. At another time the small quantity of this fluid extracted in the morning before eating, was mixed with an unusual proportion of vitiated mucus, saliva, and bile, tinged lightly with blood, which appeared to exude from the surface of the erythematous and irritable patches of aphthous inflammation. On succeeding days the same morbid appearances were observed. The aphthous patches grew larger and more numerous, the mucous covering became thicker, the gastric secretions more vitiated and purulent, resembling the discharges from the bowels in protracted cases of chronic dysentery. With all this evidence of local disease of the stomach there was little derangement of its functions, and no pain except an uneasy sensation in the epigastrium. There was some vertigo, some dimness and yellowness of vision, a thin yellowish coating on the tongue, the countenance sallow, pulse uniform and regular, appetite good, sleep as good as usual.

During all this time, though the appetite was good, it was not that of health. Digestion when the stomach is in this state is very imperfect, and under a full diet and indulgence in stimulants there can be no recovery of the lost strength. After being confined for a few days to a restricted diet, avoiding stimulants entirely, an improvement was visible. On the sixth day of observation, at eight o'clock in the morning, before eating, the stomach was observed to be "empty; its coats clean and healthy as usual; secretions less vitiated; extracted two ounces of gastric juice of more natural and healthy appearance, with the usual gastric acid flavor; he complains of no uneasy sensations, or the slightest symptoms of indisposition; says, he feels perfectly well and has a voracious appetite" (Beaumont on Digestion.)

The accuracy of Dr. Beaumont's observations have been attested by Professor Sewall, of Washington, D.C., and they have been more recently confirmed by other experiments. (See Amer. Jour. Med. Sci. 1857.) All observation shows that large quantities of alcohol may be taken repeatedly without exciting the pain and sensible systems of inflammation in other delicate surfaces, but that inflammation is nevertheless excited by the harsh action of the stimulant, that digestion is deranged and health undermined, before the cause of the insidious danger is suspected. It has also been shown that the inflammation excited by a too free indulgence in stimulants soon subsides under the influence of low diet and cooling drinks. "Such," says Dr. Budd, "is the power of reparation possessed by the lining membrane of the stomach, without which it would be unfit for the functions of digestion. When, in consequence of the continuance of appetite, the usual diet continues to be taken, the surface of the stomach is long in recovering its healthy state; in many cases it continues fretted and sore, under an amount of food that in a healthy condition would produce no irritation."

When brandy is prescribed as a medicine it is quite common to begin with doses small enough to avoid a rapid development of those drug symptoms, which are often found at last far worse than the original disease. After repeated exhilarations, alternated with depressions, not permitted to last long the confidence of the patient is gained and brandy becomes established in reputation as the real "staff of life." Now, whatever be the progress of the original disease, the remedy will soon assume a conspicuous position. The chronic disease which alcohol generally creates is slowly developed, and in many cases it is not possible to refer to any serious lesion of the nervous system appreciable during life or discoverable after death. There are some men who can drink habitually six or eight glasses of brandy daily, for several years without greatly deranging their health; but these are extraordinary men, and we need not look for them among phthisical patients. It is much more common to see a gradual change come over the habitual spirit-drinker, until he finds himself in the height of a paroxysm of delirium tremens, from which he never fully recovers. "In some cases," says Dr. Huss, of Sweden, "he begins to find his digestive powers impaired, he becomes dyspeptic and can only eat solid food by taking a drink of brandy with each mouthful; some when trying to keep sober take only vinegar or spices." In other cases there may not be intoxication at any time. In many, the symptoms begin gradually with "loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, occasional diarrhea; emaciation and cachexia, pustular eruptions, eructations and offensive breath; serious functional disease of the liver, kidneys, heart, and coats of the vessels which finally lead to chronic disease of those organs: and these symptoms are followed by fatal serious effusions or general dropsy, hemorrhages, extravasations or apoplexies. Intercurrently with these states are sometimes seen fits of intoxication, delirium tremens, sexual debility, suicidal melancholy, and life terminates with epileptiform convulsions, general paralysis or idiocy." M. Morel says, "one class of men arrive, at length, by a series of well-marked lesions, physical and intellectual, at general paralysis."Another class," although profoundedly affected, as regards the innervation, remain stationary at a point leading a miserable existence, characterized physically by a special condition of cachexia and marasmus, morally by a manifestation of the worst tendencies and of the lowest bruttishness." (On the Physical, Intellectual, and Moral Degeneration of the Human Race, p 113.)

In these melancholy cases we see well displayed the capacity of this potent remedy in causing degeneration of all the tissues, including the brain and nerves; even when it is not carried so far, similar symptoms are conspicuous, "the hands tremble especially in the morning, at a later period the tremors continue through the day, being increased by slight exertion, and only relieved by alcoholic stimulants. There, is dimness of sight as if a veil were suddenly passed before the eyes; the tongue is tremulous, and speech is indistinct; the patient is troubled with frightful dreams, sensations of insects creeping over the skin; tremors and shuffling gait in walking; diminished muscular power in the lower limbs, finally in every part; diminished sensibility of the skin; vertigo, staggering; hallucinations so startling and exciting as to banish sleep altogether. He imagines that he sees persons or objects or hears voices; the pupils become dilated and less sensible to light than in health." (Huss on Alcoholismus, etc.)

Such are the principal effects of alcohol when its use is long persisted in, and these effects are transmitted to successive generations. M. Morel says, he never witnessed a cure of the disease caused by alcohol in a patient who derived the tendency to alcoholic excesses from hereditary predisposition. In one family he noticed that habitual intemperance in a great-grandfather entailed upon the first generation, — "Immorality, depravity, intemperance, and brutish disposition; In the second, hereditary drunkenness, attacks of mania, general paralysis; In the third, sobriety, hypochondriasis, lypomania, systematic ideas of persecution, homicidal tendencies; In the fourth generation, intelligence was but slightly developed, access of mania at 16 years of age, stupidity running into idiocy, and into a condition involving the extinction of the race." Similar remarks have been made by Drs. Cox, Adams and Whitehead. (Hereditary Diseases p. 31.)

M. Morel, after showing that the use and effects of alcohol are rapidly extending in the various countries of Europe, as England, Scotland, Ireland, Prussia, and also in the United States, and in Central and South America, thus sums up their degenerative influences on the race: — "They have invariably the same character in all latitudes. New maladies are generated and old ones take on increased fatality; the average duration of human life is lessened; the viability of new-born children is less to be depended on; and the disturbances of the moral and intellectual nature become at length signalized by the highest rates of insanity, of suicide and crime. (On Degenerations of the Human Race, p. 389.)

But it will be objected that the deleterious effects of alcohol are those of its intemperate use only. The symptoms enumerated are those which this article will produce in any case, if freely used and long persisted in. On the propriety of using it in cases of debility following acute diseases, we have already admitted all that experience will confirm, and on this point there is no controversy. It is in chronic cases in which the selected remedy, whatever it be, must be long persisted in, that this remedy, though capable of frequently affording transient benefit is still a perilous one when a large quantity is required, or when its action must be long kept up. If tubercular consumption can be cured, or even retarded in its course by giving wines or other stimulants, of such strength that none of the injurious consequences above enumerated can be caused by them, it is right to use them; but there must be some limit beyond which their employment is hazardous, and who has yet pointed out the line of perfect safety? Is there something in consumptive diseases that grants the debilitated sufferers perfect immunity from the bad consequences of exciting poisons? A large portion of them are much distressed by gastric disorder. For weeks or months before death they suffer from pain and tenderness of the epigastrium, loss of appetite, thirst, frequent vomiting of acid matters. These symptoms often cause more difficulty than pulmonary disease; and after death, M. Louis found the stomach in about one-fifth of the cases who died of this disease, softened or partially destroyed in texture, and he supposed this change to be the result of inflammation. It is probable that he was mistaken in his opinion on this point, and that the solution of the coats of the stomach is effected by the action of the gastric fluid which has retained its digestive power after death; but can it be possible that burning, irritating draughts of alcohol, even largely diluted, can exert any soothing or invigorating influence upon a patient affected with any of the symptoms just enumerated? In all the commonest forms of pthisis in every stage, the liver is in a state of torpor and congestion; the blood which should flow rapidly through it from the stomach is obstructed; the capillaries of the mucous membrane of the latter organ are congested; the appetite, though sufficiently craving, is capricious, morbid. If strong brandy can be taken without sensible and immediate injury, it is because the case is not a bad one. If it be long continued, it must undermine the last pillar of hope. If in large doses it does not intoxicate, it can only be that our patient has reached that wretched condition already alluded to in which "it is impossible to get drunk;" if it does intoxicate, it shows that the patient has entered upon that downward course of physical and moral degradation in which recovery of health is impossible; and, if it could be restored, life itself would be of little value.

Here we leave the subject; not because we have exhausted it, or can hope to have set any disputed question at rest, for the subject is inexhaustible and constitutes a troubled ocean that will never rest. We have condensed the more important of the well-established facts which have a practical bearing on the cure of disease; we have kept within the line of safe experience, and have seen beyond it the dangers of reckless attempts to disregard the lessons furnished by all past observation.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 06-07, 1860, pages 241-251, pages 308-314]

[Description: Practical Uses and Abuses of Stimulants.]

[Author: Hunt, F.W.]

[Year: 1860]

BELLADONNA

As a Prophylactic in Scarlatina.

BY H. L. CHASE, M. D., CAMBRIDGE, MASS.

Hahnemann says: *[Hahnemann's Organon]"Previously to the year 1801, the genuine Scarlet fever of Sydenham prevailed epidemically among children, and attacked all without exception, who had not escaped the disease in a former epidemic: whereas, every child who was exposed to one of the kind which came under my observation in Konigslutur, remained exempt from this highly infectious disease, if it had timely taken a very small dose of Belladonna." The first question which naturally arises in the consideration of this subject is, what is the genuine Scarlet fever of Sydenham ? In answer to the question, thinking it would be interesting, I have transcribed Willis' translation, which is as follows:

"†[Works of Thos. Sydenham translated by Geo. Willis, 1788.] Though the Scarlet fever may occurr at any time, yet it generally comes on at the close of summer, when it seizes whole families, but especially children. A chilliness and shivering come on at the beginning, as in other fevers, but without great sickness; afterwards the whole skin is covered with small red spots, which are more numerous, redder but not so uniform as those which constitute measles; they continue two or three days, and after they are vanished, and the skin is scaled oft, there remains a kind of branny scales, dispersed over the body, which fall off and come on again twice or thrice successively.

As this disease seems to me to be nothing more than a moderate effervesence of the blood occasioned by the heat of the preceding summer, or some other way, I do nothing which may prevent the despumation of the blood and the expulsion of the prevent matter through the pores, which is quickly enough performed. Accordingly I refrain from bleeding and the use of enemata, which make a revulsion, whereby I conceive the noxious particles are more intimately mixed with the blood, and the motion which is more agreeable to nature is checked. On the other hand, I forbear cardiacs, by the heat of which the blood may perhaps be put into a more violent motion, than so gentle and mild a separation as effects a cure require, and besides, by this means a high fever may be occasioned. I judge it sufficient for the patient to refrain wholly from meat and spirituous liquors, and to keep his room without lying always in bed. When the skin is entirely peeled off and. the symptoms vanished, it is proper to give a gentle purge suited to the age and strength of the patient. By this plain and manifestly natural method,*[Hoc morbi nomen (vix enim altius assurgit.)] this disease in name only, for it is little more, is easily cured without trouble or danger; whereas on the contrary, if we add to the patients evils, by treating him too learnedly, either. by confining him continually in bed, or exhibiting abundance of cardiacs, and other superfluous remedies, the disease is immediately increased, and he frequently falls a victim to the over-officiousness of the physician. But it should here be observed that when epileptic convulsions, or a coma arise in this disease at the beginning of the eruption, which sometimes happen to children and young persons, it is highly proper to apply a large and strong blister to the neck, and immediately exhibit a paregoric of syrup of white poppies, which is to be repeated every evening during his illness, and he must be directed to make use of milk, boiled with thrice its quantity of water, for his ordinary drink, and to refrain from meat."

This is "the genuine Scarlet fever of Sydenham," but the epidemic which Hahnemann saw, and in which he recommended Belladonna as a prophylactic, although resembling this, was of a more severe character; with his masterly account of the disease we all are familiar. I think I am safe in saying that we have now no disease which corresponds to this description; the disease called Scarlet fever at the present day is a very different affair. Hundreds die yearly, and in its severe form it is alike the terror of physicians and laymen. Now if it can be shown that this disease differs greatly from that described either by Sydenham or Hahnemann, then the theory of Belladonna being prophylactic now, as far as Hahnemann is concerned falls to the ground and must be abandoned. Some of these points of difference I have arranged in a tabular form.

SYDENHAM.

Rigent horrentque sub initis ut in aliis febribus, qui hac assiciuntur. neque vehementer admodum oegrotant;

postea cutis universa maculis pavis rubris interstingiuntur, crebrioribus certe et multo latioribus, magisque rubentibus, at non perinde unifornibus, ac sunt Mae quoe Morbiliios constituent.

HAHNEMANN.

All at once there occurred timidity and fearfulness, rigor with general coldness, especially of the face, hands and feet. Pressure in the hypochondira-very unexpected attack of violent vomiting, which recurs at intervals of 12 or 24 hours. After rigors which last from 12 to 24 hours, the body becomes excessively hot, accompanied with itching and burning. The head, neck, hands and feet are hottest, and swollen so as to present a shining appearance, which last to the end of the disease. Almost every paroxysm of heat terminates in profuse sweat, which, however only affects the rest of the body, but not the head, hands or feet.

On these swollen parts but first in the pit of the throat, then on the arms and legs, there appear about the second day, variously shaped and sized, cinnabar colored, spots, that readily grow pale on a slight chill, and are always accompanied with smarting, itching and burning; as the disease advances they spread out into a connected, but less vivid redness.

PRESENT SCARLATINA.

Rigors and chills are very rarely met with in the commencement, and when they do occur never last 12 hours.

Vomiting is frequent. The body is immediately very hot, the pulse being usually over 100; but there is no itching of the skin at this stage.

These parts are no hotter, and but slightly if at all swollen.

Sweating is rare; if it occurs it is profuse on the head and face, gentle on the rest of the body.

Occasionally we see this spotted appearance, but generally the eruption is in the form of minute red points, which in 24 hours are to be seen over the whole body, more particularly in the fiexures of the joints; as the points multiply by the third day, the eruption is more of a diffuse efflorescence, the points still being distinct and communicating to the hand a slight feeling of roughness; the color not being so bright as is here represented; itching of the skin is frequent on the subsidence of the eruption.

I might remark on many other points of difference; as of the fever, desquamation, &c. &c, but I think I have shown enough to convince us that the disease of the present time, is not the Scarlet fever either of Sydenham, or of Hahnemann; it seems to me that in prescribing Belladonna, either as curative or prophylactic, we have fallen into that error against which Hahnemann so often warned his followers, of prescribing for the name of a disease, instead of the total assemblage of symptoms. The word has gone out, without qualification, that Belladonna is prophylactic to Scarlatina, and what is the result? articles without number have been published in the journals, showing its decided failure, and while in some instances, those children who have taken it, have escaped the disease, (and the same is true of those who have taken nothing) in many more, not only has it not prevented the disease, but to the minds of many physicians it has seemed to be a positive injury – in this way the cause of Homoeopathy has been greatly injured. I need not detain the reader with a recital of the accounts of the failure of Belladonna, which might be done almost indefinitely, nor with a comparison of the symptoms of this drug with the disease in question, for with those symptoms all are conversant, and all know how beautifully they agree with the genuine disease.

The conclusion to which we have arrived is, that Belladonna not being homoeopathic, is therefore, not prophylactic to the Scarlet fever known to physicians of the present day; but should an epidemic arise, similar in character to that described by Hahnemann, there would be good reason for expecting that it would act as a preventive.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 07, 1859, pages 314-317]

[Description: Belladonna as a Prophylactic in Scarlatina.]

[Remedies: Belladonna]

[Author: Chase, H.L.]

[Year: 1859]

TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHICAGO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.

Compiled by R. LUDLAM, M. D., Secretary.

VI. Case of obstinate Constipation cured by Nux Vomica. Reported by J. L. KELLOGG, M. D.

Was called to prescribe for C. S-, a dwarf, aged 23 years. History-This individual had been constipated from birth, the bowels having never moved spontaneously, and but twice to the present date without laxatives or enemas. On those two occasions evacuations followed the application of compresses wet with brandy during the night previous. Frequently he passed eight or ten days with no evacuation,-many times longer periods, and on one occasion I was assured by his family that the interval extended through four weeks and three days! From birth to the eighteenth year of his age various laxatives were exhibited from time to time with but transient effect. At the period last mentioned, failing by the usual methods to evacuate his bowels, medical advice was obtained and many and heroic remedies exhibited without producing the desired evacuation-but on the contrary, producing much straining and vomiting. Fearing the result of further attempts with Cathartics, enemas of various kinds were persistently used until an evacuation was effected. From his eighteenth to his twenty-third year his bowels were moved by injections alone. In character the stools were rather large-dark colored-very hard, and covered with mucus streaked with blood.

When called to prescribe for him I found him with wheezing respiration, some cough, with stitching pains in his chest; abdomen hard and extended; feet, hands and eyelids bloated; and his appearance generally most unpromising. My prescription was one-twentieth part of one drop of the Mother Tincture of Nux Vomica, exhibited morning and evening. His bowels moved, with no other aid, after having taken two doses of the medicine. The administration was pursued until the entire drop was taken, and the result was that his bowels moved as regularly as most persons' for the three succeeding months, and his general health was much improved. At the end of that period I was informed that he was threatened with a return of his former difficulty, and sent him Nux Vom. 3., directing one drop to be given at bed-time when needed. His bowels continued regular with slight intermission as long as he lived-some four years.

The above case occurred in my practice some eleven years since, in Central New York, and this was the second prescription I ever made designedly in accordance with the great Homoeopathic principle.

VII. Hypericum Perfoliatum in lesions of the Spinal cord. Dr. LUDLAM reported the following:

(a) Mrs. Y., set 45, English, of strong, healthy frame and good habits, the mother of five children, had suffered for ten years with repeated and violent attacks of Spasmodic Asthma. The paroxysms originated in a diminished density of the atmosphere, marked by a change in the weather, from clear to cloudy and damp. If she remained in this city in the immediate vicinity of Lake Michigan, our capricious climate would subject her to more frequent attacks; or if in the interior, any barometric change foretelling a storm would surely bring them on. This was the only marked peculiarity of her case: – the severity and duration of the paroxysms, being inversely to the duration and severity of the storm. They did not always come on at night, but were always relieved by a critical and most copious expectoration-blennorrhea-from the bronchial tubes. Her general health suffered but little until, subsequent to an attack of double Pneumonia in April last, she seemed entirely prostrate, and experienced as a consequence an increased susceptibility to setiological changes. Her asthmatic attacks became very frequent and distressing, threatening at times to destroy her life.

After prescribing various remedies without any considerable relief, I discovered upon enquiring more carefully into the history of the case, that when a girl, thirty years since, she had fallen down the cellar stairs and injured her spine at a point corresponding to the superior dorsal vertebrae. She was ill but a day or two at that time, and had suffered so little local inconvenience since the occurrence as to have quite forgotten it, until enquired of by me if she had over experienced any accident of the kind. There is no tenderness on pressure, though she reports herself as better able, at intervals, to lie upon either side than upon her back, for the reason that the latter decubitus increases the dyspnea.

I withdrew my other remedies and prescribed Hypericum Perf. 2 (dec.) ten drops in half glass of water, a table spoonful every two hours. Under this remedy, with prolonged intervals, she recovered entirely; and the cure seems a radical one, as she has for several months escaped any repetition of her old infirmity.

(b) Mary, aet 6. daughter of Mr. C. – had been in poor health for three years. As often as once in a month she suffered an illness of from four days to a week's duration, of which the following were the most characteristic symptoms: – A chill, followed by more or less fever of a Continued type, with dry, parched skin, occasional headache-especially toward evening, restlessness, jactation, with a super-sensibility of the surface of the neck and of the superior extremities, great dread of motion, would not walk, and screamed outright when her mother or any person proposed to lift her from one place to another, insisting all the while that she should be held in the lap. Face pale and anxious, white around the mouth, and generally expressive of suffering and uneasiness. Anorexia, slight thirst for warm drinks, and a hacking cough which she referred to irritation in the throat, and which was without expectoration, and apt to be greatly aggravated by exposure to the least breath of cold air. Tongue whitish taste insipid, bowels natural and urine normal in quantity and quality.

After running their course as aforesaid, these symptoms would gradually decline into an interim of three weeks more or less, to recur again with almost as much regularity as the paroxysm of an intermittent.

She had been variously treated, and for various infirmities. Her first physician diagnosed Worms, and prescribed accordingly, i.e. Anthelmintics ad nauseam for patient and parasite, but without the least benefit. The second thought the disorder sufficiently intermittent to call for anti-periodics and he gave Sulphate of Quinine and other drugs, but with the effect to augment rather than to relieve the symptoms. Two others had been equally unsuccessful.

On examination I found there existed a decided sensitiveness to pressure upon the spinous processes of the two inferior cervical and the superior dorsal vertebrae. Inquiring if she had ever fallen upon the part, her mother said she had, but that she was not sick at the time and had never suffered from it. She had fallen down a stairway when but three years of age, and this was my key to the Pathology of the case. I ordered a "batch" of simple, dry, uncarded cotton to be applied over the tender locality, and prescribed Hypericum Perf. 2 (dec.) to be given internally, once in three hours during the paroxysm. This plan had the effect of shortening the first paroxysm very considerably, and she never had another. In anticipation of its recurrence the remedy was for a time repeated daily; but it never came, and, after an interval of twelvemonths, I am happy to report that the child remains to all appearance entirely well.

My choice of the Hypericum in the above cases in preference to other remedies apparently better indicated, was based upon the idea that "Hypericum is to injuries of the Nervous, what Arnica is to those of the Muscular system." If, in the experience of others, this proposition be as satisfactorily confirmed, the fact is worth recording.

VIII. The Secretary called attention to the following extract from a letter from C. A. Jaeger, M D., of Elgin, III., as bearing upon the Special Therapeutics of Dysentery. "I have found this season that Mercurius Iodatus 3rd Trituration, is more active and better indicated in Dysenteries than the other Mercurial preparations. In seven cases nothing else was given, and the result was most successful. This remedy is particularly indicated in cases of frequent evacuations of green mucus, with but little or no blood. Even grass green evacuations have been arrested after twelve hours administration, but I have seen no effect whatever in case of a mere diarrhea with green stools. If much pain, colic-like, accompanied the attack, I gave a few pellets of Coloc. 3; but in the other cases gave nothing in alternation, or even as an "intercurrent." I have never witnessed such speedy and satisfactory results from any of the Mercurial preparations, and I hope you may be induced to try it so soon as an appropriate case offers.

IX. PERTUSSIS and its most appropriate remedies. Five adult cases reported. An inquiry being made if the members had found the usual remedies less efficacious than ordinary in the prevailing Pertussis,

Dr. Cooke had not. He had employed vaccination successfully in a few cases.

Dr. Small had witnessed the best effects from the Corallia.

Dr. Ludlam remarked two cases in which prompt relief had followed the use of the Mephitis Putorius. Cuprum had relieved others, and Atropine proved sometimes beneficial.

Dr. Seymour reported two well-marked examples of this disease in adults. Both had had it in childhood.

Dr. Shipman, I have had it twice myself.

The secretary reported two analogous cases occurring this year in his own practice.

Dr. Seymour. I have have had two cases of Measles this season occurring the second time,-the one patient aged five years, the other an adult, a lady in whom there was no mistaking the Special Diagnosis. To the former of these cases I was summoned in the night through fear of Scarlatina, but found it to be Rubeola.

X. Mercurius Vivus and Mercurius Corrosivus in the Diarrhea of young children Dr. Kellogg read brief notes of the following cases.

Aug. 6, 1858. Master W. A-, aged two and a half years, has been subject to diarrhea for a week or more. Discharges profuse, thin, yellowish-brown, fetid, at times involuntary, and attended with much rattling in the bowels. Thirst and emaciation. During the summer of :57 had a diarrhea similar in character which was treated Allopathically, but continued nearly unchecked until winter. His bowels now are moving as often as once in two hours. Prescribed China 1. and Mercurius Vivus 3. in alternation two hours apart, with very slight improvement during the following twenty-four hours, when Mercurius Corrosivus6. was given instead of Merc. Viv. In forty-eight hours the diarrhea was cured.

Oct. 1, '58. The child remains well and is more fleshy than ever in his life before I have had several similar cases cured by the same remedies.

XI. PHRENITIS; Allopathic Prognosis and Homoeopathic Practice By S. Seymour M. D.

Mr. A. W-, of this city called for me at 8 P. M., Sept. 15th 1858, to visit his wife, who ho said was worn out with care and anxiety, having had little or no rest for three weeks, on account of a sick child, a little boy twenty-two months old. On the way to his house he remarked that the child was still alive but that no hopes were entertained of his recovery; the attending Physician had given him up, and he supposed he could not live many hours longer.

After prescribing for the mother, I was requested to see the child and informed that the Family Physician (Allopathic) had been in attendance for about three weeks; the first few days assuring the parents the illness was so slight that the child would be all right very soon; but the prognosis proved deceptive. The illness daily assumed a more serious and alarming character, 'till it was pronounced a congestion or inflammation of the brain. The day on which I was called a consultation had been held, consisting of the attending and two other Physicians, the result of which was a very unfavorable prognosis, so much so as to deprive the parents of all hope of the recovery of their darling and only child, especially under the present mode of treatment. I hesitated on the principle of non-interference with other Physicians' patients in their absence, and suggested the propriety of first sending for the attending physician, but was assured it was unnecessary inasmuch as he had told them to do what they pleased and call for whom they pleased; and more than this, they had known him for years to be a most kind and considerate man; therefore it was finally dispensed with, with the understanding that he should be notified early the next morning of the change of Medical treatment.

On examining the child I found one of the most distressed little objects I ever saw,-a mere living skeleton covered with a shrivelled colorless skin,-all the flexor muscles and tendons of the body, (excepting the left arm-which was constantly in motion, sometimes passing in a circular manner on the left side of the head and face, and then picking and grasping at the bed-clothes and at vacancy,) were in a state of tonic spasm or rigidity, which could not be resisted without greatly aggravating the suffering already too painful to behold,- although the Doctor had declared the child unconscious of suffering. He was taking large doses of anodynes, oft-repeated, which instead of mitigating, only seemed to aggravate the suffering. Great dilatation of the pupils and considerable strabismus were present. Head hot, while other parts of the body were cold; constant nausea and retching; billious diarrhea; and sleeplessness, which had existed for a week or ten days past. The above were the most prominent features of the case. The afflicted parents most beseechingly requested me to give something to allay the suffering and procure sleep. Belladonna and Chamomilla in hourly alternation, and warm baths were prescribed.

16th, 5 A. M. Found the patient in a quiet sleep, having fallen asleep within an hour after the first dose of the Bell., and rested well all night. Bowels moved less frequently and character of the evacuations much improved. Same remedies continued, but less frequently repeated.

Dr. M-, called earlier than usual this morning, before he was notified of the change of treatment, and on being informed manifested much dissatisfaction, and to the surprise of the parents, much less amiability of temper than they expected. He said the child was no better, that the more comfortable night was notattributable to Homoeopathic remedies-they were deceived. he would be no better; he might live several days but they need not expect his ultimate recovery; the brain was too much affected to warrant any such prognosis, etc.

17th, 6. P. M. Has had a comfortable day and night, dilatation of the pupils less, strabismus about the same, stomach and bowels much better, rigidity of the muscles somewhat less, less picking at the bed-clothes, and left arm lying most of the time still across the chest. Belladonna and Cuprum alternately every third hour. Warm bath once a day.

18th. About the same. Same remedies continued.

19th. All the symptoms better. Cuprum every 4 hours.

20th, 8 A. M. Passed a very comfortable night, slept well, little or no rolling of the head on the pillow, slight dilatation of pupils, strabismus less and bowels natural.

21st. Invited my friend Dr. Ludlam to visit the patient with me, and found him decidedly improving. Having occasion to be absent from the city a few days, Dr. L. kindly consented to take charge of my patient.

Returning home on the 25th, I was much gratified to find the little boy doing well. Pretty much the same course of treatment had been pursued most satisfactorily. A little strabismus still remained, but the spasmodic rigidity had all disappeared, and but little medicine was required afterwards; now and then a dose of Coffea for sleeplessness, and Cina occasionally on account of worm symptoms, were administered, with happy effects.

For the last two weeks (now Nov. 6.) no medicine has been given, and nothing remains but the debility consequent upon his long sickness and the violent Allopathic treatment. In short the child is now "all right," as talkative, bright, cheerful and happy as need to be.

Although I do not view the case and its result as very extraordinary under Homoeopathic treatment, still it is by the parents and friends considered a miraculous cure, almost equal to a resurrection from the grave. I report the case merely to encourage the practice of presenting something from our clinical records at each meeting, expecting for myself to reap more than I shall sow.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 03, 1858, pages 134-137]

[Description: TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHICAGO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.]

[Author: ChicagoHMS]

[Year: 1858]

TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHICAGO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.

Compiled by R. LUDLAM, M. D., Secretary.

XII. Chronic Diarrhea. Case reported by DR. J. L. KELLOOG. Miss A. – aged 22, Sanguino-Nervous temperament, 3 years ago was well and weighed 148 lbs. At that period reverse of fortune made it necessary for her to make personal effort for her support. Great mortification and depression of spirits resulted, and following these, Diarrhea during three years as hereinafter described.

The affection was ushered in by griping pains in the bowels, soon followed by a discharge-rather slight, of pale color and streaked with blood. Took Homoeopathic remedies and was relieved of the intensity of her suffering in a few days, but from that time to this has scarcely had one evacuation of natural consistence. The discharges have been in number from one to four in twentyfour hours. During the first few weeks had to be up nights as well as days. In consistence the discharges vary from that of a porridge-like substance to that of mush; in color, from dark to a dirty yellow, sometimes tending to greenish. Every day has more or less griping pains before evacuations and at other times. Discharges are copious, sometimes half filling a common night-vessel Appetite- In the morning, no desire for food, constant desire for stimulants and the most stimulating condiments; at noon has a most ravenous appetite approaching a gnawing sensation at the stomach, which, for the time being, is relieved by a full meal. Usually about two hours after having eaten there is a return of uneasiness and distress in the bowels. Anger, anxiety, or grief, excite a motion of the bowels. Coffee invariably induces an evacuation. Active physical exercise seems to delay the evacuations. Moral Symptoms-Mind exceedingly irritable-excitable-desponding-hopeless as to her recovery. Menstrual habits slightly irregular. Form emaciate,-countenance pale and fallen. Extremities inclined to be cold-always so in autumn and winter.

Prescribed Aug. 1st., Lachesis 200, three drops. The first day had no discharge. The second day but one, with less pain and but little change in the character of the stool. The same remedy, but of different potencies down to the 8th, was subsequently repeated with indifferent success. During the month of August, Colocynth, .China, Gummi Gutti and Mercurius were administered with little benefit, except in a measure to relieve the pain.

Sept. 1st., Prescribed Merc. Sol. 3, in the morning, and Veratrum 3 at bedtime. Sept. 13th., Much improved-but one passage daily, nearly natural in consistence, color, and quantity. Has no pain-strength improved-cheerful, and confident of recovery.

Nov. 1., Continues regular. Improved in flesh, and in all respects considers herself cured.

XIV. Coffee Injections in Neuralgia of the Rectum. The Secretary reported the following: –

Mrs. U-, aet 30, three weeks after confinement, which was complicated only by a slight attack of Colitis with diarrhea, and which responded to the ordinary remedies, became excessively "nervous," anticipating the accident of a milkleg from which she once suffered in New York. This morbid condition of the nervous system was plainly referable to Spinal disorder mixed up with a drug cachexia, and the weather being stormy at the time, she experienced repeated attacks of an erratic Neuralgia. For chronic hemorrhoids, aggravated by her recent confinement, she had used a small enema containing ten drops of Hamamelis virg. 1, twice daily, with the most signal relief. Suddenly one evening, after a comfortable day, she was seized as follows: – There came on a "pricking, as of forty needles in the rectum," with "pressing down and burning;" a dragging in the coccyx and sacrum, which latter are too tender to lie upon. The pressing down in the rectum is increased by rolling upon the left side, but the pricking and burning are lessened thereby. The pain remits but is intolerable at short intervals. Bowels soluble-moved two hours since and without pain, except in the hemorrhoidal tumor. Is disposed to cough a little, which effort produces great aggravation of the suffering. Stranguary at intervals. She rolls about in agony, is excessively nervous, and cannot be composed, to sleep. She had been in this condition some hours when I saw her. When the symptoms first appeared, the nurse, supposing the trouble due to the hemorrhoids, had administered an extra enema of the Hamamelis. but with greatly increased aggravation of the suffering. The poor patient declared she could not live, nor did she desire to, if called to endure such pain another hour.

I gave her a table-spoonful of a strong Decoction of Coffee from the table, once in ten minutes, and an enema of the same article diluted, once in half an hour, to her entire relief. She soon became easy and comfortable and went to sleep. No other remedies were administered.

XV. DR. N. F. COOKE made a verbal report of an interesting case illustrative of the fact that a correct Diagnosis is essential to success in our practical Therapeutics.

The patient, Mr. C. – , a middle aged man, had been suffering for three years with Chronic Rheumatism which would occasionally put on an Acute type. He had experienced such severe pain that both his joints and limbs were distorted. The feet were very much deformed, the toes overlapping each other. For the past twelve-months he has been free from Acute attacks save in the feet. These latter were so painfully diseased that he could not walk. His face bore an expression of agony; his disposition, naturally jovial, was soured; and he said he "felt as though walking on needles at every step."

I prescribed various remedies for him,-Nitric Acid, Colchicum. etc., sometimes with apparent, but really without permanent relief. One evening, about two months since, when he was suffering and scolding even more than usual, I expressed a desire to look at his feet. At each bearing of the foot I found a great callosity,-four on one foot and five on the other. The treatment then became very obvious. Removed these deposits, and, to prevent their return, had him wear a cork sole so prepared as to relieve pressure, and from which he afterward experienced great relief and satisfaction. His natural expression of countenance returned, and he "feels like a colt," as he says. Several eminent medical gentlemen had previously treated him constitutionally for the same infirmity.

XVI. The Causes of Disease. Translated from the French of M. RASPAIL, by G. E. SHIPMAN, M. D. Prefacing this paper, of which we give only a brief abstract. Dr. S. says:

To the Medical philosopher especially, the causes of things have ever been matters of deep interest, and though the search after these causes has not always been successful it has been prosecuted with an ardor which gives promise of success, certain, though it may yet be future. It is the intention of this paper to present the results of the researches in this field of an original thinker of great erudition and unwearied industry. Many of his views are perhaps enthusiastic, but as the opinions of every man who thinks for himself are worthy of consideration, those of M. Raspail certainly deserve a hearing.

In the 1st Division of the subject, as laid down by the Author, we have Physical Causes. Chapter 1st gives us a sub-division of these into the Pneumatic, Dietetic or digestive, and Thermanic Causes of Disease. Chap. II. Causes which proceed by the decomposition of the liquids, and the disorganization of the tissues. These are divided into, a. those which act by the vehicle of the respiration, as acid emanations or exhalations, and basic emanations or exhalations; and b. disorganizing causes which act by the alimentary canal. Chap. III. Causes which proceed by solution of continuity. Of these the first category takes cognizance of Inert or not living causes; the second of Organized or living causes of disease. Dr. S. has selected and given us M. Raspail's views of the First Category embracing the Inert Causes of Disease.

425. I take as a point of departure the introduction into our tissues of a simple briar, a sort of smooth and curved cone drawn out at the ends into a sharp point. Let this brier be thrust into our skin like the coulter of a plough; the direction of this tearing body will be almost immediately indicated to the eye by a red furrow; and to the thought by a sensation of burning, a re-union of two characters, one visible, the other sensible, which by common consent is designated inflammation. As the cause is readily perceived, but little notice is in general taken of the effects; it is a simple case of disorganization readily comprehended by most men. The universal redness of the tissue evidently comes from the extravasation of the blood of the sub-epidermic capillaries, which employ themselves into this furrow by the orifice of their solutions of continuity; blood which undergoes hematiosis by becoming oxygenized in this tissue traumatically pulmonary. For every internal tissue imbibes and elaborates air, as do the lungs, and as Boon as it comes in immediate contact with the air itself, the venous blood is immediately changed into arterial. Hence augmentation of caloric; for we have here condensation of the oxygen of the air, absorption by a liquid and transformation by combination; a local fever; that is to say, alteration by interuption of the regularity of the circulation. At a trifling depth this case of disease cures itself; evaporation suffices for the dedication of the extravasated liquids. As nothing ferments while dry, there is no fear of purulent poisoning; the crust which forms, protects both the subjacent tissues and the vessels which may still be open whether from the inflammatory action of the air or the contagious infection of decomposition; it is a case similar to that of incisions made into a tree, which cure themselves by the transformation of the wounded inner-bark into a new protecting outer-bark.

In p. 426, our author supposes a case resulting from a wound produced by such a thorn or briar which has had its point dipped in some poison. Of this class are dissecting wounds etc., "where the contagion of death will infuse itself into the blood with all its train of most fearful symptoms. The slightest puncture may produce a fatal inoculation. * * * * * * 428. What kind of a disease is it in fact which announces itself almost without a precursory stage by vertigo, obscured vision, lipothymia, swooning, desire to vomit, a burning irregular fever, which in a few moments ascends to the brain; cramps in the extremities, palpitations and oppression at the centre; the nervous susceptibility everywhere aroused; then general prostration, delirium and in three days death? What name will be given to this entity if the cause is not suspected? Is it a cerebral fever, a neurosis, a putrid and typhoid fever, a sporadio case of typhus? The autopsy reveals nothing, and the too rapid march of the symptoms has left nowhere sufficiently deep traces. You then who have surprised the cause in the very act, do you open the deliberation without enlightening any one; and you will have opportunity to appreciate by this one case, the value of medical theories which have for their end to eliminate by the combinations of Symptoms, the unknown, which is the cause of the trouble. The domain of the imagination commences where that of observation ends; and the domain of the imagination is a desert of sand where one has no guide but the stars at night and the mirage by day. The fact and then illusion; the observation abruptly terminated, and then the hypothesis which follows it without connection or order-such is Medicine from the time of Medea, to our day.

429. However that may be, we have here a cause of disease which is simple and which falls quite within the reach of our senses. Let us change the place and we shall proceed, each time, to change the characteristic symptoms of the disease, and according to the nature of the organ which is their seat, we shall see the disease presenting itself as severe or light, curable or mortal.

430. Let some analogous sharp point penetrate deeper into the flesh of the arm or leg; from that moment the scratch will become a phlegmon, of an inflammatory character much more severe, as it will be protected with less care, and as the temperature will be more favorable to the progressing fermentation of the stagnant liquid. In fact the solution of continuity being more profound, and consequently the mass of blood whether venous or arterial, disgorged by the capillaries, being more considerable in this artificial cloaca, the decomposition of liquids will take place more rapidly and upon a larger scale; for the air, that principle of all fermentation, will penetrate there, through a larger orifice. Soon after, the movement of the muscles will displace the point in every direction, they will thus multiply the solutions of continuity and give so much more access to the external air. The inflammation will thus spread from space to space, an interval will be formed between the oxygenated and the unoxygenated blood, an obstacle to the regular circulation; and the abnormal products of this elaboration of a dead and inert liquid, being absorbed with all their most subtle properties, by the adjacent veins will soon carry fever with its consecutive disorders into the whole circulatory torrent, then death.

After remarking at considerable length, upon the liability of any organ or section in the regional anatomy of the body to such an accident, and that the consequent symptoms would go by different names as located variously, we have a catalogue of examples from several authors whose names or cases we need not enumerate. We may however copy one of the most authentic and interesting:

"M'lle Bronhan, Soubrette of the Theatre-Francais, complained, for many years, of pains which she experienced successively in various parts of the body -pains sometimes dull, at others acute, but always of a character difficult to explain. The pain finally became seated in the breast and produced there a growing tumor which led her to fear the formation of a cancer; her physician himself partaking of the same fear. M'lle B. decided to submit to an operation. The evening before the day fixed for the important act, she perceived in her breast a sharp point protruding, which finally perforated the epidermis and showed the point of a needle, which our actress lost no time in extracting, and from that time she was relieved of all the nosological train of her sufferings- her rheumatisms, her coxalgiae, her neuralgiae, and finally her cancer, all resided at the point of the needle, which traveled through her flesh, and bore from place to place an irritation which changed its name according to organs in which it was present-the needle was oxydized over a great extent."

434. "We have taken as a type, a sharp pointed substance, smooth upon its surface, and which to penetrate deeply must be urged by force from behind. But let us suppose a sharp pointed substance pursuing the course above indicated, itself covered more or less regularly with sharp projections extending towards its base; such are splinters of wood or bone, with irregular asperities which result from the fracture of an organized tissue either woody or bony; such are also the beards of the grasses and many other organs of those vegetables so common about us. The beard, or the splinter, once introduced into the skin, will be susceptible, simply by the play which the motions of the muscles impart to it, to penetrate from space to space, even to organs the most noble and the most necessary to life; to the liver, the heart, the spleen, the intestines, the genital organs, there to produce ravages which will change their name according to their seat, their extent and duration which multiply contacts and combinations in an incalculable progression."

Extending the argument by a practical illustration of the effects of these little "arrow headed substances" upon the respiratory surfaces, our author enquires, p. 436:

"What physician would divine the nature of these disorders if the patient should not reveal to him their accidental cause? None. After the revelation of the cause, each one would consider himself capable of it, and calling to his aid all the resources of the vocabulary, be will favor us impromptu with twenty symptoms which would have led him to diagnosticate the nature and the cause of the disease, and finally the differences which this accident presents from such a spontaneous disease from which it has taken the mask. * * * * "

437. "During the year 1824 there appeared near the environs of Pesth in Hungary an epizooty which raged chiefly among the flocks of sheep. The animal seemed all at once seized with an unusual restlessness; it leaped up frightened and as if pursued by some invisible demon, its fleece might be seen to shudder here and there and the pain seemed to be most acute upon the least aproach of the hand; the unquiet rams butted with their horns without objects and without anger. To such an extreme of agitation, there succeeded a state of apparent calmness; the animal languished, the eye became dull and dejected, the head hung low, the gait slow and painful, eating at first as much as usual nevertheless becoming rapidly emaciated. Then disgust followed, even in the richest pastures,-soon the disease assumed a grave character, sometimes cough, at others diarrhea, at others again a kind of ascites; a fever was always present – a slow and ataxic fever. The skin was covered with fetid ulcers; at other times it appeared healthy and in good condition, nevertheless at this very time the animal fell as if struck by apoplexy. An ill-omened sanies trickled frequently from the mouth and eyes; the animal laid down resigned to die, and if on the first appearance of the symptoms the animals were not immediately slaughtered, they soon became putrid and the owners were not sure of securing even the skin, devoured as it was in large patches by this devastating disease. Was it contagious? or an infection? In the stables they were not troubled, but they only needed to go to the infected pasture and they bore away the germ of the disease, which however, they did not communicate to others. Commissioners were appointed to visit the place to study this new disease; never were the precursors, the symptoms, the phases, the crises, classed and observed with more care and in a more exact manner; the reports scientifically drawn up occupied many sessions, and during the course of the discussion the disease took a multitude of different names; none analyzed it better than those who had never seen it; it was never better described than at a distance; it was thought that the admirable description of Virgil, more than one pecularity of which was recalled by this epizooty, was not forgotten by the philologists of the assembly. The disease then was very well studied; the limits of the centre of infection were topographically determined; the direction of the minds, the temperature, the range of the barometer were exactly set down every day.

But what was the cause of the disease? Must such rich pastures be abandoned in a country where such rich pastures were none too abundant; or was there rather a hope to purify them, to make them salubrious or less injurious for cultivation or pasturage? What were finally the means to employ?

438. An observing botanist put an end to these wise discussions and this disease "passed by a single work from the domain of Pathology to that of the Genera Plantarum. The entity of the contagion, the malignity of the epidemic influence, the archaeus of Van Helmont, the stimulus of Brown, the germ of the contagious virus, the inflammation of Stahl and Broussais, the spirit of evil, in fine, as the red skins called it, that mysterious cause of such ruin and so many ills, this unknown disease with so many titles, had nevertheless a name in our catalogues; it was inscribed there under the name of Stipapennata, a high grass of the sandy pastures. * * * * * * * *

439. Furthermore, men are not beyond the reach of such accidents, but they readily divine their nature and relieve themselves promptly. Desfontaines relates that nothing so incommodes the traveller to Africa, as these flowrets of the Stipapennata, which, insinuating themselves, into their garments, begin to bore and penetrate the flesh, occasioning the acutest pain. If man was not so organized, that in this case he could use his five fingers and his tongue, he would carry the dart without knowing its nature, and without ability to remove it, and would perish like the sheep under the wound of a straw. Sarragin relates that the quills of the porcupine once introduced into the flesh, work their way among the muscles, till they meet and penetrate one of the viscera, whence death ensues.

Omtiting the detail of cases quoted in support of these views, some of which are very reliable and interesting, we read again.

444. But if, in place of an entire spike or beard, we have to do with a broken one merely – a powder composed of its spiculae-from that moment the disease would preserve its place in the nosographic table, because the cause, reduced to dimensions too minute to be appreciated by the eye. will be discharged unnoticed and confounded with the substance of the pus. Whoever has endeavored to find in the living subject, or even in an autopsy, in the products of decomposition, the palpable traces of the mechanical cause? The Scapel cuts, lays open, cuts off, but never analyses; and how many things pass beneath its edges, carrying with them as rejected the solution of the riddle and the end of disputation?

445. Fix your thoughts now upon that which surrounds us; calculate how often, at certain seasons, deglutition or inspiration may receive from a breath of air, the pulverised debris of these harvests of the spikes of obscure grasses which line our roads, streets and alleys, and say, if many of our epidemics, so scientifically studied, may not have been in their essence or in their complication, the work of these little straws?

* * * * * * * * *

447. We have just studied some interesting cases of the introduction into the air passages of foreign bodies whoso very structure explains the regularity and uniformity of the morbid phenomena. The relative position of the larynx sufficiently demonstrates how it happens that these foreign bodies introduce themselves into the lungs rather than into the alimentary canal; these bodies which advance creeping must insinuate themselves into the first cavity which they meet in their course. But the alimentary canal, as one may readily presuppose, is not exempt from like accidents; it is evident indeed from the very nature of deglutition, that it is more frequently exposed than any other part.

Now, here again, when the foreign body is brought to view, it is but an accident hardly worth a mention; when it escapes observation (and what is it which does not escape observation, during the twenty-four hours which separate the visits of the physician-visits which last but a few minutes,) then the learned science seizes its rights and the disputation has full sway; the more obscure as it is more profound, it recedes from the light in its very effort to penetrate its subject.

448. Read all the cases which Science has registered of different foreign bodies introduced accidentally into internal organs; how laconic is the description, how simple the history, how meagre the symptoms detailed.

According to Ant. Benivenius, a woman of Tuscany swallowed a pin. Three years after she discharged it by the umbilicus without any consequent derangement of the health.

According to Valescus of Tarentum, a young girl in Venice passed in her urine a needle three inches long.

Monsieur de Rohan, says Ambrose Pare, had a fool named Guion who swallowed the end of a sharp sword three fingers long or thereabouts and twelve days after passed it per anum.

And all other descriptions are as brief as these – when the foreign body is of such dimensions that its presence admits of no doubt.

But when the foreign body is of such minute dimensions as to escape our sight, Oh! we shall then have a journal of observations from hour to hour, the better balanced by the worse, a succession of aggravations and ameliorations; and at the end of this interminable train of exact observations, comes the eternal refrain of Death and Autopsy with their endless disappointments.

449. Are there then no bodies, except those of a certain dimension, which may happen to introduce themselves into our organs? And has Nature fixed as a measure of these dimensions, the extent of our sight? It seems to me on the contrary that those cases of introduction should be the more frequent the more minute the foreign bodies are; for under this form they find fewer obstacles. Now why does not the analogy of the consecutive effects of the introduction of foreign bodies of a large size lead us to assign to the introduction of those of a small size the cause of phenomena entirely and proportionally similar?

For, finally, all this reasoning reduces itself to the following formula which carries its evidence with it: – A CERTAIN CAUSE HAVING PRODUCED A CERTAIN

EFFECT, A CERTAIN EFFECT SHOULD ALSO BE PRODUCED BY AN EQUAL CAUSE.

450. Hence, in making an application of this axiom, which I shall call a counter-proof, if it is certain that a foreign body introduced into the lungs induces there according to its dimensions and its exterior forms, one or the other of the numerous affections which we have registered in our catalogues under the name of catarrh, asthma, croup, peripneumonia, pleurisy, emphysema, empyema, phthisis, pulmonalis etc; why should not these affections always and in all cases be the effect of foreign bodies of dimensions less appreciable to our gross methods of observation?

451. A foreign body in the stomach induces there all the sufferings of gastritis; in the intestines all those of enteritis. Why should not gastritis and enteritis always be the effects of analogous foreign bodies?

452. The same of diseases of the heart; the same of diseases of the liver and of the spleen, icterus or intermittent fever:

453. The same of diseases of the vagina and uterus.

454. The same of diseases of the urinary passages and of calculi in the bladder, which the presence of a foreign body introduced in a visible manner and acting as a nucleus, too often produces. The mechanism of a stony formation being once recognized, does it not suffice to explain all other cases of a similar nature even when the dimensions of the nucleus are such as to elude our sense?

455. The same of rheumatic or arthritic pains, of nervous spasms. The introduction of a needle into one of our muscles is sufficient to determine, with the most acute pains, the loss of locomotion; why. in general, may not every loss of motion, coxalgia, paraplegia etc., arise from an analogous cause acting not hypothetically, but quite simply and in a mechanical manner, by dividing the muscular and nervous filaments which it meets in its passage, thus cutting off communication between the passive and the active organ, the contractile organ and the organ whose electrical influence induces contraction.

456. That these inductions should be stamped with falsity it would be necessary that Medicine should be a Science without any point of contact with all others, cast beyond the domain of actual nature, having separate laws, separate reasoning, separate truth, while the physician in treading upon the threshold of its sanctuary should resign his distinctive character as man, divest himself of his power to perceive and reason, to see and foresee, to observe and to judge; he should then empty from his cranium that cerebral organ in which thought is elaborated and reasoning completed. Has man in fact ever reasoned in Chemistry, in Physics, in Astronomy etc., with that incoherence and that duplicity of formulas which characterize medical reasoning?

457. Surrounded by dangers, in this world where everything is active as well as ourselves, let us well remember that it is to the smallest matters that we are most frequently the victims, for the very reason that it is against these we guard ourselves the least; these are spirits since they are invisible, but spirits which torture us after the manner of natural bodies.

If then it is certain and demonstrated that such a body acts by cutting the thread of everything which is soft, by opening the canal of everything which circulates, every time that I shall find these filaments severed, these canals emptied in this manner, I shall have the right to suspect the action of a foreign body analogous by its structure and its organization.

XVII. The Hamamelis Virg. in Intestinal Hemorrhage. The Secretary read, notes of the subjoined case communicated by L. PRATT, M. D., of Rock Creek,

III.

I was called inst March to visit the case referred to – a young man aet. 19. Some six months before the present sickness he had Intermittent Fever which was treated with Quinine. Had not enjoyed good health since that time-could endure ittle exercise-easily affected by changes of weather which frequently produced slight chills, and occasionally diarrhea-had a poor appetite and a feeling of general weakness most of the time. For two weeks before I saw him he appeared dull and inactive-had frequent chills and flushes of heat, was restless and slightly delirious at night. For three nights before the first visit he had had a watery diarrhea. Also he complained of pains in the back, limbs, and head. His tongue was coated with a dark yellow fur, with a portion through the centre almost black, very dry and cracked, pulse small and frequent, great prostration of strength, trembling of the hands und subsultus. Very little urine secreted, and that of a dark brandy color. Gurgling sound after or while drinking-sordes on the teeth, continued heat of the body with cold feet, intense thirst for cold water and internally feeling of heat in the bowels.

Prescribed Rhus tox. and Arsenicum alternately every three hours. The patient seemed to improve a little until the third day, when I was suddenly called to see him again in consequence of Hemorrhage from the bowels. The blood passed by the rectum amounted to at least two quarts before I saw him. He had stools of blood about once in fifteen minutes. Prescribed four drops of the Mother Tincture of Hamamelis virg. in a tumbler of water, a desert-spoon-full to be taken every ten minutes until the discharges were arrested for an hour-omit for an hour, then to take one more dose. Afterwards omit until a relapse occurred. I was not able to see the patient again until twenty-four hours later. Ordered the dose to be repeated immediately after each passage of blood. Found the next day that it had twice returned, but was at once arrested by a single dose each time.

This patient took for the week following Arsenicum 3 and China 12. alternately every three to six hours. Afterwards for three days took the Arsenicum at night only, for diarrhea, and a doge of China at 9 A. M. and 3 P. M. daily. Discharged, and has since enjoyed good health.

In the above case the blood discharged was of a dark grumous nature. The prompt suppression of these stools is one of the many proofs of the efficacy of Hamamelis in passive Hamorrhages. Its use is of course empirical, having been recommended by different authorities as of service in Hemoptysis and in Hematemesis.

In order to decide intelligently whether or not it is adapted to any given case with or without hemorrhage, we should know its pathogenesis more fully. It is probable we shall then learn that the cases where, its action has bee so marked are these where the totality of the symptoms corresponds with those of the remedy. And this knowledge can only come by a careful proving of the drug itself.

XVIII. HALE'S Medicated Glycerine as a Topical Application. DR. LUDLAM called the attention of the Members to the value of Glycerine a vehicle for our remedies when we desire to apply them locally. Adopting the suggestion of Dr. E. M. Hale, as set forth in the Nov. No. of THE AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW, he had employed it frequently and with the most satisfactory results. The following cases illustrate its use: –

a. A little infant of some three months became sorely affected with a form of Eczema-the E. Rubrum. Various extra-professional measures were resorted to to heal the surfaces which were irritated and excoriated by the constant exudation of a thin, acrid, serous fluid. But all these means failed. The case became a very bad one-next akin to the pustular, E. Impetiginoides. The eyes, ears, axillae, umbilicus and the folds of flesh in the neighborhood of the joints and of the nates, were all "raw" with the successive eruption of new vesicles and their extravasating liquid. A neighbor's child had died of the same disorder

Without fear of drying up an "Issue" in this case, I prescribed three pellets of Rhus Tox 8. to be given thrice daily, and ordered, through our excellent Pharmaceutists HALSEY & KING, the following preparation:

R. Tinct. Calendula 2. gtts xx.

Glycerine oz. 1-2

Apply locally to the diseased surfaces by means of a feather, morning and evening. This patient began immediately to improve and soon recovered.

The Calendula with the Rhus would undoubtedly have cured the case without the Glycerine, but it was a most happy and grateful vehicle to the former, and by its property of excluding the atmospheric air – a great desideratum in such instances, certainly contributed somewhat to the speedy relief which followed.

b. Mrs. S- had had for thirty years what is vulgarly denominated salt-rheum, affecting especially the skin about the joints of the fingers, and more or less the whole surface of the hands. Characteristically it was only observable and troublesome in the winter season. Urtica urens 2 employed as above directed, with the Glycerine, cured the disorder entirely, without creating any injurious consequences whatever. Glycerine alone is a good application for this vexatious" infirmity, but it can scarce be styled curative. In my practice the Urtica urens has acted like a specific, though I do not apprehend it would prove such in all cases. Conjoined with the Glycerine I consider it very valuable, and my experience is by no means confined to its use in the single example just cited.

In one case of Herpes-H. Proeputialis, I employed the Rhus toz. 2. with Glycerine, and with the same good result. The case was an aggravated one, but the above named preparation alone, soon effected a cure. I have not proscribed any remedy with the Glycerine of a lower potency than the second dec, for the reason that the results are quite as satisfactory thus far as any that I could expect from the Mother Tincture, as recommended by Dr. Hale. Examples might possibly occur in which the lower forms of a remedy would be indicated locally, as they sometimes appear to be constitutionally, but such are of course very rare.

In certain varieties of Erysipelas, medicated with Bell., Rhus tox, in the Crusta, Lactea-Impetigo Larvalis, with Calendula, or Viola tric; in the Tinea Captis-Porvigo Favosa, with Nitric; acid; in Infantile Dysentery, with Nux vomica,Aloes, or Angustura, as a soothing enema to subdue the tenesmus; in Acute Articular Rheumatism, with the Actaea racemosa, Bell, Rhus etc. in Hemorrhoids, with Hamamelis, etc, etc., we may find the Glycerine to be .one of the few successful and really valuable judantia within reach of the Profession.

XIX: Arsenic at a Hygienic Agent in Phthisis Pulmonalis.: Ds N.F. COOKE detailed some very interesting cases in which he had employed this, article in Phthisis with good results. He was first led to prescribe it thus in consequence of its reputed power to diminish the quantity of Oxygen required to work the machinery of the animal organism. A grand indication in the treatment of Phthisis is to lessen the labor of calorification. When the calorificient digestion is not performed properly, the general system of course, suffers, and, if the same. oxygenation of the tissues be required as before, the wear and tear is shown by emaciation, debility and general-disorder. The Cod Oliver Oil is an aid to this function, reaching, the same indication in Phthisis from exactly the opposite direction, but whether so. well or so effectually as the Arsenic, it doth not yet appear.

Dr. C. thought the latter exceedingly valuable in cases where from some cause the digestive and assimilative functions: are so discovered that the necessary nutriment is not supplied, and it .becomes absolutely imperative to relieve the respiratory apparatus of extra labor in supplying oxygen to the economy. Under these circumstances the Dr. is satisfied he has kept patients alive with the Arsenic for months, and in one case for nearly are years, who, otherwise, must have succumbed to the destroyer at a much earlier period. Eventually they die; but if by any such means we may prolong life to the society of friends and the like perquisites of existence, it becomes our duty to attempt it.

He gives a low trituration, at long intervals, and, excepting in one case, has not witnessed any constitutional symptoms worthy of note Taken in this manner it is not in the way of other remedies prescribed upon pathogenetic indications, any more than the Cod's Oil; and under proper regulations he believes may be continued indefinitely.

The Dr. has promised to elaborate his report, and we hope hereafter to to be able more fully and satisfactorily to present his views and experience in the direction indicated.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 04, 1859, pages 183-187, 231-235]

[Description: TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHICAGO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.]

[Author: ChicagoHMS]

[Year: 1859]

TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHICAGO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.

Compiled by R. LUDLAM, M. D., Secretary.

WITH the student of Homoeopathic Medical Literature, there is no want more keenly felt than such as might be abundantly supplied by a punctual and practical rendering of the Transactions of our various medical organizations. The tyro in medicine seeks for such information as among its classics; and the tried practitioner not less, that he may sift the sweets of a multiplied experience to corroborate his own, to his individual edification, and to the practical advantage of his patients.

As a slight contribution to this department of our literature, we propose to furnish a monthly abstract of the proceedings of, and of the papers read before, The Chicago Homoeopathic Medical Society, to be published in the succeeding issues of the REVIEW.

I. – The first paper claiming notice is from the pen of Dr. G. E. Shipman, being his report as a Special Committee upon the question "Are applications of cold or warm water preferable in Acute Hydrocephalus?" We copy :

"The story of a certain Prince of Wales and his query to the Royal Society is a good if not a true one; and I might find myself in the position of the Royal Society should I attempt to settle the question proposed to-night without establishing the truth that either cold or warm water is useful when externally applied in case of Acute Hydrocephalus. As for my own opinion, my experience in this disease, previous to the last meeting, has not been sufficient to enable me to decide positively that either cold or warm applications are decidedly useful, and since the same meeting I am still unable to satisfy myself upon the subject.

"The few writers whom I have been able to consult do not settle the question at all. TESTE denies the virtue of either cold or warm applications, while PULTE says that the water must be in a stream poured constantly upon the head for hours together. In the cases under Homoeopathic treatment, published prior to 1837, little or no mention is made of water by any of the writers. To come to more recent times, the only case which I remember to have seen, in which water was a prominent part of the treatment, was a case reported by Dr. FOOTE of Galesburg, III., and published in the North-Western Journal of Homoeopathy, vol. 4, p. 144. He used hot water, but this suggests another inquiry, What is hot and what is cold water? and this again another: What is the difference between very hot and very cold water? or, to be more exact, Wherein would the effect of water, at a temperature of 200° Fahrenheit, when applied to the skin, differ from that of water at a temperature of 30° below zero?" The sense of feeling would not discriminate between them-both would alike disorganize the tissues.

"Now, suppose we go down the scale from 200°, and up from 80° below zero; at what point will there be a difference perceptible by the sense of feeling or otherwise? * * * * *

"There is still another inquiry which is quite pertinent. Granting that water, either hot or cold, is useful in the treatment of Hydrocephalus-How does it act? By constringing the capillaries, and thus driving the blood from the surface? If so, How far can water drive the blood from the capillaries and where does it drive the blood to? Is it any better for the patient to have the blood where it is driven to than where it was driven from? Or, is water of use by promoting evaporation from the capillaries, and thus relieving them of their turgidity, and hence diminishing the pressure on the parts? But, if evaporation from the capillaries does take place, is it not the watery part of the blood which evaporates, leaving the residuum more dense than ever- hence the capillaries more clogged-hence the pressure on the parts greater than before?"

Dr. BOARDMAN thought cold water almost always useful in local inflammations. During the first stages he prefers the cold, but in subsequent ones sometimes uses warm applications.

Dr. SEYMOUR has, of late years, given the preference to warm water in Hydrocephalus-thinks it the most soothing.

Dr. SHIPMAN. – Hot water will constringe as well as cold.

Dr. BOARDMAN. – The secondary effect of warm water, as well as of cold, is to produce contraction of the capillaries.

Dr. SEYMOUR. – The benefit of water locally, warm or cold, must come from or by evaporation. With warm spongings, this process is greatly facilitated, and made to be a better means than the use of cold.

II. – ON DOSES-Posology.-From an Essay upon this subject, by Dr. H. PERABEAU, we extract the following item, as bearing upon the theory of the extreme dynamization of drugs :

"Let us look, for example, at the preparation of gunpowder.*[Vide Meyer's Artillery-Technik] Three Ingredients-sulphur, saltpetre and charcoal, are mixed during three hours. In that condition it has the power of throwing a ball to a distance. If mixed and rubbed during four hours, the power thereof is much greater; and, after five hours rubbing, still greater; but if it has been rubbed six hours, the powder has attained its highest degree of explosiveness, and is too dangerous to use for pieces of ordnance. But, from this point, upward, viz.: the seventh, eighth and ninth hourly preparation of gunpowder, its power diminishes in the same degree as it was augmented from the third hourly preparation upward.

The subjoined cases from the Dr.'s practice illustrate his views:

(a.) "A lady, suffering under the combined effects of Quinine and Intermittent Fever, lost her patience with the old-school system, and called in an old and experienced Homoeopathic physician, who treated her for several months with the infinitesimals, but with no good result. She finally sank so low that her life was despaired of, at which stage I was called in. I found her unable to sit up, with yellow complexion and no appetite; vomiting occurred every morning, and, when I saw her, she vomited large pieces of fried ham (her physician allowed her anything she liked to eat). Ipecac had been tried in small doses. I gave her at once drop-doses of the Mother Tincture of Ipecac. On the following day she had only a slight attack of vomiting, and on the next no such thing occurred. I now prescribed a generous diet, and, in about two weeks more, she was able to take short walks out of doors. In consideration of her symptoms and of the quantity of Quinine formerly taken, was I not justified in employing larger doses where the smaller ones had entirely failed?

(b.) Another case occurred, in a person afflicted with Neuralgia facialis and tooth-ache; brought on by cold. Before coming to me, he consulted several Allopathic physicians, who blistered him, dosed him. etc. He, however, grew rapidly worse, and finally sought my advice. I let him smell the Tincture of Chamomilla vulgaris, on the afflicted side, and, in about a minute, he felt relieved. Another inhalation entirely cured him from his trouble, which had lasted about a week, and was very troublesome and severe. I had found Cham., in similar cases of tooth-ache, aggravated by cold wind or weather, always quickly beneficial. Would an olfaction of the decillionth of this remedy have the same result as of the tincture?

III. – DYSPEPSIA. Case reported by Dr. F. A. SUMNER:

Mr. O. B-, aet. 48, with light blue eyes, red hair, spare, wiry frame and nervous temperament, has been the subject of one of the multifarious forms of Dyspepsia for more than two years, and incapable of pursuing his business for that length of time. He is a shoe-maker by trade; never worked much on the bench; was generally employed in cutting and superintending in his establishment.

Symptoms, April 15, 1857. – Appetite good; light brown and yellow coat on the tongue, which is moist, nasty, sometimes with bitter taste in the morning. Tenderness on pressure at cardiac end of the stomach, extending quite down under the short ribs on the left side in the direction of the colon. Bowels habitually costive and as habitually moved by what he supposes to be Vegetable Cathartic pills, followed invariably, the second day after, by headache. Stools dark-colored, dry and hard. Slight, dull, dragging, heavy pain at times in right hypochondrium. Hypochondriasis. Skin dry and cold-especially of hands and feet. Pulse 72, rather languid but in other respects normal.

Treatment. -Prescribed Nux Vomica 6 every other night, to be followed by Sul. 6 the following morning. He is to take such exercise in the open air as his strength and the weather will permit. Dry friction to the trunk and extremities for five minutes every morning, while the weather continues cool, and to substitute lukewarm or cold sponge-bathing with brisk rubbing when the weather becomes sufficiently warm to make the change.

April 20. No change. Patient is fearful his bowels will grow up. Gave Cham. 6 every other night.

April 29. Better, Nux vom. and Sulph. continued with Opium 6.

May 4. Medicine discontinued until the 10th. Tongue heavily-coated. Yellow at the roots, pale at the edges, moist throughout, with bitter taste.

May 15th. Bowels not acting satisfactorily; three globules Sulph. were prescribed every other morning.

One week after (31st), from an error in diet-probably eating a few bits of fresh pork; fatty rising ensued. Pulsatilla met the emergency.

June 9th. All medicine suspended, and half a pint of cold water recommended night and morning.

18th. Symptoms aggravated since the 14th-probably in consequence of error in diet; eructations; sinking and tenderness at pit of the stomach, extending to the left hypochondrium. Resume Sulph. 6.

23d. Bowels torpid, from a cold probably. One globule of Bryonia 6 every other morning brought them into a soluble state, and relieved the remaining abdominal disturbance.

29th. Improving. Lycopodium 6 every forty-eight hours.

July 11th. Patient complains of more headache recently-such as formerly followed his Allopathic cathartics-than for two-and-a-half months, or even since the Homoeopathic treatment was commenced. Same medicine.

18th. Patient has violent headache, accompanied with pains in the back and limbs, slight chills and feverishness. Pulse but little accelerated. A dose of Aconite 6 repeated in three hours, entirely relieved him.

Sunday, Aug. 2. Patient attacked with one of his old-fashioned headaches (Hemicrania) accompanied with diarrhea, such as he has not had for nearly three years.

Sunday 9th. Headache after eating fat ham. Sepia 3 repeated in four hours. Headache subsided. Diarrhea, six or eight discharges, followed through the day, and also subsided.

Aug. 20th. Looks bright, and is apparently quite well. Is afraid of cold water externally and internally, although he has worn quite faithfully, since the weather became warm, a swathe of crash (two thicknesses), wet around the bowels and chest. Bowels, bladder, and, in short, all the abdominal organs are getting into quite a normal condition.

29th. Less free in the bowels for the past week, in consequence of using more flour bread and less fresh vegetables and fruit for several weeks past. Ordered coarser bread, less meat and more vegetable diet. Nux vom. 6 every other night soon restored the functions of the stomach and bowels to a better state than for many years.

The patient tells me he has not gone through a week for fifteen or twenty years without taking Calomel, Rhubarb, or Vegetable Cathartic Pills, until the adoption of the Homoeopathic treatment. Nux vom. has appeared to effect more than any other remedy in this very obstinate case.

May, 1858. From the last date, Aug. 29th, 1857, this patient has been improving; for the most part without medicine; but with care in regard to regimen and exercise, until his weight has increased fifteen pounds above that of the last three years, while his strength, countenance and spirits are of course much improved.

IV. – Endemic Neuralgia. Reported by Dr. LUDLAM.

J. E. A-, merchant, act. 36, of sanguino-bilious temperament, sent for me at 5 A. M. on Jan. 25th, 1858. Found him suffering from an attack of Gastralgia supervening upon perfect health and accompanied by nausea with occasional vomiting. An excruciating pain in the Scrobiculis Cordis, twisting, wrenching, "as if the parts were in a vice," shooting occasionally into the abdomen. No constitutional disturbance; nothing to complain of save the severity of the pains. No chill, neither fever. Prescribed Nux vom 2; once in half an hour, until the paroxysm subsides. Cloths dipped in warm water to be repeatedly applied over the pain. 4 P. M.; saw my patient again; is perfectly easy and comfortable since 11 A. M; has a good appetite; desires hearty food. Continued same prescription with intervals of two hours. Ordered toast or crackers and tea but proscribed an animal diet.

Jan. 26th, second day. Messenger came for me at the same early hour. Mr. A- slept well until three this A. M., when he awoke with the same characteristic pain in his bowels. This paroxysm he describes as intermitting somewhat, the severest pain being located in and below the left hypogastrium. Has vomited but once; had two stools and feels much inclined to a repetition thereof; no thirst, headache, or fever; reports having had facial neuralgia badly five years since in the city of Boston. With that he lost his hearing upon the left side; feels very weak now, and is quite unnerved by the severity of the pain. Prescribed Veratrum alb. 2 and Colocynth 2, in alternation half-hourly, and substituted cold water compresses for the warm ones of yesterday. 4 P. M. An entire intermission; no apparent disease whatever; no more vomiting, neither diarrhea, since my former visit. Paroxysm Subsided at 10 A. M. Continued Verat. and Coloc. with longer intervals.

Jan. 27th, third day, 9 A. M; patient suffering again; slept well until 1 A. M., when he was awakened by a severe pain running from the old to a new locality. It is now seated in the left lumbar region, evidently involving the kidney on that side. He says it has become circumscribed to a spot the size of a silver dollar, and from this it follows the ureter by fits and starts, so as to occasion the most intense suffering. No retraction of the testicle. The right kidney is not affected. Passes wind too readily – when the pains come, it runs away incontinently almost. Left hypogastrium but slightly sore, while the epigastrium shows no remnant of the original attack. Pain now of shooting and spasmodic nature with occasional intervals of a few minutes. Ordered Belladonna 3 and Cantharis 3 in half-hourly alternation; warm water compresses over the seat of the pain, and enjoined perfect rest and quiet. 4 P. M. Paroxysm subsided as before; reports that, just previous to entire relief, he experienced one or two slight turns of strangury. Complains of a slight soreness, referable, doubtless, to the use of a voluntary sinapism by the nurse more than to any after or inflammatory symptoms remaining. Continue same prescription; to drink freely of a cold infusion of slippery-elm bark.

Jan. 38th, fourth day, 9 A. M; slept soundly and felt almost well on rising at 7, but, half an hour subsequently the pain returned. Is growing somewhat nervous from want of appetite since yesterday morning and the severity of the paroxysms. No thirst or other febrile symptoms; bowels costive; back pains him more than yesterday; pains run down into the testicle, and this organ if slightly retracted. Gave Nux vom. 2, until the afternoon.

4 P. M., Dr. S. SEYMOUR called with me; patient but recently grown easy of the pain; sitting up and feeling more of an appetite; grew comfortable at 11 A.M., but the pain returned at 1, continuing until 2 4-5 P. M; gave him Mercurius solub. 2 and Cantharis 2, alternating hourly during the paroxysm and every two hours in the interval. Continue the infusion of slippery elm.

Jan. 29th, fifth day, 10 A. M; Mr. A- had a quiet evening and a good night; slept well; no pain, a good appetite, feels like going down to his store. Dismissed.

V. – The Secretary read notes of the following case communicated by P. L. HATCH, M. D., of Minneapolis, Minn.:

"A robust-looking man, 22 years of age, with light hair, blue eyes, fair skin, rotund in every lineament, quick-spoken, athletic in movement, and apparently of excellent habits, a tradesman by occupation, came seventy miles to be treated for "fits, "which had made their first appearance a fortnight previous, in paroxysms occurring daily at a uniform hour, forewarning him of their approach by a sense of weakness and desire to sleep, which preceded the attack about fifteen minutes. The paroxysm began with instantaneous loss of consciousness, clonic spasms, emprosthotonos, subsultus, violent yet fruitless efforts to regain a standing position; head hot; superficial vessels injected with dark blood; frothing at the mouth, and the most ludicrous grimaces during the momentary relaxations, as if there were a very disagreeable taste in the mouth; entire inability to swallow, except at the moment of the relaxation, when he would gulp down a quart of water at five or six swallows, with swinish voracity; respiration rapid, each attended with a groan or noise expressive of intense suffering; profuse perspiration; abnormal viscera in "knots" seemingly the size of a cocoa-nut, as felt with the hand through the parietes. No evacuation of wind or faces during the paroxysm, which lasted, the first time I saw him, about two hours. Gave no medicine. Paroxysm had a decade of about one-fourth its period of duration, and left him in a quiet sleep which lasted one hour, when he arose, feeling "quite well," except a alight sense of weakness and fatigue. Paroxysms are double-quotidian for the last five days, with eight hours' intermission; appetite good.

The second day I gave him Bell. 2 every ten minutes when the paroxysm came on: paroxysm one hour and a quarter, about the same in severity. During the interval gave Nux vom. 12.

Third day same; paroxysm only three-quarters of an hour, and considerably lighter in the morning; had none in the afternoon, only a slight sleepiness at the usual hour.

Fourth day; gave Bell. 12 in same manner, with more decided effects. Paroxysm very slight in the morning, and that was the last.

Gave him Nux vom. 12 at long intervals for three or four days and dismissed him; after which I saw him daily for several months, he manifesting no further indications of the disease.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 86-90]

[Description: TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHICAGO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.]

[Author: ChicagoHMS]

[Year: 1858]

TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHICAGO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.

Compiled by R. LUDLAM, M. D., Secretary.

XXIV. Hemorrhage as a sequel to Scarlatina.-In lieu of the regular Essay, DR. LUDLAM read notes of the following case: –

Willie S. – , aet four years, was to all appearance convalescent from an attack of Scarlatina Maligna; the worst remaining features of his case being a general debility, typhoid in character, with a tumor on the left side of the neck involving both the tonsil and the sub-maxillary glands of that side and their more immediate neighborhood. This tumor was very large, of rather slow growth, and did not form until subsequent to the suppuration and discharge of pus from the tonsils into the throat, internally. For reasons which will readily occur to the Members, I did not lance the abscess, but kept it soft and warm with emmollients. On the tenth day from the date of the eruption, this latter having had its usual course and disappeared without any untoward symptoms, it discharged spontaneously, a large quantity of pus and then of serum, escaping from the orifice. This orifice, from occupying a fold of skin along the surface, became a very large one, running in the direction of the pomum Adami. The serum secreted was very acrid in nature, and the slough, which had commenced forming before the bursting of the abscess, gave to the edges of the sore a red or livid hue. The erysipelatous complication of which Dr. Gregory speaks, was not present in this case.

Three nights after the spontaneous discharge recorded, I was hurriedly called to this patient, and who, the messenger said, was bleeding to death, and would not in all probability, live until my arrival. I found him bathed in blood from head to foot. The coagulae, from bright arterial blood, were numerous, but not of firm consistence. The hemorrhage had ceased before I came, in consequence of coagula about the orifice. The father had wakened from a sound sleep, the first he had enjoyed for a fortnight, and found the child's clothes covered with blood, the little fellow quite unconscious, the blood spouting with every pulsation from the wound in the neck, breathing stertorously, and exhibiting no particular signs of pain or uneasiness. Being an intelligent German, and happy in expediency, he had seized hold of a piece of schwamm- the inner coating of an old wine-cask, bound it over the wound and thus arrested the hemorrhage.

Excessive prostration followed, and the desquamation then going on, was accompanied by extreme debility, from which the patient never rallied. Six hours after the first hemorrhage he had a second, but less frightful and copious one. Then followed vomiting of a dark matter, looking greatly like venous blood; frequent stools of a similar character; the urine contained the same in solution; while from the ears and the nose there oozed almost constantly a dark-colored and fetid discharge, composed principally of the same elements.

At this stage a marked peculiarity exhibited itself: – the whole surface of the body successively, looked as though the eruptive stage had again set in; and, to the eye of one unacquainted with the fact that this had already been experienced, appearances would certainly have indicated the date of the legitimate, primitive eruption. In about ten hours more, however, there was a pretty general extravasation of blood beneath the cuticle, and every symptom of Purpura Hemorrhagica was presented, which state continued so long as the little patient lived. Death occurred about forth-eight hours subsequent to the first outbreak of the hemorrhage. His mind was clear to the last, and he drank enormous quantities of water almost greedily, and with much the same result as patients sometimes do when ill with the Asiatic Cholera.

The remedies administered against the exigencies of the case, were Arsenicum, Nitric Acid, and Carbonate of Ammonia, each of which were employed in either the second trituration or attenuation; while the hamamelis virg. was applied locally to the more immediate seat of hemorrhage. Beside these, he was allowed to drink large quantities of water acidulated with the juice of sour oranges; and ordered a nourishing diet of mutton soup, etc. But Medical treatment was necessarily of very slight avail, and I am led to record the case simply on account of its being an infrequent one; and also as showing the terrible effects of this particular poison in breaking down and dissolving the crasis of the blood.

XXV. Neuralgia.-Case reported by DR. D. A. COLTON.

Feb. 3d, 1858. I was called some sixty miles into the country to see Mrs. K., a woman aged 45, the mother of ten children, of nervo-bilious temperament, good form and active life. Inherited a good constitution and, with the exception of occasional slight rheumatic attacks, she had enjoyed good health until six years since, when she was troubled with faintness at the stomach which was succeeded by paroxysms of severe pain. At first these paroxysms lasted but a few minutes, and occurred once in three or four weeks, during some four of the colder months of the year, but latterly they had increased in frequency, occurring sometimes every twenty-four hours, and lasting from one to three hours. Pain, commencing at the stomach would soon extend round the right side to the back, and finally over the whole chest and a portion of the abdomen. The pain was of a pressing character, so severe as to nearly stop the breath, and caused so much tenderness over the region of the stomach as to forbid the touch. Neither could she lie down, but had to walk the house, or stand leaning against something. The paroxysms had generally been relieved by vomiting, and she had been in the habit of taking Ipecacuanha to hasten its recurrence. The ejected matters were the watery contents of the stomach, with an occasional mixture of bile. Had never suffered from eating anything except buckwheat cakes. Usually had a good appetite, but latterly, having dieted on Graham bread, toast, etc., to the exclusion of meats, a disgust for food was felt. Never had headache-between paroxysms, pulse normal.

Prescribed a mixed diet, such as to suit the appetite, also Arsenicum 2., alternately with Belladonna 3. at intervals of four hours. Nux vomica 3. one night only.

Feb. 7. Received report by mail that patient had a severe paroxysm the 4th, but none on the 5th; perspired freely the night of the 5th. The color of urine when first voided, like brandy; after standing for two hours, red like blood. Skin slightly yellow.

Feb. 8th. Mailed her Ars. 2., and Puls. 3.; the former to be taken the middle of the A. M., and middle of P. M.; the latter morning and night.

On the 10th, learning the paroxysms had been severe the last two days, the skin, white of the eyes and urine quite yellow, I mailed Bell. 3., and Ars. 2., to be taken alternately at intervals of three hours during the day, and Nux vomica. at night.

For the week ending the 17th there had been no occurrence of a paroxysm. Continued Ars. three times a day, and Sulph. 6 at bed-time.

March 1st Patient had but one paroxysm since previous writing; wanted strength, experienced no inconvenience from food, except it were taken when tired from over-exertion. Prescription, Verat-alb. 3. three times a day; Nux vomica 3. at night.

5th. Received note stating recurrence of old form of paroxysms. Returned to Ars. 2., and Bell. 3., with marked benefit.

Patient continued comfortable, attending to her household affairs until the fall, when the paroxysms returned, but with subdued intensity. For these Ars. 2., Bell. 3., and Arnica 3. were administered with gratifying results. Three or four other remedies than those named were administered from time to time, but from none did there appear to be so prompt and lasting benefit as from the last three remedies. The case was clearly Neuralgic supervening upon a rheumatic diathesis, and to be treated with reference to its periodicity.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 10, 1859, pages 471-473]

[Description: TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHICAGO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.]

[Author: ChicagoHMS]

[Year: 1859]

TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHICAGO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.

Compiled by R. LUDLAM, M. D., Secretary.

XX. Compression of the brain. DR. G. E. SHIPMAN presented notes of this case, which read as follows:

Dee. 24th, '58., I was called about 4 P. M., to see Mrs. P-, a lady about 62 years of age, who had been suffering for 27 years or thereabouts, with frequently recurring attacks of pain in the stomach-cramp-like pain, attended with vomiting, and passing off in two or three days. These attacks had been much lighter for the past month. Some six or seven years ago, when living in Maine, her stomach was relieved, but she suffered from some affection of the brain for five months, which was finally cured by taking Croton Oil which reproduced the trouble in the stomach.

At the time above noted she was talking with the family, apparently in as good health as ever, but suddenly ceased conversing in the midst of a sentence. Her daughter looking up in a moment saw her left cheek reddened and the left eye blood-shot, and soon observed that the old lady was totally unconscious- could neither see nor speak. She was got upon the sofa directly, some slight convulsions of the jaw ensued, and soon after she vomited up her dinner, which had not been more hearty than usual. I saw her within thirty minutes of the attack: she was then lying on her back quite unconscious, breathing stertorous, face flushed and swollen, pupils insensible and somewhat dilated, pulse a little quickened but soft and regular; a spoon was still between her teeth to prevent her biting her tongue. I was misled by the account given me, and thought I had a case of temporary congestion of the brain, from over-eating or some other cause, and gave her at first strong Coffee every few moments, then Camphor and water; but after watching her for several hours and enquiring more particularly into the case, I concluded it to be a more serious one. She was put upon Bell, and Opium. In the morning she was about the same, but shewed slight and doubtful signs of consciousness, breathing was more regular and without stertor, with occasional flashes of febrile excitement, pulse 120, respiration about 30.

This stats of things continued with but little change for three or four days and nights, during which time the remedies used were mainly Bell, and Opium with Aconite occasionally. Her lingering so long without growing apparently worse, led her friends and myself to cherish a hope that something might yet be done. Drs. Small and Boardman were called in about the third day. Sinapisms between the shoulders and upon the legs were tried, injections containing Croton Oil, and finally Croton Oil by the mouth three drops every six hours, but without avail. During the last thirty-six hours of her life her pulse and respiration became gradually more rapid, but the pulse did not become any weaker until Wednesday P. M. – the fifth day. Her respiration at this time was 42-44, and the pulse about 180 to 140. She gradually sunk away and died at nine P. M.

Post-Mortem Appearances. -Twenty-four hours after death we examined the body. The right side of the brain seemed healthy although the meningeal vessels were distended, as were also those distributed through the substances of the brain, as shown by minute red spots wherever a section of the brain was made. In the left hemisphere a clot was found as large at a hen's egg distending and lacerating the ventricle. There was evident congestion of the vessels of the spinal cord as the blood continued to discharge from them as long as the bead was allowed to hang down.

The stomach was also examined. The integuments of the abdomen were well provided with fat, there being a layer of nearly half an inch in thickness. The stomach was smaller than natural and showed signs of inflammation of a sub-acute character; some softening of the villous coat was also observed.

I should have stated before, that the right aide was partially paralysed, toward the close perhaps entirely so, while the left side was by turns quite sensitive.

XXI. DR. S. SEYMOUR made a verbal report of a case analogous to the foregoing.

A lady had been for many years subject to an excruciating headache, with a boring, digging pain in the left side of the head. The paroxysms became frequent, and would then subside for a week or so. This ran on for five or six years. For the last two or three weeks of her life, however, it was almost continuous. Finally she experienced a paralysis of the left side, and some time after died. Post-Mortem examination revealed a projection of bone, about the centre of the left parietal bone, of the size of half a hen's egg, though a little more conical in shape. The brain, save in the immediate neighborhood, was perfectly healthy; the external conformation of the skull quite natural. We never could discover, nor could she recollect that she had ever sustained an injury from a blow or anything of that sort. Both the lesion and the hemiplegia were upon the left side. At her death this patient was fifty years of age. Being an allopathist at that time, I administered the various anodynes, but these at last lost their effect, and I could really do nothing for her. It was of course quite impossible to make out a correct diagnosis ante mortem.

XXII. Specifics. By J. L. KELLOGG, M. D.

In considering the subject of Specifics I shall at the outset admit the existence and potency of some general laws, as expansion by heat, attraction of gravitation, etc., in general physics; and of the law represented by "Similia Similibus Curantur," pertaining as generally to the medicinal action of drugs -indicating the specific remedy for disease as the plummet indicates the direction toward the centre of the earth, or the compass the position of the poles. These great principles of Nature exert a modifying influence upon all bodies, but are in themselves inadequate to produce or elucidate the innumerable forms of being and phenomena of Nature by which we are surrounded. To attempt the solution of the problem of the universe solely by the agency of these general principles, I think will be found quite irrational as we proceed.

This tendency to generalization in Medicine, has led men quite eminent in the profession to teach the dogma that, to successfully combat "all diseases which flesh is heir to," the physician requires only Calomel Opium, Antimony and the lancet-directed in their use by what are termed the "general principles of Medicine." To combat in some degree this heroic and baneful error, which pervades the mind of the profession to an unwarrantable extent, I offer for your reflection the following considerations:

When we attempt from the point of causation to conceive the origin and mode of existence of the beings and substances by which we are surrounded, the mind can only save itself from chaotic stultification by assuming the existence and energy of Specific forces. The truth of this assumption is clearly demonstrated when we start from the opposite end of the series and proceed analytically from effect to cause.

Let us look for a moment at the globe we inhabit. The law of attraction of cohesion holds its primitive particles in close proximity, and thus are formed the central nuclei of all substances. Add to this the law of gravitation, and the lesser bodies are merged in the greater, and retained in situ. This, being a general law, extends its potency to distant planets and systems, and the knowledge of it becomes a golden key by which are unlocked many of the stupendous mysteries of the Universe. In penetrating the globe, we find formations and depositions arranged in definite order, always holding specific relations to each other, insomuch that, certain formations being given an adept in Geology, other formations may be described by him, and their relative ositions indicated. In chemical combinations the same evidence of a specific law is found to exist. Atom unites with atom according to a definite law of its nature. And in obedience to these laws of combination, all mineral compounds exist-from the scintillating diamond which sparkles and glows a thing of light, to the dull clay which we thoughtlessly trample beneath our feet. It has been ascertained by Chemistry, even in its present imperfect state of development, that all substances which make up the sum of the world may be reduced to a catalogue of about sixty in number. From these simples are produced, by specific laws peculiar to each, this wondrous world of diverse forms and almost infinite qualities.

Keep the mind fixed upon the astonishing and fundamental fact, that all we behold of physical existence is the result of various combinations of (in round numbers) some half a hundred simple substances, and we will proceed to glance cursorily at some few of the facts pertaining to vegetable existence. Imagine, with me, these half hundred simples to be contained in one grand reservoir, awaiting the mandate of Specific law, and note the wondrous issues and the bearings they have upon the question under consideration. By virtue of a specific force contained within its germ, the Aloe draws or develops from these original elements the intensest bitter. From the same source the Sugar cane, by the law of its existence, elaborates its saccharine qualities. Also from the same source springs forth the majestic oak-at whose base we behold in wondrous contrast the tiniest shrub. By what reason but Specific law can we account for the vast difference existing between the magnitude of their proportions and the qualities of their composition?

Let us pass to the consideration of some illustrations of this law afforded by the floral kingdom. What human mind could have conceived the varieties which Nature presents to our view! In form, how unique and graceful; in color, how distinct and brilliant in some varieties, in others how exquisitely shaded and blended are their magnificent hues, and in others still how distinctly diversified! And most wonderful of all, how definitely true is each to the specific law of its organization. Side by side stand the thistle and the rose-the nasturtion and the sweet-pea-thh honeysuckle and the trumpet-flower- by proximity frequently intertwining their blossoms, but still, in obedience to the specific law of their existence, each maintaining with the integrity of truth, its own individuality.

These remarks apply to fruits as well as to flowers. Everywhere among them also, we shall find the evidence of a specific law, no less distinctly manifest-definite, unvarying forms, characteristic colors, diversified odors and flavors, with each variety so distinct as to be readily described, and so invariable in its individuality as not to be mistaken for another. But for the existence of such specific laws, applied to the products of the Vegetable kingdom, the beautiful Science of Botany could not be known or studied. * * * * * Next we have an application of the argument to the forms and features of animal existence. The Dr. says: –

And here, notwithstanding the perfect distinctness of varieties, both in the Vegetable and Animal kingdoms, still the two approach each other so gradually that it is as difficult for the senses to determine the exact confines of each, as for the eye to determine at the close of the day the precise moment when light ceases and darkness obtains dominion over the fading beauties of the evening landscape. But, be it the sponge or any other substance that forms the wondrous link, one thing is certain-it yields distinct obedience to the law of its nature, by that law becoming definitely the creature it is, drawing in accordance therewith from the common reservoir of simples the covering or habitation of its essential force, and through the medium of that external covering, manifesting to our senses the outlines of its character. Once entered upon the domain of the animal kingdom, our attention is as distinctly challenged to specific modes of existence as when surveying the vegetable forms of life. For a moment go back into the dim distance of the earliest era of animal life-pierce through the crusts of the globe until you descend to the fossil remains of its pioneers, and you will find, from the stellar-formed being upward, evidence of the action of undeviating specific forces, moulding from the reservoir of original simples each in accordance with its peculiar lair, a saurin or a shell-fish, and these so various yet so distinct, as to form the basis of many of the Natural Sciences. In short, everywhere, in every species of vegetable and animal, are found these distinctive marks of Specific law. By them the comparative anatomist will tell you by a single bone from what animal it came. And these qualities are so definite that should we carefully note them, the individuals of any species might be identified. The shepherd learns to know the individual members of his flock and will recognize an estray coming into, or lost from his fold; the dog will select from the common highway the peculiar quality retained in his master's track and reach him by this means alone, though every other indication of the course he had taken be blotted out. Ornithology presents us with some most pleasing illustrations of these laws, but we may not pause to quote them. Let it suffice then, so far as the general consideration of the subject is concerned, to remark that without the existence of such laws, there would and could be no science of Natural History, since the history of these invariable specific qualities forms the sum total of the ponderous volumes which make up that department of literature

We pass therefore to the consideration of specific forces as they exist in man, for the cure of whose maladies our profession was instituted. The most palpable object which meets our senses is his body, which like all other tangible things, is composed from the half hundred original simples drawn together by internal specific forces. These occult forces by virtue of their specific powers, each forming their peculiar organs, and appropriating to each organ its specific function; these grouped and brought into harmonious action by a force peculiar to the ganglionic system of nerves, constitute this vast assemblage of forces, this being which we denominate man.

Osteology with all its detail of processes, foramina and articulations, distinctly reveals the operation of specific law, by whose power the proper elementary particles were arranged in the bony frame-work with such definite regard to the purposes they were designed to subserve. About and within this skeleton are arranged the various organs of the economy, by whose specific actions the functions of the organism are performed. Every organ has its function: – the Brain, or portions it, to elaborate or manifest thought: – the nerves of animal life to communicate intelligence from the external world to this secluded seat of mind, and thence returning to convey to subordinate organs the mandates of the imperial will. Through these avenues of communication, each organ of sense becomes informer to the grand sensorium of what exists and transpires, within the laws of its limitations, in the universe without Thus the organs of the sense of sight convey to the mind a large amount of knowledge within certain boundaries and under certain conditions. But beyond its scope in all directions lie immense fields glowing with wonders, and which, unaided, it cannot explore. Immense magnitudes it cannot compass, minute substances though teeming with life and beauty and perfection of organization, or hideous and ferocious in their forms and instincts, become cognizable only when the subtle energies of the brain have placed between this organ and these minute objects the wonder-moving microscope. Great velocity-intense light-deep darkness-very close proximity or great remoteness, with many other circumstances define limits of its power. * * * * * * *

The sense of hearing has an organ also for its specific purpose; and so of all the special senses. Their functions are definite, specific, comprehensive, and yet subject to limitation So it is with the whole digestive and assimilative apparatus, whose function as a unit, is to change foreign and crude substances into its own vitalized organism, to build up and repair its physical structure and to maintain its perfect integrity. The whole physiology of life is a commentary on Specific law. * * * * * * * *

Let us now consider that condition of the organism which our profession is more appropriately related-its pathological condition. Having seen that each organ is peculiar in structure and definite in function, performing its operation through the action of stimulants proper to itself, is it not reasonable to suppose that disturbing causes would be such as have a peculiar relation and natural determination of such organ? Leaving out of account for a moment the action of the Sympathetic system of nerves, I think we can arrive at no other conclusion than that each organ must become diseased by itself, though it may be synchronously with other organs, by some force having definite relations to each organ so disturbed. If now we link these various organs together by means of the ganglionic nerves, it must be apparent that general disturbance must ensue throughout the organism as inevitably as harmony was established through the same agency,while each organ maintained the integrity of its individual action. It is admitted that some general causes as sudden and great changes of temperature, may disturb to a greater or less degree every organ of the economy. But it may well be doubted if these general influences are sufficient to establish a pathological condition of the organism while each organ is left free from the action of disturbing forces having direct relation to such organ. The harmonious antagonism of the different organs will be found sufficient to establish an equilibrium or health, unless as in case of excessive cold, or intense heat, or excessive electrical changes, the powers which resist death are blotted out.

Wherever, therefore, we find permanent and continued indisposition, we should seek the cause of that indisposition in some disturbing force, having a definite relation to one or more of the constitutional organs of the system; or in those semi-organic rudiments, the fluids, which must be recognized as such in passing from simple alimentary substances into the tissues of the various organs themselves. There is no instant in which we can conceive them changed from the one to the other condition. That these fluids may be specifically diseased originally there can be but little doubt. Miasms of various kinds reach them through the organs of respiration; and still more directly affect them by inoculation. And here, as elsewhere, we find specific causes producing definite results. * * * * * * * * * * *

The common opinion has been that cases of disease were general agencies acting upon the organism, and that the varieties observed in diseases were the results of accidental conditions existing in different individuals subjected to these general influences-producing in one person Croup, in another Cholera Morbus etc. Indeed it is more than suspected that for centuries the Small Pox itself was considered a disease resulting from general causes-and to be treated upon general principles.

No physician who has practiced his profession long and observingly can have failed to notice that diseases are generally gregarious. If we have one case of Membraneous Croup, we soon have, or hear of, others in the same vicinity. At one time every exposure to cold is followed by an Influenza, and during these periods many will have the Influenza who are confident they have not been exposed to any chill. Again, sore-throats prevail; or dysentery, acute or chronic; or at irregular intervals Typhus fever sweeps over the country a general pestilence, while again, years may transpire without a single case of it; or Intermittents, Yellow fever, Scarlatina, Pertussis, Erysipelas, etc., etc. Some of these diseases are known to be the result of a specific force, as we are able to produce them at will. Others are admitted to be the result of specific miasma, though we are wholly unable to detect the presence of the virus in the atmosphere, and only become conscious of its existence by the diseases which follow in its train – as intermittents, cholera, yellow fever, etc.

From these facts we learn that all diseases, whose causes are definitely known are the results of Specific forces acting upon the organism in accordance with the laws of their own existence,.producing morbid impressions peculiar to themselves. Is it not hence more reasonable to infer that those diseases of whose causes we are not informed are also the result of specific forces peculiar to each, (?) than to suppose, in opposition to the general course of Nature, that they result from accidental and incongruous agencies?

The erroneousness of a position is many times best illustrated by the absurdity of its results. Let us enquire into the results which have followed from the assumption of general causes of disease, and general principles, as they are termed, in the application of remedies to their cure. The central root of this mode of reasoning in pathology-seems to start from the seminal idea of the ancients, that all disease was a vague something of general diffusion in crude condition pervading the system which must by some means be concocted or cooked and then expelled by a natural crisis or some medicinal evacuant.

From the days of Hippocrates, with slight alterations, the profession has been engaged by general laws in cocting these morbific agents, and afterward by irritants exciting the various emunctory organs of the body, hoping by these discharges to purge the system of its impurities. But, say these early philosophers, it may happen that coction could not be effected, or only imperfectly. In such cases we must again recur to our general principles, and excite the general forces of the system Hill either the patient dies, or we are enabled to expel the morbific matter. In view of the history of Medicine and its results, we find among the most experienced and erudite of the profession, individuals who unhesitatingly declare that Medicine as thus practiced, has cursed as many as it has cured. Indeed statistics prove the expectant plan more successful than the enlightened generalizations of those who are treading with conservative zeal and unvarying "regularity" in the faintly expressed footsteps of their "illustrious predecessors." * * * * * *

These positions are well taken by Dr. K., and sustained by ample illustration of the published opinions of some of the most eminent names in the profession-Bichat, Broussais, Bouillaud, M. Louis and others. We may not quote them at length, but append the application.

Such being the result of the observations and experiments of the most gifted and learned of the profession, can any unbiased mind of common capacity fail to perceive that it were better for mankind to "throw physic to the dogs," and leave Nature's recuperative powers unmolested to re-establish harmony among its disturbed organs? Or, in view of these disastrous results flowing from the attempt to follow as an established principle, the mere hypothesis that disease and remedies are general and not specific in their nature and action- does it not seem that nothing else than blind routinism, or over-weening self-conceit could lead one farther to pursue this ignus fatuus of the brain along the blood-stained paths so fruitlessly trodden through many centuries, by men whose discernment we well may envy, and whose eminence we can never hope to attain? In vain has the alchemist sought a law by which to transmute the baser metals into gold-the mechanic to construct a machine capable of self-sustaining, perpetual motion; and the physician to discover a general law of Therapeutics, applicable alike to all tissues and localities, operating simultaneously upon all organs, however various in structure or diseased in function. The reason of failure is the same in each case. All are alike attempting to force Nature to abandon the Creator's laws and yield herself to the control of the vagaries of a disordered imagination. If it be true that specific laws produce each organ and control its function, and that specific causes produce derangements of the various functions, does it not become self-evident that specific remedies, having natural relations to the organs affected, must be the appropriate means of restoring normal action?

A system of Medicine, to be in harmony with what we know of the nature of things, must be specific in its operations; and the fact that we are yet incapable of discerning the causes and fine distinctions existing in the aberrant action called disease-or of discerning the nicer pathogenetic action of remedies does not absolve us from the duty to seek on-much less does it annihilate the existence of an eternal principle of Nature.

Let us pursue this subject a little farther, as illustrated by Allopathic writings In their Materia Medica we find a partial acknowledgement of the special specific action and determination of medicines, in the arrangement of drugs into classes, as Emetics, Cathartics, Tonics. Diuretics, Alteratives, etc. This principle is further admitted in the sub-divisions of each class, theoretically and still more practically made, when all judicious practitioners point out Antimony as the Emetic for one case, Ipecac., for a different one, or for others Sulphate of Zinc or Mustard Seed.

Some Cathartics are said to act specifically upon the exhalents, as hydragogues; some upon the liver and the salivary glands, and some upon the rectum. And so on through all the classes of the Materia Medica. The distinctions certainly point to the specific determinations and actions of these remedies.

In that class of remedies termed Alteratives we shall find included by the practice of the profession (if not so stated in the books) nearly all the articles included in the Materia Medica. These remedies are defined to be "those medicines which are given with a view to re-establish the healthy functions of the Animal economy, without producing any sensible evacuation." In this class upon what hypothesis, except that of specific action, can an intelligent physician select his remedies for administration? What would lead him to prefer Ipecac., to Antimony in Dyspepsia; for Piles, Sulphur instead of Gamboge; or for affections of the liver, Mercury rather than Magnesia? In short, is it not apparent that while stoutly decrying the specific use of medicines, yet the great difference in skill exhibited among physicians, results mainly from the different degrees of knowledge they possess respectively of the various local determinations and peculiar actions of medicines?

If we consult that portion of our medical Journals devoted to "Practical Medicine" we shall find but little said of General Principles. The great mass of their contents will be found to be made up of accounts of particular remedies which have proven successful in particular cases.*[Vide Braithwaite's Retrospect, or Ranking's Half Yearly Abstract, etc]

Further on the Dr. remarks:

I can construe the use of the multiplicity of remedies, each successful in one case, and each futile in others, into nothing less than incontestible evidence that diseases of the same nosological class may and do depend upon distinct specific causes, and require for their cure different remedies having specific relations to each. And I must consider this department of the Allopathic literature as nothing more nor less than a catalogue of specific remedies discovered by accident or experiment, authoritatively published by the Journals, and "regularly" and empirically practiced by the profession.

Admitting the doctrine of Specifics to be established, I am aware that it presents before the profession an extensive and intricate, labyrinthine way to be traversed. But we should not be discouraged in our investigations by the seeming impossibility of their successful issue. * * * * One fact should inspire us with courage and hope-that ideas are immortal, that though our bodies die, our truthful thoughts are indestructible and cumulative, that succeeding minds will take up the investigation and start from the result of our life-long researches. * * * * * * * * *

In view of the achievements already made in the collateral Sciences, who will be so brave a coward as to talk of the impossibility of success in the direction which we point? I am aware that Medicine is not ranked among the Exact Sciences. The same, and with equal propriety, might have been affirmed of Astronomy when its professors were Astrologers. But such assertions in either case have no effect upon the Natural laws pertaining to these subjects. Whenever the laws of Nature have been comprehended, their action has been found to be specific and unchanging, and doubtless will be found equally so in Medicine. Indeed any other view would remand one subject of Creative wisdom back to the original abyss of chaos.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06-07, 1859, pages 279-283, 327-329]

[Description: TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHICAGO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.]

[Author: ChicagoHMS]

[Year: 1859]

BROKEN BREAST.

By Mercy B. Jackson, M. D., Boston, Mass.

Having read with interest DR. Wesselhoeft's article on Diseases during Lactation, I was surprised to find him saying: "But it has often appeared to me that treating a patient for an individual case of broken breast has many features in common with the treatment of a patient suffering from periodical convulsions, the least benefit can be afforded during the attack; more might perhaps be done previously or subsequently by proper homoeopathic medicines." Also, that "the majority of cases, particularly in scrofulous patients, have terminated in suppuration, many without indicating any effect from the remedies."

My own experience, in twenty-four years of practice, has differed so widely from this, that I am at a loss how to account for such a statement from so skilful a physician. During my early practice cases often came under my care, which had been attended by allopathic physicians, and poulticed until the suffering had become so intolerable that anything that promised relief was hailed with joy, and the universal result was that the patient was delighted with the change, and the relief experienced by the substitution of a few spoonfuls of water, medicated with the little pellets, for the disagreeable poultice and increasing pain up to the period of opening the abscess which, under the homoeopathic treatment, could be left to nature, thereby preventing the injury to milk vessels that arises from the use of the lancet. The sufferings were so much lessened by the medicine that the patient willingly awaited nature's process.

I have never seen a case of inflammation in the mammae that I thought called for Aconite. Perhaps Aconite might be useful at the first moment of disturbance in the system, but the physician is not called until the trouble is located in the breast, and then it is too late for benefit from Aconite, and valuable time is lost in using it. It will lower the circulation, but the local trouble will go on increasing, and if the doctor sees his patient but once a day, by the time he returns, all possibility of preventing suppuration may have passed, whereas had he commenced with Bryonia, if the breast was only hard and painful, without redness, or Belladonna if with, by the time of his next visit, if the nurse has faithfully done her duty, and kept the milk as much as possible out of the breast, the doctor may find his further services unneeded.

If in consequence of the scrofulous character of the patient, or the neglect of the nurse, the inflammation still goes on, the pain and enlargement may be kept in check, and oftentimes very greatly lessened – in some cases almost wholly removed – during the formation of the abscess, and the milk preserved by the action of the medicine, whereas the milk is generally lost in the breast affected or in both, if nothing but poultices are used.

After Bryonia and Belladonna have each done all they will, Phosphorus is generally all the medicine needed, unless Hepar sulph. may be, if the other medicines do not keep down the pain, or when rapid closing of the abscess does not follow the discharge of pus.

In a few cases, Mercurius sol. has appeared to hasten the opening and relieve the pain in the breast. In the cases when Merc. sol. did good there was profuse perspiration or other symptoms for Mercurius.

I should think that nineteen out of twenty cases which I have seen, had been dissipated by the above course without suppuration, and I do not remember a case where the discharge charge continued more than a week, generally not more than two or three days.

In my opinion, the use of Aconite in the early stages of inflamed breast renders suppuration inevitable, by the loss of time, and its depressing influence on the economy, as is the case in threatened typhoid fever; it is almost sure to develop the fever, although it seems for a few hours to make the patient more comfortable, whereas Bryonia used at first might have prevented its development.

The great sympathy I feel for my sex in their peculiar sufferings, must be my apology for presuming to lay before the readers of the Review my own views on this matter, without wishing to detract in the slightest degree from the value of others' opinions on this interesting subject.

I will here remark that I have always used the thirtieth potency, about five pellets to half a tumblerful of water, one teaspoonful every two hours.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 06, 1865, pages 226-228]

[Description: Broken Breast.]

[Author: Jackson, M.B.]

[Year: 1865]

MECHANICAL MEANS IN MISPLACEMENTS OF THE UTERUS.

By Mercy B. Jackson, M. D., Boston, Mass.

Homoeopathy has limited the domain of surgery almost wholly to mechanical injuries and, in its onward progress, will still more confine it to those cases. It will be readily granted that mechanical means should not be used in the treatment of uterine diseases if medicine alone is sufficient for its speedy and permanent cure.

From our earliest knowledge of mechanical appliances in the cure of prolapsus and other misplacements of the uterus, we were shocked at the idea of introducing a foreign substance to be worn by those suffering from such diseases who are rendered extremely nervous and sensitive by the disease itself, and consequently less able to endure the added irritation of a foreign substance in parts so sensitive and so poorly defended by the delicate membrane that covers them, from the irritation necessarily produced by its presence.

While suffering from prolapsus some fifteen years ago, the distress being very severe, on account of having walked some distance after it occurred, I put five pellets Sepia^30 into half a tumbler full of soft water, and took one teaspoonful. Lying on the back, with knees elevated, and the soles of the feet resting on the bed, in less than ten minutes felt the uterus returning to its place, precisely as if a hand had been placed under it and gradually raised it to its normal place, except that the hand was not felt.

So remarkable was the sensation, that I at once believed that mechanical means were unnecessary to restore the uterus to its place. The repetition of Sepia as above, every two hours, enabled me to rise the next day without pain, and, remaining most of the time in a sitting or recumbent posture during twenty-four hours, I was able to resume my usual avocations. Afterwards, when suffering from partial prolapsus, the administration of Sepia in the same way and potency, removed all suffering, and in a few months entirely restored my health which had suffered for nearly two years from this cause, and no return of the kind has since afflicted me.

Being satisfied from the sensations experienced, that the Modus operandi of the Sepia was by causing contractions in the abdominal muscles and the ligaments that support the uterus, to bring not only the uterus but surrounding parts into their normal position and sustain them there, the effect must be more permanent than any mechanical support, and the probability much greater, of a permanent cure.

This result following in my own case, confirmed my faith in the power of Sepia to absolutely cure prolapsus, where the symptoms correspond to its pathogenesis.

In reflecting upon the wonderful effect of Sepia on this affection, I reasoned, that if Sepia could reduce prolapsus, it might also remove other misplacements, such as anteversion and even retroversion. I therefore resolved to try its effect in the first case that came under my care, and for the next ten years used it successfully in many cases of prolapsus and slight misplacements of the uterus, and do not remember to have failed in curing any case, although some other remedies were used in some of these cares.

In 1858, I was called to see an unmarried woman of thirty years, who had been ill for three years, and had never got much relief from any medical advice she had received. Found her general health much impaired, her nerves weakened, with constant pain in the back and pelvic region, with extremely painful menstruation, her spirits depressed, and herself convinced that no one had understood her case, and fearing that there could be no cure for her. In my examination of the case, I learned from her, that three years previous, while assisting her father to lift some heavy article, she had felt something give way, and, had become sick immediately, had kept her bed for some time after but got little help from any medicine, and had slowly recovered so as to partially resume her labors, but had never been well since, nor ceased to suffer in the back and lower part of the abdomen.

On making the necessary examination, found the uterus retroverted, the os uteri pressed high up against the os pubis, the fundus low down in the hollow of the sacrum. The slightest attempt to replace the organ, gave such severe pain as to make me desist immediately, and after two futile attempts, I decided to try Sepia"G, and see her again in a few days. Then found her feeling better, but she said that each repetition of the medicine gave pain from the inguinal region to the pubis, "a kind of drawing pain." I ordered a continuance of the Sepia, and saw her again about a week after my first examination. To my great joy, found the cervix uteri had descended an inch or more and the fundus correspondingly ascended. I can hardly express the delight felt at this discovery, believing from that moment that the idea so long cherished would be fully realized, and that my patient would be really cured, when the uterus had regained its normal position, and 1 did not doubt that the means, that had so well begun the work, would complete it.

I need only add that the first menstruation after the treatment commenced, was accomplished with comparatively little suffering, and that as the cure progressed, the suffering ceased. The cure went steadily on, and at the third examination, the position was normal, and although the patient was obliged to rise several times each night to wait on an aged grandmother, and did not relax from her usual duties about the house, she had no relapse. Some two years after, I rode five miles to ascertain if she still remained well, and found that she had steadily gained in health and had no return of the disease.

It is proper to state that during the treatment of the case I gave three doses of Calc. carb.30 about one week apart, but as I did not record the reasons for giving the Calc. carb. I have now forgotten them. What influence the Calc. carb. had in the cure of this case cannot now be known, but my own impression was, at the time, that it was quite secondary to Sepia. But whether the Calcarea or the Sepia cured it the argument is equally strong for the use of medicines alone in the treatment of misplacements of the uterus.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 07, 1864, pages 320-323]

[Description: Mechanical Means in Misplacements of The Uterus.]

[Remedies: Sepia, Calcarea carbonica]

[Author: Jackson, M.B.]

[Year: 1864]

PULSATILLA IN MAL-PRESENTATION.

BY MERCY B JACKSON, M. D., BOSTON, MASS.

In May, 1862, I was engaged to attend Mrs. T, in her eighth pregnancy. She is a small delicate woman of highly nervous temperament, had puerperal convulsions during her last two confinements, and suffered since with severe congestion of the head and neuralgia. Called on her the 15th of May and, as is my practice, listened for the beating of the fetal heart; did not find it in the right or left iliac region, but found it beating strongly about two ches above and to the left of the umbilicus. On further examination found the back of the fetus to the mother's back, the small parts in front. On examination per vaginam, could scarcely reach the fetus, but from the little that could be touched believed it to be one of the nates. Was now satisfied that it was a breech presentation and felt the most intense anxiety, believing that convulsions would come on during travail if the child was born by the breech. The pains from which she was suffering when I called, soon disappeared under the administration of a few spoonfuls of Pulsatilla 30, five pellets' in half a glass full of water.

I returned home intensely anxious on account of her tendency to convulsions, and made arrangements to call in a surgeon to take the child with forceps, it necessary to prevent them. Was called again on the 20th of May, and found her with quite severe periodical pains, but on examination found the os uteri undilated and the fetal heart still beating in the same place. Gave Pulsatilla as before, the pains left her and we all slept till morning. This time I could mark the point of one of the nates so as to assure myself of the part.

In the meantime had searched many books to see if any light could be gained that might avert the dreaded convulsions. On page fifty-one of "Croserio's Homoeopathic Obstetrics," found that Dr. Bethman had given Pulsatilla to a woman in whom he found a shoulder presentation, before the membranes were ruptured, and in some minutes after she had experienced a violent pain with a sensation of overturning in the abdomen, and on second examination was agreeably surprised to find the head presenting. Dr. Croserio also believed he had obtained a similar result, by the same means, in one instance.

A new hope took possession of my mind, I thought it even probable that the position might be changed and the danger of convulsions removed.

I prepared a solution of five pellets, thirtieth, in half a tumblerful of water, one spoonful to be taken every three hours when awake. This was continued until the 23d, when she felt a great commotion in the abdomen, with pain and necessity to go to stool, and after a short time felt better and more natural than for a long time previous.

The next day was called. Arrived at eleven, a.m., found her far advanced in labor, and on examination to my great joy found the head coming down rapidly, and in thirty minutes a fine boy, weighing eight pounds, was born. Both mother and child did remarkably well.

Delighted with the success of this case, I determined to try Pulsatilla in every-case where mal-presentation was found, and also to ascertain the position of the fetus in all cases, possible, before the water sack was ruptured in order to save my patients unnecessary suffering. In September, 1862, another case of breech presentation was found, when Pulsatilla was used in the same way and similar result obtained.

This still further confirmed me in its use, and in May, 1863, another case of breech presentation occurred in my practice which was treated in the same way and with the same result. In August, 1863, another case, in a primipara, to whom I administered Pulsatilla as before and with similar result.

Mrs. P., who was delivered in September, 1862, informed me that she had had four children before, all born by the breech. Her child was still born, although no interposition was needed nor was the cord round the neck, and the travail was rapid and favorable in every respect. She thought the fetus died the day before when she had an ill turn. In her case there was disease of the uterus, and she had had two miscarriages preceding this. I think she has cancerous disease of the uterus.

It is worthy of remark that in all these cases the travail was delayed from eight to twelve days beyond the expected time, and in the last case the delay induced the examination, as the lady was perfectly regular in her menses and could not, I thought, have miscalculated. She being young and sensitive I had not made an examination before in deference to her delicacy, and presuming all was right; but as she had now passed the exacted time, ten days, I called to examine, and when the position v. as found, gave Pulsatilla and in twenty-four hours was called and found the head presenting. All these labors were shorter than had been usual with those who had had children before:

On the 20th of October, 1863, I attended the fifth case in which a breech presentation had been ascertained in the same manner as before, and Pulsatilla administered a few days previous and had the happiness to attain the same result. The child was born after a labor of three hours, vertex presentation, second position, all the others in the final position.

It is worthy of remark that the case above mentioned are all the cases of mal-position that have occurred in my practice since my first use of Pulsatilla to change the fetal position, and in ail it has been successful.

Hoping to call the attention of Obstetricians to the great value of Pulsatilla in mal-presentations, as well as in nearly all the sufferings incident to pregnancy and labor and thereby avoiding much suffering, I have given my experience in its use, and hope that others may be induced to make similar trial of it, and by publishing their cases perhaps confirm the profession in its use in similar cases. Although all the cases above named were breech presentations, I believe that Pulsatilla would be equally successful, in other mal-positions, still more unfavorable, and requiring manual interference to make delivery possible.

I would here remark that Pulsatilla^30, five pellets in half a tumblerful of water, one teaspoonful given every three hours, was the means used by me. Whether other dilutions would be equally successful I am unable to say, having never tried them.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1864, pages 505-508]

[Description: Pulsatilla in Malpresentation.]

[Remedies: Pulsatilla]

[Author: Jackson, M.B.]

[Year: 1864]

COLLECTION OF CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS

and Studies of the Materia Medica,

BY DR. G. H. G. JAHR.

(Translated from the Journal de la Societe Gallicane,)

BY E. E. MARCY, M, D., NEW YORK.

GENERAL REMARKS: – The clinical observations which we propose to publish in successive numbers of this REVIEW, and which will be, for the most part, extracts from German publications, are designed chiefly as studies of the therapeutic character of medicines, as well as a collection of clinical facts derived from French practitioners. But in order that our readers may understand the arrangement of these facts, with reference to the study of characteristic symptoms, we find it necessary to precede these studies by a few general remarks which have already appeared, in part, in our last work on the practice of homoeopathy, but which require a little more explanation.

As a general rule, there is nothing more erroneous than to suppose that we can comprehend the therapeutic character of drugs, by a presentation of clinical facts. In the first place, those facts which, by chance, have been published, do not form perhaps the thousandth part of the cases which homoeopathic physicians treat every day, without publishing them; consequently, if we had all of them before our eyes, the conclusions which would result from them respecting the curative sphere of a medicine would perhaps be quite different from those which are now obtained from the study of facts we already possess. The true character of medicines cannot then be obtained except from pathogenetic symptoms derived from pure experimentation. But clinical observation may serve to complete and elucidate these studies. But in order to accomplish this last point, it is necessary that they should be arranged with discernment and a knowledge of cases, that is to say, we should not retain all of the symptoms which furnish these facts, but confine ourselves exclusively to those which are in a condition to furnish indications. It is in this way that beginners usually commit a grave error, in supposing that, above all, they ought to collect the symptoms which have constituted the principal malady of the clinical cases given ; that is to say the pathognomonic symptoms, and to eliminate from them carefully those which appear to be purely accidental or accessory. But in order to arrive at the truth an opposite course must be pursued, For, indeed, all pathognomonic symptoms are necessary symptoms, in all cases which appertain to a malady of the same name, and they ought consequently to be found in the most diverse cases of this same disease, for if the phenomena of medicines are unknown, we shall miss their most valuable indication in all special cases of this same malady. To know the particular circumstances which causes one medicine rather than another to cure a given case, it is necessary to seek it, not in those invariable symptoms which occur in all cases of the same malady, but, on the contrary, in these accidental symptoms which may be joined to a case, and without which the disease would change its name. Besides this, nothing is more uncertain than the pathognomonic symptoms of clinical cases, because that all ought necessarily to disappear together, when the principal lesion upon which they depend is cured; for it would be very wrong to insert them among the curative effects of a medicine, if the pathogenetic study of their substance has not already revealed them as actually appertaining to the sphere of action of the drug. This is even so much the more important, as it is not sure to see a malady cured by means of a medicine whose pathogenesis does not contain in a striking manner, any pathognomonic symptom, but whose characteristic symptoms respond in a most marked manner to the accidental .symptoms of a given case. The same thing obtains in other cases where a medicine whose pathogenesis contains positively all of the pathognomonic symptoms of the disease in name, but does not produce any good effect, in consequence of the single fact that it does not possess at the same time the characteristic symptoms or indicators which distinguish the given case as a special one.

In order to profit by a knowledge of the true therapeutic character of medicines, the study of clinical cases ought to be undertaken in such a manner as to combine, in each case, symptoms which are particularly indicators; that is to say, accessory symptoms which, in diseases the most diverse relative to their name,might indicate the efficacious and salutory use of this medicine.

Made from this point of view, this study, absolutely inadmissible as it is, when it comprehends only pathognomonic symptoms, becomes not only more useful, but actually indispensable, in throwing a more vivid light upon the character of pathogenetic effects, especially when facts of the most diverse nature combine to confirm the salutary influence of a medicine as such or such accessory symptoms always characterize a given case. This rule is so general, that all symptoms confirmed in this manner, may be boldly regarded as perfectly equivalent to the pathogenetic symptoms, even when these experimentations have not yet demonstrated any simile. The same rule holds good up to a certain point, with all morbid symptoms which disappear in a manner isolated under the influence of a medicine, and while the principal malady is not materially ameliorated: as, for example, vomiting which, in consequence of a dose of Ipecacuanha, alone ceases in a case of cholera; as the rapid pulse and the intense febrile heat which alone disappear after a dose of Aconite, in the treatment of an inflammatory disease, and so on. All symptoms thus cured may be included in the symptomatology as equivalent to the pathogenetic symptoms, even when they have not yet been observed as such, provided only that we take the precaution to distinguish them, by some sign, from the latter. Hahnemann in his treatise on Chronic Diseases [Chronic Maladies in orig. text] has included some of these, among other symptoms, at the end of the preface upon medicines called antipsorics, and which have been very erroneously confounded with characteristic symptoms. This contusion, which still exists in many writings, is so much the more deplorable, as Hahnemann himself has, in the most formal manner, protested against everything which tends to contribute to it. Already, in the last edition of his Organon, he says positively that it is not necessary to regard those clinical symptoms, collected by him, as indicators (or characteristic symptoms) for the choice of the medicine, because that they are only signs ah usu in morbis, incapable of furnishing any definite indication: and, in the second edition of his Chronic Diseases, page 150 of the German edition, he reverts to the subject as follows: We translate.

"This shameful indolence, in a work which requires so much accuracy, is often applicable to pretended homoeopathists who only select medicines according to clinical signs (ab usu in morbis) such as they find enumerated in the preface of medicines, and is a mode of procedure absolutely false, and very similar to that adopted by allopathists. For these clinical signs only express isolated symptoms capable of confirming to a certain extent the choice which should be made, according to the characteristic pathogenetic symptoms, but which ought never to be taken as a guide in the choice itself, especially as they are only problematical. Notwithstanding, there are authors who advise this empirical mode of procedure.'"

To this passage, imperfectly rendered in the French translation of Jourdan, we may add that the "authors" of whom Hahnemann speaks are homoeopathic authors whose names we could cite, as we were at that time writing under the dictation of the master. We claim the right therefore of deciding what Hahnemann regarded as characteristic symptoms capable of serving as indicators for the absolute choice of remedies. Indeed these clinical symptoms, placed by him at the head of the pathogeneses of his antipsoric medicines, are, as he himself observes, nothing less than special indicators, simply THERAPEUTIC signs, which, like pathognomonic symptoms of pathogeneses, declare in a general manner in what affection a medicine may do good, when it will be specially indicated, but which in themselves do not declare when, or by the presence of what particular symptom, this medicine will be specially indicated against one or the other of these clinical signs included at the head of the pathogeneses. This does not imply that there may not be characteristic signs or special indicators among these clinical symptoms; but those which have this quality do not possess it in virtue of their character of clinical symptoms, but in virtue of the special role which they play, besides this, in the general therapeutic physiognomy of the medicine.

Clinical and characteristic symptoms of a medicine are not identical, unfortunately for those who confound them in practice. The first, when well selected, are signs that the medicine can cure, particularly if it is specially indicated. Characteristic symptoms are those which indicate the medicine, and which can be selected as well by the study of its pathogenesis alone as by that of clinical cases. Thus most of the characteristic symptoms which Hahnemann has pointed out to us, especially of Pulsatilla, Ignatia, Nux vomica, and other substances of his Materia Medica, have been recognized by him, not in practice, but from comparative studies which he has made of pathogenetic symptoms among themselves, and according to which he employs medicines with perfect tact, without knowing a single clinical symptom. These characteristic symptoms even now fail us with regard to all antipsoric medicines, notwithstanding the great number of clinical signs with which Hahnemann has accompanied their pathogeneses; and if we had remained with him a longer time, during the last years of his sojourn in Germany, he would perhaps have done for them what he has done for many medicines of his Materia Medica; for. indeed, we had commenced, with him, a very extensive preparatory work for the comparative study of all the symptoms of many antipsoric drugs. Later, we have continued this work alone, according to the indications and views of Hahnemann, with the intention of thus filling one of the most essential defects of his works. But, as clinical observations, although incapable of furnishing all of the characteristic symptoms, may however, contribute much to the confirmation of those which pathogenetic studies have included as such, we have preferred to join the results of both, which we have constantly done to retard the publication of our works of this kind.

The series of publications which we have commenced today is designed to place before our readers the first part of our work, that is to say, the clinical elements. We expect to dispose of these elements in such a manner that they shall be associated with the characteristic symptoms which constitute the pathogenesis of each medicine. To this end, we shall first give, in the most precise manner, the chief symptoms of all cases which any given medicine has cured. Then, after having reviewed all these cases, we shall arrange the symptoms which, both from clinical observations and from the pathogenetic character of the medicine, appear to have the most general application to the most diverse cases of disease. In this work we shall follow precisely the method indicated by Hahnemann, when we worked under his supervision, and according to the same method by which we together achieved the study of the character of many medicines, especially of Aconite, Sulphur, Silicea, and Arnica. We hope that two things will result from this work, viz, to know:

1st. That the symptoms which Hahnemann himself regarded as characteristic for the choice of medicine are not identical with the clinical signs which he has placed at the head of the pathogeneses of his antipsorics.

2d. That the works and opinions which Hahnemann has published in this sense, in order to make known the character and symptoms indicative of Pulsatilla, Bryonia, Quinia, etc., do not include all the signs which he regards as characteristic for the choice of these substances; and which he would have given, if he had intended to publish thereupon a complete work. This remark applies with still greater force, to all medicines respecting whose therapeutical character we possess only a few notes made by him; that is to say, incidentally, as for example, upon Aconite, Camphor, etc.

We commence our work to day with Aconite, where our readers may see how we intend to satisfy both the exigencies of a clinical bulletin, by the publication of practical facts, and those of a work upon the character of medicines. In a word, we expect in future, to publish alternately a series of new observations, and a series of observations made with a single medicine, both, for the benefit of the practice.

CLINICAL EFFECTS AND THERAPEUTIC CHARACTER OF ACONITE.

VERTIGO. – 1. A man forty years of age, with light hair, red face, healthy, but accustomed to sanguineous discharges until four years since, was taken with an attack of general heat, with sweat, redness of the face, violent vertigo forcing him to sit down, and the paroxysm continuing about two hours. Four weeks afterwards he had two new attacks, the last of which was accompanied with vomiting, great weakness, and slow and uncertain step. After the use of six doses of Aconite 3d, one drop morning and evening, the attacks disappeared. – Gazette Homoeopathique Leipzig, vol. XXXII page 228, Lembka.

2. A young man of an apoplectic constitution, and suffering from repeated attacks of vertigo, forcing him to support himself-with buzzing in the head, and difficulty in collecting his ideas, was cured of his complaint with a drop of Aconite 3d, daily. – Hygea, vol. V, page 102, Schroen.

3. A woman forty-three years old, after a fright, had attacks of vertigo whenever she attempted to rise, and forcing her to remain in bed-with great anguish, as if she was about to die. Immediately after the fright she had felt a whirling sensation in the stomach, which soon ascended to the head, with trembling, and a sensation of faintness and vertigo. Aconite 15th, followed by two doses of Opium 9th, sufficed to cure the malady. – Annales de Hartlaub et Trinks, vol. I, page 72, Bethmann.

4. Aconite decidedly produces vertigo, faintness, weakness, apoplexy, and singing in the ears, and its curative power against these affections is very positive as experience has already demonstrated. – Hahnemann, Studies respecting a new principle for the discovery of the curative virtues of medicines.- Journal of Hufeland, vol. II, sheet 3.

5. Aconite produces all the morbid phenomena which we observe in persons who have had a fright accompanied with vexation, and it is the most efficacious remedy in these cases. -Hahnemann, Materia Medica, preface to Aconite.

6. General indications.-Vertigo which forces the patient to sit down, to support himself, to lie down; apoplectic constitution; fright as the cause.

7. Vertigo as if he would have to fall down, or with tottering, not much when seated, but strongest when rising from his seat. – Materia Medica, symptoms 2, 3, 5.

APOPLEXY. – 8. A young girl twenty years old, in full health, of an apoplectic constitution and very plethoric, menstruating profusely, was attacked with apoplexy, after a fright with vexation. She fell suddenly as if stricken with lightning. Respiration slow and rattling, face and body like a corpse, marbled with violet; pulse imperceptible, beatings of the heart slow and trembling, pupils insensible to light; involuntary emission of urine; limbs cold and rigid. After five doses of Aconite 1st, at intervals of a quarter of an hour, and the simultaneous application of cold compresses to the head, and of warm napkins to the limbs, the first signs of a return to life manifested themselves. At the end of eight hours, after a few new doses of Aconite at intervals of sixty to ninety minutes, life and consciousness completely returned, but the entire left side was paralysed, the arms and feet of this side being cold and incapable of any movement; speech stammering, tongue drawn to the left side, left ear deaf, ringing in the whole head, the left side of the lips elevated in a sensible manner during respiration; the breast is cold to the touch, and leaves the impress of the finger. At the expiration of thirty hours, after a drop of Aconite 3d every two hours, the entire condition was ameliorated, with the exception of the congestion of the head, the buzzings, the stammering, and the paralysis of the tongue and limbs, which were cured with Opium.- Sturm, Gazette Homoeopathique de Leipzig, vol. I, page 66.

9. A man sixty-four years old, having a short neck, large shoulders, addicted to spirituous drinks and sexual pleasure, had an attack of sanguineous apoplexy, with all signs of life upon the point of being extinguished. At the end of four hours, after drop doses of Aconite 1st. every hour, life returned. At the expiration of twelve hours, after a dose of Aconite 3d every three hours, consciousness, vital heat and complete mobility of the upper extremities were restored. Nothing remained except paralysis of the lower limbs, of the bladder and rectum, and strong pains in the back and lumbar region, which were cured with Nux vomica.-Sturm, loco cit., page 67.

10. Aconite appears to correspond especially to sanguineous apoplexy, and is particularly adapted to persons of an apoplectic constitution, or to those who have suffered from maladies in the sphere of the circulatory system, as well as to apoplexy caused by a suppression of habitual hemorrhages. In general it is indicated when the head is hot to the touch, with violent pulsation of the carotids, skin rather hot than cold to the touch, pulse full, strong and hard, or nearly suppressed, but not intermittent.-Dose: 15th to the 18th dilutions. – Kreussler Therapeutique des Maladies aigues ct chroniques, page 126.

11. Aconite is particularly capable of producing transient apoplectic and paralytic affections, partial or general, and its curative efficacy is the same in maladies of this kind. – Hahnemann, Etudes sur un nouveau principe, etc., Journal de Hujeland, vol. 1, sheet 3, 1796.

12. Symptoms which are particularly indicators. Sanguine temperament, plethoric constitution, pulsation of the carotids, face hot and red, or cold and pale; paralysis of the left side.

MENINGITIS. – 13. In a young girl ten years old. Heat and redness of the whole body, especially of the head and eyes; pupils contracted, complete loss of consciousness, furious delirium, dry tongue, vomiting of greenish matter, twitching of the tendons, accelerated respiration, pulse suppressed, and from 120 to 130 in the minute. At the end of six hours, after Aconite 18th, (one drop in six spoonsfull of water, of which tea-spoonfull doses were given every half hour) consciousness returned and the fever and vomiting disappeared. The remaining symptoms were cured with Bryonia.- Gastfreund, Gazette Homoeopathique de Leipzig; vol. XXIV, page 114.

14. A woman thirty-two years old, who had suffered frequently from headache, was taken suddenly with all the symptoms of an imminent encephalitis. She walked her chamber as if in despair, complaining of a pain in her forehead as if every thing would burst out of it. Head burning hot to the touch; nausea, tongue covered with a white fur, pain in the kidnies; no stools for two days; pulse and temperature of the skin natural. After a drop of Aconite 6th, she lay down overcome with pain, slept until morning, and woke up cured. – Kreussler Gazette Homoeopathique de Leipzig, vol. XXIX, page 113.

15. A little boy five years old, was taken with the ordinary symptoms of encephalitis, among which the most striking were the following: partial convulsions of the extremities, alternating with trembling of these parts; on raising his head, immediate vomiting of undigested food or of mucus substances; he wakes up with a start and delirious, or with pain in both sides of his head; skin dry and hot; much thirst; pulse hard, full, accelerated. A cure was effected in three days by Aconite 30th, dissolved in water, a tea-spoonful at first every hour and then every two hours. – Weber Archives de Stapf vol, XVI, sheet 2, page 4.

16. A young girl fourteen years old, suffered twenty-four hours with the following symptoms: on raising her head, vertigo and vomiting, continual pain in the forehead; delirium, somnolency, waking with a cry, fixed look; face sometimes pale, sometimes red; skin hot and dry; absence of stools; frequent thirst. A complete cure was effected in three days by fourteen doses of Aconite 30th, with the single exception of the stools. – Weber, loco cit.

17. A young girl nine years old, attacked with encephalitis against which Belladonna was inefficacious; presented, thirty one hours after the use of this medicine, the following symptoms; loss of consciousness, continual movement of the lower jaw as in mastication; the child talked to herself in an unintelligible manner; pupils contracted; expression uncertain and indifferent; face moderately red; skin moist; pulse full, a little hard and accelerated. Sleep, tranquil at the end of five hours after having taken one drop of Aconite 3d every hour; then after a sleep of four hours, she awoke with consciousness, and by the third day all the morbid phenomena had disappeared. – Noack, Gazette Homoeopathique de Leipzig vol. XXVI, page 81

18. Symptoms which are particularly indicators: signs of irritation before the period of exudation: vomiting of greenish or mucus substances; vomiting of drinks; pain in the head as if every thing would burst out from its sides or the forehead; agitation or furious delirium; pulse frequent, full, hard, and accelerated.

HEADACHE. – 19. A woman fifty-four years old, irritable, morose, susceptable, and breaking out into complaints and reproaches at trifles, complained after a chill, of a pain in the head so violent as to destroy her consciousness, with loss of appetite, and sleeplessness. Aconite cured her in four hours. Gaspary Annales de Hartlanb et Trinks, vol. I, page 234.

20. Pain on the point of the left parietal bone, at every touch or from contact with the air; prosopalgia of the same side with swelling of the lower jaw. – Annales de Hartlaub et Trinks, vol. II, page 71.

21. Violent pains in the head; the patient lies down without consciousness, with momentary attempts to vomit, groans, complaints, fear of death; the least noise and every movement are insupportable; pulse very small, and sometimes intermittent; pulsative and lancinating or a squeezing pain below the nape of the neck; aggravation from the conversation of others. – Hering, Domestic Medicine.

22. Pain in the head in consequence of a chill, with cold in the head, buzzing in the ears and colic. – Hering-Ibid, (Materia Medica,) symptom 68.

23. Catarrh, pain in the head, with cold in the head, and with amelioration in the open air; symptoms agravated by talking. – Hering-Ibid.

24. Painful sensation, as if a ball traversed the head and diffused through it a fresh breeze. – Hering-Ibid, Materia Medica, symptom 641.

25. Tearing and lancinating pain behind the left eye, with nausea and vomiting; aggravation by every shake of the head. – Hering-Ibid.

26. Sensation of fullness and tension in the head, as if it was pressed by a band. – Black, Gazette Homoeopathique de Lepzig, vol. XXXVI, page 221.

27. Characteristic Symptoms of the Materia Medica. Headache as if a part of the brain elevated itself, increased by the least movement, by drinking and by talking; symptom 37- sensation as if he was drawn and raised up by the hair; symptom 29-lancinating pulsations, as if from an internal abscess, which sometimes prevents him from speaking; symptom 39 -pressing in the forehead, behind the eyes and at the nape of the neck, as if he was about to lose his reason; symptoms 52, 55-headache as if the brain was filled up, especially in a heated chamber; symptoms 16, 17-Jahr.

28. Principal indications: aggravations of the headache from speaking, by the conversation of others, the least noise or movement and every jar; pressure in the frontal sinuses; brain as if filled up or the head as if pressed by a band; aggravation of symptoms in a heated chamber. – Jahr.

EYES. – 29. Ophthalmia in a man forty-five years old, addicted to spiritual liquors. The malady of seven days standing. The eyelids, especially the upper, much swollen, red, hot, painful; abundant discharge of muco-purulent matter and lachrymation at every attempt to open the eyelids; conjunctiva much swollen, bright red, and forming a cushion around the cornea; cornea of the left eye dim, muddy, opaque (and covered with ulcers,) photophobia; sensation as if the globe of the eye was too large; lancinating pains around the eyes, more at night. A cure was effected in ten days with Aconite 12th, at first a drop every hour, and then Aconite 15th. The ulcers on the cornea which remained were cured with Sulphur. – Knorre, Gazette Homoeopathique de Leipzig vol. XIX, page 65.

30. Aconite should be preferred when the eyelids are swollen, hard, red, yellowish red or bright, as if transparent, with burning heat, dryness, tension; abundant secretion of mucus in the eyes and nose. – Hering-Domestic Medicine.

31. Aconite is one of the most efficacious medicines in traumatic ophthalmia, either recent or chronic, especially if there are violent pains with photophobia. – Stapf, Archives, vol. VIII, sheet 3, page 185.

32. A violent traumatic ophthalmia was cured in a few days by a solution of eight drops of strong tincture of Aconite in eight oz. of water, applied externally by means of compresses, and introduced into the eye by drops. – Dudgeon, Gazette Homoeopathique de Leipzig, vol. XXX VII, page 357.

33. A violent case of ophthalmia of the same nature was cured in four days with Aconite 15th-ten globules to four oz. of water, and a tea-spoonful every three hours. – Jahr.

34. Ophthalmias of newly born children are often cured speedily with Aconite 30th, when administered in time. – Gross, Archives de Stapf, vol. X sheet 2, page 36.

35. In a recent case of ophthalmia in a newly born infant, Aconite 200th cured the malady in twenty-four hours. – H. de S., Nouvelles Archives de Stapf, vol. III, sheet 2, page 118.

36. In rheumatic ophthalmias, Aconite deserves particular attention, since it often suffices alone to effect a complete cure. – Kreussler, Therapeutique, page 64.

37. In Catarrhal ophthalmias I have often seen Aconite do good. – Grusselich, Hygea, vol. V, page 218.

38. Principal indications. Excessively painful ophthalmia; burning and heat in the eyelids; sensation as if the ball was swollen; severe photophobia; abundant discharge of tears and muco-purulent matter. – Jahr.

NOSE BLEED. – 39. Aconite 18th has proved efficacious against nose bleeding accompanied with violent congestion of the head; red face, heat in the head, and injected eyes. – Kreussler, Therapeutique, page 136.

40. Violent and very debilitating nose bleedings which sometimes affect women about the critical period, and which are caused by congestion of blood towards the head, have been often cured by Aconite. 3d, in frequently repeated doses. -Schroen, Hygea, vol. V, page 101.

41. Aconite has proved especially efficacious in the nose bleedings of plethoric young persons subject to sanguineous congestions. – Webber, Archives de Stapf, vol. XVI, sheet 2, page 13.

TOOTHACHE. – 42. In a pregnant woman, Aconite 200th rapidly cured a violent pulsative toothache. – H. de S. Nouvelles Archives de Stapf, vol. III, sheet 2, page 120.

43. Aconite cures pulsative and lancinating toothache, with heat and redness of the face. It has also proved efficacious against difficult dentition with congestion of the head. – Kreussler Therapeutique, page 33.

44. Aconite does good in cases where patients are beside themselves; pains difficult to describe; also when the pains are pulsative; have been caused by a chill, with congestion of blood towards the head, and burning face, especially in infants. Hering Domestic Medicine.

45. Aconite is principally indicated when in consequence of a chill from exposure to a dry and cold wind, there occurs fever with congestion of blood to the head, burning heat of the face, hard and rapid pulse, mental and bodily agitation, and pulsative toothache, for the most part semilateral, and affecting the whole jaw, with redness of the cheeks. – Boenninghausen Archives de Stapf, vol. XV, sheet 2, page 5.

46. Aconite is efficacious against pulsative toothache, with congestion of blood towards the head. – Lobethal, Gazette Homoeopathique de Leipzig vol. XIII, page 22.

47. Aconite is beneficial in inflammatory toothache, after a chill, with pulsative pain, congestion of blood towards the head, burning of the face. Also in congestive toothache, after a suppression of the courses by a fright and vexation. – Altschul, le Dentist Homoeopathique.

48. Principal indications: pulsative pains; congestions of blood to the head; redness of the face or of the cheeks; exasperation; agitation. Causes: – Age of infancy; difficult dentition; suppression of the courses by a fright with vexation. – Jahr.

ANGINA. – 49. A woman aged twenty-nine years, of a delicate and irritable constitution, nursing her child, was attacked after a chill, with an angina presenting the following symptoms: pressing pain and weight in the head; sensation of dryness in the mouth with moist tongue; deep redness of the veil of the palate and the tonsils, which are swollen; lancinations in the throat; speech and deglutition difficult and painful; darting pains in the chest, burning in the limbs; hot skin; rapid, small and hard pulse. After the use of Pulsatilla, which was of no benefit, there occurred on the second day of the disease: bitter taste; accumulation of mucus in the mouth; pustules upon the tonsils; convulsions; lancinating pains throughout the body; skin moist; heat less intense. On the third day Aconite 3d, every hour, was prescribed, and after a good night, the cure was complete on the fourth day. (Dr. Y., Epitres homoeopathiques p. 104.)

50. A robust man, thirty years old, having drank very cold water when much heated, was attacked with a kind of esophagitis: violent pains in the chest, at the upper part of the heart, but more towards the middle, and extending to the back, increased by every movement of the body, but especially during deglutition, with a sensation as if the substances swallowed had stopped in the cesophagus, in the region of the heart; the pains increase daily until he can no longer lie upon his back; fever. One dose of Aconite 12th, every day for one week, cured him in a short time. – (Segin, Hygea, vol. XVII, p. 55.)

51. Nine cases of severe inflammation of the tonsils, with great heat, frequent and hard pulse, in six men and three women, between the ages of twelve and thirty years, were entirely cured with two and four doses of Aconite, at intervals of from three to six hours. After the remedy the fever always subsided promptly, the pulse became natural, and a few doses of SuIphur, Mercurius or Kali, completed the cure. – ( Hartung Fragments des oeuvres posthumes de Hahnemann.)

52.Aconite is efficacious against anginas, when the throat is red, with pain on swallowing or speaking, fever, burning, pricking, and contraction of the throat; restlessness and anxious agitation. – (Hering Domestic Medicine.)

53. Rheumatic anginas are always cured with Aconite, when they affect the soft palate and the pharynx. Ordinarily deglutition is difficult, or rather transient lancinations extend from the throat to the ears, while the throat, the tonsils, and the veil of the palate are of a deep red color. – ( Enlenberg, Hygea, vol. XXII, p. 352.

54. When, in tonsilitis, there is imminent danger of suppuration, with high fever, Mercurius or Belladonna does not always avert the danger. In many cases of this kind a drop of Aconite 18th every two hours, has promptly cured the malady without suppuration. – (Schroen, Gazette Hom., vol. V, p. 145, et Hygea, vol. V, p. 101.)

55. From the commencement of tonsilitis to the end of the third day, I give Aconite, which alone cures light rheumatic angina, with pains in the muscles of deglutition, and striated redness of the veil of the palate. – (Goullon, Archives de Stapf, vol XIX, cah II, p 99.)

56. When, in apthous tonsilitis, the tonsils, swollen and lobulated, appear covered with white points, which become confluent and enlarged, as the disease progresses, with burning and lancinating pains, even without deglutition, and then disappear about the fifteenth to the nineteenth day, with a sort of desquamation of the epthelium, we treat them most successfully at first with Aconite, and afterwards with a few doses of Carbo vegetabilis.-(Goullon, ibid, p 102.)

57. Symptomatic indicators in tonsilitis: high inflammatory fever; bright redness of the affected parts; lancinating pains on swallowing; imminent danger of suppuration;great agitation and uneasiness. – (Jahr.)

VOMITING; HEMATEMISIS. – 58. A child immediately after its birth was attacked with hematemisis, with dark and bloody stools; he pined and refused the breast. Aconite 200th cured the vomiting in two hours, so that the child took the breast, and in four days the stools became natural. – (Schreten, Nouuelles archives de Stapf, vol III, cah 11, p 135.)

GASTRITIS. – 59. A woman thirty-six years old, poor, mother of four scrofulous children, and nursing a child, had a child while bathing in cold water, and was attacked with pain in the stomach, which degenerated into a gastritis on the third day, presenting the following symptoms: violent lancinating, pressing and burning pains in the region of the stomach; frequent thirst; continued nausea and retching; the smallest tea spoonfull of water rejected by vomiting; • continual stretchings and yawnings; anguish and fear of death; frequent and hard pulse. Two drops of Aconite 1st in a tea spoonfull of water, was ordered every hour. After the first dose the vomiting ceased. The Aconite was continued every two hours for four days, and the cure was complete. – (Geyer, Hygea, vol XI, p 358.)

60.A man twenty years old, of a melancholy temperament suffered from debility, with loss of appetite, nausea, thirst, weak eyes, tongue covered with thick and white mucus, putrid taste, irregular stools, morose humor, rigors towards evening, sleeplessness. After three doses of Pulsatilla daily, there occurred on the fourth day the following symptoms: gastric region very sensitive to pressure, increased thirst, desire to vomit, vomiting without relief, small and slightly accellerated pulse. Aconite 1st every two hours cured him in three days, notwithstanding the simultaneous use of petroleum ointment. – (Maly, Hygea, vol XXI, p 356.)

61.In a light erysipelatous gastritis, characterized by severe nausea and violent vomiting, first of food and then of bile, and then passing to retchings with acute pressing pains, great thirst and extreme heat, a few doses of Aconite followed in twelve hours with Belladonna, appeased the fever, the vomiting and the pains, although the erysipelatous affection continued lightly until the fifteenth day, when it entirely disappeared.

62.Symptomatic indicators in gastritis: acute sensitive pains; intense thirst; anguish as if death was imminent.- (Jahr.)

HEPATITIS AND JAUNDICE. – 63. Aconite is one of the most efficacious medicines in acute hepatitis, especially when it is characterized by pungent pain, with a short dry cough, and a severe inflammatory fever. – (Jahr.)

64. When the pain in hepatitis, is deeply seated, dull and pressive, with an inflammatory fever, Aconite 12th twice daily, will be indicated. It often alone suffices to effect a cure. – (Kreussler, Therapeutique, p 104.)

65. In hepatitis, I know by experience that Aconite is indispensable, especially when there is a burning and pungent pain under the false ribs, with difficult and anxious respiration, and dry and short cough, which aggravates the pain; the affected parts swollen, tense, hot to the touch, with strong synochal fever; dry heat; pulse a little hard, full, and accelerated. – (Hartmann, sur l'emplir de l'aconite p 14.)

66. In rheumatic inflammation of the serous-membranes of the stomach, intestines, or liver, with shifting pains manifesting themselves with violence, sometimes in the gastric region, sometimes in the right hypochondrium, and sometimes in the umbilical region, Aconite is a remedy of certain efficacy. – (Enlenberg, Hygea, vol XXII, p 353.)

67. Aconite often cures jaundice in a few days, if it is of recent origin. – (Rummel, Gaz horn, de Leipzig, vol XXVIII, p 265.)

68.A young girl eighteen years of age, apparently in fine health, with regular and abundant menstruation, suffered for many months with a painful sensation, which manifested itself sometimes in the epigastrium, sometimes in the right hypochondrium, and sometimes in the umbilical region. When the pain fixed itself in the epigastrium there were swelling and tension at the pit of the stomach with a bitter taste in the mouth; increase of pain from external pressure; tongue lightly furred or reddish, with much thirst; gums scorbutic, swollen, and bleeding from time to time; vomiting of food after eating; diarrhea or constipation. – When the pain occupied the left lobe of the liver, with aggravation by external pressure, the conjunctiva and sclerotica became yellowish, with photophobia and rheumatic ophthalmia of the right eye; vertigo when stooping, or shaking the head. When the pain affected the umbilical region, there was sometimes diarrhea and sometimes constipation. After an unsuccessful treatment of four months, strong tincture of Aconite, in doses of five drops four times a day, were employed. After having taken half an ounce, the patient was cured. – (Enlenberg, Hygea, vol XXII, p 353.)

69.A small boy, twelve years old, had an attack of jaundice of fifteen days standing, after an eruption. The entire body was of the color of sulphur, except the cheeks, nose, and lips. No fever, dry tongue, natural taste for food and drinks; bitter and frequent eructations in the morning; later, bitter vomiting, especially after having eaten; at evening and at noon he can eat without inconvenience; pit of the stomach swollen and tender to the touch; right hypochondrium perfectly insensible; bowels distended with wind, and hard; burning around the navel; stools soft and quite yellow; urine yellowish; continued burning in the forehead.Aconite 3d morning and evening, one drop at a dose. At the end of three days the cure was complete with the exception of the tympanitic condition of the bowels. – (Sommer, Gaz. hom. de Leipzig, vol XXXVI, p 331.

70.Symptoms of the Materia Medica: burning around the navel, 184,185.Pressure in the region of the liver; difficult respiration; then, after a short time, pain in the region beneath the navel, 190. Jauudice 191. White stool and red urine 212, 213.

ENTERITIS AND PERITONITIS. – 71. Aconite is the only medicine which responds to all the symptoms of enteritis. It may then be regarded as a true specific in this disease, and its use should be long continued, in affections of this kind. – (Hartmann, Therapeutique vol. I.)

72. Hartmann commends very highly the employment of Aconite in enteritis. After the favorable action of Aconite, it is Belladonna which is usually required to remove the remaining symptoms. – (Kreussler, Therapeutique, p 97.)

73. I have had but few cases of enteritis to treat; but I have cured all of those I have had with Aconite 30th, repeated at intervals of three or four hours. From twenty to thirty doses were usually sufficient, followed with a few doses of Belladonna or Sulphur to remove any remaining symptoms. (Weber, Archives de Stapf, vol. XVI, cah. 1, p 84.)

74. A man thirty-six years of age, of a bilious temperament, had a cold in the head in consequence of a chill from exposure to a humid sea atmosphere, and experienced a painful shock in the bowels whenever he sneezed. After a few days the cold had much diminished, but peritonitis with tensive and pressive pain occupied the entire left side of the bowels, and extending towards the right, a little beyond the median line. The most severe pain was in the left side, above the navel; bowels distended with wind, and very tense, and hard like a drum. Fever with hot head and burning in the throat, at the lower part of the larynx. Half a drop of Aconite 3d every hour, and cold and wet compresses to the navel. Towards evening the pain had extended upwards and downwards as far as the vesical region; fever more intense. During the evening a dose of Aconite was given every two hours. The next day, good sleep; moderate perspiration; stool; reddish-yellow urine, but without deposit; bowels softer and less painful. Aconite every three hours. On the following day the patient sat up, having a good appetite. I then gave Bryonia 1st (why? Jahr), one drop every four hours, and the next day the patient was cured. – (Frank, Gaz, hom, de Leipzig, vol XIX, p 74.)

75. A student, aged twenty-four years, well-fed, with black hair, brown complexion, mild disposition, tendency to abdominal colics, complained, after a chill of five hours, of enteritis with the following sufferings: contortion of the facial muscles when speaking; bowels burning, tense, and incapable of sustaining the least touch throughout the entire umbilical region; the incisive and burning pains increased by contact; the bed-covering even appearing too heavy. Skin hot and dry; pulse 120-small, irregular, and a little hard; tongue dry, deep-red at the sides, and covered in the middle with a thin, white fur. Great thirst, and drinks cause pain and a sensation of anguish in the umbilical region. Respiration accelerated, and short, with a sort of disquietude in the body, and a desire to change position, which the pain prevents. Stool in the morning, but no urine for many hours. A drop of Aconite 18th every four hours was prescribed. In the morning after the third dose, some relief; pulse 98; urine scanty and deep red. Aconite continued. At the end of thirty hours the inflammation was cured by seven doses of Aconite, except a pressive pain in the abdomen and constipation, which were cured on the fiftieth day with Nux vomica 24th, Belladonna 30th, and Carbo vegetabilis 9th. – (Schuarze, Guerisons homoeopathique, p 92.)

76. A single woman thirty-six years old, of a sanguine temperament, and delicate constitution, but regular in her habits, was attacked with colic. After an ineffectual use of allopathic remedies for five days, peritonitis supervened with the following symptoms: face pale and expressive of fear and anguish; lancinating pains in the forehead, with hot head; tongue moist and charged with a yellowish white fur; bitter taste, excessive thirst, frequent eructations with desire to vomit, frequent vomiting of a liquid of the color of verdigris bowels swollen with wind (meteorism), and throughout their entire extent, excessively painful to the least touch; constant darting, tearing pains, worse at night; no stool for many days; urine scanty, hot and red; temperature of the skin much increased, but with sweat; feet cold; pulse 100, small, contracted, and hard; sleeplessness. A drop of Aconite 1st in water, was prescribed every two hours. On the following night general aggravation; the next day, diminution of anguish, vomiting and pains. On the third day, continuation of the improvement, diminution of the meteorism, hard stool, pulse 80. On the fourth day pulse 66, and no fever. On the fifth day, a slight return of colic, which was cured with Colocynth. (Huber, Journal Autrichien, vol IV, p 441.)

77. A woman forty years of age, generally pretty well, except a disposition to sanguineous congestion towards the head, was attacked with an hepatitis which was relieved so much in two days by Aconite and Bryonia that she could move about. On the second day, after a dose of Mercurius 12th, and an increase of the pains, against which she applied leeches in the afternoon, there supervened in the evening, burning pains, in the umbilical region, and on the morning of the next day a metastatic enteritis presenting the following symptoms: in the umbilical region, but rather below than above the navel, acute, burning, tearing pains, becoming almost insupportable at the slightest touch, and the covering seeming too heavy; great increase of the pain on turning upon the right side, which restores also the hepatic pain; bowels much swollen and tense; easiest position upon the back; continual paroxysms of anguish; frequent hiccoughs, which increases the pains; lower limbs more cold than the rest of the body; decided fever, great thirst, dry mouth; rapid, small, and rather hard pulse; constipation; urine deep-red and flocculent; no appetite or sleep. Aconite 24th, two doses from three o'clock in the afternoon until the next day. On the three following days one dose daily was given, and repeated every time the symptoms appeared to increase. After the second day there was an amelioration of all symptoms. On the sixth day constipation ceased. On the tenth day, from the commencement of the attack of hepatitis, the patient departed cured, without having had any trace of a crisis. (Hartmann, Annales de Hartlaub et Trinks, vol I, p 207.)

78, A young girl of twenty-nine years, having been treated for two attacks of Intermittent Fever within eight weeks, with Quinine, suddenly ceased menstruating after having lifted too heavy a weight. Rigors, heat, and colic-pains came on, and on the second day she was attacked with an enteritis presenting the following symptoms: violent, burning pain over the entire abdomen, especially from the navel to the pubic region; piercing cries at the slightest touch; tearing and shooting pains alternately across many parts of the bowels; abdomen tense and swollen; respiration difficult, short, rapid, painful; face pale and distorted; skin dry and hot; great thirst; loss of appetite; confusion of the head; no stools; urine scanty, deep-red and burning; great nightly agitation; pulse rapid and somewhat hard. Eight doses of Aconite 18th in 24 hours, were followed by profuse perspiration, two stools, and an amelioration of the symptoms. On the morning of the third day Pulsatilla 12th was prescribed, and a complete cure was effected in a few days. – (L. de F. Gaz. hom. de Leipzig, vol XXVIII, p 26.)

79. A little girl six years old, had, in consequence of a chill, the following symptoms: violent pain in the bowels, with drawing and cramp-like sensations; pinching and retraction of the navel; frequent white stools, with pressure and lancinations in the anus; general heat and pain throughout the body; every touch is intolerable; yellowish color of the skin and of the whites of the eyes; intense thirst, dry mouth; stiffness of the whole body. After drop doses of Aconite 6th every two hours, there were a general perspiration, and a diminution of all the sufferings in 24 hours. On the fourth day the cure was complete. – (Scholz, Gaz. hom. de Leipzig, vol. XIV, p 202.)

80. A man with weak abdominal organs was attacked with enteritis from having drank cold water when heated. The progress of the disease was rapid, but the disease appeared to remain stationary after the force of the malady had been subdued. The bowels continued very sensitive, the pain was supportable during repose, but always excited anew by frequent paroxysms of retching, and the shocks which these produced. Antimonium crudum 6th by olfaction rapidly cured the retchings, and a few doses of Aconite and Chamomilla completed the cure. – ( Wolf, Archives de Stapf, vol XII cah. II, p 32.)

81. A young girl fourteen years old, had been treated allopathically for ten days for an enteritis, and was in imminent danger of dying. Two doses of Aconite 24th at intervals of three hours cured her in a short time. – (Krammer, Gaz. horn, de Leipzig, vol V, p 298.)

82. Predominant indications: burning, lancinating or incisive pains; griping pains especially in the umbilical region; face pale and disfigured; intense thirst; greenish vomiting; frequent, white stools; suppression of urine; urine scanty, red, hot, burning; respiration short, rapid and painful; inflammatory fever, with hot and dry skin; pulse rapid, hard and small; anxious jactitation and anguish; great anguish, and anxious expression; aggravation of the pains from the least touch, even from the bed-covers. – (Jahr.)

83. In acute inflammations of all organs, Aconite is the first and principal remedy, especially when, besides thirst and a rapid pulse, there are, anxious impatience, inconsolable exasperation, and a sort of agonizing jactitation. – (Hahnemann, Matiere Medicale, I, preface de I, aconite.)

INCARCERATED HERNIA. – 84. Aconite is the best remedy in all cases of incarcerated and inflamed hernia. According to the susceptibility of the patient, we may administer it in the 3d, 24th, or 200th attenuations, in globules or in water, at intervals of one to two hours. In recent cases, with violent and persistent pains, this medicine should be employed until the violence of the symptoms has subsided. It is equally appropriate in all other incarcerations accompanied by inflammation. – (Gauwerky, Gaz. hom. de Leipzig, vol. XL, p. 220.)

85. In two cases of incarcerated hernia, accompanied by a high degree of inflammation, Aconite 18th and 24th, repeated every hour, effected cures in eight and twelve hours, both patients being quite well on the next morning. – (Goullon, Archives dc Stapf, vol. XIV, cah. 11, p. 138.)

86. When there are, in the incarcerated parts, violent pains, burning like live coals, with great pain and sensitiveness at the least touch, nausea, bitter, bilious vomiting, anguish and cold sweat, Aconite is the appropriate remedy and should be given until the pains subside. – ( Hering's Domestic Medicine.)

87. When the affected parts are already rigid, painful, swollen, tense, hot and red, a single dose of Aconite 12th, will often effect a cure in a few hours, if the physician is called in time. – (Kreussler, Therap. hom., p. 99.)

Particular symptoms indicating Aconite. -88. Severe inflammation of the affected parts; burning pains like coals of fire, or pulsations; nausea, bilious vomiting. – (Jahr.)

VERMINOUS AFFECTIONS. – 89. Aconite is a remedy which generally agrees well with children, and it is often particularly beneficial in verminous affections of small children. – (Kreussler Therap., 18.)

90. In all verminous affections Aconite is often of great service, and should always be taken into consideration in the first instance. In worm colic with desire to vomit, accumulations of phlegm in the throat mouth and stomach, hardness around the navel, tympanitic distention of the abdomen, tenesmus and discharges of glairy matter by the anus, Aconite deserves a preference over Cina or Sulphur.

91. A woman thirty years old, otherwise in good health, had suffered for many weeks with a violent cough against which she had in vain tried various narcotics. The cough was racking, more violent after eating, but without exciting vomiting, and causing only fatigue and a bruised pain in the chest. There was a sort of smarting in the stomach, and a sensation as if something rose from the stomach toward the throat. – Prescription: Aconite 3d, a dose every evening. During the first three days the patient rejected by the mouth two lumbrici, after which the cough disappeared without leaving a trace. – (Maly, Hygea, vol. XVIII, p.505.)

DYSENTERY. – 92. Aconite is the best remedy when dysenteries occur during very hot weather, followed by cold nights, and when they are characterized by a violent chill, great heat and thirst, with rheumatic pains in the limbs, head, neck, and shoulders. – ( Hering's Domestic Medicine.)

93. In epidemic dysentery with inflammatory symptoms, it is necessary to administer at first a few doses of Aconite, before we can count on the efficacy of Mercurius. Here Aconite proves its efficacy as an antiphlogistic, in curing the inflammation in twenty-four hours. But it is necessary to repeat the doses at intervals of from four to six hours. – (Engelhardt, Communications Peatiques, cah, III, p. 34.)

94. A little girl ten years old, attacked with dysentery, took a few doses of Veratrum 12th on the 20th of September, and on the 22d of September a dose of Aconite 24th, and many doses of Mercurius sol. 12th. On the 24th of September there were: griping pains of such violence as to cause her to scream with pain; frequent alvine evacuations, bloody mucous, greenish, and mixed with whitish fibres; nausea, retchings, and occasionally mucous vomitings; bowels much bloated, and excessively sensitive to the touch; violent thirst, painful micturition, skin dry and very hot, headache and delirium. After the administration of Aconite 24th, a dose every four hours, the external heat ceased on the next day, thirst still remained, the gripes were less severe, the stools less frequent, less painful and less bloody, micturition not painful, still some delirium during the night, no perspiration. – (Engelhardt, Commen: Peat., p. 35.)

95. Symptoms particularly characteristic. – Inflammatory fever, skin hot and dry, great thirst, rheumatic pains in the limbs, headache, greenish and bloody stools, acute pains in the intestines. – (Jahr.)

CHOLERA. – 96. In a case of sporadic cholera in a young man, following a chill and errors in diet, the following phenomena were present in the night: suddenly a cramp-like pressure and tension in the stomach; then, at the expiration of two hours, shaking chills, nausea, vomiting of acid mucous matter, cramps in the legs, watery diarrhea, cold sweats, coldness of all the limbs, agitation, convulsive movements and distortions of the limbs, face sunken and earthy, pulse weak, extreme weakness, eyes dull and expressionless, prostration of all the vital forces, inability to speak. A few minutes after a dose of Aconite 24th, the vital heat returned, and the pulse became stronger; in two days the patient was cured. – ( Kammerer Hygea, vol. IV, p. 490.)

97. In asiatic cholera, Aconite is indicated when veratrum, cuprum, ipecac., or camphor have arrested the evacuations, and an inflammatory condition only remains. – (Quin. Ther: du chol: asiatique, edit, allem, p. 24, 27.)

98. In 1835, Doctor Baertl of Venice observed an epidemic cholera characterized by discharges of lumbrici with the evacuations. The first period of this epidemic manifested itself by vertigo, pressive headaches, nausea with desire to vomit, coldness, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the second period, there were: vomiting of bitter and greenish matter, vertigo, increased heat, thirst, irritable and frequent pulse, but occasionally full and strong. At the third period, the pulse becomes extinct, with icy coldness of the hands and feet, continual agitation, and accelerated, short and anxious respiration. Doctor Baertl found Aconite the best remedy for this condition. He prescribed dessert spoonfull doses of an aqueous solution of extract of Aconite every hour, joining with it, if speedy improvement did not occur, injections of a weak watery solution of Extract of Aconite. In all stages of the malady, this treatment was followed by speedy success, generally, within forty-eight hours. – ( Gazette hom, de Leipzig, vol. IV, p. 161.)

99. After the third period of cholera is happily passed, there often returns a reaction of the vascular system, in consequence of which, blood accumulates either in the liver, the lungs, or the brain. The cure then depends upon the promptness with which the physician recognizes the seat of this congestion. In cases where the violence of this reaction does not permit us to distinguish at once the organ most threatened, we ought to make use of an aqueous solution of from six to ten drops of Aconite.-(3d Reubel, Hygea, vol. VII, p. 397.)

The dose indicated is absolutely too strong. Six to ten globules dissolved in 90 grammes of water is quite sufficient to accomplish the object. – (Jahr.)

100. After the cessation of the actual cholera symptoms, sanguineous congestions often occur, which may become so violent as to result in inflammations. In such cases Aconite is an efficacious medicine. – (Tretzer, hom. de Leipzig, vol. XXXVII, p. 82.)

101. Aconite has been employed with success against the first symptoms of cholera, and is an indispensable medicine in the tumultuous reactions which follow these attacks. A few doses are quite sufficient to combat these reactions. – (Kummel Gaz. hom. de Leipzig, vol. XXXV, p. 328.)

102. A few doses of Aconite suffice in almost all cases to subdue the vascular excitement which accompanies the development of the first stage of simple cholera. – (Schneider Gaz. hom. de Leipzig, vol. XXXVI, p. 277.)

103. I ought to observe that Aconite has been employed with great service by myself, as well as by one of my confreres, against the ischuria which accompanies cholera,-three doses of the 9th attenuation having afforded relief in about twelve hours. – ( Peterson, Annales de Hartlaub et Trincks, vol. III, p. 75.)

104. Aconite is especially indicated when the evacuations are whitish, with discharges of lumbrici, excitement of the arterial system producing congestion, with heat, redress, full and accelerated pulse, and palpitations. – (Marchesani.)

105. Especial indications for Aconice.-Strong excitment of the vascular system; bitter, greenish vomitings; passage of lumbrici with the evacuations. -(Jahr.)

HEMORRHOIDS. – 106. In hemorrhoidal affections, Aconite is often of great service, when blood flows, but with pressive and lancinating pains in the anus; sensation of fullness in the bowels, with tension, pressure, and colic pains; bruised sensation in the kidneys. – ( Hering, Domestic Medicine.)

DYSURIA. – 107. In the fever which accompanies cystitis, especially when it is of a synochial character, repeated doses of Aconite are indispensable. – (Hartman, Ther. Hom.)

108. In cystitis as well as in Nephritis, Aconite may be employed with success; for, although the principal indication for Aconite is the violent fever which accompanies the local affection, yet it acts with equal efficacy upon the latter. It often suffices to cure the entire affection. – ( Kreussler Ther. Hom, p 111.)

109. Nephritis can sometimes be cured by Aconite alone. In all cases, this medicine should be kept in view, since the local phenomena are usually accompanied by a violent fever. -(Kreussler Therap.p. 104.)

110. Cases of ordinary cystitis, with painful and very scanty micturition, or rather the discharge of a few drops only, of deep-red, turbid urine, etc., can almost always be cured with Aconite, especially in women and children, and by repeating the dose whenever the pain recommences. We ought always to consider Aconite when with urinary tenesmus and pains in the bladder, this region is swollen, with aggravation of the pains on urinating, urine of a blood-red color, or mixed with small clots of blood. – (Hering Domestic Medicine.)

111. A man thirty years old, with firm muscles, and black hair, experienced after wetting his feet, the following symptoms : violent chill and afflux of blood to the head, with violent pain immediately under the symphysis pubis, as well as behind and beneath the scrotum; continual and urgent desire to urinate; urine burning, red, mixed with blood, and only emitted drop by drop; pubic region tense, painful to the touch, and a little hot; burning, lancinating pain extending to the base of the urethra; disagreeable sensation in the meatus urinarius, decided fever; pulse a little full, hard, and 115; tongue red and dry; skin dry and hot.Aconite 18th, one drop every three to four hours. At the end of twenty four hours, there was a sensible remission of all the symptoms, pulse 95, inflammation visibly diminished, urine less red. On the third day the pulse was 75, and there was no fever. The few symptoms which remained were cured by Pulsatilla.-(Schwarz, Exper. hom. p. 95.)

112. Symptoms particularly indicating Aconite: vesical region swollen and painful; urinary tenesmus; urine scanty, red, bloody, and only emitted drop by drop; aggravation of the pains on urinating; strong inflammatory fever. – (Jahr.)

113. Respecting the efficacy of Aconite against the ischuria of cholera, see number 103.

ORCHITIS. – 114. A man twenty-seven years of age contracted a gonorrhea with inflammation at first in the left testicle, and afterwards at the expiration of six months, the right testicle became involved. Both testicles considerably swollen hard, hot, and very sensitive to the touch; scrotum red; constrictive, tensive, pressive pains extending even into the bowels and the thighs, augmenting by jerking paroxysms, and worse in the afternoon and night; moderate fever, increased thirst, sleep disturbed in consequence of the pain. – Pulsatilla, Clematis, Nux vomica and Nitric acid were employed without success. – Aconite 3d, one drop every three hours, effected a cure in four days. – (Guyler, Archives de Stapf, vol. XIX, cah. 2, p. 156.)

MENSTRUAL DERANGEMENTS. – 115. An amenorrhea of six months standing, in a plethoric young girl twenty-one years old, and accompanied with dyspnea, and oppression in the precordial region, without any other notable sufferings, was cured by Aconite alone – a few globules of the 24th having been dissolved in water and given in spoonful doses four times a day. – (Malaise.)

LEUCORRHEA. – ---116. In copious and viscid leucorrhea Aconite is sometimes efficacious. – (Molin.)

117. Aconite is indicated in leucorrhea when patients complain of a sensation of heat, with fullness and tension in the internal parts, continual tingling, not disagreeable, but forcing them to scratch; burning on urinating; febrile symptoms. – (Hartmann, Therap., II, p. 154.)

SYMPTOMS DURING GESTATION AND ACCOUCHEMENT. – 118. A woman thirty-eight years old, poor, dissipated, hysterical, having had many miscarriages, always suffered during the first half of her pregnancies with vomitings. In this her sixth pregnancy, there was a strong exacerbation against which bloodletting and antispasmodics were of no avail. At the third month, after having suffered for six weeks, she presented the following symptoms: every morning, nausea and retching, and sometimes even yellow mucous vomiting. After having eaten, even with relish, she would experience violent gastralgia, nausea, retchings and vomiting with violent pressure in the forehead, beneath the eyes. After one dose of Aconite (a drop of the mother tincture) there occurred violent excitement, loss of consciousness, headache, but an immediate cessation of the vomitings and of all the accessory symptoms during the entire remaining term of pregnancy. – (Gaspari, Annales de Hartlaub et Trinks, vol. I, p. 250.)

119. A woman thirty-four years old, and in the seventh month of her pregnancy, was attacked with vomiting so violent that she supposed herself to be poisoned. Ipecac., Stibium, Nux vomica, and Cuprum were of no service. There were lancinating pains in the stomach, extreme and continual anguish in the precordial region, augmented by each act of vomiting; vomiting of such violence that the patient in the end threw up pure, bright red blood. The anguish increased to an extreme point; syncope supervened and a miscarriage became imminent. The first close of Aconite 200th produced tranquility; the anguish and pain yielded to a pleasant sleep, and the accouchement occurred at the proper time. – (Ruckert.)

120. A woman of full habit, suffered much during the last month of her pregnancy, with violent congestions of the chest. Aconite afforded so much relief that she could afterwards sleep tranquilly without fear of suffocating. – (Griesselich, Hygea, vol. V.p. 218.)

121. During accouchement, when the labour is arrested in consequence of the large size of the head, or from an unfavorable position of the child, and the severity of the pains cause the most robust woman to scream, while no progress is made towards delivery, and the patient is feverish, thirsty, red in the face, and covered with sweat, a dose of Aconite will be of service. It is true that this is not easy to confirm in cases of this kind, but I think I have obtained essential service from the use of Aconite in two cases of this description. – ( Wesselhoefft, correspond. Americ. No. 14, p. 153.)

MORBID PHENOMENA DURING CONFINEMENT. – 122. A woman twenty-eight years of age, was attacked on the third day after an artificial accouchement, with a violent shaking chill succeeded by the following symptoms: tumultuous febrile disturbance with a hard and frequent pulse, dry and hot skin, intense thirst, tongue dry and slightly coated, violent headache, fixed and ferocious expression; lochia arrested; breasts flaccid and without milk, violent pains in the bowels on the slightest touch; bowels a little bloated. An aqueous solution of Aconite 2d in spoonful doses was prescribed every half-hour. There was an amelioration during two days, and then an attack of dysentery (in consequence of this unnecessarily large dose? Jahr), which was cured by Belladonna.-(Bosch, vol. XIX, p. 103.)

123. An intelligent woman, on the eighth day of her confinement, after having taken cold, was attacked with the following symptoms: considerable heat, with continual cutting and contractive pains in the bowels, tension of the bowels and sensitiveness at the least touch; diarrheic stools every fifteen to thirty minutes; pressive and stupefying cephalalgia; frequent and tense pulse; violent thirst, tongue dry and covered with a white fur, desire to vomit. The lochia was at first scanty and finally suppressed; the secretion of milk kept pace with the frequent nursing. A dose of Aconite 4th was prescribed every three hours. At the expiration of twenty-four hours, all the inflammatory symptoms had ceased and the lochia had become regular. (The cramp-like pains in the bowels, occurring before each stool, were then cured with Chamomilla.)-(Diez l' Homoeopathic, p. 102.)

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06-09, 11, 1859, pages 255-263, pages 299-305, pages 349-353, pages 406-411, pages 488-496]

[Description: Collection of Clinical Observations and Studies of the Materia Medica.]

[Remedies: Aconitum napellus]

[Author: Jahr, G.H.G.]

[Year: 1859]

KEROSENE, A HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDY FOR BURNS.*[ From the Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London, April, 1864.]

BY A. J. B. JENNER, ESQ., BRISBANE.

Petroleum, or kerosene, is a natural production, arising, as is supposed, from the decomposition of coal. It is composed of carbon and hydrogen, and is, therefore, highly combustible. As a medicine, it is used by practitioners both of the old and new school. By the former it has been administered, internally, as a vermifuge, and occasionally in cases of asthma; externally, it is used as a liniment in paralytic affections, and in particular diseases of the joints, etc. But in homoeopathic practice, its use has been chiefly confined to internal affections; and, as is well known to those who have adopted the latter system, it is very effectual in various gastric derangements, and is almost a specific in that most distressing complaint, sea sickness. But it is in reference to its external use in burns and exanthemata that I now desire to call the attention of my readers.

A short time since I met with an accident, which might have resulted in serious consequences had it not been for the timely application of this substance. The accident alluded was a very severe burn, which implicated the whole of the inner surface of my hand; the pain was most excruciating, and the contraction was very extensive. Being away from home at the time, and consequently, not having the proper homoeopathic remedy at hand, I had to think of an immediate substitute, and I decided on Kerosene; accordingly, I immersed my hand in this fluid, and in a few minutes the pain had very considerably subsided. Seeing the good effects of the first application, I resolved to continue it, and when I got home I applied a quantity of cotton wool, saturated with Kerosene, and wrapped it up. The next morning (about twelve hours after the accident) my hand was to all intents and purposes well; but, as may be supposed, it was rather tender, so I covered it with an old kid glove, but applied no other remedy.

Kerosene cured my hand: of that there is not the shadow of a doubt; but it remains to be shown that it did so by virtue of its homoeopathicity to the disease, or capability of producing similar effects.

This point is, in my humble opinion, equally proved, beyond all doubt; for on the morning after the accident, on examination, I found that the back of my hand, which was also covered with the Kerosene, but was not actually burned was covered with bright red exanthem or rash, and studded over with innumerable small blisters, which, however, gave me no annoyance beyond a burning sensation when exposed to the air, and they went away of their own accord.

Now this is just what would happen in a case of burn or scald, in which the injury had not penetrated to the true skin; but that which is more extraordinary still in reference to this case is the fact, that on the seventh day after the accident, the epidermis, or scarf skin, commenced to peel off both the inside and the outside of my hand, both the part which had been actually burned, and that which had been simply acted upon by the Kerosene; thereby showing a direct influence, and in my opinion, homoeopathic sympathy between the two surfaces. However, these facts convince me that Kerosene cured my hand by virtue of its power to produce similar effects to those caused by the accident. There was the burning pain on exposure to the air (certainly, much less intense): there was the reddened appearance, and the vesication all symptoms of a superficial burn or scald — and, therefore, I consider that Kerosene is a very excellent, if not the very best homoeopathic remedy in such cases. If these few remarks should suffice to induce any person to further experimentalize in more deep seated cases, or, if they should be the means of alleviating but one case of suffering, they will not have been made in vain; and certainly, in a scientific point of view, the experiment is worth trying.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1864, pages 509-510]

[Description: Kerosene, a Homoeopathic Remedy For Burns.]

[Remedies: Kerosolenum]

[Author: Jenner, A.J.B.]

[Year: 1864]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

BY B. F. JOSLIN, JR., M. D., NEW YORK.

Wound of Cornea. — Discharge of Aqueous Humour — Entire Loss of Sight — Recovery.

I have deemed the following case worthy of publication as a remarkable recovery if not cure. I have to report it from memory, as my original records are lost or mislaid.

Mrs. G. sent for me, September 22nd, 1854. Several weeks before, she had received an injury of the cornea of one eye, which immediately destroyed the sight by letting out the aqueous humor. The circumstances were as follows: —

Her husband was a good for nothing drunken fellow, and was accustomed to use her pretty roughly. One evening, he laid on a lounge opposite the door, she looked in through a glass in the upper part of the door, at this, he took up a brass ring, which had been part of a solar lamp, and threw it at her; the ring passed through the glass and struck her in the eye. She felt a gush of something which she supposed to be blood, but soon ascertained it to be colorless. The sight was immediately and entirely destroyed, and she continued to suffer much pain in the eye. As I had treated her with success the previous year for diarrhea, she sent for me shortly after the injury, but I having removed my residence, the messenger did not find me at that time.

Within a few days after the injury, she went into the Hospital of the Sisters of Charity, then in East Thirteenth Street. She remained there five weeks, having certainly the benefit of the best surgical talent of the city. I saw her a few days after she came from the Hospital, viz.: — on September 22nd, 1854. To the best of my recollection, her condition was as follows: —

The affected eye (left I think) appeared decidedly smaller than the other; the wound across the cornea remained open; it had never closed; occasionally a watery discharge would come from it. Ever since the injury, she had suffered much pain in the eye, more particularly at night. It is my impression that I gave Bell.", but as my records of the case are lost, I cannot say certainly nor can I detail the treatment which followed, nor the particulars as I should like to do. I can only state that my account books show that I visited her from the 22nd of September to the 10th of October, making only eight visits in all. From memory, I can state that the pain in the eye was relieved within a few days, and, further, much to my surprise and gratification the wound in cornea healed, and aqueous humour, which was previously discharged through the wound as fast as secreted, now was retained and the eye became gradually larger until it attained the full normal size. This change was accompanied by the entire recovery of the light. No medical means were used excepting the internal administration of attenuated medicines. And whether we consider the case as a fortunate recovery or as a successful cure, it is interesting as it would enable us to give some encouragement to a patient similarly affected.

It seemed like something more than a coincidence, that in a few days after commencing homoeopathic treatment she was relieved of the pain in the eye, and within a few weeks the wound of cornea closed and the sight was restored. She stated to me, that the surgeons of the Hospital had not encouraged her to think that she would recover her sight. I last saw this patient about two years after the above events occurred, her eye remained well and could not be distinguished in appearance from the other.

FISTULA LACHRYMALIS. — J. C, came to the Central Homoeopathic Dispensary, Nov. 13th 1855. Fistulous ulcer from the lachrymal sac, from the opening of which upon the cheek, is discharged pus and tears. Has had this affection for four months. Inflammation around fistula. Calc. c.30

November 20th. — No inflammation about fistula, it is almost closed; slight discharge of whitish matter. Sacch. lac.

27th. — Return of trouble, probably in consequence of getting her feet damp. Discharge of pus and tears from fistula; bitter taste in mouth in morning. Puls.30

December 20th. Continues about the same. Sepia.30

January 15th, 1856. Was better until yesterday, Sep.30

21st. She says her eye is better than at any previous time since first attack. Sep.30

February 12th. No trouble about the eye, excepting lachrymation on exposure to cold. Fistula entirely closed. Sacch. lact.

March 13th. Eye quite well.

Whilst this patient was under treatment, a prominent allopathic surgeon, after personal examination of the case, pronounced it incurable except by an operation. I have heard from this patient several times since the last date; the eye remained well.

FISTULA LACHRYMALIS. — On the evening of September 19th, 1859. I was requested to visit Mrs. B., residing in East Twelfth Street. I found the right side of her face red, swollen and painful. The inflammation had commenced several days before at the inner canthus of eye, and had gradually extended until the whole side of face was affected. Bell.12 was prescribed, a dose every hour.

On the 20th, an abscess broke in the inner canthus, constituting a fistula lachrymalis. Hep.5, every two hours, was given.

21st. No discharge of pus since yesterday afternoon; opening of abscess seems to have closed; no pain; still some swelling of inner canthus; has a fistula lachrymalis of the other eye, which commenced nine or ten years since, with symptoms like the present sickness. A tube was inserted eight or nine years ago, and has been used since. Hep. every three hours.

24th. The right eye is about well; scarcely any redness remaining. Hep.6 four times a day.

30th. The right eye is well. Dr. Joslin, Sen., and myself concluded to advise the permanent removal of the tube from the left eye. The tears sometimes flow through puncta lachrymalia. The tube has pained her much for some time past, and there has been a discharge of pus around it. Hep.8 three times a-day.

8th. Sharp pain in inner corner of eye, which was the seat of the recent inflammation. Has not yet removed the tube. Seven powders of Puls. 30 one each night.

November 11th. Took tube from the eye, just after the last date. Has experienced no difficulty; tears have flowed through the natural passage. The opening where tube was inserted is almost closed, a very minute opening remains, which neither affects convenience or personal appearance. May, 1860. Eye continues well.

GONORRHEAL OPHTHALMIA. — Almost complete Loss of Sight — Recovery

Mr. X. applied to me to be cured of Gonorrhea which he had recently contracted. I prescribed Cann. ind.0 under which the discharge at first abated, but on the fourth day increased. I then gave him Cann. sat.0, and at the same time advised him to lay up for a few days to expedite the cure. On the seventh day of my attendance, the discharge was less; a slight redness of eyelids was observed, but as it was quite slight I paid little attention to it. At this time I gave him Sacch. lac. Two days after, discharge less and even less inflammation about the eye. Gave Cann. sat. 2

Being by my advice at home all day, he amused himself by reading, and that evening (the ninth of my attendance) his eye became much worse. When I saw him the next day, there was considerable swelling of eyelids and of ocular conjunctiva, producing decided chemosis. Cornea clear, very little pain and scarcely any photophobia, but profuse discharge of pus and tears, the passage of which through the lachrymal duct, produced excoriation of nostril of the affected side. The symptoms increased in severity for two days, during which period Puls.6 and Bry.7 were prescribed. The chemosis became so great as to much diminish the apparent size of cornea; a sensation of pressure and fulness was experienced in the eye, but no acute pain; profuse purulent and lachrymal discharge. On the morning of the eleventh day of my attendance, I gave him Merc. viv.3, a powder every hour, and was much gratified in the evening to find a slight diminution of the chemosis; had considerable smarting and burning in the eye. On the next day, the improvement was decided; less pain and chemosis. Continued to give Merc., viv.3 until the thirteenth day; there was then much less swelling of conjunctiva, but this day he had rather severe cuttings in the eye and the discharge of pus increased, on which account I gave him Euphrasia 1/50 solution.

The next day, the discharge and pain were less, but photophobia increased. Phos 30 was prescribed, under which he improved until the sixteenth day, had then increased photophobia. Gave him 2 Sulph. 30 at intervals of three hours. On the seventeenth day, had much less inflammation about the eye, but the sight was impaired to a greater extent than ever; could just distinguish light from darkness, but could not distinguish any objects. This loss of sight came on rather suddenly, two days before, could see pretty Well, although there was a haziness before sight. A slight opacity of cornea could be seen, though not sufficient to account for the blindness; light was painful. Hep.6 was then given, and the next day Nit. ac^3 On the nineteenth day, Merc. Viv^3 was resumed. On the twenty-first day, a slight improvement in sight was observed, he could distinguish his fingers when held before the eye.

On the twenty-second day, could distinguish black from white, and the day after the form of objects. On the twenty-fifth day, his cornea appeared quite clear; said he could see my eye and many other objects. The chemosis was gradually diminishing. About the twenty-seventh day, the discharge from urethra increased, it had almost disappeared previously. Merc. viv.3 was continued until the twenty-eight day; had then rather severe pains in right side of head. Bell.12 was prescribed, but Merc.3 resumed the next day and continued at longer intervals for the next month. During this period he improved in every respect. About this time, he had an attack of dysentery, very probably occasioned by the long continued use of Merc.viv.3, Nux promptly relieved the attack. At this time, his sight was quite good for short distances, but it was several weeks lacer before he acquired perfect vision. The cure was finally complete. A dose or two of Sulph^30 was about all he took subsequently to the above treatment.

Fracture of the Patella. — A Case successfully treated on a somewhat novel plan.

On the evening of January 23rd, 1858, I was called to see an old colored man, who was said to have put his knee out of joint. I found the patient with his leg across a chair suffering much pain, more especially when any attempt was made to flex the leg. He told me that he had charge of the drill rooms in the upper part of the building he was then in, and while bringing down stairs a scuttle of ashes he slipped, and on making an effort to save himself, he felt as though he was struck a violent blow on the right knee, and as though something gave way at the same time; he immediately lost the power of moving the leg.

I found the patella drawn up from its proper position, and was of the impression that he had ruptured the ligamentum patellae, but Dr. R. G. Perkins, whom I requested to see the case with me, correctly diagnosticated it as a fracture of the patella. By far the larger portion of the bone was included in the upper fragment; on drawing this downward until it met the lower portion, crepitus was distinctly felt. The fracture was oblique from below upward, and from before backward. After the parts of the patella were brought in co-aptation and the hold upon them withdrawn, the upper portion was drawn up a quarter of an inch. He was carefully removed to his own home, and Arnica tincture, ten drops to a pint of water, applied on cloths to the knee. Arn.20, a powder, every three hours was given internally.

Dr. Perkins called with me the next morning, and was associated with me in the whole remaining treatment of the case We found the patient feeling quite comfortable. Pulse 72; had some swelling about the knee, but very little pain excepting when the limb was moved. Strips of adhesive plaster were applied from the upper part of patella to the back of leg, and from lower portion to the posterior portion of thigh, and one strip across front of patella. One dose of Acon.20, and more was left to be taken if he had much fever or pain.

On the 25th, he was quite comfortable; less swelling of knee. Re-applied adhesive straps. No medicine was given.

26th. Has had slight shooting pains about joint; pulse 60. Put the lower extremities on a straight board with foot piece attached. 'Applied bandage over splint and leg; did not disturb the adhesive plaster. The portions of patella are nearly in apposition, No medicine.

27th. Had some pain in heel, caused, I think, by keeping the foot in one position; had also severe pricking pain in patella. He had loosened the bandage somewhat.

28th. Considerable sharp pain in knee last night; pulse 60. One dose of Acon.20

29th. Less pain in knee, otherwise comfortable.

30th. Considerable pain last evening in foot, extending upward to knee and afterward stitching pain in knee.

31st. Much less pain; has itching about joint.

February 1st. Doing well.

2nd. Doing well; re-applied adhesive straps and bandages.

6th. So far we had kept the patient in bed. His chief suffering had been from the inconvenience of having to remain in one position. He was quite restless and we had found it almost impossible to keep our apparatus adjusted, as he would move about some. Taking into consideration the age of our patient, and the serious troubles which might arise from keeping him too long in a recumbent position, as general impairment of health and possibly bed sores, we resolved upon a course of treatment which would enable him to be up, while his cure was going on. As the apparatus was perfectly simple, such as any one could easily make, and perfectly fulfilled all the indications of treatment, I think it worthy of a description. We took a piece of board, of the width of the limb and eighteen inches in length, cut a piece of strong ticking of same length and nearly wide enough to meet around the limb, this was tacked on to the board, the latter being well padded on upper surface. The limb rested upon this. Two smaller boards were prepared, one for the anterior surface of thigh and the other for anterior surface of the leg, both well padded. Tapes were attached at short intervals to the ticking, and tied in front over the anterior splints. Cotton was tucked in at various points to make the apparatus set well. In this way the limb was kept perfectly straight, and all motion at the knee joint prevented. The splint on thigh pressed upon the great extensor muscles of the leg, preventing either voluntary or involuntary movement. The splint upon leg was mainly to make the pressure on tibea more general and less irksome. To keep the portions of patella together, we relied entirely upon numerous adhesive straps. After this, we had little to do but watch, for if the tapes drew a little to hard for comfort, we gave him liberty to loosen one and tighten up those adjoining. He sat up during the day, and even walked about the room on crutches.

7th. Doing well. I tightened the tapes.

9th. The same. — 14th. The same.

17th. Took straps off; patella seems to be united; on right side a slight ridge can be felt; straps re-applied as before. Has today difficult micturation; urine passed in small quantities. One dose of Calc.30 was given.

23rd. Doing well.

March 2nd. Doing well. Goes up and down stairs.

8th. It is now six weeks and two days since he fractured his patella; up to this time we have kept the limb in an apparatus. We this morning took it off; patella well united. He can walk pretty well.

9th. Is able to walk much better than is usual after such an injury.

16th. Doing well. Has walked to the rooms, of which he has charge, and back, a distance of, in all, at least, two miles.

April 6th. Is attending to his business; can walk well, without cane; does not limp at all; knee appears natural; a slight depression can be perceived at seat of fracture.

The union, in this case, was undoubtedly by bone, and the cure perfect in every respect. The result exceeded our expectations, as the patient was old, at least sixty. I learned subsequently, that he was rather intemperate, which would naturally lessen his chances of a favorable result. But the most interesting feature of the case was, that he was enabled to go about after the second week of the treatment, and, for any reason I know off, might have gone about during the whole course if we had applied our apparatus earlier. Scarcely any medicine was given, as there was very little indication for it.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 09, 1860, pages 397-405]

[Description: Clinical Contributions; Wound of Cornea — discharge of Aqueous Humour — entire Loss of Sight; Fistula Lachrymalis; Gonorrheal Ophthalmia — almost complete Loss of Sight; Fracture of the Patella.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F. Jr.]

[Year: 1860]

DROPSY AFTER SCARLET FEVER.

BY B. F. JOSLIN, JR., M. D., NEW YORK.

Scarlatina has prevailed in this city during the past few months, and has assumed an unusually severe and fatal character. A large number of cases has occurred in the Protestant Half Orphan Asylum; the medical management of which institution has been under the able and skilful care of Dr. B. F. Bowers for thirteen years. So numerous were the cases at one time, that he requested my assistance to diminish the too heavy tax upon his time. In this way I collected the materials for the present article, founded mainly upon my own observation, but partly on his records previous to the commencement of my services The present epidemic has been far the most fatal of any which has occurred during Dr. Bowers' long period of service; the previous percentage of mortality being excessively small even for homoeopathic practice. The present mortality, although proportionately greater than the records of this institution show for any similar period under the homoeopathic practice, is not to be regarded as really great, considering the large number of cases (eighty to one hundred) of the disease which occurred. With one exception (convulsions) the deaths from Scarlatina were in cases in which dropsy ensued; of these latter cases four were fatal. At the present time I intend to confine myself to some account of those cases accompanied by dropsical symptoms. At a future time I may give a more complete account of the epidemic, but it would extend the present article beyond a suitable length to include more at this time.

A large proportion of the dropsical patients had the first stage of the disease in an exceedingly mild form, so much so that in one or two of the fatal cases they had been scarcely supposed to have had the Scarlatina at all. One (case v.) had sore-throat without eruption; another, slight eruption only (case xii.) neither of these went to bed until the appearance of the dropsical symptoms. In these, the first indication of any thing serious was edema round the eyes, followed soon by more general anarsarca and other troubles. Several of the dropsical cases may appear quite slight, but our experience taught us to regard any symptom of this complication as a very important omen not to be thought lightly of.

The following quotations from West on Diseases of Children accord with our experience in this epidemic: —

"The degree of anasarca varies much in different cases, and likewise fluctuates at different periods in the same patient."

His description of the more severe cases will be found to correspond very closely to cases two, three, four, five, six, twelve, thirteen and sixteen. He says: —

"The chief suffering, however, is referred to the chest; the respiration is labored and accelerated, and the child is frequently unable to assume the recumbent posture, and is, moreover, distressed by a frequent short hacking cough. Under these circumstances, life is sometimes prolonged for several days, though in a state of extreme suffering, remedies proving unable either to increase the action of the kidneys, or to relieve the dropsy. Death is sometimes preceded by a sudden aggravation of the signs of disorder in the respiratory organs, which assumes all the painful characteristics of edema of the lungs; and in other cases, a comatose condition comes on, such as often precedes death from Bright's disease in the adult."

Cases six, nine, ten and thirteen were marked by a tendency to drowsiness, and cases two, three, four, five, six, seven ten, twelve and sixteen by difficult and rapid respiration.

The cases reported are in the order in which the eruption occurred.

CASE I. John Girvan, aged six.

February 16th 1860. Eruption; had cough. Puls. 30 was prescribed — On 18th and 21st, he is recorded as doing well. Puls. 30 was continued. — April 5th. While looking over the convalescents who were up and about the nursery rooms, found him with slight edema of eyelids; abdomen was swollen; pulse quite frequent; had also glandular swelling of sub-maxillary region. Apis 1 was prescribed. — 6th. The edema of eyelids was less apparent. Apis 30 was prescribed. — 7th. Says he feels well; has slight cough; pulse 140. Hep. 30. — 9th. Diarrhea; pulse 124. Ars. 30. Bowels continued somewhat relaxed for several days. Ars. 30 was continued. Since he has been well.

CASE II. Herman Stevens, aged seven.

February 25th. Face flushed; chilly; pulse weak; pain in stomach; has vomited. Acon. 30 in solution, a dose every two hours was prescribed. — 27th. Face all over red as a lobster; sore-throat; pain in stomach; headache; red tongue; pulse 130. Bell. 30, every four hours. — 28th. Still very red. Puls. 30, every four hours — 29. Continued Puls. 30. — No further record until March 21st. Face swollen. Sulph. 30. — March 23rd. Swelling of face, eyes and feet. Ars. 30. — 24th. Feet swollen. Ars. 30. — 25th. More swollen. Ars. 30. — 26th. Worse. Ars. 30 and Merc. 30. — 26th. Second visit, at seven, p.m.; when I first saw him, I record face much puffed; feet and legs somewhat swollen; abdomen swollen. Very great dyspnea, so that he has to sit upright to breathe. If allowed to recline says he is choking. Passed no urine from last evening till this evening while we were present, then only half a gill of dark brown color. Pulse very frequent and feeble. 1 Apis 30 and 1 Apis 0 were given, but he died at half-past eleven the same evening.

CASE III. Charles Smith, aged six.

February 29th. Fever; red eruptions; vomiting headache. Puls. 30. — March 1st. White dry tongue; redness continues Acon. 30. — 2nd. Puls. 30. — 16th. (Where a considerable period elapses without particular record, we may infer that the patient was doing well.) Stiff neck; glands swollen. Bell. 30 and Merc. 30. — 21st. Inflammation in front of neck to right side with deep swelling. Bell. 30. — 23rd. Opened abscess on neck. Sulph. 30. — 26tb. edema of face. Apis 30. — 27th. Seems better; pulse 92. Apis 30. — 28th. Face more swollen; no edema of feet; pulse 80, irregularly intermittent. Apis 1. — 29th. Face not so much puffed; pulse 100, regular. Apis 1. — April 2nd. Pulse 76, not quite regular. Apia 1. — 3rd. Less swelling of face; pulse 100. Apis 1. — 5th. Feels well; less swelling of face; pulse 92, not quite regular. Apis 1. — 8th. Skin hot; thirst; pulse 148; respiration good, 32; The weather Is today rainy and close, which I have no doubt has had an unfavorable influence on his case, as there is no other reason known for the change. Acon. 30 and Bell. 30.

April 9th. Feels well and appears so; pulse 96; had rapid respiration all night, but is now quite easy; last night had an evacuation in bed. Acon. and Bell. — 10th. Doing well; pulse 104. Apis 1. — 11th. Respiration good; still has some swelling of face. Apis 1. — 12th. Pulse 114; respiration 28. Apis 1 — 13th. Says he feels wells, but he does not appear quite so bright as usual; no appetite for dinner; pulse 116. Apis 1. — 14th. Appetite better; pulse 112. Apis. — 16th. Doing well; pulse 92. Apis 1. — 17th. Doing well; pulse 100. Apis 1. — 18th. Seems well. Hep. 30. Has remained well.

CASE IV. Mary Butler, aged ten and a half.

March 1st. Nausea. Verat 30. — 2nd. Eruption. Puls. 30. — Must have been slightly affected as there is no further record till the 21st, when swelling of face was observed. Sulph. 30. — 22nd. Feet swelling. Sulph 30. — 23rd. Swelling of face, eyes, and feet. Ars. 30, every four hours. — 24th Vomiting; pain in stomach; oppressed breathing; swelling of abdomen; pulse 115. Ars. 30 was continued. — 25th. No sleep all night; vomiting brown yellow bile frequently (every twenty minutes); painful efforts to pass urine with very little effect; great pain in stomach, relieved after vomiting; short panting respiration. Merc. cor. 30 every hour. Second visit — pulseless. Ars. and Carb. veg. were given bat she died at 8.25, p.m.

CASE V. Jacob Shannon, aged nine.

March 2nd. Tonsilitis. Bell 30. — -3rd. Sore-throat improving. Bell. 30. — 8th. Lame in both legs; stiff neck; sore-throat. Bell. 30.

This is the whole record of the first stage of his case, there is no doubt that the symptoms were ocasioned by Scarlatina but he was so slightly affected that he never went to bed in consequence.

March 27th. Found him among the convalescents, with edematous swelling of face; tongue coated, white papilla, enlarged. Apis1. In the evening Dr. Bowers found his pulse very frequent and irregular, dropsical symptoms increased. — 28th. I record, in bed quite sick; face puffed; great edema of scrotum and of lower extremities; dulness of left chest, in region of heart; respiration normal on both sides of chest; pulse 120, regular; ascites; tongue red with brownish coat. Apis 1. — 29th. Since last evening, very severe pain in chest and abdomen; respiration labored; dropsy increased; abdomen much distended; edema of face; dulness of chest on percussion; pulse very feeble and frequent; urine scanty and pale. Hell. 0, every hour. Died on the morning of the 30th, instant.

CASE VL William White, aged six.

March 3rd. Fever; red eruption. Acon. 30. — 10th. Fever. Puls. 30.

No further record until April 2nd, during which period he was up and about the nursery; at this date he was observed to be drowsy and to hare edema under the eyes; was desquamating. Apis 30.

April 3rd. Face puffed. Apis 30. — 4th. Face more swollen; much pain in abdomen today; abdomen swollen and tympanitic; pulse 130 very small. Apis 1. — 5th. Much Less edema of face; respiration pretty good; pulse 120 and fuller; perspires. Apis 1. — 6th. Says he feels better; respiration better; pulse 119; swelling of face about the same; abdomen tympanitic. Apis 30. — 7th. Much less swelling of face; pulse 108; says he feels well.

As his improvement was uninterrupted after this date it is unnecessary to copy the daily record. April 15th. the urine was observed to have a very deep color. No change was made in the treatment till the 18th, when Hep. 30 was substituted for Apis 30. No edema remained.

His case was one which we regarded as of great danger, as it resembled very closely the preceding case which was fatal.

CAES VII Emma Leslie, aged four and a half.

March 6th. Eruption red. Puls. 30. — 8th. Puls. 30 — 22nd. Cervical glands swollen. Bell. 30. — 27th. Eruption of pale irregular blotches over chest and back; tongue thickly coated yellow; attempted to look at throat but could not succeed, the touch of the finger caused slight bleeding from throat; rather ofensive smell from throat. Bell. 30. — 28th. edema of face; no dulness of chest; pulse 100. Apis 1 — 29th. Face puffed. Apis 1. — 31st. Doing well. Hep. 30. — Convalesced regularly.

CASE VIII. Jane McKee, aged eight.

March 6th. Red eruption. Puls. 30 — 12th. Stiff neck. Bell. 30. — 13th and 16th. Same record. — 18th. Pain in back, head and limbs. Puls. 30: — 19th. Groans and talks in sleep. Puls. 30. — 20th. Improving. Puls. 30. — 21st. Headache; desquamating. Bell. 30. — 24th. Bry. 30. — 31st. Swelling of abdomen and of face. Apis. 1.

April 2nd. Increased swelling. Apis. 1. — 3rd. Much less swelling of abdomen, and of feet; says she feels well; pulse 72. Apis 1. — Gradually convalesced; had about the 15th instant, an attack of dysentery lasting a few days.

In this case the swelling of abdomen and of feet was great No other remedy was used for the dropsical symptoms but Apis, and they entirely disappeared.

CASE IX. John Dakenheart, aged five and a half.

March 13th. Eruption. Puls. 30. — 31st. Yesterday had tympanitic distension of abdomen; pain in abdomen. Cham. 30 was given. Continued same. — April 2nd. Swelling of face. Apis. 1. — 3rd. Less swelling of face. Apis 1

Edema of face gradually disappeared under Apis 1, and after the 6th inst of Apis 30. He was rather drowsy most of the time. On the 15th, inst., he appeared well, and Hep. 30 was given as was our rule to all the convalescents from Scarlatina.

CASE X. Kitty Goverment, aged six and a half.

March 18th. Fever; red eruption. Bell. 30.

Her attack must have been slight, as no further record was recorded.

April 4th. I record, was up day before yesterday; edema of eyelids pulse 92. Dr. Bowers' gave her Acon. 30. last night. Apis 1. — 5th. Red erysipelatous looking eruption on cheeks and nose; edema of face; pulse 96; Apis. — 6th. edema of face. Apis 30. — 7th. Feels well pulse 76. Apis 30.

Same condition and treatment until 12th, when Hep. 30 was substituted. On the 13th the urine was of a very deep brown color, appeared almost black; pulse 96. Hep. 30 was continued till the 15th, at this date, increased swelling of face was observed; respiration was short and she was inclined to sleep; pulse 100. Apis 1.

16th. Feels well; pulse 92. Apis 30. — 17th. Was feverish and had frequent loose cough during night. Acon. 30 and Bell. 30. — 19th. Pulse 126, small; doing well. Acon. 30 and Bell. 30.

On the 21st had greenish vomiting, for which Verat. 30 was given with good effect; afterwards only Hep. 30 was given.

CASE XI. John Carrew, aged ten.

Mar. 24th. Red eruption; vomiting. Bell. 30. — 26th. Dropsy. Ars. 30. — 27th. Cheeks red and swollen; eruption of blotches on chest; no sore-throat.

Examined a specimen of urine; color normal. Albumen was precipitated copiously both by heat and Nitric acid. With the microscope found abundant epithelium and mucus; some quite large globules were seen, in which no granular structure could be distinguished. I could not detect any blood globules. Apis 1.

March 28th. Not so much swelling of face; no redness. Apis 1. — 29th. Face less puffed; feels better; slight fluctuation of abdomen; dulness of left chest; pulse 62. Apis 1. — April 2nd. Better. Apis 1.

Convalesced rapidly. On the 18th instant, had headache and ear-ache, which were relieved by Puls. 30, at this time his pulse was 94

CASE XII George Welsh, aged ten.

March 24th. Red eruption; vomiting. Bell. 30. Attack was very slight. Did not go to bed.

April 3rd. Was observed to have edema of right side of face. Apis 30. Was, however, apparently well until the 9th, when at three, a.m., he had profuse bleeding from nose and mouth, commenced with a short cough; this was, I have no doubt, hemoptysis. Two hours after, had another attack similar, afterward watery vomiting; abdomen tympanitic; slight edema of face. Dr. Bowers was called early in the morning and gave him Acon. 30. and Bell. 30, alternately each hour. I saw him about noon (my usual time of visiting the Asylum), his pulse was 120; he did not appear very sick. Dr. Bowers said he was, much improved since morning. He continued Acon. and Bell.

On the 10th, he was in a desperate condition. Pulse so feeble and irregular as not to be counted; respiration difficult; started up wildly; put his hand to his throat; said he wanted to pull something out of it; frequent short cough (I considered him to have edema of the glottis); wanted cold water frequently, but Vomited it up, spitting out once a yard or more. Had a black frothy evacuation and vomiting of similar matter; in both instances the matter was no doubt blood. Lips bluish. Lach 30 was given, and after half an hour the lips were observed by Dr. Bowers, the nurses, and myself, to be less bluish. I counted the pulse then 140. Lach. 30 was continued.

11th. He died at two. a.m. Had bleeding from nose twice last night, half a gill each time. Respiration was stridulous.

CASE. XIII. Margaret Henry, aged eight.

March 27th. Said to have had Scarlatina, now edema of face and pain in stomach. Acon. 30. — 27th. edema of face; tongue clear. Apis 1.

April 7th. Has lameness and want of power over feet; strongly inclined to sleep; has chronic pustular eruption and abscess in axilla; pulse 120. Bell. 30. 9th. Is quite weak and cannot stand; pains in lower extremities, on moving them. Bry. 30. — 10th. Improving. Bry. 30. — 11th. Bell. 30. — 12th. Sleeps all the time, I roused her with very great difficulty. Says, she has pain at pit of stomach; tongue red; purulent discharge from eyes; pulse 80. Op. 30 — 13th. Not so sleepy; no pain; pulse 100. Op. 30. — 14th. Is bright; pulse 100. Op. 30. — 15th. Feels well; pulse 114. Op. 30. — 16th. Moaning and crying during sleep; headache; pulse 120 during sleep. Acon. 30 and Bell. 30. — 17th. Well; pulse 96. Acon. and Bell. — 18th. Well; pulse 88. Hep. 30. Remained well.

CASE XIV. Julia Mathews, aged ten.

March 26. Red eruption. Bell. 30. — 27th. Cheeks red and hot; pulse frequent. Bell. 30. — 28th. edema of eyelids. Apis 1. — 31st. appears well. Apis 1. April 18th. Feels well; has slight edema of face; Apis 1. Convalesced well.

CASE..XV. Isabella Rowlandson, aged ten.

March 27th. Characteristic general eruption; sore-throat; tongue bright red, papillae very distinct; pulse 116; had had vomiting on the 23rd, Verat. was then given, now Bell. 30. — 28th. Discharge from nose; pulse 132. Hep. 30. — 29th. Throat much swollen; deglutition quite painful; pulse 132. Merc. 30. — 30th. Feels better. Merc. 30. — 31st. Throat less sore; tongue red; desquamation. Merc. 30.

April 2nd. Throat not very sore; feels better; pulse 130. Merc. 30. — 3rd. Offensive smell from mouth; ulceration on margin of right upper eyelid. Carb. veg. 30. — 4th. Improving. Carb. vog. 30. — 5th. No pain; feels well; no offensive smell from the mouth now; pulse 126. Carb. veg. — 6th. Improving; pulse 130. Carb. veg. 30. — 7th. Feels well; eye very much better, and general appearance good; pulse 140, after dinner. Carb. veg. 30. — 8th. Says, she feels well; has undoubtedly edema of upper eyelids; urine of a very deep brown or purplish color. Neither heat nor Nitric acid caused any perceptible deposit of albumen; with microscope epithelium mucus, tubes and blood globules were

The following table shows the date of the first symptoms of Scarlatina and of the first indications of Dropsy observed, and the number of days intervening between, together with the result: —

No. of Case

Name of Patient

Scarlatina commenced.

Dropsy Observed.

No. of Days interv'ning.

Result.

1

John Girvan

Feb. 16, '60.

April 5.

49 Days.

Cured.

2

Herman Stevens

Feb. 25.

March 21.

25 Days.

Died.

3

Charles Smith

Feb. 29.

March 26.

26 Days.

Cured.

4

Mary Butler

March 1.

March 21.

20 Days.

Died.

5

Jacob Shannon

March 2.

March 27.

25 Days.

Died.

6

William White

March 3.

April 2.

30 Days.

Cured.

7

Emma Leslie

March 6.

March 28.

22 Days.

Cured.

8

JaneMcKee

March 6.

March 31.

25 Days.

Cured.

9

John Dakenheart

March 13.

April 2.

20 Days.

Cured.

10

Kitty Goverment

March 18.

April 5.

18 Days.

Cured.

11

John Curran

March 24.

March 27.

3 Days.

Cured.

12

George Welsh

March 24.

April 3.

10 Days.

Died.

13

Margaret Henry

March 27.

Cured.

14

Julia Mathews

March 26.

March 28.

2 Days.

Cured.

15

Isabla Rowlandson

March 27.

April 8.

12 Days.

Cured.

16

* Robert Saunter

March 7.

March 28.

21 Days

Cured

Of fifteen cases in which the time of attack of Scarlatina was known —

1

Commenced in

2

Days after

Scarlatina.

1

"

8

"

"

1

"

10

"

"

1

"

12

"

"

1

"

18

"

"

2

"

20

"

"

*1

"

21

"

"

1

"

22

"

"

3

"

25

"

"

1

"

26

"

"

1

"

30

"

"

1

"

49

"

"

15

Average about 20 days

[* In this case the date of commencement is merely approximate, as no record was found until the appearance of dropsical symptoms, it is then stated that he had the Scarlatina three weeks before.]

Two of these cases are recorded as occurring at very short periods after the eruption-One at two and the other at three days. The first case is perhaps somewhat doubtful, and may have been the ordinary edema which occurs in the early stage of Scarlatina. The only reason to doubt this is, the fact that slight edema of face remained on the 18th of April, three weeks after it was first observed. The second occurring in three days after the appearance, is less ambiguous. Albumen was found in the urine on the same day (third), and a few days subsequently, fluctuation of abdomen was discovered and dulness of left chest observed. Several cases which appeared doubtful to us have been excluded. The case which showed evidence of dropsy sooner (ten days) than any but these two, was the most formidable, and after the symptoms were fully established the most rapidly fatal of the whole (case twelve).

I have been thus particular to note the intervening period between the eruption and the dropsy, because considerable discrepancy is found among the most respectable authorities on this point.

Watson says: — "According to the observations of Dr. Wells, the dropsical symptoms commonly show themselves on the twenty-second or twenty-third day after the commencement of the preceding fever. They have been known to begin as early as the sixteenth and as late as the twenty-fifth day.

West (Diseases of Children, p. 419,) says: — "Dropsical symptoms generally show themselves within a fortnight, or three weeks from the appearance of the rash."

Wilson (Diseases of the Skin, p. 417,) says: — "During the period intervening between the tenth and twelfth day, and sometimes as early as the fifth or sixth day, anasarca is developed."

He says further: — "Anasarca sometimes proceeds from anemia." This form "may occur as early as the fourth day of the eruption." The "urine is pale, and contains neither albumen, blood corpuscules nor epithelial cells." This kind of "edema begins in the vicinity of the joints."

Case eleven, which commenced in three days after eruption, does not coincide with this description of anasarca from anaemia as the edema commenced in eyelids, and as the urine was decidedly albuminous and contained epithelium.

Neither do any of the cases reported, agree in their characteristics with the above description. The urine was examined in five of the dropsical cases, and in three (eleven, twelve and sixteen) albumen was found; and in two cases (one and fifteen) none was discovered. Heat promptly produced a flocculent precipitate in the specimens of urine which contained albumen, but the action of Nitric acid was more dilatory than is usual.

In cases eleven and twelve epithelium and mucus, and in case twelve tube casts and blood globules were found. In case sixteen, the urine was not examined by the microscope for want of time. The same reason prevented me from making a microscopical examination of the urine of case one, but in case fifteen epithelium, mucus, tubes, and globules having the ring appearance of blood globules in urine were found, notwithstanding no traces of albumen could be discovered.

Case eleven, where the urine was clear and normal, afforded the most albumen of any. The high colored smoky looking urine of some of the other cases which contained blood globules, as seen by microscope and hematosine (coloring matter of blood) as shown by tests, contained very little albumen.

This is strictly in accordance with Golding Bird's observations on "Bright's Disease." The smoky appearance is characteristic of the presence of blood. The clear normal colored urine contains none.

I made careful examinations of the urine in two cases, not included in the present article, in both the presence of albumen was doubtful, but epithelium, tubes and mucus were found, and one deposited uric acid in beautiful lozenge crystals, united in clusters and in rhombic prisms.

I much regret that want of time prevented me from making more examinations of the urine. In regard to the presence of albumen in the urine, my experience coincides with the following extract from Wilson on Diseases of the Skin:

"Albumen is commonly, but not always found in the urine during the period of desquamation. Dropsy may even supervene without the urine becoming albuminous.

"Simon further observes, in reference to the contradictory opinions put forth with regard to the presence of albumen in the urine."

"We have dropsical symptoms with albuminuria, dropsical symptoms without albuminuria, and albuminuria without dropsical symptoms."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, pages 337-349]

[Description: Dropsy After Scarlet Fever.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F. Jr.]

[Year: 1860]

CHLORINE IN SPASMUS GLOTTIDIS .

BY B. F. JOSLIN, JR., M. D., NEW YORK.

Having recently seen very decidedly beneficial effects from the use of chlorine in spasmodic affections of the air passages, as recommended by Dr. Carroll Dunham in the present volume of the Review, page 18, I have thought it desirable to report the same.

The first case in which I used it, was very similar to the one reported by Dr. Dunham; a form of disease by no means common, viz.: "true spasmodic croup or spasm of the glottis."

The patient was a boy, aged fourteen months, whose health had previously been exceedingly good. I was called in haste to visit him, on the 8th of February, 1860. For two weeks previously he had had paroxysms of a suffocative character, accompanied by a crowing sound of respiration; he would appear to be unable to breathe or cry, and his face would become purple. Had neither cough nor wheezing respiration. Any excitement or drinking would bring on paroxysms.

The paroxysms had steadily become more frequent and severe. On the morning of my visit during one of these suffocative attacks, a severe convulsion ensued which lasted ten minutes – the first convulsion he ever had.

For two days before the patient had vomited his milk, and the bowels had been loose, evacuations greenish. Gave him 1 Bell.30 then Sulph. 30

In the evening of the same day I found him crying as from pain; – his mother said that as much crying on the previous night would have brought on his paroxysms of choking: he had had only two of these since morning and two greenish evacuations. Gave him Samb.200 a dose every 3 hours.

9th. No choking since. Bowels better. Continued Samb 200.

10th. Paroxysms commenced at 4 p. m. yesterday, has had at least six this morning. Bell^30 every 3 hours.

11th. No paroxysms after I saw him till 4 p, m., since then several. Bell.20 every 3 hours.

12th. Has had a number of paroxysms since. Continued during night and today. – Bowels better. – While asleep has snoring respiration. – Short dry cough. Opium,1 solution, a dose every 3 hours.

13th. No paroxysm since yesterday afternoon. Continue Opium.1

14th. Several slight paroxysms. General health improved. Continue Opium.1

16th. No paroxysm. Continue Opium.1

26th. The choking paroxysms continue, sometimes only once a day, at other times more frequently. Continue Opium.1

March 6th. Rather worse. Frequent paroxysms of choking. Bowels loose. Cham.12

8th. Was quite severely affected yesterday, today had another severe convulsion. Samb.200 was given.

9th. Has had a number of suffocative attacks. Prescribed solution of Chlorine, As we have no standard by which to indicate the precise strength of the Chlorine solution, I can only state that the diluted solution given had a very faint smell. Directed about 20 drops to be given at a dose, three or four times a day, or more frequently if he had severe suffocative attacks.

10th. Paroxysms not so severe nor so frequent. Continue Chlorine.

11th. No paroxysms since. Appears brighter. Continued Chlorine.

13th. No paroxysms until this morning, when he had several slight ones. Gave him solution of Chlorine prepared fresh.

15th. Several very Blight paroxysms since. Continued Chlorine.

19th. Paroxysms daily, but not severe. Continued Chlorine.

23d. Slight paroxysms daily, but is much better as regards general health. Chlorine was continued.

29th. Improving. Continued Chlorine.

April 3d. Worse since 1st inst. Rather severe and frequent turns of choking with blueness of face. The Chlorine solution has stood since 29th, prepared it fresh.

12th. No better. Has several paroxysms of choking each day. Prescribed opium.1 solution every 3 hours.

The paroxysms ceased a few days after, and have not returned. Although the Chlorine seemed in some measure to loose its effect at the very last of the case, still it was very decided when first given and for nearly a month afterwards. The occurrence of a second convulsion and the alarming severity and frequency of the choking paroxysms almost discouraged me.

These symptoms were promptly relieved. The paroxysms which we recorded as occurring daily, were quite slight, and would scarcely have been noticed were it not for the previous occurrence of the severe ones.

The only other case in which I have used Chlorine, was one of true membranous croup, accompanied by some degree of stridulous respiration. Other remedies had been used before with only slight effect, the Chlorine when given stopped the stridulous respiration in a few hours, nor did it return during the progress of the case, which though finally successful was tedious. The Chlorine served only to relieve the portion of the disease which was of a spasmodic nature, no effect was produced by it on the dry wheezing respiration.

I shall probably report this case more in full at another time. I merely allude to it to illustrate the action of Chlorine.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 10, 1860, pages 448-451]

[Description: Chlorine in Spasmus Glottidis]

[Remedies: Chlorum]

[Author: Joslin, B.F. Jr.]

[Year: 1860]

INSANITY TREATED AT THE HOME OF THE PATIENT, WITH ILLUSTRATIVE CASES.

BY B. F. JOSLIN, JR., M.D., NEW YORK.

The treatment of Insanity is usually regarded, more particularly perhaps than any other disease, as the province of the specialist; and the very general practice when a patient is considered to be clearly convicted of mental disorder is to consign him to the charge of some Institution, specially devoted to such persons; in other words to a Lunatic Asylum.

In the North American Journal of Homoeopathy for Feb. 1857, I published several cases of mental disease, treated with some success by homoeopathic medicine, with a few remarks upon the advantages afforded by our system of practice in such cases, and some of the objections to the general custom of sending Insane patients to Asylums when it can possibly be avoided. I now propose to continue the subject: my object being to show the possibility of curing such patients by following the method we find so efficacious in diseases in general, and that it is by no means necessary, at least in a considerable proportion of cases, to take the patients from their friends and relations to an Asylum. Both of these propositions are illustrated by the cases published as well as by those I shall now report, which have occurred more recently in my practice.

I do not assert that at the present day our system of treatment is so complete as to enable us to cure every case of Insanity, nor that instances may not occur where, owing to violent Mania in the patient, or to want of sufficient means on the part of the friends, we may not be compelled to send the patient to an Asylum. I wish in this connection to say a few words in regard to Asylums, and the circumstances which in my opinion would make it proper for us as Homoeopathic practitioners to make use of them. Such Institutions are in this country exclusively under the control of Old school physicians. Strictly medical treatment for the cure of Insanity is scarcely thought of, specific remedies they do not profess to have, and even the general treatment of the Old school is not much used at the present day in Asylums. The almost exclusive reliance is upon coercive and moral means. A few years since I happened to meet with the medical superintendent of one of the most extensive Asylums, he remarked that he had heard I had published some cases of Insanity, treated by homoeopathic medicine.*[North American Journal of Homoeopathy. Feb. 1857.] As he seemed to take some interest in the matter, I thought it a favorable opportunity to urge him to try the experiment of giving similar remedies to his patients he replied that he "never would believe that medicine could cure mental disease."

Such is no doubt the general opinion of the medical gentlemen to whom this unfortunate class of patients is intrusted. Instead of regarding mental peculiarities as a part of a more or less general derangement of the system they seem to look upon them as phenomena connected only with the immaterial part of man-the mind or at the most with the organ through which the soul communicates with the external world-the brain. Symptoms of other functions or organs are regarded simply as complications, but arc not regarded as a part of the true disease Insanity.

I believe that Insanity seldom shows itself simply as a mental affection, but that it is much more frequently preceded and accompanied by symptoms indicative of functional or organic lesions in other organs than the brain. I may instance the uterine function in women, the genital in the male, the digestive in both sexes. As an illustration I will briefly relate the following case:

A young man came into my office one day and said to me: "Sir, I have the strongest desire to cut my throat whenever I see a razor, I have been for some time suffering from extreme depression of spirits." On enquiry I ascertained that he was the subject of Spermatorhea as also of pretty clearly marked Hepatic disease. The specialists of the Brain, the Liver or the vesiculae seminales would either in their own opinion have found a patient in their particular department from this case. Such was very nearly the fact in this instance, for being pretty impatient, as this class of patients are apt to be, he disappeared for some months, and then came back and related his medical experience: he had been taking medicine to act upon the liver from a physician, and had had instruments introduced into the urethra by a surgeon, he had fortunately escaped the mental specialist, or he might have found himself in an Asylum. He is now under my care, and I may perhaps report his case more fully at some future time. He has improved greatly under the influence of Nux, Sulph., and other remedies given according to the symptomatological indications.

Disregarding everything but the mental phenomena, the specialist in this department is many times ignorant of disease which perhaps have much to do with the mental and physical condition of his patient. I will relate a case in which I think this was the fact.

In certain legal proceedings which were instituted in this city, within a few years past, to obtain the liberation of a lady, who had been confined in an asylum for many years, the medical officer was asked if his patient had any disease other than insanity, he said he was not aware that she had; he was particularly asked, if she had any uterine affection, he said not that he was aware of, he had never made an inquiry or examination. By the testimony of a highly educated physician, who had had charge of her for some years previous to her confinement in the asylum, it was proved, that she had been the subject of Hypertrophy of the Uterus, which he considered to be the cause of her nervousness; he did not think it amounted to Insanity, This is believed to be only an ordinary occurrence. The specialist is so intent upon his own particular department, that he is apt to loose sight of everything else.

The case cited, illustrates another point to which allusion ought to be made. As is well known, the term Insanity is given at the present day, to a much more extensive class of diseases, than was formerly the case; so that it is now rather more difficult to say, what mental state cannot be brought under this designation, than those which can. I do not propose to find fault at present, so much with the theory of this, as with the practice. By the latter, many persons perfectly harmless, in most respects correct in judgement and deportment, are placed on nearly the same level in treatment and reputation, with violent maniacs and persons whose intellects are completely upset. The case cited shows that a person by whose regular physician she was considered to be nervous from uterine disease, was considered as a lunatic by a physician who knew nothing of her previous history or diseases.

In anything that I have written, I do not intend to assert that the mental condition of certain cases absolutely depends upon the condition of certain organs, as the uterine or digestive, but only to intimate that an exceedingly close relation exists between the morbid conditions of the digestive, uterine, generative, and mental functions; and that we should be very careful in the treatment of Insanity, to take into consideration any symptoms which may occur, whether they seem to be directly connected with the mental phenomena or not. I am not proposing to investigate the pathology of the disease; that clearly belongs to the specialist, and any light which he can throw upon the subject from that point of view, will be appreciated by us all. As yet, it must be confessed, the results have been negative rather than positive.

I regard the cure of disease, as the main duty of the physician, and I believe we have reliable means of accomplishing that result. Nor do we consider it necessary to first settle the many interesting questions of pathology, which with us are only indirectly connected with the treatment of disease.

We should otherwise be upon an unstable and constantly changing foundation. It is evident, that if our treatment were founded upon the supposed pathology, it would constantly vary with the frequent changes in the views of the profession in regard to the nature of disease; but if we rely upon the correspondence between the actual phenomena of the disease, and the known effects of drugs upon the healthy subject, we have a real foundation, capable of indefinite improvement as we perfect our knowledge of the materia medica, but not to be overthrown by any discovery in collateral science.

In regard to the propriety of sending any patient to an asylum, I would remark that there are undoubtedly some cases of insanity exceedingly difficult to be treated at the homes of the patients, on account of the peculiar prejudices which sometimes arise in the minds of the patients, in regard to their friends. But in general, I think, the question whether we shall be compelled to send a patient to an asylum, will be narrowed down to one of money. If the friends have means to provide sufficient capable attendants, and fair accommodations, I am of the opinion that a large proportion of cases can be advantageously treated without change of residence. In neither of the cases now published, had the friends any but quite moderate means. If the friends have not means, and the patient is violently maniacal, and really dangerous, it may be a matter of necessity to consign our patient to a mad-house; but as a curative measure alone, with the much better remedial, measures which we as Homoeopathists possess, I should not send patients to any asylum, under allopathic superintendence.

Mrs. A's case has been partially reported in this REVIEW, under the head of "Intermittent Fever;" I now propose to report as fully as possible the symptoms and progress of her mental disease; a repetition of some facts previously stated, will be necessary to give a connected statement of her case.

She became a patient of mine, Feb., 12th, 1858. Her age was 51 years, she had ceased menstruating about 5 or 6 years previously. For many years, she had been subject to turns of depression of spirits. Two years before my seeing her, she had contracted Intermittent Fever, for which Quinine had been repeatedly given, with the effect of suppressing the external manifestations of the disease for various periods; but the evidences of mental disorder, had during this period become much more decided. She was sleepless at times; was fearful of being poisoned; had refused to take medicine, or even see a physician. Her symptoms had sometimes partaken of a religious character. The case was considered to be so serious, that her family had been strongly recommended to send her to a lunatic asylum. An unfavorable prognosis had been expressed by her former physician. Her own account, given at the time of my first visit, was by no means irrational nor disconnected. She considered herself as insane at times, said she frequently felt confused and excited, and that her memory frequently failed her. She gave as a reason, for not tailing the medicine prescribed by her physician, that she knew from experience that laudanum, which he wished her to take, would injure her. She was said to appear rather better than usual, at the time I happened to see her. Her eyes had a peculiar expression, appeared as though they were fixed but a very short time on one object. It was said that any unusual occurrence or noise affected her unfavorably, although the noise of her children and grand children, about her, did not seem to incommode her. She slept but half an hour or so at a time, starting up as though she were frightened. Had unpleasant dreams. I prescribed Belladonna^30 solution every three hours. February 12th. I record: –

Slept much better than usual, night before last, but last night had pain and heat in ears, with stiffness of neck. No pain in ear to day, but has stillness in neck and shoulder. Has been subject for live or six years past, to have at times a sharp pain through head, accompanied by vertigo and nausea; also has a "strange feeling" in head accompanied by a sinking at pit of stomach. If she is spoken to quickly, when in this state, it completely overcomes her. The left side of head, is more frequently affected than the right. Is not able to read; as after reading a minute or two, she becomes so confused as not to be able to distinguish the letters apart. Ever since the birth of her first child, has been troubled with "falling of the womb," wore a supporter, but found it injurious and discarded it. She speaks of a sensation of fullness over left hip; when I pressed upon the affected spot, it seemed to cause a pain in hypogastrium. About 1st of January, had several chills, occurring in afternoon, followed by fever and aggravation of mental trouble. 1 Rhus rad^30; then Hell.30, three times a day.

14th. For three nights past, she has had a sensation of coldness in left side of head, at ten o'clock P. M., continuing an hour; afterwards, heat and fulness in same region, and in ear, lasting two or three hours, after which she has rested pretty well. Aching in small of back, when she is chilly. In the morning has a dull aching in forehead, and pain on moving eyes. Has felt better, most of the time than she did. Bry.12 solution every four hours.

16th. Thinks she is gaining. Last night the cold stage consisted only of a sensation as if a hair were raised up. Finds that she can stand much more excitement than she formerly could. Continued Bry^12.

18th. Rather better. Slight sore throat today with dryness in throat; cough. – Sleeps pretty well. Lach^30.

21st, Sleeps well. Complains of a stiffness in lumber region on stooping Excoriation in sternum. Lyc^30 solution every four hours.

24th. Went over to the extreme eastern part of the city, yesterday. She resided on the extreme western side. (She had not been out before, for a long time). Had slight difficulty in going to sleep last night. The stiffness in back is relieved, but has today pain in head on movement. Puls 30, every three hours.

27th. Has been pretty well. No headache, except when throwing head backward and bringing it forward again; then has also momentary blindness. Appetite very poor. Nux^30, three times a day.

March 4th. Improving. Went to church on Sunday (28th ult.), walked and rode some distance. Less pain or vertigo. Appetite fair. Continued Nux 30

11th Has been quite well, until within a day or two past; she has had pain in lumbar region. Lyc.30 three times a day.

16th. Says she is quite well, except that she has a slight pain over left ilium, increased by raising arm. Lach^30. solution, a dose at night.

20th. Pain in loins: more on rising after sitting. Rhus.30, three times a day.

22d. Pulse, 90. Attacked suddenly with general aching, chilliness, and sore throat. Two small ulcers in fauces. Feels quite unwell. Merc. viv 3 solution; a dose every three hours.

[Several other members of the family had ulcerated sore throat about this time.]

24th. Throat much better. Merc^12., three times a day.

30th Pain in sacrum, worse on moving limbs. Nux^30. April 10th. Pain in hip. Rhus^30

May 3d. In consequence of the excitement of moving, and perhaps also of religious excitement; she has not slept so well of late. Has some headache. Nux 6, three times a day.

31st. On the 26th, 28th and 30th, had chills, coldness commenced in feet, and extending to knees, accompanied by severe pains in head, so that she expressed an "apprehension of going distracted;" afterward heat of face; perspiration during chill and following heat. No thirst. Quite excited after fever. On lying down, vertigo and nausea Puls^6. every three hours.

She came to my office and gave me the preceding account. I prescribed for her once subsequently for the same attack of Intermittent Fever; but omitted to make a record. I think she had one or two more paroxysms, and, that I continued the same prescription. She has had no return of the fever, and has entirely recovered from her mental difficulties. Her general health is also better than formerly. I have had occassion to prescribe for her a few times for trifling ailments. She attends to her household duties, and goes about precisely like other people. Some of her friends did tell me in July, that they thought she acted somewhat strange at times; but this is a suspicion, which all who are known to have been insane are liable to, during the remainder of their lives.

The other case I purpose reporting at this time, was a domestic by occupation, and was living at service when attacked. I first saw her, February 2d, 1859, at the residence of her own family-persons in quite moderate circumstances, and having necessarily somewhat limited accommodations. As I have mentioned previously, these are matters of some importance in the treatment of such cases. The first warning they had of the patient's state of mind, was that her sister met her early one morning, at a church, near her parents residence, but a considerable distance from the patient's home. The sister soon perceived that her mind was affected, as she told her many things inconsistent with each other, and opposed to known facts. Her manner was unnatural. She was taken to the home of her parents, and two days after, I was sent for. As she was then a stranger to me, her general appearance presented nothing very remarkable, although her face was some what flushed; but when she commenced to speak, I could see that her manner was excited, and her statements were so extraordinary, that there was no difficulty in perceiving that her mind was disordered. She told me that about the 11th of January, a man called upon her, and blew down her bosom, and in this way inflicted a terrible injury upon her, and that several times since, she had seen him. She had come to the conclusion that it was a dead man personating one of her friends, who committed the above assault. She had been much troubled by needles jumping from the floor and dancing about her. She made many other remarkable statements, and seemed disposed to continue the narration as long as any one would listen to her. The person whom she thought was personated by the dead man, was a man who had paid her considerable attention, and to whom she was much attached against the wishes of her parents. It was known that she had heard of his paying attention to some other girls, and this was supposed to be one cause of her present state. She said to me that she "liked him, and he knew it." She had not slept at all, during the two nights she had spent at her present home, but had been very restless and troublesome, constantly expressing fears that some one was attempting to kill one of the family. Every noise in the house seemed to confirm her suspicion of a plot against her friends. At the time I saw her, her mind was so to speak, in a double state, at one moment stating that she fancied these improbable things, and then speaking as though they were realities, and expressing fears in regard to her own safety. She seemed to have lost the power of discerning between the effects of her own imagination and facts, and was yet aware that a part at least of the remarkable things she related, had no real existence.

I prescribed, Puls^6 solution, every four hours

5th. Saw her again. – No better. No sleep at night; sleeps for a short time during day, and starts up as if frightened. Endeavored to conceal a hatchet, but it was discovered and taken away from her. Thinks some one is going to kill her brother. Pulse varied from 82 to 94 during my visit. Bell 12 solution, every three hours was prescribed.

7th. Has been quite troublesome; sleepless at night; face flushed at times. Refused to take her medicine this morning. Constipation. Nux^6, every three hours.

9th. Has slept a portion of each night. Had an evacuation yesterday. Is quite troublesome, attempted to jump out of the window (fourth story), and tried to throw a fork at her mother. Says herself, that she fancies she is going to be burned, and that she feels frightened, also that she fancies some one is coming after her. Pulse 94. – Prescribed two Sulph^30, then Sach Lact.

11th. Slept some, night before last, but scarcely any, last night. This morning has appeared more rational than at any time. No evacuation since. Tongue coated quite thickly brown, with red edges. 2 Nux^6, and Sach Lact.

14th. Much better. – Nearly rational ever since; says she does not "fancy" things as she used to. Last night felt somewhat anxious about her brother who was out. Sach Lact.

19th. Quite well. I was struck by the change in her general appearance. She takes a perfectly rational view of everything, appreciates what her condition was, although she has scarcely any recollection of anything that has happened during her sickness.

I have seen her a few times since. She remains perfectly well.

The above report, which is simply copied from my daily records, does not give a complete idea of the real difficulties of the case. The patient's family were respectable persons, but were dependant upon their daily labor for their subsistence. Their residence consisted of a suit of rooms, three or four in number, in a tenament house. The nurses of the patient were her mother, quite an old woman, and her sister a far gone consumptive. Her father and brothers were out during the day, at their work. She was so troublesome at night, that the brothers threatened to leave the house, and board elsewhere if she were not sent away. It was only by my expressing what was my strong conviction, that she would recover better where she was, that induced them to retain her at home. The family had not sufficient means to employ suitable nurses to assist them, and they were almost worn out by their exertions. If the disease had continued much longer, they might have been compelled to consign her to an asylum, although it would have been with very great reluctance, that I should have consented to such a measure.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 01, 1859, pages 01-11]

[Description: Insanity Treated at Home of the Patient with Illustrative Cases.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F. Jr.]

[Year: 1859]

INTERMITTENT FEVER.

BY B. F. JOSLIN, JR., M. D.

Perhaps in no disease we are called upon to treat, do the different branches of the homoeopathic school, differ so much as in the treatment of Intermittent Fever. Even some who, in other diseases, place great reliance on the comparison of the symptoms of the disease and the drug symptoms; in this disease consider such a method of prescribing unreliable, and trust to experience, which generally means quinine ad libitum.

The writer has had, what many would consider to have been, a very moderate experience in this disease, certainly much less than most Western physicians can claim; but he supposes that it is as great as that of other physicians in New York of equal general practice, as he has never declined to treat any case of this affection. His experience in Intermittent Fever dates back about six years. The cases treated by him were of various kinds, some primary, others had been under allopathic physicians before his attendance. He proposes to give the practice and results as far as attainable; he has records more or less complete, of all the cases treated during the period aforementioned.

Every physician must be aware of the very great difficulty of obtaining the actual results of cases treated and as a consequence the acquiring of reliable statistics. Thus quite a number of cases of Intermittent Fever have come under my observation, that have been suppressed by quinine, and subsequently the paroxysms have returned. Now the physicians who prescribed the Quinine, no doubt thought they had cured the patients, and were very likely never undeceived. We are all liable to similar difficulties which tend to retard very much the acquisition of truth. The sources of fallacy are so numerous in our profession that great care is necessary to prevent medical facts becoming what they have been termed, "medical lies." It is so much more satisfactory to publish cures than failures, that our medical journals are filled almost exclusively by successful cases; I have sometimes thought it would be more instructive to reverse the practice and publish for a time only the failures, it would at least be more consolatory to the younger practitioners who, I presume, are the most constant readers of the current literature. As it is now, the practitioner of moderate experience, regrets to find himself having worse success than others have had; cases which appear to have been cured by others without difficulty, he fails sometimes in curing; whereas if the absolute truth were known, he very likely has as good success as his predecessors. I do not intend to say that any deception is intended to be practiced, but that it is sometime unconsciously involved in the mode of reporting cases and results. Thus a physician may assert that he has cured several hundred cases of Intermittent Fever with Sulph. Quinine, but if he neglects to state the subsequent history of those cases, what proportion were left with chronic disease of liver or spleen, or in how many Phthisis developed itself, or the number that were left with the symptoms of Quinine poisoning, he will furnish us with but a portion of the truth- which in many cases is equivalent to falsehood.

Thus you can procure statistics to any extent to prove that Sulph., Quinine or other preparations of Cinchona will cure Intermittent Fever, without much reference to the particular indications of the individual case; because as soon as the chills stop it is considered as cured and a recurrence is enumerated as a new case.

The subsequent history appears to me to be of very great consequence in the reporting of cases. I shall endeavour in those which I present, to bear in mind the precepts which I have myself laid down, and have in view rather the presenting of reliable facts than cures. Some cases I am able to present with much less completeness than others, though I have been accustomed to keep daily records of cases usually written at the time of seeing the patient, whether at the bedside or in the office; they are not always as full as would be desired, nor are the particulars always such as would be preferred for publication, the immediate object being to enumerate those that I wished to bear in mind at the time of my next prescription. Thus I very frequently omit to state what symptoms are relieved but enumerate those present.

The cases will be presented in chronological order, corresponding to the commencement of treatment. I regret that some are incomplete in consequence of the omission of record.

CASE 1st. – Miss M., aet about 35, resided in Spring street, N. Y., where there is every reason to believe she contracted the disease, as she had not been away from home in a considerable period.

Visited her Sept. 5th. 1853. Had had paroxysms of chill, heat and sweat every other day, for nine days previously anticipating. Pains in the back and lower extremities, commencing with chill and relieved by perspiration. Vomiting greenish during chill that morning. Thirst and sighing respiration during hot stage. Sensation of general throbbing, sometimes semilateral.

I prescribed Bry.30 and Ars.30 alternately. On the 7th she had chill about 7 A. M.; on the 5th it had occurred at 8 P. M. Pulse 106 when I saw her during the sweating stage. Less pain and sighing respiration this morning. Vomiting greenish with chill. Expectoration of black matter of a salt taste. Chin.30 was given. I extract the following from my record:

8th. Slept better last night than she has previously done during sickness, though she woke at times as if frightened; two evacuations, black and offensive; cough at times with expectoration of blackish matter having a salt taste; sighing more frequent today; nausea after drinking Thirst. Pulse 84; dull pain in abdomen and in back; tongue blackish. Gave Chin. 200.

9th. Chill commenced at 6 A. M. (an hour earlier.) Pains in head and left hypochondrium commenced at 4 A. M. Has stiffness of neck and shoulders. Nausea commenced before chill. One evacuation, blackish. Thirst before and during paroxysms. Less cough or expectoration.

Gave Acon.30 during paroxysms, and Ars.30 to be taken during apyrexia.

11th. Chill commenced at 5 A. M.; at 4 P. M. had not perspired as yet. Woke up before chill with horrible dreams and headache. Cough better, expectoration less. Sighing during chill. Griping pains in abdomen. Pulse 82 at 4 P. M. Gave Ars.30 and Bry.30 alternately.

13th. Slept better than usual last night, woke up twenty minutes before four with headache and nausea. Escaped chill this morning. Vomiting of salt water; numbness of left thigh; expectoration yellow, slightly streaked with blood, once yesterday; eructation of wind; oppression in stomach after eating. Gave Ars.30, solution, at intervals of 4 hours.

17th. No chill; pulse 80; numbness in thing: expectoration frothy. Ars.30 and Lach.30 alternately.

She had no paroxysm subsequently. I am unable to state what medicines I gave her, as I have mislaid this portion of the record. I know that I visited her three times subsequently, and that on the 1st of October she was in her usual health. Although I have given the symptoms somewhat particularly, I have no doubt that others were present which, influenced me in the choice of a remedy, which I did not record.

The patient remained in her usual health until May 21st of the following year, eight months after the preceding sickness, when she had a slight chill, and another on the 23d. She called at my office on the 24th. The paroxysms consisted of chill, heat and slight perspiration. Aching pains in extremities, with chill. Slight headache after chill. Pains in left hypochondrium and in left chest, extending to shoulder. No appetite. Nausea. Tongue white. Constipation. Burning in face. Pain in occiput, extending to neck. Pulse feeble and frequent. Gave Ars.30 and Bry 30 .alternately.

On the 26th she called on me. I may state that all the prescriptions of this attack were at my office. Had chill on 25th, not so severe, followed by heat but no perspiration. Headache and pains in left chest and hypochondrium commenced with chill. I prescribed Nux-in-Sale.2. Solution, three hours interval.

30th. Very slight chill on the 27th, none yesterday but had aching pains, followed by heat but no perspiration. Pains in head, extending to neck, shoulders, and arm. Throbbing in left chest. Cough at times. Appetite better. Gave six powders of Nux vom.30, one to be taken each night.

June 12th. No severe chill, but on every alternate day creeping chills followed by heat, occur several times per day. Has been better as regards pains, until yesterday when she had severe pains in occiput, extending to nape of neck. Throbbing and burning in stomach increased after eating. Sharp pain in left side of chest extending to scapula with lameness of arm. Dry Cough from tickling or dryness in left side of throat pit. Gave Puls 30.

The paroxysms entirely ceased shortly after this date. I prescribed for her on the 24th of June; make no mention in my record of any febrile paroxysms. She had various neuralgic pains in head, neck and shoulders, to which she had been long subject.

From that time to the present she has been an occasional patient for her neuralgic troubles, as also for a whitlow, and one or two attacks of acute bronchitis; but no symptoms which could reasonably be attributed to the influence of Intermittent Fever have made their appearance.

CASE 2. – P. R., aet 6 1/2, resided at Morrisania, Westchester co., N.Y., where I visited her Sept. 17th 1853. The only record I have is of my first visit. The paroxysms consisted of coldness of hands and feet, with heat of other parts, followed by general heat with partial perspiration. Headache, nausea and thirst with hot stage.

From my ledger I ascertain that I visited her from the above date to the 11th of October, every three or four days.

From memory I can state that the paroxysms were tertian and that they became less and less severe until they entirely ceased. She has never had any return of the disease. I continue to practice for the family, so that I can testify that she has never had any symptoms to be attributed to the effects of the Intermittent Fever.

I cannot say what remedies I gave her, but they were all given in the higher dilutions, probably uniformly the 30th.

CASE 3. – Thomas K., a laborer who has been working in New Jersey, where he contracted the fever. May 6th, 1854. Has had four paroxysms on alternate days; the first chill occurred at 10 A. M., the last at noon. Headache and thirst during heat. Aching in bones since he has had the fever. Tongue trembling, margins red. Ars.3, a dose every three hours.

May 9th. No chill since. Ars.6, a dose every four hours.

May 15th. No chill. Feels weak. Perspiration after slight exertion and during sleep. Appetite improving. Ars.200.

The patient stated to me several years after that he had had no return of disease.

CASE 4. – Miss A. C, aet about 18. June 10th 1854. Contracted the Intermittent Fever at a town in Connecticut, on the borders of the Sound, last July. The paroxysms have been suppressed several times with Quinine. Has now tertian paroxysms. Headache with heat. Ars.30, a dose every three hours.

June 12. Chill commenced at 10 A. M., followed by heat. Coldness of feet during heat. Headache commenced during latter part of chill. Thirst before and after heat. Tongue trembling. Pulse, at the time of my visit (I presume during heat) 110. Acon.30 during paroxysms, Nux^30 afterwards.

June 14th. Slight coldness of feet this morning. Pulse 78, No thirst today. Was quite weak yesterday. Sweat during sleep last night. Nux^30.

June 16th. No chill since. Pulse 72 Nux^30.

June 19th. Slight coldness of hands, and creeping chilliness in back on the 17th inst. Nux^30.

June 21st. Slight coldness in back this morning. Nat. mur.30.

June 22d. Coldness of feet this morning, preceded by aching in abdomen. Burning in eyes. Chin.30

June 26th. Omitted record.

July 2d. Felt quite chilly on 30th ult, and on 1st inst. (regular day.) On the 30th ult. had dyspnea with oppression of chest. Cough excited by tickling in throat pit with excoriation in chest and dryness in throat. Phos.30

July 6th. No chilly feelings since. Slight cough. Phos.30'.

July 10. Diarrhea. Ars.30 "¢

July 14th. Slight diarrhea on the 12th-chilly at times. Improving in all respects. Nux^30.

This patient required no further treatment though I saw her occasionally afterwards, as I had other patients in the same family. She had no return of the Intermittent Fever, I have heard to that effect within a few months past.

CASE 5. – Mrs. L. residing in a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city where Intermittent Fever is quite prevalent.

Aug. 9th, 1854. Was confined two weeks since. On the 5th inst. had a chill followed by heat and perspiration, returned on 7th inst., and again today. Oppression in chest with dyspnea before chill, continuing during whole paroxysm.

Headache commences with heat and continues afterwards. Thirst during heat. Throbbing in back.I prescribed Acon. 30 during paroxysm and Ars.30 subsequently.

11th. Chill at 2 A. M. Ars.6

I did not visit the patient again as the husband had a fear of the expense, but she subsequently informed me that the fever left her after a few paroxysms. I have seen her several times within the past year and learned that there had been no return of the disease.

CASE 6. – James P. resided at Morrisania-was brought to my office Aug. 9th, 1854. Paroxysms on 7th and this morning. I prescribed Ars.6 during apyrexia and Acon.30 during paroxysms.

I heard subsequently that he was placed under allopathic treatment.

CASE 7. – Margaret Hearn applied at Central Homoeopathic Dispensary, Sept. 30th, 1854. A year before she had contracted the Intermittent Fever in Illinois. Had taken Quinine repeatedly, with the effect of suppressing the paroxysms for a few days. Thirst most of time. Faint sensation at pit of stomach frequently. Had not menstruated since birth of last child, eighteen months before; had usually menstruated during lactation. Sulph. 30 was prescribed, with what effect is not known as we never heard from her afterwards.

CASE 8. – Cath. Ray, aet 16, came to Central Homoeopathic Dispensary October 6th, 1854. Had had Tertian Intermittent for two weeks previously. Thirst before and during chill, less during heat. Headache during heat and sweat. Prescribed Nux^6, a dose morning and evening.

Oct. 10th. Chill occurred earlier yesterday-came on at 4 A. M. Gave Chin.30

Oct. 14th. Better-chill less severe, little or no heat following. Prescribed Sacch. Lact.

No further report was received from this patient.

CASE 9. – Maria C, aet about 9-saw her first, May 1st, 1855. Since last September subject to Tertian Intermittent, fever contracted in Williamsburgh, L. I. Has been suppressed at times with Quinine. Paroxysms have now continued three weeks.

Chill short, occurs between noon and 1 P. M., followed by heat during which she goes to-sleep-then perspiration. Complexion sallow. Has complained of pain in epigastrium and right hypochondrium. Thirst during heat and perspiration. Ars.30 was prescribed.

May 4th. Very slight chill on 2d inst., scarcely any today. Was well enough at usual time of chill to eat her dinner. Ars.30 was continued.

May 9th. No chill since. Had fever yesterday after eating a hearty dinner. Continued Ars.30

16th. Had rather severe chill on the 10th inst. and has been somewhat unwell on alternate days since. Colic and nausea during paroxysms. Prescribed Verat.30

21st. Chills on 19th and 20th, followed by slight heat and perspiration on palms and forehead. Thirst with heat and sweat. Inclined to sleep with heat. Nux^6 was prescribed.

26th. Chill every day, followed by heat then perspiration. Chill at 1 P. M. continues about an hour, heat short. Perspiration on forehead and upon hands. Headache and nausea with heat and sleepiness as usual. Face became swollen and more yellow than usual after heat. Puls.30 was given.

29th. Chills every day but light. Awoke hungry today after paroxysm. Ars.6 was given.

June 2d. A slight chill on 30th ult. Continued Ars.6 19th. No chill since. Gave Ars.30

This patient has had no chill from that time'to the present. She has enjoyed good health and recovered entirely from the sallow complexion she had when I first saw her.

CASE 10. – Mary M. B., aet about 4, June 24th, 1855. This patient had had chills for some days, had been prescribed for by an allopathic physician. She was thought to have acquired the disease in the country where other members of the family had contracted it. At the first visit I simply record that she had thirst during chill, and tongue white, and that I gave Ars.30

26th. Chill with trembling at 5 1/2 A. M., preceded by blueness of lips and of hands. Prescribed Ars.6

27th. Was sent for in consequence of her having epistaxis. Gave Bell.30

28th. Pulse 140 during perspiration. Heat during whole night. Had no chill but only coldness of cheeks. Slept during heat and perspiration. vomiting greenish. Urine of a deep brown color. Acon.30 was give until afternoon then Natr-mur.30

29th. Visited her but omitted record.

30th. Heat commenced at 3 1/2 A. M. Perspiration less rapid during heat today. Is very irritable. Puts her hand to head as though she had headache. Urine more abundant. Continued Natr-mur.30

July 2d. Fever commenced at 1 A. M. Pulse at 10 A. M. 120. Sleep during fever. No perspiration. Complained of headache. Continued Natr-mur. 30

4th. No record, except that I prescribed Ipecac^30, then Eupat.8

July 6th. Coldness of skin about 7 P. M., especially of arms, succeeded by heat but no thirst. Sleep during heat. After heat coldness of feet, with heat of head and face. Moans during sleep. Respiration short during fever. I prescribed Puls.30 and Acon.30 to be given during paroxysm.

7th. Chill at 3 P. M., followed by heat. Thirst during heat. Sighing respiration and short cough. Continued Puls.30

At this time I went out of town, leaving the case in charge of another physician but for some reason the family declined his services. I never ascertained whether they recalled their allopathic physician or not. The child got well, I know.

CASE 11. – While attending this child I was requested to prescribe for the mother, who had had her chills suppressed for three weeks by Quinine. On the 29th and 30th of June had creeping chills in back with general coldness, occurred after dinner. Headache and aching in back and lower extremities, with chilliness. Thirst with heat and sweat. Heaviness in head and sensation of rawness in stomach during apyrexia. Ars.6 was prescribed on the 2d of July, on the 4th Nux^6 and Sep.30. Symptoms not mentioned.

5th. Pulse 90. No chill up to time of my visit. Headache. Throbbing in occiput on walking. Nux^6 was given.

6th. No chill yesterday. Continued Nux^6.

CASE 12. – In July 1855, Mrs. M. arrived in New York from the South, where she had been spending several months in consequence of the failing health of her son. She had before going South been attacked with Intermittent Fever, and had been under the medical treatment of two physicians of our school, for whom I entertain a high regard but with whom I do not agree on every point: they had administered Quinine to her and informed her that it was the only reliable remedy. The effect in her case was not flattering, as she would have an attack of chills and fever every few weeks and have to resort to Quinine. During her sojourn in the South she had repeated paroxysms of the fever, and was prescribed the inevitable Quinine.

Shortly after her return to New York she was attacked by her old enemy, the chills. The circumstances were certainly unfavorable, she was the only nurse of her son who required constant watching, at night as well as during the day. She was worn down by her exertions.

On the 20th of July she had a chill, preceded by nausea and thirst. I gave her China^30.

21st. Severe chill on rising at 8 A. M., with nausea and headache. Chill continued two hours followed by heat with chilliness on movement, the general perspiration. Prescribed Rhus-rad^30.

23d. No chill, but had coldness of feet, followed by heat about 8 A. M., succeeded by perspiration, Had burning in feet and aching in ankles, more at time of chilliness. Continued Rhus-rad^30 at intervals of two hours.

24th. No chill. Pulse 100. Commenced to feel unwell about 11 1/2 A. M., had nausea and headache. Continued Rhus-rad^30.

25th. No chill. Pulse 98. Continued Rhus-rad^30.

I continued to visit her son daily but had no occasion to prescribe for her, as she had no return of the chills, nor has she up to the present time. It will be observed that only two remedies were given, China^30 and Rhus-rad^30. I presume I have not noted all the indications which led me to prescribe these, as my attention was mainly taken up with her son's case. I may mention that she continued to nurse her son during her own sickness, excepting during the occurrence of the paroxysms when she was totally unable to be up.

CASE 13. – George Gracie, aet 15, Sept 6th 1855, came to Dispensary. Had chill yesterday, followed by heat then sweat. Aching in legs with chill. Headache during heat and sweat. Had Intermittent Fever a year since. Prescribed Ars^6 morning and evening.

Result not known.

CASE 14. – Mary Kelly, Dispensary patient, Sept. 21st, 1855. Intermittent Fever of five weeks standing. Has been taking Quinine which suspended chills for two weeks. They returned a week ago. Chills occur every day. Pains in back and left hypochondrium during cold stage. Constant nausea; no appetite. Ars.6

Sept. 25th. Chills have been lighter since. Continue Ars^6.

Oct 18th. No chills: is gaining strength.

Feb. 1859. Had had no return of chills.

CASE 15. Mrs. C., residing at Morrisania, Westchester Co. N.Y. Prescribed for her, Oct. 28th, 1855, from statement of her mother, a monthly nurse. The patient had had Intermittent Fever for some time past, and had been treated allopathically. Had chill in evening followed by cold, clammy sweat, then heat, micturition difficult, constipation and hemorrhoids. Pains between scapulae. Thirst during heat. Sent Nat-mur^30.

Nov. 5. Heard that the chills subsided after 2nd day of taking the Nat-mur^30. Slight return last night. Has pains in the chest, extending to back, and pains in shoulders. Sent Nux^30.

22nd. No chills nor fever since. Complains of severe sharp pains in chest extending to back, preventing her from taking a full inspiration. Sent Bry 30.

I sent her medicine on the 17th of December, but made no record, but I heard a short time subsequently that she was well.

CASE 16. – Francis Hopkins, Dispensary patient. Nov. 27th, 1855. Eight weeks since, was attacked with irregular chills which have continued in anticipating paroxysms notwithstanding he has been taking Quinine, Mercury, &c. Perspiration with hot stage. Headache with heat. Swelling of legs and feet. Diarrhea most of the time of his sickness-now has it. Prescribed Ars6.

29th. Mother reported him better. Continued Ars^6. No further record.

CASE 17. – Mrs. B., an aged lady had been the subject of Chronic Hepatitis, and Chronic Bronchitis for many years, when in 1856 I was called to treat her for Intermittent Fever, contracted during a temporary residence in New Jersey. I record April 23rd. Severe chill on 21st and again today. Ars^12.

28th. Paroxysms anticipating every alternate day. Not so severe since taking the Ars. Cough with chills. Continued Ars^12.

May 4th. No chills since 27th ult. Cough on lying down and on rising in morning. Expectoration of tough mucus and of purulent matter and blood. Cough excited by oppression of chest. Ars^30.

22nd. Slight chill day before yesterday. Ars^30.

June 21st. Yesterday had sensation as though the chills would come on. Ars^30.

23rd. Chilly on 20th and yesterday, followed by heat then sweat. Thirst during cold and hot stages. Constipation. Bry^30.

After this she had no return of the Intermittent Fever. She died in October 1857 from her chronic affections.

CASE 18. – Mary McG. June 26th, 1856. Chills every alternate day for two weeks. Anticipating. Vomiting with chills. Soreness in extremities, and weakness with heat, tongue white. Paroxysms commenced at 1 A. M. today. Prescribed Ars^30., a dose every 2 hours.

29th. Chill at 9 o'clock last evening, hot stage very short succeeded by perspiration. Vomited 'during chill. Quite restless last night. Pulse 88. Prescribed Ign^3 Â°., a dose every 3 hours.

30th. Severe chill last night, then heat and perspiration. Vomiting with chill. Prescribed Cedron^1, solution, a dose every 3 hours.

July 2nd. Chill yesterday at 2 P. M., lasting severely about half an hour, then heat until 5 1/2 P. M., then perspiration commenced and continued two hours. Vomiting and retching with chill. Continued Cedronl.

7th. No chill today. Feels quite weak. Pulse 104. Tongue brownish. Bitter taste in mouth on waking. Pulse 104. Continued Cedronl at intervals of 4 hours.

9th. No chill since. Feels weak. No appetite. Bitter taste in mouth. Pulse 104. Prescribed Chin^30.

13th. No chill nor fever since. Appetite good. No medicine was given.

CASE 19. – While in Phillipsburgh, N. J., in the Fall of 1856, I was requested to prescribe for the coachman of the family with whom I was staying. He had been suffering for several months from Intermittent Fever, during which time he had been under Allopathic treatment. The disease had been suppressed for short periods. When I saw him the paroxysms had continued for several days. As I made no record of the case I cannot state any further particulars, excepting that I gave him several powders of Ars^3Â°.; one to he dissolved in half a tumbler of water and two teaspoonfulls taken every three hours without regard to paroxysms.:

I have seen and heard from this case several times. He has had no paroxysms since my prescription.

CASE 20. – Wm. Smith. Sept. 11th, 1856. Intermittent Fever for nine months. Has taken Quinine. It suppressed fever for two weeks repeatedly, and once for six weeks. Chill yesterday, the first in two weeks; followed by fever, then sweat. Swelling of spleen and dull pain, especially on inspiration. Tongue brown, paroxysms sometimes tertian and at others double tertian. Ars 6, sol.; 4 hours.

15th. Chill 12th and 14th. Cough from irritation in chest. Lach^6., sol.; 3 hours.

17th. No chill yesterday. Cough better. Feels stronger. Lach^6.

24th. No chill until yesterday; had then dumb ague, followed by heat, slight, no sweat. Is stronger than he was. Appetite good. Lach^6 Has remained well since.

CASE 21. – Catharine Otto, about 2 1/2 years of age, April 27th, 1857, had Intermittent Fever in Michigan for two or three months. During past three months has been free from paroxysms. It is almost unnecessary to state that she took an abundance of Quinine.

Since a week ago yesterday, has had chills every alternate day. Paroxysms are rather shorter than they were-commenced with yawning and stretching. Prescribed Ars^200., solution, a dose every hour.

29th. Chill commenced at 6 A. M., earlier, and fever higher than previously. Prescribed Bry^7., solution, every two hours.

30th. Convulsions occurred at 4 1/2 A. M. – had one in Mich. Head hot and perspiration on head. Sleeps with eyes open. Prescribed Lach^30"., solution, every three hours, and Bell^30, to be given in the event of convulsions occurring.

May 1st. Had three convulsions last night No chill nor stretching this morning. Prescribed Nux^30", and Cuprum met'*, to be given if convulsions occurred.

2nd. High fever. Pulse 140. No convulsions. Wakes with a start and delirium. Short cough at times. During sleep, twitching and jerking. Prescribed Bell 30., solution, every three hours.

4th; Pulse 120. Neither convulsions nor chill since. Is quite fretful this morning. Cough loose.Bell30.

6th. Neither chill nor convulsions. Restless at night. Urine scanty. Bowels costive. Nux^30 every three hours.

Ten days after last date I called and found her quite well. Have not heard since.

CASE 22. – Mrs. Bridget Caniff, aet. 40-visited her in West 17th street, May 12th, 1857. For three and a half weeks has had paroxysms every second day, but for three days past they have been daily. Paroxysms consist of chill with sensation of internal heat, then general heat, afterwards perspiration. Thirst with cold and hot stages. Headache during chill. Pulse 80 during chill. Has had allopathic treatment ever since her sickness. Ars^8., solution, every three hours.

16th. No chill since-has almost constant perspiration. Says she has had noise in head since she was sick. Tongue brown and dry. Had pain in epigastrium last night-her friends put mustard on her. Bitter taste in mouth. Nausea. Pulse 72. Ars^6. every two hours.

18th. Chills on 16th and 17th in afternoon; thought she was going to have a chill half an hour ago, but the feeling has passed off. Coldness of lower extremities, and thirst with chill. Nux^6, solution, every three hours.

20th. Severe chill on afternoon of 18th. Yesterday coldness. Perspiration sour smelling, constant and very profuse, stains clothes yellow. Talks to herself when alone. Merc. v^3., solution every three hours.

22nd. Chills lighter than they were. Still has profuse perspiration. Pulse 72 in afternoon. Merc .v^3., sol., every 2 hours.

24th. No chills since. Continued Merc.

27th. Heat in afternoon then sweat-no chill. The perspiration not so profuse but is cold. Has not slept very well for two nights. Less thirst. Continued Merc^3, also gave Coff 3 at night.

30th. No chill; no perspiration excepting during sleep. Very little fever at any time. Sleeps pretty well. Had six evacuations yesterday, which she attributes to the Coff^3, (had been costive previously). Continued same treatment.

June 3rd. Is up and about. Only symptoms are cool perspiration, noise in ears and sleeplessness. Continued same treatment.

10th. Has been working. Has slept better during past week. Transient heat at times. For several days past has had a pain in vertex with vertigo and heat in abdomen, below epigastrium. Carb-veg^30.

19th. Noise in head and sensation of weakness in stomach. Pul6. three times a day.

CASE 23. – Miss L. had resided in North Carolina for several years where she contracted Intermittent Fever. The disease had been repeatedly suppressed by Quinine. I visited her in Brooklyn, L. L, Aug. 24th 1857. On the 19th, 21st and 23nd she had had paroxysms of her complaint. They consisted of chill then heat but scarcely any perspiration. During whole of previous night had been hot – when I saw her in morning had slight perspiration on wrists. Thirst during chill; drinking seemed to increase the chilliness. Headache, nausea and general pains with chill and heat. Nat-mur^30., solution, every three hours.

25th. Saw her at 7Ä½ P. M. Pulse 64. Had had no chill; had slight aching pains. Slept better last night than she had of late. Continued Nat-mur 30.

27th. No chill. About 7 this evening had slight nausea. Last night during sleep slight perspiration. Continued Nat-mur^30 three times a day.

This patient has had no return of the disease up to the present time.

CASE 24. – Wm, B. Jr., aet. 20, resides at Newtown L. I. where Intermittent Fever is quite prevalent. Sept. 2nd, 1857, three weeks since had a chill, ever since then heat and perspiration during sleep. Thirst constantly. Is quite pale and weak. Has dreams which wake him. Bowels costive. Has taken Deshler's pills. Pulse 80 when at my office. Prescribed Ars^30., three powders per day.

4th. Feels better. Says his appetite is fair now; had none before I saw him. Continued Ars^30.

9th. Thinks himself better. Has perspiration during sleep. Prescribed Fer. met^3., morning and night.

14th. Feels pretty well, except that he has quite profuse night sweats. Yesterday after riding in a draught of air, felt chilly. On rising after lying down has a shooting in occiput. Pulse 112 Prescribed Bell^16., morning and night.

21st. Better. For last two nights has had no night sweats. Pulse 88. Continued Bell^15.

This patient remained well subsequently. I heard from him March 27th, 1859. He had enjoyed perfect health since.

CASE 25. – Mrs. A. became a patient of mine Feb. 10th, 1858, in consequence of being the subject of mental disease. She had always been subject to depression of spirits, but since having Intermittent Fever two years before, for which she took Quinine, the symptoms of mental disorder had been much more marked. She was sleepless, fearful of being poisoned, had refused to take medicine, and sometimes declined to see any physician. She said herself, that she felt confused and excited. It is not my purpose to report her case in full, as I shall probably take occasion to do so at some future time in connection with other cases of mental disease.

She had had returns of chills and fever; the last occurred about the 1st of Jan., and was accompanied by aggravation of mental symptoms-on the 14th of Feb. I record:

For three nights past she has had a sensation of coldness in left side of head at 10 P. M., continuing an hour; afterwards heat and fullness in same region and in ear, lasting two or three hours. Had improved in other respects. I gave her Bry^12., solution, every four hours.

On the 16th I record: – Last night the cold stage consisted only of a sensation as if a hair were raised up. Finds she can stand much more excitement than she could. From this time she continued gradually to improve in her mental and physical condition, so that she, within a few weeks was enabled to go out about the city, which she had not been able to do for several months previously. She had no return of the Intermittent Fever until the latter part of May.

On the 31st of May I record: – On the 26th, 28th and 30th had chills. Coldness commenced in feet extending to knees, accompanied by severe pains in head, so that she expressed an "apprehension of going distracted;" afterwards heat of feet. Perspiration during chill and following heat. No thirst. Quite excited after fever. On lying down vertigo and nausea. Puls^6. every three hours.

She came to my office and gave me the preceding account. I prescribed for her once subsequently for the same attack, but omitted to make a record. I think she had one or two more paroxysms, and that I continued the same prescription. She has had no return since of the fever, and has entirely recovered from her mental difficulties.

CASE 26. – Mr. Y., nervous temperament, dark hair and eyes, came under my professional care June 14th, 1858. His case was peculiar in many respects, and I have had my doubts whether it deserved a place among these cases of Intermittent Fever.

He is a Methodist clergyman, but for a while discontinued his active duties as a minister and became a school teacher, teaching both day and night school. When his last vacation came he went off on a preaching tour by way of recreation. Became at this time quite nervous and sleepless. About two months before I saw him, thought he took cold, had cough; and his physician said he had a fever; he was quite weak, but was not confined to the house.

About the first of June had a chill, followed by heat and partial sweat, these symptoms recurred every 2nd day for a week, but during the week preceding my visit to him, they had been daily. Chills usually about 1 P. M., commenced in back, not much coldness of other parts, even has warm hands during chill. Sweat on chest and abdomen. Slight cough with chill. Pulse 124 (at 5 P. M.) Seemed to feel cold during hot stage. Tongue heavily coated brown. Slept better since he had the chills. Headache during heat. Prescribed Bry^7., solution, every three hours.

Saw him again on the 17th inst., at 11 A. M. His pulse was 84. On 15th chill at 12 1/2 P. M.; on 16th at 3 1/2 P. M. Swelling of feet since the 15th. Ascertained the following additional particulars in regard to his case:

Until 1st of May last, he lived at Williamsburgh. None of his family ever had Intermittent Fever there. During the first period of his disease, had thirst, hacking cough, and night sweats. Had no heat of surface, but would complain of soon being too warm when the temperature was not high. During latter part of May went to Troy for the purpose of improving his health. Had then a fair amount of strength, but after the chills commenced lost strength rapidly. He now goes down stairs to breakfast but remains in his room the remainder of the day. Prescribed Puls^6., solution, every three hours.

Visited him again on 21st. Pulse, at 10Ä½ A. M., 78 when he was lying down. Chills commenced on 18th at 3 1/2, 19th at 4 and on 20th at 4 1/2 P. M. The paroxysms terminate about the same time as when the chills commenced, at noon. Is stronger than he was; can dress himself with much greater ease. Not so much swelling of feet, they pit on pressure. At times has a wheezing sound in trachea. Did not sleep well last night. Continued Puls^6.

On the 24th at 8 A. M. found his pulse 116, on 22nd and 23rd chills at 3 1/2; this day chill at 4 P. M.; now in profuse perspiration. Has been quite irritable of late. Complains of having unpleasant dreams. Has less cough with chill. Flatulence after chill. Nux^6., solution, every three hours.

On the 27th at 5 1/2 P. M., found his pulse 114 during hot stage. Chill at 3 8/4 P. M., for three days. Has slept better and mind has been in more normal condition. Coughs less frequently. Has several covers over him although his skin is warm and the weather is warm.

July 1st. at 5 P. M., pulse 112. Chill daily at 3 1/2 P. M.; the hot stage following is less severe and does not continue so long as it did. He seems weaker. Dryness of mouth during hot stage. Prescribed Chin^3., solution, every three hours.

6th. At 10 8/4 A. M. Pulse 85. The paroxysms of fever have been earlier but slighter. Cold stage simply consisting of a creeping in back; hot stage less in severity and duration. His mind has been more conposed and he has slept well, not having the unpleasant dreams which he had some time ago. Appetite fair. Has appeared to have more strength. Continued Chin^3.

10th. 8 1/2 P. M. Pulse 84. No chill nor heat for four days past. Is gaining strength.

Sleeps well. Continued Chin^3.

14th. 5 1/2 P. M. Pulse 104. Chills daily since 12th, at 2 P. M.; then heat, afterwards profuse sweat. Prescribed Ars^6., solution, every three hours.

18th. 4 P. M. Pulse 100 during sweat. Chills daily, today rather earlier than usual, occurred at 1 P. M. Dryness of lips and throat and heat in head during hot stage. Burning in stomach extending to esophagus after heat. Prescribed Nux^6., solution, every three hours.

22nd. 8 P. M. Pulse 80. Escaped chill yesterday, but today it occurred earlier than usual, about noon, and continued two hours. Pains in back before chill on 20th. Burning in stomach extending to esophagus. Has had pain in right hypochondrium and in left shoulder. Thinks he took cold on 19th inst. Prescribed Rhus^12., solution, every three hours.

26th. 1 1/2 P. M. Pulse 124. Chill at noon today. On 23rd went out walking, walked nearly a mile- This morning rode out quite a distance; came home at 11 1/2 A. M., ate his dinner and at 12 had a chill. The hot stage has not been so severe for some time past. Prescribed Bry^7., solution every three hours.

30th. 1 P. M. Pulse 100. No chill since 27th. Since yesterday pain in right chest, sensation of excoriation, worse after speaking. After an evacuation on 28th had discharge of some blood. Feels weak. Prescribed 6 Lye^6., 3 powders a day.

August 3rd. 4 1/2 P. M. Pulse 112 and full. No chill since. Thought he had no fever. Has had some pain in lower part of sternum and in pit of stomach. Cough slight, excited by irritation in pit of stomach. Appetite fair. Does not sleep as well as he did. Skin now rather warm with perspiration on forehead. Bowels have been somewhat relaxed, has had two evacuations per day. Prescribed Nat-mur^6.

7th. 5 P. M. Pulse 100. No chill, but has perspiration in morning and on first going to sleep at night Has not slept well. Prescribed Chin^3 ., solution, every three hours,

12th. 10 1/2 A. M. Pulse 102. No chill since. Does not feel hot at any time. Has perspiration during early part of night, especially about head, neck and chest. Walks out every morning. Tongue lightly coated brownish. Appetite rather moderate. Bowels inclined to constipation, although he has an evacuation each day. Has a sensation of oppression in left chest, especially on lying down at night. Slight cough on lying down, excited by irritation in sternum. Prescribed Bell^12., solution, every three hours.

16th. 4 1/2 P. M. Pulse 94. Appears better. Skin moist and cool. Sleeps better, but perspires on first going to Bleep. Continued Bell^12.

24th. 12 1/2 P. M. (noon) Has been free from pain of any kind daring past week. Has had two attacks of diarrhea, which yielded to Ars., that I had left conditionally. Has slight hacking cough, especially after speaking and on lying down at night. Thinks himself stronger. Prescribed five powders of Lach 30., to be taken morning, noon, and at night.

31st. Pulse 92, morning. Bowels slightly relaxed, has an evacuation morning and evening. Has coughed somewhat more than he did. Expectoration increased. Coughs more when lying on left side. Has been quite restless at night. Prescribed Phos^12. three times a day, and 1 Coff 30 at night.

Sept. 7th. Pulse 100. Has been much better during past week. Yesterday walked out several hours. Bowels quite well until last night, since then relaxed, this he attributes to eating a melon, which was not very fresh. Took Are. for diarrhea. Has cough less. Continued Phos^12.

This was my last visit to him. He has had no return of chills up to the present time. He has a slight cough. I examined his chest repeatedly, but was unable to discover any physical signs of disease.

CASE 27. – Mr. S., June 20th, 1858, while in the country last fall, contracted chills and fever; had a return of paroxysms about three weeks ago. Had three daily paroxysms, then escaped chills until 9th inst., when he took cold and had them daily until day before yesterday. Previously to present time he has been under Allopathic treatment. This morning drank a glass of ice water, after which he felt very cold, wanted to sit near the stove although the day was quite warm. Pulse 88. For two days past swelling of feet, legs and thighs. Feet pit on pressure. He appears pale, and face is puffed. Has a suffocative cough. Prescribed Ars^6., solution every two hours.

21st. No chills today. His hands are stiff from the dropsical effusion. Continued Ars^6., solution.

22d.3? P. M. Pulse 76. Chill at 11 A. M. Had general coldness, followed by heat with headache, then perspiration during sleep. Prescribed Nux 6, solution, every three hours.

25th. Came to office. No chill on 23d. Yesterday slight coldness followed by heat, then perspiration. Less swelling of feet. Face appears much thinner. Less hoarseness. Continued Nux^6, four times a day.

29th. On 27th, heat, but no chill. Coughs less. Dryness in throat. Feet still swollen. Ars^6. three times a day.

July 8th. No chill nor heat since. The dropsical swelling has entirely disappeared. Feels very well. Inclined to constipation. Prescribed 7 powders of Nux^6, one at night.

July 19th. Has been quite well until today, when he has been chilly for three hours, followed by heat then free perspiration. Swelling of hands and feet today-nausea last night-Ars^6. every three hours.

21st. About 11 A. M. felt cold with numbness of fingers and aching in back; heat for a short time following; perspiration all the afternoon. Thirst during whole paroxysm. Nausea before and during paroxysm.

27th. Neither chill nor heat since. Has dryness of throat, at times. Excoriation on deglutition. Several loose evacuations today. Bell^12., morning and evening, and Ars^6., if necessary for diarrhea.

Aug. 10th. Bowels loose this morning, the last evacuation was bloody and slimy. Merc^12.

This patient has enjoyed perfect health since.

CASE 28. – Wm. B. Sen., June 24th, 1858. Intermittent Fever commenced eight weeks since; continued four weeks; then was suppressed by Deshler's Pills for three weeks. Chills were daily until 20th inst.; since have occurred every second day. Today had chill at 8 A. M., succeeded by high fever, then profuse sweat. Before chill pains in knees. Thirst with heat. Pulse at 6 P. M. 92. Prescribed Ars^6., solution, every three hours.

28th. Chills have not been so severe since-on 26th had nausea instead of chills. Chill this morning at 5 A. M. Headache with heat. Constipation. Swelling in stomach. Prescribed Nux^3, three times a day.

I saw his wife March 27th, 1859, when she stated to me that her husbands paroxysms continued about a week after my last prescription, since then he has enjoyed perfect health.

CASE 29. – Sarah L., residing at West Hoboken, N. Y., a locality where Intermittent Fever prevails quite extensively. July 20th, 1858, her father called upon me; said his daughter was attacked with chill, followed by high fever with delirium on the 18th inst. Yesterday she was "about," but was not quite well. This afternoon had coldness of hands followed by exceedingly high fever and headache. Sent Acon^12. and Bell^12 ., to be given alternately during paroxysms, and Ars^6., solution, every three hours during apyrexia.

29th. After taking the Acon. and Bell, on the 20th, fever moderated. Has not had delirium since. Had slight chills followed by moderate heat on 22d, 24th and 26th. Yesterday escaped altogether, and has appeared well in every respect since. Continued Ars^6., solution, every three hours.

Aug. 5th. Had a chill on 29th ult., none at any other time. Continued Ars^6.

Sept. 18th. Slight paroxysms every 2d day for a week past. Not sick at any other time. Prescribed Cedron^1, solution, every four hours.

June 2nd, 1859. Remained well until about a month since when she had three or four chills, occurring on alternate days and ceasing spontaneously. Is now well with the exception of a Goitre, for which I have prescribed occasionally for a year or two.

CASE 30. – John L, father of preceding patient. Aug. 5th., 1858. On 2d inst. was exposed to damp weather; thinks he took cold. While coming to my office today was attacked with chilliness and flashes of heat, it was with very great difficulty that he got to the office. When I saw him his puke was 136. He had some perspiration. Prescribed Bell^12. then Ars^6., solution.

12th. No decided chilliness since, but is quite sick every night. Mind too active at night; says he thinks of everything. Humming noise in head. Head sore to touch; cannot move it without moving body. When he rubs hands on pantaloons says he sees sparks of fire. General sensation of numbness, with thirst and nausea. Every night clammy cold sweat, especially about head. Pulse 84 at 6? P. M. Has more fever every 2d day. Prescribed Nux^6, solution, every three hours.

Sept. 5th. Has been quite weak since. Has soreness, commencing in hips and extending to lower extremities. Appetite good. Perspires after slight exertion. Prescribed Chin^30., solution, every four hours.

June 2nd, 1859. Remained well until within a few days past. Slight chill day before yesterday; today severe chill, followed by heat, which continued all forenoon. Vomiting during hot stage. Ars^6., solution every three hours.

CASE 31. – J. L., Jr., of same family as two preceding. Aug. 5th, 1858, was unwell last week. On the 1st inst., had a chill, followed by high fever, continuing all night, with delirium. Had Diarrhea. They gave the Acon. and Bell, sent to his sister, with good effect, also the Ars. during the apyrexia. Has not had a decided chill since, but has appeared dull. Continued Ars^6.

12th. At times seems depressed but has no regular paroxysms. Continued Ars.

19th. For three days decided paroxysms in afternoon, consisting of heat of chest and head, then cold sweat on same parts. Today shaking chill, with blueness of arms, hands and lips. Prescribed Nux^6", solution, and Acon. and Bell, during paroxysms.

Sept. 5th. After third day of taking Nux, paroxysms occurred every second day, then daily for three days. They have alternated between daily and tertian in this way ever since. Has no chill, but has purple spots on limbs, followed by fever, not high. Sweat during sleep. Sleeps well. Ars 30. solution, every three hours.

Sept. 18th. Now has chilliness every day after dinner, followed by high fever; some days has perspiration on head.

Bowels loose; has colic. Sleeps pretty well. Has lost much flesh. Verat^12, solution, every three hours.

I did not prescribe for him again until Nov. 22d. The only symptom I then record is "vomiting," for which I gave Verat^12.

Saw his mother, Mar. 26th, 1859. She stated that after my last prescription he improved rapidly in health, and was then more hearty than ever before in his life. He had always been a weakly child.

CASE 32. – Richard Day, set. 2?, July 24th, 1858. Probably contracted Intermittent Fever at Maspeth L. I. Paroxysms appeared two weeks after he came to reside in N. Y. City. "Was treated with Sulph. Quinine for a month before chills stopped, then ceased for a week; returned four days ago. Chills daily at 9? A. M., continue an hour; heat following for a somewhat longer period; then usually goes to sleep and perspires. Thirst with hot stage. Is weak and fretful during paroxysm. Appetite good. Prescribed Ars^6., three times a day.

Oct. 27th. The mother of this patient called for a prescription for another child; said the former patient recovered immediately and had remained in good health since.

CASE 33. – Mrs. H. Smith, residing in 53d St., New York, called upon me Aug. 6th, 1858. Two years before had chills and fever, has not enjoyed good health since. Had chills on 27th, 29th and 31st ult. Has headache and nausea in morning. 4 Sulph^20., one at night.

As I have no further record of her case I presume she was relieved, at least for the time being. I had occasion to see her afterwards, to prescribe for her daughter, the case immediately following.

CASE 34. – Catherine Smith, aet. 3, Aug. 10th, 1858. Had chills two years since, continued from June till August. Present attack commenced six weeks ago, continued two weeks, then two weeks intermission, then a week of chills, then about a week interval. Yesterday and today return of chills. Has had daily paroxysms since beginning. Chills continued three quarters of an hour, then high fever for two hours, then profuse perspiration. During and after chill complains of being "tired and hungry," but will not eat if food is offered her. Complexion sallow; has grown thin since having chills. Prescribed Ars^6., solution, every three hours.

14th. Seemed pretty well on 11th and 12th. Last evening had fever, commenced about 8 P. M., afterwards perspiration. Now, 6? P. M., pulse 136. Complained today of feeling tired in stomach. Bowels loose today. Prescribed Verat^12., solution, every three hours.

Have not heard from this patient since.

CASE 35. – Adelaide M., Oct. 1st, 1858. Patient has recently returned from a visit to the country. On the 25th ult. complained of pains in bones of extremities, and in nape of neck, and felt tired. Every day since has had a chill, one day at 12? and the alternate day at 2 P. M., followed by heat then perspiration. Has constant headache. Verat^12.

3d. Chill yesterday at 12?, today at 12 (noon) o'clock. On sitting up after paroxysm everything appeared yellow to her. Headache and nausea during apyrexia. Chin 30,

5th. Chill yesterday and today. Bell^12.

7th. Chill at 11 A. M., accompanied by severe pains in back and in abdomen. Feels as though there were "tramping" in head. Nux^6".

9th. Pains accompanying chill are less severe. Continued Nux^6.

11th. No decided chill for past two days, only chilliness with headache. Continued Nux^6.

14th. Has slight chilliness daily. Continued Nux^6.

17th. Better. No chilliness for past three days. Nausea with sour eructations after eating. Night sweats. Cham^30.

20th. Slight chill yesterday at a quarter before 12, followed by high fever, then perspiration: nausea with chill, cough during heat. Tired feeling in legs. Rhus rad^12., solution, every three hours.

23d. Chill on 21st; none yesterday. Today only felt thirsty as she usually has done before paroxysm. Nausea at sight of food she does not like. Appetite voracious. Fat food causes nausea. Puls^6.

27th. No chill since. Continued Puls^6.

This patient has remained quite well to present time.

REMARKS : – These cases comprise the whole of my experience in Intermittent Fever, excepting one case, the treatment of which, has been commenced too recently to make it of sufficient interest to be included. They are not quite all the cases I have witnessed; as I have at times made calls upon patients under the charge of other physicians, prescribing for the case for a day or two, when the proper physician happened to be out of town. These cases I have not alluded to in any way, as I had not the means of giving a satisfactory account of them. The cases are reported at length, because I think this method the one best adapted to give correct and reliable information; but I now propose to briefly review them, giving only certain general particulars, such as the period when the patient was first attacked, the time occupied in the cure, recurrence of the disease, if any, after my treatment, and remedies employed in each case. I shall divide the cases, first enumerating those treated from the commencement then those which had been previously under allopathic treatment. These latter comprise about two-thirds of the whole.

The following had no previous treatment: –

CASE 1. – Paroxysms commenced August 27th, 1853. I prescribed Sept, 5th.; paroxysms continued until Sept. 11th inclusive, seven days after my prescription. Remedies used – Bry^30., Ars^30., Chin^30. & 200., Acon^30.

Returned eight months after and continued twenty-five days, viz: from May 21st until about June 15th, 1854. Remedies used-Ars^30., Bry 30., Nux-in-sale, Nux-vom^30., Puls^20.

No return till present time, six years from last attack.

CASE 2. – Commenced Sept., 1853; continued about thirty days. Remedies not recorded.

No return till present time, nearly six years.

CASE 3. – Commenced April 28th, 1854. I prescribed May 6th. No paroxysms subsequently. Remedies-Ars^6.,30. & 200

No return for several years after, and as far as known till present time.

CASE 5. – Commenced Aug. 5th, 1854. I prescribed Aug. 9th; had a few paroxysms subsequently. Remedies-Ars^30. and "6 No return to present time, nearly five years.

CASE 6. – Commenced Aug. 7th, 1854. I prescribed on the 9th only; gave Ars^6. Was subsequently placed under allopathic treatment. Result not known.

CASE 8. – Commenced Sept. 22d, 1854. I prescribed Oct. 6th to 14th inclusive. Remedies-Nux^6. and Chin30.

Was better at last date, not heard from since.

CASE 17. – Commenced April 21st, 1856. I prescribed on 23d; continued to 27th inclusive, and recurred slightly on May 20th on June 20th and 22d. Remedies-Ars^12. and 30", Bry^30.

No return. Patient died of affections to which she had been long subject, Oct., 1857.

CASE 18. – Commenced June 12th, 1856. I prescribed June 26th. Continued till July 2d. seven days after my first prescription. Remedies-Ars^30 ., Ign^30., Cedron^1, Chin^30.

No return as far as known.

CASE 29. – Commenced July 18th, 1858. I prescribed on the 20th; continued till 26th inclusive; had another paroxysm on the 29th. May 1859, had three or four paroxysms. Remedies-Acon^12., Bell^12., Ars^6., Cedron^1.

Well at present, June, 1859.

CASE 30. – Commenced Aug. 5th 1858. I prescribed same day; continued till about 15th. Was under treatment till Sept. 5th. Remained well till June, 1859. Paroxysms on 1st and 2nd June. Remedies-Bell^12., Ars^6., Nux^6, Chin^30.

Consider him as under treatment.

CASE 31. – Commenced Aug. 1st, 1858. I prescribed Aug. 5th. Slight and partial paroxysms till 19th, then decided paroxysms till Sept. 18th, about this date they ceased. Remedies-Acon^30., Bell^30., Ars^6, Nux^6", Verat^12.

No return June 1859.

CASE 35. – Commenced Sept. 25th, 1858. I prescribed Oct. 1st; continued till Oct. 9th, inclusive. Occasional slight paroxysms continued to 21st inclusive. Remedies-Verat^12., Chin^30., Bell^6., Nux^6, Cham^30., Rhus-rad^12., Puls 6.

No return June 1859.

The following cases had been treated Allopathically previous to coming under my care.

CASE 4. – Commenced July 1853; first and a number of subsequent attacks were suppressed by Quinine. I prescribed June 10th, 1854; continued till about July 14th. thirty-four days. Remedies-Ars^30., Acon^30., Nux^30, Nat-mur^30., Chin^30., Phos 30.

No return; I have heard to that effect within a few months past.

CASE 7. – Commenced about Sept. 1854; suppressed repeatedly by Quinine. I prescribed Sept. 30th 1854. Sulph^30.

Result not known.

CASE 9. – Commenced Sept. 1854; suppressed several times by Quinine. I prescribed May 1st 1855; paroxysms had then continued two weeks; ceased on May 30th; thirty days under treatment. Remedies-Ars^6 and 30, Verat^30., Nux^6., Puls^6. No return; have heard within a short time.

CASE 10. – Commenced June 1855. I prescribed on the 24th-under my treatment till July 7. Remedies-Ars^30 and 6 Bell^30., Nat-mur^30., Puls^30., Acon^30.

Patient was said to be well some time after, but I am uncertain whether they returned to Allopathic treatment.

CASE 11. – Commenced June 8th 1855; suppressed by Quinine; chills on 29th and 30th. I prescribed on July 2d. No return to 7th. Remedies-Ars^6., Nux^6, Sep^30.

Have not heard from patient since.

CASE 12. – Commenced about a year previous to my prescribing. Repeatedly suppressed by Quinine. I prescribed July 20th, 1855, the first day of the recurrence; continued till 24th, inclusive. Remedies-Chin^30, and Rhus-rad^30.

No return to present time, June 16th, 1859, nearly four years.

CASE 13. – Commenced a year before my prescribing. I prescribed Ars^6, Sept 6th, 1855. Result not known.

CASE 14. – Commenced August 15th, 1855; continued two weeks; suppressed for two weeks by Quinine. Returned Sept. 14th. I prescribed Sept. 21st; continued till about 28th. Ars^6. only was given. No return when last heard from, February, 1859.

CASE 15. – Commenced several weeks before I prescribed Oct. 28th, 1855; continued two days after, and slight return on Nov. 4th. Remedies-Nat-mur 30., Nux^30. Bry^30.

No return up to latter part of December of same year. Have not heard since.

CASE 16. – Commenced about Sept. 28th, 1855. Paroxysms continued notwithstanding Quinine was administered. I prescribed Nov. 27th and 29th, 1855. Ars 6. was given. Was better at last date, have not heard since.

CASE 19. – Commenced probably in the Spring of 1856. Suppressed for short period. I prescribed in the Fall. Ars^30.

Have heard from the patient within a few months of present time, June 1859. He had no return after my prescription.

CASE 20. – Commenced Dec. 1855. Quinine suppressed paroxysms for two weeks at a time. I prescribed Sept. 11th 1856; continued till 14th, inclusive, and had another paroxysm on 23d. Remedies-Ars^6., Lach^6.

No return after last date to present time, June 1859.

CASE 21. – Commenced about Nov. 1856. After continuing two or three months was suppressed till April 1857 by Quinine. I prescribed April 27th; continued till May 2d. Remedies-Ars^200., Bry^7., Lach^30., Bell^30., Nux^30., Cup^30.

Was well May 16th, same year; have not heard since.

CASE 22. – Commenced about April 12th 1857; Paroxysms were not suppressed by the allopathic treatment she had. I prescribed May 12th; continued till May 30th, inclusive. Remedies-Ars^6., Nux^6, Merc-v^3., Coff^3., Carb-veg^30., Puls^6.

No return to June 19th, same year; have not heard since.

CASE 23. – Commenced a number of months before I first saw her, Aug. 24th 1857; paroxysms had been repeatedly suppressed by Quinine. Present attack commenced on 19th; after I saw her, slight paroxysms on 25th and 27th. Natmur 30, only remedy given. No return up to present time.

CASE 24. – Commenced Aug. 12th 1857; took Deshler's pills. I prescribed Sept. 2d; under treatment till 21st. Remedies-Ars^30., Fer met 2., Bell^16.

Remained well March 27th 1859.

CASE 25. – Commenced in Spring of 1856; suppressed several times by Quinine. I prescribed Feb. 14th 1858; present attack had continued three days then, and continued two days after; had slight paroxysms for about a week, commencing May 26th, same year. Remedies-Bry^12., Puls^6.

No return to present time.

CASE 26. – Commenced June 1st 1858. I prescribed June 14th; continued till July 6th; ceased from 6th to 12th July, then recommenced and continued to 27th; had no chills nor heat after this date, but gradually convalesced; was under treatment till Sept. 7th. Remedies-Bry^7., Puls^6., Chin^3., Ars^6, Nux^6, Rhus-rad^12., Lyc^6., Nat-mur^6., Bell 12., Lach^3Â°, Phos^12., Coff^30.

CASE 27. – Commenced in the Fall of 1857; then suppressed for seven or eight months; returned and again suppressed for ten or twelve days, then returned. Under my treatment from June 20th to August 10th; paroxysms only a portion of the time. Had anasarca and ascites also. Remedies- Ars^6., Nux 6, Bell^12., Merc^12.

No return to present time; is well in all respects.

CASE 28. – Commenced about April 25th, 1858; continued four weeks, then suppressed for three weeks by Deshler's pills; then return. I prescribed June 24th; continued till about July 1st. Remedies-Ars^6., Nux^3.

No return March 27th, 1859.

CASE 32. – Commenced about June 17th 1858; took Quinine for a month before chills stopped, then they ceased for a week and returned for days before I saw him. I prescribed, July 24th, Ars^6. Mother stated to me October 28th, same year, that patient recovered immediately, and had remained in good health since.

CASE 33. – Commenced about August, 1856. I prescribed on August 6th 1858; had had paroxysms on three preceding days. Prescribed Sulph^30.

Made no record subsequently but saw her on 14th August. I presume she was relieved.

CASE 34. – Commenced about August 1856; continued then from June till August. I prescribed August 10th 185S. Present attack commenced six weeks before; had continued with two weeks intermission at one time and a week at another; afterwards escaped paroxysms till 12th and 14th. Remedies-Ars^6 ., Verat^12.

Have not heard from patient since.

What has struck me most forcibly in the homoeopathic treatment of this disease, is the permanence of the cure. Relapses have been greatly the exception. In case 1 I enumerated two attacks occurring eight months apart, as one case. I think the second might very properly have been considered a new case; the patient resided in the same locality as when first attacked and was necessarily subjected to the influence of the same miasm. The same remark applies to cases 29 and 30. In each of these cases the patients enjoyed their usual health between the attacks. The other instances known to me in which relapses occurred are very few, and were only within a short time after the cessation of the disease. It is interesting to observe how completely we are able to cure the old inveterate cases which have been repeatedly suppressed by Quinine. If any experience can prove that our cures are the result of medication aiding nature and not of nature unaided, as some say they are, these cases should. For in many the disease had existed for months; paroxysms occurring every three or four weeks, notwithstanding the liberal administration of Quinine, when after giving the attenuated remedies, "this periodical recurrence ceases and the patient is left free. There would be a strong probability of this being the effect of the attenuated remedy in a single instance of this kind, but when the same result is seen in several or many cases, the proof falls little short of certainty.

Some of the cases reported, being only prescribed for once or twice, and not subsequently heard from, are not of much interest as regards the efficacy of homoeopathic treatment, but are still of some interest as showing that Quinine, which they had usually taken, does not invariably prevent the recurrence of the disease, as some of its earnest advocates would have us believe. The class of cases just alluded to, might have been reported as cured, because unheard from. It is certainly reasonable to suppose from the general results obtained from cases of which we know the full history that such was the fact in a large proportion of instances.

It is very likely that the paroxysms are not in all cases stopped as soon by attenuated medicines as they might be by Quinine, but the, probability of a recurrence is very much less. No injurious effects follow the use of attenuated medicines, but we have very good reason to believe, from our own experience, as well as that of other physicians that Quinine impairs the constitution, and in many instances, produces permanent chronic disease.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 08-09, 1859, pages 337-348, pages 395-406]

[Description: Intermittent fever.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F. Jr.]

[Year: 1859]

REPORT OF A CASE OF ABSCESS OF THE LIVER, OPENING THROUGH THE LUNGS.

BY B. F. JOSLIN, JR., M.D., NEW YORK.

The following report is of interest as relating to a form of disease of not very frequent occurrence, nor of very easy diagnosis, as well as on account of the entire recovery of the patient. Only one similar case of Abscess in the Liver, opening through the Lungs, has come to my knowledge in homoeopathic practice. This occurred in the son of a distinguished clergyman of this city, and was successfully treated by Drs. Bayard and Joslin, Sen.

Budd says, (p. 109) of Abscess of the Liver: "The physicians who have had most experience in this disease, confess their inability in many cases, to distinguish it from other diseases of the Liver; and in some, even to pronounce that the Liver is the seat of disease at all." My own quite limited experience in this affection, fully accords with the above.

The case which I purpose reporting at the present time, was considered by the physician who was in attendance previous to myself to be one of far advanced consumption; he prognosticated that the patient would live but a few days. Judging from her general appearance, I did not think she was the subject of Phthisis Pulmonalis, although I suspected the heart might be the seat of disease. It was some two months after I first saw her, before the nature of her disease was fully comprehended. One principal reason of this was that a complete physical examination of her chest was delayed. The weather was cold and her apartment insufficiently warmed, so that I feared she might suffer from the exposure consequent upon such examination. When I did make a thorough physical investigation, I found evidences of enlargement of the Liver, there being complete dullness of the chest below the level of the nipples, and on measurement around the lower part of the chest, the right side was found to be more than four inches larger than the left. These facts led me to examine more minutely than I had done the matter expectorated — when pus, bile, and fat globules in it, were made apparent by the microscope, and the fat extracted by means of sulphuric ether.

The general history of the case was as follows: She is a young woman, the wife of a sea-faring man. About five years before I saw her, (Jan. '57,) she contracted Chagres Fever, was treated with mercury to salivation, and with large doses of quinine, both on the Isthmus and in New York; recovered, and enjoyed pretty good health until the birth of her second child in October, 1855. Six weeks after this time she had severe pain in the left shoulder and arm, so that the latter was rendered helpless for a time; had pains in chest, and a short time after, expectoration of a quantity of darkcolored blood. Then cough, with expectoration of dark and bright blood, with brownish and yellowish matter, which continued almost constantly. The expectoration was always of an offensive bitter and sour taste to herself, and somewhat offensive smell to others. The amount of blood expectorated was quite considerable, amounting at times to as much as a quart in twelve hours. The evacuations from the bowels were normal in appearance but costive.

At the time I first saw her, she had been confined to her bed for some months. She had lost much flesh.

The following are my records made at the time of seeing the patient:

Jan. 13th, 1857. — Cough for a year; has raised blood and pus. Prescribed I Phosphorus^30., and Sach. Lact.

20th. Pulse 92. Cough about the same; at times raises blood, and afterward matter having an offensive taste and smell; has burning in the chest; appetite pretty good. Arsenic^30, was given.

28th. Pulse 96. Has had considerable cough and expectoration of pus and blood, less offensive than formerly; Fever for three afternoons past; Regurgitation of food after eating and coughing. Bryonia^30.

Feb. 11th. Pulse 96. Raised considerable blood last week. Dryness in throat excites cough; Expectoration offensive; Coughs more in evening. Arsenic 30., solution, morning and evening.

15th. Pulse 94. Rather less cough. Sach. Lact.

21st. Has been better this week. Examined her chest slightly, both sides rather dull; Heart's action heard over the right chest; Respiration somewhat prolonged under the right clavicle, slight rattle. Sach. Lact.

25th. Pulse 100. Expectoration of black matter; Cough about the same. 1 Arsenic^30

March 4th. Pulse 90. Considerable expectoration of blood for a day or two, more than for three weeks past; Pains in the stomach, worse on coughing; Appetite not quite so good as usual. The blood expectorated is partly bright and clear, a portion dark colored, together with very viscid matter of a dark brown color; Expectoration offensive to herself and others. China^30, every 4 hours.

8th Pulse 100. Expectoration of blood continued until last night; considerable pain in the left side and stomach; Coughs when lying on the left side. Arsenic^30., 3 times a day.

11th. Feels better. Is raising blood. Continued Arsenic^30.

25th. Severe pain in the hypochondrium, and sallowness for several days past. The pain comes on in the afternoon. Byonia^7, solution, every 3 hours.

27th. Pulse 72, (a remarkable and quite sudden reduction in frequency it will be observed). Skin moist. She is much better now, than at any previous time this winter. Was relieved promptly by the Byonia^7.

Made a more particular physical examination of her chest. Results as follows:

Slight apparent dullness just under claviculae; below this both sides alike, but not as clear as is usual, until I in percussing downwards I arrived at the line of the nipples, when both sides became decidedly dull; at this point on the right side has frequently had a burning pain. The heart's action is heard over both sides of the chest. Can not hear vesicular respiration distinctly anywhere. Continued Byonia^30, solution, every 3 hours.

At this visit I procured a specimen of the matter expectorated, which I took home and examined. It consisted of blood, and of a yellowish brown substance, which I had supposed to be nothing but pus, but a microscopical examination showed pus, bile and fat globules. On adding sulphuric ether to some of this yellowish brown matter, and allowing the ether to evaporate, a greasy matter was found to remain.

This was the first time that I had carefully examined the chest. The occurrence of dullness of all parts of the chest below the horizontal plane of the nipples, and the great preponderance of the size of the right over the left side, below these points, led me to suspect the true nature of the disease, and the microscopical and chemical investigations fully corroborated the diagnosis.

April 6th. Has been much better of late. Coughs less. Pulse 80. Night sweats for a few nights past. Bowels costive. Bryonia^30.

11th. Found her up, had been sitting up some time; her pulse was 104. Bryonia^30.

16th. Was moved since my visit about a mile distant from her former residence; did not appear to be injured by it. Has been inclined to sleep of late. Sent from office Rhus. rad^30.

20th. Visited her. Has been quite smart since she was moved. Pulse 72. Cough, expectoration, and pain in the shoulder — all slight; complains of weakness and aching in the small of her back. Had dysentery a month after she commenced raising matter, had none previously. Nux^30., solution, 3 times a day.

29th. Not quite so well for two days. Pain in the left upper chest and in the shoulder. Bryonia^30.

May 9th. Pulse 76. Rather more expectoration this week; last night raised a small quantity of dark coagulated blood, and brownish matter; very little cough; Bowels regular; Complexion clearer; Appetite good; Sleeps well; very little pain. Bryonia^30

21st. Has been quite well until yesterday. Was attacked last night with severe pain in epigastrium, like colic, but is better to day. Nux^6.

22d. Pulse 68. No pain since. Nux^30., morning and evening.

June 1st. Doing well. Nux^30.

July 25th. Since day before yesterday has had expectoration of blood. Has been working quite hard of late. Bryonia^30.

Aug. 11. Has gained flesh, and has been quite well until within a few days. Has now cough; raised a small quantity of blood several days ago. Bryonia 30.

18th. Has raised several mouthfuls of blood since. Bry^30. Sept. 1st. For 4 days past has expectorated blood and matter, such as she raised last winter. Sent her Bry^7., 3 times a day.

5th. Visited her. Has expectorated no blood since, but has raised offensive brown matter. Bry^30., a dose at night.

14th. Raised 4 or 5 mouthfuls of blood and matter this morning. Pulse 84. Bryonia^7., morning and evening.

Oct. 9th. Has been pretty well. Has raised pieces of a dark brown color, not offensive, but no blood. Bryonia^30.

Has not had any indication of hepatic or pulmonary disease since the last date. In November of the same year, (1857) had a miscarriage at 2 months, but made a good recovery. On the 30th of November of the following year, was delivered of a fine boy. She had no sickness of any kind following, requiring medical attention only for forms sake.

She has enjoyed most excellent health since her recovery, and is now vigorous.

The improvement in her case was gradual from the first attendance Jan. 13th, 1857, to the 27th of March, when a rather sudden reduction in frequency of pulse occurred; continued to improve, and was able to sit up on the 11th of April, and between that and the 16th, was moved a distance of a mile or more, without any apparent injury. Was not confined to her bed after this, excepting for the miscarriage, and at the period of her confinement; but after her moving took charge of the ordinary household duties, devolving upon those not rich enough to keep servants.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04, 1860, pages 157-162]

[Description: Case of Abscess of Liver, Opening through the Lungs.]

[Remedies: Phosphorus, Arsenicum album, Bryonia alba, China officinalis, Nux vomica]

[Author: Joslin, B.F. Jr.]

[Year: 1860]

A SINGULAR CASE OF SPASMODIC STRICTURE OF THE ESOPHAGUS,

BY B. F. JOSLIN, JR., M. D., NEW YORK.

The case which I now report possesses considerable interest from the peculiar nature of the disease, as well as from the fact that a nearly complete history of it can be given as from the earliest signs of disease, until the final termination (with the exception of a few weeks) the patient was under my care. The post mortem examination, which revealed the probable cause of the symptoms, will also be published.

Although not in the final result successful, it still illustrates the truest method of palliation — that of relieving the disease as far as possible by appropriate medicines. During its progress it afforded many illustrations of the efficacy of attenuated medicines, administered according to the plan of allowing the symptoms to indicate the remedy. Now that we have the whole case in review, it is difficult to surmise what other plan of treatment could have been adopted, or what better course, could have been pursued if any one had been in possession of all the information elicited by the post mortem examination.

The prominent symptom of the case was difficulty of deglutition, not constant as from permanent stricture of the esophagus, but variable in its degree and time of occurrence. First appearing about three years and a half since and continuing several weeks, then apparently giving way to treatment, and after the lapse of nearly three years, during which period she enjoyed good health most of the time, reappearing and continuing with intermissions of only a few days at a time, until the patient died of inanition.

Such is a general outline of the case; and before proceeding further I wish to say something in regard to the diagnosis. At the time of the first appearance of the disease three years since, I considered it as purely nervous and not of serious importance; the temporary recovery which shortly after occurred, seemed to corrobate this diagnosis and prognosis. I never saw any reason to change my diagnosis, but after I had treated her for sometime, subsequently to the re-appearance of the symptoms, I came to the knowledge of certain facts which together with the additional fact that my patient was not improving, led me to think more seriously of the case.

I learned that the father of this patient died with apparently the same disease — inability to swallow, accompanied, in his case, with some indications of insanity. He died quite suddenly after only a few weeks continuance of the disorder; while she lingered out a painful existence for months.

The patient was a lady, twenty-eight years of age at the time of her death. She was of rather nervous temperament. Her menses were usually scanty, and bowels inclined to constipation. She mentioned to me during her last sickness that for some months previously, she had been in the habit of taking quite strong coffee, which I have no doubt increased her nervous irritability.

To show the distinction between this case and one of ordinary spasmodic stricture of the esophagus, I will quote a few lines from Habershon on Diseases of the Alimentary Canal. He says, "The few cases of this kind which have come under my own observation, have been in young women of an excitable nervous system, with leucorrhea or painful menstruation and impaired digestion. The strongest language was used by these patients to express their inability to swallow, and they showed the greatest unwillingness even to attempt it. * * * * The general symptoms and history aid us in the diagnosis of these cases, as the absence of emaciation, the suddenness of the attack after a slight cause, as nervous shock or slight catarrh; the absence of pain; the existence of considerable nervous excitement. "In the case which I report, emaciation was regularly progressive during the last four months of the patient's life.

The first record I have of the principal symptom of this case is on September 8th, 1856. She then told me, that on the previous evening, she had a "choking in the throat," relieved after taking salt and water. Three days before she had complained of burning in stomach and abdomen, and weakness in stomach and of feeling "nervous." I had given her Sulph.20 with benefit. Her bowels were quite constipated, as was frequently the case with her. I prescribed Opium^2.

She continued to be troubled with the choking sensation in throat on attempting to swallow any thing solid, until the 26th instant. During this period I gave her Carb. an.20, Nux^4, Con.20, Puls.20 and Merc^30, under the last mentioned of which remedies improvement took place. On making an effort to cough, about this time, to remove the obstruction in the throat she raised blood. During this period, I have also recorded the following symptoms: —

Sensation of a lump in throat; constant sour taste in mouth, and sometimes sour eructations; oppression at pit of stomach; heaviness and fulness in head; vertigo in morning; easily excited; ulcers on tongue, for a day or two; sharp pain in left iliac region extending to thigh, increased by motion; menses scanty and delayed.

On the evening of the 26th, she was able to eat solid food after an enforced abstinence of many days. On the 27th, I gave her Plumb.20 She continued to improve, and on November 2nd, I record: — Can swallow without difficulty; bowels still costive. Gave Opium.2

November 6th. Bowels less costive; about 4, p.m., daily, has congestion in the head; face red, with sensation of fulness in head attended with nervous excitability. Prescribed, Bell.30

November 22nd. Return of pain in throat. Bell.20

November 24th. Sensation of choking in throat, with oppression in upper part of chest; feels unwilling to take solid food for fear it would choke her. Rhus.20 November 26th. Better. Continued Rhus.

December 4th. Fulness in head; wild feeling. This morning palpitation and sensation of heat rising upward in chest. Bell.10

December 13th. Throat more troublesome than ever. Complaint returned on the 6th instant. Head relieved by Bell.10 She has observed the affections of head and throat to alternate.

Has sharp pains in right side of esophagus, about an inch below the lower jaw. Thinks she cannot swallow solid food; has not taken any for a week; lives on soft toast. Has at times fluttering palpitation, with faintness and sharp pain in one spot of chest. Puls.30

December 16th. Better. Puls.30

December 20th. Menses on 17th and 18th instants were very slight as usual. Complains of pain and oppression in chest, more on left side; pains extend to neck, and to left arm, and to thumb. Sensation in neck and upper extremities as of drawing. No trouble in throat, except that after eating a sensation of rising; has fluttering in left chest; feels quite low spirited; imagines she has disease of heart; horrible dreams; tongue brown; constipation. 2 Sulph.30

December 23rd. Better. Sach. lact.

December 29th. Soreness and aching in left hypochondrium, extending to abdomen; sour eructations and sour taste in mouth; after eating, salivation. 1 Nux.0 and Sulph.30

After this I was not called upon to prescribed for her, until after an interval of six months, that is, July 6th of the following year, 1857. She then had neuralgic pains in the face, for which Puls.30 was given. Said she was quite relieved of her old troubles, including constipation and menstrual difficulties.

I may as well mention, that I had occasionally seen her during this period, as other members of the family required my services.

After nearly a year of good health, on May 22nd, 1858, she called at my office, and said that after dinner her face was flushed and she had headache; burning in head and face, bowels costive. I prescribed Nux^6, which I have no doubt relieved her, as I did not prescribe for her again till August 12th, when she complained of burning in the pit of stomach; nausea, more after eating; had once or twice vomited bitter and sour matter; constipation; vertigo in morning on rising; burning in face and eyes, with redness of face and suffusion of eyes. Bry.7, a dose morning and evening for a week, was prescribed.

July 14th, 1859, I record: — For about two weeks past has been troubled with sleeplessness; also a sensation of choking in throat, similar to former trouble; feels week. Bell.12 was prescribed.

It will be seen by the record that she had been free from the choking more than two years and a half.

While attending another patient in the family, in the month of October, of the same year, I was requested to prescribe for her. She was under my care from the 13th to the 25th of October, when not being much improved She concluded to try some "bitters" recommended by a kind friend.

On the 13th of October, she had not eaten any thing for several days excepting a very small portion in the morning; at other times, was wholly unable to swallow even water or tea. She would say she felt perfectly well, with this singular exception. She did not have at this time the indications of disorder in regard to the function of digestion, which I have recorded previously, and which occurred subsequently after allopathic treatment. The only symptom besides the difficulty of deglutition, was her old trouble — constipation.

During the period from 13th to 25th October, she improved slightly, a few times being able to swallow a little food at dinner. The bowels were during a portion of this time pretty regular. The remedies prescribed during this period were Opium^1, which relieved constipation partially; Bell. 12, with benefit to the throat symptoms; Alum^12, Nux^0, and Cham.30

On the 13th of November, nearly three weeks after, she sent for me. I found she had been under the care of an old school physician, but had not experienced the slightest benefit. Even the bowels would not yield to the action of Cathartics. She could eat a little more in morning, but none at any other time. I found her in bed; previously she had been up and about. Had this evening, faintness; nausea and palpitation, and sensation as though she could not get her breath. Tongue red anteriorly, but brown posteriorly. Gave her Ign.12 solution, a dose every two hours.

On the 14th, had slept better than of late. Had slight nausea, and distress across epigastrium. Continued Ign.12

November 16th. Much better. Had taken food two or three times a-day. No difficulty in deglutition. Spirits much improved. Continued Ign.12

November 21st. Not so well for three or four days. Sour and bitter eructations after eating. Last night had faintness with cold sweat on forehead; hands and feet cold most of the time; menses delayed; should have appeared a week ago; pulse 96. Gave Bell.20 solution, a dose every three hours.

November 22nd. Feels better; ate a good breakfast; has felt well since; pulse 68. Continued Bell.30

November 23rd. Better; ate three meals yesterday; after eating soup at dinner had sour eructations. Continued Bell.30

November 24th. Not so well; has not been able to eat anything since yesterday; sour eructations. Gave Bell.12 solution, a dose every three hours.

November 26th. Not able to eat; last night after swallowing a little food had sour eructations, which prevented her from eating more; complains of flatulence in abdomen; passes urine quite frequently. Continued Bell.12

November 27th. Sensation of fulness in left iliac region, has had this symptom for a long time; ate at dinner yesterday and this morning at breakfast; took an enema yesterday, of water, with great relief to symptoms. Continued Bell.12

November 28th. Yesterday ate well at breakfast, dinner and tea. This morning fulness in pit of stomach. Gave Nux^30 solution, a dose every three hours.

November 29th. Not so well; scarcely able to eat anything at breakfast, could eat nothing at noon. Bell.30 was given, solution every three hours.

November 30th. Rather better; ate a bowl of broth at dinner. Continued Bell.30.

December 1st. Has now, after eating, spitting of thick tenacious matter, appearing like white of an egg beat up; sensation as if there were something which ought to come up; relaxation of joints; last night was awoke with griping in abdomen; tongue dry and stiff; feels much discouraged; pulse 66, of fair size and strength. Gave Nat. mur.30, a dose every three hours.

December 2nd. Rather better; ate broth for breakfast and dinner; pulse 92. Continued Nat. mur.30

December 3rd. Same as yesterday. Continued Nat mur.30

December 4th. Ate three times yesterday, twice (so far) today. After dinner, at which she ate broth and corn starch pudding, expectorated much mucous. Continued Nat. mur.30

December 5th. Ate at breakfast and dinner. Continued Nat. mur. 35

December 6th. Has sat up from 6, a.m., till the present time, 4 p.m.; ate well. Continued Nat. mur.30

December 7th. Took some cider today, and since then has had burning in esophagus; appetite pretty good; ate a whole roll at breakfast. Gave I Merc. 30 and continued Nat. mur.30

December 9th. Has been able to eat much better than usual; her broth is made thicker; she also ate half a potatoe, the first in more than two months. Feels rather weaker; tongue clean; pulse 64. Continued Nat. mur.30

December 11th. Since last date eructations after eating; tongue coated brown. Sulph.30, a dose every three hours.

December 12th. Only able to take a cup of tea at dinner today; yesterday ate some beef, chewing the meat and swallowing the juice; pulse 72. Gave Verat^12 solution, a dose every three hours.

December 13th. Today has scarcely swallowed anything, only a little water and a few tea-spoonfuls of weak broth. On endeavouring to swallow had choking. Rumbling in abdomen. It seems to her as though there were wind in abdomen which prevented her from swallowing. Pulse 58. Baryta carb .30 solution, every three hours.

December 14th. Same as yesterday but weaker. Aching in eyes; soreness of lowest floating rib, on left side. Gave Chain.30 every two hours.

December 15th. Same. After eating some ice cream had dyspnea. Did not sleep well. Gave Nux^30 every three hours.

I called on the 16th, but learned she had concluded to return to her old school physician. She continued under his care until a few days before her death, which took place February 25th, 1860. As I understood from mutual friends that she had expressed a desire to see me, and that her physician had given up all hopes of curing her, I made a friendly call on the 21st of February. The physician had left several days before, saying that it was useless to give her any more medicine as she was dying. On the 16th, she had taken about two drops of beef tea but had not taken a particle of any thing since. She was as much emaciated as any one could be and so weak that she was unable to turn herself in bed, but her voice wag clear and distinct; had at times been unable to speak. As she wished me to give her something to relieve a burning in throat and extreme dryness in mouth of which she complained, I gave her some pellets of Ars.30

On the 23rd, I was called in haste at half-past six o'clock, a.m. She had been suffering extremely severe pains in abdomen, since 11, p.m.; her pulse was very small and rapid; several remedies were given but appearing not to relieve her I allowed her to inhale Sulphuric Ether, which very greatly relieved her pain. This was occasionally repeated and a few pellets of Nux^6 placed in her mouth. Death finally came and relieved her of her sufferings, but the access to it was extremely gradual. When I saw her on the morning of the 23rd, I did not suppose she could live out the day: her hands and feet were cold, and her pulse too frequent to be counted, notwithstanding which, her voice was quite distinct. She retained her consciousness till the last, but for thirty-six hours before her death could not speak.

As some may wonder why the esophageal bougie was not introduced and so afford means of getting food into the stomach, I will state that I had thought of it before my attendance ceased, in December 1859, but the symptoms were scarcely severe enough to warrant it. When I saw her a few days before her death, she was altogether too far gone to give any chance for her recovery. I should have tried it as an experiment without having any confidence in its success, as it was evident, during the latter part of her sickness, that the stomach did not perform its functions for the small amount of food which was swallowed.

Nutritive enemata were tried.

The Post mortem Examination was made by Dr. Snelling and myself, the results were as follows: —

Emaciation extreme; pectoral muscles much wasted; lungs pale but healthy; no tubercles; coats of stomach seemed thicker than is usual; peritoneum unusually thick and tough so as to be torn with difficulty; liver large but normal; spleen small; kidneys normal; the veins of the intestines were full, as were also those on external surface of uterus. A number of small lumps of feces were found in bowels.

So far nothing was found to account for her death or even for most of the symptoms observable during life.

We then proceeded to examine the esophagus, for which purposes we removed both clavicles. On dissecting about the lower part of trachea, a small hard tumour was discovered, which proved to be osseous in its character. It was about an inch long and a half inch in breadth and thickness, it was hard and solid with numerous spiculae of bone projecting from it. It was situated just above the bifurcation of trachea, inclined to the right side; a nerve was seen to be very intimately connected with the tumour, being on its anterior surface, this I considered to be a cardiac branch of the pneumogastric nerve. By the interference with the functions of this nerve was probably the peculiar difficulty of deglutition produced, as also the symptoms of disorder in the digestive apparatus.

A number of small spiculae of bone were found among the numerous vessels, immediately around the larger tumour.

The tumour did not press on the esophagus and was only loosely attached to trachea; it was firmly adherent to the posterior portion of the vena cava superior; it could only be implicated in the production of the symptoms by its relations with the pneumogastric nerve.

I made a preparation of the tumour with some of the adjacent parts, which is now in my possession.

Some interesting connections might be traced between the symptoms and the pathological changes, which may possibly form the subject for a future article.

In conclusion, I will state that the only remedies which produced a marked effect upon the difficulty of deglutition, were Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Ignatia, Belladonna and Natrum muriaticum, From the larger edition of Jahr's Manual I extract the following symptoms of the pathogenesis of these drugs*[The Italics and other Distinctive Marks are from Jahr.]

MERCURIUS. — Sensation as if something had lodged in throat.

*Difficult deglutition. He had to press very hard to get something down. Spasmodic difficulty of swallowing with danger of suffocation. Aching pain in the esophagus.

PULSATILLA. — * Sensation on swallowing, as if the back part of throat were narrower than usual or closed by swelling. Sensation as if the pharynx were swollen.

* When swallowing he feels as if the throat were swollen, Difficulty of swallowing as if from paralysis of the muscles of deglutition. Choking pain in the pharynx as if from swallowing too large a morsel.

IGNATIA. — * Sensation when swallowing as if one swallowed over a lump. Strangulating sensation in the middle of the fauces as if a large lump had lodged in throat.

* Difficulty of swallowing solid or liquid food.

BELLADONNA. — Sensation as of a lump which cannot be removed.

* Impeded deglutition or entire inability to swallow even liquids. Short lasting but frequently recurring contraction of the esophagus.

* When swallowing, one experiences a sensation in the throat as though the parts were too narrow, contracted as if nothing would go down. Pressure in throat with choking ascending from abdomen.

NATRUM MURIATICUM. — Sensation as if a plug had lodged in the throat. Spasms in the pharynx; when swallowing she found it very difficult to get the food down or to bring it up again, so that she came near suffocating. Constriction of right side of throat, the pain extending to neck.

While engaged in writing out this case, a young woman came under my care at the Central Homoeopathic Dispensary, whose case presents some points of resemblance to it. She has had extreme difficulty in the deglutition of solids for a year or more, with progressive loss of strength and emaciation. She has been so far slightly benefited. Should she remain under my care, I shall report the result at some future time.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 07, 1860, pages 314-324]

[Description: a Singular Case of Spasmodic Stricture of The Esophagus.]

[Remedies: Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Ignatia, Belladonna, Natrium muriaticum]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1860]

VACCINATION AND REVACCINATION .

BY B. F. JOSLIN, JR. M. D., NEW YORK.

Vaccination has now been in use for 60 years. It was hoped by the founder of the practice, and by its early advocates that it would in time eradicate smallpox from the list of human maladies. This consummation devoutly to be wished for has not taken place. Deaths from smallpox are still frequent, and number in this city alone several hundred each year. During the seven years ending 1855, 3,327 deaths from smallpox, and 178 deaths from varioloid, occurred in New York city.

From the frequency of variolous diseases within a few years past, a growing want of confidence has been experienced in regard to the protecting powers of vaccination. There are comparatively few at the present day who are wholly opposed to the practice of vaccination, but in relation to the degree in which it protects, and in regard to the length of time during which the individual is rendered safe, and the necessity for revaccination, we find quite diverse views held.

There are quite a number of physicians of good standing in the profession, who still hold that one good vaccination should be sufficient, and they infer the vaccination to have been imperfect if a second vaccination be successful, or the patient have variola in any degree. Others consider a single vaccination to be sufficient for a certain period, some say seven, other ten or twelve years. Many authorities assert that vaccination performed in infancy is a complete protection against smallpox to the period of puberty. A number of physicians have serious doubts as to the propriety of revaccination. In the proceedings of a very respectable medical society in Boston Mass., (Society for Medical Improvement,) no longer ago than 1854 we find the propriety of revaccination discussed; the following is an extract:

"Most of the gentlemen would revaccinate if requested to do so; several would certainly do the operation if persons were much exposed. Certain members declared themselves nonrevaccinators"*[American Journal of Medical Science, Oct. 1854]

Thus it will be seen that the most confident made the revaccination to depend on being requested to do so, or upon the individual being much exposed. At a meeting of the Homoeopathic Society of the County of New York, within a few months past, the subject of vaccination was discussed, and exceedingly various views elicited in regard to it, some advocating revaccination until no effect could be produced, others recommending one vaccination in infancy and another after the period of puberty, believing this to be a complete protection against variolous diseases.

Thus it will be seen that the medical profession are by no means agreed on the subjects of vaccination and revaccination I will briefly remark upon these opinions held, that there is sufficient evidence that one vaccination is not always sufficient, and in regard to the length of time during which vaccination will protect, that there is very little evidence to indicate the existence of any definite period of immunity, the weight of evidence being in my opinion opposed to this view.

The views which I entertain on this subject, and which are held by many who have made it one of special enquiry are these.

Different individuals differ very greatly in regard to their susceptibility to variola, as they do unquestionably to many and most other diseases. A certain but very limited number of persons are not susceptible of it at any period of their lives. Another more numerous class can have the disease but once. A third class, which I believe to comprise more than any other, can have the disease twice. Instances are not uncommon of persons who can have the disease three times, and the susceptibility to a greater number of attacks in not unheard of though rare.

I believe that with very rare exceptions the susceptibility to variola and to vaccination is similar, and that those who are liable to the one are to the other also; that one vaccination protects against one attack of variola; If the individual is only liable to one attack he is protected for life. If he is liable to more than one he requires as many vaccinations as lie is liable to attacks of variolous disease; the only way to ascertain how far the susceptibility extends being to repeat the vaccination until no effect can be produced. Then the individual is safe for life. There is an apparent exception to these rules, which is more apparent than real. At certain times variolous disease prevails epidemically; which can only be accounted for by supposing some special predisposing cause acting at such times. At these periods some persons who had been vaccinated unsuccessfully in ordinary times can be vaccinated with perfect success, and, as follows from the foregoing rules, persons who would not have taken variolous disease if exposed in ordinary times are then liable. These epidemics arc exceedingly favorable times to carry out the plan of repeated vaccinations, as it is probable that persons vaccinated during one of them until no effect is produced, possess an immunity for life.

There is no want of proof to show that vaccination exerts a protecting power against smallpox, nearly or quite equal to the smallpox itself. We have every reason to believe that those who have varioloid after vaccination would be liable to it after an attack of the smallpox.

These assertions, however, are of little value as the results of individual experience. If the profession are ever to agree on the disputed points of this subject, it must be in consequence of the testimony of experiments on a large scale, conducted by those in official positions.

From a paper "on the protection against smallpox afforded by Vaccination, illustrated by the returns of Army, Navy, and Royal Military Asylum, by J. Graham Balfour, M. D., surgeon to Royal Military Asylum Chelsea, England," I glean the following valuable statistical results:

"Among the boys in the Military Asylum, who are all vaccinated, or have had smallpox, there have been only 39 cases and 4 deaths among 31,705 boys. All the 4 deaths were in boys who had had smallpox."* [Medico Chir. Review, April, 1853.]

"Out of every 1000 boys admitted protected by smallpox 6.15 and out of every 1000 protected by vaccination 7.06 were attacked subsequently by smallpox."† [American Journal of Medical Science, Jan., 1857.]

Dr. Seaton remarks on this last statement that

"These statistics were further of great value in showing that smallpox after smallpox was by no means the rare occurrence it was sometimes represented to be, a point which must always be borne well in mind in any attempt to estimate the value of vaccination."

It would appear from the results of Dr. Balfour, that the probability of fatal attack of smallpox was less after vaccination than after smallpox, but that the liability to an attack was slightly greater after vaccination.

I propose devoting the principal portion of this article to the consideration of the subject of Revaccination.

It was at first supposed by Jenner, that one vaccination afforded complete protection to the individual. It was ascertained, within a few years, that many of those vaccinated had the smallpox, but in a modified form. This naturally attracted much attention and furnished the opponents of vaccination with arguments, but failed in general to shake the confidence of its friends. Many interesting points in this early discussion could be adduced were space allowed, but I shall only quote from a work published in 1818, written by Alex. Monro, Prof, in the "University of Edinburgh, on the "Smallpox which follows vaccination, illustrated by a number of cases," among which were three of his children. He seems to have been a most enthusiastic advocate of vaccination; nor does his faith appear to be the least shaken by the sickness of his family.

After enumerating several conclusions of interest, he prints the following in small capitals, to indicate the great importance he attached to it:

"For, those that have been vaccinated, (living in the same house-sleeping in the same apartment, and even in the same bed-using the same spoon, and eating from the same dish with others who had not had Cow pox, and who were within a few days or even within a few hours of death from malignant smallpox,) have either escaped the smallpox or have been afflicted with a form of that disease which though at first severe, has, after the sixth or seventh day of the eruption, almost invariably disappeared, with a rapidity which perhaps forms the most striking feature of the disease.

The events therefore of the above period, so far from militating against Dr. Jenner's discovery have proved in the clearest manner, its incalculable value, and may be said to have confirmed the triumph of vaccination."

This extract is of interest in several points: thus the occurrence of numerous cases, of what we now call varioloid, is shown to have been well known at that comparatively early period in the history of vaccination, and affords proof against the assertions of some at the present day, that the vaccine has deteriorated, because we occasionally have epidemics of varioloid. But no suggestion of revaccination is contained in the work above quoted. I am not aware who first proposed revaccination for the purpose of exhausting the susceptibility of the individual. A form of revaccination, called Bryce's test, was early used, which consisted in revaccinating two or three days after the 1st; it was considered a test of the constitution being affected if the 2d vaccination ran a more rapid course than the 1st, so as come to its period of full development at the same time, but if on the contrary the 2d vaccination ran a regular course, the 1st vaccination was regarded as imperfect and the test repeated with a 3d vaccination. This process however is quite different from the revaccination of the present day, in which one vaccination is allowed to run its course before the system is again subjected to the influence of another.

It is in Continental Europe, especially in Prussia and Wurtemburgh, that revaccination seems to have been first practiced, and it is in those countries that it has been most thoroughly carried out, and where we must look for statistics of its results.

The points which I shall establish, are the inefficiency of a single vaccination for the complete protection of the individual, and the efficiency of revaccination.

It seems scarcely necessary to offer proof that persons vaccinated only once, have frequently been the subjects of severe varioloid. It was known in the time of Jenner, and has been the common experience of mankind since. I will however quote from the Report of the Commission of the French Academy on vaccination of 1845.

"An official document published by the government of Wurtemburgh, wherein it is set forth that out of 1677 cases of smallpox which occurred from the year 1831 to 1836, no fewer that 1055 were in vaccinated persons.

"The reports too of various epidemics in this country (France) clearly show that the proportion of vaccinated persons, who have become affected with the disease, is more than one third of the entire number attacked."

The proof on this point could be multiplied to. any extent, but the statistics which I shall offer to prove the 2d point will confirm the 1st.

To illustrate the advantages to be derived from revaccination, I shall have to introduce statistical results. Figures have a somewhat dry and uninteresting aspect, but I trust that the importance of the conclusions to be deduced will be sufficient to secure attention to the dry but necessary detail.

If I were to state that of some hundred cases, in which I had performed revaccination, no case of smallpox even in its most modified form had occurred to my knowledge: it would be evident that the information was not of great value, as many sources of fallacy might arise. Every physician is aware that he frequently has little knowledge of the subsequent history of his patients, and that many, might have had the disease without my knowledge. Various other objections will be thought of, which apply to individual experience as connected with statistical results.

But these objections cannot be urged against experiments made on large bodies by official direction, and it is to such that I shall appeal at the present time.

The French Academy of Medicine, in 1844, offered a prize for essays on the subject of vaccination; a large number of communications were received, and a commission appointed to examine them. I have already extracted from the report of the commission, and shall offer some further extracts on the present subject. A portion of the report reads as follows:

"It is to the Continental states, especially Prussia and Wurtemburgh, that we are indected for carrying on the experiment of revaccination on a large scale. In the former country, of 216,289 revaccinations, from 1833 to '37, (inclusive) there were 84,516 successful, and of 44,000 in the latter country, 20,000 succeeded." "The precise proportion of successful cases has varied from 31 to 45 or 46 percent-the period between the ages of 10 and 30 being found the most certain of success."*[ Medico Chir. Review, Oct., 1845.]

The portion just quoted illustrates the successful revaccination of a large proportion of those on whom it was practised; another extract will show the beneficial effects experienced by the individuals and the community:

"The effects of revaccination in the Prussian Army, since the year 1833, have almost completely extripated smallpox from its ranks. In the kingdom of Wurtemburgh also, it has been found that out of 14,384 soldiers, and 19,864 civilians, who were revaccinated, only one case of varioloid has occurred among the former and only three among the latter, during the period of five years. Since the year 1830, when the practice of revaccination became general, no epidemic of smallpox has been experienced in that kingdom. The good effects of this practice have been not less striking in some of the Italian states."

"Among the many thousands who have undergone revaccination in Prussia and Wurtemburgh, an example of the occurrence of smallpox has only here and there been observed Moreover, in the case of an epidemic breaking out, it has been found in various localities that immediate revaccination has arrested its course-individuals in whom the operation proved successful and those in whom it failed equally resisting the disease."

-"We have good reason for believing not only that multitudes have been preserved from variolous contagion by having recourse to this measure, but also that the disease has thus been actually arrested in its progress by, as it were, a barrier which it could not overleap."*[Medico Chir. Review, July, 1845.]

In addition to the above allusions to the Prussian Army statistics, I have been enabled to compile the following tabular statement of revaccinations in that army during the years 1845, 1847, 1848, and 1849. It gives some particulars of interest in this investigation.

1845 1847 1848 1849 Total of four years

Number Vaccinated in 42,671 43,596 28,859 51,637 166,763

Perfect traces of prior Vac. in 33,813 34,264 22,386 39,116 129,579

Imperfect traces. In 6,041 6,405 4,211 8,706 25,363

No traces. In 2,817 2,927 2,262 3,815 11,821

Regular vesicles produced in 22,214 25,544 16,882 30,457 95,097

Irregular in 8,764 7,425 4,404 8,467 29,060

None in 11,693 10,627 7,753 12,713 42,786

A 2d Vac. of those which failed,

succeeded in 2,718 1,579 2,862 7,159.

I will further compress these figures by adding instances of perfect and imperfect previous cicatrices, and perfect and imperfect vesicles produced.

As before stated the whole number vaccinated in the 4 years, 1845,'47,'48, and '49 was. 166,763.

Were traces of prior vaccinations (perfect and imperfect) in 93 percent 154, 942. No traces in 7 percent, 11,821.

Produced vesicles (regular and irregular) in 75 percent, (nearly) 124,157.

No vesicle produced in 25 percent, (nearly) 42,786

Subsequent vac. of these produced vesicles (exclusive of 1845,) 7,159.

During these 4 years the following cases of variolous disease occurred in the army. These include some not revaccinated:

16 cases of Variola; 48 of Varioloid, and 26 of Varicella.

Only 2 deaths occurred among these, one had been vaccinated when a child but not yet revaccinated, the other had been revaccinated 3 times without effect.

It will be observed that cases of varicella are included in the Prussian returns. There is some difference of opinion among physicians as to the propriety of including varicella as among the effects of the smallpox poison. Wilson considers it as modified smallpox, but scarcely protective against the subsequent occurrence of variola. Watson says "it must, therefore, be admitted that there is a separate disease called chicken pox which springs from a specific poison." West (Diseases of children, Am. Ed., p. 463) says "The weight of evidence, however, is decidedly in favor of the opinion that varicella is an affection distinct from, and wholly independent of smallpox, not being produced by any modification of the poison of that disease, nor affording any kind of protection from its attacks." It is not my intention to enter into the discussion of this subject, but merely to express a doubt as to the propriety of including the cases of varicella in the consideration of the effects of revaccination. Wilson who adheres to the theory of a common origen, admits that its occurrence is not so protective as vaccination. It is possible that we shall sometime discover the existence of two forms of the disease, one produced by the modified effects of smallpox, and the other by a specific poison.

I beg leave to introduce in this place the results of the revaccination of the Protestant Half Orphan Asylum in this city. It was performed about a year and a half since when variola was prevalent in the Asylum. Those already attacked were not vaccinated.

The whole number vaccinated was 213

of those took fully, 122

" " " slightly, 37

" " did not take, 54

All but seven had marks of previous vaccination.

Thus in more than one half the vaccination ran nearly a regular course, and in full 3-4 produced decided effect. The examination of the arms was made on the 9th day. Two of those who took fully also contracted varioloid, each disease running a pretty regular course, but neither of those in whom the vaccination produced no effect had varioloid. Almost all of the inmates of the Asylum were under the age of puberty as the rules do not permit of their being retained longer. The vaccinations were all performed with one scab so that any difference in effect produced must be attributed to difference of susceptibility to variola or constitutional peculiarities. In the classification I have divided them into those which took fully and those which took slightly, but in reality every degree of effect was observed from a slight flush of inflammation to a perfect vesicle, and well marked surrounding areola. In some the local inflammation and constitutional symptoms were severe, and in others these were very slight, some were so irregular in their course that they would have been called spurious, yet they were produced by the same matter with the most perfect vesicles.

It will be observed that the epidemic was arrested, only 2 of those vaccinated taking the disease, and in these the vaccination produced good vesicles.

I have shown that in a large proportion of instances, one vaccination does not exhaust the susceptibility to variola, but that in the early days of vaccination as well as at the present day, numerous cases have occurred in those vaccinated. In one instance cited, no less than two-thirds of those having smallpox had been vaccinated.

Also, that revaccination will succeed in from 30 to 75 percent at different times. This variation appears large but is a valuable fact, showing the susceptibility of vaccination to vary. I believe the susceptibility to variola will be found to be subject to similar and simultaneous variations.

I regard it as proved, that the repetition of vaccination prevents the occurrence of variolous diseases. Thus it has been shown that in the kingdom of Wurtemburgh, of 34,148 persons revaccinated, only 4 cases of varioloid occurred. And that in the Prussian Army only 16 cases of variola, 48 of varioloid, and 26 of varicella. It may be remarked that these numbers include some not yet revaccinated.

Revaccination not only protects those on whom it is performed, but it adds to the safety of others; diminishing the probability of their being exposed to the influence of the contagion, by lessening the number of fit subjects. It may be compared to interspersing fire-proof buildings through a city, which would obviously tend to prevent an extensive conflagration. If we suppose one half of a population to possess an immunity to variolous disease, it seems to me evident that the remainder who are liable to the disease, if exposed, are not more than half as likely to take it-if this be true, we should diminish the number of cases 75 percent by rendering 50 percent perfectly safe. That this statement is not a purely hypothetical one may be shown by statistics. One item from the letter of Dr. Edward Seaton to viscount Palmerston, which was published by order of Parliament, May 3d, 1853, will illustrate my position:

"In various German states, sufficient evidence can be obtained to show that, before vaccination was used, out of every 1000 deaths there occurred from smallpox 66.5, after vaccination there occurred 7.26."* [Medico Chir. Review, Oct., 1853]

These figures, it will be observed, are very greatly in advance of the hypothetical case stated. Some may assert that where vaccination has been so thoroughly performed as it has been in most of the German states, scarcely any are liable to variolous diseases even on exposure. But if we recur to the statistics of revaccinations in the Prussian Army, we shall observe that regular vesicles were produced in about 60 percent, irregular in 15 or 20 percent, leaving only 20 or 25 percent in whom no effect was produced by revaccination, and in about 1-5 of these a second trial produced some effect, so that previous to the revaccination not more than 15 or 20 percent were to be considered as perfectly secure. There are two considerations which might be brought forward to invalidate the accuracy of my statement:

1st. Vaccination will succeed in persons not liable to take smallpox or varioloid in any degree.

2d. That vaccination will not take in some who can take smallpox.

In regard to the 1st objection, the French Commission furnishes the following:

"The result of revaccination does not afford a certain proof that those vaccinated persons in whom it takes effect were destined to contract smallpox: but only a high probability that it is especially among such individuals that the disease is likely to occur."

This very guarded statement is probably as near the truth as we can arrive. Revaccination may succeed in 100 individuals, yet of this number probably not one half would ever be exposed to variola, consequently, even if they had been proper subjects they would not have had the disease.

It has been asserted that, because vaccination succeeded after smallpox in a larger proportion of instances than a 2d attack of smallpox had been known to occur, therefore vaccination was not a test of the susceptibility of the individual to variola. The probability of a certain number escaping exposure to the contagion is, I think, a sufficient explanation. It must be remembered that we have no statistics of inoculation after the occurrence of smallpox, with which to compare the results of vaccination after smallpox. This would be the true manner of testing the question.

The 2d objection supposed, viz: That, vaccination will not take in some who will take smallpox, is worthy of consideration, as being very materially connected with the whole subject of vaccination.

The only record of cases of variolous disease occurring in persons in whom no effect was produced by vaccination I have been able to find, is in the report of the Prussian Army for 1848-49.

In 1848 9 were revaccinated without success, and subsequently had some form of variolous disease. Including die the cases of varicella. "One death occurred in the person of a soldier, who had been revaccinated 3 times without effect." The whole number revaccinated in 1848 was 28,839.

In 1849 25 instances occurred of persons being revaccinated without success, and subsequently having variolous diseases.

There were 6 cases of varicella; 17 of varioloid and 2 of variola.

The whole number of persons vaccineted in 1849 was 51,637.

Thus we find that in these two years, 80,496 persons were revaccinated, and among those revaccinated without success, 34 cases of variolous disease (including varicella,) and one instance of death from variola.

From the statistics it would appear that a certain number of persons exist, on whom vaccination produces no effect, but are yet liable to contract variolous disease. The fact of only one death being recorded in such persons would seem to indicate that these exceptionable individuals were not liable to the disease as a general rule in its severer forms, and renders it probable that a peculiar conjunction of circumstances is required to have them take it in any form.

As I have before stated, I believe that the susceptibility to variola and vaccination varies at different times from some unknown predisposing causes. It is only in this way that the occurrence of epidemics can be satisfactorily explained. The same principle is recognized in regard to scarlatina and other diseases.

Now we can Conceive of a person being vaccinated unsuccessfully at a time when little of this predisposing cause existed, who nevertheless could be vaccinated successfully or might have varioloid when the predisposing cause "Was fully in force. A case which occurred in my own practice last winter, I believe to be one of this character. A lady had been vaccinated with success in early life; a year ago it was attempted to vaccinate her with lymph, taken directly from the arm of a child; no effect was produced. This was when variola was not prevalent. I vaccinated her last winter with perfect success, the vesicle running nearly a regular course, and a 2d vaccination which I performed, subsequently, produced some effect At this time variola was quite prevalent.

As a general rule we must receive with very great caution the statement of individuals having been vaccinated without success, and subsequently having been attacked with variola. All physicians are aware, that they frequently fail to produce effects, simply on account of the virus having lost its power from age.

Since this article was writted, I find in the Medical News of Philadelphia, copied from Medical Times and Gazette (London) of June 12th, 1858, the following paragraph, containing several points of interest, among others the occurrence of variola in some unsuccessfully vaccinated.

"Epidemic variola in Berlin. During the month of March the epidemic increased in virulence. The police had notice of 805 cases, and these 60 died. Of the 805, 659 cases had been vaccinated, 105 had not been vaccinated, and 41 unsuccessfully vaccinated. Of the fatal cases 16 hed been vaccinated, 39 were unvaccinated, ane in 5 the vaccination was uncertain. Thus 7.48 per cent of all the cases proved fatal. Among the vaccinated the proportion was 2.42 percent, among the non-vaccinated 37.14. and of the uncertainly vaccinated 12.19 percent."

It appears probable that the vaccinations had, as a general rule, been performed at some period previous to the occurrence of the epidemic, as no mention is made of its having been performed recently.

Although I do not consider the experience of one or two individuals, in private practice, as sufficient to establish a theory; still, such evidence may be admitted in coroboration, and when multiplied to a sufficient extent becomes valuable. It has been my custom for some years past, to revaccinate more extensively than has been usual with physicians: it is an invariable rule with me to repeat the vaccination of the infant either at the 8th day from the lymph or when the crust came off. The only exceptions being when the parents would not consent to the operation; the reason most commonly alleged being, that the infant had suffered enough from the first. When taking the lymph on the 8th day or when the crust conies off, I vaccinate such members of the family as will submit to it, using all my influence in favor of the trial. There are several advantages in this plan. The matter being fresh is likely to take effect if the subject possesses sufficient susceptibility, and coming from a member of their own family they will not attribute any slight inconvenience consequent on the vaccination, to the influence of the poisionous matter. When persons apply to me to be vaccinated, I not only vaccinate them then, but recommend them to come back and have the operation repeated at intervals of two or three weeks, until no perceptible effect is produced. To secure their return I sometimes make only one charge for the complete course. In some instances I have revaccinated persons 4 or 5 times with success; the vesicle not running a regular course perhaps in either. The greater the number of times vaccination is repeated, the more slight are its effects and the more rapid its course; the symptoms appear earlier and terminate sooner. The periods when variola is epidemic are the times when persons are most likely to desire vaccination, and as I have before stated, those which afford the best opportunity for testing the susceptibility of the system, by repeated vaccinations. At these periods I am accustomed to revaccinate every one I can conveniently, even if I had vaccinated them previously with or without success.

I may remark, that as far as there is any originality in the above modes of procedure, it is due to Dr. Joslin, Sen., who has followed the plan for many years.

It may be of interest to state that neither in the practice of Dr. Joslin, Sen., nor in my own practice, have any cases of varioloid, even of the most mild description, occurred in persons revaccinated. This result of the experience of some years during which several epidemics of variola have occurred can scarcely be the result of chance alone.

In this country, where vaccination is purely voluntary, it is no very uncommon occurrence to find children, and even adults, who have never been vaccinated. Such instances have come under my own observation, not only among ignorant emigrants, but in native born persons. I have witnessed the occurrence of variola in such families; and the loathsome character of the disease and its fatal termination, in a large proportion of cases, have impressed on my mind the great importance of calling the attention of the profession to the importance of vaccination and revaccination. I am convinced that if the profession felt the importance of the subject, and as individuals threw the weight of their influence into the scale, that variolous diseases would be almost unheard of, and that the occurrence of death from variola absolutely prevented. The real obstacles in the way of the extermination of the disease have been found in the apathy of the profession, and in some instances in their want of confidence in vaccination. Physicians rarely think of recommending vaccination excepting the primary one of an infant; this fortunately has become a general custom.

The plan of general compulsory revaccination is undoubtedly the most perfect method of eradicating variolous disease from the community, but it is opposed to the spirit of our institutions. Moreover, it would be found impracticable at the present day, in consequence of the want of knowledge of the beneficial effects of revaccination among a large proportion of medical practitioners. The fear which some have of communicating thereby other diseases, would also strongly operate against it.

The attention of the profession and the public should be particularly called to the consideration of the subject, both with a view of advancing human knowledge in this direction as well as to remove many of the absured opinions which prevail in regard to the subject. There is much room for investigation yet, and if every member of the profession were to contribute his quota, the doubtful points would in a reasonable time be cleared up, and we should have reliable statistics with which to convince the public of the great advantage and safety of revaccination. Now, although I consider the practice of general compulsory vaccination and revaccination to be impracticable in this country, I still advocate its introduction in all institutions depending on public support.

The disease is kept up in this country, in a great measure, by emigrants from Ireland and England, a very large portion of whom have never been vaccinated. To obviate this evil, I would advocate the thorough vaccination and revaccination of every emigrant before he is admitted into the country. This we have a perfect right to require. The expense Would be very slight, and could well be afforded, for a reason similar to that which induced certain Poor House Commissioners in England to adopt vaccination, viz: to save the expense of coffins. Next I would extend the advantages to every child in our public schools, and make it a prerequisite of admission that the vaccination had been repeated until it produced no appreciable effect.

I would also advise the vaccination of the convalescent inmates of Hospitals, and the inmates of Alms Houses, and Prisons. The various Orphan Asylums being mostly under private management, could not so well be reached by law, but a law could be passed, that no institution should receive pecuniary assistance from the State unless the regulations included a complete system of revaccination.

Though these propositions may appear to some extreme and difficult of execution, I am confident that, could the machinery be once put in operation, it would not be long before the advantages would be apparent to every one. Smallpox as a disease involving loss of life, would disappear from our midst.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 05, 1859, pages 214-230]

[Description: MISCELLANEOUS.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F. Jr.]

[Year: 1859]

APIS IN CASES OF ALBUMINURIA.

BY B. F. JOSLIN, M.D., NEW YORK.

It is only within a few years, and under homoeopathic treatment, that this disease has begun to be regarded as curable. It has been called "Bright's disease," from the name of the late physician who first specially called the attention of the profession to albuminous urine, as connected with degeneration of the kidneys and to the fatal dropsy which ensued.

My plan is to state the symptoms, so far as time allowed their record at the hours of prescribing, and such extracts from the provings, of at least the principal remedy, as show the extent to which it is here clinically confirmed, and how far the prescriptions were in accordance with the homoeopathic law. I have seen no demonstration of special rank among symptoms of the materia medica, Independent of their relative verification and their similitude to the case or malady. Who is prepared to give one, illustrated by provings and practice?

The dilutions and intervals are stated, from a conviction that uniformity in regard to them must ultimately be effected, if at all, by clinical experience. There are agents which, in large doses, are pernicious in the very diseases in which they are specific.*[Some who have used only low dilutions of Mercury in Diphtheria, hare found it hurtful. In my practice there have been a dozen cases, all of which have recovered. Merc. 6, 12 or 30 has been chiefly relied on. Lach. and Bell. according to the symptoms, have also been valuable. I have not resorted to any combination of Iodine.]

Case I. — A New York Merchant of abstemious and exemplary habits, began to manifest the characteristic symptoms of this formidable malady at the age of thirty-three, in November, 1857. On the 13th of this month, the urine was examined by heat-and nitric acid: either occasioned a brownish white precipitate, which occupied one-fifth of the test tube, when this had been previously filled with the liquid. What led to this examination of the urine, was an anasarcous tendency most manifest in the feet.

Some months earlier, he had spent the nights at his country seat in a malarious district, and after removing to the city was attacked with intermittent fever, from which he had recovered under Bry.20, a month previous to the time when the present attack of albuminuria was identified.

After the dropsical symptoms began to appear, the patient was treated for a month with Bell., Sulph., China, Arsenicum, Bryonia, and Pulsatilla, with but partial and transient relief from either. About half this time he was at a distance, and the medicine sent by mail. A week before the end of November he wrote, that the clothes which he usually buttoned around his waist could no longer be made to meet; and on the 25th of the same month, that the feet, legs, and abdomen were becoming more distended; breathing difficult when ascending and when lying on the left side.

The apprehension of an accumulation in the cavity of the peritoneum, which these communications would naturally excite, was in a few days enhanced into conviction by the personal examination, of which the patient's return afforded an opportunity.

The ascites was evidently progressing in spite of the medicines employed. For this reason as well as for the absence of the patient during half this time, a greater amount of definite and practical information can be communicated within a given compass, by confining myself to the history, of the case under the effectual medicine next selected.

December 13th. The face pale and yellowish; the abdomen much distended, and the pressure of the liquid, especially against the diaphragm, rendered the respiration laborious No edema of the abdomen, but it had pervaded the whole subcutaneous areolar tissue of the inferior extremities, feet legs and thighs; urine reddish brown, and after standing turbid; cough in the morning.

The following symptoms, which are present in this case. have, according to Dr, Hering, been produced by Apis mellifica: —

Paleness of the face; abdomen full, swollen; with swollen feet and scanty secretion of urine; scanty, highly colored urine; cough in the morning; breathing difficult.*[The provings of Apis I shall quote chiefly from the translation in the British Journal of Homoeopathy, vol. xi.] Apia mel 3 in water, every four hours.†[Where the dose is not stated, it is always f 3 ii of a solution or a few pellets dry. The medicine dissolved is in small globules and in one gill of water, unless otherwise stated.]

14th. Circumference of abdomen increased in one day day by three-fourths of an inch under Apis.3 Another effect of its primary or pathogenetic action, was a general aching through the head, which was a very unusual symptom with him, and was probably caused by the medicine.

The redness of the urine was a little lighter and the quantity somewhat increased. These last appear to be secondary or curative effects. Apis 2 f 3 ii. every two hours.

15th. Heaviness at the stomach after meals.

The therapeutic symptoms are: — A general improvement in his feelings; a reduction of half an inch in circumference; urine less brown and not so turbid on standing. 5 Apis^3 to be taken evening and morning, in ounce doses of the aqueous solution.

17th. Circumference diminished half an inch in last two days. Apis mel. 1/16, gtt. iij. in one ounce of water to make four doses; a quarter of it is to be given evening and morning.

19th. Stationary as to size under these doses. No change in circumference as compared with the 17th; feels better except as to cough. 8 Apis 1\16, gtt. iv. in one gill of water. Dose, f 3 ss three per diem.*[This mode of distinguishing all dilutions between and, by a fractional expression, is exact and consistent, and avoids the confusion with which some are endeavouring to undermine and deform homoeopathic notation by the occasional use of the decimal scale. The fractional figure in the line, is a factor, agreeably to mathematical usage; small figures above the line are on the same authority exponents, unity the common numerator of the fractional exponent is suppressed for the sake of convenience. Regarded in this sense, both the factor and exponent express the part of the original drug contained in the preparation. An integer before the name of the medicine and in the same line with it, is also a factor and expresses the number of doses; as we never concentrate the medicine, and as the figure expressing its density is after, not before it. All this promotes convenience, brevity and exactness, and avoides the prevalent error of giving what are really indices, denote powers, the magnitude and situation universally accorded in the exact sciences, to multiplying numbers or factors.]

I requested a specimen of the urine to be sent me for examination, and on testing it with heat and nitric acid, found the bulk of the albumen to be only one-twelfth that of the urine. The reader may perceive that the ratio had been more than twice as great, and, can believe it probably still greater near the height of the dropsy when Apis was commenced.

Dr Joslin, jr., in examining the urine on the 19th with the microscope, "found tubes and epithelium, also, mucous and blood corpuscles, the latter having the characteristic appearance of rings. On adding acetic acid the granular appearance of many of the mucous globules was apparent. The blood corpuscles appeared diminished in size and irregular."

21st. Visited the patient after five doses of Apis 1\10, and found his ascites decidedly improved; the circumference of the abdomen reduced by one inch, i. e., to thirty-one and one-eighth inches; walks with less inconvenience; cough pains the abdomen in some degree; urine somewhat, but not greatly increased. Apis^2 three times a-day.

24th. Improving decidedly as to ascites under Apis^2; the circumference of the abdomen reduced to thirty and one-eighth inches, i. e., by one inch. Apis^3 in same manner as last.

28th. In the last four days under Apis^2, the circumference of the abdomen was reduced to twenty nine and seven-eighth inches, which I regarded in his case normal, and subsequently made no further measurements. I believed that there was no longer any sensible accumulation of fluid in the cavity of the peritoneum. There was no dyspnea or other signs of dropsy in the abdomen, nor was there afterward any apparent change in its magnitude.

The patient had cough, which pained the chest and shocked the head. Expectoration sweetish and tasteless. No disease could be detected in the chest by percussion or auscultation. There was a slight redness of the velum palati.

In the same four days there had been commenced a decided improvement in the edema of the inferior extremities; that of the thighs was entirely removed, but it remained in the legs and feet. Medicine discontinued.

31st. Improving decidedly under the secondary action of Apis^2; feet much reduced; abdomen and thighs continued normal; cough rather better, Apis^12, solution three times a-day. From this period the patient being able to walk to my office, was no longer visited at his house.

On the 2nd of January, 1858, Dr. J., jr., records in relation to this case: "Received a specimen which contained al bumen as shown by heat and nit-ac. tests."

January 7th, 1858. The improvement of the edema continues to take place under Apis^12; complete absorption effected in the upper half of the legs, and considerable reduction in the size of the feet; cough also better. 10 Apis^12 in solution, evening and morning.

The patient did not call again under thirteen days.

20th. Cough almost gone; dropsy gone except a very little between the ankle and calf; strength and flesh much increased. 10 Apis^30 evening and morning, in solution; then walt half a week, then the same medicine to be repeated in the same dilution and in a similar manner.

28th. Called before or at the commencement of the second solution of Apis.20Dropsy entirely cured; cough and deep inspiration occasion shooting in one side of chest. Bry.12 solution four times a day.

February 1st. Face rather pale; rheumatic pains gone; but cough remains, it pains chest and sometimes through to back; expectoration sweet; upper part of throat feels sore; urine brown, depositing after standing a red sediment; had a chill in the evening, a day and a half previous; has usually had perspiration at night for two months, of which I had not been previously informed.

In the pathogenesis of Mercurius we find this color of the face; approximate concomitants of the cough, i. e., cough with pain in chest and small of back; brown urine, depositing a sediment; a chill in the evening and disposition to sweat at night. Merc. v.20 solution.

He called again on the 23rd, on returning after a trip to Savannah, Ga., made with my consent. Had more color in face; urine clearer; cough better; expectoration of disagreeable taste in the morning, during most of the day sweetish. Sore feeling in throat continues, and cough is caused by a tickling there. Some palpitation as well as dyspnea is excited by ascending a hill or a flight of stairs.

As results of the provings of Nitric Acid, we find: — Sore throat when swallowing, as if the throat were swollen, raw, and ulcerated; soreness of the pharynx; clear urine, at other times brown, at others dark, becoming turbid; titillation and soreness of the throat with cough; want of breath and palpitation of the heart when going up-stairs. Nitric Acid^1600.

I am unable to state the number of doses, whether one or more. I limit myself to the records made at the several times of prescribing, both in regard to medicines and symptoms.

The symptoms remaining on February 23rd, were removed under Nit. Ac^1000. No prescription was made for the patient after this day.

On the 13th of April, 1858, the urine was tested and found to be free from albumen. The patient's health seemed to be good in every respect, and no prescription was made or needed.

Dr. J., jr., made the following record: — "April 13th, received this morning a specimen of urine of normal color. Added Nit. Ac. without any apparent effect; then applied heat to the specimen to which Nit. Ac. had been added, no effect except the usual deepening of color was produced; could not detect albumen. Two or three weeks ago, I received a specimen which I was unable to examine until it had stood some ten or twelve days; I could not ascertain that it contained any albumen."

The cure was complete and permanent, as I have the means of knowing by being still the physician to the family of this gentleman, and having frequent opportunities of meeting him in relation to its other members. His own health appears to be still good after the lapse of two years.

No pathologist will doubt that the ascites and the edema were caused by albuminuria; and as the dropsy was at its maximum under the first prescription of Apis, and disappeared before the last and without any other medicine, it is sufficiently evident that the cure of the albuminuria, as well as of the hydropic affection, was effected by its agency.

Case II — On the 19th of December, 1858, I was called to visit a little girl five years of age, daughter of a captain in the navy. There was some swelling of the face; aching at umbilicus, worse in the morning; stool dark brown and offensive; urine red and turbid; a little cough; pulse frequent, 112, then at five p.m.; fever reported to be more at night. Merc. v.10 in solution three times a-day.

Dec. 24th. Face edematous, legs still more; fluent coryza; tongue red at tip; appetite deficient this morning, voracious previously; vomiting of mucus, with red specks; the abdomen swollen by effusion into the cavity of the peritoneum, but not edematous; urination infrequent; urine scanty and fetid; hoarseness; fetor of the breath.

The provings of Apis show, that the following symptoms, which belong to this case, have been produced by it: — swell-of the face; tongue red at tip; want of appetite; vomiting; pains in the abdomen; scanty urine; hoarseness; cough which ceases when the least quantity is detached; pulse frequent; abdomen full, with swollen feet and scanty secretion of urine; heat with cough. Gave Apis mellif.12 in solution every four hours, and procured a sample of the urine for examination.

Albumen was found to be present in a remarkable quantity, for the white precipitate had half the bulk of the urine, whether acted on by heat or acid.

27th. Visited about noon. Face rather pale; tip of tongue red; appetite voracious; more dropsical swelling of abdomen and thighs, and in general the dropsy increased; circumference of abdomen twenty-four inches; urine scanty; sleepiness, more after meals; pulse rapid, 120. Apis^2 some pellets in a gill of water. Dose, two drachms; interval not stated, probably three hours. Sleepiness is an Apis symptom.

29th. Constipation removed; bowels now rather loose.

The following are the effects of Apis, in this case, which we may regard as therapeutic: — Thighs rather less bloated; urination more frequent — three times in night, a gill each; breath less fetid: pulse reduced to 104 in the erect posture of the patient, 99 when she is seated. The following seem to be morbid or pathogenetic effects: — Aggravation of fluent coryza and of hoarseness; circumference of abdomen increased by two inches, that is to twenty-six inches; at night dyspnea and restlessness; other symptoms unchanged. As the urine was previously much less than normal, and: still not in excess, the increase is to be regarded as a curative effect, although the ascites had advanced faster under Apis^0 than in any equal time previously. The alvine effects being of a mixed character, are not included in either class. Apis^2 three drops in a gill of water, two drachms every three hours.

31st. When two days under Apis,3 was visited near one o'clock and found decidedly improved as to the dropsy, and cured of albuminuria. Circumference of abdomen one inch and three-fourths less than on the 29th; thighs, legs, and feet, less swollen; the urine presented one new and remarkable feature which I had never witnessed in this or any other case — it was of a reddish violet color. On being tested by heat and nitric acid, it was found to be entirely free from albumen, and none was subsequently seen. Three copious alvine evacuations occurred on the preceding day; sleep better. Apis^3 + 1; 3h, i. e., Apis^2 extemporaneously diluted a hundred fold, given once in three hours.

January 2nd, 1859. The patient much improved; the swelling of thighs, legs, and feet, decidedly less; circumference of abdomen reduced half an inch; the color of the urine violet red; no albumen. Pellets of Apis^12 in water once in four hours.

5th. The urine has less of the violet tinge; the circumference of the abdomen has been reduced one and a quarter inches in three days under Apis 20 and appears normal; no sensible bloating in the limbs or other parts; the dropsy appears to be cured under Apis^12. Pellets of Apis^30 in water, evening and morning for five days.

The history of this case is finished so far as regards dropsy and albuminuria. But it will be more satisfactory to follow the record to the establishment of permanent health.

A week later, on the 12th, had slight diarrhea preceded on the morning of the previous day by colic. 4 Ars^200. twice a week.

Nine days subsequently, I was called to visit this patient, who, after over-exertion and eating mince-pie, had an attack of pain in the stomach and fever at night. Pupils slightly dilated; the urine reddish brown and turbid; heat produced a reddish brown deposit; nitric acid the same; both about one-eighth of the urine; a slighter deposit spontaneous; the microscope shows it to be uric acid.

In five days the urine had become normal and the fever nearly absent. Lach.200 evening and morning for five days.

A week afterwards had another attack of indigestion and consequent vomiting, fever and thirst, after eating oysters. The following symptoms producible by Calcarea were present: — Blueness under eyes; face yellowish and pale; fondness for salt; indigestion; pain in stomach; colic; red urine; yellowish skin and emaciation. 6 Calc.12 in water, morning and evening.

Four days after this, on February 4th, 1859, the patient required no medicine.

In eight days from the last date, the little girl, in consequence of taking cold from playing in the snow, had the following Lachesis symptoms: — Face sallow; urine has lately been brown and turbid, but is now normal; fever; and cough which pains the stomach. Lach.26pro re nata.

The cure was permanent: the patient required no other medicine, and her health, for the year past, has been unusually good.

RECAPITULATION AND REMARKS. — In case I, the ascites decidedly increased in the first day under Apis^2, then diminished by a greater amount on the next under the same. No change in size of abdomen in two days under Apis 1\16; in the next two, under the same, decidedly reduced; and by the same amount in the next three under Apis^3. Under this last, continued four days longer, the ascites was by another slighter reduction removed, and the dropsy of the inferior extremities decidedly reduced, that of the thighs gone. In the three succeeding days, much reduction of swelling, especially in the feet, under the prolonged action of the Apis^2 previously given. In the following week the improvement contiuned under Apis,13 the upper half of the legs becoming normal and the feet reduced. In the next thirteen days, under the same, a great improvement in general strength and flesh, and limitation of effusion to the lower part of the legs, where only a very small quantity remained. In eight days more, the edema entirely removed under Apis.20. Two years have elapsed and neither the encysted nor cellular dropsy have in any degree returned.

In case II, in which the urine was half albumen, the dropsy increased in three days under Apis^12; in the next two days, under Apis 0, the peritoneal dropsy increased with a rapidity unprecedented in the case, whilst a little improvement occurred in the thighs and more in the urinary secretion. Two days afterward under Apis^3, the albumen was found to have entirely disappeared, the ascites to be greatly, and the edema of the whole inferior limbs decidedly reduced, and the urine to present a remarkable violet hue. In the next two days under Apis. 2 diluted a hundred fold, Apis.2+1, the ascites slightly, and the edema decidedly reduced, the albuminuria remaining cured. In four days under Apis^30, the ascites and the dropsy of cellular tissue were entirely removed. Some tinge of violet was observed in the urine till after the action of Apis^90 but no dropsical symptom nor any evidence of albuminuria has since appeared in the year that has elapsed.

The morbid conditions which were common to the above cases and removed by Apis, were: — The albuminous character and scanty secretion of the urine, with the encysted dropsy in the cavity of the peritoneum and the edematous swelling of the inferior extremities. The magnitude of the doses employed for these, was from the twentieth to the decillionth of a drop.

The following remarks are in relation to the bearing, which the above cases have upon the efficacy of Apis.

First: These are the only cases of albuminuria in which I have employed this medicine; they are therefore not, in any objectionable sense, select.

Secondly: The period that has elapsed since their treatment, the easy circumstances of both families and my subsequent connexion with them to the present time, have given opportunity for learning the permanence of the cures.

Finally: There being no abnormal increase of the secretion of urine under its action, afforded a reason for presuming that this was specific and permanent, and not merely palliative and transient, like that of diuretics. If any one should resort to it on this mechanical principle and without reference to its symptoms, he would probably be disappointed, at least in the final result.

NOTE. — The author was appointed to make a Report to the American Institute of Homoeopathy on Rumex, and intended to give clinical confirmations on the plan of this article. But as his brethren have not yet furnished the requisite cases, he intends to offer this article. That the members who choose may previously consider it, and thus time be saved at the meeting, consistently with a proper selection and revision of papers for the Transactions, it is published here in advance agreeably to the request of the Institute.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 06, 1860, pages 260-271]

[Description: Apis in Cases of Albuminuria.]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1860]

FIVE POINTS HOUSE OF INDUSTRY.

By B. F. Joslin, M.D., New York.

The cases of sickness alluded to in the following tabular statement, (from January 14, 1861, to March 1, 1865,) include not only the sickness occurring among the persons residing in the Five Points House of Industry, but a considerable number, in addition, brought from the miserable localities of the neighborhood, for the purpose of affording them the advantages of the better accommodation and care of our Hospital. In some instances cases of an extreme and necessarily fatal character were thus introduced, so adding to our average mortality: in a number of cases we have good reason to believe lives were saved by the change.

It is to be remarked, that of the 33 were sent from the House to Bellevue Hospital, many were adult inmates, for whose care in sickness we could not well provide. About the only children sent away were occasional cases of Varioloid; so many persons visiting the house, it was not considered advisable, for reputation's sake, to have such cases on hand. It is worthy of note, that only 15 cases of Varioloid have occurred in the period of four years, among a community more than ordinarily exposed to its contagious influence; but the full explanation is believed to be found in the degree to which vaccination has been practised, no less than 1,578 persons having been vaccinated within the four years alluded to.

It will be observed that 184 cases of typhus fever occurred, 13 of which were sent to Hospital, leaving 171 as the number treated in the House; of these two died, both adults – one, Mr. Harper, an assistant, and the other, Mr. Barlow, the superintendent, worn out with several years of most faithful, self-denying labor.

In the tabular statement we report 249 cases of Ophthalmia 2 sent to Hospital, leaving 247 as treated in the House. Besides these quite a number of mild cases were treated and not registered; but, of the whole number but a single eye has been lost: this patient subsequently died of marasmus.

Of Measles we have treated 43 cases, and of Scarlet Fever 6 cases, with one death from each. When the Scarlet Fever cases occurred we gave the children of the House each a daily dose of Belladonna as a prophylactic; the result was apparently satisfactory, as shown by the moderate number of cases.

Of Injuries we report 69 cases treated, comprising cases of fracture, bruises and cuts.

Of the Eruptions reported, a considerable number were cases of scabies.

23 cases of Croup are reported, 3 of which proved fatal.

Of the fatal cases not previously alluded to, four were from Marasmus, and 2 from Cholera Infantum, 1 from Acute Hydrocephalus, 1 from Convulsions, 1 from Pneumonia, 1 from Congestion of the Lungs, 1 from Phthisis, 1 from Tuberculosis, and 1 from Dropsy – in all 20 deaths.

The prescriptions amount to 6,008. I have made, in the four years and two months, 559 visits to the House. Within the latter two years of the above period I have been assisted by Dr. G. L. Freeman, who has resided in the House a considerable portion of that time.

TABULAR STATEMENT OF CASES.

Number of Cases

Sent to Hospital

Treated at House

Died

Typhus Fever

184

13

171

2

Sore Throat

53

0

53

0

Diphtheria

10

0

10

0

Ophthalmia

249

2

247

0

Measles

43

0

43

1

Scarlet Fever

6

0

6

1

Varioloid

15

7

8

0

Erysipelas

6

1

5

0

Roseola

3

0

3

0

Urticaria

2

0

2

0

Varicella

2

0

2

0

Tinea Capitis

21

0

21

0

Eruptions in general

69

0

69

0

Boil

4

0

4

0

Intertrigo

1

0

1

0

Abscesses

26

0

26

0

Malignant Pustule

2

0

2

0

Ulcer

13

0

13

0

Periostitis

1

0

1

0

Osseous tumor

1

0

1

0

Tumor

1

0

1

0

Injuries

29

0

29

0

Burn

3

0

3

0

Inflammation of the Brain

1

0

1

0

Acute Hydrocephalus

1

0

1

0

Congestion of the Brain

1

0

1

0

Headache

62

0

62

0

Vertigo

3

0

3

0

Epilepsy

1

0

1

0

Convulsions

6

0

6

1

Insanity

1

0

1

0

Swelling of Cheek

1

0

1

0

Swelled Face

2

0

2

0

Cancrum Oris

2

0

2

0

Stomatitis

5

0

5

0

Spasmodic Affection of the Mouth

1

0

1

0

Toothache

11

0

11

0

Coryza

7

0

7

0

Ozena

3

0

3

0

Parotitis

6

0

6

0

Parotitis

6

0

6

0

Neuralgia

3

1

2

0

Sore Lips

1

0

1

0

Otorrhea

Otalgia

11

1

10

0

Hordeolum

3

0

3

0

Cough

25

0

25

0

Acute Bronchitis

150

1

149

0

Hoarseness

13

0

13

0

Croup

23

0

23

0

Hooping Cough

3

0

3

0

Chronic Bronchitis

3

0

3

0

Pneumonia

9

0

9

1

Typhoid Pneumonia

1

0

1

0

Congestion of the Lungs

1

0

1

1

Pleurisy

1

0

1

0

Pleurodynia

2

0

2

0

Hemoptysis

4

1

3

0

Phthisis

4

1

3

1

Gastric Derangement

91

1

90

0

Gastralgia

1

0

1

0

Dyspepsia

26

0

26

0

Pyrosis

1

0

1

0

Colic

7

0

7

0

Diarrhea

35

0

35

0

Dysentery

8

0

8

0

Cholera Morbus

1

0

1

0

Cholera Infantum

3

0

3

2

Constipation

5

0

5

0

Hepatitis

2

0

2

0

Jaundice

1

0

1

0

Hernia

1

0

1

0

Inflammation of the Bowels

1

0

1

0

Hemorrhage from the bowels

1

0

1

0

Prolapsus Ani

2

0

2

0

Hemorrhoids

2

0

2

0

Helminthiasis

5

0

5

0

Marasmus

4

0

4

4

Stricture of Urethra

1

0

1

0

Metritis

1

0

1

0

Amenorrhea

4

0

4

0

Menorrhagia

3

0

3

0

Leucorrhea

3

0

3

0

Venereal

2

1

1

0

Dysuria

1

0

1

0

Nephralgia

2

0

2

0

Prostration

5

1

4

0

Enlarged Glands

20

0

20

0

Inflammation of Mammae

2

1

1

0

Fever, Inflammatory

10

0

10

0

-------- Intermittent

2

0

2

0

-------- Bilious

3

0

3

0

-------- Remittent

2

0

2

0

Rheumatism

24

0

24

0

Elephantiasis

1

0

1

0

Tuberculosis

1

0

1

1

Hip Disease

2

0

2

0

Ganglion

1

0

1

0

Paralysis

1

1

0

0

Wry Neck

1

0

1

0

Scorbutus

1

0

1

0

Dropsy

1

0

1

1

Whitlow

7

0

7

0

Phlegmasia Alba Dolens

1

0

1

0

Accouchment

2

0

2

0

Night Sweats

1

0

1

0

Edema

1

0

1

0

RECAPITULATION-1861-'65.

Total Number of Cases

.

.

.

1,418

Sent to the Hospital

.

.

.

33

Treated at the House

.

.

.

1,385

Died at the House

.

.

.

20

Prescriptions

.

.

.

6,008

Visits by Dr. Joslin

.

.

.

559

Vaccinated

.

.

.

1,578

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 04, 1865, pages 142-146]

[Description: Five Points House of Industry report.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1865]

HOMOEOPATHIC PRACTICE AND PROVINGS,

Eearly and Recent.* [Suggested by a Repertory or Systematic arrangement and analysis of the homoeopathic Materia Medica, parte I. and II., by Drs. Dudgeon, Drysdale, Atkin, and Stokes. Manchester: Henry Turner, 41 Piccadilly. London; T. Sanderson, 77 Fleet Street-1869. Price ten shillings.]

BY B. F. JOSLIN, M. D., NEW YORK,

The Introduction to a valuable Repertory which is being issued under the auspices of the Hahnemann publishing society, opens with what appears to be an apology for leaving out some of the modern provings. The logic is approximately this:

The followers of Hahnemann have doubled their armory, but not their execution: their success in combating disease with a double number of weapons, is either less or not proportionally greater than that of the early homoeopathic practitioners. This can arise only from one of two causes: defects in modern practice or in modern provings; or, to return to the metaphor – a fault in the mode of wielding the weapons, or in the process by which their capabilities are primarily eliminated.

As we have in some degree modified their argument, and made a statement rather more comprehensive and more in accordance with our own views, we quote the following:

The greater practical success of the earlier practitioners can arise only from one of two causes: – 1. They had no Repertories, and were obliged to study the Materia Medica closely, and thus become thoroughly acquainted, not only with the details of the pathogenesis of each medicine, but also with its genius and sphere of action. Their successors, it is to be feared, too often content themselves with a cursory examination of a repertory, and neglect the systematic study of the Materia Medica. 2. The provings of the new medicines may be imperfect or incorrect, and thus lead into error, not only by giving false information respecting themselves, but also by diverting attention from the better and more accurately proved medicines.

These are the only two causes formally acknowledged as possible; but the subsequent recognition of the advantage of more attention to the careful adaptation of a medicine to disease than to the number of patients, and more self-gratulation on the former than on the latter, hints at another defect of modern practice not exclusively referrible to labor-saving machines. A country tavernkeeper just commencing business, is said to have carted horse-excrements under his shed for the purpose of exhibiting palpable evidence of his success in business. A similar motive may impel a young practitioner to a premature display of horses and equipage, and the circulation of exaggerated reports of income. The number of patients and dollars is better adapted to popular comprehension than the strictness and relative curative tendency of medical treatment.

We are confident that another prevalent cause of defective practice is bibliophobia. There are many physicians who seldom dare to use books, few who use them habitually, publicly and fearlessly. They are afraid it may seem to imply a deficiency of knowledge, to be seen consulting either repertories or materia medicas. The non-use of both operates incomparably more than the exclusive possession and use of either, to render modern homoeopathic practice null-void of curative efficiency. The young physician requires to be emboldened, and the public mind enlightened, until this fatal evil is removed. Who would trust a legal practitioner in the management of a complicated case, unless he consulted his books ? Are medical cases, in view of- all the particulars requisite to be taken into consideration in a successful homoeopathic treatment, less complicated than those of the other profession ? The homoeopathic practice cannot in the present state of knowledge, be securely based on few facts and much generalization; and to affect to carry all the requisite pathogenetic facts in the head, ready for use at any moment, savors of charlatanism.

We are satisfied that the physicians who make most use of repertories are the very men who most zealously and perseveringly study the materia medica in its other forms. The man for example, who most frequently consults Jahr's repertory recurs to the first volume or volumes of the same author oftener than the man who neglects the repertory altogether. The former usually has his brain better stored also by the previous study of the materia medica. He who neglects to take suitable books to the bed-side of the patient, must frequently omit many points of the case essential to a safe homoeopathic treatment. Yet how few have the moral courage to jeopard their popularity, to encounter the sneers of their non-reading medical associates, and the public prejudices based upon the observed inadequacy of domestic book guidance, and upon long experience in allopathic generalizing precedent. Any one old school practitioner is in the daily use of but an exceedingly small number of remedies and has little need of a vade mecum. The books used by domestic prescribers are generally so defective, that a good physician could derive little or no aid from them.

A good repertory, to a man who knows how to use it, is more valuable than a whole library of "domestic physicians," than the whole collection of family books that have been published. Indeed a good repertory will often give a better knowledge of the relative value of medicines in a given case and of the probability that a certain one is the best, than even the materia medica alone, in any reasonable time.

We have aimed to show that there are unfounded popular prejudices against the extemporaneous use of books, which nearly suppress their public use, and that it is the want of study more than the invention of repertories, that has contributed to the decadence of success.

In this respect the youth of our school may be compared to that of an individual practitioner, i e; one recently converted. It has been remarked by several physicians, that Providence seemed to grant them special success at the commencement of their new career. Would not He equally foster an infant and beneficent reformation ? We believe that at least in accordance with laws operating similarly upon those who originally aided in the commencement of the reformation, and those who have recently engaged in its propulsion, Providence has promoted signal success. Physicians so situated have the zeal and industry of young converts, the leisure for adapting their prescriptions to each particular case. They make each case a special study and are often rewarded by results not attainable by those who have become hurried, lazy or self-confident, and flatter themselves that they can see through every case by intuition, and select the medicine by the same, or at least by their memory or reason.

Another cause which more than any other has impaired the success of modern as compared with ancient homoeopathic practice, is the extensive declension from the purity which characterized the practice of Hahnemann and his earlier disciples. This result is precisely what this Master himself predicted in case of such departure, and should excite no surprise, nor any undue, much less exclusive, searching for other causes of failure. Here some of our previous remarks have a bearing. We add: There has arisen in certain quarters a want of confidence in the proper homoeopathic potencies, even a distrust of the universality of the Hahnemannian law, a prevalent use of the crudest preparations, a vain attempt to accomplish cures by brute force instead of skill, by extensive mauling rather than definite adaptation. This pseudo-Homoeopathia resorts to allopathic generalization, and by a natural and necessary transition, to eclectic and allopathic medication.

Without being tedious on this point, we must conclude that the statement of the authors, that the relative inferiority of modern homoeopathy can arise only from the introduction of repertories or the defect of modern provings, was made without due consideration. The more comprehensive statement with which we started, that it is owing either, to defects in practice, or to defects in modern provings would, we think, be nearer the truth.

The authors assume that the second is a vera causa, and then proceed to expunge such modern provings and such parts of them as they deem unsatisfactory.

We appreciate the difficulties which they must encounter in making this discrimination. If the whole materia medica, as arranged, had been constructed on the same plan as Rhus Radicans, the symptoms of which are printed in several kinds of type, denoting the number of provers agreeing in any one symptom, it would be much easier to judge of their relative reliability. No symptom of this drug, however severe, was emphasised in any degree, without a corresponding verification in the number of provers by whom it was experienced. It was not italicised without the concurrence of two provers, nor printed in small capitals without that of four, nor in large capitals without that of six. It has long been a principle in the professions of Law and Divinity, that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established;" and we see no reason why the influence of personal idiosyncrasy should not also, as far as possible, be eliminated in that of Medicine. Caeteris paribus, the greater the number of selfobserving witnesses to any symptom, the stronger the evidence of its value. Has the prover of Rhus toxicodendron left us any clue to this important element of the relative value of its different symptoms ? If not, how can a modern or future proving of it in which the value of this element is expressed in regard to the different symptoms, be combined with Hahnemann's, in such a manner as to exhibit the total number of verifications for each symptom ?

It was this consideration as well as some uncertainty in re-regard to the absolute identity of the medical properties of the Toxicodendron and the Radicans, which determined us to give the latter a separate arrangement. "We thus left it in a state to be further investigated and confirmed on the above plan.

We believe the unemphasised symptoms to be genuine, as we do those of Hahnemann, but we have no means excepting cures, of distinguishing the relative value of such in our provings or his. They await the verification of future provers The transcendant genius of Hahnemann, and the numerous confirmations which we are continually observing in practice, give us great confidence in the Materia Medica which he has bequeathed, and we would be far from claiming equal authority for any living prover. But as there are many symptoms of Rhus Radicans, even emphasised, which are not found in the Toxicodendron, some of which belong to a part of this new Repertory in which they are not found, we must consider these omissions to be made without due consideration If the symptoms are regarded merely as additions to the proving of the Toxicodendron, they deserve at least to be credited to it. "We proved the climbing Rhus, collected where it was indigenous, and hence perhaps more perfect, Hahnemann the non-climbing, collected in Europe where it had been introduced.*[We feel ourselves compelled ta allude to a note on Rhus radicans at p. 641 of the 2nd Vol. of Dr. Hempel's edition of the Symptomen, Codex in the Appendix. If none but personal considerations were involved, we would gladly allow it to sink into that oblivion which its weakness and absurdity would ensure. But as it purports to be an amendment of the description of the radicans given in the body of the work and even of that particular specimen used by the provers, and as it is got up in the usual erratum style of "strike out," and "add instead," there would be a natural inference on the part of the reader, that this was done by the author of the previous description-thus leaving the whole subject of the identity of the plant in confusion, and affording a reason for neglecting the proving. There is a point beyond which forebearance ceases to be a virtue. This note in the Appendix was inserted without the knowledge or consent of the author of the article on radicans, and on the authority of a correspondent living three hundred miles in the interior, neither himself nor the editor, who is presumed to have made these spurious errata, having ever seen the particular specimen whose description was thus improperly corrected. The absurdity of this needs no comment.

All botanists who describe Toxicodendron and Radicans represent "trifoliate" as a character common to both.As one of the above spurious and false errata, represents Radicans as "generally quinquefoliate," the correspondent on whose authority it was inserted must have mistaken for it some climbing vine of a species radically different-or if we may use a back-woods expression-he must have "barked up the wrong tree." If he collected the vine from it, there is no reason to wonder that he gives no account of any poisoning from this, as he does from that of the trifoliate plant the Radicans under a different name. The collector of the Radicans should depend more upon this trifoliate character of the leaves, and upon the other specific and generic characters, than upon the form of the margin of the leaflets which is liable to occasional variations. The The climbing character should never be neglected. The vine is well known here as the poison ivy]

In conclusion we beg leave to add a few words on the plan of the Repertory which suggested the foregoing remarks.

It is designed to be comprised m two octavo volumes, and yet it will contain a far greater amount of information than any that has been published. The names of the physicians engaged in the work, and our confidence in English perseverance, lead us to anticipate a successful completion of the Work.

The Introduction is by Drs. Drysdale and Atkin, Eyes and Ears by Dr. Dudgeon, Nose and Smell, Face and Neck and Teeth and Gums, by Drs. Drysdale and Stokes.

The appearance in successive parts will enable the reader to familiarise himself with its peculiar language, by employing it first in particular departments, for example: in treating the organs of sense; and he will thus be less likely to indulge in despair of mastering its arbitrary signs than if the whole were at once presented.

Letters, Roman, Italic and Greek, and Numerals, Arabic and Roman, must stand as the representatives of words and phrases; we know of no alternative if we would have the advantage of so much knowledge in so small a compass. This is not merely serviceable in regard to the portability of the volume, but in affording an almost simultaneous view of the contents of each paragraph. But like most other accounts, this has two sides, Dr. & Cr. Among physicians too indolent for Jahr, how many will commit a thousand arbitrary characters? If Jahr has chastised them with whips, Dudgeon and his associates will do it with scorpions: their little finger will be made bigger than his loins.

But the labor of using the repertory is not as great as appears at first glance, and many will be induced to persevere in the effort, finding themselves considerably rewarded at the outset, and the way that appeared blocked up, like a crooked road among mountains, gradually opening as they advance. We have never regretted our two dollars for the first and second parts.

The plan is judicious, and in several respects original; the introduction evinces a commendable reliance on the homoeopathic law; and the execution of the first and second parts is in the main excellent, so far as our imperfect attainments in this modern language enable us to judge. One happy feature of the plan, part of which is credited to Jahr, is expressed as follows:

Under the cardinal word of the leading symptom, which is put down in its proper alphabetical place, all symptoms which are varieties or modifications of this leading symptom are arranged, and all the conditions, concomitants, and other ways of distinguishing varieties of symptoms, are brought together, so that at a glance the particular symptom sought for may be discovered, without the waste of time caused by hunting through all the letters of the alphabet, under which any possible variety of symptom might be placed.

This is a judicious combination of the alphabetical and philosophical method. One peculiar feature of this repertory is an exhibition of the course and progress of symptoms. "We regret that want of space and time compels us to refrain from noticing several other ingenious, original and useful expedients, which can be properly appreciated in no other way than by the practical use of the book in actual medical treatment.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 09, 1859, pages 418-425]

[Description: Homeopathic practice and provings.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1859]

IMPURITIES OF AN ATTENUATING LIQUID,

AND REPLY TO DR. MADDEN.

Read before the American Institute of Homoeopathy, June 3d, 1858, BY B. F. JOSLIN, M. D.

According to an opinion extensively entertained, the medicinal impurities of the alcohol in which homoeopathic medicines are attenuated, must be more powerful than the medicines themselves, in all but the very low dilutions. Even by men called homoeopathic, the attenuations have been condemned on the ground that the inevitable impurities of alcohol employed in diluting, and the detritus of mortars employed in triturating, are themselves attenuated simultaneously with the medicines, and that if the latter is potentized so are the former.

One answer to this is authorized by experience. If with the usual precautions used in Homoeopathic Pharmacies, the action of the medicines were greatly changed by impurities in the alcohol, in that case, the variations in the quality and quantity of the impurities, in different specimens of the same medicine, must produce frequent and marked differences in its effects, both pathogenetic and therapeutic. As we never find such differences in a drug originally pure, and potentized with the usual precautions, I infer that the inevitable impurities in alcohol have little effect compared with the medicine proper.

Experience with different medicines leads to the same conclusion. If the chief power is in the menstruum, then its action would mask and conceal that of the dissolved medicine, and in all but the lowest dilutions, the effects of different medicines prepared in the same kind of alcohol would be identical. This is contrary to the experience of thousands of physicians who feel and observe decided and characteristic effects from high potencies.

The comparative want of power in the impurities being proved by experience, let us endeavor to ascertain the reason. If my explanation is unsatisfactory, its error can never invalidate the above truths established by experience: if on the other hand, my physical theory and the conclusion attained shall, as I believe they will, be found correct, they will remove a theoretical difficulty which prevents many intelligent physicians from testing the homoeopathic law with infinitesimal doses, and deters others from any practical examination of any form of homoeopathia, as long as we seem to ignore the existence of active drugs administered simultaneously with our very medicines, and preserve silence, as if any explanation of the paradox were unattainable.

That which I would like to offer for your consideration, being founded on my peculiar theory of solution, already published, I beg leave to detain you a minute or two, on some of its prominent features.* [Vide "Principles of Homoeopathy," p. 58.]

It will promote simplicity to consider the body to be dissolved as homogeneous. The same explanation would apply to each part of a heterogeneous substance.

The solution of a solid in a liquid, is its division by the liquid into solids so small as to be invisible, but not into its ultimate atoms. These small solids may be called molecules. If a piece of common salt has been immersed in a quantity of alcohol sufficient to dissolve it, the force effecting the solution is the affinity between the alcohol and the salt; the force which opposes the solution is the cohesion of the salt. In cohesion I include the crystalizing force, which I consider to exist in all simples, and chemical compounds, in the molecular condition in which they exist in solution. Affinity then, the attraction of the liquid for the dissimilar particles of the solid, and cohesion, the mutual attraction of the same kind of particles in the solid, being the only forces concerned, and being antagonistic to each other, the division and subdivision of the salt can continue until these forces become equal, and no longer. With a given quantity of liquid, it is impossible that the division should proceed beyond a certain limit, at which the quantity of liquid surrounding each suspended molecule, is insufficient to effect any farther disruption. For the divellent force operating on each suspended solid molecule, is diminished with the diminution of the number of liquid particles within the sphere of its attraction; and this number must ultimately become so small, by the division and consequent approximation of the molecules, as to be no longer capable of effecting a farther division; because the resultant of all the affinities of the particles of liquid which act upon any point or section of the solid molecule, is then reduced to an equality with the opposing resultant of the cohesive forces acting on the same.

Without agitation by any external force, the solution will ultimately become sensibly uniform by the action of its internal forces; but shaking will facilitate the uniform diffusion of the suspended solids. When they are divided and distributed in that degree in which they are susceptible by affinity, and moderate agitation, they are solids of equal magnitude and at equal distances. A violent concussion may then effect in some of these solids a transient disruption: but on the restoration of tranquility, the reunion of the fragments will instantly occur by the preponderance of cohesion, which is superior to affinity at this reduced distance of the suspended solids. No ulterior and permanent division is tolerated, unless by elevation of temperature, which reduces cohesion, or by adding to the liquid, which augments the number of liquid particles that surround and attract each of the solids.

APPLICATION OF THIS THEORY OF SOLUTION TO HAHNEMANN'S PREPARATIONS.

If the solid be medicinal, and the solvent be alcohol of ninety-nine times its quantity, the solution is called the first dilution, attenuation, or potence. I consider attenuation like comminution, as more properly referring to the reduction in the bulk of each of the suspended molecules, and potence, to the consequent increase of their medicinal energy. Attenuation and potency must be similarly affected. Proof of the former proves the latter. If the former is proved not to take place, the latter is wanting; if the former is infinitesimal, the latter is the. same.

In applying the foregoing principles to attenuated medicines, there are several cases that require consideration. First suppose a mother tincture made with impure alcohol, to be attenuated by alcohol that is either pure, or contains impurities wholly different from the mother tincture. In this case the impurities of the mother tincture will be potentized in the same degree as the medicine. I prefer allowing the reason of this to be inferred from the rationale of the other cases, inasmuch as it does not belong to the topic proposed, and is of no importance to the question of the relative purity of attenuations, as compared with tinctures. Throughout the whole potentizing processes, the same relation will continue between the medicine and the impurity, and the existence of the latter can never be alleged as an argument against attenuations.

The supposed danger is from the impurity of the attenuating liquid. In relation to this, there are several cases; one in which its alcohol is of the same kind as that of the mother tincture; another in which it is different. Before considering either, let us ask a question or two, the answers to which will involve a principle of great importance in this investigation.

If the fifth and sixth, or any two consecutive dilutions, be mixed, does each retain its previous condition, and would a physician, in administering such a mixture, use two dilutions simultaneously? I say, No. What then is the character of the mixture? The two dilutions would form one and the same dilution, but little different from the lowest of the two. The solid molecules in the lower and those in the higher, must be disposed together in a new arrangement, of equal solids surrounded by equal quantities of alcohol, and consequently situated at equal distances; in no other way can cohesion and affinity be in equilibrium. The smaller solids must unite, as magnets and infinitesimal crystals would, if freely suspended in proximity, and the larger ones become slightly reduced.

We must proceed to the first of the cases of potentization, viz: that in which the alcohol of the primitive tincture is of the same kind as the diluting medium. Whatever impurity is in one, is in the other, and in equal molecules, all surrounded by equal quantities of liquid. This equilibrium is therefore not disturbed by their intermixture; there is not, as in the case above given, any necessity of reduction of size, on account of the addition of fluid less highly charged with this material, and thus affording them additional disintegrating force to draw asunder their particles. By increasing the quantity of the alcohol by adding a drop of the medicated alcohol, the alcohol and the impurity are increased in the same ratio; hence the impurity can undergo no dilution, no attenuation, and consequently no potentization.

The molecules of medicine being of a different nature from those of the impurity, they could have but an infinitesimal effect, if any, on the size of the latter, even in the first dilution; and this effect, if it exists then, would soon become infinitesimal, on the principles explained in the next case, to which we now proceed.

The next case is that in which the primitive or mother tincture is pure, and is potentized by impure alcohol.

If the menstruum employed in effecting the dilution contain any impurity, that is, any substance different in nature from the medicine, and if that impurity be incapable of chemically combining with the medicine at the temperature of the liquid, then these heterogeneous substances will have their separate solids co-existing in the liquid, the particles of each uniting among themselves by cohesion, and forming equal masses, which may be extremely different in magnitude from the masses formed by the other substance.

Suppose we are to make the first centesima dilution of a mother tincture, prepared with pure alcohol. To take the simplest case, suppose one drop of the tincture to be mixed and shaken with ninety-nine drops of the impure alcohol. The molecules of the drug have been minutely divided because diffused through about a hundred times their previous quantity of liquid; the molecules of the impurity have been but slightly divided, because diffused in a liquid only one hundredth part greater than before. If one drop of this first dilution be treated in a similar way, with ninety-nine of the impure alcohol, then the diluted drug will be diluted a hundred-fold more, and rendered ten thousand times as dilute as in the first dilution, and its molecules will be reduced in size in the same ratio as by the first operation, and will acquire a corresponding increase of potency. The effect on the impurity will be of an opposite nature. For the molecules of the slightly diluted impurity will increase in magnitude, by effecting partial re-unions among themselves, in consequence of their being restored to the original impure alcohol, which already holds similar but somewhat larger molecules, suspended as near each other as the affinity between them and the liquid, and the cohesion of their own parts, would allow. The effect is, that the impurity is condensed by the second operation as compared with the state in which it existed after the first, and this condensation involves an enlargement of the molecules. The result of this increase of magnitude can be best expressed by coining a new term expressive of the new idea; it is depotentization. The impurity is slightly potentized in forming the first dilution, and partially and principally deprived of this increase of power, i. e. depotentized, in forming the second dilution. The reunion is not necessarily as simple as the above brief statement might seem to imply; for probably the suspended masses have not diminished in such a degree as to allow of their union in pairs, in forming the second dilution; but they can abstract from each other any portions required by the law of equilibrium, in their new situation.

By the application of similar principles, we shall find, that in forming higher dilutions, the medicine will be progressively attenuated and consequently potentized, whilst after the first dilution, the impurity is, with an equally rapid progression, being restored towards its original relatively dense and inactive condition, i. e.depotentized. In the thirtieth dilution, for example, in the same sense in which the attenuation and potentization of the medicine may be called infinite, that of the impurity is infinitesimal.

The degree in which the dilution of the medicine and impurity at any stage have been effected, may be shown more simply by supposing the whole liquid preserved.* [This is not to a great extent practicable, but the ratio is the same.] One drop being mixed with ninety-nine; the dilution of the drop will be expressed by 100, that of the impurity by 1/100. If the hundred drops of the first dilution thus prepared, be mixed with 9900 of the same kind of impure alcohol, then the medicine will be 10000 times as dilute as in the mother tincture; but as the ten thousand drops contain only one drop of the pure alcohol which originally held the medicine, 1/10000 expresses the degree in which the impurity is diluted by the two operations. By continuing this process, I arrive at the following general formula: The degree of attenuation of the impurity, will always be expressed by a vulgar fraction whose numerator is unity, and its denominator equal to the whole number which expresses the degree of attenuation of the medicine. Or to express it more briefly; The dilution of the impurity is the reciprocal of that of the medicine. Hence when the dilution of the medicine may be called infinite, that of the impurity is in the same sense infinitesimal.

Another case, is that in which the impurity of the attenuating alcohol differs in nature from that of the mother tincture. The former can expand in some degree into the one drop of tincture added, and be slightly attenuated in forming the first dilution. The case is analogous to the preceding, in which the potentization of the impurity of the alcohol rapidly approaches the infinitesimal, and the higher the dilutions, the freer from any potentized impurity.

If in any of the cases, the impurity of either of the tinctures is heterogeneous, so that different particles in the same liquid unite in different molecules, the same principles are applicable and the same results attainable.

But not to be tedious, I will confine myself to a very brief recapitulation of results in all the cases of simple impurities, including that in the mother tincture, as well as that in the attenuating alcohol. Designate the impurity in the mother tincture by the letter A, that in the attenuating alcohol by B. Then,

1st. If A and B are unlike and finite, i.e. not zero; A will be potentized, and the medicine in respect to it will, in all stages, remain as pure as the mother tincture: B will be slightly potentized at first, but rapidly become less so, the higher the dilution; and its potentization will vanish and the whole result in the higher attenuations, become as free from potentized impurity as the mother tincture.

4th. If A and B are identical in nature, and finite, i.e. if the alcohol is all of the same impure kind, then the potentization of both A and B will diminish, and ultimately vanish, and the high dilution be divested of potentized impurity.

Hence our medicines, as usually prepared, have great practical purity. The practical purity of attenuations, especially those somewhat elevated, I consider one cause of their great activity.

Another, in my opinion, is the impossibility of their becoming depotentized in the blood; as they cannot meet with any elements of the same kind, sufficiently near their own attenuation to allow of mutual union. When I have seen crystalization take place under the microscope, it was not a gradual growth of larger crystals by the accretion of those invisible; but first the mutual union of those invisible; then the union of visible masses; and afterwards the union of a body formed by these to a mass larger than either. Hence though hydrochlorate, or more properly muriate of soda, exists in the blood, this article, when given in a highly attenuated state, produces unequivocal and decided action.

This influence of dissimilarity of magnitude, also explains why highly attenuated medicines act, notwithstanding they often meet, in the stomach and blood vessels, substances by which they would be chemically neutralized, if presented to them in a grosser form. The same principle indicates, that, though in the preparation of medicines, chemically incompatible substances should, as far as possible, be excluded, in forming the lower dilutions, the higher possess an immunity against any such influence, directly exerted upon them by the attenuating liqgid.

Principles similar to those employed in this paper, in relation to dilutions, apply to impurities which may exist in the saccharum lactis with which drugs are triturated, and to those resulting from the abrasion of mortars. They are not sensibly potentized, because new portions of the same material are added at each operation; and if any parts are at first reduced they subsequently reunite.

Here I intended to stop; as my theory of trituration is extremely similar to my theory of solution, which has not yet been controverted. But I find in the British Journal of Homoeopathy an article on "Infinitesimals," by Dr. Madden, in which he argues against their use, and makes an objection to one part of my theory of trituration.*[Vol. XI. p. 9-10, referring to Joslin's "Principles of Homoeopathy," p 42-3, British Edition, corresponding to p. 46; American Edition.]

Speaking of comminution by trituration, he remarks; "No writer that I have met with, has given this process so careful a consideration as Dr. Joslin, in his excellent Lectures on the Principles of Homoeopathy; he distinctly shows, and at great length, that by triturating with any inert substance, you can effect a reduction in the particles of the triturated substance to an extent which is absolutely unattainable by other means;" and that "There can be no question that the first trituration, viz: on the occasion when the pure flint-powder is mixed and rubbed up with 99 times its weight of sugar of milk, will reduce the silica to a degree of minuteness which could not otherwise have been attained;" but as "at the commencement of the second trituration"....."every particle of flint is now surrounded by 99 times its weight of sugar of milk, which has itself attained to the greatest degree of sub-division capable of being produced by rubbing per se."Dr. M. argues as follows; "If therefore another quantity of sugar of milk is added, equivalent to 99 times the weight of the first trituration, it follows, that the force of trituration must be diffused over the whole of the particles of the first trituration, and hence 1/99 part only will be applied to the silica, and accordingly the probability of a further reduction of size is very much less in the second than in the first trituration, which improbability will greatly increase with each repetition of the process." This is his whole objection; and it appears to me to arise from a mistake as to the mode in which the comminution is effected; which is not by the pestle being directly applied to the silica which is to be further subdivided, nor by the newly-added powder being directly applied to it, but by the pressure of the first sugar of milk, with which the silica is surrounded and intimately blended, and from which it receives the force which this first sugar of milk has had transmitted to it from the pestle through the sugar of milk added at the commencement of the second operation. If the presence of an intermediate substance interfered with the efficacy of the blows, it would have prevented the excellent results conceded to the first trituration. The one grain of the first trituration, which I had represented to be employed in forming the second, is not farther removed from the action of the 99 grains of added sugar, than the grain of crude silica, in forming the 1st trituration, was from that of the pestle; and every portion of that grain taken from the first trituration, contains a molecule of silica; the silica, after an hours operation, is not enveloped in the centre of this grain of sugar, but distributed through it, so that any portion of the 99 added grains which comes in contact with any part of the first trituration, is at only a microscopic distance from the silica. The same principles apply to other stages of the process. Indeed, as the smaller the molecules, the slighter the jar required for their disintegration, I am inclined to think the blows more efficacious in the higher triturations. Perhaps Dr. Madden was somewhat influenced in regard to the result, by supposing the whole of the first product employed in forming the second. This would multiply the labor and time requisite for the uniform diffusion; for the material would be increased a hundred fold; in other respects the principles are the same.

I trust that our British Colleague, who has treated so courteously a portion of my labors, will find his objection to this part unfounded. Neither he nor any other person has complained of a similar or any other difficulty in my theory of dilution. This, so far as high potences are concerned, is the only one which is of practical importance; for the labour of triturating is such, that it will rarely be continued beyond the 3d attenuation, at which all our medicines become soluble. The fact that these, however hard and insoluble in their coarse state, become, when minutely divided and suspended in water or alcohol, divisible to a certain extent, by its affinity, and farther disintegrated by increasing the liquid, tends to aid a conception of the condition in which I have represented all substances as existing in solution, and to verify the remark in regard to the facility of disintegration in small molecules. Indeed they would be instantly divided into their primitive atoms, did not the limitation of the liquid limit their division and compel their reunion. My view of limitation and reunion, Dr. Madden represents me as having demonstrated, at least as to the 1st trituration, and happly illustrates it by the manufacture of Terra Cotta; and he and others who complain of irritating effects from high dilutions on some patients, must admit that insoluble medicines become soluble in the trituration from which those dilutions are prepared, otherwise their doses of supposed high dilutions would contain no medicine at all, still less any of an irritating character.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 57-68]

[Description: Impurities of an attenuating liquid.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1858]

THE NATURE OF OZONE OR ACTIVE OXYGEN,

As Confirming Potentization by Comminution.

BY THE AUTHOR OF THE PRECEDING ARTICEL.

The discovery that the transmission of an electric shock through air, confers extraordinary activity upon a portion of its oxygen, confirms a long-prevailing popular opinion, that lightning tends to purify the atmosphere. The oxygen which has undergone this change, has received the appellations of active oxygen and ozone. This discovery is susceptible of interesting applications to the relation of different localities to various diseases, to which I may allude in another article; but at present I remark that this is one of the discoveries in physical science which tends to confirm the doctrine of potentization by comminution. In the case of oxygen the change consists in an increased facility for combining with oxidizable substances. The molecules of ordinary, and comparatively inert, oxygen are probably split into active fragments on the same principle as a dry tree is shivered by lightning-mutual repulsion of the component parts being caused by the introduced electricity. That ozone consists of divided oxygen, is a doctrine, in the suggestion and public recognition of which I stood alone from 1850 till the present year. In my "Principles of Homoeopathy," published in the former year, is the following passage: "In my opinion, the recent discovery of active oxygen tends to show, that even the molecules of a gaseous substance may be more minutely divided, and that this comminution enhances its activity. By what other hypothesis can we satisfactorily explain, the great avidity with which oxygen seizes upon combustible substances after its exposure to shocks of electricity."*[p. 85. †May 1858.]

Here this matter appears to have rested till May 1858, when Prof. Clansins published an article in Poggendorff's Annalen, on "The Nature of Ozone," in which he considers it to be the divided molecules of oxygen-the same view which I had taken in the "Principles of Homoeopathy," eight years earlier. Prof. C's. article, which contains some experimental evidences, has been thought worthy of republication in the London & Edinburgh Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science.† This excellent scientific journal, in its number for Sept., 1858, contains a letter from the philosopher Schoenbein of Basle to the distinguished Faraday, in which he considers himself to have proved by experiment, that there are two kinds of ozone; that which is formed by the action of the electric spark and of phosphorus upon oxygen, he considers ozone par excellence, marks it negative on account of its eloctromative bearing, and finds it to be that which alone unites with precious metals, and with the oxide of murium, to form chlorine, the peroxide of murium. Thus chlorine is not a simple substance as the chemical world, adopting the views of Sir. Humphrey Davy, have almost universally regarded it for nearly half a century; and its great activity is due to a portion of comminuted oxygen.

I will not claim the authority of Schoenbein for this last remark, as he does not directly state that ozone is divided oxygen; but this may be inferred from his synthetic formula, ozone positive plus ozone negative equals oxygen. If ordinary oxygen, as he thus affirms, results from the union of molecules of ozone, it is reasonable to conclude that oxygen, sufficiently divided, would be ozone, i.e. active oxygen, and that this division is the cause of its extraordinary activity.

These recent conclusions of Clansins and Schoenbein afford a confirmation of my long-cherished views in relation to active oxygen, and the agency of comminution in Hahnemann's preparations. It is interesting to observe that discoveries in physical and chemical science tend to confirm homoeopathic doctrines, and that among scientific men there is a progress of opinion in this direction.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1859, pages 68-70]

[Description: The Nature of Ozone or Active Oxygen.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1859]

ON THE ADVANCEMENT OF MEDICAL SCIENCE,

Especially on Homoeopathy, Considered as Improvable.* [A Report to the American Institute of Homoeopathy.]

BY B. F. JOSLIN, M. D., LL. D.

OUR practice is a continual confirmation of the fundamental law of therapeutics. The verifications of this law, however, by Hahnemann and his successors, are already so numerous, that comparatively little can be added to the extreme probability of its universality by any new clinical observations. It is not chiefly in this direction that we are to labor for the advancement of medical science; though by the repetition of verifications we may promote its diffusion among those who hitherto remain skeptical.

The law of cure, and some obvious inferences from it being established, but the curative property of the great mass of material agents being still undiscovered, our more useful efforts in advancing the healing art will not often be in searching for new principles, but for new facts-not for new methods of employing known remedies, but for new remedies to be employed under the guidance of principles with which we are already familiar. The term new is not here intended to exclude the hitherto undiscovered properties of drugs partially proved. Revealing the functions still latent in one of these, may be virtually equivalent to creating a new remedy. The provings and reprovings of drugs constitute the great work devolving upon the disciples of Hahnemann.

The additions thus made can never shake the fundamental principle of similitude, nor the general principle of proving, which the very terms of that law of cure imply. Thus far, at least, the homoeopathic system ranks among the branches of established science.

The same rank, however, cannot be accorded to many subordinate generalizations, which ingenious theorists attempt to introduce into the superstructure. For example, the relative importance of a medicine to different organs and functions, and that of different medicines to the same organ and function, can never be exactly determined till the proving of such medicine or medicines shall have been completed. In the meantime, the classifications which relate to these, and which convenience may require, are to be regarded only as approximate, provisional and temporary.

Still lower in scientific rank, and more vacillating, are systems of therapeutics founded on pathological hypotheses, or mere clinical experience. The bad success of other schools should teach ours to avoid squandering their time by efforts in that direction. Such systems require frequent reconstruction.

The legitimate extension of the Materia Medica by provings, is not liable to occasion similar oscillations throughout the fabric. Real materials accumulate nearly in the ratio of experiments. If some unsound elements are unavoidably introduced, they will, by a kind of instertitial and molecular growth, analogous to nutrition in the human body, be ultimately eliminated without any sudden or general shock, their places being supplied by others which better stand the test of enlarged experience.

Thus, new symptoms give to the Materia Medica structure its extension; the verification of old ones, its solidification. Original provings effect the former; reprovings effect both. The repetition of the experiments by different provers, will determine the relative frequency of recurrence of the several genuine symptoms, and consequently their relative adaptedness to the average human organism.

But no genuine drug symptoms are absolutely useless, however rare the organisms to which they are peculiar; so that few need decline to make contributions to the Materia Medica from fear of vitiating it with their idiosyncrasies. Natural or acquired peculiarities in a portion of the provers, and in some of them a susceptibility which almost amounts to disease, may be requisite for the ultimate completion of the world's knowledge of the properties of medicines.

The therapeutic utility of that part of the Materia Medica thus developed, will not be limited to a class of patients whose normal state is similar to that of these sensitive provers; for a disease generates a sensibility to the action of its appropriate remedy; and, in many instances, this remedy may remain undiscovered, until its morbific properties shall have been developed by persons naturally more sensitive to its action than the patients themselves in their normal condition. There may be many symptoms of a drug which a majority of provers may be incapable of experiencing as its effects; and if, by disease, a great number of these symptoms should be developed in their own persons, they might be dependent for their cure upon the labors of a few whose constitutions or conditions at the time of the provings had been dissimilar to their own.

Both classes of persons above referred to as proper agents for extending a Materia Medica Pura, are supposed to have few symptoms, except those produced by the proving, and to be capable of distinguishing the former, and careful to reject them.

There is another class from whom may be obtained verifications of symptoms previously established. These are patients. The confirmations which they afford are of two kinds, pathogenetic and therapeutic. Both require great discrimination and caution, for distinguishing the effects of the drug from the natural progress or retrogradation of the disease.

Meagre descriptions of cases cured under several remedies given in quick succession, contribute nothing to the confirmation of the Materia Medica.

If the symptoms of a case are minutely noted, their entire removal under a single remedy, tends to verify the pathogenesis, but not in the same degree as would the recurrence of an equal number of symptoms, in reproving by new provers. Such cures afford collateral evidence in favor of the Materia Medica; they fortify, but without extending it. To admit new symptoms on mere therapeutic evidence, would be in some degree a return to the uncertain method of the empirical school.

The use of patients for pathogenetic purposes is attended with similar difficulties, and requires similar precautions. Yet the morbific effects of medicines appropriate for the cure will afford frequent opportunities for confirming the results primarily derived from the healthy. By marking in a Materia Medica or repertory, the symptoms thus confirmed, physicians might collect much concurrent evidence. Under a symptom of the former, or drug of the latter, an oblique line (/) might be placed for every unequivocal pathogenetic confirmation, and another oppositely inclined (\) for every unequivocal curative one. The number of marks would show the amount of confirmations. Whenever they mutually intersected, they would form an approximation to a star, already in our school the conventional sign that the drug has been observed to exhibit both modes of action with reference to the symptom.

The morbific effects of drugs are frequently observed to be the same on the sick as on the healthy, even to the minutest particulars; and it is probable that the real morbific effects are identical, and that the principal reason for not relying on such provings is, the danger of introducing symptoms proper to the disease alone. This danger would vary with the knowledge and caution of the observer.

A similar danger attends therapeutic verifications, and is in one respect greater, viz., in regard to critical days. Many accurate observers have noticed certain epochs of decline or termination of diseases, especially those of a febrile character. The more marked of these changes occur in the third, seventh, eleventh, fourteenth, or twenty-first days. Several partial crises are observed in the progress of the same case, each leaving it changed by the somewhat sudden disappearance or mitigation of some of the symptoms. Now, if under a correct treatment, each of these changes is, on the whole, a favorable one, and the final result happy, the several improvements and the final cure are not attributable merely to Nature; and, on the other hand, not merely to the medicines given immediately before the epochs of the several changes. If others had been previously administered, they may have equal claims as the cause of the improvement or cure. If the physician neglects the observation of critical days, he may draw erroneous conclusions in regard to the curative influence of a drug. The quotidian changes are generally appreciated. The before mentioned critical days are also, in regard to some symptoms, and in some degree, days of exacerbation, and their neglect might vitiate the pathogenetic confirmations, though usually less than the therapeutic. To prove medicines on the healthy is the great work which devolves on our school.

Some allege as an objection to additional provings, that the pile of materials is already inconceivably large. In regard to this, they might best appreciate the influence of additions, by means of subtractions; because, by making the latter, we can compare objects with which we are already acquainted. As an experiment, then, let any physician expunge, at random, one half of each paragraph of a Materia Medica or repertory, or, what is equivalent, systematically avoid consulting the first or last half of each paragraph throughout the book. The mere conception of such a course must satisfy any experienced and thorough practitioner, of the impossibility of attaining even a near approximation to his present success, without vast additional labor. Toward the true remedy, and often to one only analogous to it, he would approximate by a longer series of comparisons than that which now suffixes for obtaining the similimum. Such being the effect of curtailing our present resources, we can on this, as on many other subjects, reason from subtraction to addition, and from the past to the future. It is presumable that the effect of adding will be opposite to that of subtracting, and that of future contribution similar to that of former ones. The effect of reducing the number of symptoms of a remedy in a Materia Medica, affords an argument in favor of reprovings; that of reducing the number of remedies appended to a symptom in a repertory, an argument in favor of original provings.

We are agreed as to the general mode of improving our Materia Medica, i. e., by the examination of morbific properties, and not by the direct observation of curative ones, on which other schools rely. This will always insure to ours an immense advantage in the rapidity and certainty of development, which will be proportional to the labor bestowed.

I have hitherto referred to our fundamental principles, which are eternal, and our materials, which are cumulative.

Is the science of medicine, in all its comprehensiveness, to become equally reliable, or improvable with equal certainty and rapidity? This is not to be expected. Some auxiliary branches, common to all schools, must, from their nature, remain more uncertain and less progressive; and when the exclusive labor of cultivating them shall devolve also upon the disciples of Hahnemann, we shall, with these sciences, inherit those difficulties which are necessarily inherent in them; though some difficulties will be more easily surmounted with the aid of Homoeopathy; and some of the problems which present other difficulties, will themselves sink into practical insignificance, in proportion as the great truths of our system are appreciated.

Many physiological and pathological problems are of such a character as to present to those homoeopathists who may attempt their solution, elements of uncertainty similar to those encountered by previous medical theorists; so that, considered in relation to some of these collateral or auxiliary topics, Reformed Medicine is not destined to be exempt from slow development. Here lie the same rocks on which have been wrecked so many navigators of other times, compelled by their position simultaneously to encounter invisible undercurrents, and unforseen shifting of winds. Or, to speak less figuratively, the investigator is compelled to grapple with a problem of numerous and uncertain elements.

Now, if a great portion of what all schools, our own inclusive, allow to be medical problems, are for a long time to remain without solution, and some of them ever to remain incapable of any that is demonstrably true, is this a ground of discouragement to the followers of Hahnemann? Does it affect the certainty of reward for our proper labors in the advancement of Medicine, considered in its more important practical bearings? In this respect our position is different from that of the physiological schools. With them, theories of the functions of the human organism are the foundation of therapeutics. They are working at one unfinished monument; we at another. Their alterations are in a considerable degree, fundamental, and cause dilapidations in the superstructure, and necessitate its frequent demolition and reconstruction. We build on an immovable foundation, and every extensive alteration involves progression.

In proportion to our faith in this, will, coeteris paribus, be our happiness and activity; for one of the most agreeable and effectual incitements to labor, is the certainty of success.

We have not, like many of our allopathic neighbors, the gloomy and paralyzing skepticism which keeps them in doubt, respecting the proper reply to such inquiries as the following: Is there such a thing as therapeutic science? Is the world, considered as one complex individual, advancing more and more towards maturity in medical knowledge? Have we any means of determining whether this age knows more than the last, or whether the next generation will be wiser than our own? If all these questions had to be answered in the negative, the philanthropist and lover of truth would be left without any stimulus to exertion in the cause of medical science.

The world, in some of its aspects, is calculated to give this discouraging impression. In general, the controversies of parties and sects seem incapable of settlement. Many old divisions continue for ages, whilst new ones arise to occasion increased distraction of the human mind. If one sect or another acquires in its turn a temporary preponderance or popularity, this is due to the eloquence of its champions, or some fortuitous advantage, oftener than to any new and conclusive demonstration of truth.

No doubt many place our medical sect in the same category. But from what has been above stated, it is evident that our method of investigation, if compared with the modes in which many medical, moral and political theories have been developed, would exhibit a striking contrast favorable to Homoeopathy, not only with regard to its inherent truth, but its power of eventually gaining universal reception.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 07-14]

[Description: On the Advancement of Medical Science, Especially on Homoeopathy, Considered as Improvable.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1858]

FRAGMENTARY PROVINGS OF POLYGONUM HYDROPIPER.* [Vide "Nat. Hist. of New York; Part 2, By John Torrey." It is also called Polygonum Punctatum A literal translation of Hydropiper gives the expressive and decent popular name, Water Pepper.]

BY B. F. JOSLIN, M. D., OF NEW YORK.

FIRST PROVING. – A specimen was collected Sept. 12th, 1854. A heavy rain a few days before had washed the leaves. The earth in the vicinity had not yet become dry, so that no dust had since fallen on the leaves. The weather and time of day were favorable; all dew having been removed by the sun shining in a clear sky. The flowering season of the plant had commenced.

At noon, immediately after collecting the specimen, a leaf was thoroughly masticated and swallowed; the taste pungent, like that of black pepper.

SYMPTOM 1. At ? P. M. Momentary pain in the right frontal protuberance, and instantly afterwards in the right occipital protuberance, after ? hour.

In the afternoon of the same day, two dozen of the leaves were thoroughly bruised in a clean agate mortar, and not being sufficiently succulent to allow of the expression of juice, the mass was put into a vial with alcohol reduced by water to about fifty percent.

At 10 in the evening eat another leaf.

2. Sept. 13th. Intolerable itching at the left shin a little above the ankle, in the morning, at 6 o'clock.

3. Severe aching at the fore part of the left tibia, about four inches below the knee, from one till two o'clock P. M.

4. Aching in the left shoulder when recumbent, about 11 P. M., soon after going to bed.

SECOND PROVING. – On the 7th of May, 1856, I decanted a second time a second sample of the tincture from a specimen collected Sept. 16th, 1854 and prepared in a similar manner. At 1 1/2 P. M., agitated one drop of this Polyg^0. with half an ounce of water and took it at once.

1. At 1.40 P. M. Painful pressure on the palmar-radial side of the right forearm, an inch and a half above the wrist, at the spot where the radial artery is distinctly felt, lasting seven minutes, commencing 10 minutes after the dose.

2. Dry cough in the night, excited by titillation in the upper-anterior part of the chest, with a dry sensation in the larynx when coughing-after about 12 hours.

May 8th. At 1 P. M. put one drop of the tincture, Polyg^0 in one gill of water and after agitating it several times, occupied a minute in sipping it.

3. Sensation of heat in the mouth and throat within the first quarter of an hour, commencing at the tip of the tongue and extending to much of the mouth, then to the throat at the right upper part.

4. Cough excited by a pricking-tickling behind the upper part of the sternum-at 1.40 P. M., i.e. after 40 minutes.

5. May 9th and 10th. Pain pressive and remittent, for two consecutive evenings, at the anterior-inner surface of the head of the left tibia.

6. On the 9th in the evening, the interior of the anus was studded with itching eminences, as from corrugation without contraction – a kind of hemorrhoidal tumors. They disappeared within two days.

The above is an exact copy of records made at the time of the provings. Short as they are I call them two, because the latter was made after such an interval as precludes the possibility of a continuance of action.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 11, 1859, pages 514-516]

[Description: Fragmentary provings of Polygonum Hydropiper.]

[Remedies: Polygonum Hydropiper]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1859]

POTENCIES IN CONNECTION WITH CRUDITIES.

BY B. F. JOSLIN, M D., NEW YORK.

To many intelligent persons it appeal's incredible, that minute doses of our preparations can have any sensible effect in cases where they are of the same chemical nature with elements of our blood, of our food, and even of the water in which the medicine is dissolved and administered.

Now it is a fact established by abundant experience, that each of these substances does evince its specific properties, both by producing a certain set of symptoms in different healthy individuals, and in manifesting a decided curative agency in diseases to which they are appropriate. However we may fail to explain these results, such facts can never be set aside by our inability to give a satisfactory interpretation. Those who have repeatedly felt and observed the effects will believe; those who have not, will require a reason to induce them to subject the matter to the test of experiment

There are three objections to be answered. First: it is said-if the blood is deficient in iron, as is the case in chlorosis affecting pallid young females with delayed menstruation. how can an infinitesimal supply of iron produce any sensible augmentation of the vastly greater quantity already existing in the blood, even of these chlorotic patients?

This objection originates in a total misconception of the principle on which the medicine appropriate to such cases, operates. The object of any truly scientific physician, will not be to offer to the system the deficient material, but to enable it to appropriate that which is presented to it in the food; for this malady very rarely arises from any deficiency of iron in the aliment, and never if the nutriment is properly selected. The power of digesting, assimilating and forming the food into blood is defective; and it is this power which is to be restored by medicine. The physician who is ignorant of this, and in treating such a case, regards himself as a mere caterer for supplying materials, will naturally conclude that he must administer ferruginous medicine, and that the medicine must be given at least in quantities appreciable by chemical tests.

Neither of these conclusions has the slightest foundation in reason. The substance which suitably regulates the vital forces in this case, will not necessarily, or even generally, be iron, but some medicine indicated by the generality of the symptoms present. Again the immediate object not being chemical but vital, it is not necessary nor desirable, to employ a dose appreciable to chemical tests, but to the vital test, which is inconceivably more delicate; the living body can be strongly and durably affected by a dilution, which if concentrated a billion fold would not produce a visible change in any lifeless re-agent.

Secondly: if, as above intimated, it is quality and not quantity, that is required to regulate the system, it may be asked, how is it possible for the medicine to operate perceptibly, when the same kind of substance, as salt, iron, & c., is already in the food and in the blood and is sufficient without it?

This objection would be unanswerable were it not founded on a false assumption, viz: that the Hahnemannian preparations have no greater power than other substances called by the same name. The argument is valid only against those who deny that special increase of power called potentization, which the homoeopathic medicine receives by minute division in the different stages of its preparation, and which gives it an efficiency vastly superior to that of the same quantity in the ordinary state.

There are several substances which are always found in the blood and which are nevertheless given with decided effect in various diseases; and even persons in health feel their action when given after their potentization, and in quantities insignificant compared with those already existing in the system. The efficient homoeopathic doses are insignificant as compared with the quantitative changes which the same substances, in a crude state in the blood, are daily undergoing without any perceptible effect on the feelings or health of the individual.

Take for example Natrum muriaticum, common table salt. The quantity of it taken by almost every man, varies by many grains at his different meals. If he receives a few grains more at one meal than at the preceding one, he has no Natrum muriaticum symptoms as the consequence; and common sense would teach a physician that if he should administer a few grains of the crude substance, he could produce no effect by it. The intentional increment must be as inoperative as the accidental. But experience teaches that the potentized form of this medicine, in a quantity inconceivably small, makes a decided impression both on the healthy man and the patient. We are compelled to conclude, that it has a power of affecting the system not perceptible in what is chemically the same substance, in its ordinary state, or in that stale in which it exists in the blood, where it is crude as compared with the form in which it is given by homoeopathic prescribes. A thousand physicians daily witness the special power of potencies of other medicines, and are thus able to confirm by analogy, the preceding conclusion.

Thirdly: there is an apparent difficulty which may give rise to an objection more profound than either of the preceding ones, and which will be more likely to disturb those minds which have been directed to molecular action and obtained a partial insight into the doctrine of depotentization, for the first time propounded in my paper read before the Institute in 1858, on the "Effect of impurities in an attenuating liquid.*[Vide Proceedings of the Fifteenth Annual Meeting, also American HOMOEOPATHIC Review, Vol. I.]

I will here endeavour to give a brief and plain statement of what is most applicable to our present subject, I had before shown that every time a dissolved medicine is diluted a hundred fold, it has its minute parts, called molecules, made smaller and more active, i.e. potentized.†[See my book, entitled "Principles of Homoeopathy."] In the paper above referred to, it was shown on the other hand, that when a dissolved substance, made a little active by a little division, is brought in contact with the same substance in a still less divided and less active state, it unites with the latter and thus becomes like it comparatively crude and inert-it loses its special power. I call it depopotentized, being obliged to coin a new word expressive of the new idea. I find that this union by cohesion and consequently this depotentization, always takes place when one portion of the substance is only a hundredth part more diluted than the other. Thus a substance which happens to adulterate the alcohol used for potentizing a medicine, is continually combining with and practically nullifying itself, and the high potency of the medicine remains practically pure. In this case the little parts, molecules, of the impurity never differ much in size and never differ so much in the degree and nature of their activity as to prevent their reunion.

This statement in regard to the conditions of reunion is not a mere hypothesis. It is not only a necessary inference from the facts of potentization but is in accordance with observed facts in crystallization. I have witnessed the crystallization of camphor, as exhibited by the solar microscope, and observed phenomena which have a bearing on this subject. I will only remark here, that no instrument shows the smallest crystals first actually formed; but those first visible were in a series of groups, the larger crystals not growing by the addition of invisible ones, but of those smaller ones already formed of others still smaller. The first visible molecules unite with others not too dissimilar in magnitude, frequently after rotating like little magnets; but they do not unite in the first instance with those whose difference of magnitude is immense.

From what has been said, the reader may anticipate the answer to be given to a question which naturally presents itself in relation to our present topic, viz:

Why should not a substance which already exists in the blood, and which is identical in name with the medicine administered, unite with the latter, which would thus become depotentized and inert?

The fact that potencies administered under such circumstances as those dissolved in water rendered impure by the presence of something of the same name, are notwithstanding active, is abundantly established by experience.

That the union of the two, and the consequent depotentization of the medicine does not occur, I attribute to the discrepancy between their degrees of attenuation. The substance in the natural water and the blood, which can be detected by chemical tests, must be crude compared with the same in our medium and higher potencies which cannot be thus detected. The crystaline affinities of these two kinds of molecules, differ so widely, that they may be regarded as on different planes of activity; those in the natural fluid comparatively gross and inert, those in the potency rendered inconceivably minute and active by regular and consecutive attenuations. This activity, so obvious to the physician by the use of the vital test, has not yet attracted the attention of the physicist or chemist, because their tests are not sufficiently delicate. If they were only in possession of the re-agents and implements for prosecuting researches so refined, they would penetrate inconceivably deeper into nature's arcana. The secret laws of crystallization would be unfolded, and atoms be found to unite only with others agreeing with them, within certain limits, both of magnitude and of magnetic activity and habitudes.

I will add, what I strongly suspect, that the equality in the liquid used at each step in our potentizations, is one circumstance which contributes to give them greater power than substances carelessly or accidentally and less regularly attenuated, and that some laws of crystallization and magnetism will yet be discovered, to show that the rule in regard to equal proportions which Hahnemann happened to adopt, exerts an influence in giving his several dilutions a character not only different from each other, but from all other substances in nature, even those, if any exist on our globe, which are equally attenuated.

Principles similar to those above applied to cohesion and crystallization, apply also to chemical affinity. Our potentized medicines are not liable to be decomposed by any substances which they meet with in the water which dissolves them, in the stomach which receives them, or in the blood in which they are finally distributed. Their minute division places them beyond the reach of the chemical affinities of all substances vastly cruder and not similarly prepared. It the medicine is nitrate of silver, it passes unharmed through the common salt of the stomach and of the blood and produces its legitimate effects in spite of the presence of this abundance of muriate of soda which would instantly decompose it and render it comparatively inert, if applied to it in its ordinary state of crude nitrate of silver or lunar caustic*[I avoid the use of the term chloride of sodium, for reasons given in an article on "Ozone," Vide American Homoeopathic Review, Vol. I.]

We have a remarkable exemplification of the same principle in phosphorus. Exposed in its ordinary state to the air, it seizes with avidity upon the atmospheric oxygen, and is converted into phosphoric acid. This is a different substance; its action upon the human body produces symptoms unlike those of phosphorus. But what is the consequence of exposing a potency, a minutely, successively and regularly divided preparation, of phosphorus, the same highly combustible substance? It has no longer the property of oxidizing in the air. It is only during the first stages in the preparation of the dilutions of phosphorus, while it is yet somewhat crude, that any precautions are necessary for excluding the atmospheric oxygen. Afterwards when more attenuated it is not convertible into phosphoric acid. If it were thus changed the transformation would be easily detected by the vital test; it would produce a different set of symptoms, and no longer act favorably in the diseases to which phosphorus is specially adapted. No duration of exposure occasions such deterioration; we can keep it for many years in the form of liquids or pellets with frequently renewed air above it in the vials, and still find by reliable trials that its action is that of phosphorus and not phosphoric acid.

The facts and principles stated in this paper justify the conclusion, that potentization changes not only vital but physical and chemical properties, that attenuated medicines are susceptible of transmission through cruder matter, unharmed by the cohesive power of that which identical in name or the affinity of that which has been supposed chemically in compatible, and that the presence of these in the blood, the food, the water or the atmosphere, is in no danger of interfering with the action of delicate homoeopathic preparations.

I will add, that nothing above said favors the mixing of different medicines in one prescription; each will act, though in an unknown and hence unsafe manner. Their separate proving shows nothing in regard to their joint action. Hence a glass which has been used for one solution should be rinsed with hot water, wiped when hot and allowed to stand till cold before a different medicine is dissolved in it. Mere washing makes only a kind of imperfect higher dilution, which adulterates the next solution if the glass is immediately used for a different medicine. If the glass is left till cold, the adherent pellicle of water will have evaporated and carried with it the attenuated medicine which it held in solution.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 01, 1859, pages 37-43]

[Description: Potencies in Connection with Crudities.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1859]

FIRST PROVING OF RHUS RADICANS.

BY B. F. JOSLIN, M.D., NEW YOEK.

March 9th, 1846, at 10.45 A. M., I took on the tongue three dry pellets of Rhus radicans^3.

1. Burning in the throat, after four minutes.

2. Burning and smarting of the tongue; after six minutes, with increase of saliva; after seven minutes.

3. Mucus in the throat and posterior nares; after eight minutes.

4. Pressive pain in the right chest; after fifteen minutes.

5. Pain at the left quadratus lumborum muscle, with nausea; after fifteen minutes.

6. Pain at the middle of the radius of the left arm; after seventeen, twenty-eight and thirty-five minutes.

7. Pain under the right scapula; after eighteen, twenty-one and twenty-two minutes.

8. Rheumatic pain in the left shoulder and arm in the region of the deltoid muscle; after twenty-four minutes.

9. Pain in the left thigh; after twenty-five minutes.

10. Pain in the right wrist; after thirty and thirty-five minutes.

11. Pain in the region of the ascending colon, with pain in the right wrist and at the middle of the radius of the left arm; after thirty-five minutes.

12. Pain in the middle joint of the left forefinger; after thirty-eight minutes.

13. Pain in the metacarpal joint of the left forefinger, and in the middle of the right upper arm; after forty minutes.

14. Pain in the left side of the forehead; after forty-one minutes.

15. Pain in the middle joint of the right ring finger; after forty-three minutes.

16. Pain in the left chest; after forty-five minutes.

On the same day, at forty-two minutes P. M., having dissolved seven pellets of Rhus rad.3 in as many tea-spoonfuls of cold water, commenced taking it in tea-spoonful doses, one every minute.

17. Felt nausea and great disgust for this tasteless watery solution; in three minutes after commencing it.

18. Pressive pain in the left side of the occiput; at fifty-six minutes P. M.

19. Pain in the left chest, also four and seven minutes later.

20. Pain in the middle of the ulna of the left arm; at five minutes past one P. M.

21. Pressive pain two inches to the right of the middle of the sternum; at one and a half P. M.

22. Pain above the Tendo Achillis of the left leg, when walking up stairs; at 2 1/4 P. M.

23. Pain in the rectum when urinating; at 3.8 P. M.

24. Itching in the calf of the left leg when walking; 4 P.M. March 10th, 1/4 P. M.

25. Transient pain in the rectum; after 1 day.

11th. 26. Dull headache.in the forenoon; after 2 days.

27. In the night succeeding: Incubus, with inability to move, and sensation of pressure on the right upper portion of the chest, with superstitious fear connected with the supposed presence and agency of some invisible, sly and malicious being; after 2 1/2 d.

28. On waking from this sleep with nightmare, felt a pressive pain at the left clavicle; after 2 1/2 d.

12th. – 29. Pressive pain in the right hemisphere of the cerebellum, after intellectual labour in the forenoon; 11 1/2 A. M., after 3d.

30. Pain over the right eye after intellectual labour in the forenoon; after 3d.

31. Flatulence with pain in the hypogastrium; 2 P. M., followed by pain in the right chest; after 3d.

32. Cutting and burning pain in the anterior portion of the urethra, during and after urination; the last portions of the urine milky; the urination followed by a sensation of heat in the rectum, 3 1/2 P. M.; about 3 1/4 d. after the first dose.

33. Cutting, burning and smarting in the anterior portion of the urethra during urination, and severe burning and smarting pain in it after urination, with irritation and sensation of heat in the rectum; 6 1/2 P. M.; about 3 1/4d. after the second dose.

13th. – 34. Pimples large, deep-seated and irritable to the touch, on the nates, especially on the median side near the os-coccygis; they attain this state after four days from the dose, and two from their commencement on the 11th.

35. On the same day, a pimple described by the same words, and situated on the upper lip, opposite the alveolar process near the root of the left posterior bicuspid tooth; also a scabby pimple, one inch above the left parietal protuberance; after 4d. The former remained with but little change for at least three days, the latter became a scab in four.

14th. – 36. Weakness of the legs in the forenoon; after 5d. 14th and 15th. – 37. Dull aching and sensation of weakness in the legs and ankles; after 5 and 6d.

15th. – 38. Pain at the right hemisphere of the cerebellum and over the right eye at the eyebrow; after 6d.

16th. – 39. Pain over the left eye at the eyebrow; after 7d.

40. Feeling of unsteadiness in the head; after 6 and 7d.

41. Stool thin and tinged with blood, the evacuation preceded by lassitude; after 7d.

42. Pimple large, deep-seated and irritable to the touch, on the chest, two inches above the left nipple. It is so tough that scratching does not readily break it, but produces redness, burning and smarting in it and the surrounding skin; after 7d.

17th. – 43. Re-appearance, at the bend of each elbow, of a red furfuraceous eruption, which had once existed there for a short time, but had long since disappeared; after 8d.

19. – 44. A kind of tough pimple at the bend of the right elbow, similar to the tuberculoid and imperfectly suppurating elevations which have appeared on different parts of the skin, from four to ten days after the dose; after 10d.

45. On the same day, headache in the forenoon, with sleepiness.

REMARK. – The palpable symptom, 34, re-occurred in three months, after some handling of the Rhus radicans, and inhalation of its effluvia whilst gathering and preparing it during the two preceding days. The symptom being first produced by the millionth, is one among a thousand instances I could adduce in opposition to the baldly gratuitous assumption, that before the potencies can have any sensible morbid effect, the system must be "first saturated with the tincture" or crude substance. Such an idea is a sheer fancy. If entitled to a more respectful appellation, if a kind of reason, as well as imagination, had any agency in its development, it is at best but a hypothesis unsupported by facts – a pyramid standing on its apex.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 12, 1859, pages 553-556]

[Description: First proving of Rhus Radicans.]

[Remedies: Rhus radicans]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1859]

VERIFIED SYMPTOMS OF RUMEX CRISPUS.

SELECTED AND ARRANGED BY B. F. JOSLIN. M. D.*[Communicated to the American Institute of Homoeopathy and ordered printed in their transactions.]

PRELIMINARY EXPLANATIONS. – There have been seventeen provings of Rumex by ten provers. Each of the proving?, with few exceptions, occupied several weeks or several months, during which the drug was repeated at various intervals, and the system of the prover was usually in some degree under the influence of preceding doses. Those are regarded as separate provings which were commenced at least two months after Rumex had been taken.

The mother tincture was extemporaneously diluted, the potencies generally used in the form of minute dry globules, in a few instances in water, always few in number.

The following are the provers, the dilutions in the order in which each took them, and the times at which the provings were respectively commenced. First proving, B. F. Joslin, M. D. (marked J.) Rumex^12 and', June 12th., 1845. Second. B. F. Joslin Jr. (J. jr.) Rumex^13 and 6, same date; short proving. Third. B. F. Joslin, M.D. (J.) Rumex^13 and 3 Sept. 23, 1850. Fourth. B. F. Bowers, M.D. (Bs) Rumex 30 and 12, Sept. 24, 1850. Fifth. Mrs. B. F. Joslin, (Jp.) Rumex^12, Sept. 24, 1845, short proving. Sixth. E. Bayard, M.D. (Bd.) Rumex^30, December 24th, 1850. Seventh. H. A. Houghton, M. D. (H.) Rumex^1 and 0 of Rumex 0, the tincture, the dose was fifteen drops, November 11th, 1851.†[H. included the leaves and stalks, and Pa. a small proportion of them. All others used the root only, which is decidedly preferable.] Eighth. E. M. Kellogg, M.D. (K.) Rumex^0, 1/8 of a drop, March 30th, 1852. Ninth. B. F. Joslin, M.D. (J) Rumex^30 and 2, May 25th, 1852. Tenth. E. M. Kellogg, M.D. (K) Rumex^3, June 1st, 1852. Eleventh. The same prover, (K) Rumex^6, Sept. 20th, 1852. Twelfth. B. F. Joslin, Jr. M.D. (J jr) Rumex^1, July 8th, 1856; fragment of proving. Thirteenth. H. M. Paine, M.D. (Pa) Rumex^0, ten drops, Nov. 11th, 1856. Fourteenth. Same prover, (Pa) Rumex^0, ten drops, Feb. 19th, 1857. Fifteenth. W. E. Payne, M.D. (Py) Rumex^0, 1 and 2 The dose of Rumex" was five or ten drops, March 28th, 1857, Sixteenth. M. J. Rhees, M.D. (R) Rumex^0 and 6. The dose of Rumex^0 was one, ten, fifteen or twenty drops. Seventeenth H. M. Paine, M.D. (Pa) Rumex^0, ten drops, Feb. 7th, 1859.

These provings have been either communicated to this Institute, or published in the order in which the symptoms occurred, in the Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy, vols. I and II.

Each of the following symptoms was experienced by at least two provers; and where expressions used by them are nearly but not exactly synonymous, the disagreeing parts are separated by the disjunctive "or," and those that respectively belong to them are put in the same order as their names. The same rule is followed in the few cases where the character of the conjoined symptoms is more widely different, but other points of agreement rendered the connection desirable.

No symptom or combination is referred to any prover, unless it occurred on one and the same occasion. A different method would have increased the number, but reduced the value.

SYMPTOMS COMMON TO TWO OR MORE PROVERS.

Head

1. Sensation of fulness in the head-Rum. 12, J.: Rum^12., R.

2. Headache after awaking in the morning, preceded by a disagreeable dream-Rum^30., J.; Rum^0., Pa.

3. Headache worse by motion. 30, Bd. 0, H.; °, K.; 1, Py,; 6, R.

4. Dull pain in the head, between the time of waking and breakfast, preceded by a disagreeable dream in the morning-30, J.; 0, Pa.

5. Dull pain in the head in the forenoon, commencing at ten o'clock. 0, H.; 0, K.

6. Dull pain in the forehead. 12, and 30, J. 0', H.; 0, K.; 0, Pa. 6, R.; i. e., half of the provers.

7. Frontal headache on awaking in the morning. 30, J.; 0, K.

8. Pain over the right eyebrow. 12, J.; 12, Bs.

9. Pain on the right side of the forehead, in the region of casuality. 12 J.; 30, Bd.

10. Pain in the left temple. 12, Bs.; 0, R.

11. Darting pain or sharp piercing pain, in the left side of the head, for half an hour or less. 0, Pa.; 0, R.

12. Dull aching pain in the occiput. 0, Bd.; 0, R.

Eyes

13. Sore feeling in the eyes, without any external sign of inflammation. 0, H.; 0, K.

Ears

14. Ringing in the ears. 12, Bs.; 0, R.

15. Itching in the ear. 30, J.; 12, Bs.

Nose

16. Obstruction of the nose, 12. J.; 1. H.

17. Fluent coryza attended with painful irritation in nostril and sneezing. 12, J.; 3, Py.

18. Epistaxis. 0, H.; 0, K.

19. Mucous discharge from the posterior nares. ",12.; 0, and 3, K

20. Violent and rapid sneezing. 30, J.; 2, Py.

Face

21. Sensation of heat in the cheeks, within the first hour. 20, J.; 30, Bd.

22. Heat and redness of the face in the evening. 30, Bd.; 6, R.

Teeth

23. Toothache with aching in the head. 0, K.; 0, R.

Mouth

24. Sensation as from a burn or scald on the tongue. 12, Bs.; 30, Bd.

25. Sensation of excoriation, or else slight stinging, at edge of tongue. 30, J.; 30, Bd.

26. Flow of saliva within the first hour. 12, J.; 12, Bs.

Throat

27. Sensation of excoriation in the throat. 12, J.; 1, H.; 3.K.

28. Sore feeling in throat on swallowing, in the forenoon. 30, Bd.; 1 K.

29. Sensation as of a lump in the throat. 2, K.; 0, Py.; 0, R.

30. Raw feeling in throat with secretion of phlegm. 12, J.; 3, K.

31. Mucous secreted in the upper part of the throat. 12, J. 3, K.; 6, R.

32. Mucous secreted in the upper part of throat in the forenoon. 12, J.; 2, K.

Taste

33. Awoke with a bitter taste in the mouth in the morning in bed. .30, J.; 3, K.

Gastric Function and Region (of Stomach)

34. Flatulency after meals. 12, J.; 30, Bd.

35. Heaviness or sensation of a hard substance in the stomach or epigastrium soon after a meal. 0, K.; 0, Py.; 0, Pa.

36. After a meal has a sensation of weight in the stomach, like that produced by the presence of undigested food in it; the first symptom in two provers with the tincture., 0 K.; 0, Py.*[Dr. Payne, who experienced this symptom several times, adds-that this sensation of weight in the stomach, was accompanied with a pressing sensation as far upwards as the throat pit; it descended towards the stomach upon every empty deglutition, but immediately returned. Rum. 0 and 1., Py. I have clinical confirmation of this as well as the symptom of the text, by Rum. 30 and 200, J.]

37. Sensation as of a hard substance in the stomach or pit of stomach, remaining for two hours. 0, Py.; 0, Pa.

38. Tasteless eructations. 12, J.; 6, R.

39. Sensation of fulness or distension in the stomach or scrobiculus cordis, with eructations, on going to bed, or in the evening. 30, Bd.; 6, R.; 2, Py.

40. Nausea in the morning before breakfast. 0, K.; 0, Py.

41. Nausea in the forenoon. 12, J.; 20, K.

42. Nausea in evening. 20, J.; 30, Bd.

43. Nausea with eructation. 12, J.; 30, Bd.

44. Nausea, either with sensation of fulness in the abdomen as if diarrhea were forming, or else with moving in the intestines as from a cathartic. 3°, Bd.; 0, Py.

45. Sharp pain in the pit of the stomach, either worse on movement, or occurring while riding in the open air. 12, J.; 0. Pa. The first was stitches of pain, the last, cutting pain.

Hypochondrium

46. Pain in the hypochondrium in the afternoon after dinner, worse on movement, or occurring while walking. 12, J.; 12, J. jr.

47. Hypochondrium pained by coughing, rapid walking or deep inspiration. 12, J.; 12, J. jr.; 0. Pa.

Abdomen

48. Dull pain in the abdomen in the day time, continuing two hours. 0, H.; 0, R.

49. Pain in abdomen in the night. 12, J.; 30, Bd.

50. Pain in abdomen in the morning. 12, J. jr.; 30, Bs.; 0, H.

51. Pain in the abdomen in the morning in bed. 30, Bs.; 0, H.

52. Protuberance and hardness, or else sensation of fulness, in the abdomen. 30, J.; 30, Bd.; 0, R.

53. Rumbling in the bowels, or much flatus moving about in them. 12, Bs.; 0, Pa.

54. Pain in abdomen, occurring or increasing during deep inspiration. 12, J.; 1, H.

55. Movings in intestines. 30, J.; 30, Bs.; 0, Pa.; 0, Py.

56. Flatulent colic near the umbilicus soon after a meal, mitigated by discharge of flatus. 12, J.; 6, R.

57. Emission of flatus in the morning. 12, Bs.; 0, R.

58. Pain in the umbilical region with eructation, soon followed by pain over eyebrow. 12, J.; 12, Bs.

59. Pain in abdomen in the morning, followed by an evacuation of the bowels. 30, Bd.; 0, H.

Stool and Anus

60. Dark colored feces. 30, J.; 0, K.

61. Stool brown or else black. 30, J.; 30, Bd.; 0, K.

62. Constipation, or else scanty feces, 1. H.; 3. K.

63. Sensation in the bowels as if a diarrheic evacuation would ensue, the sensation passing off without subsequent evacuation. 2, Py.; 6, R.

64. Liquid diarrheic stool in the morning. 30, Bd.; 0, H.; 6, K; 3, Py.

65. Diarrheic stool in the morning, preceded by eructations. 30, Bd.; 3, Py.

66. Diarrheic stool in the morning, preceded by pain in the abdomen. 30, Bd.; 0, H.

67. Sensation as if from the pressure of a stick in the rectum. 30, Bd.; 30, J.

68. Itching in the anus. 12, Bs.; 0, K.

69. Discharge of offensive flatus. 0, P.; 5, R.

Urinary Organs.

70. Urine extremely pale, or colorless. 12, J.; 10, R.

71. Very sudden and urgent desire to urinate. 12, J.; 0, Pa.

Larynx

72. Pain in the larynx; in the second prover in a few minutes, and the first rumex symptom in six years. 30 and 12, Bs.; 1, J. jr.

73. Tenacious mucus in the throat, or larynx. 1, H.; 6, R.

74. Mucous in the larynx, detached and removed by an expiratory effort, or attended with a constant desire to hawk and raise it. In the first prover it was the first symptom in the second proving, five years after the first. 12, J.; 6, R.

75. Much mucous in the bronchi or in the larynx, expectoration made by coughing and hawking, or attempted by hawking; worse at night. 12, J.; 6, R.

76. Scraping and tenacious mucous in the throat, or else much tough mucous in the larynx with a constant desire to hawk and raise it, but without relief. 1, H.; 6, R.

77. Cough excited by tickling or irritation behind the sternum. 12, J.; 12, Jp.

78. Cough excited by irritation in the chest, 12, J.; 12, Jp.

79. Cough attended with pain in head, 12, J.; 0, H.* [I have not included in the cough symptoms, because not yet pathogenetically confirmed, the following: Cough in the night before midnight., commencing or increasing on lying down, 12. J. In this note it is mentioned, on account of the evidence of its genuineness derived from cures by Rum. 30. in a great number of my cases. P. P. Wells, M.D., has kindly communicated to me a case of severe cough cured by Rum. 30., another by Rum. 200.; the first worse at night. I have since used the 200th with success.]

80. Sudden change of voice at the same hour on consecutive days, the first and second of the proving: it became suddenly hoarse at eleven at night, or else rose several notes in pitch at two in the afternoon 12, J.; 0, K.

Chest

81. Pain in chest right and left, either aching pain in the anterior portion of both lungs, which harassed him day and night for five days, or else raw pain just under each clavicle while hawking mucous out of the throat, 0. H.; 6. R.

82. Pain in chest when in bed at night. 30, and 2, J.; 1, H.; 6, R.

83. Pain in outer-superior part of chest near the axilla; near the left axilla pain undefined, near the right sharp; both after the same dilution; first symptom in two provers; in one in ten minutes, the first symptom ever produced in any proving of rumex; in the other in two minutes, his first symptom. 12, J.; 12, J. jr.

84. Sharp pain in the right chest. 12, J. jr.; 0, K

85. A burning pain in the left chest. 12, J.; 0, R.

86. Dull pain in the left chest. 12, J.; 0, H.; 0 and 6, R.

87. Sharp pain in left chest 12 and 30, J.; 12, J. jr.; 1, H.; 0, Pa.; 6, R.; five provers.

88. Shootings in the left chest. 12, J.; 0, Pa.

89. Sticking pain in the left thoracic region. 12, J.; 0, H.

90. Stitches in the left chest. 12, J.; 0, Pa.

91. Sharp cutting pain at or under the left breast. 1, H.; 0 Pa.

92. Pain in the chest, a little below and to the right of the left nipple. 12, Bs.; 0, R.

93. Burning sticking or burning stinging pain in the left chest 12, J.; 0, R.

94. Burning smarting or burning stinging pain in the left chest 12, J.; 0, R

95. A very acute stitch or burning stinging pain, in the left chest. 0, Pa.; 6, R.

96. Shootings, or else dull pain, in the left side near the back a little above the seventh rib. 12, J.; 6, R.

97. Pain in the left chest when recumbent. 30 and 2, J.; 6, R.

98. A sticking or stitch felt in the left chest, while riding in the open air. 12, J.; 0, Pa.

99. Painful sensation in the anterior part of the left chests immediately after waking, about two o'clock at night, and between five and six hours after taking a low dilution. 3, J.; 0, Pa.

100. An acute stitch in the sternal region, or a raw stinging, there which obstructs respiration. 0, Pa.; 6, R.

101. Itching at or near the sternum. 30, J.; 0, R.

102. Dull pain in the region of the heart. 2, J.; 6, R.

103. Burning pain in the region of, or near, the heart. 2, J.; 6, R.

104. Palpitation of the heart, or else a sensation in the left chest as if the heart suddenly ceased beating, followed by a heavy throbbing through the chest. 20, Bd.; 0 R.

Back and spine

105. Sore or burning pain at or near the sacro-iliac symphysis. 1, Py.; 0, R.

106. Chilliness in the back. 12, J.; 30, Bd.

107. Sensation of heat in the back. 12 and 20, J.; 0 R.

108. Pressive or aching pain in back, at the inferior angle of scapula. 6, J.; 0, R.

109. Aching pain in back, on the left of the dorsal spine, either extending from the spine half way to the side, or else situated under and below the apex of the left scapula. 12, Jp.; 0, R.

110. Stinging pain in the left dorsal region near the inferior angle of the scapula. 12, J.; 0, R.

111. Pain in the back in the evening. 6, 12 and 3, J.; 12, Jp.; 0, K.

112. Itching on the back in the evening. 30 and 2, J.; 0, H.

Superior Extremities

113. Pain in shoulder; either pain in the left shoulder, and from it along the upper arm to the elbow, including the joint, and leaving the upper arm with a sensation as if strained, commenced after four minutes, or else pain in the right shoulder on waking in the morning, ameliorated by rest, and passing off in two hours. 12, Jp.; 0, K.

114. Itching on shoulder in the evening. 30, J.; 0, H.

115. Pain in upper arm in the evening. 30, J.; 1, J. jr.

116. Numb sensation in the right hand about 10 P. M., or else in the left upper arm after lying down in bed. 12, Jp.; 0, R.

117. Pain at the inner side of the right upper arm. 6, J.; 0, R.

118. Dull aching in the left upper arm. 30, J.; 6, R.

119. Pain in the upper arm and elbow. 1, J. jr.; 12, Jp.; 6, R.

120. Pain in the left upper arm and elbow, undefined or dull. 12, Jp.; 6, R.

121. Pain in wrist, the left aching; or ulnar half of the right, character undefined. 30, J.; 20, Bs.

Inferior Extremities

122. A sensation of weakness or fatigue in lower limbs. 1 and 0, H.; 0, K.; 1, Py.

123. Aching of the lower extremities. 6, K.; 0, R.

124. Itching on lower extremities when the part is uncovered and exposed to cool air. 0, Pa.; 6, R.

125. Stinging or prickling itching at an upper part of inferior extremity, either at the anterior part of the left thigh, or on the nates. 30, J.; 6, R.

126. Pain in knee when in the erect posture; stitch-like at the inner part of the right when stepping, or rending aching in the flexure of the left while standing. 3, J.; 0, R.

127. The legs feel weak in the evening, or tired then though he had done but little walking. 1, H.; 0, K.

128. Pain in an anterior part of both lower extremities, either rheumatic pain at the anterior part of the tibiae, or rending in the anterior part of the ankle joints, running down the insteps. 0, K.; 0, R.

129. Aching in the calves, or drawing pain in the right calf. ', Py.; °, R.

130. Itching on the calves of the legs. 1, Py.; 0, R.

131. Legs densely covered with a rash, composed partly of small red pimples, itching worse on exposure to the air in the evening when undressing to go to bed. 0, H.; 0, Pa.

132. Aching or rending in the upper-anterior part of the tarsus, the instep. 12, J.; 0, R.

133. Sensation of coldness of the feet during the forenoon. 30, Bd.; 0, H.

133 a. Pain in a corn on toe. 20, Bs.; 0, K.

Sleep.

134. Great propensity to sleep in the evening before the proper time. 6, J.; 30, Bd.; 0, K.

135. Unquiet sleep at night. 12 and 20, J.; 1, H.; 0, K.; 0, R.

136. Restless and uncomfortable in bed at night. 1, H.; 0, K. 0 and 6, R.

137. Unquiet sleep with dreams of danger or trouble, early in the morning. 12 and 30, J.; 30, Bs.; 0, K.; 0, Pa.

138. Dream of theft or burglary. 12, Bs.; 0, Pa.

139. An unpleasant dream in the morning between five and a half and six o'clock, just before waking. 30, J.; 0, Pa.

140. Unquiet, dreamy sleep, followed by headache and bitter taste on waking in the morning. 30, J.; 6, K.

Fever

141. Heat and other symptoms of fever in the morning, preceded by restlessness at night. 1, H.; 0, K.

142. Increased frequency of pulse. 30, Bd.; 0, K.

143. Sensation of heat, followed by that of cold without shivering. 30, J.; 0, K.

Skin

144. Itching on various parts of the body, either in this order,-left portion of back, left ear, left shoulder and left loin, or else principally on the lower extremities. 30, J.; 6, R.

145. On various parts, a stinging itching or prickling itching. 30, Bs.; 6, R.

146. Itching on the shoulder in the evening, with itching in lumbar or dorsal region. 30, J.; 0, H.

147. Itching on the body, principally on the lower extremities. 0, Pa.; 6, R.

148. Itching of skin when uncovered and exposed to the air. 0, H.; 0, Pa.; 6, R.

149. Eruption on the limbs, first perceived in the evening. 0, H.; 0, Pa.

150. Itching of the vesicles on undressing in the evening to go to bed. 0, H.; 0 Pa.

151. An itching rash in which numerous small red pimples are developed, the eruption itching in the evening and worse on exposure to the air when undressing to go to bed 0, H.; 0 P.

General Symptoms

152. General languor. 0, H.; 3, K.; 0, R.

153. General pulsations, or throbbings through the body. 30, Bd.; 6, R.

154. Sensitiveness to the open air in cold weather, or to the cold. 30, Bd.; 0, Pa.

CHARACTERISTICS

[By characteristics, I here mean those features, which, as to locality, character and condition are best confirmed, by several provers, and a considerable number of which when grouped together, would determine the selection of the medicine.]

Locality and Character.

The left chest has more verified symptoms than any other region; they are generally sharp pains. The other regions which afford a considerable and nearly equal number of symptoms as compared with each other, are-the head, stomach, abdomen and inferior extremities. The symptoms of the head are generally dull pains in the frontal region. The symptoms generally appear to be either in a mucous membrane or in a muscular locality, and to be about equally numerous in both. I leave it for others to decide whether the latter are neuralgic. They present about the same number as the former, both of first symptoms and of verified ones. Those symptoms observed in two minutes, and nearly all of those in ten minutes or less, are in the muscular or nervous tissues; those first symptoms observed later, are generally in the mucous.

Conditions

Headache worse on movement. Sensation of weight or of a hard substance in the stomach or pit of stomach, after a meal. Liquid diarrheic evacuations in the morning. Pain in chest when in bed at night. Unquiet sleep with dreams of danger or trouble, early in the morning. Itching of skin, worse on un covering and exposing it to the air, especially on going to bed in the evening, or at night.

INFLUENCE OF POTENTIZATION.

The earlier sensible action results generally from the potencies; the later from the tinctures. I believe this to be not a feature specially characteristic of Rumex, but a principle applicable to toxic agents in general.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 10, 1859, pages 453-463]

[Description: Verified symptoms of Rumex Crispus.]

[Remedies: Rumex crispus]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1859]

SECOND PROVING OF RHUS RADICANS.

BY B. F. JOSLIN, M. D., NEW YORK.

Some specimens of the leaf were collected when the vine was in flower, June 17th and 18th, 1846, and the juice expressed, mixed with alcohol and attenuated.

Experienced some symptoms after handling the Rhus radicans, and inhaling its effluvia whilst gathering and preparing it.

June 18th and 19th. — 1. Pain at the outer edge of the left patella, on going up-stairs in the evening, after sitting for sometime. Commenced about a day and a quarter after collecting the first specimen, and a quarter of a day after the second.

2. Pimples, large, deep-seated and somewhat irritable to the touch on the median side of the nates; commenced nearly at the same time as the preceding symptom. This symptom had occurred in the first proving, with the third dilution, when I had not been previously exposed to the fresh plant.*[I had obtained that preparation from a competent and conscientious person, the late Dr. Z. Harris.]

23rd. At nine, p.m., took three pellets of Rhus rad.2, which I had collected and prepared on the 18th.

3. Transient pain in the right shoulder; after half an hour.

4. Pressure near the middle of the sternum on the left side; after two-thirds of an hour.

24th. — 5. Slight cutting in the urethra when urinating, at live, p.m.

25th. — 6. Dull pain in the forehead, temples and occiput, in the morning at half-past six and seven o'clock.

7. Pressive pain in the inner canthus of the left eye, and the left side of the root of the nose, at half-past nine, a.m.

8. Transient pain in the region of the ascending colon, on rising up after stool, at 10.45, a.m.

26th. — 9. Woke with a burning, osseous and remittent pain, throughout the middle phalanx of the right little finger, accompanied with pain in the right temple, at half-past five, a.m.

10. Burning in the esophagus in the fore-noon. Some of this in the fore-noon of the preceding day.

11. Pimple, large, deep-seated and irritable to the touch, on the upper lip, opposite the left cuspidatus tooth; one, p.m.

30. — 12. Pain at the right superciliary ridge, now and for some days past.

13. Sleepiness in the day-time.

July 1st. — Took another dose of three pellets of Rhus rad.5, at six, a.m.

14. Tingling pain, felt almost simultaneously in the rectum and the left hip, when lying on the left side; after eight minutes. The painful tingling was as if from vibrations as rapid as those of some low notes.

15. Pain in the ulnar edge of the right hand, about quarter-past six, a.m., alter about a quarter of an hour.

16. Sleepiness, yawnings and indisposition to mental and corporeal labour; eleven, a.m., after five hours.

Repeated three pellets of the third at twenty minutes past twelve, noon, and at eleven, p.m.

July 2nd. — 17. Transient burning, semilateral pain just above the zygoma, and in the occiput of the same side, in the night at three o'clock.

18. Erysipelatous appearance in the face below the left eye, at one, p.m. This returned four and five days afterward, without repetition of the dose.

19. Burning and pressive pain and sensation of excoriation, in the chest behind the upper half of the sternum, with short cough excited by a tickling at the same part; eleven, p.m.

3rd. — 20. Stinging in the chest below the right nipple, with itching in front of the chest; itching in the back; itching of the skin in various parts of the body — all these in the morning in bed, a day and a half after the last dose.

4th. — 21. Pain in the region of the right quadratus lumborum muscle, on rising from the recumbent posture, and pain in the calf of the left leg at each step; half-past two, p.m., weather cold and rainy.

22. Some days since, under Rhus rad.3, I felt a transient burning and pressive pain at the middle of the lower side of the left clavicle, on swallowing moderately cold (Croton) water. About the same time,

23. A transient burning and pressive pain in the stomach on swallowing moderately cold water.

5th. — 24. Tough unsuppurating pimple on the chest, one inch above the left nipple; four days after last dose.

25. Burning pain in the left shoulder, felt when walking, at one, p.m.; four days after last dose.

7th. — 26 Pain in the left shoulder when riding in the forenoon; six days after the last dose,

27. Eructation, attended with shooting in the right portion of the epigastric region and in the right axilla; at one, p.m.

28. Median edge of right nostril inflamed without coryza, at seven, a.m.; a tough and irritable pimple formed at the upper-part, which became incrusted next morning,

29. Itching in the anterior part of the hairy scalp when walking in the open air with the head uncovered; at ten, p.m.

July 7th, 10:15, p.m. — Took Rhus rad. 30, six pellets.

30. Pain in the middle phalanx of the little finger of the right hand, at half-past ten, p.m.; after a quarter of an hour.

31 Pain in the region of the left kidney; this increased after lying down at midnight.

8th. — 32. Semi-acute pain about the middle of the left upper arm, with itching on the back and at the anterior part of the chest; at seven, a.m.

33. Extreme confusion of sight commenced at half-past eight, a.m., ten hours after Rhus rad. 30, and lasted for one hour, and was attended, especially in the right half of the field of vision, with an appearance of irregular lines having a wavering motion. Tendency to hemiopia (and presbyopia?)

34. Intermittent and remittent pains immediately above the superciliary ridges, over both eyes, attended with depression of spirits, indisposition to conversation and weakness of the legs. These symptoms occurred during the latter part of the forenoon, were less during the afternoon, and returned in the evening.

35. Vesicle on the right wrist, just below the lower head of the ulna.

36. Rheumatic, slightly burning and semi-acute pain in the side, between the spine of the ilium and ribs, in the evening.

9th. — 37. Suppurating pimple on the chest in the left mammary region in the morning, at seven o'clock.

38. Disposition to criticise and utter reproaches, in the morning, at eight o'clock.

39. Smarting and burning in the anus, during and after evacuation; at half-past nine, a.m.

40. Chillness in the back, weakness of the legs and desire to lie down, with shootings in the abdomen, occurred at noon. These in half an hour were followed by,

41. Pain in the left upper arm, commencing immediately after lying down, on the right side.

42. Very severe pricking-itching in the anus, at three different times when walking, between three and six, p.m., not recurring when at rest.

43. Pricking-itching in the inner canthus of the left eye, between the eyebrows, and in the thighs.

44. Disposition to criticise and find fault in the evening, from seven to nine o'clock.

10th. — 45. Pain at the inside of the head of the left tibia, on sitting, after walking; half-past nine, p.m.

11th, at 4:15, p.m, (ther. 97° in shade.) — Took Rhus rad. 80, 3 j of an aqueous solution of three drops in a gill of water; forty minutes later, double that quantity.

46. Pain in the left upper arm, at five, p.m.; five minutes after the last dose.

47.Severe and almost intolerable itching of the legs and feet, especially the lower half of the leg, the ankle, instep and upper part of the foot; scratching produces severe burning and smarting, eleven, p.m. This was followed at eight next morning (12th) by,

48.A burning and smarting eruption on the insteps and lower portion of the legs, and burning smarting and redness on the upper surfaces of the feet in the metatarsal region.

Remark. — The effects apparently produced by the thirtieth dilution, agreed in character and location, very closely with those produced in many instances by contact of the legs and feet with the leaves of the living vegetable.

12th continued. — 49. Very painful burning in the anus, soon attended with burning near the extremity of the penis; 10:30, a.m.

50. Short, dry cough excited by a tickling sensation behind the upper half of the sternum, with dull aching in the left mammary region, both when sitting inclined forward; at eleven, a.m.

51. Pain, slightly burning just above the left eyebrow, immediately after washing the hands and rinsing the mouth with cold water.

52. Some gelatinous substance in the fauces.

53. Tongue on one morning has a dark brown mucus on it, on another is coated yellow. This and 52 occurred some days since.

13th — 54. Dark brown stool preceded by costiveness.

55. Stinging prickings in different parts of the skin of the neck on walking in the (open) air after drinking cold water. The prickings oftener over the sterno-mastoid muscles opposite the lower part of the larynx, at six, p.m.

14th. — 56. Aching over left eyebrow with depression of spirits and yawning with lachrymation, at one, p.m.

57. Stinging prickings in the skin at the lower part of the cervical and upper portion of the dorsal spine, and at two corresponding points of the neck at the clavicular portions of the sterno-mastoid muscles, felt when walking in the house immediately after drinking cool water, a quarter before six, p.m.

Symptoms 55 and 57 occurring on different days, have in common the following, which for convenience is numbered:

58. Stinging prickings in the skin at the lower part of the neck, about six o'clock in the afternoon when walking after drinking cool water.

59. Deep-seated pain in outer ankle whenever it is pressed, but not continuing after the removal of the pressure; half-past eight, a m.

In the afternoon of July 14th, I prepared the fiftieth from the thirtieth, and at ten, p.m., took Rhus rad. 50, gt. j.

60. In half an hour felt on rising from a chair, a sudden and severe pain, as if from a sprain, at the insertion of the ligamentum patellae into the tibia. This, with tenderness at the part on pressure, remained a few minutes.

61. Transient and painless burning at the inner extremity of the left superciliary ridge; after three quarters of an hour.

62. Aching at the ulnar edge of the right metacarpus, before midnight, when at rest in bed, mitigated by movement; after one and a half hours.

Remark. — When several marked symptoms occur shortly after a change of dilution, we have reason to refer them to the potency last given, and to estimate the interval accordingly.

15th. — 63. Fulness and dull pain in the forehead, especially in the region of causality, with impatient desire to accomplish several kinds of business, chiefly intellectual; eleven, a.m.

64. Aching in the left wrist.

65. Pain in the left upper arm as if the muscles or tendons were unduly strained, when the limb is carried by them far upwards and backwards; at two and three, p.m.

60 and 65 may admit of the following generalization:

66. Limbs readily sprained.

67. Severe stinging prickings, in the lower part of the neck and upper part of the neck and upper part of the back, after drinking cool water; 4:40, p.m.

68. Burning with stinging pricking in the inner canthus of the left eye; half-past six, p.m.

69. Pains in the stomach and abdomen, about 7:15, p.m. The latter continued through the evening and remained next morning.

16th. — 70. Tongue dry in the morning on waking late, about eight o'clock.

At a quarter past eight in the morning, took globules moistened with a mixture of equal parts of all the dilutions of Rhus rad. between the thirty-first and forty-ninth inclusive, except the thirty-ninth and fortieth.

71. Pain at the anterior part of the left thigh along the whole course of the rectus femoris from the anterior inferior spinous process of the ilium to the patella, felt when in walking the leg begins to be thrown forward, and at different times from four to eight and a half, p.m., and more especially during the earlier portion of each walk after an interval of rest. Long walking removed the lameness for the time.

17th. — 72. Pain simultaneously over the right eyebrow and in the region of the right hemisphere of the cerebellum.

19th. — 73. Extreme sleepiness during the day and evening.

74. Pain behind the right sacro-iliac symphysis and in the left shoulder.

22d. — 75. Severe stinging just below the inner side of the head of the left tibia, a few minutes after drinking cool milk.

76. Itching of the skin in the evening. The same next morning.

23d. — 77. Pain in the left knee on beginning to walk down stairs, after sitting, in the morning.

78. Severe pain immediately above the right knee, on the left side of the upper extremity of the patella on rising from a chair, about noon.

24th. — 79. Weakness of the legs, with severe pain at the anterior tuberosity of the left tibia on first walking, then just behind the outer malleolus of the left ankle, and five minutes later by superficial pain at the inferior occipital ridge increased on exerting the muscles whose tendons are there inserted; between five and six, p.m.

25th. — 80. Sore sensation with redness at the apex of the tongue, remained at least two days.

26th. — 81. Severe shooting pain near the middle of the right side of the chest when lying on that side, after one, p.m., followed in half an hour by intense itching of the chin.

27th. — 82. Pain at the biceps muscle of the left arm, and in several phalanges of fingers of the left hand, about six, a.m.

August 2d. — I took five doses Rhus rad. 50 at intervals of about five minutes, commencing at 9:33, p.m.

83. Before eleven at night the symptoms occurred in the following order, commencing five minutes after the last dose: Sneezing; pain in the left cheat about two inches to the left of the nipple, and at the lower angle of the left scapula; then at the left scapula and left shoulder joint; then in the calf of the left leg, mitigated by movement; sensation of painless heat, as if from some stimulating application, at the left eyebrow; followed in ten minutes by pain there; loud sound like that of a cascade in left ear, or like that of a heavy shower of rain striking on the ground. All these occurred in the same hear.

3d. — 84. Greyish mucus in the mouth in the morning.

I took Rhus rad. 60 again at six, a.m.

85. About seven the following group occurred in three minutes: Pain in the region of the biceps flexor of the right arm, then in the ulnar edge of the metacarpus of the right hand, then yawning.

86. After eleven in the forenoon, pain in the inner, lower, and posterior part of the calf of leg, felt during the earlier portion of a walk whenever the heel was raised by the action of the calf; it was relieved after walking a few minutes, and was followed before noon, by shooting in the abdomen about two inches to the left of the umbilicus.

Took Rhus rad. 6 at seven in the evening of the same day.

5th. — 87. Great and painful sensitiveness to touch in the anterior muscles of the thighs, more in the left, the posterior part of which was painful in walking on the preceding day; the tenderness of both commenced at seven, p.m., just two days after Rhus rad. 6, and continued without intermission for several days.

88. Inaptitude to mental labour at nine and ten, p.m., preceding an itching from the middle of left leg to the ankle, more on the shin and outside of it; two days after Rh. r. 6.

6th. — 89. Severe itching of the ankles and lower half of the legs, followed by procidentia recti; R. r. 6, after 3d.

7th. — 90. Aching on the ulnar side of the upper phalanx of the middle finer of the left hand, in the morning in bed; followed by severe pain in the corresponding, i. e., posterior phalanx of the fourth toe of the left foot, felt on beginning to walk and on pressure; between six and seven, p.m.

91. Severe stinging pain at the head of the left fibula immediately after drinking ice water; followed by severe pain there on stepping.

92. Discouragement and apprehension, followed by short cough from severe tickling and irritation behind the upper half of the sternum after a siesta; from noon to three, p.m.

93. Severe itching of the lower half of the legs in the evening, followed in the afternoon of the next day by a severely itching eruption on the same parts.

8th. — 94 Waked at six in the morning by an allusion to sleep in some gentle voice; in a few hours had dull pain in the right side of the occiput with constipation.

95. Severe pain at the phalanges of several fingers about midway between the joints, in the evening.

9th. — 96. Pain in several toes at some distance from the joints; then about the hips and small of the back; then in left glutei muscles; then at the connection of the left tendo A chillis with the calf, the last three early in a walk; followed in the evening] by depression and discouragement and dissatisfaction with the world.

11th. — 97. The right hand has itching and abortive pustules on the fingers and at the root of the thumb nail; and the upper part of the left knee aches.

12th. — 98. Great obscurity of vision for half an hour till six, p.m., followed by aching at the left eyebrow, with eruption near the left commissure of the month; nine days after Rhus rad. 6.

13th — 99. A group occurred in this order: The calf of the left leg very painful when first walking down stairs, at seven in the morning; after two and a half hours a sensation of jerking near the inner canthus of the right eye, followed in five minutes by severe aching in the left chest midway between the sternum and the angle of the ribs, soon extending, with less intensity, to the shoulder, arm and fore arm. Great depression, discouragement, sleepiness and desire to lie down, by day, followed in the evening by debility and tardiness of the legs in walking.

13th and 14th. — 100. Right rectus cruris muscle very sensitive on pressure as if bruised.

14th. — 101. Erection in sleep at two, a.m., without amorous dreams, and fallowed at different times for several hours by mathematical and mechanical calculations.

102. The fallowing group in the morning, commencing about 6:30 and ending about 8:30: Severe pain in the deltoid of the left arm on exerting it; then the same in a less degree felt twice at the insertion of a muscle near the middle of the sternum fallowed by sensitiveness there on pressure; then aching at the junction of the right temple and forehead. The first part of 93 repeated with similar intensity at ten, p.m.

16th. — 103. Repeated and severe pains at the right scapulary joint, especially at the lower angle of the scapula whenever the shoulder is elevated or depressed, commencing in a less degree when pulling, and preceded by a slighter pain in the left elbow after drinking ice water; between two and three, p.m.

104. In the afternoon had a limping walk noticed also by others; then the fallowing group in order: Pain in left loin above sacro-iliac symphysis; intense shooting pain in a narrow streak from the abdomen to the anus first from a spot below and to the right of the umbilicus then from below and to the left of it, toward evening; then severe pain at the tendon just above the patella at the commencement of a walk before seven p.m., and rheumatic pains in different parts, as in the back of the right wrist and in the right upper arm. This group was in or near a thunder-shower in the afternoon.

18th. — 105. Intense pain in the left hip on bending the trunk to the right,

reproduced several times about five, p.m. Burning in the inner canthus of the right eye, before eight, p.m.

19th. — 106. Brown mucus on the tongue, except the edges, in the morning on rising, afterwards pain in the stomach followed by loose and dark brown stool, the evacuation preceded by pain at the symphysis pubis and attended with strong burning in the anus, and procidentia ani; five to nine, a.m.

107. Between noon and two, p.m., the following group occurred: Pain in the back at noon, then quite strong in the back and loins; then in the left eyeball, then at the dorsal side of the metacarpal bone corresponding to the right ring finger, extending subsequently to the wrist, with lassitude and disposition to stretch; strong pain at the ulnar edge of the left metacarpus soon extending to the wrist and forearm, then transferred to the radial edge of the right forearm and the ulnar edge of the right metacarpus, shortly returning to the ulnar edge of the left metacarpus, more severe than in the right, and then, though less, attacking the left ring finger near the nail; at two o'clock. The above symptoms occurred when the weather was cold; wind, N. E.

108. Generalization of the last and a preceding observation: Sufferings during cold weather and the prevalence of North-easterly winds.

109. At six, p.m., pain in the right shoulder when walking; followed by severe stinging on dorsum of the hand near the smallest metacarpal bone; afterwards large deep-seated and irritable pimples among the most thickly set hairs of the dorsum of the left hand over the metacarpal bone. Pain in the left side midway between the sternum and angle of the ribs, when walking, at seven, p.m.

110. Pressure on the vesica, with sensitiveness of the right external canthus to pressure and to closing the eyelids.

20th. — 111. Accumulation of flatus, with severe pain in the abdomen in the region of the ascending colon; this is increased by gradual pressure and still; more by sudden pressure or percussion, and is often more severe at some distance from the part pressed or struck than at the part itself; before eight, a. m. Pathological inference: Painful distension of the muscular coat of the ascending colon by means of gas: the tension and muscular pain being momentarily increased by sudden pressure or percussion over that or the surrounding parts.

112. The following in succession before eleven, a.m.; Loose dark brown stool with procidentia ani; pain in the right biceps brachii, the arm being at rest, and at the left tuber ischii, after rising from a seat — the last repeated under the same circumstances. Before three, p.m., repeated sneezing with fluent coryza, during the siesta.

21st. — 113. Transient reddish brown coat on the tongue except near the edges, on rising in the morning. At ten, a.m., dark brown stool with procidentia ani, followed by severe pain at the top of the left shoulder, and pain at the left angle of the forehead and in the left temple.

22d. — 114 Incubus with strong pain in occiput after waking at one, a.m., and erection without amorous desire.

115. Strong pain at the tendon just above the patella on walking followed by decided and slightly burning pain in the back with strong burning sensation in the throat and chest in the region of the esophagus about noon.

23d. — 116. Dull pain in the occiput on waking in the morning; shooting at the umbilicus, about 3:30, p.m.

30th. — 117. [Extreme severe stitch about at the third rib about three inches to the left of the sternum on inspiration, rendering an ordinary inspiration impracticable for some minutes; felt on sitting at the close of supper at which the principal drink was ice water; about 6:15, p.m. This and former observations justify the generalizations:

118. Sufferings after drinking cold water. Many sufferings, about six o'clock in the afternoon.

September 1st. As four weeks has elapsed since Rhus Bad. 6 was taken, I shall transcribe only the more severe symptoms, which were Italicised.

3d. — 119. Burning pain in the biceps of both arms, when in bed, more severe in the left.

120. Cutaneous inflammation and feeling of excoriation at the inner side of the left nates.

5th. — 121. Erysipelatous redness, burning and smarting of the left side of the face, followed by lameness of the left hip during the first part of a short walk, pain in the bicipital region of the left arm, and excoriation of the inner side of nates.

6th. — 122. Feces loose and dark greenish-brown, followed by erysipelatous redness of the left side of the face, commencing during evacuation and lasting about an hour.

21st. — 123. Stinging in the outer-anterior part of leg.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 07, No. 12, 1860, pages 325-327, pages 563-569]

[Description: Second Proving of Rhus Radicans.]

[Remedies: Rhus radicans.]

[Author: Joslin, B.F.]

[Year: 1860]

PALPEBRAL NEURALGIA.

BY DR. T. PELLICER.

Translated from El Criterio Medico, Madrid.

BY EDWIN M. KELLOGG, M. D., NEW YORK.

On the 4th of October, 1862, a young lawyer consulted me about a form of disease which was new to me, and which may be classified as a palpebral neuralgia. He was of rather feeble constitution and of a lymphatic temperament, and was profoundly depressed in spirits by the persistent continuance of this affection.

Four months before, in consequence perhaps of some slight mental excitement, he suddenly experienced a spasmodic closure of the eyelids, which caused complete blindness for the time being. These attacks would occur four, six, or more times a day, the same in-doors as out, and were accompanied by a pungent smarting pain in the eyes, and intolerable mental irritation and restlessness. The attack lasted some minutes, and would even be prolonged to a considerable length, if he had no one near to relieve him by stroking the eye-brows from within outwards.

When the attack disappeared, there remained no vestige of any trouble, either in the eye-ball or in the vision; but he suffered greatly from general malaise, lowness of spirits, and a sleeplessness which allowed him no rest at all at night.

He had already tried, without relief, both the allopathic and homoeopathic methods of treatment. In prescribing for him, I took into account the fact that the distinguished physician who last treated him had given him the remedies most homoeopathic to the case; and as these had produced only slight benefit, I gave him a single dose of the highest attenuation of Sulphur. The third day after, his general condition was better, and the attacks less in number; the sixth day, a slight improvement continued; the twelfth day, he was as bad as ever. Carefully studying out his case, I gave him, in succession, Sepia, Caust., Alum, Plumb., and other remedies that appeared to be indicated. All were of no avail, and the patient despaired, more than ever, of a cure. At this time, I discovered, by more closely investigating the conditions of his suffering, that although an attack might seize him at any. time, one was sure to be brought on, whenever he bathed or washed, even if it were only his hands. There waft no doubt about the remedy most homoeopathic to this rare and curious symptom (fenomeno raro o extravagante). Calcarea carb. was most strongly indicated after the patient had taken Sulphur. Calcarea answers to the closure of the eyelids in the morning (Jahr); it produces pungent heat in the eyelids, and smarting pain in the eyes, and its symptoms are aggravated by wetting or washing oneself (Boenninghausen).

The patient took four doses of Calc. carb.200 in two days. On the third day, the improvement was so great that he believed himself cured. He had recovered his cheerfulness, slept well and felt hardly the sign of an attack. I gave him two doses more and told him to return in eight days. Six days passed without any relapse; but in lieu thereof, he experienced some attacks of palpitation of the heart so severe as to compel him, if he was walking in the street, to slop or seek support. A single dose of Nux removed the trouble. But on the eighth day, the palpebral neuralgia began to develop itself again. Two doses of Calc.200 were sufficient to cure this relapse, and entirely to remove this singular disease. The patient has continued perfectly well up to the present time.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 06, 1863, page 279-280]

[Description: Palpebral Neuralgia.]

[Remedies: Calcarea carbonica]

[Author: Kellogg, E.M.]

[Year: 1863]

CLINICAL OBSERVATION OF KALMIA LATIFOLIA.

BY L. M. KENTON, M. D., BUFFALO, N. Y.

During the past fall we have had a very severe form of Influenza as an epidemic, in many cases resisting all treatment for some days. During this time, I was called upon to prescribe for a lady, who had been very much exhausted with watching over a sick-bed, for great pain through left chest, as from a strain, with stitching pains in the region of the heart and considerable palpitation. I gave her alternate doses of the sixth and thirtieth attenuation of Kalmia lat., and directed her to take a dose every three hours until she was relieved. The next morning I found her, as I supposed, with a very severe attack of Influenza, which she said came on the evening previous. The chest symptoms were all relieved, the eyes were red and suffused, the throat dry and sore, the nose dry, but constant disposition to blow it; quite hoarse, pain in head and bones generally, but not much fever or thirst; these were the prominent points of the epidemic prevailing. I prescribed for her, and in two days the symptoms were nearly all gone. About two weeks later, another attack of the chest symptoms recurred, for which I made the same prescription of Kalmia, and in about ten hours was sent for and found her again suffering with the same condition as formerly, with the addition of considerable fever, the heat and chilliness coming and going every few moments.

I could but refer the condition to the Kalmia, and began using the remedy mostly in the thirtieth attenuation in the cases of influenza, which I had then on hand, where the symptoms in any degree conformed to those in this case, with good success, and afterward in a majority of cases where I gave it at the first appearance of trouble, succeeded in breaking it up in a few hours. I found invariably that the redness and watery appearance of the eyes, the dry coryza, the sore throat, and pains in the bones, particularly the extremities were promptly relieved; the headache, cough and hoarseness, generally, although not always had to be relieved by some other remedy.

I have not been able by the provings of the drug, as published in Jahr's Manual, to find the symptoms that would lead me to select this remedy for that combination of symptoms.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 12, 1860, pages 561-562]

[Description: Clinical Observation of Kalmia Latifolia.]

[Remedies: Kalmia latifolia]

[Author: Kenton, L.M.]

[Year: 1860]

FRAGMENT.

BY L.M. KENYON, M.D., BUFFALO, N.Y.

Mrs. C., aged twenty-five years, called upon me in April, with a pimple upon the middle of the left cheek, about the size of a small pea; it was red, freely supplied with blood vessels, and the slightest touch would produce profuse bleeding and the growth was very rapidly increased by each attack of hemorrhage.

The history that she gave of it was, that about two weeks previous the skin was broken there by a slight scratch with the finger-nail, and the next day she discovered a pimple the size of a pin-head; whenever a day passed by without touching it, she could not see that it increased in size. Mrs. C. was expecting confinement every day with the second child, and at her first confinement nearly lost her life by hemorrhage. I gave her Phosphorus 6,30 and 200, one dose each in forty-eight hours, and then Sac. lac.; hardly a day passed without irritating it, and it grew rapidly until her confinement, which occurred about a week afterward, at which time it bled profusely. The treatment was necessarily interrupted a few days in consequence of other symptoms coming up which required attention.

Five days after confinement, it measured one inch in length and half an inch in circumference, and looked more like a watery excrescence, but yet was as sensitive to the touch, and bled even more freely and easily than before. I now gave Thuja^6 in morning, Thuja^30 at evening, and the next evening Thuja^200 and one dose Sac lac. each evening; in one week it had ceased bleeding entirely, and was diminished one half in size. Sac. lac. continued, and at the end of two weeks more all trace of it was gone and no spot left to show where it was.

Mrs. C. is light complexion, nervous temperament, has never been sick much, and I could not, by close inquiry, trace any hereditary taint, either sycotic or otherwise.

I have deemed the case interesting, and if you think it sufficiently so for insertion in your journal, you are at liberty to use it.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, page 364]

[Description: Fragment; Bleeding pimple on cheek after scratching.]

[Remedies: Phosphorus, Thuja]

[Author: Kenyon, L.M.]

[Year: 1860]

CROUP.

BY L. M. KENYON, M. D., BUFFALO, N. Y.

Having noticed in the last number of the Review cases of Croup, reported by Dr. Wells as being successfully treated by the use of high attenuations, I have thought it might be interesting to your readers to have cases from another locality, demonstrating the success of this course.

I was present at the meeting of the Institute when Dr. P. P. Wells made public his success with Boenninghausen's method, and resolved to give it a trial the first opportunity, and it was not long before I had the chance to do so.

Case I. — June 14th, 1860. Was called at two o'clock, a.m., to see a child with Croup, aged two years, very fleshy, light complexion, blue eyes, light hair, and very subject to croupy attacks, but had never had one as severe and sudden at this. The child was sitting up with pitiful look, extreme difficulty of breathing, dry stridulous cough, skin dry and hot, except the extremities which were cold; pulse quick, irregular, and wiry, I was unable to count it. I gave the Aconite, Hepar sulph. and Spongia, each two hundredth attenuation, at half-hour intervals, the child took four doses only and was entirely relieved; skin moist, cough loose and slept quietly, nothing more was given. Former attacks, although not as severe as this, have never been relieved in less than five or six days. There have been two attacks since less severe, which have been relieved by two or three doses.

During the Fall of 1860, we had measles very prevalent in our city, and in many cases very severe. Several cases occurred of croup setting in from the fourth to the sixth day of the measles, and destroying life in a few hours. One case, under my care, died in less than an hour after the first hoarseness was perceived.

During this epidemic, I was called to see a child three years old, eruption of measles had been out two days, the catarrhal symptoms were pretty severe and was now attacked with croup. The eruption had become livid or purple, the head, hands and feet icy cold, nearly pulseless; the respiration was only in gasps, no noise was made by the effort to cough or cry, I made an effort to see the throat but could not. I gave Aconite^200 in a little water, and in half an hour the Hepar sulph.200 in the same way; there was a very decided relief before the time came for the dose of Spongia, and the giving of it was delayed half an hour. The remaining doses, one each of Hepar and Spongia, were given at one hour intervals, and I left the child quietly sleeping; cough loose, voice restored and surface warm and moist. There was nothing more given for either the croup or measles, and in a few days the child was in usual health.

The next case is somewhat similar to Dr. Morrill's case and one where I hesitated some moments before I could make up my mind to trust the high attenuations.

The child was three years old; she was attacked in the night; I was sent for, but being absent the mother concluded to do the best she could, and gave Aconite, Spongia, Tart. emetic, Merc. iodatus, &c., with no result, except that the child grew worse. She then obtained some hive syrup, and gave in nauseating doses, the vomiting relieved for a time but there was soon a return of all the symptoms in an aggravated form. Cold compresses on the neck, mustard upon the feet and wrists were now applied, and finally the child was put into a hot mustard bath, but still the disease seemed to be making frightful progress, while the strength of the little sufferer was fast wasting away. The hive syrup was administered for the third time, and at this point I arrived. I do not think I can describe the case so as to give a true picture of it as it was. The cough dry, shrill; the breathing whistling, with violent heaving of the chest, and contortions of the face; the skin dry and hot, the pulse nothing but a tremulous motion. It seemed impossible to me, at first thought, that a dose of Aconite^200 could have any effect, taken within five minutes of a desert-spoonful of so vile a mixture as hive syrup; but she was growing rapidly worse and must very soon die unless relieved, and as other means had failed I decided to give it. I gave the Aconite^200, had the child wrapped in a clean dry blanket, removing all except the cold compress around the throat, the relief was manifest in less than half an hour, but the doses were repeated until she had taken the second dose of Hep. sulph., they were then omitted and the child slept quietly two hours. Ten hours later, at eight o'clock, p.m., there was a little increased hoarseness, but one dose of Aconite^200 removed it and there was nothing more given.

I have during the time, since the first case, treated quite a number of cases of croup and croupy cough of more or less severity, but as they do not present any points out of the usual course, I do not think it worth while to repeat them.

During the time I have practiced Homoeopathy, my experience with croup has been much as Dr. Wells has described, viz.; that the disease will return the second and third nights and where it has been of true membranous character, has given me many anxious and restless nights. Of all the cases that I have treated with the high attenuations, not one single case has required any attention from me after the third or fourth hour from the first dose. I submit the cases and leave each one to draw their own conclusions, but trust it may induce others to make the trial.

BOENNINGHAUSEN'S TREATMENT OF CROUP.

Dr. Boenninghausen writes to Dr. Lippe correcting a slight error which has occurred in the publication of his treatment of Croup. He gives five powders with his printed directions for the cure of croup. Nos. 1 and 2 are Aconite, Nos. 3 and 5 Hepar sulph., and No. 4 Spongia, all in the 200th potency. He says that the true and characteristic croup symptoms disappear in almost all cases after the administration of the first powder, provided no other remedies or application have been resorted to. There should be under all circumstances an interval of two hours between Nos. 1 and 2. If the usual improvement has fully set in after No. 1, the interval between the administration of Nos. 2 and 3 should be from 'eight to twelve hours. Nos. 1 and 2 having removed the characteristic inflammatory symptoms, No. 3 (Hepar) will remove the remaining cough and prevent a return of the croup. We trust the above will remove the erroneous impressions entertained by some, that Dr. Boenninghausen favors the alternation of medicines, a fact which is further disproved by his journal, in which a complete record of his cases is made.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 12, 1860, pages 558-561]

[Description: Croup.]

[Author: Kenyon, L.M.]

[Year: 1860]

CURATIVE EFFECT OF HAMAMELIS.

BY L. M. KENYON, M. D., BUFFALO, N. Y.

Perhaps the following case, showing the curative effect of Hamamelis virginica, may be interesting to your readers.

Mary F., aged fourteen years, has always enjoyed tolerable health until within the last eighteen months, when she menstruated. The first time, there was considerable pain in the head and back for several days preceding it, accompanied by nausea, vertigo, &c. The flow was natural and recurred two succeeding months quite regularly, and without any of the unpleasant sensations which preceded the first. When the fourth period came round, there was no indication of menstruation, but in place of it quite free epistaxis; this continued for several months increasing in severity each month. She was then placed under the care of an eclectic physician, who had treated her until I was called to visit her, as above stated, at the end of eighteen months. She was emaciated very much; no color in the cheeks or lips; pulse 140, and feeble; action of the heart very labored, but not giving any signs of organic lesion. Extremities considerably bloated; stomach very irritable; bowels constipated; urine scanty and clear; some cough and great dyspnea.

It was the day that the bleeding was to return, and I watched the case; there was over a quart of blood lost, it was thin, forming but very slight coagula. I gave her Hamamelis sixth and thirtieth dilutions in alternation, two doses of each in the twenty-four hours, which was all the medicine she got during the month following, except a few doses of Arsenicum for the dyspnea when it was troublesome. When the next month came round, she menstruated regularly and had no more bleeding; and from this time, she went on rapidly to a perfect recovery, using no other remedy but the Hamamelis.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 09, 1860, pages 412-413]

[Description: Curative Effect of Hamamelis.]

[Remedies: Hamamelis virginiana.]

[Author: Kenyon, L.M.]

[Year: 1860]

LACHESIS. [Read before the Erie County Homoeopathic Medical Society, October 12th 1864]

By L. M. Kenyon, M. D., Buffalo, N. Y

Having been where I have not seen the Review for two years past, and lately come in possession of the back numbers, I have noticed the discussion which has been carried on in some of its numbers regarding Lachesis, and if I am not too late, would like to add my mite in favor of this potent remedy. I will do so by detailing the following case, which I take from my note-book, dated Oct. 1850, simply premising that, up to this time I had never given a remedy above the eighteenth potency, and very seldom as high as that.

Mrs. O. aged 48 years, bilious, nervous temperament, has for many years, every spring and fall, had acute pneumonia, always been under allopathic treatment, and by a physician of the old heroic school, generally salivated, always bled, blistered, and purged, and is now a perfect wreck of her former self, I hardly find all ache or pain that human flesh is heir to, that she does not have. She now resorts to Homoeopathy, at the earnest entreaty of friends, in hopes she may escape her usual fall attack. The more prominent symptoms requiring immediate attention at the present time, are as follows:

No sleep until after midnight, and frequently until daylight, great despondency and sadness, weakness of memory, headache when in the sun, with glimmering of eyes, swollen and easily bleeding gums, sore throat with sensation of fullness, or as of a plug in the throat, tonsils enlarged, constant dryness of throat, frequent entire loss of voice, burning pain in region or left ovary, menstruation irregular for ten months past, sometimes in twenty days, then passing by six to seven weeks, corrosive acrid leucorrhea for ten days after menstruation. Everything sours on the stomach, heartburn almost incessantly, violent pressing, burning pain in the top of the head, from within outwards, constant dry hacking cough, palpitation of heart from slightest causes, exercise or emotions, almost uniform constipation of bowels, coldness of limbs below elbows and knees,

This was the picture presented to my view, and in a patient who had been told by her family physician in whom she had trusted for over twenty years, that she would not probably live through another winter. After a careful investigation of her case, I selected and left her a few doses of Lachesis^9,

In the course of two hours I was sent for in great haste, to see my patient, and found that within half an hour after taking the first dose, she was taken with violent chill, more of a nervous shuddering, than chill, yet the skin was covered, even where she was warmly clothed, with the cutis anserina, great oppression of the chest, violent palpitation of heart, beats irregular and intermittent, pulse small, weak and tremulous, entire loss of voice, sensation of throat being entirely filled up, face livid, or almost purple, head confused, slightly delirious, tongue and fauces red and dry.

I was not disposed to give Lachesis credit for this entire condition, but administered Belladonna, which in a few hours gave her relief. From this time, for several days other remedies were given, with no perceptible effect, except that under the action of Sulphur^18, she would rest quietly all night. Sulphur, of course, became a favorite remedy with her.

After reviewing the whole case again, I concluded to give one dose of Lachesis^18, which was the ultimatum of high potencies with me at that time, and ten days after the former dose, I gave the one dose. In half an hour or less, almost precisely the same condition as followed its former administration, ensued. Belladonna, as before relieved her, and in fourteen days, I gave again Lachesis^30, three globule and to my utter astonishment with the same result, only that the symptoms were more severe and urgent in their character. I could of course, doubt no longer that the remedy had aggravated the case, and having firm faith in our law of cure, determined to test the matter thoroughly. The aggravation was allowed to pass off under the administration of Sac lac., and she continued to improve for about a month, during which time I had obtained Lach.800 (Jennichen's). She had vowed she would never take the remedy again knowingly. I gave her three globules of Lachesis 800 at bed time, at the time remarking, that I was very anxious she should sleep that night, so I believed I would give her a single dose of Sulphur. She expressed gratification because she always slept so well under that remedy.

When I went in the next morning, I found her speechless; but she wrote on a slate, "You thought you were going to cheat me finely last night, didn't you, but I knew in less than fifteen minutes after taking the dose that it was Lachesis." The aggravation was not as severe, producing only slight oppression of breathing, some dryness of throat and hacking cough, with loss of voice; no chill or palpitation of heart. This dose was allowed to act without interference, and a rapid improvement was the result, and with the repetition of the same dose three or four times during the following six months, she was restored to perfect health. She has never had pneumonia since, and is now a strong healthy woman.

I give the case as it occurred, and leave those who do not get results from Lachesis, or who do not believe in the efficacy of high potencies, to draw their own inferences. I have always found Lachesis, when well indicated, to be a quick and potent remedy. I have many times removed all the premonitory symptoms of quinsy in persons very subject to it, with a few doses of the 30th, and always find it effectual in those cases of angina, where the pain shoots up from the throat to the ear, especially so, if it is a burning pain. And I have never found a remedy that would so universally relieve the burning pressure from within outwards, in the top of the head, which is frequently the only symptom females complain of at the climacteric period.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1864, pages 269-272]

[Description: Lachesis.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Kenyon, L.M.]

[Year: 1864]

HOOPING COUGH.

BY OLIVER R. KING, M. D., NEW YORK

Hooping cough, though seldom a fatal disease when uncomplicated, is often the source of much vexation to the physician, from the obstinacy with which it resists every remedy employed. We have as yet no drug that can be considered a specific for this disease, and probably shall never find any one remedy capable of effecting a cure in every case; but if, by a comparison of cases and the treatment employed in their cure, we can arrive at the symptoms which shall indicate the proper remedy in any given case, we shall have made a great advance on the present tentative mode of treatment. With this object I would make known the remedies used by me in some twenty cases successfully treated during the past six months. When I say successfully treated, I mean that they were all cured, with two exceptions, in from two days to two weeks after the first exhibition of the remedies employed. These remedies are:

Drosera, Corallia rubra, Coccionella septempunctata, Cuprum and Ipecacuanha; enumerated in the order of their importance.

I feel satisfied from my own experience, and I think that the experience of others will confirm the assertion, that Drosera and Corallia will cure the majority of all cases. But to get this result, it is absolutely necessary that the Drosera should not be used in too low a dilution.

When in the habit of using the Drosera in mother tincture, or third dilution at highest, I do not remember ever seeing any good effect from it in this disease, and like many others at the present time, thought Hahnemann had greatly overrated its value; but since I have tried from the thirtieth to the two hundredth, I prescribe it with confidence, feeling that there is at least an even chance of its effecting a cure.

Corallia rubra is indicated when there is a violent, dry, spasmodic cough, or when there is but a slight accumulation of mucus in the air passages; in these cases its action is usually rapid and complete, frequently removing all traces of the cough in a few days.

Coccionella septempunctata is a valuable remedy in this as well as other spasmodic coughs. The Coccus cacti, or common Mexican cochineal, has been long used empirically in this disease, and probably possesses analogous medicinal properties. The septempunctata is the well known lady bug, or lady bird of our gardens, and is particularly partial to the rose bush. I gathered enough from three rose bushes to prepare the tincture which I now use. The indications for its use are a violent spasmodic cough, with expectoration of white or transparent, ropy, tenacious mucus; and frequently ending in retching or vomiting.

Cuprum seems particularly applicable to those cases complicated by convulsions, also when there is a great accumulation of mucus in the bronchial tubes, with difficult breathing and rattling in the chest.

Mrs. R----called upon me early in September last to prescribe for her two children, the one five and the other two years old, who had contracted Hooping cough while in the country. The cough in each case was violent, frequently accompanied by vomiting, and bleeding from the nose, and once in the younger by bleeding from the eyes. I prescribed Dros.30 three times a day, to be given to both for three days.

On the evening of the second day I was sent for in haste, and on going found the younger child lying in convulsions. A loud rattling in the trachea could be heard at every inspiration, and on applying the ear to the chest the same could be heard in all the large bronchial tubes; beyond these there was no sound, the air apparently not penetrating the smaller air-tubes. I immediately gave Cuprum^6, and in a few minutes the convulsions ceased, and there was no return of them. I left Cuprum^6 to be alternated with Ipecac.3 every three hours. At the end of a week the child was free from cough and as well as ever. The elder child receiving no benefit from the Dros., and the cough being comparatively dry, I prescribed Corallia^3 to be taken three times a day. Under the use of this the cough speedily became modified, and in about ten days had disappeared, without the use of any other remedy.

About the same time Doctor S------an allopathic physician requested me to prescribe for his child eighteen months old; saying that he had tried everything he knew of for Hooping cough, but that his child only got worse, and that he did not believe it could live another week unless relieved. The cough had lasted six weeks; the paroxysms were violent and of long duration, terminating with vomiting of large quantities of thick white and yellow mucus, with which the air passages seemed filled. I gave him four or five drops of Dros.30 on Sac. Lact., to be dissolved in a tumbler half full of water, and a tea-spoonfull given three times a day. I did not see him for a week afterwards, when on enquiring about his child, and if he had tried the medicine I gave him, he said he had, and that the child was so well as to need nothing more.

Mrs. V-----, whoso child I had previously cured of Hooping cough with Coccion-sept.3, was attacked with the same while on a visit to Philadelphia, and was treated for it there without benefit. Returning I found her suffering from frequent paroxysms of cough, with expectoration of tenacious white, and sometimes yellowish mucus. The cough deprived her of sleep and nourishment, for whatever she ate was vomited up at the next return of the cough. She also complained of great pain in the eyes, which were swollen and protruded. I gave her Dros.30 once in six hours, and in two days she was free from cough.

I will only mention one other case which was complicated with dysentery. The child, fourteen months old, had been treated homoeopathically, allopathically, and empirically for ten weeks, and had been getting continually worse, until the physician who was attending it said it could not live twelve hours. I found the child wasted to a skeleton, the paroxysms of cough very severe and occurring with intermissions of only a few minutes, followed by vomiting of ropy mucus. There was great congestion of the head, with burning heat of the whole surface; pulse small and too rapid to be counted; and the child so weak as not to be able to move itself. At every turn of coughing there was a dysenteric evacuation followed by much straining. The stools consisted of green and yellow mucus mixed with considerable blood. Life was evidently flickering, and unless these frequent discharges could be checked, would soon be put out.

Aconite, one drop of the tincture in half a tumbler of water, alternated with Pulsatilla^3, prepared in the same manner, a tea-spoonfull every hour and a half, removed all the dysenteric symptoms in twenty four hours, and Corallia^3, once in six hours cured the cough in three or four days.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06, 1859, pages 264-267]

[Description: Toxicological Effects of Rhus Toxicodendron.]

[Remedies: Drosera rotundifolia, Corallium rubrum, Coccinella septempunctata, Cuprum metallicum and Ipecacuanha]

[Author: King, O.R.]

[Year: 1859]

POISONING BY CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM

BY OLIVER R. KING M.D. NEW-YORK.

I was called in haste one morning not long ago to see L- a girl some six or seven years of age, who I was told had convulsions. I saw her in from tea to fifteen minutes from the time she was attacked, she was then perfectly unconscious, with no pulse; surface of the whole body cold and moist; eyes fixed and staring; pupils dilated; breathing slow and noisy; inspiration quick, expiration very slow and prolonged, with a loud groaning noise; spasmodic closure of the jaws; slight frothing at the mouth; hands clenched; limbs flaccid, with occasional slight general convulsions more like a shuddering than anything else.

This did not seem to me like an ordinary case of convulsions, and I at once suspected the child had been poisoned. On enquiry of the father I found that he had left on a table in the room a bottle containing a solution of cyanide of potassium, twenty grains to the ounce. Concluding that this was the cause of the trouble, I at once commenced administering Ammonia, (a strong solution of which was fortunately in the house) putting four or five drops in two ounces of water, "and giving a tea-spoonful every five minutes until the pulse became perceptible, which was in about half an hour. After this Bell.6 was alternated with the Ammonia at gradually lengthened intervals. At the end of two hours and a half consciousness returned, and she started up suddenly complaining of pain in the head and pit of the stomach. Soon after this she vomited twice, at an interval of half hour, a small quantity of yellow water having a peculiar smell, and from that time improved rapidly. The medicines were discontinued at the end of four hours, and the same afternoon she was playing about, though looking pale and exhausted. She admitted that she tasted what was in the bottle, but said that as it did not taste good she spit it out immediately. How much she swallowed or whether she swallowed any she could not tell. The servant noticed her spitting something out of her mouth and almost immediately saw her fall insensible on the floor. She remembered nothing from the time she tasted the solution till consciousness was restored.

There have been but few cases recorded of poisoning by this salt, probably owing to its recent introduction into the arts, and the great rapidity of its action when taken in large quantities, death resulting in a few minutes. The largest medicinal dose of this salt it is safe to give, is from one half to five-sixths of a grain, and two or three grains are sufficient to cause death in an adult.

Since the discovery of electro-plating and photography the use of it has greatly increased, and correspondingly the number of cases of poisoning by it.

I would call the attention of the profession to the great similarity of the symptoms to those occurring in some cases of puerperal convulsions, especially those effecting women of a spare habit, and nervous temperament. There is the same total unconsciousness, the staring eyes, the distorted and bloated face, the slow noisy breathing, the tonic spasm of the jaws in that frightful disease.

May this drug then be a homoeopathic remedy for that disease? I cannot answer from any clinical experience, but am strongly inclined to think it will prove such in certain cases.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 12, 1859, pages 563-564]

[Description: Poisoning by Cyanide of Potassium.]

[Remedies: Kalium cyanatum]

[Author: King, O.R.]

[Year: 1859]

PURULENT OPHTHALMIA.

BY M. E. LAZARUS, M. D.

Under this name, Mr. Desmarres recognizes a malady sui generis, though of fourfold origin. The great importance of clear definitions to therapeutical progress, the necessity of adhering in nosology to the personal authority of specialists, who most perfectly represent the existing state of science, and the nearly absolute success of Mr. Desmarres, treatment to which I can testify, in this formidable disease, determine me to give some extension to this article.

From its fourfold origin, Purulent Ophthalmia has borrowed as many names.

1. Ophthalmia neonatorum: – of spontaneous evolution during infancy.

2. Ophthalmia blenorrhagica: – of either children or adults positively determined by the contact of leucorrheic or venerial blennorrhagic urethral pus, or by that of other eyes thus contaminated; in other cases, termed metastatic, possibly by the constitutional evolution of a disease at first localized in the urethra.

3. Ophthalmia Egyptiaca: – the ophthalmia of armies, spontaneously engendered under certain conditions of exposure and climate, (chill and wet nights alternating with burning days and glare and dust,) and afterwards transmitted and perpetuated by contagion and infection.

4. Ophthalmia granular or chronic, propagated by granulations. This latent form of the disease giving rise to the acute purulent form either in the same, or oftener, in another patient.

Purulent ophthalmia ought not to be practically confounded either in its description or its treatment with catarrhal conjunctivitis on account of the two points they have in common, to wit: – The secretion of muco-pus, and the property of being reciprocally developed by contagion from granulations, for it appears that one subject may take purulent ophthalmia by contact with the muco-pus secreted from lids granulated by catarrhal conjunctivitis, while another takes the catarrhal form by contagion of muco-pus secreted from lids granulated by purulent conjunctivitis. Whether this depends more on the peculiar condition of the granulations or on the differing susceptibilities of the subjects, is a question still open.

M. Desmarres teaches us to distinguish the purulent form by the following signs and characters.

The red line, indicated by Billard and Baron, across the upper lid from angle to angle, interrupted at first in its middle. This, however, he also observed in other ophthalmias in adults of lymphatic temperament. But if a clear citron drop be found in the great angle of the eye, this is pathognomonic as in urethral blennorrhagia. Succeeding to the first secretion of muco-pus with tears, common to the catarrhal and the purulent form; the clear yellow drop is only visible during a few hours; it is then replaced by a profuse secretion, serous, whitish and turbid, then by floods of pus reproduced as fast as it is washed away, and which becomes deeper colored, yellow or green and excoriating, as the disease gains its height, then creamy, when on the decline.

Purulent conjunctivitis becomes a true and general ophthalmia from its extreme liability to destroy the cornea. While the cornea remains intact, the deep-lying membranes are not invaded by the malady or quite exceptionally so; hence no constitutional disturbance until the mischief is already done. The accidents to the cornea often coincide with a diminution of the previous secretion, and are sometimes announced by sharp shooting pains. The prognostic is not absolutely grave from a general opacity of the cornea, since this often clears up in the course of a few months; but when the cornea becomes conical, the worst must be apprehended. The swelling of the lids is early remarkable, it is increased by the chemosis or submucous engorgement; the chemosis of the bulbar conjunctiva forms a prominent feature of the advance of the malady into its second period. Acute ectropion supervenes from this cause, especially on eversion of the lids to examine the cornea, whence the expediency of employing elevators, and best such as arc made full. The redness and true phlogosis of the mucous membrane is favorable, the pale chemosis, refusing to bleed, indicates strangulation and imminent danger to the cornea.

The cornea may slough during the first twenty-four hours, but the period of greatest danger is generally between the third and eighth days. Its infiltration is first indicated by a light cloud, its annular ulceration by a whitish marginal ring. A conical sally betokens its general softening; the touch of the little finger may test the resistance of its layers, and give the indication for external compression, equally required to maintain an ectropion reduced. It is in the second stag that granulations are developed.

The third period is characterized by the opacity and consistency of the chemosis, by the strangulation, so complete that incisions draw no blood and caustics make deep eschars which remain long adherent. The secretion is less, but thicker, deeper colored and excoriating.

Mr. Desmarres enjoins in the ordinary purulent ophthalmia, whether of children or adults, continual injections or spongings of weak astringent wash, usually alum 1/300 His first measure, purely homoeopathic or ectrotic, is the substitution of a frank or simple, for the specific and destructive inflammation, as in Ricord's mode of arresting a purulent urethrite with caustic injections.

Mr. Desmarres prefers for the eye, the solid stick nitrate of silver, which he immediately neutralizes by an injection of salt water, then before allowing the lids to close, he makes them bleed by rubbing with a linen rag. A collyrium of Nitr. Arg 1/300 every hour, may be substituted at the discretion of the surgeon in particular cases.

If, when the patient is presented, the malady be already advanced to the second period, and the cornea endangered, caustic would only increase the risk. Many eyes have been thus destroyed, and Mr. D. carefully impresses on us his experience on this point. He now substitutes bold scarifications as long as they draw blood, at several points of the corneal periphery, as often as three times a day with free incisions of the chemosis, which he snips with scissors. These measures become useless if the circulation has become jugulated. If the cornea be threatened at one point with perforative ulceration, he relieves the strangulation on which this depends by making paracentesis, and evacuating the aqueous humor. The iris may make hernia a little here, but as the external superior corneal margin is the elect site of the incision, the eye is thus saved, its circulation is restored, and the pupil will only be deformed.

Mr. Desmarres has renounced the employment of the little emporte piece, similar to a shoemaker's punch, which he once had made for this purpose, and with which he anticipated perforations at points less convenient, or entire sloughs of the cornea. Without absolutely rejecting the local aid of leeches or cups to the temples, moderately employed in the earlier stages of purulent ophthalmia, or the derivation of purgatives; he does not push these measures as in simple inflammations, and seldom has recourse to them at all; regarding as unworthy of confidence or as applying to cases of catarrhal and simple, mistaken for the purulent form, the antiphlogistic and mercurial treatment so much vaunted by some surgeons. It sometimes becomes necessary to remove with curved scissors or to touch with the nitrate of silver a herniad point of the iris.

Whenever central perforation is menaced, instillations of atropine in the strength of 1/300 are combined with external compression by the adjustment of a bandage. Care must be taken, especially with infants, not to narcotize the patient as well as the eye, but subject to this restriction only, the instilations should be very frequent and so contrived with the aid of a quill or fine syringe, as not to derange the central adjustment of the corneal compress.

In the blennorrhagic ophthalmia of adults, especially if robust, Mr. Desmarres, though placing little reliance on antiphlogistic measures, yet gives in so far to the spirit of routine as to recommend every four hours during the violence of the first days, a centigramme of Calomel with one or two of Opium, or else with two or three of Belladonna in powder, every four hours during the first days, and cupping or leeching to the temples, in ratio to the intensity of the disease and the vigor of the constitution. We do not hesitate to allow the value of Belladonna or Mercury, we do not see the indication for Opium, and we have too often witnessed the efficacy of dynamised drugs, to doubt it here.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS. – The march or course of catarrhal conjunctivitis is regular, that of the purulent form, insidious: -for example: the pain, redness and signs which keep awake the attention of patient and surgeon subside in proportion to the strangulation of the cornea. If nervous disturbance, tremblings, vomitings, fever, diarrhea, occur; it will be after perforation, and be symptomatic of hernia of the iris. The cornea may be destroyed within twenty-four hours in the acutest forms.

After beginning with such mildness that all the symptoms seem to yield to an astringent collyrium, it may suddenly rise to its highest degree and destroy the eyes.

As in its incipient stage, it is easily confounded with the catarrhal form, every affection of the eyes in young children should be regarded with suspicion and met with measures often more vigorous than the occasion seemed to require.

Purulent ophthalmia, after passing through its different phases without destroying the cornea, may remain some time stationary, twelve or fifteen days; then suddenly return in its most dangerous form. This uncertainty is not confined to the ophthalmia neonatorum. The patient must be kept under observation so long as the least abnormal secretion exists, and if the slight catarrhal discharge of tears and mucus be replaced by the clear citrine yellow drops, a relapse becomes certain.

In the purulent form, the second eye is usually attacked from the third to the eighth, and even as late as the twentieth day, is liable to be completely destroyed, while the first eye recovers.

The most destructive purulent ophthalmias may be communicated through the contagious granulations of persons whose corneas are sound, and in whom these granulations retain the virus in a latent form.

It is in the second period of the ophthalmia neonatorum that granulations are developed, but these seldom persist many weeks after the inflammation which caused them. This spontaneous resolution, not common to other granulations, is probably the reason why Velpeau has denied them altogether.

As the catarrhal form advances, the redness of the conjunctival injection intensifies and scarifications continue to draw blood and give relief. As the purulent form advances, the conjunctival injection pales and refuses blood to the scarificator, which, of the highest utility in the second period, may become useless in the third and needs the aid of warm lotions to give it any effect. The chemosis of the catarrhal form is phlegmonous, occasioning strong pains and throbbing in the eyes, with fever. In the purulent form, it is generally indolent, leaving the nervous system in repose.

The cornea is less frequently menaced in the catarrhal form, and never in its totality, but at certain points of its periphery; while in the purulent form, it often gives way in the centre, and may slough completely within the first twenty-four or forty-eight hours, though seldom so early. The general and even the local antiphlogistic measures, which control the catarrhal form, are impotent in the purulent. Conversely, the latter is benefited by the invigorating influence of free exposure, as in the marching of regiments, &c.

I have never witnessed the diphtheritic form of purulent ophthalmia, to which Mr. Chassaignac successfully applied his favorite opthalmic remedy, the cold water eye-douche, so prolonged and in such force, as to wash away the false membranes and prevent their re-formation.

Mr. Desmarres inclines to ascribe the purulent ophthalmia of adults, in general, to direct contagion, but without maintaining this opinion as exclusive. Avoiding Beer's classification by diatheses, and rallying closely to anatomical character; he has logically advanced in this direction, opened in Paris by Velpeau in his celebrated critique on Sichel and the German School, published in the Annales d'Oculistique. Among other points, Desmarres has, in continuing the seriation by tissues, distinguished the blepharites proper, from the conjunctivites, which in their catarrhal and purulent, as well as in their traumatic and simple forms, interest the conjunctiva of the globe as well as that of the lids.

As to the ophthalmia called by the school of Beer, and still known in London as Rheumatic; he distinguishes, on the one side the true SCLEROTITIS, a perfectly localized and chronic malady, often confounded, and even by Velpeau, with a pustule on the other side, the choroido iritis with perikeratic injection, which either may or may not coincide with that form styled by Ricord opthalmie blennorrhagique catarrho rhumatismale, and which presents none of the characters of true purulent ophthalmia, though sometimes confounded with it, because coincident with urethral blennorrhagia. This coincidence, Mr. Desmarres inclines to regard in some cases as fortuitous, in others as one of the developments of the same constitutional influence which determines in the urethra, a blennorrhagy, in the joints an arthropathy; and which has been termed metastasis. He believes with Vidal, that purulent ophthalmia may sometimes occur in the same filiation, and without direct contagion or inoculation: of the latter he avails himself as the basis of the cure of pannus, by inoculation of blennorrhagic pus from the urethra. Desruelles cites also purulent otitis, stomatitis and coryza from contact of the blennorrhagic virus.

Certainly, we must all recognize the atmospheric contact of virulent principles, as well as their fluid contact. The principle of infections and contagions is often identical, and has this point of filiation with epidemics and endemics, that the causal miasm may exist in a more concentrated form in the bodies of those who are already its subjects.

On the other hand, there are facts more difficult of explanation, such as that cited by Desmarres from the experience of Mr. McKenzie, surgeon of the 62d regiment of the British Army, whose eyes were unaffected by the prolonged contact of the pus of purulent ophthalmia in Egypt. Was this exception personal? Was it the character of that particular epidemic? Was the pus truly brought into contact with the mucous surface? Was its virulence exhausted by the chroni. city of the disease in the eyes whence it was taken? So many questions which can be answered only by numerous and varied experiments.

Another series of questions arises in connection with ophthalmia in its filiation with arthropathy and urethral blennorrhagy: Do they arise from a mere coincidence of a local irritation from coitus, with the access of arthritis, or from the evolution of the arthritic diathesis?

Are they to be ascribed to the permeation of the organism by a venerial poison, analogous to the syphilitic, but different from it? (an opinion which Teste expresses in his article on Sepia). Is the urethra, and in an especial manner its prostatic portion, an organic centre, whose irritations are especially expressed in rheumatic or arthritic symptoms, and this without implying the presence of any venerial virus whatever? I have observed arthritic symptoms developed so immediately upon traumatisms of the urethra in cases of stricture and diseases of the neck of the bladder, as to incline me towards this last view. Candmont regards the neck of the bladder as the point most susceptible to the rheumatic diathesis and as frequently the first seat of its evolution.

While digressing on the chapter of differential diagnosis, I will mention the apoplectic ophthalmia cited by Quadri of Naples, with which purulent ophthalmia may be sometimes confounded:

1. The Palpebral puriform flux of Scarpa. This slowly develops itself and continues for weeks, months and even years, without any amelioration by local remedies. Astringents are ill borne, and even when they seem to act well upon the external membranes, graver alterations occur in the retina and deeper organs.

The frequent exacerbations are attended by photophobia, palpebral engorgements, sensation of foreign bodies and presence of varicose vessels towards the muscles of the globe.

After many exacerbations, ectropion senile occurs.

2. Another form, of what Quadri calls apoplectic, is also characterized by purulence and much photophobia with the same intolerance of astringents, and is intermittent.

Here the cornea ulcerates and inflames, with abscesses, and pannus almost fatally ensues from the varicose state of the vessels and the frequent exacerbations. The choroid and retina are rarely invaded, perhaps because a mortal attack of apoplexy anticipates them. The least excess may prove fatal.

Quadri recommends the red sulphuret of Mercury, combined with some grains of Aloes, and locally the citrine ointment of the Edinburgh pharmacopeia.

NOTE. – The reader will observe that in the preceding very valuable article, but little is said of the course of treatment properly pursued under the Homoeopathic Law. The very careful description of the disease which forms the subject of the paper, is of course, and very evidently its principal object. This being the case, we shall not consider ourselves as interfering with the design of our learned contributor, when making the casual remark, that Arsenic is homoeopathic to the condition of purulent ophthalmia as above described, and that in several very severe cases it has proved rapidly curative within the experience of our best practitioners.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 07, 1859, pages 305-313]

[Description: Purulent Ophthalmia.]

[Remedies: Arsenicum album]

[Author: Lazarus, M.E.]

[Year: 1859]

LETTER FROM DR. LIPPE.

Mainz, July 28, 1860

Henry M. Smith, M.D,

My Dear Sir, —

While traveling in Germany one of my objects was to learn the history position, progress and prospects of Homoeopathy, which I have had opportunity to learn so far. I now communicate to you and think it will interest your numerous readers to hear from the country where Homoeopathy was first taught, and learn how this young giant prospers On the 23d of July I visited Leipzig, the birth-place of Homoeopathy, and calling on the venerable Dr. Haubold, a pupil of Hahnemann, with letters of introduction from his contemporary and friend, Dr. Hering, I met with a very cordial welcome. He took me to the Homoeopathic Polyclinic which is open every day, from 7 a.m. till 51/2 p.m., or longer if necessary. I there met Drs. V. Meyer and Miller, who are in daily attendance. A book is kept in which the name, occupation, age, and some symptoms of the patient, as well as the medicines he receives and their effects, are recorded. He receives a card with his number on the record and his name, he has either to report himself cured or express his desire to discontinue the treatment when he returns his card. A pharmaceutist prepares the medicines for the patients, and the attending physicians keep the books. The rooms are very appropriate, there is one room in which the patients are waiting, one in which they receive advice and medicines, admitting two at a time, and one room for private examinations whenever it becomes necessary to make ocular inspections. While I was there some forty or fifty persons came; of those who had already been under treatment, almost all had very much improved, some were dismissed cured; the day being Monday, the attendance was comparatively small. The prescribing physicians are true Homoeopathists, and never give more than one medicine at a time, they never alternate medicines, and never repeat doses until the effects of the former dose have been exhausted. The result of the Homoeopathic treatment of this establishment is very satisfactory in general, and will furthermore assist in the final disposition of the much vexed question of "doses." At present extensive trials with Lehrman's high potencies are made, and so far very satisfactory. Eventually something will be published about the comparative results.

I found a valuable new work just published in Germany, "The Fundamental Laws of Physiology, Pathology and Homoeopathic Therapeutics," by Dr. von Grauvogl; a work which I hope will be translated and published in the English language, as it is decidedly the most philosophical work ever written on the subject; although all Homoeopathists may not feel inclined to subscribe to the whole work as it is. * [A reworked version of the book was published in 1870 as E. von Grauvogl: Text book of Homoeopathy, translated by G.E. Shipman]

In Leipzig, Homoeopathy is decidedly in the ascendancy, and the practitioners hold firmly to the original doctrine, which must necessarily spread its blessings around them.

I hurried away from among them to meet the physicians of the Rhein Provinces of Westphalia, at Dortmund which I reached on the 25th of July. The first who came was the good old Doctor von Boenninghausen, who although in his 76th year, not only retains all his faculties, but is extensively engaged in the practice of medicine and takes the most lively interest in the progress of Homoeopathy, to which he devotes himself entirely. This society meets once a year in July, it has no officers, no constitution, no laws or by-laws, but all who take sufficient interest in the progress of Homoeopathy, in or out of the profession, come and participate in the deliberations. Among the celebrities present was Dr. Weber, physician to the King of Hanover, a man of great ability and a strict Homoeopathist; also from Brussells, M. Ph. de Molinari, pere, who although far advanced in life devotes all his means, time and energy to the propagation of Homoeopathy, he has a "Clinique Homoeopathic" at Brussells, and by his adherence to true Homoeopathy and advancement in knowledge, giving for many years only high attenuations in his Clinique, he has not only relieved many of his suffering brethren but has drawn the attention of the government to the superior success of his Clinique, and made many converts even among the physicians of the old school; Dr. Bolle, the editor of The Popular Homoeopathic Journal, who is dealing out home-truths to all men in his truly popular paper. Having neither officers, funds or anything else to dispose of, the evening meeting passed off without any preliminary wire-working, but in pleasant communications. On the 26th a goodly number of the friends of Homoeopathy being present, the regular meeting was organized, Dr. von Boenninghausen in the chair, Dr. Stapf's death was much lamented and the great merits of this old friend commented upon. He was the first regularly graduated Doctor of Medicine who openly espoused the cause of Homoeopathy, and became a warm friend of the art, as well as of Hahnemann. By request I made a communication on Kali bichromaticum, and many of my observations were corroborated by physicians, all living in different parts of the world, all having been guided in the administration of this valuable new remedy by the only law of cure and the provings we have of this medicine. A good many cases were reported in which Epilepsy had been cured by Bufo. In all cases unconsciousness during and profound Bleeps after the attack had been observed. Many instances of cure by Apis were related, while the indefatigable Doctor Hering received many warm thanks for his highly valuable additions to our Materia Medica. Dr. Boenninghausen reported a letter which came into his hands from Jenichen, to Dr. Stapf, he thus sent him Arsenicum 8000, and in his letter he states the mode by which he made it, even stating the number of shakes and how fatiguing the preparation was as it required all his attention, he finally hoped that if not now, in the future, the acknowledgment of a later generation would reward him, as he felt assured that no better preparation could possibly be made He states in this letter that while attenuating Arsenicum as high as 8000, he has potentized in the proportion of 1 to 100, and shaken every vial for each potence 20 times. He is also anxious to know what curative effect this preparation would have.

This letter, with Dr. Boenninghausen's notes, will be published in the proceedings of the meeting in The Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, at Leipzig. It has now given us an evidence that all the calumnies formerly entered against Jenichen are entirely false, that the physicians who have for many years relied upon his preparations had a good right to do so, that they were truly high-potencies, and that he was only actuated by the most noble self-sacrificing motives, when he endured the fatigue, the inconveniences and also the uncharitable sneers of his contemporaries; a grateful posterity will do him justice. From the proceedings of the meeting it was evident that Homoeopathy was gaining steadily, that the physicians, scarcely without exception, adopt the true principles of Hahnemann, and are giving smaller doses at longer intervals than formerly. The mode of administering medicine in chronic diseases which Dr. Hahnemann adopted in his latter years was to dissolve a highly attenuated medicine, say six globules in nine spoonsful of water, to have six spoonsful taken during two days and then to fill up the solutions with pure water, to take again six spoonsful for two days and again to add pure water, continuing this mode until an improvement or a medicinal aggravation followed, which latter event scarcely ever occurred. This same method has been adopted by the most successful practitioners of the present day, and it is owing to their success that Homoeopathy is progressing, in spite of the powerful opposition that ignorance, prejudice and malice can bring against it. The general impression is that if we only remains, true to our cause, we will before long gain the day, and the enemy to progress will be conquered. On the 10th of August is the meeting of the German physicians at Hanover, to which I have received a pressing invitation, and I shall attend if possible. From there more communications may be made.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 10, 1860, pages 475-477]

[Description: Letter From Dr. Lippe to the Editor of the American Homoeopathic Review.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1860]

LETTER FROM DR. LIPPE.

Berlin, August 13th, 1860.

Henry M. Smith, M.D,

My dear Sir: Continuing my correspondence, I now communicate to you the proceedings of the "Central Verein of Homoeopathic Physicians," which held its annual meeting this year, at Hanover.

On the evening of the 9th inst., a preliminary meeting was held, in which about thirty of the members participated, and I by invitation, as a guest; they assembled to attend to the strict business transactions of the society. There had been several standing prizes for specified essays offered, but only one essay had been sent in. Two new prizes, each of one hundred Thalers, were reported to have been left for this society to dispose of. The President of the society, Dr. Weber, proposed that the meeting to be held the next day, be devoted only to scientific communications, the old rule to read long tedious articles should be abolished, and in its stead should be substituted free discussions on various scientific subjects. This proposition was accepted by acclamation. A report was made by Dr. V. Mayer of Leipzig, to whom the last meeting had entrusted the making of a plan for a new Complete Repertory. He reported that he had improved on the plan adopted of late in England, on which plan part of their new Repertory is already published, and that in a few days the first sheets, treating on the teeth, would be ready for use. The society ordered that of the 500 copies printed, each member (their number in about 230) should receive one copy, with the request to send, in the course of a month, a critique to a committee of three, whose duty it would be to report at the next annual meeting, their report to be based on the criticisms received: and so rests this matter for the present.

A petition from Dr. Altschul in Prague, asking the society to interest itself in the establishment of chairs for Homoeopathy, was read., — The society unanimously considered such a step premature, and declined to take up the matter for the present The President of the society, Dr. Weber, physician to the King of Hanover since 1846, conducted the meeting throughout with great dignity, circumspection and firmness, and has, no doubt, left the impression with all the members, that there could be no better representative of Homoeopathy in the position he occupies, and that the cause of the progressive art is perfectly safe in his hands.

On the 10th many more physicians arrived, and, not only was Germany well represented, but also Russia and Poland, each by one physician, the United States by two, Dr. Gersdorf from Salem, Mass., and myself. The session was opened with an admirable address by Dr. Weber. An article next read by Dr. Kafka, defending the position of physiological Homoeopathy, was not discussed. Dr. Wolf, from Berlin, communicated a very strong and able article on Homoeopathy, as taught and promulgated by Hahnemann; he dwelt with great earnestness on the provings of medicines, in general, and the great importance of provings in small doses; his remarks, although not meeting the approbation of all the members present, were finally sustained by your correspondent, who appealed to the past experiences of the provers of medicines, and the undeniable fact, that the most important and most indicative symptoms, such as guide us daily in the application of medicines, have been obtained from higher dilutions. An interesting discussion on Intermittent. Fever came up, and it was gratifying to see that a great number of the speakers firmly upheld the true homoeopathic principle: that the curative remedy had to be selected according to its similarity with the peculiar case, and that if the fever paroxysm did not show any very great characteristic speciality, we must look for specialities into the symptoms occurring during the apyrexia: the administration of "Chininum sulphuricum," in crude doses was unanimously condemned, as not only always productive of great harm, but un-homoeopathic. By special request, your correspondent made a communication on the Homoeopathic Colleges in the United States — how they originated, how they were conducted, and how they effected the state of Homoeopathy.

The conclusion from those remarks was, that the establishment of chairs for the teaching of Homoeopathy, now agitated in certain quarters is premature, and would only retard the necessarily slow progress of the art: as the "Central Verein" has already established a Polyclinic at Leipzig, the report of their success being a sufficient proof of the usefulness of that institute, for the present nothing more would be done by this society to farther any schemes proposed by over zealous men to establish chairs of Homoeopathy. Interesting discussions were held en "Angina tons, and Prolapsus uteri." After an instructive and harmonious meeting, the President announced the session closed at 2 P.M., to meet again a year hence at Leipzig, Dr. Hartlaub to preside. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon the members of the society with their ladies and a goodly number of distinguished laymen met in a beautifully decorated saloon, in a public garden, to partake of a sumptuous dinner. Toasts were brought, first to the King, Queen and family, to the memory of Hahnemann, to the gentlemanly President, to the grand masters in the art, the ladies, and finally, to the brethren who had come across the ocean to meet them. All regretted that the meeting had to be dissolved so soon, and each returned to his vocation with a renewed assurance that the good cause which they tried to further and promulgate was gaining slowly but surely. They all look forward to the not very distant day, when the blessings of Homoeopathy will be enjoyed by all, and the dark ages of physic give way to the rising sun of the healing art.

Yours truly, Ad. Lippe.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 12, 1860, pages 569-571]

[Description: Letter From Dr. Lippe to the Editor of the American Homoeopathic Review 02]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1860]

A QUESTION ON CHARACTERISTIC INDICATIONS ADDRESSED TO DR. BAYES.

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

"Horrea formicae tendunt ad inania nunquam;

Nullus ad amissas ibit amicas opes." — OVID.

Dr. Bayes addressed a question on doses, dilutions, and the characteristic symptoms for the selection of the remedy to Mr. Wilson. Monthly Homoeopathic Review Vol. VII, October, 1863, page 589.

These questions are suggested by a case of severe and complicated pneumonia, published at page 420 of the same volume of the Review.

Dr. Bayes acknowledges that the case is admirably reported; the symptoms both objective and subjective carefully recorded, and that it ought therefore to prove one of more than ordinary interest and instruction; yet he confesses to arise from its perusal with a feeling of very considerable disappointment — and why disappointment? Because he thinks that if we are only to be guided by some little characteristic symptom in the treatment of a severe case of disease, where would be the need to study physiology and pathology?

By inference, then, Dr. Bayes holds that the physiological and pathological conditions indicate the curative remedy in the treatment of a severe case of disease, and that we must not be guided by some little characteristic symptom. So the modern physiological school teaches, and so it tries to cure; but not so does Homoeopathy. The case in question proves, and should prove satisfactorily to every one, that Dr. Bayes assumes a false position as a Homoeopathist, as the case itself furthermore answers all of the doctor's questions fully. Dr. Bayes considers it a severe case of disease. Dr. Capper describes the case well, he has prescribed for it as for a case of pneumonia, and has not been guided in the selection of the medicine by any little characteristic symptom; he has administered Aconite^2 and Phosphorus^12, and then considered the patient, a young lady eleven years of age, very thin, of pale complexion, strumous diathesis and of a highly nervous temperament, to be in great danger. Mr. Wilson is then called to see the patient in consultation, and, after full examination, he notes the following remedies for study: Aconite, Arnica, Bryonia, Con., Cupr., Dulc., Euphrasia, Lycop., Mag. mur., Natrum mur., Silicea.

What remedy could be selected by a true Homoeopathist for this pulmonary congestion, complicated with an inflammatory condition of the liver and peritoneum? Did these pathological conditions or any one of the objective symptoms indicate the curative remedy? Will Dr. Bayes enlighten us on the subject?

The fan-like motion of the alae nasi, the 311th symptom of Lycopodium in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases, which was very marked in this patient, was not to be found under any one of the other medicines noted down for study because of their general similarity to the case. Past experience induced Mr. Wilson to administer Lyc. The patient had grown much worse and was in great danger, notwithstanding Aconite, Bryonia and Phosphorus had been repeatedly administered in low dilutions. It was, as Mr. Wilson said, symptom 311 and no pathological indication which led him to select Lycopodium as. the only appropriate remedy. Five globules of Lycopodium^200 were dissolved in an ordinary tumbler full of water, and one tea-spoonful ordered to be repeated every two hours, until the fan-like motion of the nostrils ceased, then to be repeated at longer intervals. Dr. Bayes is very much at a loss to know why Lycopodium was so frequently repeated in this attack of pneumonia, as the patient is reported to have been cured three months previously of an attack of dysentery by one dose of Mercury cor.200 Lycopodium very likely would have been administered in one dose and would not only have cured the case, but the patient would not have grown worse and have been in great danger had Dr. Capper followed Mr. Wilson's early advice of the 13th of April, and had he not been guided by the pathological condition (pulmonary attack and congestion) and discarded the remedy which Was similar according to the symptoms from first to last. This however caused the patient to be in great danger. He followed the teachings of the physiological school instead of those of Homoeopathy.

Dr. Bayes wishes to be enlightened as to when one dose should be given and allowed to act without interference, or when to continue it for many days. The answer to this question lies in the case itself. Dr. Bayes will certainly require no further explanations if he will only be good enough to select for each individual case of sickness the truly curative remedy according to Hahnemann's teachings, then administering that remedy in one solitary dose of a high potency and allow it to act without reference. The results will be the best, nay the only explanation necessary. That was Hahnemann's method and is not, as Dr. Bayes incorrectly states, an improvement on it. This being so, it is proper that objections are raised against a practice which claims to have made still further improvements on Hahnemann's method, by giving low dilutions and even massive doses.

Has Dr. Bayes ever read the Preface of the fifth volume of Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases? and if not, will he now do it and see what Hahnemann means by and how he defines "dilutions" and "dynamization.?" and if he then claims the right to improve on Hahnemann by going back to dilutions or even massive doses, he can certainly go on improving in the same direction, and he will find himself with Galen. The case in question is exceedingly interesting and instructive, interesting to the physician who followed out Hahnemann's teachings and cured his patient, to the patient who was in great danger and who recovered, and instructive to the student of Homoeopathy who looks for characteristic indications and who follows in the path of our immortal master. Lycopodium is known to cure diseases very often when they begin on the right side of the body and thence go to the left side — in tonsilitis this has been very frequently confirmed — in this case again the disease began on the right side and extended to the left lung. This case confirmed, by this fact, another characteristic symptom of Lyc. But Dr. Bayes does not think it is very clearly proved that the recovery was in consequence of the action of Lyc.200, and he further says that severe cases of pneumonia have recovered in less time under Aconite and Phosphorus in low dilutions. Aconite, Bry. and Phosphorus had been administered in low dilutions, the disease progressed and the patient was in great danger, but began to improve after the administration of Lyc.200 and finally recovered. What other proofs does Dr. Bayes want?*[A horse was ill from a sun-stroke. One dose of Belladonna 2000 cured the horse in one day. The coachman who knew how sick the horse had been, who had seen the pellets administered, remarked the next day, shaking his head, "the horse is well to be sure, but he should have been bled."]

Dr. Bayes further says, "we want as physicians to be able to lay down more definite rules for the treatment of diseases; more decided data as to the proper doses and the frequency with which they should be given" He speaks as one who knows nothing at all of Hahnemann's teachings, who has laid down the rules; and if the Doctor will follow them, he will learn to appreciate them. To follow these rules is not a hazardous experiment.

Hahnemann's rules guided Mr. Wilson in the treatment of the case and therefore the result — the recovery. The notions of the physiological school guided Dr. Capper, and the patient became alarmingly ill — where was the hazardous experiment?

As long as Dr. Bayes prefers in practice to select "the characteristic indications" in accordance with physiological and pathological knowledge wherever it is practicable, he can never claim to be a Homoeopathist. In this case, for instance, the subjective and objective symptoms had been carefully ascertained, and had revealed the extent and serious nature of the active pulmonary congestion, complicated with an inflammatory condition of the liver and peritoneum; where then are the characteristic indications? will Dr. Bayes state them, and enlighten the Homoeopathists? Dr. Bayes no doubt feels inclined to say that Aconite and Phosphorus should have been given in larger dose. Against any such subterfuge I here protest beforehand — facts stand out against any such assertion too glaringly to be overlooked. I appeal to the report of Dr. Eidherr and the result of the different potencies in the treatment of pneumonia. Dr. Bayes will learn from that report, and the very accurate tables accompanying it, that the duration of the disease was considerably shortened under the administration of the smaller doses, and shortened in the proportion in which the potencies were "diminished" (See Zeitschrift der Vereins des Homoeopathischen Aerzte Oesterreichs Wien, 1862.)

Does Hahnemann teach that we must look to Pathology and Physiology for characteristic indications? and where pray does Dr. Bayes find him to teach so? The followers of Hahnemann do not contend that the study of Physiology and Pathology should be abandoned — by no means — these very studies will facilitate the finding of the characteristic symptoms in every individual case. When we know all the symptoms of a case, and find some more characteristic in an individual case than in others which are more general, we then apply the homoeopathic law to the case and so find for it the only curative remedy. We shall then not try a hazardous experiment but be successful in what we undertake to do — to cure the sick.

The stability of Homoeopathy is based on its fundamental principles — they might be reduced to three.

1. The totality of the symptoms constituting the disease.

2. For each individual case of disease we must find the individually curative remedy; being guided by the symptoms obtained by the provings on the healthy and observed on the sick.

3. The curative virtues of medicines are developed by potentization.

Taking these fundamental principles for granted, will Dr. Bayes inform the Homoeopathists what characteristic indications, in accordance with physiological and pathological knowledge, will indicate the curative remedy in intermittent fever or in hooping cough? or, in any disease?

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1863, page 218-222]

[Description: a Question on Characteristic Indications Addressed to Dr. Bayes.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1863]

ARUM TRIPHYLLUM IN SCARLET FEVER.

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

The few symptoms published in the thirteenth volume of The Archiv. of Arum maculatum are very similar to those of Arum triphyllum. This very valuable medicine was first introduced as a remedy in scarlet fever by Dr. C. Hering, and the attention of the profession was first called to it in number nine of The Homoeopathic News. Since then many cases of malignant scarlet fever have been successfully treated by this new remedy, and some indications for the administration of this medicine can now be given.

I shall first relate one of the most malignant cases in which Arum triphyllum was administered with marked benefit. The case is taken from my Journal, Vol. I, pp. 24.

The patient was a boy six years of age, who had always been under my care and who had enjoyed general good health. His older brother had scarlet fever and was attacked on the 14th of February, 1861. I saw him in the morning, he complained of headache and had vomited some food and mucus; he declined to rise in the morning, pulse 120 full and hard, gave one dose of Belladonna^200; at two, p.m., he continued to vomit, had much thirst for cold water, face very pale, coma, Tart. emet.200 At seven, p.m., I found him much worse, the face very much paler, continued coma, when aroused he complained of much headache; every ten or fifteen minutes a watery, very offensive involuntary stool, pulse over two hundred a minute, Sulph.200, six pellets dissolved in half a tumbler full of water, and every two hours one tea-spoonful to be given. At one, a.m., he became very restless and the eruption began to appear all over his body.

In the morning at seven, of the 15th of February, he was fully covered by the scarlet fever eruption, the diarrhea had ceased, the headache was almost gone, he had slept and the pulse was now one hundred and twenty. Medicine was discontinued. On the 16th he did well. On the 17th his nose was much stuffed up, the corners of the mouth became sore, no evacuations, he had slept poorly because he could not breathe well except with his mouth open, Lycopodium^200. On the 18th he had had a bad night, very delirious, the nose had discharged a good deal of thin watery ichorous fluid, nose sore, lips very sore, cracked and bleeding as well as the corners of the mouth, the mouth felt so sore inside that he was unwilling to drink, tongue red, papillae swollen and standing up, between the abdomen and the legs sore moist places, the same on the os coccygis, the submaxillary glands swollen, pulse one hundred and forty hard and full; voice hoarse. Arum tr., six pellets of the sixth dissolved in half a tumbler full of water, and every two hours one tea-spoonful to be given.

On the 19th, slightly better, gave Arum trif.30 which I had freshly prepared in water as before. On the 20th, still better, medicine continued every four hours.

On the 21st, a still more decided improvement, had passed a great deal of very pale urine, and hawked up a good deal of mucus. He continued to improve without further medicine up to the 13th of March when he was seized with violent coryza, nose much stuffed up; Nit. ac.200 One dose relieved him until he again complained on the 20th of March, at night, of a hoarse, dry, croupy cough and great hoarseness which yielded to one dose of Hepar 200.

On the 2d of April, he again became hoarse, worse in the morning, and hard of hearing. One dose of Causticum fully relieved him and he remained well.

The similarity of Nit. ac. and Arum triphyllum in the second stage of scarlet fever are very great. The coryza of Nit ac. is more prominent, both have the stoppage of the nose but Nit ac. has not the red tongue.

The most indicative symptoms for Arum are the great sore feeling of the mouth, the redness of the tongue, the elevated papillae, the cracked corners of the mouth and lips, and stoppage of the nose without much coryza. Urine very abundant and pale, the submaxillary glands swollen. The eruption all over the body with much itching and restlessness. Arum very often causes a great hoarseness and while other symptoms will improve, the hoarseness will become much worse if the medicine is continued too long.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 01, 1862, pages 028-30]

[Description: Arum Triphyllum in Scarlet Fever.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1862]

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

After some weeks of varied indisposition and much mental anxiety, Dr. R., aged 35 years, was taken ill on the 22d day of October, 1861. He felt great general prostration; a great heat all over; a strong desire to sleep, with sleeplessness; pain in all his limbs; a want of appetite and aversion to light. He took for these symptoms one dose of Bell.200 The following morning, the 23d, he was visited by Dr. Hering and myself, and the following symptoms were ascertained by our examination: he had not slept the night previous, his mind was too active, but they were always the same ideas which disturbed him; a continued hacking cough, from a tickling in the bronchial tubes, aggravated and excited by motion or talking; he raised at times tough green mucus; the cough causing violent stitches in the head; the head pained all over and felt numb. The tongue was coated white, the edges showing the impression of the teeth; pulse small, empty and frequent, vacillating between 94 and 106; no appetite; very little thirst; utter prostration of strength; very low spirited and taciturn; no passage from the bowels for forty-eight hours; urinating but seldom, and the discharge very scanty. There could be no doubt that a very serious disease was developing itself, and that we had to expect a case of typhoid fever. As the Doctor had taken Belladonna on the previous evening without any result as yet, we concluded to wait until evening before prescribing so that we might be certain that Belladonna was not developing any curative or other symptoms. We met at five, p.m.. and found all the symptoms we had observed in the morning aggravated, the tongue was whiter, the edges softer, the cough more frequent, the pulse not as full, the prostration greater. The patient received four pellets of Calcarea carb.200 (Lehrman), and another dose of Calcarea carb. was left with the direction to be given in a solution of water, should there be no improvement in six hours. The next morning it was found that no further medicine except the one dose administered at five, p.m., had been given as the patient had slept soon after taking it. The cough had become less frequent and the head much relieved; the pulse was softer and fuller; the skin moist; an increased expectoration of green phlegm had much relieved him from the incessant tickling cough; the tongue was less coated and clearing off from the edges. He continued to improve from day to day; five days after taking the one dose of Calcarea carb. he was able to sit up, his appetite returned and he has been quite well since.

Calcarea carb. cured this case because it was the only remedy that had similar symptoms among the provings. — The utter sleeplessness from over-activity of the mind, the same ideas always disturbing the patient correspond only with Calcarea carb.; while the tickling, hacking cough aggravated by talking and motion corresponds with Calc. carb., Chin., Phos., Silicea, etc. In this case no aggravation appeared after the exhibition of the medicine, but that invariably beneficial sleep, indicating that the true curative remedy had taken effect, and that an improvement was to be anticipated. The improvement was gradual and steady leaving Dr. R. without the sequel of disease and medicine, and in the possession of full health.

_____________

Mrs. L. aged 45 years, had been suffering from diarrhea for ten days during the hot days of August. The diarrhea commenced in the following manner, was painless bat was relieved only for a short time by Sulph.200, a few days later a watery discharge became more frequent in the evening and caused a great deal of burning for which Phos. was given with but little relief. On the tenth day the following symptoms were present: watery diarrhea, grey, oftener during the day, worse after eating, the discharge passing with a gush; before the discharge, cutting pains in the upper part of the abdomen, the desire to stool very sudden and after the stool burning and soreness in the anus and rectum which were worse in the evening and during the forepart of the night; after the stool great weakness, sensation of sinking in the lower part of the abdomen and frequent perspiration. One dose of Nat. carb.200 was given in the morning. About ten minutes after taking the medicine a discharge came on very suddenly with not much straining, consisting of green lumps and white mucus; the next discharge was brown and in a few days the normal condition returned.

Nat. carb. has not all the symptoms related very strongly pointed out under the provings, but no other remedy has all the symptoms of the case. The time of the day is not strongly pointed out in the provings, but Nat. carb. has aggravation of diarrhea after eating. See Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases: symptoms 485 and 486, the violent gushing stool is found, Ibid 494, and reads "violent sudden desire to go to stool, followed by a liquid discharge, which passes and gushes with violence from the patient." The burning and soreness in the rectum is Ibid: 413 and 414. The remedy which has next to Natrum carb. the greatest similarity with the symptoms of the disease is Croton tiglium; but Croton tiglium has more diarrhea after drinking, and also motion always increases the desire to evacuate; the gushing discharges and the burning after stool in the anus and rectum arc characteristic of both remedies.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 05, 1862, pages 219-221]

[Description: Clinical Observations]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1862]

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS.

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Lieut. S., aged 24 years, was stationed before Richmond and participated in the battle of the Seven Pines; he was there much exposed to the wet weather, over-fatigued, and having no proper food and very bad water to drink was attacked with violent diarrhea, for which he took with some benefit Bryonia, China, and Ars. Having only salt meats to eat, and later, when stationed at Harrison's Landing, the water being more impure, he became worse again and came to Philadelphia to be under my care. On the 16th of August I found the following symptoms:

Stools discharged in a gush, preceded by some pain in the abdomen; stools consisting of yellow water; motion, eating or drinking caused him at once to go to stool; perfect rest alone gave him relief; after stool a burning in the anus; much emaciation and debility. I gave him one dose of Croton tig. 200 (Jenichen). He felt better the next day and under the influence of the one dose of Croton tig. and a proper diet, mutton, rice, okra, tomatoes, Claret and water, he continued to improve. A soreness in the abdomen which prevented him from buckling any thing around his waist, was removed, ten days later, by one dose of Sulph.200 He has resumed his active duties in the field.

In this case no other remedy but Croton tig. could be given; the aggravation of the diarrhea from eating and drinking as well as from motion have not been observed under any other medicine, while the gushing stools consisting of yellow water are also under Croton tig.

_____________

Major M., aged 42 years, who had been stationed at Fortress Monroe and later at Norfolk, came under my care on the 10th of July, 1862. He had complained of diarrhea for which Opium had been administered in large doses. When I saw him he had the following symptoms;

Several attacks during the day; frequent desire to go to stool, and when he gave up to this feeling, he passed only discolored and sometimes large lumps of mucus; the continual desire to evacuate became a violent tenesmus; the rectum feeling as if violently contracted; this tenesmus also effected the bladder. Great debility and emaciation followed these attacks, depriving him of sleep, had no appetite and not much thirst.

July 10th. One dose of Nux vom.200 relieved him so far that he passed some feces, the strangury remaining; on

July 11th, I gave one dose of Caps.200 The strangury ceased, the attacks came on only once in forty-eight hours, always in the afternoon, he at first passed a large quantity of black and very fetid feces, and then a quantity of mucus which was followed by frequent violent attacks of fruitless straining, with a sensation as if the rectum was violently constricted.

July 16th. I ordered him Lach.200 (Lehrmann), six pellets dissolved in half a tumbler full of water, one table-spoonful to be taken every four hours for one day. The attacks returned every other afternoon during a fortnight, but each time with less violence and finally ceased without further medicine. The major remains well and is again in the field.

_____________

In the year 1855, a married lady, the mother of three children, aged 35 years, came under my care with the following symptoms:

She had periodical attacks beginning with pain in the region of the right kidney, which incommoded her mostly when she moved about or rode in a carriage, the pain was at first a dull indescribable sensation, a heaviness, and finally in the course of ten or more days it became more severe until at length a very severe colic commenced, the pain drawing from the right kidney through the ureter into the bladder, when much blood was discharged with the urine; after this discharge had lasted two or three days she was relieved for a period of three to six weeks. The medicines I administered, at intervals and according to the changes of the collateral symptoms had been, Canth., Puls., Cannabis, Berb., Calc. c, Thuja, Sassap., Lycopod.. Zinc. Zinc. had a better and a longer effect then any of the other medicines, the amelioration only lasting a short time; on the whole the disease became gradually worse. While laboring under the attack, which now lasted much longer than formerly, she tossed about, screaming and vomiting. After passing some blood, there was a sediment like brick-dust to be seen in the urine. I now gave Ocimum canum., according to the few, but characteristic symptoms published by Dr. Mure, I began with the sixth potency which caused at once a violent aggravation, later I gave the thirtieth potency, and since this, 1857, the patient has gradually recovered, her health remaining excellent.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 06, 1862, pages 279-281]

[Description: Clinical Observations.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1862]

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS.

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Mrs. C., aged 35 years, mother of four children, the youngest four years of age, had been suffering for more than three years before coming under my care, in May, 1862. Mrs. C. is emaciated and of nervous temperament. For more than three years she had not menstruated; she had frequent attacks of violent colic almost always at night, between two and four o'clock, a.m., those attacks came on at irregular intervals from three to ten days and were followed at times by vomiting of food or mucus, and, if this vomiting did not take place, by a severe headache the next morning. The day after such an attack she would feel very weak in body and mind, unable to fix her attention on any subject, and loosing herself in the street because she could not know where she was; when she thus spoke she could not find the right words. The pulse was small and feeble. Mrs. C. had had all sorts of treatment, she had found some palliatives at times, but the disease always returned more violent when the palliatives ceased to relieve.

She took, on the 25th day of May, one dose of Kali carb^200 (Lehrmann). The first night after taking the medicine she had a very severe attack lasting one hour, but she did not suffer so much during the day, the following night she had another attack, less violent then the first night and another still lighter attack came on the following night; all at the same hour, three o'clock, a.m. The repetition of attacks in this manner had never taken place before. The patient improved afterwards, had for some weeks considerable pain in the small of the back, menstruation returned and she has remained well since.

_____________

In the month of April, 1860, the following case came under my care. Mrs. M., married six months and in the fifth month of pregnancy, has been sick for three days with headache, pain in the limbs and fever. I visited her on the third day; she had taken no medicine, complained of great weakness, severe pains in her head, in all her limbs, but mostly in her back; much worse when moving, no sleep, bitter taste, much nausea, tongue yellow and becoming very dry, moderate thirst, face red, skin hot and dry, pulse 120 beats a minute, full and hard constipation, discharge of urine scanty and dark. Several members of the family had died during the last few years of typhus fever under allopathic treatment. I gave the patient several doses of Bry. 200 and found her easier the next day, I omitted the medicine. The following day, the fifth day of the disease, she was much worse, she had vomited frequently during the night, mostly bilious matter; the headache had been much worse, she was now unconscious, delirious, talked incessantly, she passed urine involuntarily, picked the bed clothes, tongue dry and black, face very dark red, eyes wide open, glassy, pupils dilated, when she drank a loud gurgling noise in her throat to the stomach. I gave her Cuprum met.200 (Jenichen) six pellets dissolved in half a tumbler full of water, every two hours one tablespoonful to be given till an improvement was apparent. After the second dose she fell asleep, slept uninterruptedly for ten hours, perspired profusely, and awoke feeling well but very weak. She took no more medicine and was able to take her meals with the family on the twelfth day of her sickness. The pregnancy progressed and at the proper time she was delivered of a healthy child.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 08, 1863, pages 372-373]

[Description: Clinical Observations.]

[Remedies: Kalium carbonicum, Bryonia, Cuprum metallicum]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1863]

DOSES.

BY AD. LIPPE, M.D., PHILADELPHIA.

In almost every work on Homoeopathy directions are given as to how much is required for a dose.

In the early publications in the Materia Medica Pura, 1811, by Samuel Hahnemann, first volume, he gives the dose only under Cina, and recommends per dose for a child of two years old three grains, for a child four years old six grains. In the second edition of 1822 we find under all medicines much smaller but different doses. In the third edition of 1830, he gives the smallest part of a drop of the 30th (centesimal) dilution as the most appropriate, and for all cases, sufficient dose.

These directions are found in all modern works on the practice of Homoeopathy, in the therapeutic pocket-book, in the published lectures of homoeopathic professors, in the various "Domestic Physicians," (except in the "Domestic Physician," by Dr. C. Hering) and in the Medical Journals.

All these recommendations are given with the assurance that they are the result of "Experience," and are based upon observed facts.

While the advices so given are at great variance with one another, and while the opinions of different practitioners of Homoeopathy are not the same, it is undoubtedly time to endeavor to throw some light on this vexed question.

All parties who have given publicity to their opinions as regards the proper dose, are equally entitled to be heard, and their statements to be considered as the result of their honest individual investigation. The question of how much is required for a dose is no nearer solution now, than it was when first agitated. The reason why the various practitioners have arrived at so very different conclusions is simply this, that the solution of this question is the natural result of the adoption of previously established fundamental principles in the medical art. Why is it that Hahnemann, after an experience of twenty years, arrived at the conclusion that the 30th potency was sufficient in all cases, and that modern practitioners either reject the higher attenuations altogether, or admit that they will be occasionally serviceable? And how is it that Hahnemann, the older he grew, the less medicine he gave, while the modern young practitioners try really to excel one another in large doses and entirely deny the applicability of the higher dynamizations?

The reason for all this variety of opinion can only be found in the fact that the fundamental principles of Homoeopathy have not been accepted by those who differ with Hahnemann's experience, or that they may be unknown to them altogether. Whoever has accepted the fundamental principles of Homoeopathy must necessarily have attained similar, if not the same, results as did our great and good master, Samuel Hahnemann. In order that I may be better understood, I will give an historical development of the fundamental principles of Homoeopathy, to show what will be the universal result of the proper investigation of the question of "Doses," and why different parties have arrived at different conclusions.

Hahnemann practically applied the principle "Similia Similibus Curantur" to the treatment of disease. The first question was to ascertain the positive action of medicinal substances on the human organism, and since Hahnemann found nothing of the kind in the, so-called, Materia Medica of the then prevailing school of medicine, save a few incomplete cases of poisoning with large doses, and the Materia Medica itself so faulty, so entirely arbitrary, based on speculative theory, not on experiment, that little benefit could be derived from or use made of it. He was the first physician who resorted to the simple but only possible course, i. e. to the proving of medicinal substances on the healthy. His friends, then a small but faithful number, began their investigations by first taking comparatively large doses of the crude substances; the very incomplete provings so obtained enabled Hahnemann to demonstrate the correctness of the law of cure; when the remedy, having similarity to the disease, was administered in comparatively large doses, there almost always followed a considerable aggravation of symptoms, which led Hahnemann first to give less medicine and to dilute the doses. The curative action of the medicines was not found to be diminished, but rather to be increased, and it was here that the light of potentization broke upon Hahnemann, and he discovered what modern men are pleased to call "the great mistake of a great man." To this discovery, they, the modern wise men, follow him, and from that point judge Homoeopathy. Hahnemann did not rest content but prosecuted his researches, and discovered that some inert crude substances become curative agents, when their medicinal properties are developed by potentization, and that the provings on the healthy had to be made by potencies. His followers, who at first were bewildered when they beheld this theory of potentization, were compelled to be convinced by actual experiments of this great discovery of their master.

Hahnemann had called the attention of his pupils to the great medicinal powers of charcoal: charcoal was pulverized and taken in quantities, but no symptoms followed the increased doses, this was communicated to Hahnemann by Caspari who advised him to triturate one grain of charcoal with ninety-nine grains of sugar of milk, for the space of one hour, and this preparation should be taken: as no symptoms were observed by the prover, he advised them to take a grain of this first trituration and again triturate this grain with ninety-nine grains of sugar of milk for one hour; but few symptoms were observed: he again advised them to take one grain of this, the second trituration, and triturate this one grain with ninety-nine grains of sugar of milk for one hour, and take it. The provers now obtained most of the known symptoms of charcoal from this preparation, and this experiment gave rise to the doctrine of potentization, and settled also the pending question of the chemical and dynamical action of medicines, upon which question, from want of space, I abstain from enlarging, for the present. When Alumina was proved, symptoms was not observed until the sixth potency was taken.

Medicines already proved in large doses were now subjected to new provings and new and more decided symptoms were the result

The curative virtues of substances, formerly considered inert, were disclosed as in Alum. Natrum muriaticum, Lycopodium, Carbo vegetablis and Silicea. The symptoms obtained from potentized doses, were the most reliable, as can easily be verified by comparing the first provings of Sulphur with the later. Invariably are the later symptoms only the result of provings with small doses, and these same symptoms are now the leading symptoms used by the practitioner every day. Nay even now is this assertion beautifully verified by the very valuable proving of Thuja, by Dr. Wolf — the result of high potencies only; this last Thuja proving not only confirms the former proving by Hahnemann, and later by the Vienna physicians, but more clearly defines the action of Thuja — defines the characteristic symptoms of this medicine. This is demonstrated more clearly by Arsenic: the symptoms produced by poisoning are but seldom of any use to the practitioner, they very much resemble the symptoms of disease when it approaches a fatal termination, and although Arsenic seems there often indicated, it is not able to cure.

Hahnemann found that the better he became acquainted with the action of drugs, the doses had to be diminished to avoid the frequent aggravation following the exhibition of the potentized medicine; he gave the medicine in smaller doses, and less often, in the same proportion as his knowledge of the action of medicines increased. No doubt in the eyes of the young or inexperienced "a great mistake of a great man."

The three great fundamental principles consecutively developed by Hahnemann, were:

1. That the curative virtues of medicines can only be ascertained by provings on the healthy.

2. That the totality of symptoms constitute the disease.

3. That the curative virtues of medicines are developed by potentization.

On these three fundamental principles the structure of Homoeopathy was raised, and is continuing to be built, developing itself out of them. While these fundamental principles were fully established and confirmed by the experiments, the question was agitated "what is the proper dose to be administered for the cure of diseases." Hahnemann himself, and such of his disciples who had fully mastered the Materia Medica, obtained more satisfactory results in the treatment of disease by diminishing the dose, while others contended that the smaller and smaller the doses became, they were not capable of removing the disease promptly, and preferred larger, and in many cases, very large doses of the crude drag, and so fell into the degradation of materialism.

It is further contended that although the most brilliant cures, and those too in persistent chronic diseases, when all systems and all doses had been uselessly tried, have resulted from the higher attenuations (200), they are objectionably high for practical use.

The followers of Hahnemann accepting the fundamental principles of Homoeopathy have from time to time given publicity to the results of their experience. and have all found themselves constrained to state that the most brilliant results were obtained from the higher attenuations, and that in some cases, where even the 200th potency was not sufficient to eradicate disease, the higher potencies were successfully administered; that it was essential never to administer a second dose of the same remedy or a dose of a new medicine, till the action of the former dose was fully exhausted, and that this action is often of long duration; that the lower doses never cure when the higher attenuations were administered without success; that the duration of disease is very much shortened if the higher attenuations are administered, and the occurrence of fully developed dangerous conditions of acute diseases decreased, in the same proportion as they had lessened the doses. While the curative action of the lower attenuations of the properly selected homoeopathic remedy has never been denied, the advocates of the lower attenuations have time and again been requested to prove their position by giving publicity to cases in which higher attenuations had at first been unsuccessfully administered and a permanent cure established by a lower attenuation. No such cases have ever been fairly stated; we have received nothing but vague assertions. Lower attenuations may palliate or suppress part of the symptoms, but they will never remove the disease, i e., the totality of the symptoms, after a higher attenuation has failed to do so.

In the flourishing Homoeopathic Clinic at Brussels high. potencies only are administered, and the results stand incomparable in the medical records. Vide the "Homoeopathic Belge."

The materialists who deny the superiority of highly potentized medicines have not accepted the fundamental principles of Homoeopathy. They either neglect to ascertain the totality of the symptoms as taught in Hahnemann's anon, and instead, hold that pathological conditions, or names of diseases, indicate. the medicines, as for example, in their treatment of Intermittent Fever, (where they can see no difference in the great variety of symptoms in this or any other disease which depends so much on the epidemic character and the individuality of the patient) and they openly advise in text-books and lectures, the use of Chininum sulphuricum in crude and large doses, as the only remedy against Intermittent Fever. They entirely ignore even Hahnemann's first experiments, his proving of China officinalis, in order to ascertain what are the characteristic symptoms of China, and in what cases of Intermittent Fever it may be with certainty administered.

Entirely neglecting to consider the totality of symptoms, so varied in the same forms of disease by the character and individuality of the patient, they vainly look for specific medicines for specific diseases. In the present prevailing, so-called, Diphtheria, they pursue the same un-homoeopathic course, at one time administering Mercurius iodatus, in large doses and by ill success, driven from its use, they resort to Argentum nitricum, or tincture of Phosphorus, with no better success, because of the neglect of the first principles of Homoeopathy.

They entirely forget that the characteristic symptoms of the disease must also be characteristic to the remedy if a good result is sought to be obtained, and here I will give an illustration from my daily practice. I was called to prescribe for a lady, who was suffering from a true panaritium, all the bones of the index finger of the right hand were already involved. Symptoms — Burning pain, for which cold water dressings had been applied, pain worse from 10 o'clock to 4 in the morning, depriving her of all rest, and compelling her to walk up and down the room.

Apis had been administered without giving relief; I gave Arsenicum 200, but upon my visit in the morning I found the pain and distress increased. I again examined the case and found that warm poultices of bread and milk had been applied, but the warmer they were when applied the more severe the pain became; it now became evident that Arsenicum could not be the proper remedy, as this characteristic symptom of Arsenicum was deficient, "better from heat," although all the other symptoms seemed to indicate it clearly. — I again compared the symptoms, and as the Lycopodium pains are always aggravated by wrapping up warmly, and as all the other symptoms were also to be found under the provings of Lycopodium, I administered one dose of Lycopodium 2000. The next night the patient was comparatively easier, the poultices could be applied warm, the improvement continued for four days, when Silicea became indicated, and one dose of it in the 200th potency was given, and the freely suppurating finger was gradually healed.

That class of Homoeopathists who acknowledge that the high potencies have cured cases that had yielded to no other preparations, but say that they are objectionably high for practical use, deride logic. They give evidence that they are capable of selecting, at times, the proper homoeopathic remedy, and have properly cured — but why not always? what is their objection to using them always? and why are the higher potencies not practically useful if they have cured?

The conflicting doctrines held by the various practitioners of medicine, calling themselves Homoeopathists, make it not only desirable, but imperatively necessary to determine the fundamental principles of Homoeopathy first, without determination of doses, as their adoption is clearly the result of an acknowledgment or denial of first principles. It is a duty we owe ourselves, the community, and the memory of Hahnemann to agree on positive fixed fundamental principles, and the vexed question of doses will solve itself. The community has a right to know, and should know, what constitutes Homoeopathy and a homoeopathic practitioner. The community which is to be benefited by a progressively developed art, finds conflicting, uncontradicted statements brought before it, with no support but the delusive or idle assertion of irresponsible individuals. As an historical fact we find that a professor of a Homoeopathic College, and in that capacity, testified at the trial of Dr. King, at Toronto, April, 1859, (the testimony is copied from the "Toronto Globe," April 8th, 1859,) in open court, and under oath, when the question was asked as to what was a proper homoeopathic dose? "We endeavor to stop short of symptoms of poisoning." The same witness says, "in homoeopathic treatment I have given as much as the 1-5th of a grain of Arsenic and have repeated that dose Horn twelve to fifteen times in the course of forty-eight hours!!!" These false assertions still remain on record against Homoeopathy, uncontradicted.

The witness remained a professor, and his text-books and published lectures, which are teeming with absurdities, are spread over the country under the name of Homoeopathy. While on the other hand the leading physicians on the continent of Europe, and in this country also, contend for the smallest doses and highest potencies, and the most astonishing results have followed their use for almost twenty years, nevertheless there are voices and pens enough in motion to contradict them, and warn the community not to trust to such ridiculously small doses, and even assert that an improvement on Homoeopathy, as taught by Hahnemann, has been accomplished by stopping where began "the great error of a great man."

I have prescribed almost exclusively the higher potencies since 1846, and am perfectly convinced of their superiority over less potentized or crude medicines; at the same time I am far from willing even to endeavor to force my opinion upon any one, who from reasons, best known to himself, arrives at a different conclusion. Moreover I am content to strengthen and augment the testimony given by older and more experienced men than myself, that in the direction of higher and the highest potencies Homoeopathy is progressive. It is my firm conviction that the question of doses should not for the present be further agitated, as it is impossible, under existing circumstances, to arrive at any definite settlement. The doses being the result of previously established fundamental principles, we must first agree upon them.

The fundamental principles are:

1. That the curative virtues of medicines have to be ascertained by provings on the healthy, (and it has been shown by historical facts to be best by proving potencies).

2. That the totality of symptoms constitute the disease, (and by inference from this principle, Homoeopathy cannot acknowledge specific medicines for specific diseases).

3. That the curative virtue of medicine is developed by potentization, (and by inference from this doctrine, the administration of unpotentized medicine is not Homoeopathic, and therefore not admissible).

I am also convinced that those who fully acknowledge these fundamental principles of Homoeopathy, will find the smaller and smallest doses superior to the larger, and will find that Dr. v. Grauvogl, in his fundamental principles of "Physiology, Pathology and Homoeopathic Therapeutics," is correct when he says, "he is the best physician who gives the smallest doses;" furthermore, all physicians who do not acknowledge these three fundamental principles are no Homoeopathists at all, and whether or not the so-called Allopathic school will receive them in their ranks — we as consistent Homoeopathists can have no communion with them.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 11, 1860, pages 481-490]

[Description: Doses.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1860]

DR. VON BOENNINGHAUSEN.

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

The sad news has reached as that again one of the veterans of Homoeopathy has left. On the 26th day of February, the good and noble BARON CLEMENS MARIA FRANZ VON BOENNINGHAUSEN, died at Munster, at the age of 79 years. How can we prepare a merited monument to our departed colleague?

Boenninghausen leaves as a legacy to posterity his manifold writings and elaborate works. Among these he has given us, before closing his earthly career, a lasting evidence of his vast learning and acquirements, of his very thorough appreciation and understanding of Homoeopathy, in his last and great gift, his "Aphorisms of Hippocrates," with Notes by a Homoeopathist. So overwhelming was the effusion of his learning throughout this work that even the medical journals of the opposition found themselves compelled to praise his profound abilities. Boenninghausen devoted his whole life to Homoeopathy and the further development of the science. As a friend and pupil of Hahnemann his unbounded admiration increased daily by his intercourse with him, and after the great master's death he studied all his writings, and by these he became still more penetrated by and convinced of the truth of Hahnemann's observations and the great work accomplished by him. Following Hahnemann's doctrines and guided by them he developed Homoeopathy, His intimate knowledge of our Materia Medica is evident and indisputably proved in every page of his "Relations," "Repertory," and "Pocket Book." His great conscientious accuracy is admired by all who consult his writings and valuable works, and those who, like myself, have had the honor and happiness of a delightful intimacy with him will often recall the charm of his ever instructive conversation, his unparalelled simplicity of manner and the goodness of heart of this most excellent man.

While he leaves us all these gifts we may well ask ourselves, what would be the best mode of preparing the monument which this great man has merited by the service he has rendered to progressive Homoeopathy, and thereby to suffering humanity? Our departed colleague has pointed out how he had wished to prepare the well deserved monument of our Master — Hahnemann — and I here quote from one of his excellent articles, written soon after Hahnemann's death and translated for and published in the Homoeopathic Examiner, for 1846, Vol. IV. His text is on "The Three Precautionary Rules of Hahnemann," he says, "unless the signs deceive me, we are now at the commencement of a new epoch, marked by the death of our master, whose genius hovers around us, an epoch when the excrescences shall have been chopped off and the genuine metal separated from the dross. Let us henceforth be more firmly united, all of us who desire the good, but let us exclude from our ranks with unrelenting severity any one who sneers at the good cause, schismatics and all those who attempt substantiating opinions and hypothesis for careful observations. But let us at the same time honor the memory of the great reformer in medicine, by subjecting his doctrines, results of fifty years observations to repeated and comprehensive examinations and trials, and by candidly communicating our experience one to another. This would be the best mode of preparing the monument which the great man has merited by the services he has rendered to suffering humanity."

Boenninghausen by this illustrates and endorses the three precautionary rules of Hahnemann.

The happy epoch which he then anticipated has not yet come, the conditions he points out by which this epoch may be ushered in with certainty, "the chopping off of the excrescences, the separation of the genuine metal from the dross with unrelenting severity," these have not yet been fulfilled, but unless the signs of the times deceive me this condition is now being consummated, and the desired happy epoch must soon come.

The three precautionary rules of Hahnemann, the results of fifty years experience and now also the rules of Boenninghausen, would form a good basis for experiments to be subjected to repeated and comprehensive examinations, and trials and the results thereof candidly communicated one to another; by so doing we can prepare the best and lasting monument to this great and good man, and thus by a desired and decided union, meet his wishes and honor his memory by honoring the memory of our great master.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 10, 1864, pages 444-446]

[Description: Dr. Von Boenninghausen.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1864]

DYSENTERY. [Read before the Hom. Med. Society or Cayuga Co., October, 1885.]

By AD. Lippe, M. D., Philadelphia, PA.

Dysentery has prevailed to a great degree in this city and its vicinity, as well as in other parts of this continent.

Again, has true Homoeopathy been successful in quickly curing most of the cases whenever the selection of the remedy was made accurately; the individualization of each single case was quickly rewarded by a speedy cure.

The remedy most frequently indicated was Mercurius corr. The violent tenesmus continuing after the evacuation, the discharges of blood and mucus, and the aggravation during the night, were its indications, many cases were cured by one single dose administered in the 200 and higher potencies. In former years Nux vom. and Colocynth were the remedies most called for; the first was indicated by the frequent small discharges of blood and mucus, with violent pains about the navel, and much fever and thirst; the latter by violent cutting pains in the abdomen, compelling one to bend double. Other remedies were at times called for, according to the characteristic symptoms of the patient.

If the pain in the intestines was increased or provoked by the least motion of the body, Bryonia was the remedy; but if the discharges and pains were more frequent during the night or when lying down and at rest, Rhus. tox. cured rapidly, but especially when the tongue became very red and dry.

In a protracted and desperate case the patient suffered much from tenesmus vesicae; the desire to pass urine was urgent and continuous but unsuccessful, except during an evacuation from the bowels; also accompanied by violent tenesmus. Cantharides, Camphor, Aconite, Mercurius corr., Capsicum and Sulphur had been given without any good result. Alumina has the following symptoms (vide Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases):

Sympt.567. While pressing to stool, which is passed with much difficulty, the urine escapes involuntarily. 792. Loose evacuations with tenesmus in the rectum, e. o. Alumina^200 relieved the patient at once, and confirmed former observations, when under similar circumstances Alum. had been the curative remedy.

Trombidium mus. dom.10000 one dose (of Dr. Fincke's preparation) cured two cases. First, a consumptive old lady who was suddenly attacked with great tenesmus, straining to stool, prolapsus ani, discharges of mucus and soft feces, was soon relieved.

An old gentleman, about seventy-five years old, much emaciated but of nervous temperament, had dysentery for three weeks. The aggravation was from 4: p. m. to 4: a. m.; the straining and tenesmus violent, rectum and hemorrhoidal tumors protruded constantly when he was urged to evacuate; discharges consisted principally of pus, blood and mucus, with occasional very small pieces of feces. The skin was dry, tongue coated, thirst moderate, pains in the bowels very moderate.

The most carefully selected remedies had but a very short effect in relieving him. Mercurius corr. had been given in a single dose in various potencies and in water, but it did no permanent good. Trombidium mus. dom.10000 (Dr. Fincke's preparation) dissolved in water, and a spoonful administered every few hours, at once removed all symptoms of dysentery. There was a profuse discharge of foecal matter without straining, tenesmus or prolapsus ani.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 06, 1865, pages 219-221]

[Description: Dysentery.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1865]

IMPORTANCE OF A SINGLE SYMPTOM.

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

The symptoms perceived by and on the patient, the subjective as well as the objective symptoms, constitute the totality of symptoms, and that totality of symptoms constitutes the whole disease.

Hahnemann teaches in his Organon,section 71, that the points to be considered in reference to treatment are the three following:

"1st. By what means is the physician to arrive at the necessary information relative to a disease, in order to be able to undertake a cure?

"2d. How is he to discover the morbific potencies of medicines; that is to say, of the instruments destined to cure natural diseases?

"3d. What is the best mode of applying these artificial morbific powers (medicines) in the cure of disease."

Relative to the first point, Hahnemann says in his Organon, section 84, "the patient details his sufferings, the persons who are about him relate what he has complained of, how he has behaved himself and all that they have remarked in him. The physician sees, hears, and observes with his other senses, whatever there is changed or extraordinary in the patient."

Hahnemann here clearly teaches in his advice how to examine a patient, and also that after the patient and his friends have stated the subjective symptoms the physician should see, hear, and observe with his other senses, whatever there is changed or extraordinary in the patient; i. e., observe all the objective symptoms discernable. Had Hahnemann lived to this day he would not have changed a tittle of this teaching, but he would have rejoiced in every new discovery in science as confirming all he taught; he would have twice rejoiced to find that scientific physicians of all schools have learned and now teach that they treat not diseases but patients; that the conditions of the case to be treated and not the name of the disease indicate the remedy; in short, that even the thinking Allopathists affirm that the the objective symptoms are of minor importance and that the subjective symptoms indicate the treatment.

The thinking and progressive physicians do no longer contend for special forms of a malady, but that the conditions of a case, i. e., the subjective symptoms of the patient indicate the curative remedy.*[Vide Grundesetze der Physiologie, Pathologie und homoeopatische Therapie, by von Grauvogl, 1860.] By following Hahnemann in his progressiveness it becomes apparent that whatever characteristic symptoms are observed on the patient, the similar symptoms must be characteristic of the truly specific curative remedy to be applied, and it is obvious that these characteristics are much oftener found among the subjective symptoms both of the patient to be cured and the medicine to be applied. No medicine has ever produced certain pathological changes — structural lesions, etc., and inasmuch as a medicine can only produce by the proving on the healthy a condition similiar to the subjective symptoms of pathological changes — structural lesions, etc., these very subjective symptoms become all important to the physician when selecting the truly specific homoeopathically curative medicine. And whatever the examining physician may have discovered of perverted vital forces of physiological and pathological changes by the aid of the discoveries of modern science — all these discoveries, as a whole or as a single symptom, would never indicate the specific remedy.

The importance of a single symptom becomes most apparent when we can detect in the patient this single characteristic symptom, corresponding with a similar single characteristic symptom observed by proving a medicine. To illustrate this position I will, first, quote a case from my own case-book, in which an objective symptom indicated the truly specific remedy. The case was one of very malignant ship fever. The patient had been sick nine days when I found him on that day, in the morning, lying on his back perfectly unconscious, his eyes wide open, glaring, fixed on the ceiling, pupils dilated, cheeks red and hot, mouth wide open, the lower jaw hanging down, tongue and lips dry, black and cracked; picking of bed coverings, pulse 200. The pathological condition most certainly was approaching paralysis of the brain. Now if I had followed the advice of retrograding physicians, I should have gloried in having found in this pathological condition the important single symptom. Should I then have administered Morphine, or Helonin, Hydr. and Opium in alternation, by the spoonful, drop, or more?

The unconsciousness in this case would have made me think at first of Bell., Hyos., Mur. acid, Opium, Rhus and Stram. The eyes would have indicated Bell., Hyos., Opium and Stram.; the tongue and lips, Ars., Opium and Rhus; the hanging of the lower jaw, Ars., Lyc., and Opium; the picking of the bed clothes, Arn., Ars., Hyos. Opium and Stram. Not being able to select a remedy, I further examined the patient and found that he had passed the urine involuntarily all night, but this single symptom again left me to choose between Arn., Ars., Bell., Hyos. and Rhus, but upon still further examination I found on the sheet of the patient, that the urine involuntarily discharged, had made a large deposit of red sand, resembling brick dust. Here was the objective symptom characteristic of the case and the remedy. I now concluded to give Lyc. I dissolved six pellets of the 200th potency in half a tumbler full of water and had every two hours a spoonful put in the open mouth of the unconscious patient. When I saw him again, at two, p.m., I found him with his eyes and mouth firmly closed in a natural sleep and in a very heavy perspiration. He finally recovered fully and enjoyed perfect good health for many years. In this case the single characteristic symptom was a guide in the selection of the curative remedy, but not in the diagnosis of the disease; and again if this single symptom had been a guide in the diagnosis of the disease, it would not have been a guide in the selection of the curative remedy, inasmuch as it is an established fact, true beyond any further controversy, that the diagnosis of the disease, i. e., the name of the disease never can possibly indicate the only truly curative remedy. This fallacy belongs to the Sangrado School and has been left to them by progressive Allopathy. One symptom never affords us a clue to any pathological changes, or aberrations of the nerve forces, going on within the diseased organism, because we do not know of any medicine that can or does produce any pathological changes or aberrations of the nerve forces, we only know of symptoms produced by the proving of medicines similar to the symptoms through which the diseased condition of the patient demonstrates itself and becomes observable to our senses. But to illustrate the position assumed that one single symptom is very important, let us refer to the frequently recurring symptoms, "sinking at the epigastrium." This symptom standing alone and by itself is of no importance whatever, neither characterizing a remedy or any abnormal conditions of the system. Whether caused by a disturbed condition of the pneumo-gastric nerve, or of the uterus or by a nervous depression, the symptom by itself or the supposed cause will never assist us in finding the curative remedy. As far as our observations have been able to enlighten us, the symptom has been successfully removed by the following medicines; Alumen, Ambra, Baryta, Dig., Ignatia, Kali carb., Lobelia, Lycopodium, Petroleum, Oleander, Sepia and Veratrum.

The important single symptom in this connection, under Alumen, is that the sinking sensation is aggravated after eating; while under Baryta carb., this sensation is relieved by eating. This symptom is already on record in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases, under No. 359, where he says, "Sensation of weakness in the stomach which disappears after eating." The important single symptom, under Ambra, we find in Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura, under No. 4, where he says, "She must lie down on account of giddiness and a sensation of weakness in the stomach."

Under Alumen and Baryta, we find one conditional symptom, the aggravation and amelioration after eating; under Baryta, we find one concomitant and one conditional symptom; the combination of the sinking feeling with giddiness and the condition in being obliged to lie down. Digitalis has the characteristic symptom so often confirmed in practice and expressed by Hahnemann in his Materia Medica Pura, No. 125, "A weakness of the stomach, as if the stomach was sinking away and as if life would vanish;" and later it was observed that this sensation of weakness generally recurred "after eating." Under Ignatia, we find in Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura, No. 267, "A peculiar sensation of weakness in the upper abdomen and in the pit of the stomach," and No.335, "Drawing and pinching in the lower abdomen, descending into the rectum like pressing, with qualmishness and sinking in the pit of the stomach and paleness of the face (after forty-eight hours, two days before menstruation)," and No. 632, "Debility as if from weakness (sinking) around the pit of the stomach, he feels qualmish and must lie down."Under Kali carb., we find in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases No. 868, "Pressure in the stomach, with rumbling, sensation of emptiness and eructations." Under Laurocerasus, we find pain in the stomach like fainting; feeling of weakness in the stomach. Under Petroleum, we find in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases "Sensation of emptiness in the stomach as from fasting (No. 314," Under Lobelia, we find "Feeling of weakness of the stomach or in the pit of the stomach, extending through the whole chest." Under Oleander, we find in Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura, No. 156, "Sensation of great emptiness in the pit of the stomach with a sense of fullness in the abdomen," and it has been observed that this sensation of emptiness in the pit of the stomach has been relieved by drinking brandy, and is often accompanied by nausea. Under Sepia, we find in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases, No. 530, "Emptiness in the stomach (sensation of) with nausea as soon as she thinks of any food that might be offered to her." Under Veratrum, we find in Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura, No. 107, "Sensation of weakness of the stomach, with an internal sensation of coldness in the region of the stomach and a light pressure."

The importance of a single symptom in connection with this much perplexing sensation of "sinking at the epigastrium," weakness at the pit of the stomach is very obvious. We find that Alumen and Digitalis have an aggravation of this sensation after eating, and that Baryta has an amelioration of this symptom after eating; that under Oleander, brandy relieves; that under Kali carb. this sensation is accompanied by eructations; that under Ignatia this sensation has appeared forty-eight hours before menstruation, accompanied by a pale face and qualmishness, that qualmishness caused the patient to lie down; that under Sepia, the sensation was aggravated by thinking of food which might be offered. That the sensation is strongest in the pit of the stomach under Ignatia and Digitalis and Lobelia; that under Digitalis, the sensation is so intense that he feels as if life would vanish. Many cases will be met in practice in which none of these single symptoms are present with the sensation of sinking at the epigastrium, and then new remedies have to be looked for corresponding with the peculiar characteristic symptoms of the patient.

A single symptom is all important if it is the characteristic symptom of the medicine corresponding with the characteristic symptom of the case to be treated. Inasmuch as we no longer treat diseases, maladies or supposed diseased conditions giving rise to them, but as we treat patients it is no longer our task to find the single symptom as a guide in the diagnosis of the disease, but it is our task to find the single characteristic symptom both of the patient and the remedy. If we first arrive at a clear idea of what constitutes the characteristic of medicines, we involuntary adapt ourselves to the easy finding of the characteristic symptoms of the patient. Should we think that specific remedies could ever be found for supposed hyperaemia, or anaemia, or congestions, or nervous depressions, we should of course no longer make the slightest pretence to be a follower of Hahnemann. The characteristic symptoms of a medicine go through all its actions like a red streak. We find, for instance, that all the symptoms Aconite is able to produce on the human system, and, therefore is capable of curing, are accompanied by "anxiety," and differ in the restlessness which is caused by "anxiety" under Aconite from the restlessness which is caused by "anguish" under Ars. Acon. has no characteristic pains. The burning and stinging pains in internal organs, tearing in external parts and the tingling (in fingers, esophagus and back) in external parts, Aconite has in common with many other remedies. But if, for instance, a patient complains of tearing in external parts as in acute rheumatism and lies perfectly quiet, afraid to move, and if compelled to move suffers much more pain; no experienced physician will think of administering Aconite, because the accompanying fever indicates the inflammatory disease, but will give Bryonia if the other symptoms also indicate it; on the contrary if the patient is very anxious and restless, not afraid to move, but tossing about which he says he cannot help, although it increases his pains, no one will give Bryonia, but Aconite if otherwise indicated.

The "anxiety" of Aconite may be termed general characteristic like the "anguish" of Arsenic, or the constant aggravation of all the symptoms after sleep under Lachesis, or amelioration while in the open cold air under Pulsatilla; the amelioration in the cold air alone being equally characteristic to Iodine, or the aggravation at three, a.m., under Kali carb. Besides these general characteristics which go through the whole remedy, we observe special characteristics; as under Kali bichromaticum that all the mucous discharges are stringy, or under Phosphorus the aggravation of the cough in the cold air.

The single symptoms which becomes all important in a case may comprise the kind of pains experienced as under Apis "the burning-stinging pains" or the locality, as the wrist and ankle under Ruta; or the local direction the pain or the disease follows from the right to left, from below upwards, from the inside to the outside, or vice versa, or the condition (amelioration or aggravation) as under the amelioration from heat Arsenicum, and amelioration from cold Iodine, or from concomitant symptoms, as the great unquenchable thirst, the desire to drink large quantities under Natrum mur., or the thirstlessness under Pulsatilla.

Hahnemann and his followers had another reason for depending more on the subjective symptoms than on the objective symptoms, especially when the latter were leading to detect pathological changes on account of their fallacy. I here allude only to the often confirmed illusory results, through auscultation and percussion, which have induced the physician to diagnosticate hypertrophy of the heart and insufficiency of the valves, when later the discovery was made that this condition was not to be ascribed to any pathological changes, but was caused by the excessive use of Coffea to simulate this pathological condition and so to deceive the examining army surgeon. Coffea, in this instance, had produced a very similar condition and corresponding with the objective symptoms observed in certain diseases of the heart.

The single symptom becomes all important in well known diseases, as for instance in hooping cough. Does the physiological school or any other school pretend to find the curative remedy for the pathological changes causing this cough? Or would it be more easy to cure this disease if the seat and cause were known? The true physician has first to choose the proper remedy, and then to administer it properly if he hopes to be successful in the cure of this as well as all other diseases. The character and the peculiarities of the cough alone do not indicate a remedy, it is indispensably necessary to inquire further and first ascertain at what time of the day the cough is aggravated? or what else aggravates the cough? what are the concomitant symptoms? what is the character of the expectoration? And in this manner it will become apparent that as to time the Drosera aggravation is after midnight, that the cough returning every day at the same hours may indicate Lyc. or Sabadilla. Under the conditional aggravations it will become apparent that if pressure on the larynx aggravates the cough Cina will be indicated, or that if fast walking aggravates or brings on the attack Sepia will cure, that if hasty eating or drinking causes an attack Silicea will cure; or, with regard to the expectoration, that if the great quantity of mucus which threatens to suffocate the patient is difficult to expectorate, and if raised at all is tough and stringy and hard to detach, etc.

All these single symptoms become important and will enable the practitioner to select the curative remedy — the name of the disease never will — as no medicine has ever produced or can produce hooping cough but only a cough similar to hooping cough. The cough produced by Mephitis, for, instance, has been very similar to hooping cough, but was not hooping cough and can only cure such cases in which the concomitant symptoms also correspond with Mephitis.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 11, 1863, pages 503-511]

[Description: Importance of a Single Symptom.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1863]

INTERMITTENT FEVER. [Read before the Wayne County (N. Y.) Homoeopathic Medical Society. December 5th, 1865.]

By AD. Lippe, M. D., Philadelphia, PA.

Cullen's assertion that bark cured all cases of intermittent fever, because it was both bitter and aromatic, first gave to Hahnemann the occasion to expose the errors of the then great authority in medicine, who in years was greatly his senior. Hahnemann knew that Cinchona cured but a comparatively small number of cases of intermittent fever; he also knew that other substance, both bitter and aromatic, never cured a case of this disease. Hahnemann was compelled to institute a new mode of investigation, and first he endeavored to ascertain with certainty what cases of intermittent fever were curable by Cinchona. For this purpose he proved Cinchona first on himself, afterwards on others, and by this new plan of investigation, by these provings, he was enabled to give us the characteristic symptoms of Cinchona, which indicated it in the cure of intermittent fever. From this, Hahnemann's first investigation, were developed the fundamental principles of our school, named and termed by its discoverer.

The question Hahnemann first asked himself was: "What are the peculiarities, the characteristics of intermittent fever curable by Cinchona?" We ask this question in our own days: What is the remedy, how shall we treat intermittent fever, or how can we find the homoeopathic remedy for each individual case? If we follow Hahnemann's advice, we will be able readily to solve these questions. Many remedies have been proved and their characteristic symptoms defined. Among them are some of our native plants as Eupatorium perfoliatum, Gelsemium, etc.

The fact that Homoeopathy was developed by investigating the relation in which Cinchona stood in regard to intermittent fever, leaves no room for doubt that there exists the curative remedy for each individual case of intermittent fever. This will be admitted to be, theoretically, correct – but not practically. It is asserted that some cases will not yield to any homoeopathic remedy and some physicians even say that in certain seasons and in some localities we must resort to large doses of Cinchona. When Hahnemann, by strictly logical argument, demonstrated the error of Cullen's assertion, and when he afterwards proved his argument by practical experiment, and gave to the world the law of cure and the practical rules to guide us; the practice based on these principles and rules has always been proved correct. There can reasonably be no exception to these well-established principles and rules, neither season nor locality nor individuality can offer cause for an exception.

The facts are found to be:

1. Some cases of intermittent fever are cured by certain persons, in certain localities, by homoeopathically selected and potentized medicines.

2. Other cases of intermittent fever are not cured by certain persons in certain localities by homoeopathically selected and potentized medicines.

If this is true we must see where the fault is. If under one the law of cure by the experiment is successful, in the hands of some persons, why is it the reverse under two?

The variety of possibilities for want of success under two are:

a. The law of cure, as we understand it, has been applied but without success. If this were the case, then the law of cure could not be correct or true, for the law, like all natural laws, must be true under all circumstances without regard to time or locality.

b. The law of cure, as we understand it, has not been applied and, therefore, there was no success. This may arise from two principle causes; first, the law of cure was not properly applied because not properly understood; or, secondly, the means to apply it (the medicines and their provings) were not known, nor understood by the prescribing physician. There may be a lack of qualification to examine the patient, that is, to obtain a picture or the disease or a lack of qualification to select the proper remedy.

If we should admit a, which we would if we asserted that time and locality annuls or supersedes the otherwise applicable law of cure, we would declare Homoeopathy, based on these laws, to be fallacious, incorrect and of no benefit to the sick. But the law holding good in every other case of disease, at all times and in all localities, this assertion must be set aside, cannot be held or defended.

The failure to cure intermittent fever with homeopathically chosen remedies and potentized medicines must rest with the practitioner, who either does not understand or cannot properly apply the homoeopathic law.

To those unfortunate men, who call themselves Homoeopathicians but reject Hahnemann's teachings, we have nothing to say; they must be and will remain unsuccessful, not only in the treatment of intermittent fever, but also of all other diseases. We address ourselves to those Homoeopathicians, who knowing the laws of cure seek to find the means and mode of applying them successfully for the cure of intermittent fever, in such cases, in which at times they had failed to effect a cure. This want of success may be,

1st. That we have not properly examined the case,

2d. We may not have found the truly curative remedy; or,

3d. We may not have applied it properly.

We will take up these cases seriatim.

1st. In examining a case of intermittent fever, we may find characteristic symptoms for one of the known remedies or we may not; if we do not find any, it may be because we do not know them, and this is essentially our own fault; Or,

2d. If the characteristic symptoms are not marked, we select the remedy by other means – analogy. Again, there may be no characteristic symptoms, as in cases where there is simply a chill followed by fever and perspiration, and no strongly marked concomitant symptoms. In this case we must look to the symptoms of the patient during the apyrexia and to his constitutional symptoms — these will often assist us in finding the proper remedy.

3d. We may have been too hasty in repeating or changing the remedies. We should have obeyed the master's advice, and allowed each remedy to exhaust its action before repeating or changing it.

But how to find the truly curative remedy in a case of intermittent fever is after all the vexed question. Dr. von Boenninghausen in his essay on "Intermittent Fever" has almost exhausted the question, but we cannot too often refresh our memory.

1st. The examination of the patient as to the time and Periodicity – the various stage of paroxysm – the concomitant symptoms of each stage and the symptoms predominating during the apyrexia.

2d. The selection of the remedy. The truly curative remedy may be indicated by the time and periodicity, as under Natrum mur., ten, p.m., Lycopodium, four, p.m., Nux vom., in the morning, Apis when in the afternoon, and also Lachesis, Cactus grand., Nitric acid, etc., at the same hour every day Sabadilla, Aranea, etc. Again by the concomitant symptoms, as thirstlessness under Pulsatilla, China, Sabadilla. Thirst before the chill, Eupatorium, Arsenic, China, Pulsatilla; or only during the chill, Capsicum, Carbo veg., etc.; or between the chill and fever, China, Sabadilla, etc. The thirst during the fever paroxysm may be for large quantities of cold water at a time as under Bryonia, or for small quantities at a time as under Arsenic, Lycopodium, etc., or the paroxysm is accompanied by headache as under Natrum mur., which under Arsenic continues after the paroxysm, or the fever is accompanied by sleep as under Apis, Gelsemium, Cactus grand., etc. We must refer to Dr. von Boenninghausen's excellent essay on "Intermittent Fever" for more minutiae.

3d. The remedy properly chosen should be administered very soon after the paroxysm is over and only during the apyrexia, never during the paroxysm. If the next paroxysm is not changed in any way either as to time or in its concomitant symptoms, and if no new symptoms belonging to the remedy have been developed, our choice of the remedy may be supposed to have been faulty. If the paroxysm changes as to time and the next attack comes on earlier, we may reasonably expect an improvement and should not repeat the remedy; if the next attack is accompanied by symptoms characteristic of the remedy, or if the attack is lighter we should not repeat the remedy, if the attacks continue but are lighter each time, we may safely wait on the effects of the medicine given. If the attacks continue and the symptoms having guided us in the selection of the remedy cease, then we must choose another remedy. We must follow implicitly Hahnemann's rule – not to repeat the dose or give a new remedy until the effect of the former dose is exhausted.

The more carefully we apply the law of cure to the treatment of intermittent fever the more brilliant will be our success.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 07, 1866, pages 259-263]

[Description: Intermittent Fever.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1866]

LACHESIS.

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA

In a "Materia Medica" published by Dr. C. J. Hempel and containing the lectures delivered by him at the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, while occupying the Chair of Materia Medica in that Institution, Dr. Hempel says (lecture on Lachesis, p. 1142) that because toxicologists teach that the poison of serpents is digested by the gastric fluids, it has become questionable with almost all thinking Homoeopathists, especially in Germany," whether the almost interminable array of symptoms which Dr. Hering alleges to have been produced by Lachesis poison, is not the work of fancy rather than observation. In spite of every effort to the contrary, the conviction has gradually forced itself upon my (Prof. Hempel's) mind that the pretended pathogenesis of Lachesis which has emanated from Dr. Hering is a great delusion, and that, with the exception of the poisonous effects with which this publication is abundantly mingled, the balance of the symptoms is unreliable."

"It has been accepted as an axiom that medicine, and poisons can only affect the nerves through the blood, and that the medicines and poisons pass through the veins into the blood." It has also been proved of late that "the gastric juices do not destroy all animal poisons, and a reference to the experiments by Claude Bernard will establish that fact."

All these and other objections to the admissibility of Dr. Hering's Lachesis provings would be in place, and might be considered had not the experiment decided the correctness of the provings. The only truly logical plan to show that an alleged proving is a delusion or a fancy, is to state some cases in which the medicine chosen according to the alleged proving and properly administered had failed to produce the expected effect; but if, as is the case with Lachesis, a long array of published cases fully confirm the correctness of the provings by the curative results when applied in diseases according to the homoeopathic law, no reasoning a priori can destroy the conclusion which the successful experiment forces upon us. But if Professor Hempel sees other difficulties arising from the fact that our provings have been conducted with alcoholic attenuations and that the poisonous qualities were so destroyed, he is again in error. Dr. Hering did not potentize the poison of Lachesis in alcohol, but on the 28th of July, 1828, he triturated the freshly obtained poison with Sugar of milk up to the third trituration, and from this trituration all further potencies were made. To correct the erroneous belief that Lachesis is not of much, if of any, therapeutic value, I will first review the provings of this very valuable remedy and then examine the homoeopathic literature and see what numerous observers have published on Lachesis.

In the tenth, volume of the Archiv., part II, page 1, we find the first remarks on Lachesis by Dr. C. Hering, written in 1828. He there relates how he obtained the poison of the Trigonocephalus Lachesis, on the 28th day of July, 1828, how he made the triturations and his first provings.* [The identical serpent from which Dr. Hering obtained the poison is still in the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.] On page 24 of the same number of the Archiv. is a subsequent letter from Dr. Hering, dated Paramaribo, June 18th, 1830, in which he makes additional remarks on Lachesis. The first publication of the arranged symptoms of the fragmentary provings of Lach. appeared in 1833, in Vol. XIII of the Archiv., "fur die homoeopathische Heilkunst," by Dr. Hering. In these symptoms arranged out of the meagre and fragmentary provings we find already the elements of the great medicine. Symptom 5. "Pressing through the whole head with catarrh and a stiff neck." This combination is not again to be found in the Materia Medica, and often has Lachesis proved itself to be the curative remedy when in the beginning of a catarrh, this headache and stiff neck predominated. Symptom 9. "Erysipelatous inflammation of the left cheek, under the eye; at first, itching at night, the prover awakened frightened from a slight noise; in the morning the spot became red, increasing and much worse after sleeping after dinner; the next morning it was very much swollen and itched so intensely that it could scarcely be endured. The lower eyelid also swollen, red and itching. Pulsating (hammering) headache before and after the erysipelas." This symptom, corresponding with erysipelas of the left side of the face, shows as characteristic for Lach. and we will later allude to it; again the aggravation after sleep, especially sleeping after dinner; also the left side. Symptom 14. "Intensely offensive smell of the feces which were otherwise normal." Here again we find already the characteristically offensive smelling feces of Lachesis, if they are even otherwise normal. In the second part of the Archiv., for 1833, we find under the practical communications by Dr G. W. Gross the following remark: "The observation which Dr. Haubold made some time ago that Lachesis was a useful remedy in ulcers on the lower extremities, I can now corroborate. A number of ulcers on the lower extremities; of dirty appearance, and which had improved under the action of some doses of Silicea but which would not heal, closed and fully healed in a very short time from a few doses of Lach."

In 1837 Dr. Hering published, at Allentown, the effects of the serpent-poison to which publication Dr. Hempel alludes, and which he endeavors to brand as a work of fancy rather than of observation. This monograph was the most elaborate publication of the day, and the more complete and best arranged description of the effects of a new medicine as it gives. First: many symptoms which have been observed by proving the Lachesis-poison on healthy persons. Second: A few symptoms which were observed on the sick. Third: many symptoms which were removed by Lachesis (curative effects). Fourth. A few symptoms of Crotalus. Fifth: all other effects of this and other serpent poisons caused by the bite of snakes, which were then known; nor were the known effects on animals excepted.* [Since this publication of the effects of the serpent-poison by Dr. Hering in 1837, no additional provings of Lachesis have been published, nor have any provings been made as far as I have been able to ascertain All the Lachesis symptoms published in the Materia Medica are taken from the monograph published in 1837; all assertions to the contrary are false and erroneous.]

This monograph was the guide to the homoeopathic physician and according to the symptoms there collected, recorded and arranged, he applied it to the cure of diseases. How far the record has been found correct can only be shown by the results of "experiment," and while I refrain from combating Dr. Hempel's erroneous opinion by stating my individual experience (I shall do that in a later article disconnected with the present object in view), which might seem like giving but another opinion, I will now call before the bar of medical investigation some witnesses who have deposed their record in the homoeopathic literature.

In the Archiv., 14,1, 7, Dr. Gross relates a case of mental disease cured by Lachesis: A young man who, having studied too much, had become mentally diseased. Extraordinary talkativeness (contrary to his usual habits), continually making speeches in the choicest language, but passing from one thing to the other, and talking about the most heterogeneous things. Towards those around him he was full of distrust and haughtiness. Lach. 20 cured him soon. Compare in the provings, symptoms 3074.

In the sixth edition of Dr. Hering's Hausarzt, 1849, page 41, we find already some characteristic symptoms indicating the administration of Lachesis in delirium tremens, giving them as established by several successful cures of the disease by Lachesis prescribed by Dr. Hering. He there says, the "Lachesis will be indicated if the attacks come principally in the afternoon or after sleeping, when the patients talk much and when they often change the subject, or when they remove their neck-cloth or shirt-band from the neck and even tear it away." Compare symptoms 3073, 3074, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 2820, 2821.

In the Allgem. Hom. Zeitung. 36, 233, we find Dr. Black to say," that Lachesis is indicated by one-sided tensive headache drawing from the neck over the head to the eyes, with vomiting, stiffness of the neck and tenderness of the scalp." In the British Journal, 5, 434, we find that Lachesis cured a case of headache of four months standing; the characteristic symptoms were the one-sidedness, the giddiness with paleness of the face, general sensation of stiffness and pain in the left side of the abdomen.*[As the patient was a lady, the pains were most likely in the left ovary for which Lachesis is pre-eminently specific.]

In the Allgem. Hom. Zeitung, 51, 6, we find a case of chronic headache which had continued for years, cured by Lach. The pain coming every two to four days, always in the right side of the head, pulsating, pressing and extending to the neck which became stiff, worse during menstruation.

In the same number of the same journal, Pope relates another case where the headache had lasted six weeks, at first, pain in the vertex which then extended over the right side of the head, and over the face with pricking as from needles in the limbs of the same side, worse in the afternoon; it was promptly cured by Lachesis.

In the Archiv. 30, 3,120, Dr. Schellhammer relates a case of fistula lachrymalis cured in two weeks with one dose of Lachesis, and which was accompanied by a long standing eruption on the face, which he had treated unsuccessfully for one year with other homoeopathic remedies.

In the Allgem. Rom. Zeitung 41, 227, Dr. Hering relates a case where, after Otorrhea, the right ear remained dry and obstructed, with almost entire deafness, and which was cured by one dose of Lachesis^500 in one week. Compare symptoms 556 and 558.

Rosenberg 17 and 22 says Lachesis has cured redness of the nose in drunkards; also Mercurio-syphilitic cases. In drunkards it cured the internal soreness of the nose when the internal nose was full of scabs, and when in Mercurio-syphilitic cases much pus mixed, with blood, was discharged from the nose. Compare symptoms 594, 622, 623.

A great many cases of various diseases of the throat which have been cured by Lach. are related in Vehsemeyer's Jahrbuch 1,1,13,14.Allg. Hom. Zeitung 57, 10; in Dr. Hering's Hausarzt, sixth edition, 201; in All. Hom. Zeitung 50, 87; 41, 24; 45, 108; in Hirschel's Zeitschrift 2, 23; 4, 128; 4, 129. The characteristic symptoms in these are: "Great desire to swallow, swallowing very difficult and painful on account of a sensation as if a lump or plug was lodged in the throat. Painful constriction of the throat. When swallowing, great fear of suffocation and choking. The drink which has been swallowed escapes through the nose. It is more difficult to swallow solids than fluids." Compare symptoms 982, 983, 984, 985, 994.

In Archiv. 15,1, 55, Dr. Hering relates a case of chronicgastricism by Lachesis. The principal symptoms were a very variable appetite, aggravation of discomfort after eating and then the stomach becoming filled with wind, which the patient was compelled to throw off; giddiness, languor and the breathing oppressed. When lying down, in the evening, the least covering touching the mouth or nose so impeded his breathing that he feared suffocation.

In the Allg. Hom. Zeitung 34,19, and British Journal, 1847, two cases are related of the inflammation of the cecum (typhlitis) in which Lachesis cured, after other medicines had been unavailing. A very characteristic symptom in both cases was that the patient could only lie on the back with the legs drawn up.

In the Allg. Hom. Zeitung 22, 45, Dr. Gross relates a case of diarrhea cured by Lachesis. The characteristic symptoms were, painless brown and very offensive evacuations, tongue dry and red, twitching of the hands.

In Archiv. 15,1,48, Dr. Hering relates a case of syphilitic ulcers in the throat cured by Lachesis. The ulcers looked yellow and greenish. violent pain when swallowing solid food, the drink escaping through the nose. A continuous titilation in the ulcers caused her to cough, difficult expectoration, cough, hawking; if the hawking comes after a meal she has to vomit what she has eaten. The external throat is painful to the touch, the pain in the throat extending to the ears. Attacks of pain in the bones at night driving her out of bed. Attacks of violent headache, beginning when she rises in the morning, worse when she elevates her head. The patient had been treated for syphilis for ten years by eleven physicians. Four doses of Lachesis cured her.

In the Allg. Hom. Zeitung 41, 24, we find it related that some old cases of Mercurio-syphilitic buboes, which had suppurated a long time, were cured by Lachesis.

In the Archiv. 18, 2, 6, Dr. B. relates a case of Hysteria cured by Lachesis"; he found the indication for this remedy in the symptom that the dryness of the mouth and throat were accompanied by a continued sensation in the velum palati, as if desquamation was about to take place.

In the Corresp. Blatt 2, a case is related in which Lachesis

cured blue milk, which came involuntarily from the mammae of a mother who had nursed for five months.

In Hirschel's Neue Zeitschrift, is a case related by Dr. Oehme. He cured a tumor in the left mamma, the pain was cutting and pricking; worse before and after menstruation, and extended to the arm. The tumor, as well as the menstrual disorders, were promptly cured by Lachesis.

In Hirschel's Neue Zeitschrift 3, 68, we find a case of puerperal peritonitis cured by Lachesis. The characteristic symptoms for Lachesis were: the color of the face livid, bluish. Abdomen swollen. Urinary and fecal evacuations suppressed. Lochial discharge thin and fetid. Unconsciousness with violent chills daily.

In Dr. Hering's Hausarzt, sixth edition, page 176, the characteristic symptoms of the cough which is cured by Lachesis are given as the result of observation of the curative effects of this medicine in many cases; they are, cough caused by pressure on the throat, the patient is unable to have his throat covered; cough at night, during sleep, or from tickling in the throat-pit, or as soon as falling asleep; while coughing, the chest feels raw through to between the shoulders, with stitches in the sides and bloody expectoration; or cough as if some fluid had come into the wrong passage, or violent cough from ulcers in the throat with straining to vomit, hawking of much mucus from the throat with much saliva in the mouth, difficult expectoration; the cough is especially severe after eating, after sleeping, when rising from a recumbent position; the cough is accompanied by pain in the throat, ears, head and eyes.

In the Allg. Hom. Zeitung 13, 230, Lobethal tell us that he has cured several cases of bronchitis with Lachesis, when he found in chronic bronchitis a great sensitiveness of the larynx, hoarseness, and when the patient complained that he felt a thick lump in the throat as from accumulated mucus.

In Archiv. 15, 2,139, a case is related in which Lachesis^20 cured a periodical asthma. The patient awakens after midnight, the chest feeling constricted; also, in the morning, when rising suddenly, the breathing slow, heavy, wheezing; he must bend forward when rising or sitting.

In the Hygea 59, 7, Dr. Wurm calls attention to Lachesis in hepatization of the lungs.

In Archiv. 15, 1, 56, we find a case in which Lachesis cured a patient who had, six months previously, been treated for pneumonia by blood letting. The prominent symptoms were: a short superficial hacking cough which was very distressing and often caused retching, as if vomiting would follow, very little expectoration of thin tough mucus or of rough small lumps. He coughs only through the day, more after walking in the open air, after talking and after sleeping, is worse during damp weather and after eating fish. The cough seemed to be caused by a tickling in the pit of the stomach, and he complains of much pain there when coughing. Short breathing especially when working with his arms.

Dr. Hering in his Housarzt 300, Kreussler in bis Therapeutics 124, and Dr. Stapf's Archiv. 16, 1, 90, say, that, in panaritium, Lachesis will not only relieve the pain but will assist when suppuration has already begun and will hasten it, especially when the skin has a dark red or bluish color.

In Vehsemeyer's Jahrbuch 1, 1, page 15, Dr. Fielitz relates a cases in which Lachesis^20 cured. An abscess in the bend of the knee had been healed, but had left the muscles contracted so that the leg could not be straightened. In a fortnight the patient was cured, could straighten his leg again and walk again.

In the Allg. Hom. Zeitung 18, 329, we find Dr. Gross relating cases in which Lachesis cured inflammatory swellings in the neck after scarlet fever; they suppurated and healed; also oedomatus swellings after scarlet fever.

In Dr. Hirschel's Zeitung 1, 115, Dr. Lobethal says, that when after scarlet fever, the accumulation of water extended to the thorax and pericardium, Lachesis has cured, particularly when the urine look black.

In the Allg. Hom. Zeitung 18, 131, Dr. Gross relates a cure of erysipelas by Lack^20 A lady, 40 years of age, who had not menstruated for one year, sprained her foot; after much exercise the ankle became greatly swollen, the erysipelatous swelling extended to the knee; when she walked she experienced a sticking pain in the ankle; the upper part of the foot was covered with dark red lentil shaped pimples. After a few days the erysipelatous swelling disappeared, the pimples dried up, and the menstruation returned.

In the Allg. Hom. Zeitung 19, 177, Knorre relates two cases of erysipelas of the lower extremities cured by Lach. Also a case of vertigo after suppressed erysipelas, and a case of flat open ulcers on the left lower limb with erysipelas, cured by Lachesis.

In the Archiv. 17, 2, 52, Dr. Gross relates a cure with Lachesis; the patient had confluent smooth round white pustules of the size of a mustard seed in the palms of her hands, they contained a white fluid and itched intolerably; they healed under the effects of Lach. in seventy-two hours.

In the Archiv. 15,1, 53, we find a case of itch cured by Lachesis. The prominent symptoms were, itching over the whole body, at first burning and then there appeared on the hands and feet itching pustules, with violent itching, burning and beating; a spreading red swelling appeared under the pustules with large blisters, first filling with water and later with pus; the inflammation extending to the elbows and knees, some of the large blisters became of a bluish black color, with pulsating burning pain, the pain extending to the head, teeth, chest and back; boring pain in the vertex. When the itching lessened, the patient complained of dyspnea. Cured in one week.

In Hygea 9, 6, Dr. Grieselich relates a case of cure, by Lachesis, of ulcers on the lower extremities, the color of the skin around the ulcers was bluish; the discharge from the ulcers ichorous.

In the Allg. Hom. Zeitung 8, 9, 7, Dr. Gross relates five cases of cures of ulcers on the lower extremities with Lach. The bottom of the ulcers uneven and of a dirty color, the discharge thin and the odor very offensive. In one of the cases the edges were high and hard.

Dr. Wolf says, in his Homoeopathischen Erfahrungen 1, 37, among the instances of hydrops after scarlet fever which are not controlled by Apis, are those in which the urine is of a black color; these cases are promptly relieved by Lachesis.

In the Allg. Rom. Zeitung 57, 73, Dr. Tietze relates two cases of epilepsy cured by Lachesis; another cure of the same disease by Lachesis is related in Corresponden Blatt 4, 46, by Dr. Pulte.

In the Archiv. 15, 2, 120, Dr. Hering relates a case in which he cured a child of spasms, with frequently recurring loss of sight and consciousness, by Lachesis.

In the British Journal of Homoeopathy, January, 1850, two instances are related in which Lach. cured hydrophobia.

In V. T. S. 7, 309, Bojanus mentions cases of typhus fever which he cured with Lachesis. He gives as indicative symptoms: the tongue dry, black, cracked, bleeding, and trembling when put out of the mouth.

In the Journal de la Med. Hom., Leon Simon says, that Lach. has cured wounds when they had become gangrenous, and relates the case of a wound on the head becoming gangrenous and being cured speedily by Lachesis.

In the letters on the homoeopathic treatment of animals, Magdeburg, 1837, we find under the treatment of horses, page 42, that one of the most important remedies in caries, especially of the feet, is Lachesis. On page 46, that Lachesis has often cured ulcers on the feet. On page 74, that Lachesis frequently cured when the mucus came out of the nose and mouth in strings.

In the same work, third letter, 1843, under the treatment of sheep, we find, on page 9, that erysipelas vesiculare was cured by Lachesis when it appeared as an epidemic; it was characteristic when it appeared on the head without any swelling. On page 12, we find that Lachesis cured the small pox in sheep, when a large quantity of saliva ran from the mouth. On page 24, we find that stomacace was cured by Lachesis, when, in malignant cases, the vesicles in the month became blue and the saliva fell out of the month in long strings, impeding the act of drinking. On page 32, we find that swollen bones were cured by Lachesis, especially when the swelling was very painful to the touch. On page 33, we find that Lachesis cured caries of the feet. On page 51, we find that Lachesis is the principal remedy in inflammatory fever if the mucus which collects in the mouth, and nose becomes cold and runs out in strings. On page 165, Lachesis is recommended when the animal half closes one eyelid while eating.*[The same author writes also on the treatment of oxen, but they have refused to testify to the curative effects of Lachesis; only the higher animals, the sheep and horse, hare given favorable evidence.]

After relating some of the evidences given by various physicians and observers, from among high and low potency men, in various countries and at various times, and also recorded in different medical journals and works, we can not agree with Dr. Hempel when he further says:

"The conclusion I arrive at is this: that the therapeutic character of serpent poisons is still hypothetical, and will have to be investigated and scientifically determined by further experiment,"

As far as the necessity for further experiments becomes desirable we agree with Dr. Hempel, and he might have, or may still carry out his good intentions by reproving Lachesis. The provings of Thuja by Hahnemann, the reprovings of it by the Vienna provers with unmerciful massive doses, producing much useless suffering and no new symptoms, and the very latest provings of Thuja by Dr. Wolf, with high potencies, proving not only the correctness of Hahnemann's and the Vienna provings, but also enriching the Materia Medica with very valuable new symptoms, may guide the anxious investigator who would no doubt arrive at the conclusion that the former proving of the serpent poison is no delusion.

When the evidences above quoted come to be considered, and if we further reflect that this is only a part of the evidence on record, leaving out, as it does, most of the living and present witnesses and all later records, the reviewer of Dr. C. Hempel, as an author and teacher, must arrive at this conclusion:

"That the therapeutic character, i, e., the curative virtues of serpent poison, especially of Lachesis, is well established and that it requires only the application of the homoeopathic law of cure, according to the provings in our possession, to establish not only the correctness of this conclusion, but also the conclusion that Dr. C. Hempel's assertions as above stated are erroneous and are contradicted by much experience and observation; in short that the experiment and the evidences of facts are against and contradict his 'conclusion.'

For the benefit of the physicians who have been taught by Dr. C. Hempel and who have, confiding in his teaching, considered Lachesis a useless medicine, but who are willing to appeal to the test of experiment, I will add a few characteristic of that polychrest — Lachesis

Generalities.

Tearing, pricking and pulsating pains. Contraction of the muscles. The left side is principally affected — (paralysis). Excessively warm or excessively cold weather causes great debility. The attacks return periodically (every spring). Exacerbation in the evening. All the symptoms are worse after sleep especially after a siesta, or from taking acids, from alcoholic drinks, from the abuse of China and Mercury.

Mind and Disposition.

Loquaciousness; discouragement; mistrust; nervous irritability.

Skin.

Itching. Erysipelas. Color bluish red or yellow. Ulcers with great sensitiveness to the touch, uneven bottoms, ichorous offensive discharge, or burning when touched, especially on the lower extremities (around the ulcers many small pimples or ulcers on a bluish red skin,

Sleep.

Sleeplessness, especially before midnight. When falling asleep he is awakened by a tickling cough. When awaking from sleep he feels much worse.

Fever.

Intermittent fever. The attacks came on every spring, or after suppression of the fever the previous fall with Quinine, and in the afternoon; are accompanied by violent pains in the small of the back and limbs, oppression of the chest, violent headache with a red face and cold feet; during the hot stage, continual talking — face yellow or ashy. Typhus fever, especially when the tongue is very red or black or in fissures principally on the tip, or when the tongue trembles while it is put out, or if, while endeavoring to put it out, the tip remains under the lower teeth or lip and can not be put out Small quick pulse. (Yellow fever.)

Head.

Pulsating, beating headache with heat in the head, especially on the vertex or on the right side or over the eyes, preceding a cold in the head with stiffness of the neck.

Eyes.

The eyes water with a headache from a cold. Itching and burning of the eyes. Yellow color of the white the eyes.

Ears.

Dryness, with want of wax and hardness of hearing.

Nose.

Redness of the point of the nose. Bleeding of the nose (blood dark), and blowing of blood from the nose especially in the morning. Discharge of pus and matter from the nose. Coryza, with discharge of thin water and red nostrils,

Face.

Paleness, yellowness or lead-like color of the face. Erysipelatous inflammation of the cheeks,

Teeth.

Crumbling off of the decayed teeth.

Mouth AND Throat.

Sensation of a plug in the throat, or as if a lump of mucus had collected in the throat with continued painful desire to swallow. The fluid which is swallowed escapes through the nose. Ulcers in the throat, on the inflamed tonsils. Empty swallowing aggravates the pain in the throat more than swallowing of food, or fluids are swallowed with less pain then solids. The inflammation and ulceration of the throat begins on the right side and extends later to the left side (Lycopodium has the opposite). The external throat is very sensitive to the touch.

Tongue.

Dry, red, black, cracked, especially on the tip.

Appetite and Taste.

Desire for wine. Great thirst.

Abdomen.

Pain when touching the pit of the stomach. Heat in the abdomen. Inflammation and abscess of the liver. Great discomfort from having the cloths tight around the waist.

Stool.

Constipation. Stools excessively offensive. Constriction in the rectum or sensation of a plug in the anus. The desire to evacuate continues after the pappy, offensive stool. Stich in the anus when coughing or sneezing. Hemorrhoidal tumors protruding after stool and constriction of the sphincter.

Urine.

Urine foaming.

Sexual System.

Great excitement of the sexual desire.

Male Sexual Organs.

Induration of the prepuce. Mercurio-syphilitic ulcers.

Female Sexual Organs.

Menstruation suppressed or too scanty. Menstrual colic beginning in the region of the left ovary. Swelling, induration, pain and other anomalies of the left ovary.*[Lachesis has the same specific effect on the left ovary that Apis has on the right ovary.]

Chest.

Burning in the chest. Palpitation of the heart with anxiety. Rheumatism of the heart.

Breathing.

Oppression worse after eating. Shortness of breath and suffocative attacks are caused by touching the larynx or aggravated when moving the arms. Periodical attacks of asthma.

Cough.

Cough caused by pressure on the larynx or by any covering of the throat, by a tickling in the lowest point of the throat, when falling asleep, from ulcers in the throat; cough with rawness of the chest, difficult expectoration and pains in the throat, head and eyes.

Larynx.

Sensitiveness to the least touch, and, when touched, difficulty of breathing or else and attack of coughing Hoarseness with a sensation of rawness and dryness in the larynx.

Back and Neck.

Pain in the small of the back with constipation, intermittent fever, palpitation of the heart or dyspnea. Stiff neck.

Upper Extremities.

Heat in the palms of the hands at night.

Lower Extremities.

Flat ulcers on the lower extremities. Cold feet.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 12, 1863, pages 552-567]

[Description: Lachesis.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1863]

LACHNANTHES TINCTORIA.

BY AD. LIPPE, M.D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Lachnanthes tinctoria, spirit weed, was sent to Dr. C. Hering by Dr. Byron, from Monticello, Florida, with a letter dated November 3d, 1852. In this letter Dr. Byron says, "with the above I send you a plant, known among the Indians as 'spirit weed,' which means an exciting weed; root and flowers are the parts used by the natives to produce as they say a shining eye and big face, which means a brilliant eye and flushed and swelled face. They use it by chewing and in water; those using it look bold,' big' and talk loud (speak eloquent), as soon as its effects pass away the user becomes stupid and very irritable. I have given it as a medicine in several instances.

CASE I Miss B., aged 23, had inflammation of the lungs; pulse 130; cheeks flushed, like with hectic persons; eyes very bright; out of her mind; very thirsty; pains in the chest.

First day, Aconite and Belladonna alternately; pulse 95; her mind restored. Second day, the same; no further improvement. Third day, Rhus and Aconite alternately every two hours; pulse 90; less pain in the chest; hard dry cough; expectoration like bricks and like matter. Fourth day, Bryonia 12; pulse 100; cough not so dry; less pain, but derangement of mind and a chill. Fifth day, Arsenic and six hours afterwards Carbo veg; pulse 110; breathing more free; no pain; fullness of head; mouth very dry. Pulsatilla and Acon. until the eighth day. All this time the eyes were unnaturally bright; the face red flushed, without losing it for a moment. Here I made the first trial and gave this "spirit weed," and in nine hours face and eyes had lost their redness and brilliancy, in thirty-six hours eye and face sunk into a sallow and lifeless appearance. In this stage Aconite had the best influence. On the twelfth day my patient was convalescent, if it had not been for this weed I do not know in what it might have resulted. I have used the same weed in two other cases, when its efficacy was equally true and prompt.

In order that we might determine this new weed properly, I wrote to Professor Asa Gray, of Cambridge, and sent him the plant. He replied under the 15th of January and said that it was Lachnanthes tinctoria and referred to his manual, page 481.

FIRST PROVING.

Wilhelm Raue took three drops of the third potency on the 21st of February, 1853, at half past nine, a.m.

Fifteen minutes after taking it his sight became obscure. If he looked intensely on any thing he saw gray rings which were fixed to the spot.

Sensation on the skin of the inside of the left lower leg as if blisters were bursting, soon after the same sensation on the right lower limb.

Sensation as if the vertex was enlarged and was extended upwards.

A continued stitch in the left part of the forehead from within to without.

The stinging sensation changed in a few minutes into a pressing pain and extended from the left part of the forehead to the right side, over the whole forehead as if it was pressing from within outwards. Tingling in the lower parts of both legs from the knees to the ankles. The pressing pain in the forehead became a dull sensation, in the whole forehead.

Half-past ten, a.m. Burning under the nail of the left toe.

Eleven, a.m. Tingling in the right ear. Singing before the left ear.

Sensation as if the eyeball was pressed together from below.

It drew the left index finger crooked.

Sensation as if the hair was standing on end, worse on the occiput.

A pressure as from a thumb on the right side of the nose.

(The prover had fallen when a child and broken the nasal bones, which had partly suppurated and left an indentation.)

One, p.m. Sensation of twitching in the upper eyelids.

Pain in all the teeth whilst drinking coffee.

Sensation of swelling in the pharynx, an itching sensation there when swallowing.

Pressing in the eyes, as from dost, first in the right and then in the left.

Secretion of white mucus from both eyes.

In the forenoon a continuous stitch in the anus.

At three, p.m., tearing in the left upper arm from the elbow-joint to the shoulder-joint; it pains most in the elbow-joint.

Twelve, m. Pressing in the bladder during micturition.

Half-past three, p.m. Pulse 58.

On the 22d of February, 1853, he took two drops of the third potency, at half-past eight, a.m.

Obscuration of sight lasting from-one to two hours.

If he looked at any spot for some time it became quite dark.

Sudden squeamishness in the stomach.

Tingling in both lower legs and feet, through and through but worse in the calf of the legs.

Sensation of dullness in the head.

Nine and a quarter, a.m. Burning in the juncture of the ilium with the sacrum, deep, internally, drawing towards the right side. Soon after burning in the region of the left kidney, deep internally drawing towards the right side.

The pupils are very much enlarged.

Drawing of the eye-brows and eye-lids upwards, so that he looks with fixed eyes, even when he tries to bring them down by force, they continually go up again, this sensation lasts one hour.

Boiling and bubbling in the chest and the region of the heart, it ascends up to the head and makes him quite giddy; breaks out into perspiration.

Half-past nine, a.m. Fain and stiffness in the neck going over the whole head down to the nose, then like pinching the nostrils together.

Tearing in the left elbow-joint.

Tearing from the left temple down to the left molar teeth.

Three-quarters past nine, a.m. Pulse 60.

The whole scalp is painful also when touched, ten, a.m.

Crawling in the left nostril.

On the left upper vertex pressing as from a finger.

Burning in the spine, about four inches above the small of the back.

Sensation in the left os lachrymalis as if something separated itself, afterwards extending from that part over the left eye into the left temple behind the left ear a bruised pain.

A strong pressure on the left side of the nose.

Itching in the left internal canthus of the eye.

Itching in the right thigh, as if it was deep inside.

Itching in the left tibia.

Half-past ten, a.m. Strong burning in the left half of the scrotum, extending towards the right side.

Tingling in the left ear, relieved by boring with the finger, but it begins again right away, and then it feels as if the ear was closed, with singing in the ear.

Tearing in the forehead from the left to the right side.

In the upper part of the abdomen, one inch above the navel, turning and twirling.

If he read any time, all became black before his eyes and he had to look away.

When walking away in the open air, sensation of squeamishness above the navel.

While eating crawling in the right ear.

Pain in the nape of the neck, as if from dislocation, when turning the neck or bending the head backward.

Four, p.m. Burning in the os sacrum.

Sensation in the left groin as if wind was moving in it.

Pressing as from dust in the eyes with secretion of white mucus from the eyes.

Secretion of white mucus from the eyes yesterday and today.

On the left side of the tongue far back sensation as from biting on it.

Tearing in the right ischium.

Awakens often during the night, contrary to his habits.

February 23d. Feels well in the morning.

Pressing in both external canthi; pulse 64.

Yesterday evening he became much excited over a trifle, he had suppressed his anger.

Quarter past eight, a.m. He took one drop of the fifteenth potency.

Five minutes later his sight became obscured.

Pupils were enlarged.

He felt hot in the chest and around the heart.

Accompanied by giddiness in the head.

If he moved his head quickly, his sight became quite obscure.

Half-past eight, a.m. Tingling in the lower extremities.

Sensation of heat in the region of the heart, going and coming.

All symptoms disappear while walking about; after sitting down the obscuration of sight returns.

Twitching of the muscles in different parts of the body.

Nine, a.m. Sensation of pressure under the short ribs of the right side of the back, deep seated, when taking a long breath. Pulse 60.

He feels full in the chest and this compels him to take a long breath.

Burning on the right thigh, far up on the inside

Tearing in the right ischias, deep inside,

Dull in the forehead.

He is low spirited.

The first day he was lively and had been singing and whistling.

Ten, a.m. Pulse 74, some beats are slow others are fast.

Drawing of the skin on the forehead upwards, worse on the left side.

Burning in the left big toe.

Twelve, m. Pulse 54.

Tingling and itching about the scrotum and around it

Saliva thick and tough.

Tearing in the right side of the forehead down into the cheek.

When lying he feels the beating of his heart to his head.

Three, p.m. Pulse 68.

Tearing in the left ear of short duration.

Quarter past three, p.m. Cutting pain in the right side of the abdomen over the navel; burning stinging in the left knee-pan of short duration.

Half-past four, p.m. Sensation as if the upper eye teeth and incisors were loosened with sensation of soreness, worse when closing the teeth or when touching them with the tongue.

Pressing in the eyes with secretion of white mucus in the canthi.

Tearing in the vertex.

Half-past eight, p.m. Pulse 76.

Towards evening he is in good spirits.

Pressing, tearing in the left cheek, towards the eye, as if the eye would be pressed out.

February 24th. Cramp (spasm) in the right calf of the leg, in the morning when lying in bed.

Headache in the forenoon with pressing out of the eyes.

Burning in the spine four inches above the sacrum.

Tearing in the left car, in the afternoon.

Tearing in the right tibia.

Yesterday and today frequent inclination to stool without success.

The margin of the eyelids are a little swollen.

Secretion of white mucus in the canthi.

Five, p.m. Pulse 54.

Burning in the right side of the larynx.

Burning in the right side above the sacrum.

While running, suddenly a sensation as if the left foot was out of joint, so that he stumbles, afterwards tearing in the joint of the left foot.

February 25th. In the forenoon while reading, a yellow spot on the paper as large as a hand which fellows as he reads further on.

Painful tearing in the forehead, in the open air.

When closing the eyes, visible twitching of the upper eyelids; closing them firmly makes it worse.

Pressing in the right temple.

When lying down in the bed, pain in the right side of forehead extending around to the right side of the occiput.

Shortly afterwards a dull pain over the occiput, which was followed by a stiffness of the neck.

Can not go to sleep early, contrary to his habit

For some days perspiration and itching of the penis and scrotum.

February 26th. At noon, while eating broth, sudden pain in all the teeth.

After eating, pain in all the upper teeth.

In the afternoon while walking in the open air, singing in the right ear.

In the evening, tearing in the forehead from the left temple to the right.

The tearing in the forehead continues all night, and awakens him several times from his sleep.

Tearing in the right big toe, waking him from his sleep.

February 27th. Pains below the left knee-pan.

Tearing in the left ear.

Pressing pain over the left eye, near the glabella.

Tearing in the right ear.

Cutting in the right upper side of the abdomen.

Tearing in both elbow-joints, sometimes upwards, then downwards, frequently through the day.

Burning four inches above the sacrum.

Stitches in the left side of the chest.

February 28th. Tearing in the right tibia.

Tearing in the right arm below the elbow.

Burning on the right shoulder-blade.

Burning on the right side of the root of the nose.

March 1st. Tearing in the right knee-cap.

March 2d. Took one drop of the 30th potency, at eight, a.m

Towards nine, a.m., dimness of sight

Later, tearing in the left knee.

In the afternoon, pressing in the left eye.

While walking, tearing in the right knee.

Tearing in the knuckles of the middle fingers of the right hand.

Hic-cough in bed, lasting half an hour.

During the night some drops flow out of the urethra, coloring the shirt red.

SECOND PROVING.

Mrs. Bourroughs took one drop of the third potency at half-past five, p m., on the 22d of February, 1853.

Very soon afterwards, rumbling in the left side of the stomach. Later, in the left side of the abdomen, then as if it were in the large intestines low down, can hear it but does not feel it.

Sensation of warmth in the abdomen, with the sensation as if the bowels would be moved.

Three quarters past five, p.m. Bowels are much moved, evacuation natural, passes much wind and has to strain a great deal; has usually one regular evacuation in the morning, none in the afternoon.

After the bowels were moved, the sensation of heat in the abdomen decreased.

Cutting in the upper part of the abdomen from the left to the right side.

Eight, p.m. Stitches as from the stings of bees on the inner edge of the shoulder-blade.

Half-past eight, p.m. Stitch behind the outside ankle of right foot.

Nine, p.m. She feels hot and oppressed in the chest, with general mild perspiration all over; of short duration.

February 23d. At two, a.m., she awakens with a crampy pain in the chest extending from the right to the left side.

Afterwards pain in the forehead, with general heat alternating with the above mentioned pain in the chest; at last it moves into the neck and the shoulders.

Dry heat, the feet burn, she is restless, throws herself about, much rumbling in the abdomen.

After a while she sleeps again, and dreams that she is spinning and marked her yarn with red wool.

Half-past eleven a.m. One drop of the fifteenth potency.

Half-past two, p.m. Burning stinging pain over the left knee-pan.

Continuous rumbling and rolling in the abdomen.

Nine, p.m. Burning stinging above the left knee-pan, on a spot the size of a cent.

After midnight, stitches as with a knife in quick succession, in the right side of the chest under the right breast; motion or rest have no influence, afterwards stitches as with knives in the region of the left collar bone.

February 24th, eight, a.m. The above mentioned stitches under the right breast come back again.

Yesterday the bowels were moved twice, morning and night, this morning twice.

February 25th. Cracking in the right ear, followed by a sensation as if the ear would discharge.

Itching in the right ear; after introducing the finger and after taking the finger out again, sensation as if cold air was rushing into the ear.

Frequent rumbling and rolling in the abdomen.

THIRD PROVING.

Charles Raue, on the 21st of February, 1853, at half-past one, p.m., one hour after I had dined, my pulse being 84, I took one drop of the third potency.

Twenty minutes later the pulse was 80.

Two hours later, after lying down and sleeping, the pulse is 72.

Three, p.m. One drop of the third potency.

Towards evening, pain in the forehead drawing from the right to the left side, better after eating.

Itching in the left ear and soon afterwards in the right ear.

February 24th, half-past eight, a.m., took three drops of the third potency.

Sensation as if the bowels would be moved, but they were not.

The scalp is very painful on the vertex.

One, p.m. Four drops of the third potency. Pulse 74.

Again some pressure as if the bowels would be moved, but there was no movement.

In the afternoon when lying down, stinging itching on the lower side of the first joint of the second toe of the right foot.

Five, p.m. Pulse 58.

February 25th. Pulse 86. Twenty minutes past one, p.m., took one drop of the tincture which tasted bitter.

Rolling of wind in the abdomen.

Slight inclination to stool.

Fullness in the pit of the stomach.

Dull headache in the forehead and the temples.

Much rumbling and rolling in the abdomen and discharge of flatulency.

Crawling itching on the left elbow-joint, soon afterwards on the right elbow-joint, continues for several days and is worse in the evenings.

There is an appearance of some few little pimples in the bends of the elbows.

The scalp is very painful, especially when touched on the vertex.

The left upper eyelid, near the inner canthus, begins to itch in the afternoon, a small hard knot is formed on the spot which becomes red.

February 26th. The redness on the left upper eyelid has extended further and is covered with little vesicles, they itch a great deal. On the second of March it has almost disappeared.

The right eye begins also to itch but does not become red.

On the left gluteus muscle just on the point is formed a pimple with hard red circumference of the size of a penny, is very painful, when touched exceedingly sore, afterwards burning.

March 2d. The pimple does not break, but is very painful.

March 3d. A few more pimples formed around the gluteus muscle, they itch, and when opened by scratching ooze put some watery substance.

FOURTH PROVING.

Miss Boehme, 34 years old, nervous temperament and a sensitive subject.

She took, on the 24th of February, 1855, two pellets of the sixth potency.

Restless sleep at night followed by perspiration.

During the day she felt well, towards evening at ten o'clock scraping throat, with stinging when swallowing, sleeplessness, dryness increasing, afterwards hoarseness.

February 26th. Throat is better, hoarseness continues fill the afternoon at two, followed by burning and itching on the right knee, which looks scarlet red.

During the night little and restless Sleep. At night, while in bed, short cough with sore throat, afterwards coryza.

During the night, itching and burning of the skin, lasts all night, worse after scratching.

February 27th. Some cough, worse in bed and preventing sleep.

February 28th. Less dry cough from irritation of the throat.

Two, p.m. When reading writing, a small grey spot as large as a lental is running before the left eye, but not when reading print or when sewing, this lasted till five, p.m.; at five, p.m., ill-humored and sleepy. In bed the cough is worse and prevents sleep.

March 1st. Slight cough. About nine, a.m., cramp in the left foot, continuing for half an hour. Ten, p.m., violent bleeding of the nose (half a pint), the blood is pale. No cough during the night.

March 2d, four, p.m. Bleeding of the nose, but less violent.

March 3d. Headache in the morning, worse at noon; she becomes more giddy; in the evening the headache is a stinging pain. Six, p.m., the head feels enlarged and as if split open with a wedge from the outside to within, the body is icy cold, she can not get warm although one and a half hours under a feather bed; the whole face becomes yellow; she has to whine with the headache, the head burns like fire with much thirst. External heat applied by heated flat-irons to warm the body. During the cold sensation the skin is moist and sticky. At nine, p.m., she becomes warm and perspiration continues till seven, a.m. When she then rises she only feels weak.

March 4th. In the morning a little cough, in the evening an attack as on the previous day, but less severe.

March 5th. She feels well, coughs some in the evening.

March 6th. Dull headache till three, p.m. Before midnight no sleep; after midnight much perspiration, in the morning continued perspiration. Very restless while perspiring.

March 7th. In the afternoon, burning heat, with redness of the face, more on the right side, after the heat had ceased circumscribed dark redness of the cheeks, worse on the right side — bright sparkling eyes.

March 8th. Stinging itching all over, for one hour.

March 9th. Well in the morning. Four, p.m., sweetish rising of water with nausea. Distressing dreams every night.

March 10th. On the forehead elevated red pimples — sleepless night.

March 11th. Headache till ten, a.m. The pimples on the forehead become larger and suppurate.

March 12th. At night, cramp in the left foot, no sleep till morning, when she has feverish distressing dreams.

March 13th. All the nights have been sleepless, except the night before last.

March 14th. Flushes of heat alternating with chilliness.

Eight, p.m. Circumscribed redness of the face, sleeplessness and feverish.

March 15th. In the afternoon, pain in all the teeth, they feel too long and loose. Tooth ache worse in bed, sleepless.

March 16th and 17th. The same.

March 18th. Dull headache.

March 19th and 20th. Stinging headache, and that every day up to the 14th of April. Drowsiness during the day, but when sleeping she sees all kind of images. During the night she is overwakeful without much debility. Tearing in the limbs. In the afternoons, circumscribed redness of the face. From six till twelve, p.m., fever, then better with redness of the face, and more on the upper part of the face. Twitching of the can thus. Dryness of the eyes. Much thirst. Aversion to meat. Spots before the eyes as before. Burning in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Curative Effects. — A lady who had an ulcerated sore throat for which she had taken large doses of Mercury and had her throat burned by Argentum nit., was first relieved by Nitric acid^200, but the continued great dryness in the throat, especially at night when awaking, accompanied by much cough, was greatly improved by one dose of Lachnanthes.

Dr. Henry Duffield, of Oxford, Chester Co., Pa., under date November 11th, 1863, communicates the following case of cure by Lachnanthes:

"On the day that I received the first dose of Lachnanthes I went to see my typhoid pneumonia patient. I found her with very red face and her other symptoms very little abated since my visit the day before. I dissolved the Lachnanthes in water and gave it her immediately. On visiting her the next day, I found her doing very well. The redness had left the face very soon after the medicine was given and all the rest of the pneumonia symptoms much better, indeed almost entirely removed. She has continued to improve ever since. I saw her today again. Her face got very red while I was there, but I could not be certain it was not from excitement. I thought it best to let this day pass over without giving another dose of Lachnanthes. She had a hard dry cough, which appeared to proceed altogether from the larynx and as the expectoration was white I gave Pulsatilla, and left directions with her sister that, if the redness of the face continued, then to-morrow to give the other dose of Lachnanthes. Her case was one of bad typhoid fever before pneumonia set in, and her father, Dr. Thomas, Homoeopathist, Wilmington. Del., considered her case altogether hopeless, and left her under the impression that he would never see her again alive. She is now, however, in a fair way of recovery."

In a later letter, under February 7th, 1864, Dr. Duffield communicates some more particulars of the case. He says, "that in the second week of typhoid fever the inflammatory lung symptoms set it, that Bryonia seemed at first indicated and later Phosphorus, but neither arrested the progress of the disease. It was then that he gave Lachnanthes^2 dissolved in water, a tablespoonful every two hours. The improvement lasted for one week, and then Pulsatilla was given but the inflammatory symptoms returning, the second of Lachnanthes was administered in water as before; she then fully recovered and remains well." Dr. Duffield in a later letter recapitulates the symptoms of the patient and says the symptoms were as follows: "Great soreness over the abdomen with great sensitiveness to touch; pulse quick, 110, small and wiry; bowels costive. At between one and two every morning, delirium at times very great, wanted to be dressed and go from the house; face then red; circumscribed redness in the middle of the cheeks, continues till morning; tongue coated yellowish brown and dry. Bryonia and Rhus were given with but little effect, on the seventh day deafness set in and on the eighth day excessive pain in the lungs, with violent cough and bloody expectoration. Aconite and then Phosphorus were given, and at one, a.m., Belladonna for the delirium. She now had much wind on the stomach, with which she was much harassed, without any favorable symptom for seven days, except deafness which became almost total. It was at this stage I received the Lachnanthes which I dissolved in water, and ordered it to be given every two hours (a tablespoonful). I visited her the next morning and, found a decided change for the better. There had been less delirium, at two, a.m.; the pulse was soft and reduced to 100; the expectoration no longer discolored; the tongue beginning to clean along the edges; the expression of the countenance was life-like; her eyes had lost their great brilliancy. The improvement continued for seven days, when slight pneumonia symptoms set in again which were promptly removed by another dose of Lachnanthes. I first visited her on the 12th of October, and paid her my last visit on the 15th of November, but she had required no medicine after the 10th of November. She is now fat and hearty, her hearing is entirely restored. I must ascribe the favorable change in her case to the Lachnanthes, the very first spoonful of which her nurse said had a marked visible good effect. So confident am I of the benefit from the Lachnanthes that, in a similar case, I should not hesitate to use it with the fullest confidence in a beneficial result."

The arrangement of symptoms obtained from provers, from Dr. Byron, through the Seminoles, and those cured, is made according to the Hahnemannian plan.

R. is the abbreviation for William Raue.

C.R " " Dr. Charles Raue.

Borr. " " Mrs. Borroughs.

B. " " Miss Boehme.

The asterisk (*) denotes symptoms obtained from cures.

REGISTER OF SYMPTOMS.

Mind and Disposition

1. Restlessness, tosses about. B.

- Great restlessness while perspiring. B.; eleventh day.

– Whining on account of headache. B.

– Ill-humored and sleepy. B.

5. Yesterday evening he became much excited over a trifle, he had suppressed his anger. R.

- Great loquacity, afterwards stupid and irritable. Seminoles. Br. Byron.

– Towards evening hilarity; third day. R:

– Feels well; ninth day. B.

– Feels well in the morning; thirteenth day. B.

– While dozing through the day she sees images. B.

10. Delirium during pneumonia. Br. Byron.

- Delirium with circumscribed red cheeks, worse from one to two, a.m., during typhoid pneumonia. Duffield.

Head

- Giddiness in the head with sensation of heat in the chest and around the heart; third day. R.

– Dizziness in the head, with perspiration with boiling and bubbling in the chest and region of the heart. R.

– Dullness of the whole head; second day. R.

15. Dullness in the forehead; third day. R.

- Dull headache till the afternoon, as 3; tenth day. B.

– Dull headache; twenty-first day. B.

– Dull headache in the forehead and temples. R.

– Dull headache across the occiput after previous pain in the forehead; fifth day. R.

20. Sensation as if the vertex was enlarged, and was driven upwards. R.

- The pressing pain in the forehead becomes a dull sensation in the whole forehead; first day. B.

– Headache pressing the eyes outward, in the forenoon; fourth day. R.

– Dull pain as from a bruise from the os lachrymalis going over the left eye in the temple and behind the ear. R.

– Pressing in the right temple.

25. Pressing as from a finger on the left side of the vertex; second day. R.

- Pain in the right side of the forehead around to the right occiput, when laying down; fifth day. R.

– The head feels enlarged and as if split open with a wedge from the outside to within, the body is icy cold, she can not get warm although one hour and a half under a feather bed, the whole face becomes yellow; she has to whine with the headache, the head burns like fire with much thirst; during the cold sensation the skin is moist and sticky; seventh day. B.

– A similar attack as yesterday but less severe; eighth day. B.

– Painful tearing in the forehead in the open air; fifth day. R.

30. Tearing in the forehead from the left to the right side; second day. R.

- Tearing in the forehead; in the left temple towards the right side of the forehead.

– The tearing in the forehead continues through the night, awakens him frequently from his sleep; sixth day. R.

– Tearing in the left; temple down into the left upper molar teeth; second day. R.

– Tearing in the right temple down into the cheek; third day. R.

35. Tearing in the vertex. R.

- A continuous stitch in the left forehead from within to without, becomes after a few minutes a pressing pain and extends over the whole forehead pressing from within to without; first day. R.

– Pricking headache; 22d and 23d days. B.

– Headache in the morning, worse at noon, she became more giddy, in the evening pricking headache; seventh day. B.

– Headache till ten, a.m. B.

40. Towards evening pain in the forehead, from the right to the left side; better after eating.

- Pain in the forehead with general heat, alternating with crampy pain in the chest; at last it tears in the nose and the shoulders; second day. Borr.

– When lying down he feels the palpitation of the heart in the head; third day. R.

– Burning of the head like fire. B.

– Sensation as if the hair were standing on end, worse in the occiput; first day. R.

45. It draws the skin of the forehead upwards, worse on the left side; third day. R.

- The whole scalp is painful even when touched; second day. R.

– Soreness of the scalp on the vertex.

– The scalp is very painful even to the touch. C. R.

– On the forehead elevated red pimples; 14th day. B.

50. The red pimples on the forehead become larger and suppurate; fifth day. B.

Eyes

- His sight becomes obscured after fifteen minutes. R.

– His sight becomes obscured, continuing from one to two hours; second day. R.

– His sight becomes obscured. C. R.

– His sight becomes obscured, nine, a.m.; 10th day. R.

55. If he looks on any thing fixedly, he sees gray fixed rings. R.

- When reading writing a small gray spot, as large as a lentil, is running before the left eye, but not when reading print or when sewing, this lasted till five, p.m.; fourth day. B.

– Spots before the eyes as before; fifth day. B.

– While reading in the forenoon, a large yellow spot as large as a hand on the paper which follows as he reads; fifth day. R.

– If he looks long on one spot it becomes dark before the eyes, very soon after taking the medicine; 2d day. R.

60. If he reads for any length of time it becomes dark before his eyes, so that he has to look away; second day. R.

- If he suddenly moves his head, it becomes dark before his eyes; third day. R.

– Pupils very much enlarged; second day. R.

– The pupils become enlarged; third day. R.

– Brilliant eyes; eleventh day. B.

65. Brilliant? eyes. Seminoles. Dr. Byron.

- Brilliant eyes, red face and delirium during pneumonia. Dr. Byron.

– Brilliant eyes, circumscribed redness of the cheeks, violent delirium during pneumonia nervosa. Dr. Duffield.

– Sensation in the left os lachrymalis, as if something separated itself; followed by a dull bruised sensation which extends to the left eye, to the left temple and behind the left ear; second day. R.

– Headache pressing out of the eyes. R.

70. Compression of the left eye-ball from below upwards; first day. R.

- Pressing in the left eye; in the afternoon of the tenth day. R.

– Pressing above the left eye, near the glabella; seventh day. R.

– Pressing in the eyes, as from dust, first in the right eye then in both, worse in the right eye; first day. R.

– Pressing as from dust in the eyes with secretion of white mucus. R.

75. Pressing in the eyes, with secretion of white mucus in the canthi; third day. R.

- Secretion of white mucus from both eyes; first day. R.

– Secretion of white mucus in the canthi; fourth day. R.

– Secretion of white mucus in the afternoon; first and second days. R.

– Pressing in both external canthi.

80. Twitching of the right canthus. B.

- Itching in the internal left canthus; second day. R.

– Eyes dry. B.

– It draws the eye-brows and upper eye-lids upwards, so that he has his looks fixed; they recede again if he tries to bring them down by force, this lasts one hour; second day. R.

– Sensation of twitching in the upper eye-lids, one, p.m.; first day. R.

85. When closing the eyes, the upper eye-lids twitch visibly, when he closes them tight, it grows worse; fifth day. R.

- The edges of the eye-lids are a little swollen; 4th day. R.

– In the afternoon the left upper eye-lid, near the inner canthus, begins to itch; a small hard knot is formed on the spot which becomes red. C. R.

– The right eye begins also to itch, but it does not become red. C. R.

– The redness on the left upper eyelid has extended further and is covered with little vesicles, they itch a great deal. After four days all has disappeared. C. R.

90. A small hard knot on the left upper eyelid. C. R.

Ears

- Singing before the left ear; first day. R.

– Singing in the right ear when walking in the open air, in the afternoon.

– Cracking in the right ear, followed by a sensation as if it would discharge something; fourth day. B.

– Tearing in the left ear, of short duration; third day. R.

95. Tearing in the left ear, in the afternoon; fourth day. R.

- Tearing in the left ear; seventh day. R.

– Tearing in the right ear; seventh day. R.

– Tingling in the right ear, eleven, a.m.; first day. R.

– Crawling in the left ear relieved by boring with the finger in the ear, but immediately returning, it feels then as if something had closed the ear; with singing; second day. B.

100. Crawling in the right ear, eleven, a.m.; first day. R.

- Crawling in the right ear while eating; second day. R.

– Itching in the right ear, after first putting the finger in the ear and then taking it out, sensation as if cold air entered the ear; fourth day. Borr.

– Itching in the left ear and soon afterwards in the right.

– Almost complete deafness in pneumonia nervosa. Dr. Duffield.

Nose

105. Coryza. B.

- Crawling in the left nostril, ten, a.m.; second day. R.

– Pressure as from a thumb on the right side of the nose; first day. R.

– Strong pressure on the left side of the nose; second day. R.

– Burning on the right side of the root of the nose; second day. R.

110. The nose bleeds profusely, blood pale, half a pint, ten, p.m.; fifth day. B.

- The nose bleeds, bat less profuse, four, p.m.; sixth day. B.

Face

- Tearing pressing in the left cheek towards the eye, as if the eye should be pressed out; third day. R.

– Tearing from the right side of forehead into the cheek. R.

– Yellow color of the face.

115. Circumscribed redness of the face, eight, p.m.; seventeenth day. B.

- Circumscribed redness of the face in the afternoon. B.

– *Circumscribed redness of the face, from one to eight, a.m., with violent delirium and brilliant eyes in pneumonia nervosa. Dr. Duffield.

– Redness of the face. Seminoles. Dr. Byron.

Teeth

120. Fain in all the teeth while drinking coffee; 1st day. R.

- Tearing from left temple into the upper molar teeth. R.

– Sensation as if the upper incisors and eye-teeth have become loose, with sensation of soreness, worse when touching them with the tongue and when closing them, half-past four, p.m.; third day. R.

– Sudden pain in all the teeth at noon when eating soup; sixth day. R.

– Pain in all the upper teeth after eating; sixth day. R.

125. All the teeth pain, feel loose and too long, worse in bed. eighteenth day, p.m. R.

Mouth

- On the left part of the edge of the tongue behind, pain as if it had been bitten upon; second day. R.

– Saliva of tough mucus.

Throat

- Sensation of swelling in the left tide of the throat, when he swallows he feels an itching in the spot; 1st day. R.

– At ten, p.m., roughness of the throat, with pricking when swallowing; continually increasing, dryness of the throat with sleeplessness, followed by hoarseness; first day. B.

130. Roughness of the throat is better on the second day. B.

- Great dryness in the throat, especially on awaking during the night with much coughing. (In a patient who had an ulcerated sore throat, and had been treated with Mercury and Nitrate of silver, she had been better after Nitric acid^200.) One dose of Lachnanthes improved the dryness very much. Dr. Lippe.

– Sore throat with short cough. B.

– When swallowing, itching in the throat on the left side. R.

Appetite and Taste

- Much thirst. B.

135. Aversion to meat. B.

- While eating, crawling in the right ear. R.

– While drinking coffee, pain in all the teeth. R.

– While eating broth at noon, pains in all the teeth. R.

– After eating, pain in all the upper teeth. R.

140. Better after supper (the headache in the forehead).

- After dinner, pulse 84; twenty minutes later 80; and still later, after lying and sleeping, 72.

Gastric Symptoms

- Hiccough in bed, lasting half an hour; tenth day. R.

– Rising of sweetish water with nausea; 13th day. B.

– Sudden sensation of squalmishness in the stomach; second day. R.

145. Sensation of squalmishness above the navel, when walking in the open air; second day. R. Stomach:

- Stomach feels full; third day. R.

– Fullness in the pit of the stomach. C. R.

– Soon after taking the medicine, rumbling in the left side of the stomach; later, on the side of the abdomen and, later, as if in the large intestines low down, can hear it, but does not feel it Borr..

– Rolling of wind in the stomach. C. R.

Abdomen

150. Twirling and twisting in the upper part of the abdomen, two inches above the navel; second day. R.

- Fermentation in the abdomen. Borr.

– Continued fermentation and rumbling in the abdomen; seventh day. Borr.

– Fermentation and rumbling in the abdomen; fourth day. Borr.

– Much flatulency in the abdomen during pneumonia nervosa. Dr. Duffield.

155. Much rumbling in the abdomen and discharge of flatus. C.R.

- Fermenting and discharge of flatulency. C. R.

– Cutting in the upper part of the abdomen, from the left to the right side; first hour. Borr.

– Cutting in the right side of the abdomen above the navel, quarter past three, p.m.; third day. R.

– Cutting in the right upper side of the abdomen; seventh day. R.

160. Sensation of heat through the abdomen, feels as if the bowels would be moved; first day. Borr.

Stool and Anus

- Sensation as if the bowels would be moved but they are not. R.

– Frequent desire to evacuate without result; third and fourth day. R.

– Slight desire to evacuate without result. R.

– Slight desire to evacuate, C. R.

165. Desire to evacuate, three-quarters past five, p.m.; evacuation as usual but with much discharge of flatulency and pressing (she had a regular passage every morning, but never in the evening); first day. Borr.

- After the passage the sensation of heat in the abdomen becomes less; first day. Borr.

– She has a passage in the morning and evening, second day; twice in the morning, third day. Borr.

– Continuous stitch in the anus, a.m.; first day. R.

– Sensation in the left groin as if wind was moving; second day. R.

Urinary Organs

170. Pressing on the bladder when urinating, m.; 1st day. R.

- During the night some drops flow from the urethra which color the shirt red; tenth day. R.

Male Sexual Organs

- Violent burning in the left half of the scrotum, drawing towards the right side, half-past ten, a.m.; 2d day. R.

– Tingling and itching of the scrotum and around it; third day. R.

175. For some days perspiration and itching of the scrotum and penis; fifth day. R.

Larynx and Trachea

- Hoarseness; first day. B.

– Hoarseness till p.m.; second day. B.

– Burning in the right side of the larynx.; fourth day. R.

Chest

- Some cough, worse when in bed, preventing sleep; third day. B.

180. A little dry cough from irritation in the throat; fourth day. B.

- Cough in bed worse, also from sleeping; fourth day. B.

– Cough dry as if it came from the larynx, expectoration is streaked with blood, with severe pain in the chest, in pneumonia nervosa. Dr. Duffield.

– In the morning some cough; eighth day. B.

– In the evening some cough; ninth day. B.

185. When inhaling, deep pressing pain under the short ribs near the spine.

- He feels full in the chest and is compelled to inhale deeply; third day. R.

– Stitches in the left side of the chest; fourth day. R.

– Stitches like knives in the region of the left clavicle previously stitches like knives in the right chest; third day. Borr.

– The stitches like knives in the right side of the chest are repeated, eight a.m.; third day. Borr. 190. Stitches like knives following one another in quick succession in the right side of the chest below the mamma, while at rest and when moving, in the afternoon; third day. Borr.

– Boiling and bubbling in the chest and the region of the heart, it rises to the head and he becomes giddy, he breaks out with a perspiration; second day. R.

– He feels warm in the chest and around the heart; third; day. R.

– Sensation of heat in the region of the heart, going and, coming; third day. R.

– She feels hot and oppressed in the chest with mild perspiration all over, of short duration, nine, p.m.; first day. Borr.

Back

195. Sensation and pain of stiffness in the neck which extends over the whole head down to the nose, then like pinching the nostrils together, half-past nine, a.m. — second day. R.

- Sensation as if sprained in the neck, when turning or moving the head backwards; second day. R.

– Stiffness in the neck following a pain in the occiput; fifth day R.

– Pressing pain under the short ribs near the right side of the spine, deep inside when taking a deep inspiration.

– Burning in the region of the left kidney, deep, extending towards the right side, half-past nine, a.m.; 2d day. R.

200. Burning in the spine, four inches above the small of the back; second day. R.

Burning in the sacrum, four, p.m. R.

- Burning in the right side above the sacrum; fourth day. R.

– Burning four inches above the sacrum; seventh day. R.

– Burning on the right shoulder blade; eighth day. R.

205. Stinging as from the sting of the bee on the inner canthus of the left shoulder blade.

Upper Extremities

- Tearing in the upper part of the arm, beginning at the elbow-joint where it pains most up into the shoulder, three, p.m.; first day. R.

– Tearing in the left elbow-joint; second day. R.

– Tearing in both elbow-joints, at times upwards and then. downwards, frequently through the whole day; seventh day; R

– Crawling (itching inside of the left elbow joint, soon after in the right, also inside, worse towards evening) continues for some days. C R.

210. Small little pimples inside of right elbow-joint C R.

- Tearing in right arm below the elbow; eighth day. R.

– Burning of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet B

– Tearing in the knuckles of the middle fingers of the right hand; tenth day. R.

– It draws the left index finger crooked; first day. R.

Lower Extremities

215. Tearing in the right ischium; second day. R.

- Tearing in the right ischium deep inside; third day. R..

– On the left gluteus muscle just on the point is found a pimple with a hard red circumference of the size of a penny, is very painful, when touched exceedingly sore, afterwards it is burning. C.R.

– Small pimples around the left gluteus muscle, which discharge a watery fluid when they are scratched open. C.R.

– Burning in the inside of the right thigh, far up, third day. R.

220. Itching in the right thigh as if it was deep inside; second day. R.

- Burning stinging in the left knee pan, of short duration; third day. R.

– Burning stinging pain above the left knee pan, half-past two, p.m.; second day. Borr,

– Burning stinging pain above the left knee on a spot of the size of a penny, nine, p.m.; second day. Borr.

– Pain below the left knee pan; seventh day. R.

225. Tearing in the right knee pan; ninth day. R.

- Tearing in the left knee; tenth day. R.

– Tearing in the left knee when walking; tenth day. R.

– Burning and pressing on the right knee, which becomes as red as scarlet; second day. B.

– Itching on the left tibia.

230. Tearing in the right tibia.

- Tearing in the right tibia.

– Cramp in the calves of the legs while lying in bed in the morning; fourth day. R.

– Sensation on the skin of the left lower leg inside, as if vesicles were bursting, very soon afterwards the same sensation on the corresponding part, of the right leg. R.

– Tingling in the lower parts of both legs from the knee down to the ankles; first day. R.

235. Tingling in both lower extremities and feet through and through, worse in the heat; second day. R.

- Tingling in both lower extremities, half-past eight, a.m.; third day. R.

– Burning in the feet. Borr.

– Cramp in the left foot lasting half an hour, nine, a.m.; fifth day. B..

– Cramps in the feet during the night; sixteenth day. B.

240 Sudden sensation as if the left foot was gone in the joint So that he staggers when he runs, afterwards tearing in the left ankle.

- Stitch behind the external ankle of the right foot, half past eight, p.m, R.

– Tearing in the right big toe awakening him from his sleep; sixth day. R.

– Burning under the nail of the left big toe, half-past ten, a.m.; first day. R.

– Burning in the left big toe; third day. R.

245. Stinging pressing on the lower side of the first joint of the second toe of the right foot while lying in the afternoon. R.

- Tearing in the limbs. B.

– Twitching of the muscles in various parts of the body.

Sleep

- Sleepy and ill-humored, five p.m.; fourth day. B.

– Somnolency through the day, she then sees images lasting two days, beginning on the eighteenth day. B.

250. Goes to sleep late, contrary to his habit; fifth day. R.

- No sleep before midnight; tenth day. B.

– Restless sleep at night, followed by perspiration; first day. B.

– Sleeplessness with continually increasing dryness of the throat. B.

– Sleepless nights; fourteenth and sixteenth day. B.

– During the night great wakefulness without feeling weak. B.

255. She goes to sleep after a while and dreams that she is spinning and is marking her yarn with red wool; second day. Borr.

- Distressing dreams every night. B.

– Heavy, feverish dreams towards morning; sixteenth day. B.

– In the night in bed, short cough with sore throat, followed by coryza; second day. B.

– Awakens frequently from his sleep, contrary to his habit; second day. R.

260. Awakens at two, a.m., with a cramp pain in her breast, extending from the right to the left side; second day. Borr.

Fever

Icy coldness of the body. B.

- External heat applied by heated flat-irons ameliorating the coldness. B.

– General heat with perspiration on the forehead. Borr.

– Dry heat, the feet burn; restless, tossing about with much rambling in the abdomen; second day. Borr.

265. Heat followed by perspiration. B.

- Burning heat with redness of the face more on the right side; followed by circumscribed redness of the cheeks, also more on the right side; eleventh day. B.

– Flushes of heat, alternating with chilliness, three, p.m.; seventeenth day. B.

– Feverish at night seventeenth day. B.

– Evening fever worse from six to twelve with redness of of the face, more of the upper part. B.

270. Feverish with somnolency.

- *Fever with delirium, circumscribed redness of the cheeks and brilliant eyes in pneumonia. Dr. Byron.

– *Fever with delirium, worse from one to two, a.m., with brilliant eyes and circumscribed redness of the cheeks. Dr. Duffield.

– Pulse 58, half-three, p.m.; first day. R.

– Pulse 60, three-quarters past nine, a.m.; second day. R.

275. Pulse 64; third day. R.

- Pulse 60; third day. R.

– Pulse 74, some beats fast some slow, ten, a.m.; third day. R.

– Pulse 54, m; third day. R.

– Pulse 68, three, p.m.; third day. R.

280. Pulse 76, half-past eight, p.m.; third day. R.

- Pulse 54, five, p.m., fourth day. R.

– Pulse 84, an hour after dinner, quarter past one. R.

– Pulse 68, at five, p.m., the following day at three-quarters past one, p.m., the pulse was 86. C. R.

– Pulse 110, small, thin, hard. Pneumonia. Dr. Duffield.

285. Perspiration with dizziness in the head, and boiling and bubbling in the chest and region of the heart. R.

- Light perspiration all over. Borr.

– Perspiration after restless sleep. B.

– Much perspiration after midnight; eleventh day. B.

– Morning perspiration; eleventh day. B.

290. The skin is cold, damp and clammy during the coldness. B.

Skin

- Itching and burning of the skin all night, worse after scratching; second day. B.

– Stinging itching lasting one hour; twelfth day, p.m. B.

– Pimples around the gluteus muscle. C. R.

– A red hard knot in the inner canthus of the left eye. C.R.

295. Small pimples in the left inner elbow joint. C. R.

- On the forehead red elevated pimples; fourteenth day B.

– The red pimples on the forehead suppurate; fifteenth day. B.

– Hemorrhages. Dr. Pearson.

Generalities, condition

- In bed, toothache worse. B.

300. In bed, cough worse. B.

- When lying down in the bed, pain in the right side of fore head, extending to the right occiput. R.

– When lying in bed, cramps in the calves of the legs. R.

– When lying, palpitation of the heart which is felt in the head. R.

– When lying, Stinging itching on the lower side of first joint of the second toe of right foot.

305. All symptoms disappear when walking about, after lying down the obscurations of sight return. R.

- When walking, tearing in the right knee. R.

– When walking in the open air, singing in the ears. R.

– When walking in the open air, sensation of squalmishness above the navel. R.

– In the open air, painful drawing in the forehead. R.

310. When running, sensation as if the foot was out of joint. R.

- When moving the head quickly, the sight becomes obscure. R.

– When turning the head or bending the head backwards, sensation of dislocation in the neck.

– By boring with the finger, crawling in the left ear relieved. R.

– When touching the upper incisors and eyeteeth with the tongue and when closing the jaw, the sore pain in the teeth is increased. R.

315. After scratching, the itching and burning of the skin worse. B.

- Most of the symptoms appear in the afternoon.

– The fever is worse from one to two, a.m.

The imperfect provings and meagre curative reports of this new remedy show, nevertheless, that it will become an indispensable medicine. The few characteristic symptoms which strike the observing reader at once, as produced by proving it, and as having been means of cure are not to be found in the same connection under any known medicine.

Fever with circumscribed redness of the cheeks and brilliant eyes (worse from one to two, a.m.) This characteristic symptom places Lachnanthes with Belladonna, Hyoscyamus and Stramonium. It must become an important curative remedy in pneumonia nervosa and typhus fever, as well as in some diseases of the brain. It is to be hoped that repeated provings will give the homoeopathic physician more and clearer indications of its, no doubt, many curative virtues.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 10-12, 1864, pages 457-469, pages 488-500, pages 565-570]

[Description: Lachnanthes Tinctoria.]

[Remedies: Lachnanthes tinctoria]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1864]

PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS NO INDICATION OF TREATMENT.

By AD Lippe, M.D., Philadelphia, PA,

The angels in heaven rejoice over the conversion of every sinner, and so should we, wishing and striving to procure happiness to suffering mortal humanity. The first step after an offence, when the desire becomes irrepressible to reconciliation, is confession. Such a confession we find in Nos. 22. 23, Vol. 68, of the Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, and this confession is made by Dr, Heinrich Gottfried Schneider, Magdeburg. His confession if embodied in an article on diphtheria and consequent paralysis observed on himself.

The article undoubtedly has been written by the learned author with the desire to convince all such of his colleagues as have fallen, or are in danger of falling into the error of believing that we can ever find a specific remedy for a pathological condition or name of disease, that it is an impossibility, and that the practical application of such erroneous doctrines must lead to very disastrous if not fatal results. The learned doctor does not express himself exactly thus; but his deductions from the case as he states them will allow the interpretation that his great modesty prevented him from contending for a much higher principle which should be adopted in the homoeopathic treatment of the sick, viz.: that the pathological condition does not indicate the treatment, and that by following strictly the practical rules laid down by Hahnemann and confirmed by so many experiments, especially the rule that the truly curative remedy, in a given case, must be similar in its characteristics to the characteristic symptoms of the patient, we shall-instead of disappointment and disastrous results following the selection of a remedy according to pathological notions-meet with most astonishing results in the way of cures .

We will now give a concise translation of Dr. Schneider's article and his own "epicrise," and conclude with the deductions we draw from the facts as related by himself. Dr. Schneider says, "I have enjoyed, generally, very good health, and during my practice in the country from my 29th to my 46th year, and in the city from my 46th to my 63d year, I have been obliged to stay at home from inability to practice, only ten days, when suffering from dysentery during the cholera epidemic of 1855.

I was attacked by diphtheria in the night, from the 13th to the 14.th of October, 1863, without any premonitory symptoms; I suffered from fever and accelerated pulse; took Aconite.

October 15th. During the night which was similar to the previous one, the right tonsil became painful with retarded deglutition. The examination in the morning showed swelling and redness of the right tonsil and a diphtheritic patch on it. A moderate fever continued. Belladonna.

From the 16th to the 18th of October. Enlargement of the diphtheritic patch towards the uvula, the patch began to ulcerate; gradually increased inflammatory condition of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes. The fever remained the same, profuse offensive nightly perspirations with increasing debility. Mercurius, Apia, Nitr. acid.

19th. Till now I had been able to lie on the sofa during the day, but could not do so any more. The diphtheria had extended to the point of the uvula, voice hoarse, speech difficult, much expectoration of mucus. Fever and night sweat increased. Three physicians were now visiting me, and declared the uvula in danger. They ordered a solution of Kali chloricum, every two hours one tablespoonful, which I took.

20th, No improvement, the same remedy to be continued, but I could not possibly take it regularly, as it irritated the throat and larynx in a very unpleasant manner.

21st. The diphtheria is also extending downwards, towards the larynx; there were also some spots in the pharynx, great debility, very disagreeable taste, like decomposed brine of of herring; expectoration, hawking and coughing up of great quantities of mucus. Entire aversion to eating and drinking, the only thing I could swallow with great difficulty was some light beer, when swallowing I had a pain as if rows of large needle-points were driven into the fauces – no stool — urine dark, putrid smelling, no sediment. I now declared to my three colleagues, this morning, that I did not wish to take any more Kali chloricum, but would take Arsenicum, and they assured me that I had anticipated their proposition, I took, then, every two hours, a few pellets of Arsenic^6. My colleagues demanded that I should submit to the external application of Argentum nitricum, and have the diphtheritic ulcers touched by it. I then asked to have the opinion of my friend, Clottar Mueller, of Leipzig, who was summoned by telegraph and met the three colleagues at half-past nine, p, m.; he declared that he finally agreed with the treatment, which was continued on the 22d of October.

23d, The diphtheritic ulcers have a better appearance, and new spots have not appeared; but he bronchitis has become worse, causes much rattling of mucus in the chest, and I am afraid of paralysis of the lungs. I, therefore, took Carbo veg^24 in alternation with Arsenic.

24th. Some improvement, the diphtheritic ulcers look cleaner, so that my colleagues consented to desist from the painful application of Argentum nitr. The bronchitis is no worse. Continue the same medicine.

The diphtheritic ulcers healed towards the end of the month, the bronchitis was better, the fever left me, the night sweats were less and I slept better, while I continued to take the Arsenic since the 25th. The uvula alone remained affected by diphtheria. I could eat soups, roasted meats and compote, and drank claret with sugar and water, and even a glass of champagne noon and night, although it caused me some burning on the throat.

In the beginning of November I was so far convalescent that I could dress myself, walk about the room and attend to my correspondence. I have yet to remark that I felt a sensation of numbness in the skin of the exterior side of the upper leg during the second week of my sickness, and also the same numbness with tingling in the points of the fingers, at first in the thumb, then in the index finger and later in the toes, beginning in the big toe; this remained unaltered until the end of December.

The convalescence was interrupted in the middle of November by renewed fever with night sweats; by renewed but now paralytic difficulties in swallowing, with catarrh of the mouth, larynx, stomach and bowels, also of a paralytic nature. The vocal muscles and the muscles of the alimentary canal participated in it.

I could only swallow one teaspoonful of fluid, at a time and had then to be very careful, if I swallowed more it escaped from the nose; solids remained before the veluin and had to be hawked out again with much difficulty. The uvula was hanging towards the left side. I had a nasal voice, if I spoke I soon became hoarse and even lost the voice, could not modulate my voice. I could perceive no motion in the abdomen, no eructation, no noise, no flatulency, no stool. When I finally had a passage after an enema of soap water, oil, molasses and salt, I felt so debilitated and exhausted that I feared to die. With it a great aversion to eating and drinking, so that I had to force myself to take something and when I took anything I felt nothing of it in my stomach. Nothing had its natural taste, I had a decided sensation of tingling and numbness in the mucous membranes of the mouth and the saliva which was very profuse, tasted salty, sour and putrid. While in this condition my nourishment consisted, in the morning, of a few small crackers soaked in cocoa; at noon, I took six to eight small English oysters and the same at night, and then I drank a small glass of champagne in very small sips, besides that I consumed during the day one pint of water and claret, with sugar.

All the medicines that I took, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Plumbum, Arsenic and Carbo veg., had no effect; Arsenic seemed at times to relieve very violent fever.

The consequence was great emaciation and, up to the 1st of December, a weakness which made it very evident that I was growing worse and would soon succumb to marasmus.

I did not grow worse on the 3d of December, I felt less debility and, for the first time during my illness, my urine became turbid and formed a sediment which continued to the middle of December.

This was the turning point and I now gained slowly both flesh and strength, while the developed paralytic symptoms diminished; but my hopes soon to recover were not realized, for at the end of the year a new ailment showed itself.

The sensation of numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes remaining after the diphtheria and which had increased but a little, became now much stronger, extended itself and was accompanied by motory paralysis.

January, 1864. Hands, forearms, feet, lower legs feel as if they were asleep, the same sensation less intense in the upper parts of the arms and legs. When these parts are touched a burning and tingling pain; and when moving the hands and feet a sensation as if the nerves were exposed and covered by coarse felt. Hands and feet somewhat swollen (not edematous), and they with the forearms and lower legs inclined to be cold and to perspire. I could neither walk nor stand, nor make the necessary use of my arms. I could not sit down without help, nor lie down without being assisted, and my position had to be changed when I could endure it no more; the hands refused their service for eating and drinking, the appetite was better, but the stool sluggish. I did not feel what I touched, could not hold anything, and dropped everything I touched.

This helpless condition lasted during all January; I took Nux vomica, Secale corn., Cocculus and Rhus during the first half of the month without any benefit. Later I dispensed with the use of all medicines. During February, while I took proper diet, I gained somewhat, and the improvement continued so that I could resume my practice in March. Some symptoms (those I had at first, numbness in finger-points, tingling and numbness in the toes) still continue while I write this, May 7th, but I hope they will soon leave.

Epicrise. – l. There is nothing exceptionable in naming diphtheria as we do exanthemas, as they resemble other things (measles, scarlatina, rash) according to the locality in which they appear, if it does not lead us into the error of looking upon the local affection as the ultimate consequence of the disease, and the point to be attacked by our therapeutic action.

The appearance of the local affection, in my case over twenty four hours after the beginning of the disease, and the serious consequences not to be explained by the diphtheritic local affection, prove with all certainty that the local affection was not the ultimate consequence of the diphtheria.

The diphtheria began with me by purely primary fever symptoms. The centres of the trophic nervous system were at first protopathically affected by the disease. Ubi irritatio, ibi irritamentu.

The ganglions of the trophic nervous system can only be attacked protopathically through an abnormal irritation in the arterial blood which communicates it to them, there is no other possibility, and such an abnormal irritation which is present in the arterial blood and circulates with it, can only be a dynamic virulent irritation; because a mechanical irritation can neither be present everywhere in the arterial blood nor can it circulate with the blood. Out of this I draw the conclusion that the cause of the disease of diphtheria consists in a specific poison in the blood, and that the ultimate result of this is a blood poisoning; and this assertion is confirmed by the contagious eruptive diseases analogous to the diphtheria. The diphtheritic local affection is, therefore, the result and effect of the localized poison.

2. One of the primary effects of the cause of disease was in my case also a change in various nerves ascending from the periphery, which only further developed itself in the various nerves, not simultaneously, but after the disease, and showed itself as paralysis. I cannot, therefore, think with Eisenmann, who considers thrombosis to be the cause of paralysis, which frequently develops itself after diphtheria during the convalescence; because then the first indications of paralysis in the sensitive fibres of the affected nerves could not have preceded for weeks the further development and progress of the paralysis of the other nerve fibres. How it happens that the diphtheritic paralysis develops itself during the convalescence and that then, as in my case, eventually different parties of nerves consecutively become paralyzed remains a problem.

3. The diphtheria reached its acme on the seventh day. It is not likely that this could have happened sooner, as it takes three or five days in lighter cases, and whether it would have taken place without the aid of medicines, or would have been a fatal case remains doubtful, as that depends on incalculable conditions; it is certain that my disease did not progress any further after I began to take the Arsenic, and ceased after taking it and for a few days in alternation with Carbo veg., and that these medicines may have been the cause of it. That Kali chlor. did not relieve me, is also acknowledged by the colleagues who prescribed it for me. Similar experiences have been made at Berlin during an epidemic there.

4. The burning of the diphtheritic ulcers with Nitrate of silver, which was considered necessary by my physicians, to prevent the ulceration from spreading into the larynx caused me much pain. I could not believe that I would obtain a corresponding benefit from it, because this was contrary to my scientific convictions; nevertheless I submitted to it in my dangerous condition under the advice of four colleagues in whom I had confidence.

My scientific conviction has since been strengthened by the experiences of an allopathic colleague on the North Sea, who observed, during an epidemic of diphtheria, that cauterization was more injurious than beneficial, because it favored the development of other ulcers in other places, and also by the experience of my friend Fieltz, who has seen very bad diphtheritic ulcers become cleaner and finally heal under the alternate use of Arsenic and Nux vomica.

5. The homoeopathic remedies which I took for the paralysis, which gradually developed itself during convalescence from the diphtheria, proved to have exerted no favorable influence, and after these paralytic conditions had remained at their height, they gradually retrograded without any aid. Similar experiences have also been made under allopathic treatment. This confirms to me the opinion I have expressed above, "that the paralysis which develops itself during the the convalescence from diphtheria depends upon a material change of the respective nerves, which is, a remnant of the effects of the cause of the diphtheria, a residuum of the disease and therefore – as the main disease itself-can only be conquered by the effort of nature, and certainly is conquered if it does not result in death!"

Reviews and Deductions. – We shall understand Dr. Schneider's position perfectly, and shall be able to account for those singular statements if we read his Hand Book, of which he published the first and only volume in 1853. Dr. Schneider attempted to arrange the Materia Medica according to the physiological effects of the medicines, and tried to make the provings subservient to this mode of classification, entirely forgetting that we have nothing to do with forms of diseases, but with characteristic symptoms.

Dr. Schneider relates that he had diphtheria, and for that disease he and his colleagues prescribed. In the symptoms, as related, we find nothing characteristic except that the diphtheritic spots and consequent ulceration began on the right side, and from there spread to the left side. None of the remedies taken had a similarity to the symptoms, they all and many more, and indeed almost every remedy, may cure a case of diphtheria prodded its characteristic symptoms are similar to those of the patient. In this case, to judge from the few symptoms given, Belladonna should have been followed by Lachesis and the later followed by Lycopodium, on account of the direction the disease had taken, from the right to the left side, and not by medicine chosen for the pathological condition, which erroneous proceeding finally led to the administration of Kali chloricum in large doses, and produced only increased suffering instead of relief or a cure. Then Arsenic was taken in the sixth every two hours for many days, while the diphtheritic spots were touched by Nitrate of silver. From the relation of the case there appears no indication for either remedy, save that other cases of diphtheria had been reported to have been cured by one or the other of the two heroic medicines. — Nitrate of silver, as is often the case improved (dried up) the ulcers, but the bronchitis became worse, the disease extending where the cauterization could no longer molest it. The paralysis which now followed was plainly the effect of the repeated doses of Arsenic, and had nothing to do with the diphtheria; the first premonitory symptoms appeared soon after Arsenicum was beginning to show its effects, they developed themselves fourteen days later, and again ceased as is the case in all well conducted and good provings of medicines, returning after the lapse of twenty-one days; they were not affected by any medicine and ceased of their own accord; they disappeared in the reverse order in which they had appeared, and the symptoms remaining were the same as at first after taking Arsenic. By comparing the effects of Arsenic as Hahnemann gives them in his Chronic Diseases, the symptoms 796 [The hands are stiff and without feeling.], 803 [Strong creeping in the hands at night], 886 [Numb pains in the right foot; when sitting she is able to raise it high up with the aid of the hands.], 892 [Swelling of the feet.], 955 [Sinking of the forces.], 956 [General debility, especially in the legs, which are scarcely able to be moved], 957 [The forces continue to sink], 958 Debility, as one suffered from want of force, through lack of nutriment], 959 [The power of the hands and feet is as if lost to him; they are tremulous. Early in the morning.], 979 [Emaciation], 1020 [As if paralyzed in all the extremities; he cannot step aright.], 1021 [Paralysis, could not walk anymore.], 1024 [Paralysis of the lower extremities.], 1025 [Paralysis of the lower extremities with loss of sensibility,], [As many of our readers may be unable to turn to the original Hahnemann's proving of Arsenic for the purpose of making the comparison which Dr. Lippe suggests, we give a translation of these symptoms.] most certainly corroborate my views of the case.

The narrative of Dr. Schneider is exceedingly instructive, and although we much lament his long protracted and unnecessary suffering, we may learn from it,

1. That the pathological condition does not indicate the curative remedy.

2. That cauterization only destroys the product of the disease and does not cure.

3. That crude drugs if not homoeopathically chosen do not cure (Kali chloricum).

4. That the symptoms caused by long repeated doses of a remedy will cease of themselves, like those of a proving on the healthy.

5. That the diphtheric patches are only a product of the disease, not the disease itself. .

6. That the paralysis was not a remnant of the disease, but the result of a remedy.

7. That we must follow strictly the practical rules of Hahnemann if we expect to cure successfully, and we cannot set them aside or improve on them.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 03, 1864, pages 204-213]

[Description: Pathological Conditions No Indication of Treatment]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1864]

A REPLY TO DR. BAYES' ANSWER.

BY AD. LIPPE, M.D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Dr. Bayes has answered an article written by me and published in the November number of the AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW, under the misconception that I had completely distorted the purport of his questions on doses, dilutions and characteristic symptoms for the selection of the remedy, published in the October number of the London Monthly Homoeopathic Review, Vol. VII.

While I am confident that I have not in the least distorted the purport of Dr. Bayes' questions, I must decline to go over them again and shall now take up his questions as he asks them at present.

Dr. Bayes says, at the end of his answer, "my charge against Mr. Wilson does not lie in the fact of his having given Lycopod., but in his having given way to vacillation and uncertainty when he had recognized 'a characteristic indication,' and possessed a remedy which corresponded to it."

If the fan-like motion of the alae nasi was one of the symptoms of the patient and characteristic of Lycopodium, it was not to be supposed that Mr. Wilson, on account of the presence of that single characteristic symptom, would select that remedy. If his vacillation, according to Dr. Bayes, consisted in the marking down of eleven medicines for study, I must differ with him very widely. Mr. Wilson was anxious, and he had good reasons to be so, his patient was in great danger, he wanted to find the truly curative remedy, the one whose characteristics corresponded most closely with the characteristic symptoms of the patient, and after due reflection and study he found Lycopodium the one remedy, corresponding in all particulars with the symptoms of the patient, and also having the peculiarly characteristic symptom of the fan-like motion of the nostrils which was not characteristic of any of the other medicines marked for study. Mr. Wilson did not vacillate, but administered the remedy, and the patient was cured. Would the patient have been cured if Mr. Wilson, instead of following Hahnemann's practical rule, implicitly had chosen the remedy according to to pathological indications? Would Tartarus emeticus so chosen have cured the patient? Dr. Bayes continues, "in like manner, if olfaction will cure in hours, why give medicines in a form, which he confesses, takes days to affect the same end? So also, if to give a single dose is the Hahnemannian and safe and successful mode for the administration of medicines, why give frequently repeated doses? The answer to all these questions the Doctor finds in Hahnemann's writings, but I shall say a few words in answer. If olfaction has cured, it has done so before any other medicines have been given unsuccessfully and unhomoeopathically, and thereby a perversion of the normal condition has been produced. Very sensitive patients are frequently benefited by olfaction, but by what logic does Dr. Bayes arrive at the assertion that because olfaction has once cured an acute attack of pleurisy, this olfaction shall cure a case of complicated pneumonia? or, shall cure always? does Hahnemann in any of his writings say that olfaction will cure all cases?

One single dose is administered and the result waited for without interference in most cases, and a favorable result follows, except when by previous treatment a perversion of the normal condition has been produced, but when, as in the ease in question, the normal condition had been perverted by treatment not homoeopathic, but based on fallacious pathological speculations with remedies also used by Homoeopathists but by them only according to the Hahnemannian rules and the homoeopathic law of cure, it was prudent to give the patient, who was in great distress, one dose dissolved in water, and administered this one dissolved dose in small fractions till the improvement was fully established. I can not see that any principle, and less that three principles are involved in the different modes of administering medicines under different circumstances. The administration of medicines in various forms depends on practical rules; the selection of a remedy is done on a principle; the dynamization theory depends on a principle, etc. The practical rules have been laid down by Hahnemann, and if Dr. Bayes will accept his testimony and his advice, he will find quite a collection of them in his Chronic Disease, in his Materia Medusa and in the Organon.

Mr. Wilson does not claim to have discovered an improvement on Hahnemann's method, he has followed Hahnemann faithfully and diligently with many others, and like them obtained the same result; and no doubt the improvement on the Hahnemannian method claimed by those physicians who are giving low dilutions and even massive doses is an illusion, depending solely on a want of knowledge of Homoeopathy and of Hahnemann's teachings. Or, if there can be one more reason for it, it is the desire to coquette with Allopathy, by, as they say "stopping short where began the great error of the great man," by dropping the ridiculous pellet, returning to sensible doses, and a preposterously pompous demand for more Physiology and Pathology to assist in the selection of the curative remedy. They hope thus to flatter them into our ranks, they really think Allopathists will accept this caricature as "Homoeopathy."

The case in question has proved to Dr. Bayes that one of the characteristic symptoms of Lycopodium is the fan-like motion of the alae nasi. We thank him for his frank testimony, when he says "I have lately had two such cases in two young children suffering from sequelae of badly treated scarlatina. I gave Lycopodium^30 in both cases, with immediate and permanent good result. I am glad to add this testimony to Mr. Wilson's careful observation."

Dr. Bayes ventured on the hazardous experiment of administering medicine guided by some little characteristic symptoms, while no doubt all the other symptoms of the two children also corresponded with Lycopodium; or did Physiology and Pathology assist him in the above cures? or, does he know, and if he knows, will he be so good as to inform the Homoeopathist what pathological conditions cause fan-like motion of the alae nasi? Dr. Bayes is, I think, committing himself very fast, and if he follows for a time only his present impetus, if he investigates, tries the experiment and succeeds — if he takes all of Hahnemann's practical rules and applies them as he finds them, he will no longer believe that the characteristic indications in accordance with Physiological and pathological knowledge will ever indicate the curative remedy in intermittent fever, or in hooping cough, or in any other disease, he will further thank Mr. Wilson not only for his careful observations and the publications of them, but also for exposing the very villainous translations of Dr. Hempel, by showing his many omissions, commissions and perversions, and he will find also that Mr. Wilson has not been engaged in a game of hair splitting with Drs. Hempel and Dudgeon (who can never establish by bold assertion that "Fuse" is leg or foot at option. Fuss is pes, foot and never leg in good literature. Hahnemann, above all men, was pedantic on that point); he will farther discover that the English homoeopathic literature is in a sad condition, and I hope he will materially assist us finally to improve this state of things by participating in the establishment of a publishing society of standard homoeopathic works.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 10, 1864, pages 453-456]

[Description: Reply to Dr. Bayes' Answer.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1864]

THE ALLOPATHIC PRACTICE NOT PROGRESSIVE IN 1862.

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

J'ai explore le coeur et les poumons avec le plus grand soin et j'ai constate ucune lesion organique.

Le coeur en particular est bien conforme, d'un Volume ordinaire et les valouses sont intactes. Ce qui existe chez M. le consultant c'est un appouvrissement du sang (chloro-anemie) et un erethisme nervue tres prononce a forme hypochondriaque.

Puisque M. le rend a Nice je l' engage a prendre les bains de mer pendant le mois d' Octobre, le regime substantial est absolument necessaire.

Tous les matins un petit verre de vin de Bugeaud (vin de quinquina et cacao).

Davant chaque repas, trois dragees de lactate de fer, exercices suffisant du corps et distractions.

PARIS, 30 September, 1862. B.

___________

I have examined the heart and lungs with the greatest care and I have found no organic lesion. The heart particularly is very perfect, of ordinary volume and the valves perfect.

What exists in the patient is an impoverished state of the blood (chloroanemie) nervous erethism, very much in the form of hypochondriasis. Inasmuch as the patient is going to Nice, I advise him to take the sea-bath during the months of October.

A substantial diet is essentially necessary. Every morning a small wine glass full of Bujeaud (the wine of Peruvian Bark and Cocoa). Before each meal three grains of Ferrum lacticum, sufficient exercise of the body and diversion of the mind.

PARIS, September 30th, 1862.

___________

The patient who obtained the above medical opinion had been under my care for more than ten years. He is about forty years of age. For many years he had been excessively engaged mentally and physically, he had generally taken his meals at irregular hours and then insufficiently and in great haste, he had lost much sleep and gradually began to complain at first, two years ago, of frequent inclination to sigh, then later of attacks of palpitation of the heart; his breathing became much impaired; when walking fast or when ascending any height he felt a fullness about the heart, pains in the heart; he had attacks of dizziness with fainting, entire prostration, intermittent pulse, a hacking cough, great sensation of numbness in the left arm and finally much loss of flesh and strength. His mental occupations tried him more and more, and while the remedies administered from time to time relieved him, it was thought indispensably necessary that he should leave his occupation and go abroad. Aconit., Pulsatilla, Lachesis, Natrum mur., Plumbum and Rhus had given him most relief, and when he left here there was no doubt that the hypertrophy had diminished. He improved as soon as he left home in June, 1862, was far less sea sick then on former sea voyages and gained in every respect. In October he suffered from palpitation of the heart more than for some time past, he took Lachesis and went to Paris to have another examination of his heart made so as to form a plan for the winter. The above medical opinion of an allopathic celebrity at Paris along with his advice of treatment were then obtained.

The celebrated Dr. B. gives a very flattering account of the condition of the patient's heart, and his no doubt well merited reputation as a skillful and experienced auscultator warrants fully the belief in the correctness of the report.

But now for his diagnosis. "An empoverished state of the blood." When the previous condition of the heart came under consideration while diagnosticating this case, the auscultation and percussion had shown a different condition. The patient was carefully examined on the second day of October, 1861, and at that time the left side of the thorax was found to be considerably larger than the right side. The apex of the heart could not be found, but percussion showed the heart sound, to extend over a much larger space than usual. The rhythm was irregular and the beats of the heart were labored. A later examination in March, 1862, showed a much better condition of the heart. The apex of the heart was then found, the heart sound extending over a smaller space than it did on the former examination, the rhythm was more regular and the heart beat less labored. On both examinations the valves appeared to be in a healthy condition. For the sake of argument let us agree with Dr. B., that when he examined the patient, his heart was perfect and he suffered only from an impoverished state of the blood. The patient had until then been treated homoeopathically, and was now going to Nice. He was advised to take sea-baths in the month of October. The sea-bath is far more of a remedial agent than is ordinarily believed, and might in this case become beneficial provided a remedy became necessary for the full restoration of the patient's health. We fully agree that the substantial diet is essentially necessary, but now comes proof "that the allopathic practice in 1862 is not progressive."

The doctor includes in the substantial diet, every morning a small wine-glass of Bujeaud (the wine of China off. and Cocoa) and before each meal three grains of Ferrum lac. Here we find in the first place two medicines ordered in alternation — a vital error in all schools of medicine. If the condition of the patient required China off., that same condition could not require Ferrum and vice versa. Under alternation of medicines I understand the administration of two or more medicines at intervals determined upon a priori. Such alternations are contrary to common reasoning. Two medicines can not be given for one and the same individual case, and how can any possible good result from giving one medicine in the morning and another through the day; and while the alternation of all medicines is objectionable, the alternation of nearly related medicines, and on that account antidotes to each other, is certainly not at all admissible. This is one of the great errors only to be corrected by a patient investigation and adoption of Homoeopathy. The alternate administration of China and Ferrum are as absurd as the former concoction of many medicines into one prescription. The great question Homoeopathy asks is," does there exist for each individual case one individual specific curative medicine?" Experience has taught Homoeopathy to answer this question in the affirmative. All Homoeopathists ask the question, "does there exist for each disease some specific medicines which in alternation or combination cure?" Experience has answered this question in the negative. But there still exist some physicians who pretentiously call themselves Homoeopathists who have never asked themselves the former true homoeopathic questions, and who contend that each case of disease is best treated by alternate remedies. To show them their errors I here take up the case in point, and call their attention to the differences between the medical properties and curative powers of China and Ferrum; they will perceive that both medicines are singularly similar in their effects and that they are at the same time singularly different, so that it is utterly impossible ever to remain long in doubt which of the two to give in a given case.

China and Ferrum have both great debility. The debility of China is caused by loss of fluids, and accompanied by over-sensitiveness of the senses and great nervousness, with great tendency to perspire. The debility of Ferrum causes one to feel as if he was paralyzed, accompanied by great restlessness in the limbs. China has pains which are caused and much aggravated by contact (touch). Ferrum has all its pains and disorders aggravated by rest and relieved by slow motion. China causes a yellow skin. Ferrum a dirty earthy color of the skin.

China causes great drowsiness during the day while sitting and after meals; and while asleep delirium.

Ferrum causes great desire to sleep from debility and without the ability to sleep.

China has a small, quick and hard pulse.

Ferrum has a full and hard pulse.

Both have heat with inclination to throw off the covering, but the heat of Ferrum is always accompanied by a dry skin. Both have a great tendency to cause perspiration. The Chin. perspiration is often greasy, while Ferrum causes perspiration mostly during sleep and during motion.

China has much chilliness with thirst but aggravation from drinking. Ferrum has coldness from want of animal heat. The intermittent fever of China is characterized by almost entire absence of thirst, and if any thirst is present it is before and after the chill and during the perspiration. Ferrum has great ebullitions of the blood which China has not, and the intermittent fever of Ferrum (consequent upon the abuse of Cinchona) is characterized by congestions to the head, by a bloated appearance of the face and a distended abdomen. Both have congestion of blood to the head but Ferrum has more distended veins which China has not.

The China headache is pressive, with sleeplessness aggravated by the least touch and caused by the least draught of air.

Ferrum has a hammering, pulsating headache.

The China headache is mostly in the temples, while that of Ferrum is mostly in the sinciput.

Both have bleeding of the nose, the blood of China is pale while Ferrum has coagulated blood in the nose.

Both have pale and earthy color of the face, but Ferrum has also red spots on the cheeks or bloatedness of the face and around the eyes, or fiery hot red face.

China has dry cracked black lips, while Ferrum has dry pale lips.

Both have want of appetite. China has a longing for something but does not know what it really wants, or a desire for acid fruit, while Ferrum has an aversion to sour things and meat.

The thirst, if any of China, is quenched by small quantities of water, while Ferrum has unquenchable thirst. China has bitter taste of food and drink while Ferrum has the taste so altered that every thing appears to be dry.

Ferrum has vomiting of food after eating which China has not. Both have diarrhea of undigested food or watery.

China has the diarrhea of undigested food mostly at night, and Ferrum soon after eating. China has watery diarrhea which looks yellowish, that of Ferrum is accompanied by burning in the anus. The diarrhea of China is mostly painless and often cured by eating fruit.

Both have profuse menstruation, but China has black clots which Ferrum has not.

Both have leucorrhea, that of China is serous, bloody or purulent, that of Ferrum white often acrid.

They differ mostly in their mental symptoms, and these will often at once decide which of the two medicines is indicated.

In China prevails hopelessness, indifference, sadness and peevishness, while in Ferrum irritability and variableness prevails.

But the advocates of alternate doses contend that they cure; so contend the blind Allopathists, but the question is the aggregate number of cures and the time in which the cure is brought about; that question when fully answered by statistics will show a vast superiority of true Homoeopathy. The alternators often resort to a practical question when their practice is assailed, such as this: "how can the only specific curative remedy be found in a case as this — say a child has diarrhea discharges green — and fever — there they (the alternators) say Chamomilla must be given for the green stools and Aconite for the fever. It is in exactly such cases that Homoeopathy cures quickly and the patient may slowly recover under this alternative treatment, especially when Chamomilla was really the true remedy. But such descriptions of diseases are as faulty as the prescription. The true Homoeopathist will make enquiry whether that child with green stools has pains before, during, or after the evacuations, how it demonstrates the pains, at what time of the day the stools are most frequent, and if, for instance, the green evacuations are more frequent in the morning hours, and the child then strains much, the case would likely be cured by Podophyllum, and neither Chamomilla nor Aconite nor both in alternation or combination would cure; the fever, if such was present, would yield under the above symptoms to Podophyllum without Aconite. But if the child with the green stools is extremely restless at all times, but worse at night, if it wants to be carried and will not lie at all, if the pains are very violent before each evacuation, if the abdomen is bloated, if the child has much fever with thirst, and especially if this fever manifests itself by one burning hot red cheek; if the child can not sleep, or when falling into a slumber starts up at once and then cries violently and is not at all to be pacified till it is carried about, then one dose of Chamomilla, in the proper potency, will be the only specific curative remedy. The green stools by themselves are as much an indication for Chamomilla as the fever is an indication for Aconite. Green stools are as often cured by Phos., Pod., Puls., Sulph., Dulc., Phos. acid, Stann, or Ver. as by Cham., and the fever alone is never an indication of Acon.

I might go on, ad infinitum, and show the necessity to obtain at first an accurate picture of a given case and not the name of a disease, and then show that Homoeopathy claims to possess for each individual case one individually specific curative remedy, with the proviso that because the homoeopathic Materia Medica is not yet finished, and while we feel the necessity of new provings and reprovings, the case may occur that one remedy does not prove sufficiently curative, and that yet a succession of remedies may become necessary, indicated by the changing condition of the case; but as new provings and reprovings of medicines are improving our Materia Medica, these successions of medicines will become less often necessary: While this succession of medicines is yet excusable, alternation or combination can never be admitted as homoeopathic practice.

But let us go back to the diagnosis — "the impoverished state of the blood." In the modern physiological school, the great exponent of which is Prof. Virchow, we find him to say "disturbances in the components of the blood can be equalized in various ways; yet the means to accomplish this equalization are found not as much in the blood as in the various organs with which it stands in reciprocity, therefore mostly in the glands." Then we ask, according to the physiological school are Ferrum and China the required tonics?

If the diagnosis is correct that the impoverished condition of the blood was solely owing to a want of iron in the blood, then the first question would be, how came it that the iron, the necessary component of our organism was no longer furnished to the system of the patient in the usual manner by food? And again if the supposed absence of iron alone caused this impoverished condition of the blood, was it advisable to supply to this by introducing into the stomach the absent metal in the form of the lactate of iron, would it not be more rational, according to the physiological. school, to supply this want by nourishment containing more iron than the nourishment formerly taken?

The want of iron in the blood can have but three principal causes. It is either not supplied by the ordinary means, the nourishment — food — or the iron taken in the food fails to be assimilated, or the secretion of the iron from the organism through the liver (and spleen) is in the excess of the supply, but in neither case can the supply of iron into the stomach cause a healthy equalization of supply, assimilation or secretion. As a palliative it may for a short time serve to deceive the patient and give him false hopes of returning health.

Virchow further contends, "it was a great error that medicines necessarily existed for diseases, either the disease was to be cured by one remedy or there were medicines wanted for the various stages of the disease. Only the better physicians of all times became convinced that it was proper to administer the same remedy for similar conditions in, various diseases, and for different conditions of the same disease different medicines. The disease does not indicate the remedy, but the condition. It is the question to know under what condition of a certain disease a certain remedy has to be chosen."

Dr. B.'s choice of the remedies was for the supposed disease, a supposed want of iron in the impoverished blood, which being only a supposed condition, therefore was an error according to his own school, not to mention the alternation of Cinchona and Iron.

The doctor advises three grains of lactate of iron to be taken before each meal.

Dr. Bell, an English allopathic physician of note, contends that all medicines, but especially metals, should be administered in a very diluted condition and to prove his position gives as facts, that the absorption is principally regulated by the organic want and it is for that reason that inorganic substances are received in the organism only in very small quantities. The best example he says is Ferrum. The most efficient for chlorotic anaemic conditions are the natural Iron Springs, and the strongest of them contain only one grain of iron in eighteen ounces of water.

What conceivable indications Dr. B. had when he advised, in addition to nine grains of Ferrum lac. daily, the use also of wine of Cinchona, is impossible to imagine. If in this case the doctor knew that Andral and Gavarret say that the quantity of the volume of blood globules often becomes reduced from the proportion of 133 to 48, and that the blood globules increase in quantity from the day that Ferrum is administered, and when in this case the doctor thought that the impoverished condition of the blood and the diminished quantity of the volume of the blood globules constituted the disease, and that iron would increase the quantity, he certainly had no such reasons for advising the morning draught of Vinum Cinchonae. The logic that because Andral and Gavarret observed, that after the administration of iron in cases where the quantity of the volume of blood globules had become reduced the blood globules at once increased in quantity, now in a case of sickness where it was supposed that the same condition prevailed, iron would and should also restore health, constitutes one of the fallacies of Allopathy. Even should iron for a time have the effect of increasing the quantity of blood globules, does it follow that by that phenomena the re-establishment is learned?

Again, has iron no other effect on the organism than to increase the quantity of blood globules, and what does the doctor think becomes of the nine grains of iron daily administered, and which nine grains are not needed for, nor can possibly be converted into, new blood globules, and if these nine grains have to be continued to be administered for ninety days, what will then become of the excess of iron and of the liver (and spleen) which will have to make prodigious efforts to export said excess?

It becomes evident that the allopathic practice has not been progressive in 1862. Whether the patient so advised took the Iron and Cinchona I have not learned, but as I did learn that his health is steadily improving, I am sure he did neither take the Iron nor the Cinchona.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 04, 1863, page 152-161]

[Description: The Allopathic Practice Not Progressive in 1862.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1863]

THE ALTERNATION OF ACONITE AND BELLADONNA. [A Lecture delivered at the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania, before the class of Oct. 14th, 1864]

By AD. Lippe, M. D., Philadelphia, P.A.

The characteristic symptoms of Aconite have already been brought before you, and will enable you to select and administer to advantage this much abused remedy. I will now proceed to caution you against the administration of Aconite and Belladonna in alternation, and I do so, because you will find this alteration recommended in the ordinary books on practice; you will also find cases recorded in which Aconite was administered in alternation with Belladonna, and when you see practitioners follow this mode of prescribing, giving as a reason, that it has been done by others, and quoting precedents, you might perhaps also fall into the same error. To enable you then to resist this wide-spread mongrelism, and to give your reasons for disapproval, and also to prepare you rationally and understandingly to combat this violation of our principles as well as of the fundamental rules of practice, we will first consider the error of alternating medicines in general, and then show in what particulars Aconite and Belladonna are similar or differ.

The question of alternating medicine has been brought before the profession from time to time, and but very lately an interesting paper "On the Alternation of Medicines" was read before the British Homoeopathic Society by Dr, Drysdale, and published in the September number of the Annals of that society. As the paper expresses the opinion at present pendant among a large majority of the homoeopathic physicians in England, we will here take occasion while considering this subject, to allude to it. The learned author of that paper, Dr. Drysdale, whilst saying that he does not give a preference to the plan of alternation, yet the bulk of said paper treats of the cases in which it is allowable. Without entering more fully on the fundamental ideas of Homoeopathy upon which he bases his conclusions, and without here showing his misconception of Homoeopathy and his false position, or questioning the admissibility of the authorities he quotes, taking the doubtful assertions of Trinks in preference to the sound and long accepted teachings of Hahnemann, we will deal with the question only as it should present itself to us as Homoeopathicians.

The alternation of medicines can occur in two different ways, first an alternation a priori, as for example the prescribing of Aconite and Belladonna in alternation, each remedy to be administered after a specified lapse of time, whether this time is numbered by minutes, hours or days is immaterial, the principle remains the same. Suppose then, that you are called upon to prescribe for a given case, and are, of course, believed to understand the homoeopathic law of cure, the fundamental principles and practical rules left us by Hahnemann, and, acknowledged as the unerring guide, by all true Homoeopathicians and also to know the effects of the medicines, how can you ever be induced to violate one and all of the practical rules, and by prescribing two medicines in alternation, give evidence of your want of accurate knowledge of the effects of either of them.

One of the great fundamental practical rules is, never to repeat the same remedy or give another medicine until the first dose administered has fully developed and exhausted its effects. A priori this knowledge is not in your possession. One dose of Aconite, for instance may develop and exhaust its effects in six, twelve, or twenty-four hours, or in one, two, three or more days or weeks, and in chronic cases may even act for a longer period of time; the symptoms then, according to which you have selected Aconite, although much diminished may not have entirely disappeared, but still they are certainly yet aconite symptoms, you must then repeat the same remedy Aconite, and probably with better results should a still smaller dose be given than the previous one. On the contrary, should the symptoms according to which you selected Aconite have disappeared, and others have shown themselves, in that case you have to take up a new, careful record of the symptoms, and select another remedy, again waiting for the effects of this second remedy, and neither repeating nor giving a new medicine until its effects are exhausted. This then is the only correct and reliable practice if we are guided by the practical rules. But, say the advocates of alternating medicines, in order that they may set aside these practical rules and the practice based on them, we can prove the correctness of our position by practical and clinical experience. We have cases reported by Dr. Cate [We quote from the Annals, pages 376, 377 and 381.] who brings forward inflammation of the mucous coat of the colon. When it extends to the peritoneal coat of the gut, he gives Mercurius corr. in alternation with Sulphur, corresponding to their specific action on their different tissues. Also in inflammation of the membranes of the brain threatening effusion, he finds Bryonia alternated with Hellebore, more efficacious than either singly. In the analysis of Tessier's Pneumonia. Cases by Dr. Bayes, we find several cases that improved rapidly under alternation of Phosphorus with Bryonia, though the latter alone was not doing as much good as usual. Dr. Drysdale says of Dr. Cate's reported cases, "But this is already recognized in Homoeopathy, without stepping into the doubtful regions of pathology." If then in the above cases the doubtful regions of pathology do not help us and can not help us to select any curative remedy, how can Homoeopathy recognize such alternation based on nothing else than these acknowledged doubtful regions of pathology? Without in the least calling in question Dr. Cate's superior pathological knowledge and his ability to determine when the inflammation of the mucous coat of the colon extends to the peritoneal coat of the gut, or when the inflammation of the membranes of the brain threaten effusion, and without either calling in question Dr. Cate's superior knowledge of the specific action of remedies on different tissues irrespective of accompanying subjective symptoms; for argument's sake, considering the cases as he gives them, they do not in the least prove the correctness of the practice of alternating medicines. This practice never has been and never can be recognized by Homoeopathy because medicines cannot be selected solely according to pathological indications, and if they could be so selected, no two distinct pathological conditions could be observed on one patient at the same time. Not only do Homoeopathicians treat only the sick and not diseases, but even the progressive allopathic schools have taught this great principle in practice for some time. But will you ask "how then do patients recover under this treatment by alternation? Dr. Drysdale tells us "Upon the two principles – viz, the meeting of complications, and maintaining the susceptibility, rests the practice of alternation of medicines. And when used with circumspection, it is a practice that has proven useful, anti developed the powers of Homoeopathy." In every case we have to treat, we meet with complications, and what is generally understood under complications, are the unaccountable, often apparently small and trifling symptoms, not belonging strictly to the pathological condition present to the so-called disease, the class of symptoms that generally guide us in the selection of the truly curative remedy; if we select a remedy according to these symptoms, there will be no need of maintaining the susceptibility. If, furthermore, we must use circumspection should this practice prove useful, we are much afraid that between the doubtful regions of pathology as a guide, and circumspection as a landmark, we shall lose our way; I would advise you once for all, to hold fast to certain fundamental rules laid down by Hahnemann, and guard against unmeaning phrases, which, with all circumspection, will lead you into doubtful regions. If a patient recovers under the treatment by alternate medicines, it is to be supposed that one of the medicines was homoeopathic to the case, that the frequent repetition would have done more harm and protracted the recovery, had not the alternated remedy, being similar and therefore an antidote in that capacity, suspended and modified the action of the oft-repeated medicine.

As no two morbid states can exist in the animal organism, whether they are similar or dissimilar, without either the recent morbid condition silencing, at least for a time, the former morbid state or uniting itself with it, forming a double-headed monster, so can never any two medicines develop their effects separately on the healthy or on the diseased animal organism, without necessarily interfering and interrupting the action of both or at least of one. The knowledge of the effects of medicines is based upon the provings of drugs, and if so, who can ever have thought of proving two drugs on one and the same person, at one and the same time? As for instance, Aconite and Belladonna. Aconite to be given and allowed to act, say for twelve hours, then Belladonna to be given and also allowed to act for twelve hours, and so they are given alternately, and what will be the result of this medication duetto? Will it end in a harmonious solution of the questions we asked of nature, viz,: how do Aconite and Belladonna effect the human organism? If the healthy organism will not give a satisfactory answer to our question, which it could only do if the two medicines did not interfere with each other and the development of the altered sensations of each respectively; how much less can we suppose that the organism when effected by disease, will, under the double action of alternate medicines, respond and be beneficially affected by them? As two medicines cannot be proved at the same time in alternation on the same person, and as two distinct diseases cannot exist in the same person at the same time, so cannot two medicines administered in alternation affect the diseased organism beneficially,

Secondly. An alternation a posterori, may be good practice in some few and rare cases, and in those, you will find that after the effects of the first dose of a well selected remedy have been exhausted, the patient may be quite in a different condition; and then after selecting another remedy and its effects being exhausted, you may find again, all the symptoms for which you prescribed it, have disappeared, and the case presenting precisely the same symptoms for which the first remedy was given, with the difference that they may not be quite so intense, then, of course, you return to the first remedy; if, when its action is exhausted, you again find the same symptoms, though most likely less severe than you found them before, when you selected the second remedy; you will give it again, and so continue as long as recurring circumstances require it and till your patient recovers. To fortify his position, i. e.," that alternation of medicines a priori is admissible, Dr. Drysdale quotes a case related by Dr. Hering and cured by alternate doses of Ignatia and Ruta because a liver-complaint and a jaundice both were present; the inference from this statement would be, that the two distinct diseases were present and demanded the alternation or the two medicines, one for each disease. The fact is this, Dr. Hering relates in the third part of Archive. vol. xiii, p. 68: "A very short time after I first became acquainted with Homoeopathy in 1822, I cured permanently, in a few weeks, a patient attacked with jaundice and liver diseases, by giving every third or fourth day the tincture of Ruta and Ignatia^12. In this case Ignatia was first indicated by the symptoms of jaundice, the patient, a lady, had suffered much from grief, and they disappeared under Ignatia, but other liver symptoms then appearing, Ruta was indicated and removed them, but the jaundice returning Ignatia was again given, and so the two medicines were taken in alternation, not for two distinct diseases, but for two distinctly different complexity of symptoms of one and the same disease of one patient. In 1822, very few remedies were proved, Dr. Hering had just become acquainted with Homoeopathy and he relates this case as one of alternation and success; the practice of alternating medicines was then scarcely spoken of. Dr. Hering could not have given in this case, Lachesis, which he did not prove until 1833 and was therefore unknown to him in 1822. This is a case of alternating a posteriori, and does not sustain Dr. Drysdale in his efforts to uphold that mongrelism. The quotation of this case does not give color to the habitual practice of alternation common to most physicians calling themselves Homoeopathicians in England, and we must be allowed to

draw the inference from this quotation, and their habits of alternating, that the author and those who sustain him are ignorant of progressive Homoeopathy and are unaware of all the developments following the fundamental ideas since the year 1822; in fact the advocates of indiscriminate alternations of medicines, give full evidence of their lack of" knowledge of our Materia Medica and refute the fundamental principles of the school to which they claim to belong. The appeal of this faction, to statements made in 1822, when Homoeopathy was in its infancy, are only applied to suit their faction's retrogressive assertions, and not to accept the fundamental ideas on which the homoeopathic practice was based then and has developed itself progressively and is still developing new truths. To quote what, since 1822, has been unsaid by the same witness, to accept his passing remark while he had but just become acquainted with Homoeopathy, but ignore what he has said during the forty-two subsequent years, is to say the least, a deplorable resort to perversion and misrepresentation of our cause.

If it even admitted that the alternation a posteriori, is at times, but very seldom, admissible, it will also be acknowledged that this only allowable alternation proves that we have not chosen the only curative remedy for the patient; and we have not chosen it because it was not known to us, and it certainly might not have been known to us as our Materia Medica is far from being complete. The alternation of Medicines can never be excused on the plea that two distinct diseases existed which can never take place; it is in contradiction with true homoeopathic practice as we have nothing to do with diseases or forms of diseases or pathological conditions, as indicating the curative medicine, we have but one patient who is sick, and we prescribe for the patient, not for the disease.

The practice of administering medicines in alternation is wrong, but to alternate Aconite and Belladonna is simply ridiculous, and to substantiate this assertion let us now investigate in what particulars these two remedies are similar and in what they differ, and when you know these differences which, in some instances as under fever, become opposites, it will be an easy task to decide which of the two medicines is homoeopathic in a given case; you will not remain in doubt, nor hesitate, and above all you will never alternate."

We begin with the mental symptoms and follow the arrangement of symptoms adopted in our Materia Medica by Hahnemann.

Mind and Disposition. – Aconite has inconsolable anxiety with a restless nervousness and tossing about.

Belladonna has unconsciousness, the person does not hear or see anyone.

Aconite and Belladonna have both delirium.

The Aconite delirium is worse at night and has the character of ecstasy.

The Belladonna delirium is of a violent nature with great loquacity, violence, beating, raving, tearing of objects, spitting. Belladonna has also visions as soon as the eyes are closed.

Aconite has prediction of the time of death.

Belladonna has great cunning, forgetfulness or vehement talking.

Aconite has giddiness when rising to sit up, with vanishings of visions.

Belladonna has giddiness as if on a swing, or vertigo with unconscious falling down.

Head. – Both have congestion to the head with red face.

Aconite has heat in the head with perspiration of the head and red face.

Belladonna has heat in the head with congestion of blood to the head and pulsation of the arteries.

Aconite has fullness and heaviness in the forehead.

Belladonna has stupefying headache in the forehead with congestion of blood to the head and unconsciousness.

Aconite has more pain on the left side of the head.

Belladonna has more pain on the right side of the head.

Aconite has headache which is better when lying quiet, worse when raising the head or moving.

Belladonna has headache which is better when sitting up and worse when lying down.

Aconite has sensation of the brain as if moving to and fro.

Belladonna has boring with the head in the pillow.

Eyes. – Both have photophobia and photomania.

Both have inflammation of the eyes, but,

Aconite has inflammation with the eyes protruding and insufferable pain.

Belladonna has heat in the eyes with redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, with the eyelids turned over.

Both have dilated pupils, but those of Belladonna are immovable.

Aconite has inflammatory swelling of the eyelids.

Belladonna has bleeding of the eyelids.

Belladonna has further, a wild, staring look, sparkling, red, glassy eyes, and momentary loss of sight, especially when rising up in bed; and also paralysis of the optic nerve, all symptoms which Aconite has not.

Face. – Aconite has a red face.

Belladonna also, but with burning heat of the face.

Aconite has a pale face, especially when lifting the head up.

Belladonna has fair, bluish red (purple) and bloated face – puffiness of the face.

Aconite has dry lips which peel off.

Belladonna has cracked, bleeding lips, and hard swelling of the upper lip.

Aconite has perspiration on the side of the face on which he rests.

Belladonna has erysipelas of the face, also violent cutting pain in the face.

Teeth. – Aconite has pulsating toothache.

Belladonna has violent toothache aggravated by eating.

Mouth. – Both have dryness of the mouth and inflammation with dark redness of the throat; the Belladonna dryness is often without thirst.

Both have pricking in the throat during deglutition, but

Aconite has the same pricking when coughing.

Aconite has tingling in the throat.

Belladonna has sensation of constriction with desire to swallow, and when not swallowing, tearing, cutting in the throat, also swelling and sudden suppuration of the tonsils.

Aconite has white coated tongue.

Belladonna has a red tongue or tongue coated with mucus, or inflamed and swollen, preventing speech.

Appetite and taste. – Both have aversion to food.

Belladonna has lost taste.

Aconite has more violent thirst than Belladonna which has either hasty drinking with trembling or aversion to drink, even when burning thirst and dry throat are present.

Aconite has bitter taste of all food and drink, except water.

Belladonna has sour taste of bread.

Gastric symptoms. – Aconite has vomiting of bloody mucus.

Belladonna has vomiting of pure mucus or acid vomiting.

Aconite has vomiting of what has been drunk.

Belladonna has vomiting of bile and also empty retching.

Stomach. – Aconite has tensive, pressing pain, as from weight in the abdomen.

Belladonna has swelling of the pit of the stomach .

Abdomen. – Both have swelling of the abdomen with tympanitis, and sensitiveness of the abdomen to the touch, but Belladonna alone has painful clawing and tearing in the abdomen. Both have colic from flatulency, but under Belladonna the colon transversum is considerably inflated, is palpable to the touch, and the pain is relieved by stooping and external pressnre.

Stool. – Aconite has white evacuations.

Belladonna has green evacuations.

Aconite has small evacuations with straining.

Belladonna has involuntary evacuations.

Urine. – Both have suppression of the urinary secretions.

Aconite has anxious urging to urinate.

Belladonna has involuntary discharges of urine.

Both have diminished red and fiery urine, but Aconite has also increased secretion of urine with very frequent micturition and much thirst.

Respiration. – Both have frequent and short breathing.

Aconite has it especially when rising from a recumbent posture and while asleep.

Belladonna has it with great laboring of the chest.

Aconite has constrictions of the chest.

Belladonna has sensation of a heavy weight on the chest.

Cough. – Aconite has dry short cough.

Belladonna has dry, hacking cough, during the night.

Aconite has expectoration of blood, or blood-streaked, of a thick, white substance.

Belladonna has very little expectoration except in the morning after rising, when a thick substance like pus, is coughed up.

Aconite has stitches in the chest when coughing.

Belladonna has stitches in the lumbar region, when coughing.

Aconite has cough caused by smoking tobacco.

Belladonna has cough caused by the least motion in bed at night, it has also sneezing after coughing.

Chest. – Aconite has stitches in the chest aggravated by breathing, coughing, and motion, even by lifting up the arms.

Belladonna has congestion to the chest, with pulsation in it.

Aconite has a hollow voice.

Belladonna has aphonia.

Aconite has palpitation of the heart, with anxiety.

Belladonna has violent palpitation of the heart reverberating in the head.

Belladonna has also inflammation and swelling of the mammae.

Back and neck. – Both have a stiff neck, but that of Belladonna is accompanied by swelling of the throat and neck.

Aconite has tingling in the back.

Belladonna has distended arteries of the neck (pulsation of the carotid arteries) also an acid smell from the perspiration of the neck and swollen glands of the neck.

Upper extremities. – Aconite has tingling of the fingers.

Belladonna has twitching in the hands.

Aconite has hot hands and cold feet.

Belladonna has cold hands and feet.

Lower extremities. – Aconite has loss of power of the hip and knee joint, (generally on the left side).

Belladonna has stitches in the hip joint (generally in the right), worse at night and when touched.

Skin. – Both have dry, burning skin.

Belladonna has alternate paleness and redness of the skin.

Aconite has burning hot swelling of the affected parts.

Belladonna has smooth, shining, scarlet redness, not circumscribed, with dryness, burning, and swelling.

Aconite has military scarlet eruption

Belladonna has painful exanthema.

Sleep. – Aconite has sleeplessness from anxiety, and continuous tossing about.

Belladonna has deep stupor like sleep.

Aconite has sleeplessness and delirium with closed eyes.

Belladonna has sleeplessness from visions passing before the eyes as soon as they are closed.

Both have starting from sleep.

Fever. – Aconite has great restlessness.

Belladonna has great indifference, low-spiritedness.

Aconite has agonizing tossing about, cannot be calm.

Belladonna has boisterous disposition – full of rage.

Aconite has fear of ghosts.

Belladonna has desire to flee.

Aconite has a full, hard, accelerated, sometimes intermitting pulse, and occasionally, a slow, small, thread-like pulse.

Belladonna has a quick, full, hard and tense pulse, and Occasionally, a small and soft, seldom slow, but when so, a full pulse.

Aconite has sensation of coldness in the blood-vessels.

Belladonna has pulsation of the carotid and temporal arteries.

Aconite has at the commencement of the disease, chilliness most violent in the evening after lying down, often with one hot cheek, and contracted pupils.

Belladonna has chilliness in the evening, mostly in the extremities, with hot head, also cold extremities with hot head.

Aconite has chilliness from being uncovered and being touched.

Belladonna has chilliness when moving.

Aconite has external chill with internal heat, anxiety with red cheeks

Belladonna has internal chilliness with external heat

Aconite has shuddering which runs from the feet up to the chest

Belladonna has shudders which run down the back.

Aconite has dry burning heat mostly extending from the head and face, with much thirst for cold drink.

Belladonna has dry burning heat, with perspiration only on the head.

Aconite has head, with agonizing tossing about.

Belladonna has heat with stupor, or heat with hot head, red face and delirium.

Aconite has continuous external heat, with desire to be uncovered.

Belladonna has hot forehead with cold cheeks.

Aconite has burning heat with chilliness at the same time.

Belladonna has internal or external heat, or both at the same time.

Aconite has long, lasting perspiration over the whole body, smelling sour.

Belladonna has perspiration while asleep, day and night, the perspiration begins at the feet and ascends.

Aconite has most perspiration on the covered parts.

Belladonna has perspiration only of the covered parts.

Generalities. – Aconite affects the left side more than the right side.

Belladonna affects the right side more than the left side.

Aconite has pains which are insupportable.

Belladonna has over-sensitiveness of all the senses.

Aconite has great and sudden sinking of strength.

Belladonna has congestions to various parts.

Aconite has diminution of almost all pains while sitting still, but at night and while in bed, it is unendurable.

Belladonna has aggravation and renewal of the attacks, from the least touch and motion.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1864, pages 262-269, pages 309-315]

[Description: The Alternation of Aconite and Belladonna]

[Remedies: Aconitum napellus, Belladonna]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1864]

THE DISEASES OF THE PROSTATE GLAND AND THEIR TREATMENT.

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA,

The most frequent diseased conditions of the prostate gland are acute inflammation, and, as a sequel, chronic inflammation, hypertrophy, obstructions and tumors; less frequent are tubercles, cancer and stones of the prostate gland.

The acute inflammation is with rare exception a disease of early manhood and is caused by the suppression of Gonorrhea, by the abuse of Cubebes, Balsam of Copaiva, by venereal excesses, by the abuse of alcoholic liquors, by riding on too hard a saddle or by blows on the perineal region.

The symptoms of this disease are a sensation of heat and pain in the perineum, with fullness and throbbings like those of the pulse; an incessantly renewed desire to pass small quantities of water, and having emptied the bladder no relief is obtained from these useless efforts (vesical tenesmus). The urine passing that part of the canal surrounded by the prostate gland produces a very vivid sensation of burning, the seat of which is referred to by the patient as the neck of the bladder. The rectum seems to be filled by a large heavy body which increases the desire for evacuation, forces the exercise of this function, and urges the patient to continue the efforts, even when the evacuations have been complete. By introducing the left index finger into the anus great heat and painfulness to pressure is perceived, also a smooth round hot tumor, making a lump in the intestines, of a very considerable size. When the swelling of the gland has caused an occlusion of the canal and thereby a complete retention of urine, catheterisation becomes apparently necessary, but it is not always successful. The instrument passes with facility through the two anterior parts of the canal (the spongy and membranous portions) but the passage through the prostatic portion causes a very acute pain, sometimes even unbearable. If you pass your index finger into the anus while the instrument is in the bladder the prostate gland is found between the instrument and the finger, and its volume can so be judged.

The acute inflammation is generally of a very rapid course and usually runs through all its stages from six to eight days. The more favorable termination is resolution, but if not properly treated the disease passes over into the chronic state (infiltrations, tumors) or an abscess forms, which opens finally in the urethra, the bladder, or the rectum, and leaves prostatic fistulas. In very rare cases the inflammation of the prostate gland terminates in gangrene.

The formation of an abscess causes an increase of all the symptoms present, the frequent painful stitches which had been felt from the perineum to the regio pubis and from there occasionally shooting down the thighs give way to violent throbbing pains. The opening of the abscess is followed by a sudden relief of the pains and sufferings.

Chronic Inflammation, Hypertrophy and Tumors of the Prostate Gland.

The prostate gland may be so affected in its totality or only one or the other of its lobes. The swellings,, tumors and obstructions of the prostate gland in whole or in part are the consequences of an acute inflammation of the gland. They develop themselves very slowly, sometimes in the progress of years. These tumors also result from an excess of nutrition (hypertrophy) or from deposits of foreign matter, tubercles, cysts, pus, fibrine and fibrous bodies in the cellular tissues of the organ. The prostate gland of an adult in the normal state is of the form and the size of a French chestnut, under the influence of different causes it can attain the size of a hen or turkey's egg or even of the head of a man, as Bartholow mentions a case.

Every swelling and enlargement of the prostate gland disturbs and modifies the mechanical functions of the urethra, especially those of the pars prostatica, of the neck of the bladder, those of the ductus ejaculatorii; the size, the direction, the length and the passage of these ducts and channels become changed. If the prostatic gland has increased in volume it necessarily ascends upwards and backwards in the cavity of the pelvis. This ascension of the swollen prostatic gland accounts for the high position of the neck of the bladder in old persons and for the increased length of the urethra, so that often the longest sound will scarcely reach the bladder. As the prostate gland tightly encloses the neck of the bladder (the pars prostatica urethrae) the bladder is compelled to ascend with the gland.

The more apparent is the mechanical disproportion from the abnormal development of the middle lobe as it appears most frequently during old age. This middle lobe seems either as a round flat roll which is more or less thick, and standing out against the Trigon-Lieutaudii, or in the shape of a stalked swelling, movable like a flap, or else it forms, by pressing forward fold-like the muscles and mucous membranes by which it is covered, a swelling which rises from the two side-lobes over the middle-lobe and becomes an oblique and upright or even perpendicular ridge which closes according to its height, either entirely or partially the neck of the bladder from within and in part or fully prevents the passage of the urine. The ridge (Barriere urethro vesicale) is so important in the diseases of the bladder in old persons, that finally, in later days, Mercier has had the merit to have clearly demonstrated the anatomical relation of this very important anomaly. If one of the side-lobes becomes enlarged it causes a curve of the pars prostatica urethra corresponding with the degree of the tumefaction; when both side-lobes are equally swollen the urethra becomes compressed from both sides, so that the canal forms a compression only behind and before and somewhat gaping. The swollen lobe of the prostatic gland sometimes presses in the shape of a blunt conical peg in the cavity of the bladder and thereby closes from one side the neck of the bladder or gives it an oblique direction, at times one or the other of these peg-like swellings forms a sort of thick flap which is the tighter pressed against the neck of the bladder by the flow of the urine. The reverse may happen through a diverging direction of the swollen lobe, the neck of the bladder then suffers a funnel-like elongation, and the extension paralyses the sphincter.

The most prominent symptoms are, discharge of prostatic fluid during a stool, diminution of the stream of urine, frequent necessity to empty the bladder, very great difficulty, and often impossibility to do it, when the patient is necessitated to urinate it takes some time before he can commence, once flowing, the urine continues abundantly enough but in an unequal stream or in a dripping manner. In spite of the greatest efforts the bladder can not be completely emptied, and if the patient is sounded immediately after micturition a great deal of liquid is yet found in the bladder. The urine sometimes escapes drop by drop and involuntarily, often accompanied by obstinate constipation.

All these symptoms occurring in the same patient indicate with almost a certainty the presence of a prostatic tumor, but to be assured not to mistake it with other analogous diseases of the urinary organs it is well to proceed to an examination by the double exploration of the linger and the sound.

In the treatment of any of the above described abnormal conditions of the prostatic gland, the true physician will never be guided by the name of the disease or by the pathological condition of the diseased organ in the choice of the remedy; it will not matter whether the inflammation is chronic or acute, the true physician knowing that the totality of symptoms alone constitutes the disease, will select the remedy which is most similar in its effects to the symptoms of his patient, and while the various abnormal conditions of various organs and parts of the body will present characteristic changes and symptoms, these symptoms are in every case more or less modified by the conditions and peculiarities of the patient attacked by the abnormal condition of the organ; making therefore each case to be treated as a special case. No one familiar with Homoeopathy can believe in specific medicines for specific diseases, or contend, for instance, that "Aconite" will cure all diseases, that a certain trituration of Crotalus will cure all cases of yellow fever, or a certain trituration of the Protiodide of mercury all case of diphtheria; such a belief would be becoming the uninitiated; and experiment, the infallible judge in medical and other theories, would convince any person of moderate judgment and ability that such generalizations are detrimental to the practice of medicine. All and each abnormal. condition of a diseased organ show among the symptoms produced some characteristics, just as every medicine will produce characteristic symptoms which we know are produced on all provers, while many specialities are often only the effects produced on one individual, this speciality may again in turn correspond with one of a diseased organism and be the means of indicating the curative medicine.

When we ascertain the characteristic symptoms of a so called disease or form of disease, we necessarily will find among the known medicines, i. e., known to us by having been proved on the healthy organism, some few medicines similar in its action on the organism to the characteristic symptoms of the disease, these medicines will therefore often cure that disease; but, if other symptoms besides the ordinary characteristic symptoms have been developed by the peculiarities of the patient, then we have to employ such medicines as correspond with the disease of the patient and his peculiar symptoms, and therefore it remains true that in all diseases all medicines may be employed.

The diseases above referred to, of which I have tried to give the characteristic symptoms, may very often be cured by the following medicines:

Pulsatilla, Thuja, Digitalis, Cyclamen, Selenium, Causticum, Lycopodium, Secale cornutum, Copaiva, Zinc, Agnus cast., Alumina, Hepar, Apis, Sulph. acid.

Pulsatilla. — In Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura, Vol. II, we find symptoms 466, 488, 489, 490, 493, 495, 497, 499, 500, 501, 503, 519, 524, constituting a strong picture of diseases of the prostate gland. The pain in the region of the bladder, the frequent desire to urinate, but especially the continued dull stitch in the neck of the bladder, with a pressure of urine while lying upon his back, having to urinate very soon, and not while lying on the side; and when symptom 466 which Hahnemann records in parenthesis (the stool is of a small shape and as if pressed flat), and which was the first Pulsatilla symptom according to which this medicine was administered in the diseases of the prostate, where no remedy was known to the medical world having a specific effect in this disease, and until then considered beyond the reach of all medicines; all these symptoms will in many cases point to Pulsatilla; and another still more important symptom taken from the curative effects of the remedy, after micturition spasmodic pains in the neck of the bladder, extending to the pelvis and thighs will often lead to the administration of this very important medicine in such disorders.

Thuja. — We find among Hahnemann's symptoms the following:

131. Frequent urinating almost every hour, but without pain.

134. When the patient wishes to urinate he strains much, the desire is felt every minute, the urine passing only now and then and at that time only he has a burning pain in the urethra.

135. The stream is interrupted five or six times before the bladder is entirely emptied.

147. Stitches in the urethra starting from behind when not urinating, but not during the discharge of urine.

148. A violent stitch from the rectum into the urethra.

156. Discharge of prostatic fluid (stringy) in the morning, after awakening.*[* This and the following symptom hare been left out of The Symptomen Codex by the Compiler.]

159. A cutting pain, immediately before and during the discharge of urine, most violent, in the region of the bladder, back of the pelvic-bone while walking.

Dr. Carl Myerhoffer in his report of the Vienna Provers has the following symptoms:

Pressure on the neck of the bladder.

Painful stitches from the anus to the orifice of the urethra or in the reverse direction.

Discharge of glutinous mucus from the male urethra.

Discharge of liquor prostaticus.

Burning stitches in the penis as far as the testicles.

Dr. C. Wolf in his most excellent provings of Thuja gives:

527. Frequent pressing to urinate with small discharges.

529. Continued desire to urinate.

533. The urine comes frequently with a tension as from a cord over the bladder, which seems to arrest the passage of the urine.

541. Urine with interruptions, and the urine passing only at intervals.

560. Frequent stitches in the urethra with a mucous discharge in the morning.

518. Sensation in the rectum as though a bladder had formed.

From clinical observations I add that the most frequent desire to urinate comes on from five till nine, p.m., and is much relieved by a recumbent position.

All these symptoms are frequent attendants of the various diseases of the prostatic gland. But while Pulsatilla will more frequently correspond to the purely inflammatory condition and to the recent cases, Thuja will very often remove the disease permanently, especially when the disorder originated in Syphilis, Sycosis, and again more especially when gonorrhea was the origin of it. Even in cases where already suppuration of the indurated gland had been established, and after repeated abscesses had discharged, leaving the gland in a general suppurating process, Thuja will often much relieve the suffering and retard the progress of the disease. In cases where the syphilitic origin is not present, and in the induration or hypertrophy of the gland, often occurring in the advanced age of man, Thuja will but rarely find its field of action. In those cases not the result of or connected with Syphilis or Gonorrhea, we will then often find an invaluable remedy in

Digitalis purpurea. — In the third volume of Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases we read the following symptoms which give as a very accurate indication in some cases of hypertrophy and induration of the prostate gland:

415. Retention of urine. 416. Pressure on the bladder with a sensation ol great fulness, which continues after passing urine. 419. Continued desire to urinate even after passing the urine. 420. Violent fruitless effort to urinate. 421. Continued desire to urinate, with but a scanty discharge each time.

422. Uninterrupted desire to urinate, with the discharge of but a few drops at a time.

425. Continued desire to urinate and when rising giddiness from it.

434. Incontinence of the urine.

The symptoms 416, 419, 420, 421, 422, and 425 are of frequent occurrence in the hypertrophy of the prostatic gland and will yield very readily to the smallest dose of Digitalis. From my own clinical observations I can add a few more symptoms of Digitalis.

Before urinating and while the ineffectual pressure is causing violent agony, there is a throbbing pain as from a pulse in the region of the neck of the bladder. Before and after passing urine, violent stitches from the neck of the bladder to the end of the urethra. The desire to urinate, the pressure and suffering increases after a scanty discharge of urine,. compelling the patient to walk about in great distress until after some time another scanty discharge takes place.

The Digitalis urine is generally pale but slightly cloudy, looking smoky. Motion increases the desire to urinate, but when it once exists the patient can not sit still nor lie down, but walks about in agony, gritting his teeth and despairing. The sleep is often interrupted by these periodically returning attacks, the desire to evacuate the bowels often accompanying the paroxysms, very small soft stools are frequently passed without relief, the pressure in the rectum continuing.

Cyclamen. — This near relative of Pulsatilla has very important symptoms which may at times indicate it in these diseases.

In Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura, Vol. II, we find symptoms

86. In and near the anus and in the perineum, drawing pressing pain as from subcutaneous ulceration of a small spot, while walking and sitting.

91. Frequent desire to urinate, with but a scanty emission of urine.

92. While urinating pricking pain at the end of the urethra.

Selenium. — The following symptoms found among the provings of this remedy may at times indicate it in this disease.

While sitting, and also while walking a drop of viscid, transparent fluid presses out of the urethra, occasioning a peculiarly disagreeable sensation, the same sensation is experienced shortly before and after stool.

In the diseases of aged persons it may be at times of much benefit.

Causticum. — We find in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases, many symptoms analogous to these diseases, he gives

721. Strong pulsations in the perineum.

722. Pains in the bladder, the patient passes no urine, and if a few drops come there is violent pain in the urethra, with constipation and spasms in the rectum.

723. Ineffectual effort to urinate, and when a few drops are passed there is violent pain in the bladder, when he walks much to relieve himself he has spasms in the rectum.

724. Desire to urinate, without being able to pass anything, after waiting very long but a little is discharged, and the pressure soon comes on again, without pain.

Lycopodium. — Among many analogous symptoms we find in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases

315. While passing urine, pressing in the perineum, near the anus, which continues, and often returns while not urinating.

321. Stitches in the neck of the bladder and at the same time in the anus.

Copaiva balsam — This remedy is reported to have cured induration of the prostate gland. The indications for its application we take from the provings.

Constant, inefficient desire to urinate.

The urine is emitted by drops.

Apis mellifica. — The great analogy between the ovaries and the prostate gland make it very probable that Apis will exert its beneficial influence as well over the prostate gland as it does over the ovaries. When we take in consideration the effect Apis produces according to provings as we find in The Amerikanische Arzneiprufungen, by Dr. C. Hering, and in these provings symptoms

646. A very disagreeable sensation in the bladder with a bearing downwards in the region of the sphincter and a so frequent desire to urinate, that the patient had not only to pass urine very often during the day, but that it was necessary to rise during the night from ten to twelve times for that purpose, during micturition much burning and smarting.

647. An almost incessant desire to pass urine.

652. Frequent desire to urinate with a disagreeable sensation in the bladder, a pressing down in the region of the sphincter.

673. Pricking in the urethra.

643. Retention of urine so that the urine had to be taken away by the catheter.

We can expect with a great degree of certainty that Apis will cure some cases of prostatic diseases. Without further quoting the sources that would guide us in the administration of many more remedies, I shall conclude by stating the most prominent symptoms and the corresponding remedies.

Discharge of prostatic fluid during a stool, Agnus c, Alum, Anac., Calc. c, carbo veg., Con., Elaps. corall., Hep., Ign., Nat. carb., Sep., Sil., Staph., Sulph., Zinc.

Fulness in the perineum, Alum., Berb., Bryonia, CycL, Nux vom.

Heaviness, sensation of, in the perineum, Copaiva, Graph.

Pulsation in the perineum, Caust.

Continued desire to urinate, Amm. c, Amm. m., Anac., Apis, Asar., Aur., Bell., Canth., Colch., Cop., Digital., Guaj., Ignat., Iod., Merc., Millif., Mur. acid, Phos., Puls., Sep., Scill., Sulph., Sulph. acid, Thuja.

Impossibility to urinate, Digit., Sepia.

The desire to urinate continues after micturition, Bar. c, Bov., Calc., Caust., Carb. an., Croton tig., Digital., Guaj. Nat. carb., Ruta, Thuja, Zinc, Bry., Lach., Merc., Sabad., Staph., Viol. tr.

While urinating burning in the region of the neck of the bladder, Cham., Nux v., Petr., Sulph. acid.

The stream of the urine is small, Graph., Nit. acid, Ol. an., Sass., Spong., Staph., Sulph., Tax., Zinc.

Difficulty in voiding the urine, and he must press a long time before he can commence Alum., Apis, Hep., Raph., Sec, Tax.

Escape of urine involuntarily, drop bydrop, Arnica, Bell., Mur. acid, Digital., Petr., Puls., Staph.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 04, 1862, pages 145-156]

[Description: The Diseases of The Prostate Gland and Their Treatment.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1862]

THE HOMOEOPATHICIAN. [From a lecture, "Who is a Homoeopathician," delivered before the Hahnemannian Institute, Philadelphia, Feb. 17th 1865, by Adolph Lippe, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica at the Homoeopathic Medical College of Penn. Published by order of the Institute 8vo. pp. 26. King and Baird, Printers]

[The question "Who is a Homoeopathician," has been discussed in our pages during the past year. Nowhere have we seen so clear, eloquent and liberal a statement as the following, to which we would gladly give the widest currency. – Eds.]

We have shown how Homoeopathy was developed, what belongs to it essentially, and what therefore, belongs also indispensably to the Homoeopathician. As all things have some characteristics by which we can know and discern them from all other things, we will endeavor to point out clearly, distinctly, and strongly, the characteristics of the Homoeopathician and the non-Homoeopathician, to which latter class belong of course all those who are not of the first-mentioned class, no matter by what name they call themselves.

A Homoeopathician speaks with the highest veneration of Hahnemann, of his writings, acquirements, genius and honest uprightness; of his superior gift of observation, and success in applying his new method of cure with far better results than his pupils through his most intimate knowledge of the Materia Medica which he created. The older the student the more he admires the genius of the master, for he knows him better and trusts him more the longer he associates himself with his writings, gradually becoming identified and enabled to follow him by experiment.

The non-Homoeopathist speaks disdainfully of Hahnemann; he calls him a man of straw, a visionary: declares him unreliable in his observations, his Materia Medica a mass of chaff, perfectly useless unless well sifted; his system he terms unscientific and ridiculous, in need of being modified, remodeled, or exploded. The less he knows of it the more fault he finds with it.

The Homoeopathician treats the patient.

The non-Homoeopathist treats diseases by their names. The Homoeopathician makes Pathology and all other collateral branches of the science of medicine subservient to the law of cure.

The non-Homoeopathist makes the law of cure subservient to Pathology, and vainly looks for specifics in specific diseases; as for instance: China for intermittent fever, Crotalus for yellow fever, Iodide of Mercury for diphtheria, etc.

The Homoeopathician administers one dose of medicine at a time, and never repeats that medicine or gives another until this one dose has exhausted its effects; because he knows well the effects of his medicines.

The non-Homoeopathist administers a mixture of medicines or alternates them; he never allows one dose of medicine to exhaust or even develop its effects, for he knows nothing accurately about the effects of any of his medicines.

The Homoeopathician is liberal, and contends that the whole scale from the crude natural substances up to the higher and highest infinitesimals should be open to the choice and the practice of every sensible and candid person.

The non-Homoeopathist is illiberal, and contends for appreciable quantities, sneering at the attenuating process and declaring it simply an absurdity.

The Homoeopathician generally administers small doses, believing in potentization; he knows by the experiment that Hahnemann's discovery of the development of medicinal and curative powers by potentization is true, and he decreases his dose in the same proportion as he increases his knowledge of the Materia Medica.

The non-Homoeopathist ridicules the pellet; he defiantly demands palpable doses; if unsuccessful, he never admits his ignorance of medicines but requires still larger doses; he does not see medicinal aggravations from his over-doses, but talks learnedly of the changed pathological conditions; in his hands the searing-iron, the caustic, the fly-blister, the scissors and the knife become blessings of no small virtue and of much more importance than the cultivation of the knowledge of the Materia Medica, which he despises through his dread of labor; he does not consult it, for he could not understand it; he boldly asserts that sleeplessness is cured by Opium in large doses and in this manner he betrays complete ignorance of physiology.

The Homoeopathician when he relates successful cures, enumerates at first all the symptoms discovered in the patient and at once it is apparent that he has well examined the case; he next gives the remedy, and states what characteristic symptoms demanded the choice of this remedy in preference to all others; the communication, so made, carries with it the assurance of truth and is instructive.

The non-Homoeopathist claims to have found the specific medicine or medicines for the specific disease or pathological conditions; he gives no reason but makes mere assertions and no instruction is gained by them; the credulous and ignorant only will follow his example-to fail.

The Homoeopathician is consistent and true to himself and to the fundamental principles he has accepted in the formula, and, as a foregone conclusion, he cures.

The non-Homoeopathist is inconsistent, true to no principles; having none, he contends for empiricism, and his occasional cures are accidental occurrences.

The Homoeopathician represents the true democratic principle in the healing art; he courts inquiry and lays facts before the people by which they may judge of the validity of his claims to superiority.

The non-Homoeopathist is tyrannical, denies the people the right of inquiry, lays no facts before them and dictates to them what they should believe.

The Homoeopathicians accept the formula as Hahnemann gave it; their motto is :

In certis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus charitas.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1865, pages 496-498]

[Description: The Homoeopathician. [from a lecture, "who is a Homoeopathician," delivered before the Hahnemannian Institute, Philadelphia, Feb. 17th 1865]]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1865]

THE MATERIA MEDICA. [Extract from Dr. Lippe's Introductory lecture on the Materia Medica, delivered before the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, Oct. 11th, 1864]

By AD. Lippe, M. D., Philadelphia, PA.

The especial branches of the Materia Medica are pharmacognosis, the knowledge of the natural history and physical property of drugs; pharmacology, the knowledge of the collection, preparation and preservation of medicines; pharmacodynamics, the knowledge of examining the virtues and effects of medicines; to which we particularly add, pathognomony, the science and art of discerning the characteristics of groups of symptoms.

We will not, at present, treat at length of the history of Materia Medica, from Hippocrates and Dioscorides down to the present day; we can learn but little by looking back at the continuous changes, giving evidence that uncertainty prevailed, that darkness was followed by darkness; we shall leave the perusal of these former changeable and irrelevant attempts at a Materia Medica to those who find it amusing to dwell on the dark pages of antiquity.

The Homoeopathic Materia Medica contains within itself its primary facts of fundamental principles, its laws of development and practical application, in a word, the reason of its own existence.

Hahnemann found while translating Cullen's Materia Medica, then one of the standard works, that China officinalis, Peruvian bark, was claimed to be a specific for intermittent fever. Hahnemann, who had always been a clear and reflecting observer of facts, knew that Peruvian bark did cure some cases of intermittent fever but not others; he also knew that it caused the patient who was subjected to repeated doses of this medicine only to suffer other pangs, which he had not before the treatment, without curing the original disease; he had noticed the symptoms of cases in which Peruvian bark had cured intermittent fever. He then first reflected on the mode which would bring light into this darkness of uncertainties, and resolved to solve the plain question, "What determines a Cinchona fever?" He then himself took a few drops of the pure alcoholic tincture of Peruvian bark while in a perfect state of health, and behold, he experienced symptoms very similar to those he had had years ago, when suffering from intermittent fever, commonly called ague. These symptoms he noted down, and on comparing them with such cases as he had cured before by Cinchona, he discovered a great similarity. The Cinchona proving was the first Hahnemann made on himself, and the results of this proving led him to draw deductions which he would never have arrived at without this experiment. He did not experience, nor did Cinchona cause intermittent fever, but it caused symptoms only resembling this form of disease, and from this observation he drew the only possible and correct conclusion, that, if medicines when taken in a state of health, were able to create symptoms similar to a form of disease which they were also known to cure at times, these symptoms so produced on the well, and the results of a voluntary proving, would in future indicate the condition under which this medicine might be administered for the cure of the disease presenting the same symptoms, with a certainty never known before.

Here Hahnemann obtained the knowledge of the dynamic actions of the various medicines, by which he was enabled to establish the only law of cure, and this accumulated knowledge enabled him to give to the world a reliable and truthful Materia Medica. This knowledge was obtained by collecting the symptoms which had occurred from involuntary provings, poisonings, and by voluntary provings; at first, proving the crude drugs in comparatively small doses on the healthy, and by further collecting the symptoms cured, so verifying the first provings; he further collected the new symptoms which appeared, and which were not present before administering a medicine, as also the symptoms which disappeared simultaneously under the curative action of medicine and not known to have been produced by it while proving it on the healthy; of this latter class, but few were incorporated in the Materia Medica, and only after repeated experiments had verified their reliability. During the progressive provings, it was discovered that some substances, as Carbo vegetabilis, Natrum muriaticum, Lycopodium and Silicea developed but few, if any, symptoms when proved in the crude state. It was known of Carbo vegetabilis, that this substance, when administered for its known chemical power in destroying putrid odors, as, for instance, when applied to old putrid ulcers or putrid breath, the relief in both cases was instantaneous, and also when taken internally in larger quantities, it at once corrected the putrid smell of the dysenteric evacuations; the effect being only a chemical one, the putrid-smelling ulcers resumed the bad odor as soon as the application ceased; the putrid-smelling breath returned, when the mouth was no longer cleansed by the charcoal powder, the dysenteric evacuations were only momentarily deprived of the offensive smell; it was, therefore, no cure. Charcoal in this form, could only act chemically, and when taken internally, in the shape of crude powder, in large quantities, it can, and does not produce any alteration in the sensations; it has no curative or medicinal effect and produces no symptoms. But if Charcoal is triturated with a non-medicinal substance, as sugar of milk, and carried to the third or a higher potency, that potency will cause a change in the sensations, and the symptoms obtained by proving these potencies now guide us in the administration of this valuable remedy. The proving of Charcoal in a potency were followed by proving of other medicines in potencies, and the symptoms so obtained were also incorporated into the Materia Medica by Hahnemann. More cures were made, more certainty was obtained of the correctness of all the provings, and all these observations were collected, and Hahnemann eventually gave us six volumes of his Materia Medica Pura and five volumes of his Chronic Diseases. Subsequent provings by the followers of Hahnemann were published and verified in separate smaller works and in the medical journals of the day; they were collected and published by Jahr and by Noak and Trinks; later they were given in translation to the English reading Homoeopathician in Jahr's Manual or Symptomen Codex, by Dr. Hempel, which might be a very valuable work, were it not that this translation is entirely unreliable, full of inaccuracies, omissions and mistranslations. Later, we had our Materia Medica augmented by a volume of American Provings, by Dr. C. Hering, and this work is preeminent on account of its thoroughness; it is the most elaborate work of its kind, and it is only much to be regretted that it has not yet been translated into the English language, the only remedy Aloes is now given to us in the Review. During the past few months, we have received new proving by Dr. Hale. He publishes in one volume forty-four remedies. This work also while enlarging our knowledge of Materia Medica, is an indispensable work to the practitioner; it still retains the originalities of the Eclectic School who have introduced most of the new remedies into the practice of medicine.

The first impression of the uninitiated, who first takes in hand our voluminous works on Materia Medica, is to perceive no difference between the recorded provings of the many medicines. He thinks on glancing over the pages of the Materia Medica, that every medicine has caused some giddiness, some headache, some fever, some cough; all and every one of them. He remains unavoidably puzzled on the subject, until he begins to compare the records more closely and accurately, he then sees clearly the differences that exist between the various medicines and the manner in which they are similar and differ. He will first try to ascertain what kind of pain a remedy generally produces, and on what part of the body, on what organ or part of an organ it is most apt to act. He will find under what conditions the changed sensations in the organism are produced, and these conditions he will subdivide first as to the time, at what time of the day, month, or year, periodically and so forth; under what change of position at rest or in motion, by what kind of food or drink, and by what mental emotions the condition is either aggravated or ameliorated, and lastly in what connection the various changes appear, and their accompanying symptoms. In this manner the progressive student will obtain the characteristic symptoms of each medicine; he will find by so studying each medicine, that various medicines have in some respects great similarities, but that in other respects they differ, in various ways, much from each other; he then makes comparisons as to similarities and differences, and he so finds out their relationship. * * By comparisons alone, can we obtain a proper and lasting knowledge of each single medicine. We compare first single symptoms with similar symptoms of other medicines, and so we proceed, until later we compare medicines belonging to the same natural class or family or groups of medicines which by their similarity of action form a relationship with other similar classes or groups of medicines. * *

When I say that I will give you the characteristic symptoms of each medicine, the first question arises; what is characteristic? Characteristics consist in such symptoms, altered sensations and effects of medicines on the human organism, by which we discern our medicine from all other medicines, and while this may be ascertained by comparisons made between the various medicines, the proof of the correctness of this discernment is obtained by the experiment; that is to say, that when, in the most varied diseases, the presence of one or more of this or these characteristic symptoms lead to the choice of a remedy, a cure follows; and that in similar diseases without the presence of this or these characteristic symptoms no cure follows the application of the same remedy. For the sake of facilitating the finding and remembering the characteristic symptoms, we divide them systematically in four different kinds, each of which kind may, in a given case, characterize the medicine. We have at first, the kind of pain or altered sensation, as, for instance, the soreness or sensation as from a bruise, under Arnica, which has few other kinds of altered sensations, or the burning-stinging pain under Apis. Many medicines have burning pain, as Arsenic, Carbo veg., Phos., and many others have stinging, pricking pains, but few have burning-stinging so characteristic as Apis, and there is only Bell, and Ignatia which have in that respect a similarity to Apis. The sensation as if the parts were made of wood, under Nitrum. We have secondly, the locality, as under Lachesis the left ovary, and under Apis the right; under Clematis erecta, the right testicle, and under Rhododendron the left testicle; we have the sides of the body, and find collectively, the left side more affected by the electro-negative remedies, while the electro-positive medicines, affect the right side more; again, have we the direction in which the pains and altered sensations attack the organism; we know, for instance, that when the rheumatic pains first attack the feet and extend upwards it is characteristic of Ledum, but that if similar pains begin on the upper part of the body and extend downwards, then it is characteristic of Rhododendron. In angina, we know that if the left side of the throat is first attacked, and the inflammation or ulceration extends to the right side, it is characteristic of Lachesis, but if the affection begins on the right side and later extends to the left side, then it is characteristic of Lycopodium.

Thirdly, we have the conditions, and they form by far the most important characteristic symptoms. The time of the day when the diseased condition is aggravated or ameliorated comes first to be considered. Some medicines are known to possess this condition in an eminent degree; as for instance, Nux vom. and Sulphuric acid in the morning, Natrum mur. at ten, a. m., Argent. at noon, Lycopod. at four, p. m., Puls. at sunset, Phosph. before midnight, Ars. after midnight, Kali carb. at three, a. m., etc. The position of the body, rest or motion, standing or sitting, or rising from a seat, are very important conditions. We find an aggravation from rest, under Rhus, and aggravation by motion under Bryonia, although these two medicines are very similar in other respects. Standing aggravates under Sulphur, sitting aggravates under Lycopodium and ameliorates under Colchicum, while rising from a seat is aggravated under Rhus and Lycopodium, but the condition is ameliorated after rising from a seat and when beginning to move, by the same two medicines. Aggravation after sleep is under Lachesis and Lachesis will never be indicated if the reverse is present; amelioration after sleep is under Phos. Under the conditions also belong the effects of the various articles of food and drink. The aggravations from coffee, tobacco and spirituous drinks we find under Nux vom. Bad effects, especially headache, from small quantities of wine, are under Zinc, the bad effects from continuous over-indulgence in beer, are under Kali bichrom., the aggravations from lemonade under Selenium, of the ill effects caused upon a diseased condition by oysters, under Lycopodium, of bad results from pastry and pork under Pulsatilla. The amelioration from eating fruit we find under Lachesis, or from drinking tea under Ferrum.

Fourthly and lastly, we have the concomitant symptoms which although yet few, form strong characteristic indications. For instance, toothache with a swollen face, we find under Chamomilla and Mercurius, and while the swollen face under Chamomilla is red and hot, that under Mercurius is hard and pale. Toothache with paleness of the face we find under Pulsatilla. Fever with thirstlessness under Pulsatilla and Sabadilla, or with much unquenchable thirst, under Natrum mur.

The knowledge of the characteristic symptoms of medicines is indispensable if we wish to be successful in the practice of Homoeopathy, because it is one of our fundamental practical rules, that the characteristic symptoms of the only truly curative remedy must correspond with the characteristic symptoms of the patient. This, as one of the most important rules of our school, enters also largely into the study of the Materia Medica, and for this reason we must deprecate the arrangement of medicines according to groups of pathological conditions sought after and supposed to exist in groups of symptoms recorded in the provings. Before we seek the characteristic symptoms of the remedy, we must possess the characteristic symptoms of the patient, or what is falsely termed the disease. The truly characteristic symptoms of the patient exist exclusively outside of the pathological groups of symptoms of the discerned disease; nay more, they are symptoms which never necessarily belong to the disease or any form of it, but which appear absolutely accidental. The symptoms present and necessarily constituting and belonging to the disease, we may term essential symptoms; characteristic, we term those symptoms which are found on the diseased individual besides the essential symptoms, either on account of his constitution or from other accidental and unaccountable causes. If it is so, and if the experiment has established this rule to be correct, we would gain nothing by classifying the provings of our medicines in such a manner as to press them into pathological livery. If then the extraordinary and apparently accidental, often seemingly trifling symptoms of the patient, guide us in the selection of the sole truly curative remedy and constitute the characteristic symptoms, no preconceived notion based on the pathological classification of remedies can be of the least assistance to us in our efforts to cure, and all such garbling attempts must be rejected.

The thorough knowledge of the Materia Medica, so essentially necessary for success in practice and in curing the sick, can only be obtained by diligent study, but we may in a great degree facilitate this study by proving medicines ourselves. During a proving, we are compelled first to observe our own sensations and our alterations of them and to arrange them according to some system, thereby cultivating our faculties of observation and of systematizing these observations. Each symptom which we record as having occurred as the effect of a new medicine, will necessarily call back to our memory a similar or opposite symptom known to us as belonging to some previously proved medicine. By making these comparisons, our memory receives the new symptoms of the new medicine as having a relationship with other medicines. By provings, we learn how necessary it is to observe what are generally termed trifles, for even by these apparently small differences do we know one medicine from another or discern one symptom of one medicine from a similar symptom of another medicine, and these accurate observations of what were formerly considered and termed insignificant and unimportant symptoms, constitute the great difference between a skilful, and therefore a successful physician, and a routine practitioner.

As illustrating this proposition we will take a patient who complains of diarrhea. The Allopathist is satisfied that the disease is diarrhea, that it should be checked, and at his first prescription he orders his usual panacea, Opium, in some form or other. We seek to know more than the meager knowledge that the patient has a diarrhea, we examine him as Hahnemann has taught us and as it behooves every true Homoeopathician; we elicit at our first question, as to when his diarrhea began, that he was first attacked in the morning, or had for some days always been worse in the morning. We know one condition, that of time, and know that Bryonia, Sulphur, Podophyllum and Thuja, besides other medicines, pre-eminently produce and cure morning diarrhea. We know that Bryonia has morning diarrhea which takes place as soon as the person has risen from the bed and begins to move about; we know that the Podophyllum evacuations are generally green, that the diarrhea characteristic of Sulphur drives the patient out of bed; the call is imperative; and let me here remark, that we owe this knowledge verified by many cures to one single symptom of one prover: this symptom is on record in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases, and we find it observed by Frederick Hahnemann, the son, under No. 868, where it reads, "the stool is discharged suddenly and almost involuntarily, he cannot rise from his bed sufficiently fast." So much for one single, well-observed and recorded symptom. The Thuja morning diarrhea comes on after breakfast, and this symptom, although it is not often met with, we owe to Dr. Wolf who gives it in his high potency proving, of Thuja under No. 483; thus, "Diarrhea every day after breakfast ;" this observation has also been verified by experience. We now continue the examination of the patient, and he tells us that he had to rise quickly and then had a painless, watery, yellow diarrhea, which continued during the forenoon and was better in the afternoon. We need not choose long, but administer at once one dose of Sulphur, for not only the time and condition are characteristics of the remedy, but also the quality of the discharges, and if we continue our examination of the patient, we will undoubtedly obtain further symptoms all indicating Sulphur.

It is not only advisable, but absolutely necessary, that the provings of medicines should be made by ourselves on ourselves. The observations on others, although indispensable to a perfect knowledge of the effects of medicines which we seek to obtain, may leave us continually in the fear of not exactly expressing in a proper manner what has been felt; we must therefore continually remain in doubt, or at least partly so, as to whether the proving is a deception or not.

This obstacle to a knowledge of the truth, which cannot be entirely obviated when in search after the morbid symptoms excited on another person by the action of the remedy, does not exist when the trial is made on our own person. The individual who undergoes the experiment knows precisely what he feels, and every fresh attempt that he makes is an additional motive for him to extend his researches still further by directing them towards other remedies. It renders him more expert in pursuing further trials, while at the same time his zeal is redoubled, because he thereby acquires a true knowledge of the resources of the art which can be considerably increased.

The proving of medicines, first on yourselves then on others, will further give you such an insight into the Materia Medica as you could not obtain in any other manner. With every new step you take, you will learn to appreciate and admire the great works of the masters who have presented you with complete, well-arranged provings, and by following their example you will become masters yourselves, not only in the art of proving, but in obtaining a mastery over the master-provings, which you desire, to become enabled to apply for practical purposes.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 10, 1865, pages 433-443]

[Description: The Materia Medica.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1865]

THE QUESTION OF THE DOSE.

BY AD. LIPPE, M.D. PHILADELPHIA, PA.

This question which still remains open and awaits accumulated statements by the experiment is nevertheless approaching its final solution.

I agree fully with Dr. Wm. Arnold when he says in his article on the "Solution of the Question of Doses" in the Homoeopathische Vierteljahrschrift, January, 1864: "When we investigate the question of the doses we must hold fast to acknowledged chemical, physical and physiological facts, etc."

Certain points have been clearly established by incontrovertible statements, and from them we can draw correct conclusions. These points are:

I. Cures related by the administration of low potencies and crude drugs.

II. Homoeopathic cures related by the administration of the higher and highest potencies.

III. Comparative experiments related by Dr. Edherr – showing that the higher the potency given in pneumonia the shorter the disease, and the quicker the cure.

IV. That where low potencies did not cure but only aggravated the case, the higher potency cured.

V. When the high potency did not cure, the lower potencies gave relief.

I. Nobody can pretend to deny this fact. The first attempt to apply the homoeopathic law to the curing of the sick was made by administering crude medicines, and had this attempt failed, had it not proved the correctness of this law ("Similia Similibus Curantur "), all further progress in the development of the new art would have been checked at the very outset. These first experiments not only proved the correctness of the fundamental law, but gave rise to the development of the most important homoeopathic law – "the dynamization theory."

The Materia Medica which is the fundamental structure upon which our system of cure rests, was improved in the same proportion as we learned to observe the fact, that potentization develops new, before unknown, curative powers of the crude drug; and this we learn from the provings of potentized medicines on the well and the administration of the same preparations to the sick.

From the relation of cures by crude drugs and lower potencies, we are only aware that all cures that have ever been made, are now making, or eventually will be made, are according to our fundamental law, but further we learn nothing; these cases proving nothing against the theory of dynamization.

To show the correctness of my assumption I now return to Dr. Wm. Arnold's article above referred to, and his case of a cure of polypus of the nose in ten weeks by Calcarea carb. – vulgo, Lime water.

This case contains nothing instructive; we do not learn why Calc. carb. was given instead of the other medicines known to have cured the same disease under certain conditions. Such a report we might reasonably expect from a physician who calls himself a Homoeopathist. The logical conclusion the physiological school would arrive at is this: Lime water has cured a polypus of the nose; ergo, polypus of the nose must always be cured by Lime water – if strong enough.

The cure we do not doubt; but while it was not based on the acknowledged homoeopathic principles, but was made according to a pathological notion, it is valueless; such is our fate if we treat the disease and not the sick.

The case may prove that the curative virtue of Calcarea carb. (and many other medicines) is not developed in the 3d potency; that if a higher, 15th, or 30th, or as high as the 200th, had been given it would not have been necessary to use Lime water for ten weeks.

II. We will continue to consider the Polypus, and the alleged proof by Dr. Arnold, that low potencies and even erode substances, are preferable according to his comparisons and experiences, and we will see what we can find in the homoeopathic literature on the cures of polypus of the nose by Calc. carb.

Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, Vol. 10, page 55. Jahr relates: "A man suffered for five years with polypus of the nose; he had the polypus repeatedly extirpated, but it always returned; he sneezed frequently, and it was always accompanied by a profuse flow of mucus. Calcarea carbonica cured both polypi completely in ten days, and thirteen months later they had not reappeared."

Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, Vol. 8, page 371. - Dr. Syrbius relates: "A child one year old had a polypus in the left nostril as a large as a strawberry. Calc. carb. 18 three doses, one every day, caused the polypus to disappear. After a year a similar polypus returned in the right nostril, and was soon cured by three more doses of Calcarea carb.18, daily one dose."

Dr. Syrbius relates a case of a boy fifteen years old cured of polypus of the nose by four doses of Calcarea carb.18 daily one dose.

Dr. Speer relates the case of a woman, fifty years old, who for six years had a polypus in the left side of the nose larger during the full moon; three doses of Calcarea carb.30, repeated after 21 days, cured her entirely.

These four cases were all treated with higher potencies, and the result does not prove Dr. Arnold's assertion. The cures were performed in a shorter time by higher potencies than was Dr. Arnold's case with Lime water.

Cases of polypus of the nose have also been reported to have been cured by Kali. bichr., Phosphor, Sulphur, Marum verum, Sanguinaria and Staphysagria. It would be more to the advantage of progressive Homoeopathiy if the learned Dr. Arnold had stated clearly and distinctly what characteristic symptoms induced him to select Calcarea carb. as the only truly curative homoeopathic remedy; and he might have stated at the same time the characteristic symptoms that have and will again, very likely, indicate other remedies in the cure of the polypus of the nose. A cure can only be called a homoeopathic one, if the characteristic symptoms of the remedy are similar to the characteristic symptoms of the disease (the sick).

Many such instructive cases have been published in the homoeopathic journals, and in the same ratio, as the cure performed by the least medicines (the smallest dose of one remedy) have the cases been clearly reported and has the science gained by a confirmation of the provings and the practical rules laid down by Hahnemann. Every well informed member of the profession sees at one glance why that and no other remedy would cure the disease, and he thus adds to his stock of knowledge. On the other hand the cures reported to have been made by massive doses are wanting in accuracy, and are generally based on pathological notions; they carry no information with them, they are not even instructive, and lead to the belief that names of diseases can be cured instead of "the sick."

Of the cures reported by alternate remedies I wish not to say anything here, as they belong to Eclecticism, not to Homoeopathy.

III. The same experiment has been made by many competent practitioners in private practice, and with precisely the same results; but the testimony of such men will not have the same weight as Dr. Eidherr's report, coming from a large body of physicians, and after the lapse of so many years.

The figures very clearly show that the duration of the disease was, under the 6th dilution, 19 days; 15th dilution, 14 days; 30th dilution, 11 days. Is it not reasonable to expect then that the same disease under a still higher potency would have lasted a much shorter time?

Should not Dr. Arnold make the experiment? He should if he would hold fast to acknowledged chemical, physical and pathological facts. But does he do so? In the article above referred to he says : "The medicinal power of the drug may be developed in the same degree if the first trituration is continued for six hours, instead of making six triturations, one in an hour. The first triturations, continued for six hours, must act stronger, because a larger number of fine particles of medicine act on the organism than in the sixth trituration, as there only the sixth part of equally fine particles comes to act on the organism."

Certainly Dr. Arnold cannot be in earnest! If so, where are his arithmetical calculations? Did he ever try to find how small the particles of the sixth centesimal trituration (made according to Hahnemann's advice) of Mercury, or any other metal, are; and how small, or rather how comparatively large, the small particles of the same substance in his first trituration, continued for six hours, are? The microscopic examination will give him light on that subject. Should he make the proposed examination, he will come to the conclusion that his proposition is false, and he will (may he!) doubt his own ability to make any further "observations and notes." It remains questionable what general conclusions can be drawn from statements made by such observers.

IV. Under Article 3 we have already seen, by Dr. Eidherr's reports, that the higher potencies cure in a shorter time than the lower potencies. We find in the homoeopathic literature cases published which go to establish this principle; and no observer was more apt to report correctly on this subject than the late Dr. Boenninghausen. – (Vide his Three Precautions.) Hahnemann cured with the smallest doses decidedly quicker, better and surer than he did with the lower potencies. The evidence in this direction laid before the medical world is fast accumulating and remaining uncontroverted, and finally must become an established truth. The only admissible evidence contra would be to relate fully a case in which the truly curative homoeopathic remedy has been selected, and when administered in a higher or high potency had not produced in a reasonable time any beneficial effect, and that the case, remaining unaltered was then promptly cured by a low potency, or the crude drug.

V. Doctor Dunham refers, in page 535, Volume IV. of this Review, to a previously reported case – to one case in which a lower potency gave prompt and complete relief when the higher failed. Neither can this case, or an accumulation of similar evidence to the purpose, prove anything when we wish to settle the question, What doses are preferable in the (homoeopathic) cure of the sick. Here is the question of cure (sanatio), not relief (allevatio); and when we discuss the one (sanatio), we only allude to, but do not discuss fully the other (allevatio). While the same laws hold good in the one as in the other, it is very likely that if the truly curative remedy can be found, a high potency will give prompt relief, and will be less apt to inflict lasting harm to the incurable case for which relief is asked; but this is at present an outside question and may be discussed later.

On page 202 of Vol. IV. of this Review, Dr. Dunham in his articles on Doses, censures the "Radicals" severely, but undeservedly and finally he says: "They seem to glory not so much in the truth for the sake of which they separated, as in the mere fact of separation."

To my best knowledge, the "Radicals" have not separated from Homoeopathy, but they are extremely anxious to hold fast to it, as Hahnemann left it to us, a legacy, and if possible unfold it through the same means by which the master developed the healing art. Those who deny all of Hahnemann's teachings and his practical rules, who slander and misrepresent his true disciples, and who prefer to coquet with the physiological school, have separated themselves from Homoeopathy, and should not have the audacity to call themselves Homoeopathists. What we could gain for our cause by clinging to them, or by compromising with them, history has taught us; and what we should do, what we are now doing with them, has been clearly shown by the sages of our school (vide Boenninghausen's Three Precautions).

Those who have separated themselves may think better of it in course of time, and they may return or rather embrace Homoeopathy which they have never before accepted, save in name and without a good cause; they will then learn that a relief is not a cure, and that the statements that a disease has been relieved, while a high potency failed to cure, is no link to the evidence against the doctrine that high potencies are preferable in the treatment of the sick.

How near are we to the solution of this question? This solely depends on the testimony to be offered by the man of low doses. As far as the present indisputable testimony goes, the higher potencies have the evidence in their favor, and should we draw no other conclusion from the testimony now accumulated in support of the correctness of the much feared potentization theory, our gains would indeed be very great. If that question is once settled beyond dispute and I consider it so settled by the evidences before us – the denial of its truth will become equivalent to a denial of Homoeopathy. And if further experiments for the solution of the question of doses are only made by Homoeopathists, the testimony which will follow hereafter will all be of one kind.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 01, 1864, pages 10-16]

[Description: The Question of The Dose.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1864]

WHO IS A HOMOEOPATHICIAN?

By AD. Lippe, K. D., Philadelphia, PA.

In the August number of the London Monthly Homoeopathic Review. Mr. Pope's reply is a mere repetition of a negation-argument, whereas I had asked for a more explicit and positive definition of the position he assumes.

Where I spoke of Mr. Pope and his friends, I did not mean to imply that he officiously thrust himself forward to express, not only for himself but for others, views for which he alone can be held responsible, but I addressed myself to him and such Homoeopathicians as, like himself, assume that name under the same erroneous views and false conceptions. By his own statement Mr. Pope includes among his friends Dr. Hempel, who assumed to define Homoeopathy under solemn oath at Toronto, C. W., on the 8th day of April, 1859. His testimony went for naught, the prisoner, in whose favor he testified, was found guilty and confessed his Crime before he was hung. So much for the personal explanation.

A remedy can never, under any circumstance, aggravate the disease; nor can a remedy ever cause a disease. There is the same great and important difference between a natural and a medicinal proving creating a change of sensational and even functional disorders, that there is between a progressive disease and the symptoms caused by the remedy administered in the largest or smallest dose to cure the natural disease. Both the symptoms of the prover and the symptoms generally termed "medicinal aggravation" cease of themselves, and if this" medicinal aggravation" occurs, in a curable case after the administration of the smallest possible dose, and it does often occur, this phenomenon is a certain and positive indication that the remedy was rightly chosen, and the improvement will follow without the slightest doubt: this improvement will not follow should the remedy be not rightly chosen – not homoeopathic – and the progressive disease will further develop itself in spite of repeated or larger doses. -The remark that the "unchecked progress of disease" frequently follows the higher and highest dilutions is perfectly gratuitous, and if Dr. Cockburn reports to have seen sharp aggravations follow unmedicated globules he does not state what followed – the sharp aggravation was then undoubtedly the unchecked progress of disease and not what is understood among Homoeopathicians under homoeopathic aggravation.

That Dr. Hering does not mean under "rule," or as it should read "rules," the law of cure, the axiom similia similibus curentur, is self evident. A law can never be a rule. A rule is the manner, the means, by which the law is applied. In the preface above referred to, Dr. Hering says "We may differ in regard to the theoretical explanation of the law similia similibus curentur." What can be theoretically explained cannot be a rule and still less a practical rule; therefore it is self evident that Dr. Hering could not refer to the law of cure, or the axiom expressing that law as a "rule."

In the last paragraph of the same preface, Dr. Hering says, "There will always be a large number of physicians who either do not understand, or will not learn, how to select for each particular case the only proper medicine, and such always find it more comfortable to employ massive doses. There will always be, perhaps, as large a number on the other hand, who will, by and by, know how to hit the nail upon the head, and they will learn to prefer the high potencies." I hope that Mr. Pope who quotes this same preface as an authority to sustain his position, does not mean to adopt this comfortable system of practice. Dr. Hering obviously alludes to those physicians who employ massive doses, as men who think more of comfort then of troubling themselves to understand or seek for the proper medicine adapted to each particular case. "The dynamization theory may be true or false, and Homoeopathy remain unaffected." Such is the opinion of Mr. Pope. On this point we differ entirely. The dynamization theory is true and essential to Homoeopathy, true in theory and proved so in practice. This theory, is now, and will remain, the test by which we know the true Homeopathician from the pretender.

"The truth of Homoeopathy does not depend upon the provings of Carbo vegetabilis being correct or otherwise," says Mr. Pope. I called his attention to the provings of Carbo vegetabilis as the point (time) when Hahnemann in his onward course developed before and communicated to his pupils, this dynamization theory which he had for years kept prudently to himself, awaiting further proofs of the correctness of the discovery. To doubt the correctness of this theory is to give proof of a shaken and weak faith in the experimental provings above mentioned. Mr. Pope acknowledges "that some symptoms at any rate, said to have occurred from persons taking it in some form or other, are correct," and adds that "he is not aware how the symptoms were obtained." It is to be regretted that Mr. Pope knows no more about the history of Homoeopathy. In the introduction to Carbo vegetabilis Hahnemann says, "A considerable quantity of Charcoal in the crude condition can be swallowed without causing a change in the sensation." The inference from this remark must be, that the provings were not made with the crude substance, and when Hahnemann in the next following sentence continues, "only by rubbing the charcoal, as also other medicinal substances, apparently inert in their crude condition, with a non-medicinal substance, as sugar of milk, and by dissolving this preparation and by potentization (shaking) of the solution, the hidden, and in its raw condition, latent, so to say slumbering, dynamical medicinal power is awakened and becomes alive, while the material external disappears," he gives utterance to the dynamization theory. If, as Mr. P. further says, "some drugs by prolonged trituration develop power to effect the human organism," why do not all have the same power, and if not all, which of all? and, if to any extent, where is the limit?

We arrive now at a point of logic which baffles my comprehension of a learned man.

Mr. Pope claims that the man who practises giving crude drugs is a Homoeopathician and, as the inference, that the man who gives potencies, and above all high potencies, is not a Homoeopathician. Both, certainly, cannot claim to belong to the same school, as it becomes evident by the very explanation consequent upon the attack, illiberal and unprovoked as it is, made by Mr. Pope and his friends on the followers of the immortal master, Hahnemann, that this very question of the dynamization theory forms the barrier between the Homoeopathicians and the pretenders. As to Mr. Pope's logic - It is admitted that crude drugs cure according to the law of cure. It is asserted and proved that Hahnemann after he became convinced that he had found the true and only law of cure, did also, after becoming more intimately acquainted. with the effects of medicines on the human organism, find it necessary at first to diminish the quantity of medicine, and later discovered the dynamization theory which opened a new era in the cure of formerly incurable diseases. The law of cure and these practical rules were the foundation of Homoeopathy. Mr. Pope stands at a great distance from these developed truths and claims to have as good, nay a much better right to be a Homoeopathician then those who have accepted the practical rules of the master; he claims the right to ridicule and, if possible, to expel men who have become convinced, by experiment, that Hahnemann's practical rules, one and all, are correct; he claims the right to deny the correctness of these rules without having made the experiment, to make which, indeed, he clearly proves by his own confession that he lacks the requisite knowledge. Mr. Pope says in answer to my declaration "high potencies cure where the low do not," perhaps they do, but the cases illustrating this assertion are marvelously few, and, were they legion, would not effect the argument at issue. Dr. Eidherr's reports, of marvelously many cases, remains a closed book to Mr. Pope; and why? If such proofs are not admitted, all argument ceases. If Mr. Pope will not condescend to give the world one single case well stated, in which he has selected the truly homoeopathic remedy, and has then administered a high potency according to the homoeopathic (Hahnemannian) rules and, the case remaining unchanged, has then given with success the same remedy in its crude state, this one solitary, only single case would be the beginning as an offset to the evidences fast accumulating on the other side. Mr. Pope's word is not doubted; he and his friends may think they have seen what they state, their observation may turn out to be an optical illusion, and we must insist on knowing what he or his medical friends profess to have seen so that they may be able to establish their claim as proper judges and witnesses of and in the question at issue. But while we have his own admission that there are cases known establishing my above assertion, and while the cases of Mr. Wilson's cure of a dangerous pneumonia by Lycopodium 200, and other cases of the kind, and Dr. Eidherr's report remain on record uncontroverted, and not one single stubborn fact is quoted proving the contrary, I shall insist upon it that "high potencies cure where lower ones do not." I defy Mr. P. and his friends to prove to the contrary, how can it be true that crude drugs cure as well as potencies? I repeat again that no one ever, and in any way, has denied that crude drugs when applied according to the homoeopathic law of cure, have cured diseases. But it it is true, as Mr. P. says, and I hold him to his own declaration, London Monthly Hom. Review, Vol. 8, p. 8., "It is further necessary that the amount of drug given to cure be less than that required to produce disease." I ask, does Mr. Pope know how the provings of the known drugs were made? how the most characteristic and thereby valuable symptoms which guide us in the selection of the truly curative remedy have been obtained? Has he ever investigated the comparative value of the symptoms produced by crude drugs and those produced by potencies? He certainly cannot have done so! Sulphur, for instance, would give him a good opportunity. He would see what were the results of the provings with the crude substance, the lower potencies, the thirtieth potency, and which of the symptoms produced by any of these doses guide him in the selection of Sulphur as a remedy. If he then finds that he is now guided by the Sulphur symptoms obtained from the thirtieth potency, he can no longer administer the crude drug, but by his own admission must give less then was required to produce disease. If he will follow this rule only, we will say, under Lachesis, or Natrum mur., or Lycopodium, or Silicea, or Carbo animalis and vegetabilis, or Arsenicum met., or Lachnanthes tinctoria or any other proved remedy, he will collect sufficient material and will be compelled against his will to prove my proposition correct, his logic erroneous and his assertions unfounded.

When I further say, "that in every instance in which a lower potency has even relieved, not cured a case to which a higher potency of the same remedy had been given without success, this relief had proved to be only the palliative effect, not the curative action of the remedy" – I mean this and take no round-about way of saying anything else. I meant further - but did not wish to be rude, depending on the expected good sense of Mr. Pope, who would see at a glance, that I do mean; that when he and his friends assert that they have cured a case with a low potency (or as he has it, "crude drug") where a high potency of the same remedy had been given without effect, this assertion or statement is erroneous, such boasted cure invariably, will and must, has been, and ever will be, but a relief. As these boasted cures do not exist, of course they cannot see daylight. Give us one case.

Mr. Pope says he has given his definition of Homoeopathy on the eighth page of the Review, and that he cannot be more explicit, for which I am very sorry indeed. The historical development and the consequent fundamental laws with their practical rules are so plain that there should be no dispute about them among the followers of Hahnemann, who all, of course, acknowledge them; nor can one rule be set aside without disturbing the harmony of the whole structure.

According to their development they are

1. Similia similibus curentur.

2. Provings of drugs on the healthy (creation of a Materia Medica).

3. The medicinal powers (curative virtues) of medicines are developed by potentization.

Then follow the practical rules,

a. The examination of the sick.

b. The choice of the remedy (only one at a time, no alternations).

c. The administration of the remedy (no repetitions before the dose administered has exhausted its action).

d. Preparations of medicines (dynamization).

If Mr. Pope would read the Organon, Hahnemann's Materia Medica and Chronic Diseases, and then make the experiment as taught by the master, he may correct the definition and we might continue the argument.

When Mr. Pope says in the next paragraph "I find no fault with Mr. Wilson for imagining that Lycopodium^200 cured a case of pneumonia all but moribund before that marvelous agent was, through the medium of aqua pura, introduced into the patient's organism," I am inclined to think that Mr. P.'s imagination is too fickle. The case in question has been discussed in the reviews, both in England and the United States, and the evidence is so overwhelming against Mr. Pope and the men who think as he does, that as a last resort the truthfulness or the case is denied. There is scarcely a case on record on any of our medical journals that is so full of corroborating evidence as that of Mr. D. Wilson, and so full of instruction. The experiment convinced Dr. Bayes that he had assumed a wrong position and he acknowledged it. The experiment must decide.

Mr. Pope objects "to the arrogance and presumption which demands for those, for those only, who credit such extraordinary – I had almost written supernatural – assertion, the exclusive right to a title for which they can show no special or peculiar claim." Mr. Pope, who has proved himself a stranger to Homoeopathy, its Materia Medica, its fundamental doctrines and the literature or the day, is certainly very polite in expecting the followers of Hahnemann who, he ought to remember, are on the defensive only to retire leaving the field to himself and his friends. But what he still more objects to is "that with so much remaining to be done in sifting the Materia Medica, [So much remains to be done in sifting the Materia Medica." By what persons and when has the Materia Medica been sifted already, and what, remains to be sifted? We cannot strike out one solitary symptom. The question of sifting Materia Medica has been fully discussed and Dr. Roth's propositions have been well sifted in the Vierteljahrschrift - vide the Chesimove.] with the urgent call for accurate translations of original provings, with the need so frequently expressed, for an examination of the relations borne by well proved medicines to clearly defined forms of disease, with the whole superstructure of the science of therapeutics waiting its erection on the foundation laid by Hahnemann," or in fewer words he demands,

1. A correct translation (into the English language) of the Materia Medica,

2. The adoption and classification of well proved medicines in their relations to pathological forms of disease.

The first demand has been made, and the necessity for it has been proved by the very men whom he and his friends oppose and prosecute – his friends are more anxious to have a Repertory from the imperfect material before them.

The second demand is an absurdity. Even the progressive physiological school teaches the duty of the physician is to treat the sick and not to treat disease. Homoeopathy has enlightened these progressive opponents on that point, and positively teaches that we must select for each individual case the truly curative remedy according to the law of cure.

The English reading homoeopathic practitioners should thankfully receive the reviews of the shamefully false and erroneous translations of our works, by men who are competent to make them. If Mr. Pope were a reading and enquiring disciple of Hahnemann, he would know that, for the last decennium, the short comings, the willful perversions, errors, and omissions of Hempel as a translator have been published and proved. Does Mr. Pope know where to find in the British homoeopathic literature the confessions that the old disciples of the master cured more diseases than the present homoeopathic physicians, such as call themselves so, do.

That the present discussion has been productive of more evil to the progress of Homoeopathy, as understood by Mr. Pope, is an unlooked for acknowledgment, but we are glad of it. The class of physicians who think, write and practice like Mr. Pope and are termed his friends, Hempel included, are well aware that the attacks made by them, in private, on the Hahnemannians remained deservedly and with propriety unnoticed by the true Homoeopathicians, who solely relied upon the results of their practice. Taking this silence as an evidence of weakness, they resorted in their blind opposition even to the journals and text books (vide Hempel's Materia Medica). If argumentative answers were offered, they were treated as the great truths of the great master are treated by the Allopathists, with ridicule. Vide the London Monthly Review, Vol. 8, No.5, p. 296).

The present discussion has been productive of the extension and proper comprehension of true Homoeopathy. Should this discussion be carried on in the same spirit in which Drs. Dudgeon, Pope, Hempel and others have carried it on, their victory, if victory it be to be allowed to have the last word must end in a thorough defeat. I did not complain that Hempel, while under solemn oath, testified that he gave one-fifth of a grain of Arsenic in cholera - but I quoted his testimony and repeat it as before: "In homoeopathic treatment, I have given as much as one-fifth of a grain of Arsenic in the Asiatic cholera, and have repeated that dose from twelve to fifteen times in forty-eight hours. The patients have done well and recovered." The judge and the jury paid no attention to this testimony which was a contradiction to all scientific experiments, to all the accumulated testimony collected in medical jurisprudence, to all the works of Toxicology, but above all to the testimony deposited by Hahnemann in his Chronic Diseases, and particularly in his introduction to Arsenic.

I have attended cholera patients, never lost one. I have seen cases of poisoning by Arsenic, and have diligently studied its effects, but must lament the gross ignorance of Mr. Pope who, for a moment, can see a similarity in the symptoms characteristic respectively of cholera and Arsenic.

The Cholera patient is resigned and takes no interest in anything.

The Arsenic patient is restless, tosses about, has fear of death.

The Cholera patient has much thirst, for large quantities of water.

The Arsenic patient drinks little and often.

The Cholera patient is averse to being covered.

The Arsenic patient is relieved by heat.

The Cholera patient has a clean cold tongue.

The Arsenic patient has a hot tongue, at first red on the edges and on the tip, later white all over and finally black.

The Cholera patient wishes to lie, can scarcely be persuaded to sit up and to take a deep inspiration, which relieves him.

The Arsenic patient does not lie quiet and taking a deep inspiration does not relieve him.

The Cholera patient vomits large quantities and has then rest for some time.

The Arsenic patient continues his fruitless efforts to vomit.

The Cholera patient has spasmodic pain in the abdomen.

The Arsenic patient has burning pain in the intestines and anus.

The Cholera patient has his abdomen relaxed, fallen in.

The Arsenic patient feels a continued tension in the abdomen.

The countenance is different, etc.

The symptoms of fatal Arsenic poisoning are of little, if any, therapeutic value, we meet them in the last stage of fatal disease, and Arsenic then never produces any effect.

My time is too valuable to enlarge further on the subject; if I have proved to Mr. Pope the necessity of reading first the standard works on Homoeopathy, of learning and applying the practical rules of the master before he again asks the question "Who is a Homoeopathician?" I shall consider myself well rewarded for having defended the cause of Homoeopathy. I might almost hope that my efforts might be successful did I not find Mr. Pope, who writes for the party that has adopted the offensive, so utterly devoid of the knowledge of the history and literature of Homoeopathy. And here while I take leave of Mr. Pope I must at once express my utter abhorrence of the manner in which he slanders our immortal master on the first page of his paper. For it is a slander to say that Hahnemann adopted the extremely infinitesimal doses partly in consideration of the dispensing monopoly of the German apothecaries. Hahnemann knew no fear, he threw down his glove before the mighty and influential opposition, he never yielded one iota to interest and prejudice, and the great and good master lived long enough to see his disciples promulgate his newly discovered art in all countries of the globe. Homoeopathy, progressive, will finally overcome, and is now overcoming, all and every effort to destroy it by assimilating it with false and erroneous teachings of the opposition, by the allopathic school and the psuedo-Homoeopathicians.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 03, 1864, pages 153-164]

[Description: Who Is a Homoeopathician? Reply to Mr. Pope.]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1864]

Letter from Dr. Lippe. – To the Editors of the American Homoeopathic Review – Gentlemen: In Vol. V., No.6, p. 279, you publish among your correspondence, a letter from Mr. Pope under the heading, "Drs. Lippe and Pope." – Allow me to say, as regards the tone and style of Mr. Pope' a letter, "Chacun a son gout." The invitation to have the last word, is all I accept from Mr. Pope. I cannot find time to refute all of Mr. Pope's statements. The points are before the profession, and I abide by their decision, Whenever a discussion ceases to elicit the solution of a question at issue, as in this case, viz: "Who is a Homoeopathician," it is not further necessary to continue that discussion. It may still be possible to persuade Mr. Pope that his logic leads him into all his erroneous conceptions of Homoeopathy, and my invitation to follow out his, logic, by showing him the way to do so, may probably either end the discussion or induce him to apologize. His logic is this: "Clinical records in England show that Arsenic was, at one time, the principal curative remedy in cholera", and therefore beyond all possible dispute, Arsenic has been, is, and will be, one of the principal remedies in that disease. Had Mr. Pope shown the similarity between the known proving of Arsenic and of cholera, or had be explicitly stated the symptoms or groups of symptoms corresponding between the provings and the (so-called) disease, the point he aimed at, would have been established. But on the other aide, if it is proved, that there exists no correspondence between the ordinarily. characteristic symptoms of cholera and those of the provings of Arsenic, it is quite likely that the logical critic will doubt the reliability of the clinical reports, or the correctness of our Materia Medica, based on provings on the healthy, or the truth of the homoeopathic law of cure.

Dr. Black's essay on Arsenic (in the first and only volume of the Hahnemann Materia Medica) is no guide for the study or that remedy and the essay cannot be considered an authority either on the ground of its title page or because it never has been reviewed adversely. I have preferred to study Arsenic from the fifth volume of Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases. In following the above logic, Mr. Pope may say, that, Dr. Hempel (his friend) having given testimony under oath in open court at Toronto, "Clinical observations establish a fact," and no one had the right to expose Dr. C. J. Hempel, and discredit the reliability of his evidence. If Mr. Pope really and honestly thinks so, and wishes to rescue his friend Hempel, he can zealously prove his sincerity of friendship, by taking what Dr. Hempel pretends to have cured the cholera, viz: one fifth of a grain of Arsenic, repeated fifteen times in forty-eight hours, equal, according to common computation to three grains of Arsenic in two days. Our discussion will then, assuredly be at an end. Yours respectfully,

Philadelphia. December 17th, 1864. AD. Lippe.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 07, 1864, pages 331-332]

[Description: Who Is a Homoeopathician 02 (final reply to Mr Pope)]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1864]

"WHO IS A HOMOEOPATHIST?"

BY AD. LIPPE, M. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.

In the Monthly Homoeopathic Review, of London, Vol. VIII, No. 1, Mr. Alfred C, Pope asks the question "Who is a Homoeopathist?" The solution of this question is all important, for on it depends the rise or downfall of Homoeopathy. As we have no doubt the question was asked in good faith, it will be well to try to solve it.

Mr. Pope first finds fault with Dr. Hewitt for saying, in the previous number of the Review, "that he estimates a practitioner in proportion to the smallness of the dose he habitually prescribes."

Many others and, so far as I know, the most successful practitioners of Homoeopathy, think as Dr. Hewitt does.

Further, the writer says, "we have generally found the advocate of Homoeopathy declaring, with perfect correctness, that the therapeutic principle he defends is totally independent of the globule; that, in fact, Homoeopathy may be strictly and correctly practised with any dose, whether in powder or globule, tincture or pillule, provided no aggravation of the disease is incurred by the magnitude of the dose. This, I believe, to be the simple truth."

Does Mr. Pope understand under the phrase "aggravation of the disease," the aggravation of the symptoms, which aggravation follows very frequently the administration of the higher and highest dilutions, and may be of longer or shorter duration according to the nature of the disease, the aggravation being an almost certain indication that the most curative homoeopathic remedy has been administered and is surely to be followed by a longer and lasting improvement of the disease? Can a homoeopathic remedy ever and under any circumstances aggravate the disease? The disease can only become aggravated by its natural unchecked progress. Will Mr. Pope ask this question again and be more explicit?

Mr. Pope wishes to prove by Dr. Hering's testimony laid down in the fourth American edition of the Organon, that we need not, as Dr. Hewitt contends, accept every fact and theory contained in the Organon of Hahnemann, and he quotes from that preface, "What important influence can it exert whether a Homoeopath adopt the theoretical opinions of Hahnemann or not, so long as he holds fast the practical rules of the Master and the Materia Medica of our School"

Dr. Hering here insists that we must hold fast to the practical rule of the Master! Will Mr. Pope for a moment turn his attention to the practical rules the Master gives us in his Chronic Diseases, in his introduction to the various medicines in his Materia Medica, and in his Organon? Does the Master there advise the administration of "any dose?" On page eight, Mr. Pope says, "true Homoeopathy consists simply and solely in the prescribing for disease such remedies as are competent to produce similar disease in a healthy person." What disease has any medicine ever produced? Has Aconite, or Bryonia, or Phosphorus ever produced pneumonia? Or, Bryonia and Rhus typhus fever? Or, Belladonna inflammation of the brain? Mr. Pope should be a little more explicit and accurate in his definitions.

On the same page ho also asserts that "the dynamization theory may be true or false and Homoeopathy remain unaffected." By no means; if we study and follow our immortal master to the point where he first discovered and established the dynamization theory. Let me remind Mr. Pope of the provings of Carbo vegetabilis! How they were conducted, and how the symptoms guiding every true Homoeopathist in the administration of. this medicine were obtained. If, also, he will read what professor Hoppe, of Basel, the Non Homoeopathist, says, he will find himself directly contradicted. Professor Hoppe, after defining in a very clear, comprehensible and historical manner the claims and fundamental' doctrines of Homoeopathy, says that Hahnemann's greatest discovery was "that the small doses are curative." Hahnemann was slow in publishing his dynamization theory but after many and successful experiments he became convinced of its correctness, and that theory is an indispensable part of the doctrines of Homoeopathy. We shall have a few more remarks to make if Mr. Pope will but answer our previous question.

On the ninth page he says, "It has been proved, many a 'time and oft, that a low dilution, or the pure substance, has succeeded in curing where a higher dilution has failed." This assertion, and it is nothing but an assertion, has been made so many a time, and oft that many persons really believe it; but could Mr. Pope state one single case to substantiate this assertion? To begin, we should like to have a definition of "cure. The Allopathist administers Digitalis and cures an accelerated pulse dependent upon an organic disease of the heart. Is that a cure? Is not the patient whose pulse is brought down by the specific action of Digitalis, made hopelessly incurable by that "cure?" On the contrary, it is an established fact that where the higher potencies do not cure, the lower ones or the pure substance certainly will never cure. Has Mr. Pope noticed the Vienna experiments by Dr. Eidherr which establish the facts, beyond controversy, that the higher attenuations shorten the disease (pneumonia) in the same proportion as the dose is diminished? If he has not seen this elaborate exhibition of facts, he had better examine it at once. In giving one single case, we hope that Mr. Pope will be particular in stating fully the symptoms and the reasons why this was the truly curative remedy, and then give the dates and time when a higher potency was administered without effect, and when the same medicine in a lower potency, or in the crude state finally, permanently cured the patient.' That crude drugs and low potencies cure, and cure according to the homoeopathic law of cure no one ever denied, and if this had not been the fact, we would not have Homoeopathy; but as Hahnemann and his disciples became better acquainted with the characteristics of the medicines by provings and by the administration to the sick, experience taught them that the curative action of the drug was developed by potentization, and that diseases were cured by higher potencies which the lower potencies had left unchanged. In every instance in which a lower potency has ever relieved, not cured, a case to which a higher potency of the same remedy had been given without success, this relief has proved itself to be only the palliative effect, not the curative action of the remedy so given. If palliation were a fair criterion of superiority, Allopathy may claim to be far superior to Homoeopathy when the Allopaths state, and with truth, that in a case of an organic disease of the heart, established as such by all the physical signs of auscultation, they have succeeded in reducing the pulse in a very short time by large doses of Digitalis purp, while under previous homoeopathic treatment the pulse had not been reduced. But who is so ignorant in our days as to believe that the reduction of the pulse by large doses of Digitalis is the criterion of a progressive improvement, or a cure of the organic disease? Or, Allopathy may also claim to have produced the desired result by a dose of Castor Oil when in a case of disease the bowels had remained in a state of constipation under homoeopathic treatment. There existed in the first case no possibility of a reduction of the pulse till the organic disease was improving and was in a fair way to be permanently cured; and, in the second case, it was very likely one of the best things for the patient that his constipation (so called) continued, and it was still more likely that, in that case, the very decided effect of the Castor-Oil caused the patient not to recover at all.

On the tenth page, Mr. Pope says "those then who believe in Homoeopathy, whether they adopt Hahnemann's pathological and posological theories or whether they do not, are bona fide Homoeopathists." Then Mr. Pope must define more clearly what he and his friends understand by "a belief in Homoeopathy." By this we shall come nearer to the solution of his question — "Who is a Homoeopathist" If a belief in Homoeopathy is only a belief in the law "Similia Similibus Curantur" without a further explanation, it is a blind belief; if the necessity of the proving of drugs upon the healthy to ascertain their unknown curative power is included, the belief comes nearer to conviction; but if the belief also includes the conviction that but one medicine should be given at a time (which excludes all baneful alternations), and when it includes, besides, the conviction that the curative virtue (power) of drugs is developed by potentization, the conviction then becomes a positive faith and we have before us the outlines of a Homoeopathist.

Such a Homoeopathist does not care whether he is called purist, Hahnemannian, or high dilutionist; he knows himself to be a Homoeopathist, he knows that those who assail him are not what he is, although he may wish them to become enlightened.

Mr. Pope will certainly publish an accurate and decided specification of the scientific doctrines and principles which he and his friends profess. It is not to be desired that he should follow up the plan of the negation, although this mode of philosophizing is a very convenient one as it is much easier' to attack others, to represent their objective material and their daily experience as being fallacious, than by self-exertion to bring something better to light. It is time, and it would be a matter of great interest, to know "Who is a Homoeopathist." Whether, the Homoeopathist whose aim is to develop and promote Homoeopathy as taught by Hahnemann, or he who, by anegating criticism, pretends to give perpetuity to Homoeopathy. That there exist two parties who claim the title of Homoeopathists becomes a clearly established fact. Before either party lays claim to that title, we must necessarily have a decided specification of the scientific doctrines and principles of Homoeopathy; and it behooves the attacking party who find fault and negate, who contend against any further development of Homoeopathy, and who doubt not only the Hahnemannian theory of Homoeopathy, but who also utterly reject or violate his practical rules, that in common courtesy they should make these Specifications. Will Mr. Pope make them?

On looking for the prime cause of the fierce attack now made in England on the few true progressive, sincere and faithful Homoeopathists, and on examining for that purpose the history of its origin and progress, it becomes apparent that the great offence committed at first by Mr. Wilson was an exposition of the errors, mistakes, blunders, omissions and falsifications inflicted on our Materia Medica by its translator Charles Julius Hempel. Mr, Wilson's criticism was attacked and a party spirit was exhibited in favor of Hempel (and his publisher?). Here again Dr. Hewitt, as a co-laborer of Mr. Wilson, is taken to task and Mr. Wilson is found guilty of having cured a case of severe illness by Lycopod.200, and Of publishing one of the characteristic symptoms of Lycopod. Dr. Dudgeon, in sympathy with Hempel, insists that fuss may be translated "leg or foot,"ad libitum, and finds out too late for his own tranquility that he has put his foot into it, and it may be also his leg, as now his want of accuracy and fidelity are also exposed. The first offence was the exposition of Hempel's miserable translation, not a word being of late said about his (Hempel's) literary productions. They were not reviewed on this side of the ocean, because a review adverse to his productions would have not been admitted into the columns of one of the Homoeopathic Journals, then all under the control of the interested publisher. Whether common decency will permit a review now is very questionable. If, for instance, Hempel's Materia Medica (the lectures were delivered by him while Professor of that chair in the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania) was to be reviewed — if the manifold slanders, mistakes, and positive contradictions of the truth were to be published, it might be looked upon as an offense against common decency. It would be such an awful awakening to the miserable dupes who can imagine this fearfully deceptive fabrication as deserving of a "Repertory." The friends, defenders, and abettors of Dr. Hempel have opened the controversy, they have unmercifully misrepresented his reviewer, and now wish to heap additional odium and distrust upon him and his friends and colaborers, because he and they are conscientiously engaged in developing and promoting Homoeopathy. In order to whitewash these sympathizers of Hempel and his perversions of Homoeopathy, the question is now asked "Who is a Homoeopathist." May they, who are in sympathy with Hempel, his translations and fabrications, answer that question in a clear and positive manner. But if men are rightly judged by their surroundings, it will not be out of place to remind these sympathizers that the aidors and abettors of evil deeds are held equally as responsible as the principals; and should Dr. Hempel be proved a traitor to Homoeopathy, proved so by his own public actions, these his aidors and abettors (unless they plead ignorance) must stand convicted of the same crime and must no longer claim to be Homoeopathists.

I copy from the Globe, published in Toronto, Canada, under date of the 8th of April, 1850. The testimony was elicited during a trial for murder against Dr. King, and Dr. Hempel testified in behalf of the defense. After being duly sworn according to law, Dr. Charles Julius Hempel testifies thus; "I am Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania. I know the prisoner, he has studied under me two sessions. The gist of homoeopathic practice is this: for the cure of disease we administer medicines, which if taken by a healthy person would produce a like disease, etc;" again, in testifying, he says, "in homoeopathic treatment I have given as much as one-fifth of a grain of Arsenic in the Asiatic cholera, and have repeated that dose from twelve to fifteen times in the course of forty-eight hours. The patients have done well and recovered." Further he says, "we endeavor to stop short of symptoms of poison." Dr. Hempel gives this testimony under solemn oath, and represents himself the exponent of Homoeopathy. These principles and teaching as the Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania. Had Dr. Hempel testified only as a practitioner, I should not have ventured to consider this testimony worth quoting, but he assumes a fearful responsibility, representing the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania and the exposition of Homoeopathy as he gives it in his testimony must be accepted as it stands, or he must be discountenanced. It is testified, then, that he has administered fifteen times in forty-eight hours one-fifth of a grain of Arsenic, that is, he has given three grains of Arsenic in forty-eight hours in cases of Asiatic cholera and the patients have done well and recovered. What does Hahnemann say in his preface to Arsenic? What do allopathic authorities say on that subject? Both unite in flat contradiction of Hempel's testimony. The symptoms characteristic of the Asiatic cholera and the symptoms characteristic of Arsenic, are so very different that in a very few and but very exceptional cases Arsenic may become the curative remedy in the above named disease.

But what can Dr. Hempel mean when he says, "we endeavor to stop short of symptoms of poison." Horrible in the conception of a physician who claims to have adopted Homoeopathy, of a Professor who claims to teach Homoeopathy and who yet gives such massive doses that his endeavor is to stop short of symptoms of poison. Is that the homoeopathic doctrine? And is Dr. Hempel a trusty and faithful exponent of that school and its doctrines? Or, is he proving himself a traitor to the cause? Let Mr. Pope answer this question. If he and his friends sustain Dr. Hempel in his testimony, the world should know it; if they, on the contrary, understand Homoeopathy quite differently, how can they trust the veracity, the candor or any of the effusions of Dr. Hempel in future?

I hope Mr. Pope will deign to answer my questions; we will then very soon come to the solution of his interrogation "Who is a Homoeopathist?"

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1864, pages 534-542]

[Description: Who Is a Homoeopathist?]

[Author: Lippe, Ad.]

[Year: 1864]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTION,

BY CONSTANTINE LIPPE, M.D., PHILADELPHIA.

A curious and eminently instructive case came under my notice a short time ago; it demonstrated in a forcible manner the efficacy of our remedies and the speedy action of the high potencies in the case of animals. Homoeopathy as applied to the treatment of diseases in animals has been found to be very successful, but in the case I propose to relate there is a very great analogy to a form of disease often found in the human subject, and thus the narrative of the case may be rendered interesting. I shall also give the symptoms of the remedies which bear a close resemblance to the cases and endeavor to point out how and why the remedy was chosen.

The bearing and resemblance of the different remedies pertinent to the symptoms of the case will be noted in as critical a manner as possible, and the difference between them will be shown. This manner of reviewing the medicines acting on a certain group of symptoms is the most reliable and surest mode of proceeding to select the proper remedy — in fact the only true way of selecting a remedy, according to the homoeopathic law of cure.

The case is as follows: — A mare was sent to pasture in the country, and at the expiration of two months she was brought to her stable, for two weeks she had little or no exercise, and then took cold, which manifested itself in the following manner: — the right eye was deprived of vision on account of an effusion beneath the sclerotic membrane which covered the entire eye, the entire organ was opaque, there was profuse lachrymation and agglutination of the eyelids, there was a large secretion of mucus which collected in the angle of the eyes, also there was noticed some swelling of the eye-lids. The evacuations were soft, black colored, and offensive.

We will now view the remedies which produce symptoms of the eyes analogous to the case. Calcarea, Euphrasia, Puls., Silicea, Spigelia, Sulphur.

Calc. produces violent inflammation of the eyes, the whites are quite red; in the external canthi there is much gum the whole day; the external canthi look sore and seem to ulcerate for 14 days. Swelling and redness of the eye-lids, they become agglutinated every night.

Euphrasia. Inflammation and ulceration of the margins of the eye-lids. Blueness and obscuration of, and pellicle over, the cornea. Gum in the canthi, purulent, with nightly agglutination; swelling of the eye-lids, particularly the lower.

Silicea. Agglutination at night, with smarting in the eyelids, redness first around the eyes, afterward of the white, with inflammation of the eyes, with lachrymation.

Spigelia. Inflammation of the margin of the lids with ulceration and smarting soreness. Inflammation of the whites of the eyes.

Sulphur. Purulent mucus in the eyes. Agglutination of the eyes two mornings in succession. Obscuration of the cornea.

Pulsatilla. Inflammation of the eyes. Amblyopia — almost complete blindness of the left and diminished vision of the right eye. Frequent lachrymation in the wind and light, dim cornea, whitish gray pupil. Lachrymation in the open air. Redness and swelling of the lids.

There is some indication for the administration of Calc., a it produces much gum in the external canthi, also swelling and redness of the eye-lids, and agglutination every night; if the gum were purulent, Euphr. or Sulph. would be the proper remedy.

For the obscuration of vision, Puls, or Euphr. is indicated, Euphr., if there are blueness and obscuration and pellicle over the eye, Puls., if there is Amblyopia, almost complete blindness of the left and diminished vision of the right eye, frequent lachrymation in the wind and light, dim cornea, lightish grey pupil. Sulph., also has obscuration of the cornea.

In this case the color of the eye was not blue, nor was the cornea alone obscured, but both pupil and cornea.

The color of the eye, in the case, corresponds exactly to the symptoms of Puls., the lachrymation being aggravated by wind and light is also a notable symptom of this remedy.

The redness and swelling point to Calc. or Puls., but as it was the result of cold, Calc. could not be chosen.

As regards the stools, Arsenicum produces black evacuations with uneasiness and pain in the abdomen — undigested. Mercurius, black tenacious pitch-like stools. Nux vom., large hard feces, colic succeeded by dark colored mucus causing a smarting burning in the anal region.

Puls, loose acrid stool in the morning, diarrhea with inflamed moist eyes. Stools offensive.

If there was any evidence of pain in the passage of the evacuation Ars. or Nux. would be prescribed, Ars. if the stools were soft, Nux. if hard; if there was no pain Merc. or Puls. would be the proper remedy. Merc. if black and tenacious. Puls, if black and soft, also Puls, if the stool occurred principally in the morning and if it was complicated with inflamed moist eyes.

Having viewed the case and the remedies pertinent to it in this manner Puls.200 was prescribed.

The next day the stools were changed, in color and odor, and in a few days were healthy and normal. On the second day the eyes manifested a decided improvement, the lachrymation was less profuse and the agglutination became less, the eye commenced to clear from the pupil to the circumference; in a few days the animal was entirely well

It is worthy of remark that the last noticed symptoms disappeared first, and it is only when this is the case that a speedy cure can be prognosticated.

The effusion over the eye also commenced to recede from the point to which it had extended, viz: — the pupil; it commenced at the circumference of the eye and extended over the pupil, it retrograded from the pupil to the circumference.

Only one dose of Puls.200 was given, and the medicine showed its action on the animal's spirit; for a few days after the administration the animal was actually spiritless, after which it gradually regained its usual spirit.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 11, 1860, pages 512-515]

[Description: Clinical Contributio;. a veterinary case.]

[Author: Lippe, C.]

[Year: 1860]

IMPORTANCE OF SYMPTOMATOLOGY.

While homoeopathic physicians are not insensible to the value of pathology as a branch of medical philosophy, they have long been assured that, next to their selection of remedies according to the law of similars, their practical success has been owing to their close attention to symptoms, as they arise and change in the progress of a disease.

The opponents of Homoeopathy have made it a ground of accusation against the followers of Hahnemann, that, ignorant of, or despising pathology. they have treated symptoms instead of disease as a whole. In making this accusation, they have forgotten that symptoms are the evidence of "the pathological states which constitute the disorders."

Occasionally, men of genius and standing in the ranks of orthodox physic, discover (?) afresh that which Hahnemann plainly enunciated more than half a century ago. Thus:

In the sitting, of the 8th, of the Academy of Medicine, Dr. Piorry read a paper on the treatment of phthisis, in which he developed the following propositions: 1. Pulmonary phthisis is a combination of multifarious variable phenomena, and not a morbid unity; 2. Hence there does not and cannot exist a specific medicine against it; 3. Therefore neither Iodine nor its tincture, neither Chlorine nor sea-salt, nor tar, can be considered in the light of anti-phthisical remedies; 4. There are no specifics against phthisis, but there are systems of treatment to be followed in order to conquer the pathological states which constitute the disorders; 5. In order to cure consumptive patients, the peculiar affections under which they labor must be studied and appreciated, and counteracted by appropriate means; 6. The tubercle cannot be cured by the use of any remedy, but good hygienic precautions may prevent lts development; 7. The real way to relieve, cure, or prolong the life of consumptive patients is to treat their various pathological states, which ought to receive different names according to their nature; 8. Consumption thus treated has often been cured, and oftener still life has been considerably prolonged; 9 Phthisis should never be left to itself, but always treated as stated above; 10. The old methods founded on the general idea of a single illness called phthisis are neither scientific nor rational, etc.; 11. The exact and methodical diagnosis of the various pathological states which constitute the malady, will dictate the most useful treatment for it.

Dr. Piorry is a man of note in the French Academy, and has made phthisis his especial study; and we are glad to find that he sets his face So decidedly against the treatment of that disease (or, indeed, of any other) except by counteracting "the pathological states which constitute the disorders" – or in other words, by studying and counteracting the symptoms as they arise.

[London Monthly Homoeopathic Review.]

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 04, 1862, pages 182-183]

[Description: Importance of Symptomatology.]

[Author: Lmonhomeo]

[Year: 1862]

A London Life Assurance Office Converted to Homoeopathy by The Evidence of Statistics.

The month of December, 1864, marks an epoch in the history of Homoeopathy, the memory of which will be ardently cherished by every Homoeopathician of the present generation; whilst to this period will frequent reference hereafter be made, as that from which is to be dated a remarkably rapid growth of the system in public estimation.

On the 16th of December, 1864, there met together at the Freemasons Hall, in London, under the presidency of Lord Henry Gordon, a number of Individuals – in no respect identified with Homoeopathy, but simply concerned in the promotion of their own pecuniary interests – to consider the bearing of this system of medical treatment on the health and life of the community. The parties referred to are the Directors and Shareholders of a company entitled, "The General Provident Assurance Company." The object of such institution is, we need hardly remark, commercial gain; and one of the principal means employed, is an investigation, conducted with scientific severity, into the duration of human life, with all the concomitant circumstances which tend to affect the health of individuals and classes.

Hitherto, the actuaries of these valuable institutions have disregarded — and therefore omitted from their calculations – the very important consideration of medical treatment. The keenness of competition, however, which characterizes every department of trade, in the present day, and stimulates to their utmost extent the intellectual faculties of our men of business, has at length made itself felt, even amongst these very conservative establishments; and, as a consequence, we find, in the case of the General Provident Assurance Company, the Actuary directed to make an investigation into the hitherto unexplored region of comparative medical treatment - with what result it is scarcely necessary to inform the readers of this journal.

To some, at least, of the Directors of the Provident, this result no doubt prevented itself in the light of a discovery; to none could it be otherwise than gratifying to learn, that their labor had been rewarded by the acquisition of data, capable of being turned to very profitable account, in the following well-ascertained facts: – That persons treated by the homoeopathic system enjoy more robust health, are less frequently attacked by disease, and, when attacked, recover more rapidly than those treated by any other system; that with respect to the more fatal classes of disease, the mortality under Homoeopathy is small, in comparison with that under Allopathy; that there are diseases not curable at all, under the latter system, which are perfectly curable under the former; finally, that the medicines prescribed by Homoeopathicians do not injure the constitution, whereas those employed by Allopaths do not unfrequently entail the most serious, and in many instances fatal, consequences.

These data obtained, the Directors had but one duty to perform, alike to Themselves and to their constituents, which was to summon a meeting of their shareholders, and to lay before them the facts they had collected, and the decision at which they had arrived, viz., "to open a special section for persons treated by the homoeopathic system, at a Lower Rate of Premium than that Charged on Other Lives." And without a dissentient voice this proposition of their Directors was adopted by the shareholders of the General Provident Assurance Company.

Here, then, we have a testimony borne to the great practical value of Homoeopathy which nothing can gainsay – against which ridicule and abuse, the only weapons by which we have hitherto been attacked, can avail nothing. It is not with "individual opinion" that our opponents have now to deal — not even with the opinions of such men as the late Archbishop of Dublin; the late Dr. Gregory, Professor of Chemistry in the University of Edinburgh; or the late Dr. Samuel Brown, a man worthy to rank with the illustrious Faraday - all of whom lived and died in the faith of the truth of Homoeopathy - not to mention a host of other names of men, living and dead, in every department of literature, science and art. It is not with individual opinion, we repeat, that our opponents have now to deal. They are now confronted with the result of an investigation directed to be made by a body of commercial men, for commercial purposes, – conducted with that marvelous precision which has exalted the investigations of the assurance offices of this country to the rank of scientific verities, – and endorsed by men whose intellectual faculties, when summoned to decide, must have been in liveliest exercise, seeing that they had to determine on a question in which they were without precedent for a guide, and in which their pecuniary interests were deeply concerned.

Well – the question has been decided, so far at least one assurance office, with its Actuary, Directors and Shareholders is concerned; and the fact cannot be concealed. It will not be long, therefore, we may confidently predict, before other offices will follow this example. But, however numerous may hereafter become the adopters of this innovation, let it ever be remembered that to the General Provident Assurance Company belongs the distinguished honor of being the pioneer in this movement. And never let the circumstance be forgotten, which gives life and vigor to the great moral of the narrative, – that the decision arrived at was the result of an investigation suggested by an observation of the ever- increasing conquests of Homoeopathy, especially amongst the highest and best educated classes of society, but cropping out everywhere throughout the world, in spite of the adamantine rocks of ancient prejudice and the alluvial deposits of social and professional influence, – and thereby forcing itself upon the attention of intellectual men of business, whose avocation it is to avail themselves of every legitimate opening for the augmentation of their revenues, and the elevation, in public estimation, of that branch of industry with which they may happen to be connected. (London Monthly Homoeopathic Review.)

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 01, 1865, pages 38-39]

[Description: a London Life Assurance Office Converted to Homoeopathy by The Evidence of Statistics.]

[Author: Lmonhomeo]

[Year: 1865]

MEDICAL FEES

Some difficulty is occasionally felt by medical men in deciding as to the charges they should make for professional attendance. This arises from several causes. Medical advice, unlike an article of commerce, cannot have a determinate value assigned to it. Relief from pain and restoration to health are priceless boons. It is impossible to place a mere money value on the study, experience and ability the medical attendant brings to bear upon a case during a long and serious illness. Patients, therefore, are expected to pay such fees as their circumstances in life enable them to do. This is both just and necessary. All classes society require medical aid, but all cannot possibly remunerate the doctor sufficiently to enable him to maintain the position he is bound to occupy. Moreover, the time occupied in seeing persons of wealth is much greater than that demanded by the poorer classes. In the former cases visits are often made by appointment – an arrangement frequently creating inconvenience and loss of time; while they are expected to be much protracted beyond the time really necessary for a full investigation of a patient's state. In the latter, the visits are made when the practitioner is going his round, and are limited to the interrogation of the sick.

The customs in various parts of the country differ so widely in the matter of medical fees, that it is almost impossible to make out a scale that shall be suitable for all districts; but the Manchester Medico-Ethical Association has endeavored, and successfully as we think, to form a tariff which will in a large proportion of instances, in country practice at least, be a fair and suitable one to adopt. They gauge the capacity of a patient to remunerate his doctor by the rental he pays for his house. It is easier of discovery than the income, of which, however, it is a fair test. Certain exceptional cases will inevitably arise, where the practitioner must use his discretion.

"Thus, in the case of lodgers, he can only estimate their probable style of life if they were in an establishment of their own, and those who occupy an extensive house for the purpose of letting lodgings must also be left to his discrimination. In the case of notoriously men of penurious wealthy habits, he must decide for himself what class befits them; and in the case of shopkeepers, residing in premises where trade is carried on, a liberal deduction may be made from a rental not incurred solely for personal or family convenience."

The Association divide the community into four classes: –

Class I.

When the house rental is from

Ł10 to Ł25

Per annum

"II.

" " " " "

Ł25 to Ł50

" "

"III.

" " " " "

Ł50 to Ł100

" "

"IV.

" " " " "

Ł100 and upwards

" "

This division, though well suited for some country districts, would not be so for Metropolitan practice.

Note. – In New York the rental is much greater, in proportion to the income, than in London. A physician who pays Ł80 ($450) rent for a house in London, would be obliged to pay in this city, for a house as eligibly situated, and equally as commodious, at least $1,500. - Eds. A. H. R.

The tariff as follows: * [Before decimalisation in 1971, there were 20 shillings/pound and 12 pence/shilling, and thus 240 pence/pound.]

A. — General Practitioners

Class 1.

Class 2.

Class 3.

Class 4.

s.d. s.d.

s.d. s.d.

s.d. s.d.

s.d. s.d.

1. Ordinary visit

2 6 to 3 6

3 6 to 5 0

5 0 to 7 6

7 6 to 10 6

2. Special visit...

A visit and a half

3. Night visit.

Double an ordinary visit

4. Mileage beyond two miles from home

1 6

2 0

2 6

3 0

5. Detention per hour

2 6 to 3 6

3 6 to 5 0

5 0 to 7 6

7 6 to 10 6

6. Advice at Practitioner's house.

2 6 to 3 6

3 6 to 5 0

5 0 to 7 6

7 6 to 10 6

7. Letters of advice

2 6 to 3 6

3 6 to 5 0

5 0 to 7 6

7 6 to 10 6

8. Consultations...

See explanatory tariff.

9. Attend. on servants..

2 6

2 6 to 3 6

3 6 to 5 0

5 0 to 7 6

10. Two or more patients in one house..

See explanatory tariff

11. Midwifery

21 0 21

0 to 63 0

42 0 to 105 0

105 0 and upwards

12. Abortions..

See explanatory tariff.

13. Vaccination

" " "

14. Cert. of health, etc..

" " "

B. — Consultants.

Class 1.

Class 2.

Class 3.

Class 4.

s.d. s.d.

s.d. s.d.

s.d. s.d.

s.d. s.d.

1. Advice or visit alone

21 0

21 0

21 0

21 0

2. Advice or visit with a practitioner..

21 0

21 0 to 42 0

21 0 to 42 0

21 0 to 42 0

3. Mileage beyond two miles from home..

10 6

10 6

10 6

10 6

Explanatory Notes to Tariff

The numbers refer to the corresponding ones on the condensed tariff.

A. — General Practitioners.

1. Ordinary visit. – Requires no explanation.

2. Special Visit. – This is a visit of which notification is not given before 10 A.M., when the Practitioner has commenced his daily round, such visits almost always involve, increased trouble or expense; also whenever immediate attendance is requested. The latter circumstance often embarrasses the Practitioner, and entitles him to an increased fee.

3. Night Visit. – One made between 10 P.M. and 7 A.M.

4. Mileage. – This commences at two miles from the Practitioner's house, and is added to the visit, according to class.

6. Detention. – When, at the desire of the patient, or from the urgency of the case, the Practitioner is detained more than an hour, he is entitled to additional remuneration, at the rate per hour, or part of an hour, of an ordinary visit. This does not apply to attendance in midwifery

6. Advice at Practitioner's House. – The same charge as for an ordinary visit. The same addition would be applicable for detention beyond an hour.

7. Letter of Advice. – The same as viva voce advice.

8. Consultations. – When the ordinary attendant has to meet another medical man in consultation, he is fully entitled, from loss and disarrangement of time, to double his ordinary fee. If such consultations are very frequent, this may be occasionally remitted his discretion. When a general Practitioner is himself called in consultation, he is entitled to the Consultant's minimum fee of 21s.; but this may be relaxed at the desire of the Practitioner previously in attendance. Midwifery consultation among Class 1 of patients, should be-charged according to arrangement between patient and Practitioners. Among the other classes, the second Practitioner is entitled to the same fee as the first, independently of the length of time he is detained.

9. Attendance on Domestic Servants. When paid for by their employer, they should be charged as per Tariff. When paying for themselves, they may be charged as if belonging to Class 1 or 2. If the employer send for the practitioner himself, or distinctly avails himself of his advice, he is to be considered as the responsible person.

10. Two or more Patients in one House. – When these are member of one family and paid for by one person, a visit chargeable for each beyond the first. When this is not the case, the full charge should be made for each.

11. Midwifery. – From use and wont the fee for Class 1 is generally understood to cover after visits, when those are few and all goes well; also, with those toward the bottom of this class, it may be reduced 15a., if paid within a month. In the other classes the after visits are not included, unless previously arranged otherwise. When operations, such as the use of forceps, turning, etc., are required the Practitioner entitled to an additional half fee. The Tariff allows considerable latitude in the Midwifery fee, owing to the very great diversity of charges hitherto usual with different Practitioners.

12. Abortions. – In ordinary premature labor the same charge is allowable as in midwifery. In attendance on abortions, the visits required should be charged as such plus an additional charge for detention, according to No. 5.

13. Vaccination. – This is not included in the midwifery fee. It may be charged according to the visit or visits required, if performed by the regular medical attendant; otherwise, as a special visit.

14. Certificates. — Simple certificates may be charged as ordinary visits or letters of advice. When special investigation or responsibility is involved, as in Life Assurance or Lunacy Certificates, 10s. 6d. to 42s. should be charged, according to circumstances.

We re-publish this tariff here because we think with those who have issued it that "it may serve as a reference in case of disputed charges, and thus prevent litigation, and promote a friendly settlement. It will also be a useful guide to the junior Practitioner, who is often in doubt as to the proper remuneration to which he is entitled for his services."

But while it is only just that pecuniary remuneration medical services should be demanded of all who are able to make them, let us, as a profession, never forget that humanity compels us to go as readily and cheerfully to the aid of the sick poor who cannot, as to that of richer man who can pay us. As homoeopathists, it is our duty to spread our system among the poor to the very utmost. To this end our Hospitals and Disgensaries are established. The work they have accomplished is great. More zeal in sustaining them, more care in prescribing at them, may render this work greater still. — Monthly (London) Homoeopathic Review.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 05, 1865, pages 198-200]

[Description: Medical fees]

[Author: Lmonhomeo]

[Year: 1865]

THE FORMULA OF HOMOEOPATHY

(From The London Monthly Homoeopathic Review, February, 1862.)

To think is to thing; a thought is a thing; words are the exponent of the thoughts of speech, articulate man. Those who do not know the value of words can have but a very imperfect notion of things. The men, not thinkers, are governed by the words of those who do think; and in most of the quarrels about matters dogmatically treated, the differences result from the misapprehensions of the meaning of words.

A dispute about a dipthong once caused disastrous wars and still influences Theology. *

* * *

Some grand truths are instinctively held, or perceived intuitively as it were; other loom on the mind gradually and are brought nearer and nearer, as the peak of Teneriffe first looks like a cloud as big as a hand, then gradually grows as the voyager approaches.

"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever"

and there is no beauty like that of naked truth, stript of all fig leaves and pigment, simple, sincere, severe in Godlike purity and majesty.

We, Homoeopathists, hold that our law Similia Similibus Curentur is such a truth. The nearer you approach it, the more beautiful it is; touch it, grasp it, cherish it. The mistakes about things from mistakes about the words used to signify those things has been adverted to. The very law of Homoeopathy has been subjected to false and vicious interpretations by substituting one letter, one vowel for another, a for e. Hahnemann was a good though, in the critical sense, not a profound scholar. The old hero knew very well the value of the words he employed. He was incapable of the ridiculous solecism, of the ignorance which is perpetuated on the title page of The British Journal of Homoeopathy. His expression for this law of drug-healing was and is Similia Similibus Curentur not Curantur.

His best beloved friend and his reverend pupil the late Rev. T. R. Everest, told us how much Hahnemann was annoyed at the employment of the word Curantur.

In the medical sense the Latin verb curo means to take care of, to treat, to doctor. Hahnemann was too much of a philosopher to arrogate the cure; he proposed the treatment.

"Let likes he treated by likes," that is the formula or expression he adopted for the law of drug-healing. In that formula he expresses one of Nature's laws of healing — that is a law of God; the expression foisted on him is an impertinence. Let this formula be adopted,

Similia Similibus Curentur.

___________

In the second edition of The Organon, in Dresden, 1819, the formula is given Similia similibus curentur — Introd., p. 29. In the British translation of the fourth German edition of The Organon, and which was reprinted in New York, 1843, with a preface by Dr. Hering, the same reading is given.

In The British Journal of Homoeopathy, Vol. I, Introd., and subsequently it is written similia similibus curantur.

In The Homoeopathic Examiner, Vol. I, p. 25, it is given by Dr. Hull, similia similibus curantur. Dunham.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 02, 1862, pages 86-87]

[Description: The Formula of Homoeopathy.]

[Author: Lmonhomeo]

[Year: 1862]

What Allopathic Practitioners Think of Homoeopathy, and how they become convinced of its truth.

Mr. Wynne Thomas, of Birmingham, a comparatively recent adherent of Homoeopathy, when acknowledging, at the Annual Meeting of the Governors of the Birmingham Homoeopathic Hospital, his appointment as one of its medical officers, gave the following interesting sketch of his news of Homoeopathy before he had studied it, and of the investigation which led to his faith in it. Speaking of Homoeopathy, he says:

"In my own experience I have found it to be looked upon as either an imposture or a deception. To medical men generally the infinitesimal dose is the distinctive feature of Homoeopathy, and they argue that, as it is preposterous to believe that the decillionth of a grain of an inert substance – say charcoal – can have any effect upon the human body, the whole subject may be dismissed as ridiculous. Of the law they know nothing – at least nineteen out of twenty know nothing: I have often conversed with surgeons about the law, and never found one who clearly understood it. One gentleman in large practice, who professed to have investigated it, asserted that we treat a case of gastric or cerebral sickness in the same way; and I have no doubt he expressed what a great many besides himself believe. I confess that for years I felt as the rest do, and scorned to investigate a system of medicine so evidently opposed to my common sense. I made the oft-repeated mistake of deciding by common sense what equally lies beyond it, and should be tested by special sense – i. e., special experience. My common sense or common experience, told me that to produce a certain effect so many grains of a particular medicine were necessary, and I knew that the billionth part of that quantity could not do the same thing. That, I thought settled the matter, and yet what had I settled? nothing but what was agreed to by all Homoeopaths and Allopaths. I had thought only of the dose, and not of the different law according to which the medicine must be administered. A little more than three years ago cases said to have been cured under homoeopathic treatment came under my observation; and I laid to myself, 'Perhaps, after all, the new practice, which has got a footing, and is evidently spreading, may have something in it;' and I asked, 'Is it wise to ridicule what I do not understand?' So I came over to my old college friend, Dr. Blake, and asked him to lend me a book on Homoeopathy. He gave me Sharp's Tracts, which I read with intense interest. I saw the beauty of the law of 'similia similibus curentur,' and what a grand advance it must be for the practice of medicine to be based on a law, if only that could be proved to be a true law. Now came the final step, the practical test. Having mastered a portion of the Materia Medica, I selected some simple but marked cases, and was surprised and delighted to find how quickly they were cured; and so I went on studying, and gradually applying it to severer cases, till at last I treated, and very successfully, the most dangerous diseases to which we are liable. Gentlemen, I hope and believe that before many years we shall succeed in convincing our medical brethren of the superiority of our system; so that, instead of hindering our progress, they may help us in working out one of the grandest truths the world has yet seen."

Would that more such men as Mr. Thomas would do as he has done! -

[Monthly (London) Homoeopathic Review.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 06, 1865, pages 232-233]

[Description: What Allopathic Practitioners Think of Homoeopathy]

[Author: Lmonhomeo]

[Year: 1865]

REVIEW.

BY R. LUDLAM, M.D., CHICAGO, ILL.

APIS MELLIFICA; Or, the Poison of the Honey-Bee. Considered as a Therapeutic Agent. By C. W. WOLF, M.D., Ex-District Physician in Berlin, pp. 80. Philadelphia, 1858.

This timely little treatise sets out with a prefatory postulate which, we copy entire :

"Every physician who has spent years of an active life in prescribing for large numbers of patients, is morally bound to publish his experience to the world, provided he is satisfied, in his interior conscience, that such a publication might be useful to the general interests of humanity."

The publication before us owes its origin to such a conviction, and we proceed to notice some of its more prominent points, arranged, as we find them, under a few practical headings. We take them up separately;

"Apis Mellifica is the most satisfactory remedy for acute hydrocephalus of Children?"

This statement may be a true one, yet we do not expect of the profession, or even of those who have employed it extensively in this formidable malady, an unqualified assent thereto.

While there is no question of its value in the treatment of some of the varieties of hydrocephalus, we cannot forget or overlook, the pathogenesy and well-known virtues of such remedies as Arsenicum, Hyoscyamus, Hellebore, Belladonna, Mercurius, &c. It is proper to say at the very outset, in relation to this brochure of Dr. Wolf, that the frequency of such broad and unqualified assertions as this one is a serious blemish to his work. Such positive statements; such use of superlative, is the language of enthusiasm, or of deficient reading and experience, rather than of philosophical thought and careful observation. The very spirit of our therapeutics is entirely against the exclusive use of any single remedy in any given disease. The phases of hydrocephalus in children are altogether too various to be covered in their totality, by Apis or by any other drug; and for our own part, if limited to Apis in the treatment of this disease, when found concomitant with teething or cholera infantum, or as the result of mechanical injury, we should expect to lose many cases which homoeopaths are now able to cure with Calcarea, Belladonna, Arnica, &c.

"We hope the profession will proceed to establish definitely the characteristic indications which mark the choice of the Apis in the acute hydrocephalus, in preference to older and better-known remedies. Meanwhile we prefer to consider Apis as a most satisfactory remedy for acute hydrocephalus in children.

"Apis is no less efficacious against the higher grades of ophthalmia."

Whosoever is acquainted with the pathogenesy of this drug will recognize its promised value in this direction. The reviewer remembers an early personal proving of the poison, instituted by a little itinerant which inoculated him nicely in the neighborhood of the eyes. Whether the succeeding inflammation belonged to "the higher grades of ophthalmia," he can not say; but the unprofessional and involuntary proving has prompted the frequent prescription of Apis, against like symptoms. Dr. W. sometimes uses Aconite with the Apis, in the afore-named ailments, in the same manner as for acute hydrocephalus. Nothing is said of the local employment of the latter in ophthalmia.

The use of Apis in chronic ophthalmia, by an old Indian woman, was its first introduction to the profession. It is without doubt a capital remedy, but as Dr. Wolf, is careful to observe, it must prove ineffectual in those cases, where Psora, Sycosis, Syphilis, or drug dyscrasas, exists as a complication.

It is well understood, how commonly these complications are found, especially in children. In the large cities, it is certainly impossible to make a radical cure of the majority of the ophthalmias without Sulphur, Calcarea, Pulsatilla, Silicea, or some other of the prominent Antipsorics.

"Apis is the most appropriate remedy for inflammation of the Tongue, Mouth, and Throat."

Under this head our Author writes:

"The more frequently we make use of Apis in the treatment of these very common forms of angina, and of the inflammation of the Salivary glands, which are so closely connected with the other parts of the throat, the more we become convinced by the most striking success, that this drug is by far the speediest, safest and easiest remedy, which we possess for the treatment of these exceedingly common and yet so very distressing affections."

He also recommends it in the most acute and dangerous form of angina faucium; in hereditary or habitual, and suppurative inflammation; in severe cases, to be given in hourly alternation with Aconite. It will not however, prevent the recurrence of such attacks.

"Apis becomes an exceedingly useful Remedy in Consequence of the Specific power which it possesses over the whole internal mucous membrane and its appendages."

Having detailed the symptoms educed by Apis, from "the internal mucous membrane," we read, page 19:

"Whosoever compares the totality of these effects of Apis, to the symptoms of the prevailing abdominal typhus, will admit that Apis is Homoeopathic to this disease. He will even admit that this Homoeopathicity of Apis, to abdominal typhus extends to the minute particulars of the disease in their totality."

Our author excuses the Apis in typhus in case of complication with organic disease of the liver, and remarks the only obstacles to cure which he has witnessed have been tuberculosis of the chest, or abdominal viscera, or of both at the same time; of the vaccine virus; and of a tendency to paralysis in persons otherwise ill. Incidentally we are told, page 24 :

"I have found it much more difficult to conquer the vaccine-poison, which I have become satisfied by years of observation, constitutes the most universal and most powerful generator of the typhus, which is prevailing in our age, and which seems unwilling to leave us.

In regard to this last statement, we are satisfied the facts are not yet sufficient to prove its truth.

For a prevailing tendency to paralysis he employs Apis, and Moschus, in alternation.

For an intermittent type, with deficient "action of the Spleen !"-Apis.

On page 26, we read:

"Observations of this kind, which I have made under the most diversified circumstances, have taught me that Apis is the most sovereign remedy, for all those morbid processes which we designate as intermittent fever."

Here we have something promising; the gist of which confirmed by three years of experimentation without a single failure, is contained in the following paragraph:

"The provings of Apis, show that this drug affects every portion of the nervous system-the cerebral, spinal and ganglionic nerves-and the process of sanguification, in the same general and characteristic manner, as is the case in fever and ague."

One thing is very certain in this connection, which is that the provings of Apis, as quoted by Dr. Wolf, by no means cover more than a small portion of the symptoms attaching to Intermittents as we have met with them.

As we proceed, we find the broad statement thus made, is very much lessened in its all-embracing character, by the very candid admissions of its inutility which follows. There are several pages devoted to this subject, abounding in suggestions which the faculty may improve. We may not quote at length, but subjoin an extract from page 30:

"I am unable to say whether Apis will prove effectual against epidemic marsh-intermittents, and if so, how the use of it will have to be modified. May it please those who can shed light on this subject, to communicate their experience!"

"Two other exceptions to Apis as a universal febrifuge, have occurred to me in my practice; the development of fever and ague in poisoned soil, and fever and ague complicated with China-Cachexia."

Inveterate and disorganizing intermittents, he thinks, demand an anti-psoric. Natrum Mur. 30 filled this indication, and, given with the Apis, recovery was so thoroughly established that no relapses ever took place, and no secondary diseases were ever developed.

In these cases in which Nat. Mur. was used, the question naturally presents itself, whether the anti-psoric or the Apis should have the credit of the cure.

"Apis is likewise in curative rapport with the typhoid-gastric conditions which develop themselves during the course of an erysipelatous or exanthematous cutaneous affection, more particularly Scarlatina, Rubeola, Measles and Urticaria."

The profession are doubtless prepared to subscribe to the value of this "Statement," and also to much that is said by our Author in its support.

In Dysentery Dr. W. considers the Apis an invaluable remedy, and talks, on page 65, of

"Cutting short the disease with a globule of Apis 3rd. so that the patient feels easy, and sleeps quietly."

This appears extravagant, but then,

"If this should not take place in three hours, owing to the advanced state of the disease, another dose of Apis is required, after which the patient soon feels well, etc. etc.

Over another leaf, in speaking of the treatment of epidemic Cholera, there occurs this remark:

"As far as my personal observations go, I am disposed to affirm that the best mode of effecting a good result, is to give Apis 3. and Aconite 3. in alternation, &c. &c."

The monograph before us concludes with the use of Apis, in diseases of the respiratory organs. Upon this subject we find nothing new, and it only remains to express in general terms our appraisement of the whole effort.

It is a reputed fact in psychology, that by being too much absorbed in a limited field of investigation, the mind is narrowed in perception and gradually rendered incapable of wider trains of reasoning. So in medicine, from the too close consideration and study of specialities, there grows the whole crop of Specifics.We hope no Homoeopath will try to make a hobby of this remedy. It is quite too valuable to be sentenced into, and out of life as suddenly as are most specifics; and here, as elsewhere in this world, it is not well to be in haste to sacrifice old friends for new. We can hardly think sufficient importance has been given to the employment of Apis, in many of those cases in which Pulsatilla, though seemingly indicated, has failed to effect a perfect cure. We allude to those diseases, so common among our women, dependent upon ulceration and engorgement of the os-uteri.

The tincture of Apis Mel. has certainly produced in two individuals who have come under our notice, a series of symptoms, both objective and subjective, which are sufficient, to convince us of the great value of this drug, in diseases of the womb and vagina.

We cannot close without expressing in the warmest manner, our sense of the obligation which we, in common with the rest of the profession, are under to Dr. Wolf, and to all others of our own, or of any other School, who write monographs on individual remedies. We are fully convinced that it is by this means, rather than by treatises on disease, that, our art is to be advanced. To the Homoeopathist, particularly, belongs the duty of evolving the peculiar properties and uses of remedies, since in this work, we can hope for but slight assistance from the Allopathic school. Other branches of the art, Anatomy, Obstetrics, and Surgery have advanced, and are still rapidly advancing in their hands, but the department of Therapeutics is emphatically our own. On this account, our warmest thanks are due, to those who extend the foundations of our knowledge, by the provings of new drugs, and by the reproving of old ones; but in an especial manner, should we be grateful to those, who, with the strong analytical genius and generally accurate powers of generalization possessed by Dr Wolf, devote themselves to the study of individual remedies, and by examining and combining the import of the various symptoms, show us the characteristic action, and thus, the very nature of the drug.

We trust that Dr. Wolf, will favor us with similar monographs on many other of our remedies; and that his example will stimulate others to take up the same work. The period for polemics is very nearly passed, and Homoeopathy now requires development, rather than defense, and Dr. Wolf and other monographists on individual remedies are using the best means for its extension.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 27-33]

[Description: Review of Apis Mellifica or Poison of the Honey-Bee considered as a Therapeutic Agent, by C. W. WOLF.]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: Ludlam, R.]

[Year: 1858]

STOMATITIS MATERNA. *[A report to be presented to the American Institute of Homoeopathy, at its meeting in June next. Published by order of the Institute.]

BY R. LUDLAM, M. D., CHICAGO, ILL.

This is one of the most interesting, as well as vexatious, diseases with which we are acquainted. It is interesting because of its limited history and prevalence, its peculiar pathology, its mortality under the dominant practice, and the imperfect development of its homoeopathic therapeutics; vexatious, because of its multiplied forms and complications, and its intractable nature, if not modified and remedied by appropriate means.

Hence the desire, in the following Report, to add, if possible, something in the line of perfecting its pathological detail, and likewise of pointing out the precise indications for such particular remedies as may promise relief for the same.

I. Nature. — Regarding the essential nature of this malady, various opinions have been and are still entertained by the profession at large. The most plausible of these, we apprehend, is that which refers its phenomena to a scorbutic cachexia. It has been convenient for the majority of medical men to attribute its origin to miasmatic influences; to a diminution of the red corpuscles of the blood; to scrofula; to menstrual irregularities, antecedent to conception; to a depraved and insufficient nourishment, and the like; but the best writers incline to the opinion that this-catalogue embraces only the crude outline of its causes and its consequences, while it leaves the radical nature of the malady itself an open question.

That it is of scorbutic origin is evident, from the following considerations: —

a. — Its causes are those which tend to derangements of nutrition and assimilation.

b. — It is invariably accompanied by anaemia.

c. — Except in degree of violence, many of its symptoms are identical with those of the scurvy.

d. — The same dietetic regulations are requisite to cure the one as the other. Both demand a pabulum largely composed of vegetables, and of vegetable acids especially.

e. — They are alike mortal under treatment by mercurials, etc., agreeably to the antiquated method of medical practice; and this fatality is induced by an identical process of disintegration of the tissues, in which their elements are forced to remain, without elimination, as abnormal constituents of the blood.

f. — Those homoeopathic remedies which are most valuable in the stomatitis materna, are also those most successfully employed against the scorbutus.

II. Peculiarities. — The Stomatitis Materna has the following characteristics: — It is peculiar to females, and of these to women during the term of utero-gestation, [or at some period of the maternal lactation. A few writers, indeed, claim to have witnessed examples of this disease in males, but such reports need confirmation, implying as they do some grievous error in diagnosis. As a rule, one would as readily anticipate attacks of "morning sickness" among the latter sex, as of this particular variety of stomatitis; and, in what follows, we are therefore to declare, and to keep in view the essential characteristics afore-named.

III. Symptoms. — These may very properly be classed into local and general.

1. Of the Local symptoms. — These phenomena of the Stomatis Materna are not subject to a regular order of development, but vary with each particular example of the disease. Their more general approach, however, is as follows: The patient calls attention to a burning or scalding sensation in the mouth, which sensation is greatly aggravated by the taking of warm, or even by cold drinks, and by efforts to masticate her food. Upon inspection, the physician remarks a fiery, red look of the mouth, which redness is found to exist either in patches, or diffused more or less continuously over the whole buccal surface. Sometimes this eruption is isolated, presenting the appearance of ulcerated tuberculae of the size of a pea, less or more. Again the aforesaid patches attain the diameter of a quarter of a dollar, when they may degenerate into ragged and indolent ulcers, thus constituting the worst examples of the disease which are to be met with, and which frequently spring of a chronic neglect, or from that still more deplorable cause — a dyscrasia induced by drugs that have been ignorantly prescribed for their removal.

With this local inflammation, whether it be diffused or isolated, deep-seated or superficial, there are other symptoms which are equally characteristic. Among these there will be found a marked pallor of the surface, resembling chlorosis; a sad and dejected expression of countenance; soft, flabby muscles, while the rotundity of the form remains as in health; anorexia, pyrosis, and other disorders of digestion; a profuse flow of saliva; the tongue is red and smooth: cutting colicky pains from the simplest ingesta; alternations of constipation and diarrhea; strangury, with strong and scalding urine, which is acid to test-paper; palpitation, especially troublesome at night; the secretions are generally normal, the skin soft, but without any sensible perspiration; and, if during lactation, a decided sympathy between the child and its parent, whereby it is discovered to have inherited thus early, some of her more immediate and palpable frailties.

Chronic cases are likely to be accompanied by a diarrhea, which is chargeable to an extension of the specific inflammation to the middle and inferior portions of the alimentary mucous membrane. This symptom is frequently a very perplexing one, as well on account of the increased emaciation and debility which it occasions the general system, as because of its intractable nature, as shown in its alternating with the mouth symptoms, being better when they are worse, and vice versa.

In these examples it is not unusual to discover that all the mucous membranes lining the different interior surfaces of the body partake of this inflammation. Thus the inner coats of the larynx, the trachea, and of the lungs, of the pharynx, esophagus, and of the whole alimentary tract, as well as of the vagina, urethra, etc., etc., are sometimes found to be either separately, or universally involved. Hence there results great disturbances of function, nutrition, etc.; for the destruction of the epithelial scales which marks the invasion of this disease upon local surfaces, interferes very materially with the healthy condition and requirements of those organs which are indirectly but more seriously implicated.

The foregoing symptoms are liable to so frequent modification, both in the order of their succession and their severity, that authors have fancifully described some three to five distinct varieties of the nursing sore-mouth, for which classification, practically speaking, there would appear to be no real necessity. In order, however, the more fully to comprehend the significance and value of these symptoms as displaying the nature of this disease, and as indicating its proper therapeutics, we shall consider a few of them separately.

(a.) Of the buccal symptoms. — These, are the primary and more palpable symptoms of the Stomatitis Materna. There is very little question, however, but that these local phenomena are symptomatic of a more profound disturbance of the general organism; and that, properly speaking, we are to regard them as the certain evidence of some such original disorder. Examples are not wanting in which this disease is believed to have pursued a latent course in the system, during which interval, for a greater or less period of time prior to the development of these symptoms, it has sapped the strength and impaired the functional processes of the economy.

Indeed there is every reason to believe that those cases of digestive and assimilative disorder, incident to utero-gestation, which distress and harass the patient exceedingly while carrying the fetus, and which, subsequent to her confinement, will not unfrequently result in a manifestation of the above local symptoms, are to be referred solely to the existence of a latent stomatitis from the beginning. These examples are perhaps as infrequent as they are invincible, but in the practical experience of those physicians whose opinions are of value, the remark will hold good that it is only through a close and careful study that we may come to appreciate the worth of this class of symptoms, as affording us an index at once to their pathology and treatment.

The peculiar characters which such symptoms present are found to vary with the severity and duration of the complaint. In very mild cases the eruption assumes more of an erythematous appearance, being diffused in patches over the sides of the tongue, and of the cheeks. Or it may consist of small vesicles resembling the Apthae Adultorum of some writers, which vesicles ultimately degenerate into more or less troublesome centres of infection, each showing at its base a hardened and whitish colored ring. These indurations terminate either by cicatrization or ulceration. To this form of the complaint the name of Follicular Stomatitis has been given, for the reason that the peculiar eruption finds its more frequent seat in the mucous follicles of the mouth.

In the more aggravated examples, these apthae upon bursting are very prone to ulceration, especially if the system has been previously depraved in any very considerable degree. They may have located themselves on the sides or the upper surface of the tongue, upon its frenum, or upon the exterior and anterior surfaces of the gums, the cheeks, or elsewhere, and are painful in proportion to the rawness of the surface exposed, and to the depth of the ulceration itself. In a few very severe cases these ulcerations are reputed to have grown very deep, even to the hone, it is said.

Generally speaking, this crop of vesicles and ulcers has a duration of a week to ten days or longer, when they disappear, sometimes very suddenly, leaving the patient with the consoling reflection of restored health. Soon, however, they re-appear, and thus keep coming and going to the mutual annoyance of the physician and patient, or until the former has happily succeeded in ridding her entirely of this troublesome and intractable malady.

As a rule, the more sudden the cicatrization and disappearance of this variety of local symptoms, the greater the reason to suspect a more serious constitutional sympathy, and to anticipate such untoward results as might arise from their sudden metastasis to some neighbouring surface or surfaces. The worst cases are those which the professional tyro would be prone to declare the most readily healed by medical, and especially by local measures. Hence the significant inference that in our treatment, the most prudent course does not always lie in the direction of efforts made to resolve away the local disturbance and suffering, but in keeping an eye also to the liability of their translation, as well as to their safer and more more permanent relief through the employment of constitutional, and more strictly curative means.

(b.) Of the dyspeptic complications. — These symptoms almost invariably take the initiative among those which mark the existence of this variety of stomatitis. This is so literally true that they might with great propriety be styled the primary symptoms, while those which we have already enumerated should take rank as essentially secondary.

In the writer's experience, symptoms of a more or less troublesome indigestion have been among the earliest and most reliable tokens of an incipient sore-mouth. We have seldom witnessed an example of this disease, during maternal lactation, which had not been previously characterized by epigastric uneasiness, anorexia, pyrosis, etc., etc. There are exceptions to the above rule however, in which we shall. find these symptoms are developed, only when the existence of stomatitis is confirmed by the appearance of the peculiar eruption upon the buccal or lingual surfaces. Indeed, there may be such a thing as the sore-mouth running its course without any very decided sympathy of the stomach therewith, but such cases are believed to be rarely met with, as well as necessarily of a very mild nature.

Various reasons have been assigned in explanation of the occurrence of indigestion in this disorder, the more prominent of which consists in the interruption of mastication and deglutition, because of the mouth and throat being involved in the peculiar inflammation. Another has its origin in a transfer of this local disorder to the stomach itself; while a third depends upon the improper character of the food which is chosen. It will, of course, be of considerable importance therapeutically to determine in a given case, which of these or of other causes is the one in question, and how we shall set about forming a correct diagnosis of their more obvious morbid consequences.

(c.) Of the urinary symptoms. — After calling the attention of the physician to the local suffering in the mouth, it frequently happens the patient will voluntarily confess to a troublesome strangury, with considerable smarting and scalding of the urinary passages, either during, or immediately after micturition. These symptoms may have anticipated both the sore-mouth and the diarrhea. Where they are less promptly acknowledged, we shall find upon enquiry that they do really exist.

Testing this excretion will discover it to exhibit an acid reaction, a symptom reputed by some authorities as pathognomonic. Its specific gravity will, in most cases, vary from 1024 to 1030. The acid which is found in excess is the uric acid, or one or another of its salts — the urates of ammonia, soda, etc. Its presence is referred by physiologists to an absorption of certain protein bodies, furnished the system beyond its more immediate necessities.

(d.) Diarrhea. — It will be readily conceded that among the numerous morbid sequelae of pregnancy there are few more troublesome symptoms than an inveterate diarrhea. Especially is this true among patients of a scrofulous or consumptive diathesis. It is this latter class which is most liable to developments of this sort, during attacks of the nursing sore-mouth. Hence it is important to be on the alert for such a symptom, which, while it complicates the case, will almost certainly contribute to augment its danger. The diarrhea may either anticipate or succeed the mouth symptoms already enumerated. Most frequently, however, it will be found to alternate with them in severity, a fact which is significant of a metastasis of the peculiar irritation from the oral, to the intestinal mucous membrane.

Where disorders of digestion or assimilation have preceded the more obvious signs of this affection, we can readily conceive a fit condition of the bowels for the advent of an early and troublesome diarrhea. Sometimes the local inflammation which may have disturbed the stomach in the outset, will have been translated to the lower section of the intestinal tube, thus relieving the former, by so much as it increases the abnormality of function in the latter.

In the great majority of examples of the Stomatitis Materna, this symptom will be present. To the old school physician it constitutes the chief source of alarm, as indeed it is the principal cause for a noted mortality under his administration. It it be borne in mind, however, that the diarrhea which accompanies this variety of the stomatitis, constitutes but a symptom of that disorder; that its essential pathology is analogous to that of the buccal erythema or eruption; its capability of metastasis, or of dangerous modification by harsh measures, and of relief by mild and specific means; there is no real necessity that we conclude it an unfortunate complication, or elect it as a drain to the strength and support of the economy at large. One's increased security under the guidance of the homoeopathic law, as compared with the hap-hazard routine of the old school, is not more gratefully manifest in any other condition of any other disease, than in the one under present consideration. And, it is just here that some of our best cures are performed. We speak as an Allopath who has had occasion to remark, and to confirm the truth of the assertion made, that, for this single disorder, there is nothing in the Therapeutics of the opposite school which will compare, in point of efficiency, with the specific appliances of the homoeopathic method.

2. Of the General Symptoms. — These are for the most part such as imply a debility which is more or less extreme. The more prominent of this order of constitutional phenomena is the anemia. In well-marked examples this symptom is seldom wanting. The patient wears a hue of the complexion which is less waxy and clear than in chlorosis, and with more of the sallow and cadaverous shade in it, than is common to almost any other among ordinary diseases. To one familiar with this tint, there is something peculiar, and which he will recognize at first sight.

The causes of the depraved condition of the blood, which is responsible for this, as well as the remaining constitutional symptoms, have been already enumerated, and it is therefore unnecessary to repeat them in this connection. Excepting the anemia, it is sufficient to refer the general phenomena of, the nursing sore-mouth to the effect of local irritation and suffering, superadded to a cachexia which borders upon the scrofulous, and of which certain morbid symptoms are the most natural fruits. Such physiological perversions of function and of structure are found, however, to be more readily analyzed than ameliorated, and we accordingly pass to the more important divisions of our subject.

IV. Diagnosis — The peculiar circumstances in which the patient is found — enciente, or in one or another of the stages, of recovery from confinement; with the characteristic local symptoms afore-named, will leave but little room for doubt in the diagnosis of the malady.

V. Prognosis. — As the result of a somewhat extended experience in the practice of the Medical Profession, as well as of a wide correspondence with the Fraternity, your Committee cannot conclude this to be a fatal malady, under homoeopathic treatment. Not one of the brethren appealed to has reported a single death from this disease — always excepting, however, their previous experience as Old-School Physicians. Many of them, as is doubtless true of a majority of the members of the Institute, have succeeded in curing cases which have been abandoned by physicians of a different persuasion, and which if left to themselves or to the influence of mistaken advisers, would certainly have succumbed.

In brief, your Committee cannot agree with the sentiment of the following extract, from a report upon this disease, which was presented to the Illinois Medical Society (Allopathic) two years since. The writer, says, that "on the score of its fatality, this disease clearly has claims equal to any known to the profession in the Western part of the United States."

In respect of its fatality, our experience may have been as peculiar, as it has been satisfactory in its results to the patient; but, omitting the details, it certainly establishes the fact of the curability of the Stomatitis Materna by homoeopathic measures. We can conceive of examples in which, by reason of their chronic and inveterate nature, or of a complication of its phenomena with the toxical effects of drugs upon a previously depraved condition of system, the prognosis might be unfavorable; but it is morally certain that, under this new and more successful method of treatment, such a decision is rarely called for in any other class of cases.

We apprehend, however, that in many examples of this disease where physicians have been led to pronounce a genyun avorable prognosis, it has happened that they have confounded the symptoms present with those which characterize the aphthae of advanced phthisis.

The idiopathic sore-mouth of nursing women is not, therefore, a necessarily mortal affection.

VI. Treatment. — This is of three kinds — Constitutional, c al, nd Dietetic.

1. Of the Constitutional treatment. This division of the subject is based upon a proper selection of the true homoeopathic similar, which is appropriate to the relief of the more prominent and characteristic symptoms to be met with in each individual case. There are various remedies which have been recommended as entitled to the rank of specific, by those in whose hands they have been most successfully employed. We shall name these in the order of their importance, pausing only to specify a few of their peculiar pathogenetic features, and confirming their value as best we may by clinical evidences and indications of a practical nature. The first in order is the

Arsenicum album. — The Arsenicum appears in general to be best suited to those examples of the Stomatitis which are to be met with in malarious districts. A majority of these cases are supposed to result from the combined influence of the miasm and of Quinine or other drugs, which are calculated greatly to disorder the healthy nutritive processes of the economy.

Dr. Wm. B. Murch, of Macon City, Mo., after many years experience, considers it a leading indication for this remedy in the nursing of sore-mouth; when this disease occurs in families residing in a malarious district, where the water which is drunk is more or less stagnant, and impregnated with the epidemic causes which are common to such an atmosphere. These cases are marked by a depraved condition of system which is analogous to Typhus, and it is to their relief that Arsenicum appears peculiarly adapted.

Dr. M. views this agent as being still the more strongly indicated in case the local eruption is vesicular in character. in debility, with considerable digestive disorder, he alternates the Arsenicum with small doses of Belloc's charcoal, and has never lost a case. He employs the former in a low attenuation.

Dr. D. T. Brown, of Milwaukie, recommends the Ars. in cases marked by a very considerable dryness and inflammation of the buccal mucous surfaces. Occasionally, where the patient has been greatly exhausted and enfeebled, he has witnessed the best effects from preceding the employment of Ars. by a few doses of the Carbo-vegetabilis.

Dr. W. C. Barker, of Waukegan, III., extols the use of Ars.6, given in alternation with Sulphur^6, once in four hours; in those examples of the nursing of sore-mouth, which are characterized by a very slight and almost imperceptible odor of the breath, along with considerable prostration of the general system.

These hints, subtracted from the correspondence of experienced physicians, would seem to indicate those general features of the S. Materna which demand the use of this agent. It were superfluous to detail the more intimate pathogenetic characteristics of the Arsenicum, since these are already the property of the profession, and in the treatment of particular cases, have necessarily become matters of the most familiar reference.

Belladonna. — Dr. R. B. Clark, of Racine, Wis., records the radical cure of an inveterate example of the nursing sore-mouth by the employment of this one remedy alone. The sixth attenuation was the one chosen. The case had been abandoned as hopeless by several allopathic physicians, and the cure is undoubtedly authentic.

Calcarea Carbonica. — Where we have reason to believe that disorders of digestion in pregnant, or lying-in, women are due to a Stomatitis which may be either latent, or perhaps have so already localized itself that we may remark its real nature; and these symptoms are present in a scrofulous or consumptive habit of body; accompanied by an inveterate diarrhea, which fails to respond to other remedies, we may sometimes prescribe the Calc. carb. with the most happy results. Indeed there are some cases which, in the experience of your Committee, it would seem almost impossible to cure without it.

These examples are marked by such symptoms as the following: — Great dryness of the mouth and tongue, with a sense of roughness and stinging; a dry, bitter, sour, or metallic taste of the mouth; great aversion to boiled food, and to meats in particular; inclination to salt diet, or to eat such forbidden articles as pickles, dirt, chalk, slate-pencils, &c.: strong and unconquerable desire to sleep after dinner or tea; nausea, with acid eructations; vomiting of ingesta; profuse, colliquative diarrhea, the stools being sometimes quite undigested; faintness, with swooning, after stool or exercise; a sudden metastasis of the eruption from the mouth to the alimentary mucous membranes; acidity of the urine, with burning in urethra during micturition, &c., &c.

In cases also where 'it appears desirable to impress the child's system through that of the parent — the mouth and the contiguous mucous surfaces being considerably involved in the diseased action, we may find the Calc. carb. of very great service. We employ it in the third decimal trituration repeated thrice daily.

Mercurius. — The Mercurius has proved very beneficial in certain varieties of this disease. The form to which it seems best adapted is that in which the eruption has assumed the character of ulcers, which, in their nature, are more or less corroding and destructive to the adjacent tissues, — the S. Ulcerosa of the older writers. In curing the most inveterate examples of this peculiar species of the nursing sore-mouth some of our brethren have been remarkably successful. With them, the Merc. vivus appears to have become the favorite preparation.

Dr. Barker recommends that the third attenuation of this latter be given in alternation with Sulphur^6 once in four hours, where the corroding tendency of the ulcers is manifest, and the breath is characterized by a very offensive, putrefactive odor.

Dr. Brown regards a profuse secretion of saliva in this disease as indicating the Mercurius.

We have employed the Merc. iodatus^3, in the S. Ulcerosa, where there was reason to suspect a syphilitic taint of system. For kindred complications, the Merc precip. rub^3., might also be of essential service.

Nitric acid. — This has doubtless been the most popular remedy in use by Homoeopathists in this disease. It has been given in every conceivable manner, under almost every variety of indication, and with results surpassing those which have been recorded of any other constitutional remedy.

Dr. M. Troyer, of Peoria, III., has witnessed the best effects from the raw Nitric acid administered in water thrice daily. He has treated more cases of this disease during the last winter (1859 — '60) than for twelve years before.

Prof. N. F. Cooke, of Chicago, has the utmost confidence in this acid. He, however, considers some examples of the disease to be essentially parasitical; and, for these, regards this remedy as almost a specific.

Dr. R. B. Clarke is in the habit of employing this agent in very many cases, and "would scarcely know how to get on successfully without it."

Additional testimony might be adduced in favor of Nitric acid as among the most promising means of relief for this disease, and your Committee could enumerate examples and evidence in confirmation of its clinical and pathogenetic resources, but want of time and space forbid.

Nux vomica. — In its very incipiency, and especially in cases where this disease is first manifest through perverse disorders of the nutritive system, we have administered the Nux vomica with the best possible effect. After the appearance of the eruption in the mouth, but more particularly after the advent of the diarrheic symptoms, if they be at all serious, we recommend its discontinuance.

We frequently prescribe the Nux vom.3 in alternation with Calc. carb.3, a dose every two hours.

Rhus toxicodendron. — Dr. Davies has succeeded in some obstinate cases by the application of a trituration of the Rhus tox., and an internal use of the attenuations of the same remedy. He triturates the berries of this plant with Sacc. lactis, in the proportion of one berry to ten grains of the sugar, and applies the powder, moistened, through the medium of a thin linen cloth.

Sulphuric acid. — In the experience of your Committee, this is an invaluable remedy for the Stomatitis Materna. We have certainly witnessed the most satisfactory results from its employment. In one example, in which two of our most prominent Allopaths had treated a lady for two months, and told her that she must wean her child, and that it would take her at least a year to recover her health, three visits and a fortnight's use of the Sulph. acid^2 in water, effected a radical cure, and that without weaning the infant, or the employment of any local application whatever.

Our habit is to put twenty-five drops of the second attenuation in half a glass of water, of which two tea-spoonfuls are to be taken once in three hours.

Veronica baccaburga. — Dr. N. F. Prentice, of Freeport, III., has employed this remedy and with the most marked success during the last three or four years. In a letter to the writer, he says: — "Formerly I had a great deal of trouble in the treatment of this disease, and of sore-mouths in children, but during the above-named interval I have used the Veronica (empirically it is true, for I have but a very few provings of it,) almost exclusively, and with universal success. I have been in the habit of giving it internally in the first decimal attenuation, and of applying it locally to the mouth in the proportion of ten to thirty drops in two fluid-ounces of soft water. When they are indicated, I use other remedies in alternation with the Veronica."

2. Of the local treatment. — As might be anticipated, "Doctors will differ" upon this point of practical enquiry. It must suffice to say, in this connection, that in their treatment of this disease, the majority of Physicians, with whom your Committee has corresponded, prefer constitutional to local measures. A few, however, present the claims of some particular topical application, in the strongest possible light. Of these we may mention the following: —

Dr. Wm. Curran, of Hannibal, Mo., recommends the local employment of the Butternut oil (oleum juglandis), which he assures us has remarkable virtues in healing this disorder.

Dr. J. B. Tallcott, of St. Joseph, Mo., extols the Chlorate of Potassa with Glycerine, as composing an excellent wash for the buccal eruption.

Dr. Murch employs the Golden Seal, (Frasera Caroliniensis). He recommends to gargle the mouth well with an infusion of this substance, thrice daily. In case of severe ulcers of the oral mucous membrane, he applies the powder directly to the diseased surface. The infusion forms an excellent application to the mother's nipple, when it is surrounded with little vesicles, and has become almost too tender for the child to nurse the breast at all.

Dr. Barker has the greatest confidence in frequent rinsings of the mouth with simple cold water.

The mischievous results of local treatment already hinted at, are best avoided either by neglecting ail such measures whatever, or by employing only those which we are positive can produce none but a specific effect upon the eruption, healing it without harm to other surfaces or to the system at large. With these latter qualifications, we opine that certain local appliances may sometimes be used with advantage.

3. Of the dietetic treatment. — This is properly divided into that which concerns the mother, and that which is proper for the child

(a.) Of the mother's diet — Without spending time upon the various speculations and theories which have been advanced and' supported by superior minds in the profession, your Committee would declare the conviction that the most important item in reference to this subject, and one which should constantly be born in mind, is that the diet of the patient must be as nutritious as possible. It should consist of an admixture of vegetable and animal food, taking especial pains to omit neither the one nor the other variety of aliment. We have witnessed the best of results from a rich diet of beef tea, or oyster soup, with good, dry, mealy potatoes, and some vegetable acid, — as afforded by baked apples, oranges or a weak lemonade. These latter we almost never deny the patient, and have invariably found them to be as really beneficial as they were grateful to her. The idea that, because she craves these acids, and would perhaps eat of them to excess if allowed, it is therefore best to deny their enjoyment at all, is a cruel relic of the ancient regime. The hint which Nature throws out m such a case, we may always find it safe to adopt; and we shall soon be led to remark that at least nine-tenths of the examples of nursing' sore-mouth which are to be met with, like the Scorbutus, demand an extra supply of vegetable acid, in one form or another.

(b.) Of the diet for the child. — It was at one time recommended indiscriminately, that the infant be taken from the breast immediately upon the advent of this disease. But the opinion of our best modern physicians is adverse to this proceeding, where it can possibly be avoided. As a rule, it is not necessary to wean the child. We have never ordered it; and, unless the mother Were weak and emaciated, with so great a lack of vitality, as at once to impair her power of reaction from the violence of the disease, and of furnishing her offspring a support at all commensurate with its necessities, we could not feel justified in making so unnatural a prescription.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 05-06, 1860, pages 193-201, pages 252-260]

[Description: Stomatitis Materna – a report to be presented to the American Institute of Homoeopathy.]

[Author: Ludlam, R.]

[Year: 1860]

KALMIA LATIFOLIA IN BRIGHTS DISEASE.

BY B. C. MACY, M. D., DOBB'S FERRY, N. Y.

The patient in this case was a little girl about ten years old, of scrofulous diathesis, who from early infancy had frequently taxed to the utmost the skill of her physician.

I was called to see her on the 9th of November, 1859, and found her suffering from general anasarca. The abdomen was greatly distended, and the extremities — especially the lower ones — swelled, apparently, to the utmost capacity of the integuments. She could stand, and even walk, but with much difficulty. I learned from her parents that they had first observed the increase in her Size several weeks before, but did not then suppose it to be a matter of any serious importance; recently, however, it had increased so rapidly as to alarm them. No cause could be assigned.

Finding by careful examination the action of the heart to be normal, I suspected the disease to be in the kidneys. On heating a portion of the urine in a glass tube, it was found to contain so large a proportion of albumen as to form a solid mass, retaining the shape of the tube in which it was heated. The addition of Nitric acid to the urine produced a similar result. The secretion was scanty and rather high colored. She complained of vertigo with occasional pain in the head and a good deal of pain in the lower extremities. — Her complexion was sallow and her skin unnaturally dry.

My first prescription was Apis, which was taken at intervals of four hours during three days without benefit.

November 12th. Gave Apoc. can. (Indian hemp) about one drop, in solution, every four hours with slight improvement, continued only two days.

November 14th. Ars. was given and continued about three weeks, in the 3d, 6th, 12th and 200th potencies. During the first fortnight under this remedy the dropsical symptoms almost disappeared but the albuminuria was persistent, though as the urine was more copious, the proportion of albumen was proportionally less. After the second week however, no further benefit was derived from this drug.

December 5th. Prescribed Hell. nig. This like Ars. seemed to control the anasarca but had no apparent effect upon the quality of the urine. Finding after a week or more the dropsy increasing, discontinued the medicine.

December 16th. Again resumed the Ars., but having in the meantime written to Dr. C. Dunham, of Newburgh, describing the case and asking his advice, I again discontinued its use on the receipt of the following letter:

"I have just received your favor of the 14th inst. If you would carefully examine the urine of your patient with the microscope, you would probably detect casts of the tubuli, blood discs, etc., and determine the existence of Bright's disease. In fact, however, I think that the constant presence of albuminuria for a period of several months leaves no room for a doubt of the presence of some form of Bright's disease.

"I should like an opportunity of examining the urine, chemically and microscopically. * * Your statement of the case suggests to me the propriety of giving Turpentine which has rendered to me (and many others) great service in albuminuria, and which seemed homoeopathically indicated in at least some forms of Bright's disease. I would give the third trit. of Terebin. every four hours, and if no effect followed would give a half drop dose of the Oleum terebinth (as practised by Dr. Kidd). If practicable, a warm bath every other day."

From December 20th to the 30th of January following, the patient took Terebinthina from half-drop doses of Oil of Turpentine to the 200th potency with little or no benefit further then the holding in check the dropsical symptoms. Indeed during the latter portion of this period the quantity of albumen was decidedly increased. In the mean time I had forwarded to Dr. Dunham a vial of the urine and received from him the following reply:

"I received from the station agent at Fishkill a vial of urine sent by you. On examining it, I found it alkaline. — Heat and nitric acid caused copious deposits of albumen. Boiled with caustic potash no precipitate occurred.

"Under the microscope, fibrinous casts in tolerable abundance, large epithelial scales, one prismatic crystal of triple phosphate.

"There can be no doubt of the existence of some form of Bright's disease.

"It is singular that a few hours after I sent my last letter to you, I was called to a case of very similar character. The urine was so loaded with albumen as to become solid when heated. The dropsy very great indeed. I gave Terebinthina^2, one grain in a tumbler of water, a tea-spoonful every four hours. Yesterday the swelling had greatly diminished, the quantity of the urine had increased nearly four fold and there was but a trace of albumen in the urine."

The case had now been under my treatment eighty-two days without any advance toward a cure, for, although the dropsy was held in check by Ars., Terebinth, Hell., etc., the urine was still loaded with albumen, while the strength of the patient had for some time been steadily failing.

I have previously stated that she complained of pain in the lower extremities. This had been a persistent symptom throughout and at times a troublesome one; none of the remedies used had seemed to afford the slightest relief to it. Those familiar with Hering's proving of Kalm. lat, published in Vol. I of the Transactions of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, will remember how prominent was this symptom. Nearly or quite all the provers experienced it, whether the 1st, 2d or 30th potency was used.

January 30th, 1860. Gave Kalmia every four hours.

February 3d. Patient decidedly improved in every respect. The pain in the limbs being relieved for the first time since the commencement of the treatment. For the next five weeks she took Kalm. four times a day, using about a drop of the mother tincture each day. During this period there was a steady improvement from week to week; the dropsy disappeared entirely; the urine on being tested indicated but a small amount of albumen, while the general condition of the patient was very encouraging.

March 8th. Gave Kalmia^3 in solution, four times a day. This was continued eleven days. During the latter part of this period the patient complained of a return of her old pains, and there was found to be a marked increase in the quantity of albumen in the urine.

March 19th. From this time forward to the end of the treatment the mother tincture was used as heretofore, about one drop each day.

On the 30th of April, six weeks afterwards, I again and for the last time examined the urine, both by heat and Nitric acid, and found it free from albumen. The health of the patient seemed to be completely restored. Fearful of a relapse however, I continued the use of the medicine — a fractional part of a drop once each day — for weeks afterwards, but as I took no notes of the case after the 30th of April I cannot say when I ceased to give it altogether.

It will be observed that the patient was under treatment almost six months, but nearly half of that time was lost in the use of medicines which failed to have any curative effect. Reckoning from the first exhibition of Kalmia to the last examination of the urine, when no trace of disease was manifest gives just three months as the time occupied by the cure.

More than two and a half years have since elapsed and the patient still continues to enjoy good health, far better indeed than ever before. She complains a little from time to time of pain in the lower extremities, but not more than is usual with children of her age. I do not recollect having to prescribe for her since her recovery.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 08, 1863, pages 364-367]

[Description: Kalmia Latifolia in Brights Disease.]

[Remedies: Kalmia latifolia]

[Author: Macy, B.C.]

[Year: 1863]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTIONS .

As we design to made the REVIEW a practical as well as a theoretical organ of Homoeopathy, we select from our editorial correspondence the following interesting cases. They are good illustrations of the Homoeopathic Law, and as such, are very welcome to our pages. The authors will observe we have taken the liberty of a slight abridgement, on account of our limited space.

DR. C. H. MASON, CROSSWICKS, N. J., reports the following case occurring in his practice. It affords a good example of the curative effects of Cicuta, when that drug is indicated by the particular symptoms of trismus; and shows its superiority in such affections to Belladonna. The value of Cocculus in difficult deglutition is also shown, when used in alternation with Cicuta: both of which drugs have a strong corresponding relation to this symptom.

Dr. Mason was called on the 19th October last to visit a patient-Miss------, whom he found in great distress, from a spasmodic closure of the jaws, great difficulty in swallowing and considerable nervous excitability. She was a single woman, aged twenty eight, who had some years before given birth to an illegitimate child under circumstances of great mental anxiety, having been abandoned by her lover, and threatened with desertion by her family. Every monthly period since the birth of this child, the patient had suffered extremely, and indeed had often had convulsions from the intensity of her pain. She had never been very bright, and these monthly spasms seemed to render her still less intelligent. Dr. Mason was not able to inform himself of the precise character of these monthly convulsions. They were probably hysterical, but though classed under that name, were nevertheless evidences of a veritable diseased condition of the organs involved. The nervous system was always in a state of erythismus, and this in itself was sufficient evidence of serious trouble: all the more serious if allowed to continue uncured. Dr. M. found his patient with a sore, aching pain through the nape of the neck, shoulders and back; with great soreness in the muscles of the lower jaw, and with the jaws firmly clenched. She was walking about, very restless, in much pain and totally unable to open the jaws. Her menstrual flow had made its appearance on the day before the Doctor was called, and she had had one of her usual spasms in which she continued nearly all the night previous. She had complained during the forenoon of the day on the afternoon of which she was seen, of a soreness and a stiffness of the muscles of the lower jaw, when suddenly about noon the jaws became clenched, and most immovably fixed.

A spoonful of a solution of the third dillution of Belladonna was given the patient every three hours. On the 20th October patient having seemed to remain about the same, with the additional symptom of headache, Bell. 6th was given with hardly any better result. On the day after (the 21st.) Cicuta was administered in the 6th potency, a dose given once in three hours.

On the 22nd. A very marked improvement had occurred. Headache was better, and the spirits in some measure revived. The jaws however still remained firmly clinging together.

On the 23rd, the pains in the shoulders and arms, before alluded to, were intensely aggravated, as was also the soreness and pain in the lower jaw. Her headache was much worse again, and the deglutition which had very much improved since the first day, was now exceedingly troublesome.

Cicuta was continued, and Cocculus was also given, both in the 6th potency, in alternation with one another. A lotion of chloroform linement, which the Dr. thought would assist to palliate the distressing trismus, was once in three hours applied to the jaw. After twelve hours the patient was well enough to talk. In twelve hours more she could open her mouth an inch, and shortly after, all the soreness and stiffness in the jaw and the muscles attached to it entirely disappeared. The patient had been in the habit of using large doses of Opium and Asafetida during the height of her previous menstrual suffering.

By a reference to Cicuta and Cocculus, the reader will find "Trismus, Constrictive sensation in the gullet, which seems to be paralysed-Cramps in the masseters-Tension as from a wound in the muscles of the neck-etc., etc.," put down in their Pathogenesis, thus justifying the prescription and ensuring the success of the remedies employed.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 05, 1859, pages 204-206]

[Description: Trismus, difficult deglutition, menstrual problems, nervous excitability.]

[Remedies: Cicuta virosa, Belladonna, Cocculus indicus]

[Author: Mason, C.H.]

[Year: 1859]

ACTION OF THE

Fluorides on the Animal Economy.

BY M. E. MAUMENE.*[Chemist Now Series, Vol. 2.]

Notwithstanding all the endeavors made to discover the real origin of goitre, we must say that, hitherto, no instructive results have been obtained. Experiment has explained nothing, theory has been equally useless. The latter has produced two different opinions; one attributes goitre to a special and undefined action of a peculiar substance, sometimes injurious, as magnesia sometime absent, and no longer exercising its preservative influence, as iodine. The other system supposes this affection to depend upon a union of causes more or less numerous, and especially more or less local.

This we cannot at present decide about, still we may venture to give the preference to the first system, when we find goitre develop itself rapidly by the action of certain waters. Some young men have been known to give themselves goitre in two or three months to escape the conscription; successive families have been found to be attacked with goitre when they occupied habitations on certain streams; even animals developing goitres in these conditions. If these facts are well proved, they appear to me to contradict the system of numerous influences, and they also afford a strong argument against the theory of iodine; but they especially lead to the supposition that goitre is the direct effect of the action of substances held in solution in the water.

To decide the question, the best plan would be, I think, to try on animals, the influence of the salts whose presence has been proved in certain waters, and of whose action on the health we are far from being certain.

The fluorides should be placed in the first rank of suspected matters: and no analysis has shewn these bodies in the waters of countries in which goitre is common; but to suppose that the chemists who have examined those waters may have omitted fluorine in their investigations will do them no injustice. It is not impossible that the fluorides may have some action on the health of those subject to goitre. In any case their study might be useful in a toxicological point of view. The result given by experiment is as follows: –

A small dog was subjected to the following diet: I each day mixed finely pulverized natural fluoride of calcium with its food: at first 5 milligrammes, then 10, 15, up to 50. On the first few days the animal vomited shortly after taking it; afterwards it only vomited at intervals, and a long time after eating. Fearing the mechanical influence of the sharp edges of the solid fluoride, I prepared a metrical solution of fluoride of soda, of which I employed a specified quantity on each day. I began with 20 milligrammes, and gradually raised the dose to 120 milligrammes. The animal shewed a slight hesitation at first, because the liquid mixed with the food was not sufficiently disguised; but, after a few days, I poured the fluoride into coffee: from this time the salt was taken without the least difficulty, and with the same avidity as if the coffee had been perfectly pure. During more than four months that the dog took more than 10 grammes of fluoride of sodium, it appeared to suffer no discomfort, in fact, to be quiet well. At last a general enlargement of the neck took place, forming a sort of collar or swelling, which attracted the notice of strangers.

Unfortunately the experiment was interrupted by the disappearance of the dog, and I was for several months without news of it. The swelling has not disappeared: at the present moment, after the lapse of five years, it no doubt exists, but the dog has become very fat, and the enlargement of the throat is no longer visible.

Was this enlargement a goitre? I think so. As I have been unable to make further experiments, I have thought it best to publish this without further delay.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 05, 1859, pages 212-214]

[Description: Action of the Fluorides on the Animal Economy.]

[Author: Maumene, M.E.]

[Year: 1859]

THE ACTION OF GLONOINE. *[Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, 64, 49.]

BY DR. VEIT MEYER, LEIPZIG.

Acquaintance with our Materia Medica is the, vital point of all homoeopathic knowledge. It is, therefore, greatly to be lamented that so many of our younger Homoeopathists regard this as a bagatelle of which it is impossible and not worth while to make a deep study; it is a pity that these colleagues should still be held under the influence of the pestilential vapor of skepticism and objectivity which they have inhaled in the pathological-anatomical hospitals'; and instead of making their attainments in pathology and diagnosis available for the development of Homoeopathy, regard the former as the most important requisites for the practitioner, and consider Therapeutics, on the other hand, as a sort of contingent accessory; for which reason too they seem to be content with a knowledge of some of the most obvious and most frequently encountered properties of Aconite, Bell., Puls., etc., without concerning themselves about the peculiar treasures of our Materia Medica. Against such a treatment of Homoeopathy, we must protest again and again until a reform is effected. But in regard to our Materia Medica, we older Homoeopathists are not quite clear of reproach. We do not devote industry enough to it and we allow many a grain of gold to lie in it unsought and unused. And we especially deserve this reproach with reference to the newer provings, among which unquestionably those of Hering take first rank. "What does it profit, if we express in words our admiration of the industry and devotion of the provers instead of testifying our thanks by deeds, by verifications at the bedside. There lies before us a large volume of new provings, and how little have we as yet availed ourselves of them! Had not one of our own most skilful students of Materia Medica, Wolf in Berlin, called attention in so eloquent and convincing a manner to the practical value of Apis mellifica, who knows whether this widely acting and inestimable remedy might not still be lying quietly in its grave along with the rest? It is all the more incumbent upon us to make ourselves familiar with Hering's provings, because they avoid, as much as possible, the deficiencies that have been charged against the provings of Hahnemann (the failure to give the day-book, the size of doses, etc.), and in the schema of symptoms many changes have been introduced which facilitate the search for any special symptom.

If we carefully read the individual provings and the pathognomonic effects of Glonoine, we shall have no great difficulty in apprehending the complete picture of its action upon the human organism. This may be depicted in its general features in a very few words. It is in fact a Hyperaemia, in some parts very turbulent, or an active congestion of the organs which lie above the diaphragm. Its primary action, which is very speedily manifest, consists in the excitement of a storm in the vascular system. The blood is driven to the upper parts of the body with greater rapidity and increased force, the capillaries are overfilled and distended, the reflux of the blood is impeded and so there arises a hyperemic condition of the first degree. It is true the Glonoine congestion is rather fugitive in its character and short in duration, that is to say, we soon see the increased vascular activity returned to its normal grade and so the congestive symptoms disappear again, but nevertheless the Glonoine-Hyperaemia is not only accompanied but also followed by all those symptoms which are peculiar to congestions that depend on other causes. Thus we find connected with it, loss of consciousness, syncope, increased warmth and abnormal sensations, heaviness, fullness, oppression and pains of the most various character. As sequelae attending the reaction, we have in this case, as after hyperemia depending upon other causes, relaxation of muscular tone, lassitude, which, as already said, may amount even to syncope, trembling, indications of spasm and finally a paretic condition. Even the mucous membranes are affected by this hyperaemia as is shown, at first, by their abnormal dryness and subsequently by increased secretion. The same is true of the alimentary tract although its functions are involved to a less extent. The action does not go so far, it is true, as to produce hemorrhages and exudations, but it cannot be doubted that, by a longer continued use of the remedy and a longer maintenance of the congestion produced by it, these phenomena would be induced.

Let us now seek to fill up this general outline of the effects of Glonoine by its special characteristic phenomena, and to discover the peculiarities which mark the hyperaemia of Glonoine. Inasmuch, however, as the circumspect physician makes it his first business to discover the focus and primary seat of the disease, so must we, if we are striving to get a clear insight into the pathological action of any remedial agent, first of all seek to discover what organs are first affected by its medicinal power. If we do this now, we shall find that Glonoine attacks first and by preference the central organ of the circulation — the Heart — and from this point forth, its other effects are developed in stormy haste.

This primary attack then manifests itself, first, by a painful feeling of fullness and constriction in the cardiac region, which sometimes extends the throat and simultaneously with which the pulse decreases in frequency Soon however comes a feeling of heat in the heart, it is freed from its condition of spasmodic constriction, its activity is increased, the impulse of the heart is perceived by means of the stethoscope to be loud, stronger and irregular, indeed it is often so violent that it may be heard through the clothing. Of course, this increased force of circulation is observable in the larger vessels and throbbing of the carotid and temporal arteries and distension of the jugular veins are distinctly visible. The pulse corresponds to the above symptoms; it increases rapidly in frequency and fullness so that it sometimes leaps from 60 to 120 beats; only in now and then a single case is an alternation between slowness and frequency of the pulse remarked; sometimes the pulsations are irregular or intermittent; in rare instances the pulse is dicrotos and thready. The violent pulsation is not confined to the arteries which are visible. It is felt in the neck, the ends of the fingers and even through the whole body, which fact makes the frequent feeling of anxiety and restlessness easy to comprehend.

Along with this vascular storm, certain painful sensations exist in the heart itself, which are described sometimes as sharp, sometimes as extending through to the supra-scapular muscle. But these are hardly noteworthy in comparison with the pains which Glonoine produces in the head.

Very soon after the beginning of this vascular excitement, the congestion of the brain manifests itself.

A feeling of fullness and heaviness, as if from a weight, and which extends as far as the eyes and ears, is very soon experienced. Then comes a feeling, as if all the blood in the body had ascended to the head, as if the head were constricted by a band, as if something distended the brain in all directions, as if the head were too long and the cranium too small, as if the head would burst, as if the brain itself moved when the head is shaken, and as if warm water were trickling down the forehead. At the same time there is a constant heat of the face and, along with either painful or painless throbbing, the head is confused as if from drunkenness.

Among the varieties of pain in the head, squeezing and pressure are the most prominent and most frequent, and this sensation of pressure has the following peculiarity: that its direction is, for the most, from below upwards and from within outwards. In addition to the pressing pain, others are observed though in a less degree and less frequently, such as sticking, cutting, jerking, soreness and a bruised sensation in the head and among these the feeling of soreness appears most frequently. In one prover it was so severe that he feared to move his head with any considerable freedom, because motion produced a feeling as though his head would fall in pieces.

All of these varieties of pain, especially the pressing and squeezing, may reach so excessive a severity as to bring the provers to a state of desperation, and when the pressive pain is in the occiput to cause failure of the senses. Indeed the severity of the pains causes sometimes syncope and loss of consciousness with sweat.

The locations of these head-pains is generally the forehead, often over only one eye, but not unfrequently also in the temples, vertex and occiput. Sometimes the pain begins in the occiput and proceeds thence to the vertex and forehead, so that several provers have remarked a kind of wavelike ascending of the blood from the heart through the nape of the neck into the head.

Among the concomitant phenomena of the headaches, we must call especial attention to the vertigo which sometimes comes after the headache, but is most apt to arise on stooping, shaking the head or inclining it backwards or when stepping into the open air (?) and then may be compared with the sensation which is sometimes experienced when we first step ashore after a long journey in a boat. The headache is accompanied by general heat or by heat of the face only, accelerated and hard pulse which is often felt in the head. Nor are even the nausea and vomiting which not unfrequently attend severe cephalgia wanting in these cases.

In the eyes a feeling of heat and confusion is noticed; they become injected and protrude, the pupils being dilated; the lower lids are reddened, puffed and have sometimes a darkened appearance, or a blue ring under them. The eye itself is unsteady and trembles; occasionally it is staring. Sparks and flashes of light, or else a cloud appear before the eyes and affect the powers of vision. Heaviness, pressure, sticking and soreness in the eyes and the orbits sometimes accompany the above described phenomena.

The external ear becomes redder than usual and the congestion of blood in the part induces a feeling of sticking. A further consequence of the congestion of the organ of hearing is a buzzing, ringing, hissing, a feeling of fullness and obstruction in the ears, which may also give rise to a certain degree of deafness.

The congestion extends sometimes even into the nose as is shown by the sensations of twitching-pains and of fullness in that organ.

In the teeth, a painful pulsation is experienced, and in the malar bones and maxillae a more indefinite or twitching pain with a feeling of stiffness. Similar sensations are experienced in the nape of the neck.

Inasmuch as the central organ of the circulation is first and most of all affected by the action of Glonoine, it is not to be wondered at that at the same time with the headache or shortly after it, the thoracic organs should be drawn into sympathy. A feeling of disquiet, of oppression of the chest and of constriction as if with chains, superficial and accelerated respiration, dyspnea with disposition to deep inspiration and sighing, and here and there sticking pains in the chest are among the symptoms of Glonoine.

The symptoms already enumerated bear the distinct impress of hyperaemia, but the circumstances and conditions under which the head-affections are aggravated or ameliorated, furnished additional evidence of the purely, congestive character of the action of Glonoine.

The headache is aggravated by moving and shaking the head, with this peculiarity that it is aggravated not by violent, but rather by moderate and gentle shaking; also by stooping; by going up and down stairs when every step is felt like a shock in the head; also by long and steadfastly looking at an object, by writing, reading, mental exertion, tobacco smoking, after being overheated, and after dinner; finally, according to an observation of Hering upon himself, it is worse after an expiration, especially if the following inspiration be delayed.

On the other hand the Glonoine headache is relieved by rest, by lying down, by sleep, in the open air and by compressing the head bo that one prover had a band tied tightly about his head for the relief of an exceedingly severe pain.

From all of these symptoms it is very clear that the entire action of the drug in question consists in an increased propulsion of the blood, especially towards the organs which lie above the diaphragm.

In the sequelae moreover, a true picture is developed of such phenomena as are wont to manifest themselves after violent or long continued congestion. If, for example, the Glonoine-hyperaemia is of long duration or if it is kept up by repeated doses of the drug, the mucous membranes participate in the morbid affection. Coryza appears; the secretion of saliva and of mucus is increased; a feeling of heat and burning in the fauces arises, and at last there is clear evidence that the whole digestive tract is involved. The tongue has a white coat; it appears large and somewhat swollen; the papillae project as if raw, with a biting and sticking pain. Nausea and retching set in, with pressing, gnawing and a sensation of emptiness and soreness and a restlessness in the stomach, stickings in the hypochondria, cutting, pinching, and rumbling in the intestines, flatulent distension and for the most thin stool. The secretion of urine is increased.

If now we take a wider survey we perceive that the nervous system is secondarily affected. Despite the fact that the Glonoine-hyperaemia is rather of fugitive character, and is easily removed by resolution so that the disturbances are again set at rest by a speedy reflux of the blood from the overfilled organs, nevertheless many facts indicate that, whether in consequence of the pressure exercised upon the brain and medulla oblongata by the congestion, or by reason of the anaemia of other parts which is a correlative result of the hyperaemia of the congested organs, the nervous system is disturbed in many of its functions.

We find, accordingly, in the nervous sphere of sensibility, pains in the whole spine, in the sacral region, in the shoulders whence the pain extends into the arms and occurs with especial violence in the dorsum of the hand in the metacarpus of the middle finger; also pains in both elbows in the ulnar nerves, in the ulnar side of the wrist joint, in the inner side of the right middle finger from the metacarpus outwards, on the lateral parts of the knees under the patella, in the calf, in the heel and along the sciatic nerve.

But the consequences of the hyperaemia which has taken place, are much more distinctly pronounced in the region of the motory nervous system. As after every strong excitement a corresponding and opposite reaction follows, so is it here also. Soon after the hyperaemia has reached its climax and the distended vessels begin to empty themselves, a sense of exhaustion and weakness begins to be felt throughout the whole body, which seems somewhat like the sensation after a violent fright; but it is especially the joints of the extremities and the extremities themselves which are seized with a kind of weakness and trembling; the legs and knees refuse their office and give way; the limbs totter; the hip and knee joints crack in walking. But this feeling of weakness and want of power are not all. There are not lacking many indications of the beginning of a paretic condition. — A creeping sensation is felt, like the streaming of electricity through the whole body, an unpleasant nervous feeling of disquiet in the arms and hands requiring them to be kept continually moving and turning, heaviness in the arms, which when they are hanging down cannot be lifted up again above the head, numbness and weight in the arms which really render it difficult to move them, numbness and feeling of fatigue in the left arm with stiffness of the middle finger-joints, numbness of the left leg and thigh, and finally when prover is sitting the legs easily "go to sleep."

The above would serve as a condensed picture of the action of Glonoine upon the healthy human body, in so far as this action has as yet been investigated. Assuredly this remedy is worthy of a repeated and more extended proving, to which indeed Constantine Hering has himself invited us, for it may with the greatest probability be assumed that the sphere of its action would prove to be much more extensive than that with which we are at present acquainted. Mean-while, however, on the basis of our present knowledge of it, its clinical valuation must be by no means a very limited one.

If we enquire now; in what morbid conditions Glonoine may be administered in accordance with the homoeopathic principle, congestive headache of a severe grade would certainly take first rank, such headache as frequently ensues after violent mental or emotional excitement, such as fright, anger, etc., the first hurtful influences of which appears like wise to be exerted upon the nerves which control the functions of the heart.

We should also be inclined at least to test its efficacy in those cases in which hyperaemia (attended with pain) of the upper organs of the body depends upon a modification of the function of the heart resulting from internal pathological causes. Even in congestions caused by hypertrophy of the left side of the heart, the administration of Glonoine might be recommended at least by way of experiment; especially since we have a slight indication for such a use of it in symptoms 636 of Hering's proving, viz.: "636. In the evening, after lying down, an anxious feeling in the region of the heart, with throbbing, a purring noise and intermittent pulse; he must lie with the head elevated; intolerable when lying on the left side, better when lying on the right side; after getting up and walking about, it passes away. The same sensations after dinner when leaning against the chair for three months"The long duration, as well as the concomitants of this symptom, among which the purring noise may be specified in particular, justify the assumption that in this case, an important organic lesion of the heart had already previously taken place. Furthermore some essays might be made with Glonoine in cases of Pericarditis and Carditis, when with these are associated congestive conditions and when our already well proved and trusty remedies have left us in the lurch, even if it were only in the expectation of overcoming certain single symptoms, for, if we hold ourselves strictly to the physiological results of provings, the cure of inflammations does not seem to lie within the sphere of the action of Glonoine.

In the same symptomatic way it might be tried also in cases of Encephalitis and Hydrocephalus acutus as well as in the so-called cerebral typhus. In cases of sunstroke it has already, according to several communications from America, accomplished remarkable results.

But I regard Glonoine as of the greatest importance, in a therapeutic point of view, in cases of threatening cerebral apoplexy. When the following symptoms appear as precursors of that affection, viz.: violent headache, fugitive redness and heat of the face or head, exaltation or depression of spirit, feeling of anxiety or distress in the chest, violent palpitation of the arteries of the head and neck, vertigo and confusion of the head, sparks, flashes of light and a cloud before the eyes, humming in the ears, general lassitude and heaviness of the limbs, restless sleep and frightful dreams, etc., etc., — we. should not, in such cases delay having recourse to the powerful action of Glonoine, for it is possible that we may still succeed in calming the storm before a vessel has given way and apoplexy has ensued. I would therefore recommend most earnestly a trial of this remedy in such like cases of threatening apoplexy. In such essays; however, most especial attention must be directed to the size of the dose, which should be such as to obviate any chance of a primary action. For too large a dose might easily increase to a still greater extent the tension of the vessels, and this, even though it should last the shortest possible time, might yet bring about a result altogether contrary to our expectations, for in such cases the question is often one of instants of time.

But, how far Glonoine may exert a curative action, when an extravasation of blood has already taken place, must for the present be regarded as an open question. Assuredly the proving contains, as we have seen, no small number of symptoms which bear a certain resemblance to the conditions which follow an apoplexy, but these are only faint traces and intimations. Nevertheless we may not too decidedly depreciate their value, for we must not forget that every physiological proving has its limits, and these cannot and ought not to be transgressed without enduring injury to the provers.

We may, nevertheless, assume at present, with tolerable certainty that Glonoine will verify its curative power in relation to all those conditions of debility and paretic phenomena of which we took a comprehensive view, when treating of its action on the motory nervous system.

Whether, on the other hand, it be likely to render any service in certain kinds of spasms, such as Epilepsy and Eclampsia, we must the rather leave to clinical experience, inasmuch as the symptoms which seem to bear on this point, to wit; "convulsions, especially on the left side, with outstretched fingers" — "falling with loss of consciousness with congestion of head or heart, face first pale and then red" — and, "falling with loss of consciousness and jerkings and frothing at the mouth after alternation of palpitation and cerebral congestion" — were observed only as curative symptoms of Glonoine on two patients. It likewise remains a question, how much aid Glonoine is likely to afford in certain mental disorders.

More than this we may not venture to deduce from the physiological proving that lies before us if we would not betake ourselves to the region of the Hypothetical. But I am of opinion that if Glonoine make good its promises only in the affections already named, we possess in it a most precious remedy for which our heartiest thanks are due to our colleague — Dr. Hering.

In conclusion, I take leave to call attention in few words to certain obvious points of differential diagnosis between Glonoine and two old and well approved remedies of our Materia Medica — I mean Aconite and Belladonna. It may not be denied that both of these remedies present a great similarity to Glonoine in its chief action, for both produce, as is well known, a high grade of hyperaemia, which, when superficially regarded, seems hardly distinguishable in its elements, course and sequelae from the congestion produced by Glonoine. On a more attentive consideration however the differences are easily perceived. While, for example, as we have already shown, Glonoine makes its attack only upon the central organ of the circulation, or, to speak physiologically, upon the motory nerves of the heart, Aconite and Belladonna attack the ganglionic system and exert their action in an especial manner upon the whole vaso-motory nervous system. It naturally follows that they likewise, by such action, produce violent hyperaemiae, but aside from the fact that these present themselves with different phenomena, the description of which would lead us too far from our purpose, they differ in other important respects from the Glonoine-hyperaemiae. As we have already seen, the latter have a definite direction marked out for them and their peculiar rendezvous is the head, whereas the congestion of Aconite and Belladonna may establish itself in almost every organ. But even if the latter take up its position in the head, a clearly marked difference is discernable. The Glonoine affection is of a more fugitive and superficial nature. That of Aconite and especially that of Belladonna is of a more lasting and intense character. Notwithstanding the fact that the Glonoine pains, when they are first experienced, are of a more violent and tormenting character than is generally the case with Aconite and Belladonna, yet the concomitant phenomena show that the onslaught of Glonoine is much the lighter and less energetic. It would seem to me then as though the congestion produced by Glonoine might perhaps affect only the vessels of the external head or at most those of the meninges, while both the other remedies affect the vasa cerebri and the brain itself. We therefore see so frequently under the two latter remedies, as concomitants of the congestions, delirium, hallucinations, coma, etc., and on this account the sequelae of the hyperaemia of Aconite and Belladonna are of greater gravity, viz.: hemorrhages, extravasations, real paralysis, spasms and convulsions. But of all this train of phenomena, we find under Glonoine nothing at all, or, as already remarked, only slight traces of beginnings.

The most essential distinction, however, seems to me to be this, that the hyperaemia of Aconite and Belladonna seems to require only one step farther to result in inflammation, and that straightway the whole arterial system is brought into a condition of excitement, whereas, on the other hand, the physiological proving of Glonoine shows not the slightest trace of inflammation or fever.

We might therefore briefly express ourselves as follows: Whereas Glonoine, in comparison with the two other remedies, exerts a more local and fugitive influence, the action of Aconite and Belladonna is of a more general and a more intense character, inasmuch as it speedily brings into sympathy the whole vascular and nervous system and consequently far outstrips Glonoine in its extent and consequences.

D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 06-07, 1862-1863, pages 273-279, pages 314-319]

[Description: The Action of Glonoine.]

[Remedies: Glonoinum]

[Author: Meyer, V.]

[Year: 1862]

RHEUMATISM OF THE ARM AND RHEUMATIC COCCYGODYNIA CURED BY APIS.

BY DR. FRANZ MINNICHREITER.

Anna Walter, widow, 42 years old, brunette, of good constitution, the mother of two children born without accident, had fifteen years ago suffered from hepatitis attended with considerable enlargement of the liver. She was a long time recovering from this attack, and as a sequel she suffered from various gastric and flatulent disorders which after being treated allopathically for two years at last disappeared. In 1855, in consequence of a rheumatic affection of the right arm she visited the baths of Deutsch-Altenburg, and after taking ten baths returned much benefited. Four years later, when serving as child's nurse in Horpats, the pain returned in the month of December in consequence, as she supposed, of carrying the child so much, during the sleepless nights, upon the arm. Frictions with French brandy, which she employed of her own accord, were of little service. In February of the following year, the pain which, "sticking" in character, fixed itself in the right deltoid muscle, radiated thence to the scapula and to the elbow-joint, and was aggravated by lifting and by motion. The pains increasing daily and the patient being no longer able to raise the arm to the head, she applied to me for aid on the 17th of February.

On this day, after a walk, the patient had been seized with a sticking pain in the right side of the chest in the region of the fifth rib which was increased by moving the arm and the body, extended to the upper part of the ensiform cartilage and somewhat impeded respiration. I ordered Apis mellifica, third dilution, three drops in a half glass of water, a tea-spoonful to be taken every three hours. On the next day the pains in the chest and the difficulty of breathing had completely ceased.

On the 19th of February she took cold again, and towards evening was seized with a burning pressing pain in the region of the os coccygis, which was much aggravated by any attempt to sit down. On the morning of the 20th I was called to see her. In addition to the above mentioned symptoms which had become worse daring the night, she complained also of stiffness in the back and of sticking pains in the fore-arm, with a paralysed feeling. She also stated that before going to bed, the evening before, she had had a hard shivering fit The pulse was not feverish; she had but little appetite.

I had recourse again to Apis, and prescribed ten drops of the fifteenth dilution in a half glass of water, of which a tea-spoonful was to be taken every two hours. The next day the pains in the back and sacral region were not diminished; she felt burning pains in both lower extremities, from the thigh to the ankles, so that she could not move the feet — the least movement, even that of the hands, increased the pains. On the 21st, in the afternoon, headache and sleeplessness supervened. The pulse was not febrile, but the temperature of the skin had increased. I nevertheless continued the Apis, and on the 23d a profuse sweat occurred, after which improvement began and continued so that on the 1st March she was free from pain and able to resume her work. As soon as she began to improve, I increased the interval between the doses and finally gave but one dose daily.

I was induced to use the bee-poison, in this case, by the number of symptoms which point to Rheumatism in the physiological proving of Dr. Const. Hering.

[Allg. Hom. Zeitung, 63, 195.]

Remarks. — Among the symptoms of Apis which resemble those of Rheumatism in general, and of this case in particular the following may be cited, Hering's Amerikanische Arzneiprufungen, Vol. I, p. 171 to 376.

866. Tensive pain in the left shoulder which extends up to the nape.

867. Pain in the right shoulder and fore-arm and pressure upon the chest.

868. Drawing pains through the arms, beginning in the shoulder.

874. Drawing pains in the arms, which begin in the shoulders and extend to the ends of the fingers.

876. Numbness and tingling in both arms, especially the left.

991. General feeling of lassitude.

993. All other symptoms are attended by a constant feeling of lassitude and depression.

998. General paralytic feeling especially in the limbs.

841. Stiffness in nape and sacral region.

842. Violent rheumatic stitches in muscles of the right side of the neck, aggravated by moving the head towards the right side.

866. Stiffness in sacral region.

852. Peculiar and great weakness of the whole back, on both sides of the spinal column — she could not lie on the back. Dunham.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 02, 1862, pages 83-85]

[Description: Rheumatism of The Arm and Rheumatic Coccygodynia Cured by Apis.]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: Minnichreiter, F.]

[Year: 1862]

CASE OF MALFORMATION OF THE HEART.

BY A. R. MORGAN, M. D., SYRACUSE, N. Y.

On Monday forenoon, 9th December, 1861, was called to see F. H., boy aged ten, inmate of the Onondaga Co. Orphan Asylum. He awoke about midnight with retching and vomiting, high fever, thirst and inability to sit up without aggravating all his symptoms. Upon examining what had been voided from his stomach, found an Ascaris lumbricoides. Fever unabated, starts and jerks during sleep. Aconite^6 and Cina^30 alternating them two hours apart, until an amelioration of symptoms occurred, then lengthen the interval.

10th. Upon entering the room, my attention was instantly attracted by the violent and tumultuous action of the carotids. Auscultation revealed a loud, rude and continuous "bruit de souffle" occupying the time of both beats of the heart and completely supplanting them, something between the gentle blowing sound and the rough or grating sound. This "blowing" or gushing (perhaps expresses it better) was distinctly audible in the carotids, scarcely distinguishable in remote portions of the lungs, uniformly loud and distinct all over surface of the heart; complains of uneasiness in region of the heart. Anxious expression of countenance; less fever than yesterday; nausea and vomiting continued, aggravated by eating and drinking; face and eyes red and swollen; pulse rapid and feeble; respiration accelerated and moaning, murmur distinct not abnormal. The least movement, such as turning over in bed or rising up, aggravates all the symptoms. Complains of excessive soreness of flesh, outside right thigh near the knee; also a spot upon radial side of the left fore arm, near the wrist. No redness of the skin in these localities. General turgescence of the veins, mottled and blue appearance of the skin on the extremities. Says never had rheumatism. Diagnosis, Carditis with constriction of aortic orifice. Aconite^6 four doses, half an hour a part, followed by Ars. 6 every two hours.

11th. Dr. Wm. A. Hawley, of this city, saw the patient with me. Symptoms about the same as yesterday, except a slight second sound of the heart could be distinguished through the continuous blowing sound. Pulse less frequent, feeble; tongue red; papillae elevated; face and eyes red and swollen; painful deglutition; complains less of soreness of flesh, but of occasional erratic sharp pains in the extremities. Can't bear to be moved, stiffens himself out "like a log" upon an attempt to move him. Nausea, moaning and sighing respiration; restless fretful. Mind wandering; talkative delirium, particularly on first waking; anxious, troubled expression of countenance; mottled appearance and blueness of skin increased; veins distended. Bell.6. Lach.30, alternate every two hours. If fever arises, discontinue and give Acon.6 every half hour until it subsides and return.

12th. No particular change. Continued medicine at lengthened interval.

13th. Dr. H. again in consultation. No better. Great prostration; nausea; sighing; laborious respiration; pulse very feeble; extremities cold and blue; cyanosis. Heart's action slow and labored; eyes dull and fixed; brows knit; bellows sound continuous and loud; cold perspiration on moving him. Says he feels pretty well. Ars.2, trituration, every hour. He continued gradually sinking and expired at ten o'clock, p.m.

Autopsy. — Blood had gravitated to a very unusual extent, rendering about one-half of the body a dark blue, gradually increasing in color until reaching the back, where it was a very deep blue black.

Lungs thoroughly engorged with black blood. Upon opening the pericardium we found about two table-spoonfuls of a sero-purulent fluid. The surface of heart gave evidence of severe inflammatory action, more intense towards its base. Two or three dark ecchymosed spots were found on the auricles and one nearly encircling the aorta at its origin, that tube being constricted to two-thirds its normal size.

The walls of the left ventricle were hypertrophied to about one-half an inch in thickness, indicating that the constriction of the aorta was not of recent occurrence. A stout fibrinous mass was found in the right ventricle, distending one of the tricuspid valves and firmly attached to the septum ventriculorum. We were surprised at not finding more decided evidence of acute inflammation of the heart itself.

After a long examination, completely puzzled by the strange incompatibility between the symptoms and pathological condition, unable to account for the phenomena existing before death and unwilling to adopt the humiliating conclusion that the pathological evidences were insufficient to satisfactorily account for the boy's death, we concluded to make one more effort to discover the cause.

The left ventricle had been laid open through its middle, so that upon separating the edges of the incision, one of the mitral valves remained extended upon the septum. We, having found the valves normal, had not disturbed them farther.

Upon carefully lifting this valve upon the handle of the scalpel, we discovered an orifice perforating the septum, opening through into the right ventricle, coming out directly under the tricuspid valve; a slight but firm tendinous band extended from the superior surface of the opening in the right ventricle, and attached itself to the under surface of one of the tricuspid valves.

This opening, twice the diameter of an ordinary goose-quill, afforded a direct communication between the two ventricles, so as to easily embarrass the actions of both mitral and tricuspid.

I have not been able to find an autopsy reported, where this continuous "bruit de suffle" had been observed.

This was unquestionably a congenital malformation permitting under certain circumstances a mixture of venous and arterial blood, for although the boy had been considered healthy, yet it had been frequently observed that his face would become "flushed" to a very unusual degree, upon over-exertion or upon mental excitement.

A reprimand by his teacher at school would produce a remarkable and persistent dark discoloration of his face. This can be accounted for only on the ground of partial cyanosis.

That this anomalous condition of the heart was the indirect cause of death is evident from the moribund phenomena. — There was imperfect circulation of deoxygenated blood.

The blood was obstructed in its exit from the left ventricle by the constriction of the aorta, while there was regurgitation at both the mitral and tricuspid valves, and a "damming up" of the venous system.

Evidently a portion of the venous blood passed through the orifice from the right to the left ventricle, and entered directly into the circulation without being exposed to the aerating process.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 01, 1862, pages 33-36]

[Description: Case of Malformation of The Heart.]

[Author: Morgan, A.R.]

[Year: 1862]

FIDELITY. [Address before the Onondaga Co. (N. Y.) Homoeopathic Medical Society, 1865.]

By A. R. Morgan, M.D., Syracuse, N. Y.

In discussing the subject who is a Homoeopathician, we find a wide range of opinion, ranging from that requiring absolute fidelity to each and every ripe idea held by Hahnemann, down to the frivolous pretext that the mere use of homoeopathic medicines is sufficient.

The Anti-Hahnemannians have, so far, utterly failed in demonstrating any material error in the mature convictions of that grand old man. They have manipulated his ideas to suit their equivocal ends, confounding his first immature impressions (when dazzled and bewildered by the sublime conception just dawning upon his mind, of the newly discovered principle of cure) with the more advanced convictions of his deliberate judgment.

A generous spirit of magnanimity has been at times tortured into admissions of doubt regarding principles already well established in his own mind. They sneer at his philosophy of dynamization-miscomprehend or misrepresent his theory of chronic diseases. They ignore his unmistakable final decisions in favor of the single remedy and warp a few premature expressions into a permanent and unqualified endorsement of polypharmacy. They disregard his earnest admonitions, and looking backwards, shout, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians." They exhume decayed fragments from the tomb of Old Physic, and offer them as vital principles to weaken and invalidate his doctrines. They prate of joining the living to the dead, in short, of compromising with Allopathy.

Dr. Fincke has thus defined the terms Homoeopathician and Homoeopathist.

"Homoeopathician. – lst. A homoeopathic physician. 2d. A professional, licensed physician, practising Homoeopathically, according to the art and science of Homoeopathy."

I confess I see no reason for two definitions of the word; the second definition includes the first, for it is self-evident that one cannot be a homoeopathic physician who does not practise according to the science of Homoeopathy; as to the art, we will consider that topic farther on.

"Homoeopathist. – lst. A believer in Homoeopathy. 2d. One who occupies himself with Homoeopathy without making it his profession. 3. A homoeopathic layman."

From these definitions it will be perceived that the use of homoeopathic medicines alone does not constitute one even a Homoeopathist, much less a Homoeopathician.

In pursuing our inquiry it will be necessary to analyze somewhat the framework, and see how the new edifice is built. The word Homoeopathy, we all know, is derived from two Greek words Homion Pathos, literally signifying like disease; this term was adopted by the author as the most appropriate and comprehensive monogram to designate its primary principle. This primary principle is more fully expressed by the formula similia similibus curentur, and is the key stone to the arch of the new dispensation of medicine; it binds the rudimentary edifice together: without it all collaterals become useless; without it we can have no permanent arch, no temple, no Homoeopathy.

In proceeding with our symbol of the arch, let us carefully observe its construction. First, we require a foundation on the two sides; these are necessary before the key stone is needed. So with Homoeopathy. Our arch is based, one side upon the phenomena presented by the sick man; the other upon drug provings; those, perfectly united by the law similia similibus curentur, form the entrance into the temple. Without these three features, squarely recognized as the basis, and observed as guides in practice, no man is prepared to set out in the new undertaking. These three features constitute a therapeutic trinity, one and inseparable; each must be maintained in its integrity or the whole scheme fails. He who fails in making an exhaustive analysis of the condition of his patient, is necessarily incompetent to select the appropriate remedial agent, and he who lacks in his knowledge of the pathogenesis of drugs is as impotent as one who has never heard of the new science of cure.

We use the term science as distinct from that of art, in its relation to Homoeopathy, because art is human, arbitrary, capricious, fitful, fleeting, and depends solely upon the personal creative genius of the artist, while science is based on fixed, undeviating and eternal principles in nature. Man, in developing science, does not originate, but merely discovers, works out and adapts what has always existed behind, the veil of human ignorance. Discoveries in science are but occasional glimpses at the methods of the great Creator. Science is inflexible and omnipotent; it is the economy of the Supreme Intelligence. Science does not spring suddenly into full maturity, like Minerva from the brain of Jove, for it extends to the infinite, and demands the arduous, patient, persevering labor of lives. We advance in its light just in proportion to our opportunity and ability to seek; out, grasp and retain truth. Before the time of Hahnemann, the practice of medicine was properly denominated an art, and so blind, uncertain and inexplicable were many of its mysteries "in ye olden time," that eminent physicians were often suspected of being in league with the devil; indeed they were accused of practicing the black are; at a later day conscientious men who have acquired illustrious and enduring fame, like John Mason Good, exclaim: "I am weary of guessing;" while Homoeopathy, with its simple, efficient, fixed and clearly defined law of cure, has higher claims, and legitimately aspires to a rank among the sciences.

As before stated, the symptoms of the sick man and drug proving are the foundation, and similia similibus curentur the key stone to the arch, but high above the arch are other important symbols – the illuminated windows, the carved cap stones, the decorated cornice and the ever-shining dome.

The true Homoeopathician does not halt at the threshold, but advances patiently, loyally and earnestly, to the consideration of all questions which bear upon the noble cause he has espoused. Potentization, alternation, repetition, etc., instead of bugbears, become subjects of liberal and candid thought and experiment.

Mere topics will be considered at another time. The primary step of the Homoeopathician is to make a proper examination of his patient; each case must be individualized as though no such malady had ever before existed. A thorough understanding of the pathological condition is indispensable as an aid to a correct diagnosis and sound prognosis; it also gives us a general idea of the disease under consideration, but in a therapeutic sense is of less importance than an accurate comprehension of the subjective symptoms, their peculiar features and character, the time and causes of their appearance or aggravation, the means and modes of their amelioration, a knowledge of temperament, disposition, moral characteristics and disturbances, hereditary tendencies, etc. It is also often the case that single and apparently insignificant symptoms are of the first importance.

The next step requisite is a thorough knowledge of the action of drugs; this must be obtained from provings upon the healthy and from clinical observations upon the sick; it presents a scene of action so vast, and as yet so comparatively unexplored, that it is impossible to estimate or limit either its prospective field of usefulness, or the amount of labor which lies in the pathway and demands the attention of every faithful follower of our indefatigable master.

We have among us a turbulent class who vehemently denounce as chimerical and unreliable all experiments with highly dynamized substances, and who clamor loudly in favor of provings obtained by crude drugs; they seem to be oblivious to the fact that several of our most potent remedies are powerless, or have no marked medicinal properties in their crude state, as for instance, Silex, Carbo veg., Natr. mur. etc. These men rarely or never resort to dynamized drugs in practice and are therefore incompetent witnesses. They delight in seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting the remedy; they turn their backs to the proffered manna, and hanker for the leeks and onions of Egypt; they attribute all effects to the material action of the drug, to the greater permeating power of the attenuated atom; they are incapable or averse to recognizing the dynamic theory of Hahnemann; they have no conception of the potency of spiritual forces and, in the face of abundant and capable affirmative testimony, they offer about as reasonable a general denial as the old man in the familiar story, who knew the world did not turn round, because, if it did, the water would spill out of his millpond.

Every careful observer of the influence of potentized drugs has seen, not only curative effects, but also under their action, has witnessed the development of new phenomena modifying the previous condition of their patients.

The writer has met instances in sick persons, and in persons apparently in the enjoyment of perfect health, where the thirtieth and lower attenuations (no other were tried at the time) of different drugs produced pathogenetic symptoms so positive and marked, that the individuals were able to detect and identify the medicines taken, even when efforts were made to lead the mind in other directions. Provings by attenuation as well as crude drugs are advocated and vouched for by the best and highest authorities in our school.

In studying the Materia Medica, particular attention should be paid to what are termed characteristic symptoms. Characteristic symptoms are those which distinguish each drug from all others. Taking two or more drugs, capable of producing nearly the same general effects, you will find among them some dissimilar feature which serves to distinguish each one; this dissimilar feature is its characteristic. To illustrate, Pulsatilla and Cyclamen bear a close resemblance to each other, except as regards the mental phenomena presented; under Puls. we find a mild, yielding, weeping disposition, while under Cyc. we find the patient obstinate, irritable and fault-finding, and these features are the characteristics which should decide ns in the choice of either remedy.

Again, under both Rhus. tox. and Rhododendron we find "rheumatic and arthritic drawings and tearings," "aggravated by repose." Now, how shall we decide in a given case where these symptoms are present, which remedy is required?

If upon farther examination we find "the pains relieved after "movement," we also find the same characteristic in the pathogenesis of Rhus. tox, and know that Rhus tox. is the remedy; if, on the contrary, we discover that the patient suffers "great dejection and painful weariness after the least exercise, "we find this latter characteristic is the proving of Rhododendron, and Rhododendron is the remedy.

Upon critical examination; it will be found that each remedy in our Materia Medica is attended by its own peculiar characteristics, a complete recognition of which is indispensable to the successful practitioner. These peculiarities are so boundless that no one human mind is capable of retaining them; therefore the genuine Homoeopathician is unavoidably a laborious student. It was never possible to practice intelligent Homoeopathy without constant recourse to the provings, and we deem that spirit both cowardly and imbecile, which keeps the physician away from his books and prompts him to make off-hand, shabby prescriptions, for fear his patients will charge him with ignorance.

It sometimes appears to me that we have grown too rapidly in public favor; the demands upon us for professional services leave scarcely any time for self-improvement or the development and perfection of our science. Flattered by pecuniary success, we have grown vain, careless and superficial; we forget that he who devotes his energies to fortifying and building up our Materia Medica, and thus establishing and extending our sphere of usefulness, deserves a more exalted position than he who is actuated solely by mercenary motives. One will merit the gratitude of the world, while the other moulders forgotten in spite of the dross he has accumulated.

So exact and definite is our system of cure, that the scientific Homoeopathician is able, long before the advent of an approaching epidemic, to predict, with almost absolute certainty, the remedies best adapted to meet it. Hahnemann thus anticipated Asiatic cholera, while it yet raged with terrible fatality in India. He proclaimed that Camphor, Cuprum and Veratrum album would stay the ravages of that fell destroyer and the splendid results of homoeopathic treatment in that disease arrested the attention of the civilized world and vindicated the soundness of his philosophy.

If such accuracy was attainable in the infancy of our science, how vastly superior, with our relatively increased knowledge, should be its scope today, and, if thus powerful in the growing strength of our stalwart youth, who shall predict or venture to, bound its future? It promises dominion over disease so, complete and absolute as to almost realize that long sought for restorative of the ancients – the fabled fountain of youth.

With these brief reflections in our mind, the duty of the sincere Homoeopathician is clear; it may be summed up in the single word, fidelity, fidelity; and we cannot look with lenient eye upon those professional parasites, the best part of whose Homoeopathy is usually inscribed on their "shingles," and who delude the public confidence and unjustly bring odium upon the cause, by deliberately making a promise to the ear only to break it to the hope.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 07, 1866, pages 241-247]

[Description: Fidelity. [address before the Onondaga Co. (n. Y.) Homoeopathic Medical Society.]

[Author: Morgan, A.R.]

[Year: 1866]

LACHESIS.

BY A. R. MORGAN, M. D., SYRACUSE, N. Y.

Occasional expressions of a want of confidence in the efficacy of Lachesis have lately appeared in the Review, and as you invite testimony, pro and con, I avail myself of the opportunity to say, that no remedy in our Materia Medica has responded more faithfully and promptly to my expectations, and I cannot but feel the conviction that where this remedy has so signally failed, the fact must be attributed either to the employment of a spurious article or to its mal-administration.

Permit me to briefly record a few clinical cases, wherein its use has served to establish it in my judgment as one of the most valuable and reliable of our remedial agents.

The condition, "worse after sleeping," is never uttered by a patient in my presence without suggesting to my mind Lachesis as chief among the remedies having that characteristic, and its administration has rarely disappointed me provided the other symptoms were covered.

I have employed it with salutary effect, in sufferings incident to criticalage. Delirium tremens, coup de soleit, paralysis, cephalalgia, bronchitis, angina, scarlatina, hemorrhoids, typhoid fever and syphilis.

October 12th, 1859. Saw Mrs. E., aged about 50 years, just passed through a critical period, had been under allopathic treatment for four or five years for uterine derangement. During the last six months had been treated for what had been diagnosticated as schirrus of the anus and rectum.

I found an uneven or tuberculated and indurated mass, surrounding and protruding from the anus, through the centre of this mass was an irregular, ragged and ulcerated fissure, (the outlet from the rectum), from which issued a sanious mucous discharge. It was almost impossible to evacuate the bowels on account of the obstruction and pain; internal exploration revealed soft and yielding tumors (hemorrhoidal) nearly filling the rectum, as far as touch extended. She complained of constant throbbing with itching, shooting and burning in the affected region; all the symptoms decidedly and aggravated after sleep. Prescribed Lach.30, single dose daily tepid sitz baths.

October 20th. Reported decided improvement. Gave Sacch. lact.

October 30th. Reported continued improvement. Continued Sacch. lac.

November 10th. Saw and examined patient. Slight swelling perceptible about the anus, sensitiveness absent, ulcers disappeared, says she is well. Continued Sacch. lact. Have seen the patient frequently since, no return of the difficulty.

Another case is reported, not only for the prompt and happy effect of Lachesis but for the peculiar circumstances under which it occurred. In 1860, in conversation with a highly intelligent medical gentleman of the old school engaged in extensive practice, he remarked, "I have lost all confidence in drugging, my patients do better under expectant treatment than when I dose them; the practice of medicine is a humbug; I renounce it and shall in future devote myself to surgery, etc." Upon being earnestly entreated to investigate the science of homoeopathy, he responded, "let me select two cases, one of syphilis and the other of gonorrhea; you treat them with your attenuated doses and if successful I will investigate the subject." His proposition was readily accepted, but an almost insurmountable obstacle arose; one of his test subjects was a sturdy and inveterate hater of Homoeopathy, and any attempt to have induced him to submit to the "experiment" would have proved abortive. Of course it became my duty to decline prescribing for a patient where a personal examination could not be had, but my extreme anxiety to produce a good impression, together with the very excellent description given me of the case and my confidence in the adaptation of Lachesis to it, decided me to prescribe it for the following symptoms:

The patient had been under the usual allopathic mercurial treatment. Secondary ulcerations in the throat extending into the posterior nares, obstruction of the nose, offensive smell from the mouth, stinging and shooting pains in the ulcers, with excessive dryness of the throat, in spots; throat feels entirely "parched up;" upon waking, feeling of or touching the throat produces a sensation of suffocation; sensitive to the slightest movement of the neck; symptoms somewhat ameliorated after eating.

He got a small vial of Lachesis^24, dose one drop every morning and evening, with directions to lengthen the interval as improvement went on, and also with permission to employ bread-pills ad libitum.

Some two months elapsed, when my friend, with many expressions of astonishment, reported the throat as well. It must be borne in mind that this treatment was carried on under the critical inspection of a prejudiced observer.

I usually administer Lachesis in affections of the throat, when characterized by the following symptoms: excessive dryness, particularly if it occur in spots; sensitive to contact and movement, with feeling of rawness, aggravated by inhalation of cold air, and worse after sleeping.

I remember three cases of typhoid fever which were apparently rescued from a fatal termination by this remedy. The especial indications which determined its selection were (in connection with other symptoms) constant loquacity, low muttering delirium, difficulty in protruding the tongue which was almost paralyzed, and was dry and brown or black, and in two of the patients smooth and shining.

I have repeatedly arrested panaris of the terminal phalanges by administering Lachesis, guided by the symptom "prickings in the extremities of the fingers." I have rarely employed other than the thirtieth dilution.

Some five or six years ago our respected colleague, Dr. Lyman Clary, remarked that although he had seen favorable effects from Lachesis in stomach ache, "yet the remedy had failed him in so many cases that he was losing confidence in it." He was furnished with a supply from my own medicine chest, and since reports more satisfactory results. He says, "its employment in some cases has been attended with marked success."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 09, 1864, pages 408-411]

[Description: Lachesis.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Morgan, A.R.]

[Year: 1864]

MEDICAL REPORT OF THE ONONDAGA COUNTY ORPHAN ASYLUM.

This institution is located at Syracuse, N. Y., the number of its inmates averaging about 125.

The report embraces the period of one year extending from March 1859, during which time, the following cases were treated by the attending physician: —

Abscess, 5; Anasarca, 1; Angina, 7; Bronchitis, 1; Cholera Morbus, 1; Constipation, 3; Convulsions, 1; Diarrhea, 8; Enuresis nocturnal, 2; Fever, catarrhal, 18; Fever, intermittent, 3; Glandular Swellings, 6; Helminthiasis, 9; Herpes, 9; Hepatitis, 2; Impetigo, 4; Indigestion, 3; Ophthalmia, 83; Otitis, 4; Otorrhea, 3; Pneumonia, 6; Pertussis, 28; Prolapses recti, 1; Rheumatism, inflammatory, 1; Scabies, 3; Stomacace, 43; Ulcer, malignant, 1; Ulceration of Cornea. 7.

Making a total of 268, of which number 253 were cured; two cases of Ophthalmia, two of Stomacace, and one ulceration of the Cornea, being still under treatment. There have been no deaths.

For the last nine or ten years, the asylum has been severely afflicted by Ophthalmia. Most of the cases were of the Catarrhal variety, and occurred in scrofulous subjects. The symptoms characterizing them were, intense redness and swelling, profuse secretion of mucus and tears, and excessive photophobia, for which was prescribed — Aconite, Belladonna, Euphrasia, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla, Merc. corr., Bry, Hep. sulph., Nux vom., Sulphur. Ac. according to their apparent indications, without entirely satisfactory results.

New cases were constantly occurring, and in spite of every precaution new comers were almost sure to be attacked.

Long and careful investigation failed to reveal any positive exciting cause of the malady, but it was observed that in all the cases which exhibited any trace of scrofula (including a large majority) the gums were more or less affected, some with scarcely perceptible redness and swelling, while others were extensively ulcerated, spongy, easily bleeding, teeth loosened, breath offensive, salivation, & c.

The following plan was then adopted, (with but few exceptions) Sulph.30 was administered once per week to all the well children, while those suffering from the disease were immediately placed under the influence of Belladonna and Merc. sol. in alternation, attenuations ranging from 3d to 12th, repetition, according to severity of symptoms from every hour to a dose every morning and evening, with occasionally a dose of Sulphur 30.

This course of treatment has been crowned with the happiest results, only two cases remaining under treatment at the time the report was made — they having since recovered — leaving the institution at present free from the scourge which has so long infected it; vision not being impaired in a single instance.

While this city and vicinity has, during the past winter, suffered from Diphtheria, which has prevailed with fatal severity, the asylum has been entirely free from it, a fact which is probably due to the prophylactic virtues of the Sulphur given.

Belladonna has been highly recommended as a prophylactic in this disease, but so far as my experience goes, in private practice, it has no such virtue, case after case springing up after its cautious administration.

Owing to the judicious management of a very intelligent and faithful matron, but few cases have resulted seriously from "colds."

Many maladies, succeeding exposure, such as simple fever, cold in head, cough, croup, &c, were promptly met and controlled by her skill, as were also several cases of Varicella, thus decidedly reducing the number of patients on the physician's list.

A. R. Morgan, M.D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 08, 1860, pages 375-376]

[Description: Medical Report of The Onondaga County Orphan Asylum.]

[Author: Morgan, A.R.]

[Year: 1860]

PROFESSIONAL TRIALS AND DANGERS. [Read before the Onondaga, Oswego and Cayuga County Homoeopathic Medical Societies.]

By A. R. Morgan, M. D., Syracuse, N. Y.

A cursory examination of medical writings from the earliest records, reveals the same inveterate spirit of bigotry, egotism and intolerance, which characterizes and disgraces the schools of the present day.

Medicine seems to form an exception to the other learned professions; we find prevailing in them, a sort of genuine, fraternal bond, which insures not only all the common courtesies and civilities of life, but extends to generous and sympathetic expressions of respect and esteem beyond the grave; while with us, on the contrary, it is an exception to the rule to find a physician exalting his colleague, especially if he be a neighbor and competitor, and almost equally rare, to find us heartily eulogizing the memory of a professional brother, even after he has been removed from our midst by the inevitable fate which awaits us all.

Why is this so? Does the study of our profession necessarily dwarf the humanity within us and develop the Ishmaelite and the bigot? Does the professional experience of the practising physician – do his peculiarly confidential relations to his patients tend to blind his eyes, stop his ears, warp his intellect and stifle his generosity until there is no possible escape from the petty egotism of his own circumscribed standpoint?

I am led into this vein of thought, by a survey of our own chosen field of Homoeopathy as it presents itself to us today. In point of intolerance and egotistical assumption, it affords but slight exception to the sad experience of the past. With a profound conviction of its substantial basis, its scope and its opportunity, let us take heed and avoid the dangers which beset us.

In Homoeopathy, based upon an immutable natural law, we find the first real union between science and the healing art. It is the first successful step towards establishing a system capable of philosophic demonstration. By it, the chaotic vagaries of the past, held together by no central principle are reduced to comparative order, and the art of medicine aspires to a position among the exact sciences.

We claim for Homoeopathy an approximation to the exact sciences, because it is based upon a fixed law. Thus, a complete analysis of all the phenomena presented by a given malady and a thorough knowledge of the pathogenesis of drugs, will guide each practitioner to the selection of the same curative remedy. It teaches us by a simple and undeviating rule, without cruel and hazardous experiment on the sick, what remedies are adapted to the cure of certain morbid conditions.

No wonder its early advocates full of zealous enthusiasm, saw in the ultimate perfection attainable by this new science, a system so complete, so harmonious and so irresistible as to, promise a millennial future, wherein the fugitive evils, errors, and absurdities of the past would be bound together and cast into the pit of oblivion, forever.

How bitterly have they been disappointed! We behold today, instead of a united brotherhood, advancing sturdily and triumphantly, shoulder to shoulder in one common cause, bitter rival factions, yet lingering upon the very threshold of the temple, squandering their precious time in furious contention over minor features, with scarcely a ray of that magnanimity which should distinguish the noble profession to which we belong.

The chief element of discord with us is the subject of the dose.

Homoeopathicians are divided into three classes, viz., high-attenuationists, low attenuationists, and those who, without exclusiveness, believe in the efficacy of the entire range of potencies, each under proper circumstances.

The exclusive high-attenuationist is subject to the charge of fanaticism, (the term fanatic is often but the synonym for pioneer, his chief offence is in being in advance of his contemporaries). In his zeal, he may occasionally indulge in the self-confident assumption, "I am holier than thou;" yet he at least, merits commendation and praise for his unflinching and fearless advocacy of his opinions – with him there is no skulking – he may in his earnest devotion to his ideas, indulge in terms of indignant denunciation against those who willfully and utterly decline to follow him in his pathway of exploration; but one significant fact may always be observed, he never palavers of compromising with Allopathy, he never falters ill his loyalty to the fundamental principles upon which the whole science of Homoeopathy is built.

Upon the other hand, the exclusive low attenuationists is apt to sink into a method so loose and unprincipled as to even involve his confidence in the law similia similibus curentur, and to permit his practice to degenerate into more eclecticism.

This assertion is verified by the practice of too many low attenuationists, even in the circle of our own acquaintance. Their disregard of Hahnemann's precautions, their frequent departure from our law of cure, their habitual resort to cathartics, anodynes and other palliatives, is not only disgraceful to their intelligence as Homoeopathicians, but dishonorable to them as men. They claim to be Homoeopathicians when they are but mongrels.

Many of them serve under the banner of Homoeopathy because of its popularity and for mere mercenary and selfish purposes. They do not elevate it, they do not sustain it, but, like the horde of camp followers which hang around, disgrace and encumber an army, they are ever ready to trample the sacred symbol under foot, to riot in the spoils.

As an apology for a mongrel practice, the humiliating excuse is sometimes made, that, having tried homoeopathic remedies and failed, they have no alternative but to resort to Allopathy or see their patients go elsewhere for treatment. Oh rapacious pocket! They have not yet even found, much less tried the true homoeopathic remedy, if Allopathy is capable of affording relief.

Such an apologist (when not too far gone) will generally acknowledge the universality of our law of cure, but remonstrates thus, "If I do not know the appropriate homoeopathic remedy, it is as unfortunate for my patient as though no such remedy existed." It is unfortunate for his patient — unfortunate to have such a physician!

Shade of Hahnemann! What profundity! What sublime resignation to ignorance!

If all Homoeopathicians were to fold their hands and smother their consciences in this way, there would be an end to all farther advancement with us.

Study, laborious, persevering, self-sacrificing study, unswerving and inflexible fidelity to our law, have made Homoeopathy what it is. Without these, we should still be groping in the obscurity and uncertainty of old physic.

The sole argument used by the low against the high attenuationists, that of ridicule and the mathematical demonstration of the absurdity of infinitesimal doses, is the identical one with which the old school has so frequently attempted to demolish Homoeopathy.

It is the self same bludgeon with which Homoeopathy has been so often pounded and crushed, until (like the fresh water polypi, of which, when they are divided and subdivided into a thousand fragments, each part becomes a perfect living whole) it has steadfastly established itself in the confidence of the people throughout the land.

This matter of the dose cannot be evaded by us as a mere trifling affair of personal conviction or caprice. "It is not a matter of theory and speculation but a matter of fact and experiment," to be decided only after cautious, deep, searching, unprejudiced, and intelligent investigations. Upon it hangs the future usefulness and destiny of our system of cure.

The flippant assertion of Dr. -- that he has no confidence in this or that especial attenuation or dose, is of no importance whatever. We must decide for ourselves and our conclusions should be drawn from a thorough and impartial study of the whole range of potencies and their effects.

Let us not remain in the valley, believing nothing exists in the wide universe beyond the bounds of our own limited horizon.

Every motive prompts the conscientious physician to cure his patients in the most speedy and effectual manner possible. It seems that no one can be so obtuse as to reject that method which experience proves to be the best. The question then is how can we most surely arrive at the truth? It can only be done by a candid, unbiased and thorough examination of all the evidence presented.

A large amount of testimony has been gathered having an important bearing upon this point.

Many of our most eminent, profound and discreet physicians, close observers, in this and other countries, after long and critical deliberation have pronounced in favor of the superiority of the higher attenuations. (By the high or higher attenuations, I mean all those preparations wherein the drug is attenuated beyond the recognition of any material test, say, from 5th or 6th cent., upward.)

The mass of clinical experience they have given us cannot be ignored without calling in question either their integrity or their ability. On the other hand, we find opposed to this carefully detailed testimony, the simple, unqualified negation of the unbelievers.

Perhaps the most conclusive and comprehensive testimony yet furnished, is that of Dr. Eidherr of the Leopoldstadt Hospital, Vienna, (see article on "High-Potencies," by C. Dunham, M. D., published in Transactions of New York State Homoeopathic Medical Society. Vol. II. 1864). [See American Homoeopathic Review Vol. III, P. 259] It should be remembered, that these experiments were conducted by men whose convictions were decidedly on the side of the superiority of the low potencies.

The experiments were extended during a period of ten years; the disease treated was pneumonia; the conclusion arrived at was favorable to the higher potencies.

The potencies employed were the 30th, 6th and 15th decimal, equal to the 13th, 3rd and 7.5 centessimal.

The duration of the disease under the 6th avrg, d 19.5 days.

" " 15th " 14.6 "

" " 30th " 11.3"

These experiments by Dr. Eidherr are spoken of briefly, as doubtless the report has been read by you all. The paper of Dr. Dunham is one of the ablest arguments yet presented in favor of the high potencies.

In seeking for progress in our science, we should never forget, that it is the imperative duty of each and every one of us to bear his portion of the burden. Indolence is a formidable enemy to our future growth. To be drones is unworthy our high calling, and must necessarily result in professional degeneracy. Let us, therefore, shake off the shackles of apathy and prejudice, and consecrate our hearts and our energies anew to the elevation and improvement of Homoeopathy.

In setting out, it is indispensable that we bear in mind the" three precautions" of the Author of Homoeopathy, viz.:

1st. Beware of thinking your doses too small.

2d. Beware of an improper selection of the remedy.

3d. Beware of too frequent repetition of the dose.

The first can only be determined by careful and continued experiment. The second by a rigid and intelligent compliance with the formula, similia similibus curentur. Want of success in practice arises from neglect of this second precaution, more frequently than from any other cause. In order to make a proper selection of the remedy, we must first make an exhaustive analysis of all the phenomena presented by the patient. Both objective conditions and subjective symptoms are necessary to this end. Second, we must have a thorough knowledge of the true pathogenesis of drugs.

We fail, oftener, through ignorance of the provings we already have than from imperfect ones, yet the most intelligent, diligent and concise student is liable to become bewildered amid the sometimes questionable mass of records furnished us as provings.

Compare Hull's edition of Jahr's New Manual, with the English edition or Curie's Jahr; compare Hull's, Jahr with either the French or the original German editions, and you will be astonished at the disagreements revealed! The differences are so palpable as to awaken unpleasant doubts as to the reliability of the books used by the great mass of American Homoeopathicians. This fault to a great degree lies with the translators, and necessitates new provings and new and more accurate and reliable translations. We have much better data and fuller material from which to create a good Materia Medica than was possessed by the original publishers of the immortal works of Hahnemann and Jahr, for we are now able to introduce much new and corroborative evidence from a wider range of clinical experience.

This desideratum would be accomplished in the most satisfactory manner by the proposed new Materia Medica of our learned colleague, Dr. Constantine Hering, were it not for the proposition to print a bulky, unwieldy and inconvenient double edition, with English and German in parallel columns.

Let Dr. Hering give us a convenient, concise and practical edition in English alone, and we shall be able to go forth stoutly armed and equipped for our work while he will merit and receive the gratitude of every true Homoeopathician and will render a service to humanity second only to that of the revered Hahnemann.

A pernicious disposition with some of us is that insatiable desire for change which allures us to wanderings after new remedies before we half know the old. This over anxiety for new things tends to make us superficial in our study and comprehension of the old. It is more important to the genuine Homoeopathician to have a complete knowledge of the pathogenesis of the polychrest remedies alone than to possess smattering ideas of all the roots and herbs in the Eclectic wigwam. Let us avoid using new remedies except when it can be done in strict compliance with our law of indication.

The third and last of Hahnemann's admonitions, can only be rightly observed by allowing, so far as practicable, each dose to exhaust its action before it is repeated.

This is, practically, the most difficult one to heed, particularly in a country ride, or where there is not abundant time and opportunity to revisit your patients.

With these precautions ever in mind, we cannot greatly err.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 02, 1865, pages 41-48]

[Description: Professional Trials and Dangers.]

[Author: Morgan, A.R.]

[Year: 1865]

CASE OF DOUBLE CATARACT

BY DR. J. MOUREMANS, BRUSSELS.

(From L' Homoeopathe Belge.)

M. J., aged seventy-seven years, has been blind four years. She is small, emaciated and of sallow complexion. She has had three children. The account she gave of the exciting cause of her disease, was very unsatisfactory. She could only say that several years ago, in consequence of a cold, she was attacked with inflammation of the conjunctiva and that, from that time, her vision became more and more feeble. She saw snow-flakes and spider webs continually in the atmosphere; surrounding objects appeared to her to be enveloped in a thick mist, which prevented her from distinguishing with accuracy the external margin of an object; the light of a candle was encircled by a halo; she could distinguish everything more clearly in the evening than in the morning; artificial light she could not well tolerate.

The patient came to our institution (Brussels Policlinique) April 29th, 1856. At this time she could hardly distinguish light from darkness; the pupils were dilated and the mobility of the iris was partially impaired; the crystalline lens was obscured, of a whitish color and uniformly shaded. The patient complained of no pain; her disposition was much affected however, and she had, for four years, found it impossible to apply herself to her accustomed occupation. All bodily functions were normal.

We began our medical treatment, 29th April, with Euphrasia^30; three globules were dissolved in six ounces of water, and a tea-spoonful taken every night and morning May 16th. The patient reported an improvement. She could already better distinguish day from night. The same remedy was continued, but in a higher potency, and the three globules to be taken all at once.

August 4th. The patient began to distinguish objects, but they appeared distorted. Cannabis^30 was prescribed, three globules to be dissolved in five ounces of water, and a teaspoonful of the solution to be taken every morning and evening. This remedy was allowed to act undisturbed until Dec. 1.

The condition of things was unchanged. The high potencies were then resorted to. Sulph.200, three globules, was given. On the 2nd March, the crystalline lens appeared to be less clouded. The patient could distinguish persons although they appeared to her as if in a mist. After this time she was able to come to the unattended. Caust.200 was given.

April 30th. She still saw black spots floating before the eyes, but vision kept gradually and steadily improving. Silicea^30 was ordered, to be taken as the previous remedies.

At the end of the month of May, the patient, quite overjoyed at her condition, informed us that she could readily distinguish all objects; could clearly recognize the letters in a book; that she could devote herself again to her usual occupations, but that she saw a halo around the light of a candle Phosphorus^20 was the last remedy which the patient received. Two months later she came to render thanks for the benefits she had received, assuring us that her vision had improved to such a degree that she could thread a needle, could sew, and could read with case.

Before publishing this history, we have made enquiries respecting the good woman who has now reached her eightieth year, and learn that the happy result, thus attained by her through Homoeopathy, has continued to the present time. D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 09, 1860, pages 413-414]

[Description: Case of Double Cataract]

[Remedies: Euphrasia officinalis, Cannabis indica, Sulphur, Causticum, Silicea terra, Phosphorus.]

[Author: Mouremans, J.]

[Year: 1860]

GLONOINE IN NERVOUS AFFECTIONS. *[Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London. February, 1863.]

BY H. NANKIVELL, SURGEON, PENZANCE.

E. A. W., aged 23, is a tall, thin, pale girl; her teeth are much decayed from the effects of mercurial medicines given her by a farrier, who is, whilst going his rounds to visit unfortunate cows and horses, so benevolent as to prescribe for the owners of said animals. She enjoyed tolerable health until June 1861, when she was engaged one day in weeding a field; the sun was very hot, and there was a fresh breeze; she threw off her bonnet, and worked industriously until nine, p.m. From that time until July 7, 1862, she has been liable to pain in the gums of right cheek, and a jarring sensation, the attacks lasting about twenty-fours hours; after the attacks she has ease for two or three days. The next sensation she felt was that of a stabbing in gums, on left side, continuing for two or three days, and succeeded by a short remission. The pains on right side were unabated. The malady became aggravated. The pains would commence in the gums, suddenly dart up to the head, then down through the neck, as if the glands were "catching up." The pains were so agonizing that she was compelled to shriek. Application of heat to the parts affected aggravated the suffering, but cold afforded some slight alleviation. When she came to the Penzance Homoeopathic Dispensary, she had such a paroxysm of pain that her countenance was expressive of the utmost distress, and she wept bitterly. In addition to the above facts, I have only to mention that the menses were scanty.

July 7th. Tincture of Glonoine 2, one drop in a little water every six hours.

10th. She is more cheerful, and thinks she is better; pains are less in gums and face, and appear to be shifting to the forehead.

14th. Last night, had a violent pain and beating in the head (Glonoine?), but notwithstanding, is certain that she is much better; the neuralgic pains are not so severe, nor do they continue so long. To repeat Glonoine, and take one dose of tincture Sulph.2 every night.

21st. The neuralgic pain has not returned, but there is occasional throbbing in left temple. To take of Chin', one drop every four hours, in water.

24th. The throbbing has nearly ceased. To continue the China.

28th. The throbbing has ceased, but she has occasionally a little headache when she leaves her bed of a morning, and which gradually subsides. To take a few doses of Ars^2.

31st The patient has made a good recovery. She has not re-applied up to the date of this paper, and it is to be presumed that the neuralgia has not returned.

Observations. — It may be said that this case is not one of complete cure by Glonoine, inasmuch as other remedies were used; but it is very certain that the Glonoine operation was by far the most important in bringing about the favorable issue. Sulphur was administered especially for its antipsoric qualities, whilst China and Arsenicum were given to over-come the remaining troubles, which seemed to be characterized by periodicity.

E. N., a girl, aged 20. For three months she has suffered much from neuralgia. It was thought that the disease was brought on from her having several decayed teeth, and she applied to a dentist, who extracted two teeth for her, but without her experiencing any relief. The pain is felt only at night; she sleeps for a short time, when she first retires to rest, but soon awakes in great pain, which continues with varying intensity until morning, when it entirely ceases. The pain is on the left side; the malor bone is sore when touched. The pain is also severe under the eye and on the side of the neck; it is so distressing that she cannot refrain from tears. She was directed to take Glonoine, second and third decimal dilution, alternately, and was very promptly and permanently cured. This patient was treated early in September last. She consulted me on the 4th of this month for an attack of indigestion, and I then learned that there had been no return of the neuralgic sufferings.

Mrs. A. B., aged 35, has for many years been subject to attacks of tic-douloureux on the left side of the face. She resided in India for some time, and during her sojourn there was exempt from this painful malady. She attributes this immunity to the dryness of the climate. In September of this year she had a return of the disease; it proceeded from bad to worse, so that, during the night previous to my being consulted, she had been compelled to walk to and fro in her room during many hours. She took Glonoin^2, in drop doses, and was soon relieved. During the last week of October, the disease returned with much the same intensity as before. The Glonoine was gladly taken again, and with the same good and quick effect. The patient characterizes the operation of this potent remedy as "magical"

CD., is a young woman, aged 25, who has been truly a martyr to neuralgia. In our delineation of this case, it is to be regretted that we are not able to paint so much in rose color as in those which have preceded; nevertheless, the case is instructive, and must be taken with all its demerits. It has been thought by many that a history of all our failures would be more instructive than that of our successes; it may be so; but perhaps a faithful picture of both would be most instructive.

The patient is of highly nervous temperament, and has been the subject of tic on the right side of the face and head for a period of two years. She thinks that the first attack was induced by a fright. The pain seems to start from inferior molar teeth (decayed), and to become concentrated in the temple; the head feels heavy, but nevertheless she is not able to lay it on a pillow; the pains are at times felt down the side of the neck also. The greatest severity of the attack is felt during from five to ten minutes, during which she shudders and weeps bitterly ('tis a sad sight, indeed !).

At times the patient weeps even at the recollection of the agonies she has gone through, or from dread of an impending attack. She is not at all subject to headache, but most commonly during the intermissions has a sense of throbbing in the temple; and she thinks — and thinks rightly — that she shall always be liable to a return of pain so long as this pulsation is felt. The stomach does not appear to be affected in a consensuous manner by the nervous disorder; there is no nausea or vomiting; but whilst the malady is raging, her sight is much impaired. The menstrual period is of three days duration every six weeks, and is accompanied with much lumbar pain; but the neuralgia does not seem to be in any manner affected by it. The appetite is good; she commonly sleeps well; is by no means thin or emaciated; the pupils are dilated. The attacks are worse by night than by day; they come on with the rapidity of lightning, and slowly subside, leaving a sort of screwing sensation in the temple. — During the storm of pain, she derives some alleviation from hot fomentations.

It was in March last that I first saw this patient, and I was then not so much impressed with the value of Glonoine as I am at present. I began treatment with Ars. and China in alternation. Early in April there was some improvement; and as there were three decayed teeth in the lower jaw, from which the pains always appeared to start, I thought it right to extract one of them, and if some good had resulted, I should have felt encouraged to remove the others also. But I can never forget the mortal agony which the operation induced; it was without exaggeration, truly horrid. For twenty minutes the poor creature seemed as if on the rack; she held her temples with both hands, as though the skull would burst; her groans were heart-rending, and her whole body was writhing with torture. She took Acon., Arn. and Bell., in rapid succession, with (we may hope) some alleviation, as the following day her condition was much as usual. But I had had enough of dentistry, and resolved that, come what might, I could not recommend that the operation should be repeated.

About the middle of April I administered Quinine, in quarter grain doses, every four hours, whereby the patient seemed to get stronger;, but the disease was untouched. Ars. in the first dilution was then tried, but with the same, absence of beneficial result. From the 20th to the 24th Phos. 2 and Phos.6 were taken alternately, with but trifling benefit. From the 1st to the 20th of May, she took Chelidonium majus, with some advantage, having passed better nights; but the throbbing in the temples was not allayed. She was then advised to discontinue medicine for awhile, in order that the disease, as uninfluenced by medicine, might be watched.

On the 6th of June she awoke at night in exquisite pain, and continued so until twelve o'clock next day, when she sent for me. The great excitement of the vascular system, and the profuse lachrymation, seemed to point to Acon. and Puls., and these were given alternately, with apparent relief.

June 11th. Is on the whole better, but still gets attacks, which are not so severe or long continued as they used to be. At this time she first took Glonoine", one drop every halfhour, whenever there was an aggravation of the throbbing a condition which generally preceded the onset of the nerve torture.

19th. I found my patient (as she believed) in perfect health. She had passed a week without pain. On two occasions when her enemy seemed approaching, she took Glonoine, and with the happiest effects. I wish I could add that our remedy has brought about a perfect cure. The disease has occasionally returned, but at much longer intervals, and with less intensity. She has had two attacks within a few days, during this month, and has again been supplied with her medicine; and she finally believes, as I do, that this aforesaid Nitro-glycerine is in her case a noble palliative, although it has failed to root out the subtle malady.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 10, 1863, pages 465-469]

[Description: Glonoine in Nervous Affections.]

[Remedies: Glonoinum]

[Author: Nankivell, H.]

[Year: 1863]

APIS MELLIFICA IN SCARLATINA MALIGNA. *[Monthly Homoeopathic Review. London, January, 1864.]

BY J. H. NANKIVELL, PENZANCE.

During the months of August, September and October of this year (1863), there has been in the town of Penzance an epidemic of malignant scarlatina, and many children have died of it. In my own practice I have lost two children, one an infant of five months, the other a little girl of four years; both of these sank in consequence of the larynx becoming affected with that kind of croupy inflammation which is met with both in scarlatina and in diphtheria. I had tried the prophylactic powers of Belladonna in families of five or six children without any beneficial result, for I found that when the disease had gained a footing in a house, the children were almost sure to be laid down on their sick beds one after another — nay more, the parents and nurses became affected with scarlatinous sore throat with or without ulceration. I tried Belladonna as the most reliable medicine during the course of the disease, but it failed to preserve life in the two instances mentioned, and in many others I found that a severe form of renal dropsy followed. The dropsy yielded favorably to Terebinth^3 or Apis mel.3 — so that upon the whole my success was at least equal to that of my neighbors. But it ought to have been greater. In order to have stood well in the eyes of the critical public, I should not have had one fatal case.

On the 7th of September I was requested to visit a little boy, aged eight years; the scarlatinous rash had then been out four days, during which period the parents had been administering Belladonna^2. As the child grew worse, they became alarmed and requested my advice. The boy was very ill, not comatose, but torpid, oppressed. The throat much affected, but as yet no laryngeal affection. The body was covered with an intensely deep, red rash (the rash did not begin to fade until the sixth day), except on the right forearm, the front of which was as white as snow. I enquired if that part had been the seat of any skin disease, and was informed that ten days before the child was stung by a bee, and that the white mark showed exactly the extent of the inflammation.

Here then was one of nature's hints; here was written in language which could not be mistaken, "Similia similibus curentur," for if the bee poison could after the lapse of ten days have such a persistent effect on the capillaries of the fore arm, that they were still insensible to that storm of disease which was raging in every other part of the body, it was a natural conclusion that the same poison administered in proper doses would have a controlling power over scarlatina. I therefore at once prescribed Apis mel.3, one drop every four hours. The following day the child was much relieved, and rapidly regained his usual health.

A few days after, a sister of the before mentioned sickened with scarlatina; she was twelve years of age, and on the second day of the fever, the rash extended generally over the body. She took Apis only; the throat did not become much affected; she did not suffer from one alarming symptom, and made a good recovery.

Soon after, a little boy, aged three years, of the same family, became affected with hematuria to a severe extent, but without any fever. At first he voided blood mixed with urine, and on the second day almost pure blood. He took Arsenic and Arnica^3 and the hemorrhage ceased. In this case I suspected the influence of scarlatina poison, and that by some anomaly the kidneys had become very early affected with a kind of congestion, and this opinion I expressed to the parents. On the fourth day of his illness he became hot and flushed, and in a few hours the usual rash appeared on his chest. He had rather a severe attack, but took Apis only and recovered. At the end of a fortnight his urine became loaded with albumen and some blood globules. He had Arsenic and Arnica, when the renal affection subsided.

The nurse of these children now became affected with scarlatina; she had an intense attack; the rash came out universally; the throat was severely affected. She took Apis throughout her illness, with the exception of one day, on which I gave her Bell.2, to relieve her throat, but without any marked benefit. She has had a severe attack of renal anasarca, from which she has not as yet fully recovered. She has taken Ars., Apis, Canth., Terebinth., but her legs are still much swollen, and there is much albumen in the urine.

A boy, aged eight, came under treatment about this time for renal anasarca consequent on scarlatina. In this case Apis^3 appeared to answer perfectly well. The boy was swollen throughout the body, from the face to the feet, urine highly charged with albumen. He recovered favorably.

About the same time I was requested to visit a little girl, aged eleven, an only child. After an illness of a few hours, the rash of scarlatina came out over her chest She seemed much prostrated by the disease, and I apprehended a severe attack. Tincture of Apis^3 was given in drop doses every three hours. The next day the child was much better, sitting up and very cheerful. The rash did not appear on the body generally. The throat was scarcely at all affected, and she quickly recovered without any bad symptom, to the great joy of her parents.

An infant, aged ten months, was very feverish, restless and flushed on the face for two days, when scarlatina made its appearance on the chest and back. She took Apis^2 only, and the disease rapidly disappeared.

A little girl, aged eleven, had been ill for a week with "throat disease." This expression, as also "throat fever," are the terms commonly used by poor people to convey what they mean in reference to the epidemic which has been so fatal hereabout. All, as far as I have observed, have been of the scarlatinous type; I have not seen one case of pure, diphtheria. The child above mentioned was reduced to a state of great weakness, and when I arrived at the house I was informed that an infant was lying dead up-stairs from the same disease. Of the infant the account I received was that it was suddenly seized whilst playing in its cradle with vomiting and purging, and in the course of twenty-four hours was a corpse. I examined the little girl's throat and noticed a few sloughy abrasions on the tonsils, gave Apis, and there was immediate benefit. She had pretty well recovered, when a fortnight after she had a relapse from some unknown cause — again took Apis with prompt relief.

I could not learn that the infant had had any rash, and I felt convinced that the scarlatinous poison had produced such an interior effect on the system as to extinguish life, before any vital reaction could take place. The following events have (with others which have come to my knowledge, or been related to me), convinced me of the truth of this opinion.

Very recently I was called to a poor woman suffering from "throat fever;" on arriving at the close hovel in a fusty courtyard I found the patient in bed, speaking with that sort of voice which one hears in quinsy; she had been ill several days; was weak and pale, and unable to swallow except with extreme pain — at the foot of the bed was a bady in its coffin I inquired the cause of death, and was told that it was the diarrhea (!) By the Bide of the mother was a child two-years of age, and this little one I was also informed had the diarrhea; a bottle containing chalk mixture, tincture of Catechu, etc., was on the table, and this trash had been given by some ignorant "assistant" to the children. I looked at the child and found that it had scarlatina in its most malignant form; I gave Apis, then Bell., then Lachesis, but the glands of the throat swelled enormously and the child soon died.

The mother took Apia with most marked and unmistakable benefit, and in a few days was able to attend to her household affairs.

And here I would observe that I believe Apis to be only of service in the eruptive stages of scarlatina; I have not seen any benefit result from its use when the glands of the throat have begun to swell, or when the larynx has become much affected.

Before I conclude this hastily written paper, I will add a few more cases.

A boy, aged ten, was taken with the disease, and I was sent for immediately; he had scarlatina in a most intense form. Rash commenced on the surface, throat severely affected Apis only brought him well through.

A little girl, of the same family, aged nine, was then taken with a sore throat: for three days the left tonsil was much inflamed as in quinsy; on the fourth day, the rash came out universally. She, too, had Apis only, and did well.

It has been thought that Belladonna is a prophylactic against scarlatina.

My experience is equivocal. In a family of seven sons the eldest had scarlatina, and I once gave Bell, to the six younger sons, and not one of them took the disease. Again, in a family of six children, when the disease had made its appearance amongst them, I gave Bell. to those not affected, but without any advantage, as in the course of two or three Weeks they were all laid down in succession, but all recovered. The epidemic here referred to yielded to Aconite, Belladonna and Mercurius.

But I have thought it Tight to put Apis on its trial as a protective — thus far I can speak well of it, but, truth to say, toy experience is not sufficiently extended to enable me to speak with any degree of certainty or dogmatism.

A youth, aged thirteen, (one of a family of seven children), is now recovering from a severe attack of scarlatina. He took Apis only, and although the throat was severely attacked, there has not been the slightest tendency to glandular affection. I pat the whole household under the influence of our medicine, and there has been no infection communicated — but then we are not yet out of the wood.*[Since the abort was written, a little girl, aged 3 years, of the same family, baa passed through the disease in a highly favorable manner. How far the disease was modified in consequence of her taking bee poison during the week before her attack, it is impossible to speak with any degree of certainty. — Dec. 12th, 1863.]

I hope after a time to give some supplementary observations and results of treatment of scarlatina with Apis. To half a dozen inquiries made by me amongst homoeopathic physicians in the West, I have had replies that they have not used Apis in the eruptive stage of scarlatina. I would venture to hope that the medicine will be put to the test most rigidly, and I am sanguine enough to think that in those epidemics of this frightful malady in which Belladonna fails, the remedy I have mentioned will be found a most useful resource.

Finally, it might be alleged, nay, it has been alleged, that the fact of bee poison modifying the condition of the skin when injected by the sting of the insect affords no proof that as a medicine received into the stomach it can have active powers of any kind. But I cannot agree with this opinion. The history of Lachesis and ether animal poisons is quite conclusive in an opposite direction, and my clinical experience may also be taken for as much as it is worth.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 10, 1864, pages 446-451]

[Description: Apis Mellifica in Scarlatina Maligna.]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: Nankivell, J.H.]

[Year: 1864]

NOTES ON GUAO .

BY JOSE J. NAVARRO, M. D., NEW YORK.

I deem it my duty to make known to the profession the experiments made with this plant in Cuba, so that every one of the homoeopathic physicians in this country may have the benefits of this new agent whatever they may be.

The Guao is a plant, peculiar to the tropics, and grows wild everywhere in Cuba. It reaches, as a general thing, from about eight to ten feet in height; its leaves are oval and the edges sharp and pointed.

The juice of this plant applied to the skin has different effects, according to the constitution of the person. On some, it produces only a black spot, and children often use it to mark their faces and hands; but for some persons, especially those coming from a cold climate, its use is very dangerous. It produces inflammation in the part touched with it, general malaise, fever and headache; after a few days these general symptoms disappear, leaving only inflammation of the part, with deep, hard edged ulcers, which discharge a thick, purulent, greenish yellow matter having a very peculiar fetid smell, the parts becoming in appearance similar to a piece of raw decayed meat, while the surrounding skin is covered with small shining scales. These local effects are generally cured by frequent applications of fresh lard, holding the part as close to the fire as possible. This treatment is generally sufficient, and after a few weeks the patient is well.

Some persons are so easily affected by this poison that merely passing by the tree, when the sun shines, and being of course in its shadow, produces swelling of the whole body, with high fever and stupefying, throbbing headache.

I have seen some cases where children inoculated with this juice, for the purpose of having spotted hands as they say, have been so intensely affected by it, that, the suppuration and other local symptoms having subsided, they suffered constitutionally for some time. I have seen a case, among others of a boy, who was subject to occasional burning eruptions on the skin for some years after the inoculation.

I have seen a case too of a girl, inoculated when she was six years old, suffering from severe attacks of inflammation of the throat until the period of womanhood, when they ceased.

On seeing these effects, one of our homoeopathic physicians was induced to use the Guao at his earliest opportunity. He prepared it according to the rules of our pharmacy, and I am happy to publish the following cases in which this new drug was used successfully, among others of which I did not take notes.

1. Pedro, a negro belonging to a sugar plantation, 32 years old, robust constitution, enjoying very good health otherwise, had an old indolent ulcer on the lower third of the right leg, extending from about half an inch from the external maleolus about an inch and a half in length, irregular shape, hard edges. The ulcer was deep and discharged a thick, sanious and fetid pus; it had lasted for six years, and after the catalogue of common remedies had been exhausted, Pedro's master decided to try Homoeopathy. Dozens of bottles of Leroy's Emeto-cathartic, Sarsaparillas, Mercury, and Iod. of potass. had been taken internally; numberless local applications were made, from the simplest Linseed poultice to the Nitrate of silver, Nitric acid and even actual Cautery. The homoeopathic doctor was called on the 3d of May, 1862. He ordered not to use any local application except dry lint to wipe the secretions, and gave a dose of Sulph.20, allowing it to act for a week. On the 11th, he gave Guao^15, four pellets every morning for three days, waited for six days and then repeated Guao^20, one dose. The patient got well in four weeks after the first dose of Guao.

2. Dolores Perez, a mulatto woman, 26 years of age, married and mother of three children, was taken, on the 6th of April, 1861, with inflammation of the left leg and foot, violent fever accompanying the inflammation. The swelling grew to an incredible size, when the fever subsided. An allopathic physician was called, who treated her for eight months with several local applications and internal medicines. The skin became white, and all covered with small shining scales. Three months afterwards several cracks appeared, through which a thin white watery liquid exuded. The doctor then became alarmed and called in consultation with him two physicians, who pronounced the case to be Elephantiasis. The patient was given up as incurable and treated secretly by old women, etc., for about two months; the disease in the meantime progressing rapidly and the general health becoming affected, of course. On the 24th of May, they decided to try Homoeopathy. One dose of Sulph.20 was administered, and after five days a dose of four drops of the tincture of Guao, sixth dilution, was ordered to be taken twice a day for a week; then for some suspicions of sycosis existing in the patient, a dose of Thuja occidentalis^20 was given. After one week began again with Guao, a little higher preparation for six days. This treatment was continued, stopping the medicine whenever an amelioration was noticed and repeating it when this was over. About the middle of July 1 left there, leaving the patient very much improved and gaining rapidly. In October I heard from the doctor, stating that the patient was entirely well, so that the cure was effected in about four months.

3. Magdalena Rodriguez, a young girl, about 16 years of age, presented the following symptoms: left side of the face swollen; ear larger than the right one; all cracked and losing a substance very similar to finely pulverized starch. A consultation was held and the case was pronounced commencing malignant lepra (Enfermedad de San Lazaro). The father was advised by the doctors to take necessary steps to have his daughter removed to the "Hospital de Lazarinos," a kind of Lazaretto, where they confine for life, without regard to position, wealth or birth, the unfortunate victims of this terrible disease, so fatal and contagious, especially in warm climates. Under these afflicting circumstances the parents resorted to Homoeopathy. The cure was effected in five weeks by the use of Guao in different potencies.

4. The fourth case was a sloughing ulcer on the right breast of a lady, 38 years of age. The family physician and two others, called in consultation, had decided to perform an amputation. This case was entirely cured in six weeks by the use of Guao alone.

These four cases I took notes of, for they came under my personal observation, but the medical gentleman I have mentioned, assured me that he had performed other cures, such as "herpes, ozena, chronic ulceration of the throat, anthrax, etc., etc."

I submit these observations to the medical profession so that they will be able to draw whatever conclusions they may think proper. I do not know that any provings have been made with this plant, but I think it is worth a trial as it might prove a very efficient and powerful remedial agent.

REMARKS. — The Guao of which so interesting an account is given above is undoubtedly the "Comocladia dentata," belonging to the same family as the Rhus toxicodendron and venenata, and the Anacardium occidentale or Cashewtree. Lindley describes 'it as follows, Flora, Medica, page 289, § 598:

"Anacardiaceoe. Comocladia dentata (Guao). St. Domingo and Cuba. A tree. Stem erect, not much branched. Leaves pinnated, shining and green above; with a round rachis six inches long; leaflets six to ten on each side, with an odd one, oblong, accuminate, spring-toothed, veiny and somewhat downy at the back. Juice milky, glutinous, becoming black by exposure to the air, staining the linen or the skin of the same color, only coming off with the skin itself and not removable from linen by washing even if repeated for many years successively. It is supposed by the natives of Cuba, that it is death to sleep beneath its shade, especially for persons of a sanguine or fat habit of body. This is firmly believed and there can be no doubt that it is the most dangerous plant upon the island."

An interesting article upon the "Comocladia dentata (Guao)," by J. G. Houard, M.D., Philadelphia, comprising contributions towards a proving of this plant and some symptoms removed by its administration, was published in the Philadelphia Journal of Homoeopathy, Vol. IV (No. 2), page 73 et seq., May, 1854.

It seems not irrelevant to call attention to the fact that the Guao (Comocladia dentata) may possibly, from the similarity of the names, be confounded with the Guaco (Mikania guaco) a totally different plant.

The Guaco (Mikania guaco) is a climbing plant used in Central and South America as an antidote to the poison of serpents. It is incidentally alluded to by Humboldt (Travels, Bohn's edition, Vol. II, p. 364): "The liana called vejuco de guaco (Mikania), which M. Mutro has rendered so celebrated, and which is the most certain remedy for the bite of venomous serpents."

"Forster, Schomburgh, Poppig and Tschudi, agree that in South America the Mikania guaco is the best remedy for the bite of venomous serpents, and that it has in innumerable instances demonstrated its specific curative power. The freshly expressed juice of this creeping plant is dropped into the somewhat dilated wound, the surrounding parts are repeatedly rubbed and covered with the bruised leaves, and the juice at the same time also internally taken. It is efficacious against the bites of the most venomous serpents. It is also used as a prophalytic." (Hom. Vierteljahrschrift, 4, 391 — 92.)

Turchetti states that Guaco locally applied destroys the specific property of the pus from a chancre, and prevents the production of a second chancre by inoculation. He also claims for it positive curative powers in syphilis. (Schmidt's Jahrbuch, Bd. 101, p. 168.)

Lindley speaks of the Guaco as follows (Flora Med., page 344, § 915): "Aristolochiaceae (Guaco). The Guaco of the Caraccas, reported to be a powerful remedy for the bites of serpents, is said by Dr. Hancock to be some plant of this genus."

In the Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung, Vol. I, page 128, December 1832, in a letter from Bordeaux it is stated, "A Mexican physician has sent hither a plant Houacou" (evidently the same as Guaco), "which has proved very curative, in Mexico, in certain very severe maladies possessing great similarity to cholera. Our physicians have made successful experiments with it; out of eight patients to whom it was given, six were cured. * * A few drops administered on a lump of sugar restored a distinct pulse to a patient who had already become quite pulseless."

In the Allg. Hom. Zeitung (Vol. LIV, page 6, 1857), reference is made to an article by Dr. J. G. Houard, of Philadelphia, in the N. A. Jour, of Homoeopathy (Vol. II, page 16). This article is a translation of a Spanish pamphlet on Guaco in cholera. It gives no other name than Guaco to the remedy used and no description of the plant from which it was derived, but refers to an article on the subject by Dr. Chalmers, an Allopathist, in the Diario of Havana.

In the Zeitschrift fur Homoeopathische Klinik (first series Vol. III, page 94, June, 1854), it is stated that Guaco was recommended in cholera by Dr. W. Valentin. It had already been recommended in 1853 by Otto, of Copenhagen, for gout, asthma, rheuma; by Chabert, in Mexico, for cholera, and in 1836 had been used with good effect in cholera, by Czeterkyn, in Poland. In 1840, Jobst published a pamphlet on the subject giving communications from the then President of Venezuela, Dr. Vargas of Caraccas. According to the latter Guaco (in form of tincture) is used in Caraccas in the following diseases; it cures the bites of poisonous snakes, of the scorpions; prevents hydrophobia; antidotes poisons; is useful in relieving pain from wounds resulting from falls or floggings (it would be valuable in boarding schools and on the plantation); favors menstrual flow and removes constipation; is efficacious against affections of the liver, obstinate ulcers; is said to prevent and cure cancer; has a happy effect in spasm of the stomach and consumption, when the latter depends upon menstrual disturbances; cures asthma; cures tertian and all fevers complicated with chill; is a powerful anthelmintic; restores the functions of the stomach in feeble persons, and stimulates the circulation; cures megrim radically; alleviates toothache. ( Dierbach Neue Entdeckung, in Mat. Med., I, II. — Jobst "Ueber Guaco. Stuttgart, 1840. Wien. Wochenschrift, 44") a goodly list of virtues!

We have no complete proving of Mikania guaco, although the Editor of the Allg. Hom, Zeit states that one has been made by Dr. Elb, of Dresden.

Dr. Elb refers to this in an article on "Spinal Diseases" (Allg. Hom. Zeit. 61, 22 and 23), of which we hope soon to present a notice to the reader, in the course of which he gives the pathogenesis of Guaco in so far as it relates to symptoms of the spinal nervous system. Dunham.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 09, 1863, pages 420-426]

[Description: Notes on Guao]

[Remedies: Comocladia dentata]

[Author: Navarro, J.J.]

[Year: 1863]

DYSENTERY.

By F. G. Oehme, M.D., Concord, N.H.

We propose to give, in the following summary, the experience of homoeopathic physicians in Dysentery, as it has been deposited in the German homoeopathic literature from its commencement to the present day. We have used principally the "Klinische Erfahrungen" (clinical experiences) by Dr. Ruckert, and the Supplement, by Dr. Oehme.

In this disease the following remedies have thus far been used or recommended: Acon., Aloe, Apis., Ars., Baryt., Bell., Borax, Canth., Caps., Colch., Coloc., Dulc., Hep., Iris, Ipecac., Merc. sol, Merc. corr., Nitr., Nitric acid, Nux vom., Puls., Rheum, Rhus. tox., Sep., Staph., Sulph., Verat.

These have been given or proposed by about forty physicians, under the following conditions:

Aconite, particularly when the fever and pain in the bowels are very violent. Many cases have been cured within one or two days by the exclusive use of this one remedy, especially in some epidemics; others have been prepared by it for the effective use of Merc., which soon removed the tenesmus and bloody discharges.

Aloe. There is but one case on record, which shows the following symptoms: "innumerable discharges with the most violent tenesmus, during which the patient fainted and seemed dying." After the first dose of this medicine only one more discharge occurred. Dr. Hartmann recommends Aloe strongly, on account of its powerful drastic properties.

Apis. Dr. Schulz assures us that he derived from this poison more benefit than from all others, after the previous use of Aconitum. Wolf, in his treatise on Apis, recommends it strongly in the beginning of the disease as well as later.

Arsenicum in dysenteria putrida. Where the patients are exceedingly weak, and are either apathetic, and as if stupefied, or very nervous, restless and uneasy. The discharges of the feces, and frequently also of the urine are involuntary, putrid, and sometimes contain pus. At times there is a burning sensation or violent pain in the bowels, rousing the patient a moment from his stupor. In place of tenesmus a burning sensation frequently occurs in and around the anus. Petechiae. Skin and perspiration cold, temperature of different parts of the body uneven. Breath most offensive; pulse very frequent and weak.

Baryta has been used in but one case. A child of two and a half years had been sick three weeks of dysentery, under allopathic treatment. It was pale and emaciated, and had daily many discharges of bloody mucus, without much pain. One dose of Bar. mur. cured soon.

Belladonna is useful, especially in cases where inflammation of the bowels predominates (inflammatory dysentery), and manifests itself by excessive pain and great soreness of the abdomen; also in cases of prolapsus ani, or of protruding piles, with much inflammation and pain. Although the discharges may be painful, frequent, and accompanied with much tenesmus, yet they do not tax the endurance or the patient's system, as the previously mentioned symptoms. On account of the inflammation of the bowels there may be caused sympathetically nausea, eructations, and vomiting of bile.

Borax 3. trit. is recommended by Hirsch, when inclination to evacuate is frequent, and the discharges thick as paste in the commencement, and afterwards watery, with more or less pain in the bowels.

Cantharis is suitable as well in new (but very violent and rapidly progressing cases) as in old ones, which have been mismanaged, and seem almost hopeless. In the former we find the following symptoms: severe proctocolitis, violent and frequent discharges of water, blood and membranous substances, with fainting, which become involuntary after a few hours, and of the appearance of squeezed dark red cherries. Severe colic and tenesmus; pulse weak and frequent, hands and feet cold, face collapsed, utter prostration. In the latter these: insufferable burning pain in the bowels and anus, great sensitiveness in the abdomen, insatiable thirst with aversion to drink, great prostration and weakness.

Capsicum, according to Mueller, in cases where the abdomen is greatly extended. The discharges are very small, but frequent, with severe straining and burning. Hartmann recommends it for the remaining violent pressure in the stomach and duodenum, after the removal of the colic. The discharges are bloody, slimy, membranous, foamy and greenish; the pulse full and hard.

Carbo, when Arsenic is ineffective. In a later stage in case of hemorrhage from the bowels. Hartmann recommends it against slimy, bloody discharges with burning, cutting pain around the navel, pressing sensation toward the os sacrum, anus and bladder, burning in the anus, sensation of emptiness in the bowels, relaxation, trembling weakness, uneasiness, frequent burning heat, especially at night, which disturbs the sleep.

Colchicum. The discharges contain white mucus, or blood and membranous substances, and are attended by severe straining and protruding of the anus. Much gas in the bowels, rumbling and pain; painful passage of water; there may also be vomiting of bile.

Colocynth. The colic is exceedingly severe, especially before every discharge, after which it will frequently subside. Tenesmus may not occur in all cases, and the discharges may be without blood .

Dulcamara, in catarrhal-rheumatic dysentery. Drawing pain and stiffness of the limbs, painful stiffness of the neck, pain in the lower part of the back, slimy, bloody discharges, with little colic and tenesmus. If Dulc. should be ineffectual give Pulsatilla.

Hepar sulphur is suitable in cases where the progress is slow and the fever light; or, in later stages, mostly after the use of Merc., when there is no pain, neither before, during, nor after the discharges, which are thin, brownish and fetid. Pulse not very frequent.

Iris versicolor, in slight cases. Greenish, slimy, not bloody discharges, without much tenesmus.

Ipecacuanha, in catarrhal dysentery. Loathing of food, nausea, vomiting. Bilious discharges, with little or no blood; severe tenesmus. The patient complains more of chilliness than heat.

Mercurius solub. and corr. We take these two medicines together, as for dysentery there is no great difference between the two preparations, and this distinction is not in regard to quality, but only in quantity. That is to say, Corrosivus is to be given where the symptoms are severe, while Solubilis is sufficient where they are slight. Severe tenesmus before and particularly after the discharges, which are greenish, bloody, like chopped eggs, more or less frequent, preceded and accompanied by colic. During the evacuations great weakness, trembling, and cold perspiration on the forehead. Eructations and nausea; fever and thirst not very severe.

Nitrum. Gauwerky recommends it, when Acon. proves unsuccessful for cutting pain in the bowels, when the patients complain constantly of great thirst and icy cold feet. Here Nitr. always improved the condition of the patient, and changed it so that Nux. was then indicated, which removed the remainder.

Nitri acidum. In the Homoeopathic Klinik of Dr. Hirschel, Vol. X., p. 132, a case of chronic dysentery is briefly mentioned which was cured by this medicine, after the unsuccessful use of Merc. corr. In the same, place a poisoning by Nitric acid is recorded. On examination after death the following were found: in the mouth and pharynx only slight erosions, nothing at all in the small intestines, but in the large intestines pathological changes strikingly similar to those in dysentery.

Nux vomica. More or less frequent discharges of bloody slime, mixed with small hard lumps of common feces, accompanied by severe cutting pain around the navel and tenesmus. The bowels are sore, hard and distended, with a sensation of fullness; feeling of pressure in the region of the os sacrum and rectum. Tongue dry, slight thirst, little appetite. Fever not very severe, heat and chilliness frequently alternating. These cases do not distinguish themselves by their severity, but by great obstinacy, and longer duration than appearances indicate.

Pulsatilla is recommended by Mueller in slighter cases, with whitish, slimy discharges, whitish coated tongue, flat taste, nausea, and vomiting of slime.

Rheum in catarrhal dysentery, when there is very great pain before the discharges, which are small and greenish, containing a little blood, and smell sour or moldy. The tenesmus pretty severe. Another writer finds Rheum useful when (after the cessation of bloody discharges) tenesmus and evacuations remain, which are at one time brown and thick as paste, and at another contain common feces mixed with slime.

Rhus. tox. is very useful when the disease lasts long, and still shows nearly the same symptoms as in the commencement, though they have been improved somewhat by the administered medicines. The patients are very low, with little vitality, the discharges slimy and gelatinous. Rhus is also useful when the disease assumes a typhoid character. One writer recommends it if, after the removal of the pain and tenesmus, the loose discharges pass involuntarily at night.

Sepia. Hirsch experienced great benefit from it, when only a little gelatinous slime is discharged during frequent and severe straining.

Staphysagria. Yellowish, slimy discharges, with much tenesmus and increased colic. Sensation of great lameness and weakness all through the body.

Sulphur may be again given when previous remedies have afforded no lasting benefit; also in cases which are a great deal worse at night. The colic is at times so severe that it causes nausea and very profuse perspiration.

Veratrum is indicated when there is vomiting, and the evacuations are attended by contracting pains in the chest. Chills, cold perspiration, collapsed face, weak, irregular pulse.

Finally, Argent nitr. and Podoph. are briefly mentioned, but without any indications.

Before closing this treatise we wish to say a few words regarding external applications. Injections of a thick decoction of linseed (flaxseed) have given immediate relief in very violent cases of dysentery, when the discharges were extremely frequent, the colic and tenesmus most violent, and where the apparently proper internal medicines were of little or no effect. Sitting-baths, or injections of cold water of 77 F., have been used by others with benefit against the violent straining and pain in the bowels.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 05, 1865, pages 161-166]

[Description: Dysentery.]

[Author: Oehme, F.G.]

[Year: 1865]

DIPHTHERIA .*[Read before the American Institute of Homoeopathy at its Sixteenth Annual Meeting June. 1859.]

BY HENRY D. PAINE, M.D., ALBANY, N.W

During four or five months from September 1858 to February 1859, sore throats have prevailed as an epidemic, in Albany and its neighborhood, to an extraordinary extent- many of the cases being of an unusual character, very severe, often intractable and in many cases rapidly fatal.

Some idea of the grave nature of this sickness may be gathered from the fact that, since the breaking out of the disease, few if any less than two hundred and fifty deaths therefrom have occurred in the city and its immediate neighborhood. Dr. S. D. Willard who industriously undertook to collect the statistics of the fatal cases for the N. Y. State Medical Society, (Allop.) reported 188 such cases previous to the 15th of March. Doubtless some cases escaped his scrutiny and others are known to have occurred since the publication of his report. It is therefore probably within the truth, to estimate the number of deaths already at 250. The victims have been almost exclusively children and young person Dr. Willard reports the deaths of only three adults. The desolation that has followed in the train of this sickness is further illustrated by the statement contained in the same report, that in fifteen families there had been in each two deaths in four families there had been, in each, three deaths, and in one household four children had been swept away by this pestilence. (Other instances similar to these have come to the knowledge of the writer more recently.)

As to the whole number of persons affected by the epidemic since its first appearance, it would be more difficult to arrive at satisfactory conclusions. Sore throats of some description have been exceedingly prevalent in Albany during the entire winter. Many cases slightly affected and soon relieved; and still others of every degree of gravity up to the most violent and rapidly fatal, have come under the observation of every physician. Very few families in which either I or my associate. Dr. J. W. Cox, are in the habit of prescribing, have cutirely escaped, while it has been not at all unusual to find many or most of the younger members of a household affected with some form of throat disease.

If the experience of other practitioners has been similar to. ours, the total number of cases of every kind and degree, must have been immense, not less perhaps, than a fourth part of the entire population.

Nor has the sickness altogether disappeared from our community even now, although it does not prevail to the same extent as during the winter, especially in the months of November and December. During the month of April, the number of cases coming under our observation diminished very greatly, and there were two weeks (the last of April and the first of May) in which, I believe, no now patients were prescribed for by us. But during the last three weeks the disease seems to have broken out afresh, and with much of to original severity. Within a week I have lost two patients under most affecting circumstances, in which the attacks were as violent and the course of destruction more rapid than any other cases that have occurred before in our experience.

A remarkable feature of this epidemic is the circumscribed limits to which is has been confined during almost its entire course. So far as I can learn, it has been almost exclusively restricted to the city of Albany, very few onsets having occurred in any of the neighboring towns, and those principally in one direction. I am not aware that any cases exhibiting the peculiar phenomena that have characterized the Albany sore throat have originated in Troy. Lansingburgh, or Schenectady-the most populous places in our vicinity, and be tween which and Albany, intercourse is constant and uninterrupted. It may be stated in this connection that it has been remarked, that persons from a distance; visiting the city, who have been affected by the local influences, whatever they are, that excite the distemper, are much more. liable to severe. attacks than those who habitually reside there.

How far it is the case that particular parts of the town, and which parts, have been disproportionately affected, the collected data are not yet sufficient to determine. It does appear, however, that there has been a manifest tendency in the epidemic to make itself felt chiefly in comparatively circumscribed localities, successively showing itself in different sections of the city in an apparently fitful, arbitrary and uncertain manner. It certainly has not been confined to otherwise unwholesome sections, or to uncleanly, ill ventilated neighborhoods, but has visited, in turn, the more comfortable and well ordered portions of the town, as well as tin poorer. Though I believe it in true that the earliest cases occurred among the latter, and the disease, did not extend to better quarters for some time after its existence was recognized.

It is understood that a distemper similar in ifs character to the "Albany sore throat," has of late broken out in some other parts of the country. If this is the case, it is to be hoped that the combined observations of physicians in different places will elucidate more satisfactorily than has yet been done, the sources and origin of the disease and the laws which regulate its propagation, as well as the most reasonable plan of counteracting the evil and the most appropriate treatment for its cure.

As a contribution to the general stock of information, it is proposed at the present time, to give a brief account of the epidemic as it has appeared in Albany chiefly derived from the personal observations of myself and my associate, and the course of management that has appeared to be the most efficient in the cases we have had to treat.

The cases that have come under our notice, although exhibiting great variety in the manner of attack, symptoms, course and termination, may be conveniently arranged for description in two or three groups.

In the most severe and strongly marked cases, there is violent inflammation of the fauces, tonsils and uvula, extending as far back as can be observed, accompanied by a more or less extensive formation of false membrane, of a dull white, or ashy color-sometimes deposited in small, irregular patches, and at others covering a large part of the mucous lining of the throat on one, and occasionally on both sides. There is? also in these cases, very frequently, a viscid discharge from the nostrils and a most fetid breath.

The rare phenomenon of a membraniform exudation accompanying inflammation of the mucous tissues, except in the case of true croup, gives a peculiar interest to the study of this epidemic, in which it is a frequent and characteristic feature.

The attack is often ushered in with rigors not infrequently amounting to a positive chill, pains in the head and limbs with a general feeling of malaise and depression. If, as is often the case, the child is stricken in the full vigor of health, having, till the moment of attack, enjoyed his accustomed appetite, there will be, very likely, vomiting of the ingesta and some subsequent retching.

Sometimes the throat symptoms manifest themselves almost simultaneously with the general disturbance, but not always. Occasionally they seem even to proceed it. It has happened several times in our experience, that the patient has made no complaint of difficulty of swallowing, or soreness previous to the chill or vomiting, when an inspection revealed the fact that the membrane was already forming. Except in those cases, the symptoms at the beginning of the attack are not dissimilar to those of ordinary inflammation of the throat. There is generally some complaint of stiffness of the neck, the cervical glands are somewhat enlarged and there is sonic pain and heat in the throat.

The appearance of the throat before the occurrence of the membranous deposit is generally indicative of intense inflammation, not always equally diffused, but in spots of erysipelatous redness, or with streaks of a deeper redness irregularly scattered over the inflamed surface. Deglutition is generally very painful and difficult from the first, indeed often more so at the beginning than in the later stages, but instances have not been rare, in which, notwithstanding a highly inflamed appearance of the throat, the patient manifested no difficulty at all in swallowing.

The fever runs high, but is generally brief-seldom exhibiting much activity except in the early stage of the disease, and is followed by a stage of depression and debility, apparently disproportionate to the amount of the preceding excitement. In many, even serious cases, the febrile symptoms have scarcely been observed at all, but the tendency to an asthenic state of the system is evident from the first. Probably this depends much upon the previous health and condition of the patient himself, and something perhaps upon the locality in which he lives. As a general thing, the more vigorous and healthful the subject, and the more salubrious the surrounding air, the more decided will be the period of excitement, while in confined and illy-ventilated places and among the ill-fed and poorly nourished, the typhoid character of the affection will be more strongly marked, and at an earlier period of the attack.

The appearance of the pseudo membranous deposit, which is the distinguishing feature of this form of the epidemic, also presents several varieties.

As already intimated, the first examination of the throat shows in some eases an already existing pellicular exudation on some part of the mucous lining, and that too where neither the degree of febrile excitement, nor the complaint of the patient on account of throat symptoms would have led to such an expectation. But more frequently its visible appearance is preceded by some of the symptoms already mentioned. Generally within 24 or 36 hours after the attack, upon the inflamed mucous surface are seen a number of white spots, irregular in outline, and of various sizes, from that of a pin's head to that of one's finger nail. The first impression is likely to be that they are ulcerations which have destroyed, in those places, the mucous membrane, and it is quite common to hear them spoken of as ulcers or canker, by non-professional persons. .But a more careful examination, shows its true character-that it is a deposit upon, and not a corrosion of, the inflamed surface. If the disease progresses, these distinct spots increase in number and size, till they unite and form a continuous layer of various extent and thickness.

Sometimes the membranous stratum is a mere film and quite transparent, at first, which may perhaps cause it to be overlooked, but it soon becomes thicker and opaque, and the color is usually of a dull white or grayish hue.

It appears to be of it fibrous structure, quite tough and firm. Specimens of it have been detached and thrown off as thick as kid leather, and I have seen some that was as thick as thin calf-skin. When loosened and separated from the surface to which it was attached, the underlying membrane very rarely exhibits any evidence of ulceration or other disorganization, but the plastic exudation is liable to form again, if the process of detachment is prematurely hastened.

The space covered by the false membrane is subject to the greatest variation. In slight cases there may be perhaps a few dots of it here and there, or one or two spots a line or two in diameter, while in the more aggravated examples the palate, tonsils and fauces present to the eye an unbroken coating of this substance, at the same time that the other unmistakable indications prove its extension into the pharynx and trachea.

In the latter case, if the disease is not speedily arrested, the patient dies with all the symptoms of croup.

Between these extremes, there may be every variety of development, and the symptoms and the danger will be modified according to the parts that happen to be involved.

As the disease progresses, and sometimes at an early stage of the attack, the breath becomes exceedingly offensive, so much so as to affect the atmosphere of the room where the patient lies with an almost intolerable fetor. At the same time the inflammation may extend to the nostrils, accompanied with a more or less abundant discharge of an acrid, foul smelling secretion from the nose, not unfrequently mixed with shreds of membrane.

In addition to these symptoms there is more or less swelling of the parotid glands, upon one or both sides. These swellings are sometimes very considerable, but seem not to be very painful, nor do they manifest any disposition to suppuration.

The most frequent cause of death appears to have been the extension of the false membrane into the air passages, producing the same mechanical obstruction to respiration, and terminating precisely in the same manner as in ordinary croup. In a portion of the cases however, the fatal remit seems to depend less upon the obstruction of respiration than upon a general prostration and exhaustion of the vital forces. The process of throwing out this plastic exudation appeal; to draw so heavily upon the system as, with the low typhoid character of the constitutional symptoms, to imperil the life of the sufferer from sheer exhaustion.

In one or two cases that have come under our observation, the inflammation has so affected the organs concerned in deglutition as to make the act of swallowing very painful and well nigh impossible, the half lethargic patient preferring to die of starvation rather than undergo the distressing effort of taking the simplest nourishment into the stomach.

So far I have attempted to describe, as briefly as possible, only one class of cases that have occurred during the prevalence of the Albany epidemic. They include however, all those that from their unusual character and alarming tendency are calculated to excite the greatest interest.

Epidemics exhibiting similar characteristics although of rare, perhaps unexampled, occurrence in this country are not altogether new elsewhere. For two years past something; very like it has been observed in parts of England, particularly in the coast counties opposite to France, and for a stilt longer period it has prevailed at intervals in the neighborhood of Bologne on the other side.

The most complete account of a corresponding epidemic that has yet appeared, was written about forty years ago by Bretoneau, a physician of Tours in France, in which he describes very minutely the disease as it prevailed in that city and some other towns for three years. He considered the formation of a concrete membranous exudation under such circumstances to be so remarkable and peculiar a feature as to deserve a special designation. To him accordingly we are indebted for the term Diphtherite or Diphtheritis, by which this form of disease is getting to be generally recognized, especially in France where it has occasionally appeared since the time of Bretoneau.

Objection has been made to this name on account of the incorrect pathology implied in its termination. The Registrar General of England alluding to the appearance of the disease in that country has adopted the term Diphtheria as the preferable form of expression, for as he properly remarks "the termination itis, as in gastritis, is used in medical language to designate pure inflammation of the organ which the root of the word expresses; hence ia has been substituted for itc (the French form of itis), as this cannot with any propriety be placed after Diphthera,. designating a product of disease and not an organ of the body."

The disease is not, as the term "Diphtheritis" would imply, according to the usage of medical writers, an inflammation of this new formation, but the membranous deposit is the consequence of a disease already existing; With thus, modification the term seems to be significant and appropriate and has been accepted by the Brit. Jour, of Hom. and some other foreign publications; notwithstanding its introduction was at first decidedly contested as tending to an unnecessary multiplication of new names for old diseases. But in this case the disease, if not positively new, has by its intenser form and its increasing prevalence acquired an importance which entitles it to a special designation.

The mistake made by Bretoneau was not so much the addition of a new name to pathology, as the attempt he made to extend the name to other affections quite distinct from that under consideration. When the epidemic began to prevail in Tours, and many children died from it, these fatal results were naturally referred to Croup, from the suddenness of the attack and the similarity of many of the symptoms; and Bretoneau consequently takes the ground that there is no essential difference between the so-called Diphtheritis and ordinary membranous croup, that in fact croup is only a variety of Diphtheritis.

Now, although certain of the most serious forms of Diphtheria present many symptoms strongly simulating Cynanche Trachealis, and fatal results are not unfrequently produced by a process precisely analogous to that which carries off the little patient in that disease, yet that is by no means the case with all. It is only in a certain number of cases that Diphtheria takes on the characteristics of croup, while in other important particulars the difference between the two diseases is clearly defined. In croup the inflammation and membranous exudation commences in and is confined to the trachea, and the symptomatic fever is inflammatory throughout. In Diphtheria the plastic deposit originates in the pharynx, and in many cases does not extend to other passages, but in some the inflammatory action involves not only the pharynx but dips into its several apertures, and thus it may happen that false membrane of greater or less extent may be formed in the trachea and give rise to most distressing dyspnea and other alarming symptoms of true tracheitis; but unlike croup, as before remarked, the inflammation tends to assume a gangrenous and putrid character and the accompanying fever is typhoid. In a large number of instances the membranous deposit consists of a few small patches upon one or both tonsils, the palate, or the fauces, without even affecting in the slightest degree the larynx or trachea. Nor does it always extend to those organs, even when the deposit covers a much greater extent of surface.

As yet I have described only that form of the Albany epidemic which is characterized by the formation of false membrane. But a still larger number of cases of sore throat have presented themselves in which no such deposit was detected, and which by many persons have been looked upon as ordinary sore throat and not having any relation to the proper diphtheria. Many of these cases, it is true, were very mild, exhibiting a slight diffusive inflammation of the mucous membrane, without very marked peculiarities, and not likely to attract particular attention in ordinary times. Other examples, more severe, presented the same local and general symptoms as those first described, with the exception of the diphtherous exudation, the same erysipelatous looking patches of inflammation-the same swelling of the glands, and the same disposition to a low state of system, and occurring as they have done in the same localities and in the same families where proper diphtheria prevailed, it is but reasonable to suppose they were imperfectly developed cases of the same affection, originating from the same morbific influences.

Adults appear to have been particularly liable to this form of affection, while the membranous variety has been most apt to develop itself in children.

The sequellae of this remarkable sickness, as exhibited in some cases of slow or partial recovery, would form an interesting subject for discussion in this connection, but additional observations are required to make the history complete, and the time does not admit of their full consideration.

A few words upon the treatment pursued and I will conclude Upon the first appearance of the disease among our patients, we were of course without the advantages of any previous experience of our own or of others. No recorded cases of its treatment by physicians of our school had yet been seen by us, and it was evident that, if the distemper should extend itself, the advantages claimed for Homoeopathic treatment would be put to a severe test.

Nevertheless, relying upon the general efficacy of the law of cure propounded by Hahnemann and abundantly confirmed by the experience of thousands of his followers, we did not doubt that among the articles of our Materia Medica having the most apparent relation to the symptoms presented, some would be found that would exert a powerful controlling effect even upon this formidable disease.

If we had been less confident, even of the resources of our system, we should have still felt that our safest way would be to follow the course we adopted, as the evident imperfect success of the usual Allopathic treatment afforded little encouragement for imitation.

In the simplest forms of diffusive inflammation, in which no marked peculiarity was observed, a few doses of Belladonna in solution, sufficed to effect a revolution in a short time. Or if with some swelling of the tonsils there was a bright scarlet redness uniformly extended over the mucous membrane Belladonna was still prescribed.

If however the inflammation was of a dark red, or if there were dark crimson patches scattered over the inflamed surface Rhus tox. was found the more effectual remedy.

As soon as the least appearance of membranous deposit was observed, or there was any swelling of the glands of the neck, the Iodide of Mercury was freely administered and generally continued until there was a complete obliteration of those symptoms. The immense value of this remedy in this disease will be easily understood by those who have experienced its efficacy in analogous diseases. We have given it mostly in doses of the 1st. trituration, and the effect in arresting and detaching the false membranous formation has been in many cases most gratifying.

Generally the Bell, or Rhus have been continued at intervals during the stage of febrile excitement-the choice between the two being affected by the character of the fever as well as by the appearance of the throat. The more the fever approached an inflammatory type, the better the indications were for Bell., while a tendency to an adynamic condition required Rhus.

Arsenicum was given when with the fetid breath the lining of the nostrils became affected and discharged a viscid foul secretion and there was great and increasing prostration of strength. It has also proved very useful after the separation of the false membrane in relieving the extreme tenderness which remains, as well as in keeping up the vital energies.

When the inflammation and consequent deposit extends to the trachea and threatening to carry off the patient with the usual symptoms of croup, the remedies, besides those already mentioned, that have been most successful in combating this alarming state of things have been Stibium and Spongia, given according to indications sufficiently well understood.

In regard to local adjuvants, we have found but little advantage from any, except water. The cold water cravat has constantly been found to produce an agreeable impression upon the feelings of the patient and has appeared to assist very sensibly in producing a favorable effect from the internal remedies.

A solution of yeast as a gargle has helped to relieve something of the fetor of the breath and tendency to gangrenous disorganization.

Of course the utmost attention to cleanliness, pure air, &c has been insisted on.

The necessity of keeping up the failing strength by suitable nourishment was forced upon our attention at an early period of the epidemic. Indeed the utter prostration which often attends the disease, is a most noticeable feature in its history and requires the most careful consideration.

Under the treatment briefly and imperfectly sketched above a large number of patients have recovered, and of those who have had the advantage of it from an early period of the attack (as well as some less favorably situated) the losses have been very few indeed. We trust at least that neither the interests of our patients nor the reputation of Homoeopathy have suffered at our hands.

So obvious have been the advantages of this plan of cure, both for the ease with which it is carried out, and the large number of recoveries resulting from it, in contrast with the painful, difficult, and persecuting course recommended and generally adopted by the dominant school and its evident want of success, that an impression has been made upon the community favorable to Homoeopathy such as never has been made before, even by the results of treatment in the Cholera or any other epidemic.

The treatment almost solely relied upon by the Allopathic practitioners in Albany, as far as I can learn, has been that of local cauterization by Nitrate of Silver, to the utter neglect, it would appear, of the constitutional condition, the blood poison, of which the local symptoms are but the most obvious manifestation.

How partial a view of the true nature of the disease that must be, upon which is founded such an imperfect and feeble, though distressing treatment, has been sufficiently tested by the large proportion of fatal results.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 12, 1859, page 529-541]

[Description: Diphtheria.]

[Remedies: Belladonna, Rhus toxicodendron, Arsenicum album, Mercurius Iodatus Flavus, Mercurius Iodatus Ruber, Spongia tosta, Antimonium crudum]

[Author: Paine, H.D.]

[Year: 1859]

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM.

BY H. M. PAINE, M. D., CLINTON, N, Y.

The Horse Chestnut is a highly ornamental tree, and is greatly admired for its majestic proportions, and for the beauty of its flowers and foliage. It grows rapidly and often attains the height of forty or fifty feet. It is a native of Middle Asia, but flourishes well in the temperate climates of both hemispheres. Its genus comprises about twelve known species: the genus Aesculus, however, is incomparably the finest, and is the only one found in the Northern States, and this even is not indigenous in New England.

It was introduced into Europe nearly three centuries ago by Baron Ungnad, ambassador of the Ottoman Porte, who, in the year 1576, sent the seeds of the common Horse Chestnut to Clausius at Vienna. It is now extensively cultivated as an ornamental tree in Europe as well as in this country.

The name Aesculus was originally applied to a species of oak, also to a tree which bore esculent fruit, and probably is derived from Esca, "food." It was transferred to this genus by Linnaeus to the exclusion of the earlier and more appropriate name of Hippocastanum, Horse Chestnut, on account of the resemblance of the large seeds to chestnuts, and because the Turks often grind them into a coarse flour, which is mixed with other food and given to horses that are broken-winded.

In the Southern and Western States there are several species which bear the name of Buck eye, from a resemblance of the seeds to the eye of that animal.

In the language of flowers this tree symbolizes luxury.

The beauty of the Horse Chestnut consists chiefly in its inflorescence, surpassing that of almost all our native forest trees; the huge clusters of gay blossoms, which every spring are distributed with such luxuriance and profusion over the surface of the foliage, and at the extremity of the branches, give the whole tree the aspect rather of some monster flowering shrub, than of an ordinary tree of the largest size. Early in June this beautiful tree puts forth large pyramidal racemes or thyrses of flowers of pink and white, mottled with red and yellow, finely contrasting with the dark green of its foliage which has great grandeur and richness in its depth of hue and massiveness of outline.

Its botanical description may be briefly stated as follows: Order, Hippocastanacae, (Sapindaceae, Gray.) Genus, Aesculus.Species, Hippocastanum. Leaves opposite, digitate, of sevenobovate-cunate, acute, toothed leaflets, serrate and straight veined.Flowers, showy, in large, terminial thyrsoid racemes or panicles; pedicels articulated. Calyx campanulate of five united sepals. Corolla spreading white, spotted with purple and yellow, and composed of four or five petals, which are irregular, unguiculate and nearly hypogynous. Stamens usually seven, unequal, inserted on the hypogynous disk. Ovary large, round, echinate when young, dehiscent, loculicidal, three cornered, three celled, crowned with a single filiform conical style; containing two ovules in each cell, only one of which, sometimes two or even three matures. These seeds are very large, shining, roundish, coriacious, mahogany colored, with a broad round pale hilum, without albumen.

The Aesculus Ohioensis, Ohio Buck eye, differs from the Aesculus Hippocastanum in having five leaflets, stamens red, curved, much longer than the corolla, which is of four upright yellow petals. Fruit prickly when young but smooth at maturity, about half the size of the Hippocastanum. This tree is small in size and exhales an unpleasant odor, particularly while in flower.

The timber is not valuable; The large farinaceous seeds contain a considerable amount of nourishment, which is rendered unavailable because of the intensely bitter and narcotic principle with which they are charged. Common Horse Chestnuts, nevertheless, with some precautions, are largely and advantageously used in Switzerland for fattening sheep. They are also eaten eagerly by deer, horses and oxen. Starch prepared from them is superior to that of wheat, and excels as an article of diet that of the potatoe. Paste prepared from them is preferable to any other, not only because possessing great tenacity, but also from the fact that no moths or vermin will attack anything cemented with it. They have been recommended as a substitute for coffee. They contain sparingly a saponaceous principle.

The young leaves are aromatic, and have been used instead of hops in brewing beer.

The roots contain a mucilaginous and saponaceous matter which is thought to be poisonous. Active and poisonous properties prevail in the root, seeds, bark and foliage.

The bark has little odor, but an astringent and bitter though not disagreeable taste. It contains among other ingredients bitter extractive and tannin, and imparts its virtues to boiling water. Its active constituent is supposed to be tannin, hence it has been employed in tanning. It is recommended as a tonic, astringent, narcotic and antiseptic; in fevers as a febrifuge; for gangrene, and as an errhine. A strong decoction is recommended as a lotion to gangrenous ulcers.

It has attracted much attention in Europe, as a substitute for cinchona, although it certainly cannot be considered comparable to the Peruvian bark in its power over Intermittents. It is at present seldom used, and never in this country. The bark of the branches from three to five years old is considered the best. It should be collected in spring.

The powdered kernel snuffed up the nostrils produces sneezing, and has been used with advantage as a sternutatory in complaints of the head and eyes. Ten grains of the powder of the rind have been found equivalent in narcotic power, to three grains of opium. In Europe the oil is at present a fashionable remedy for gout and rheumatism. Maceration in an alkaline solution removes the bitter principle. AEsculine is the name given to the extractive matter.

Hahnemann thus speaks of it:

"We can from the morbid effects which the bark is able to produce, form a just estimate of its medicinal powers, and determine whether it is suitable for pure intermittent fever, or some of its varieties. The sole phenomenon we know belonging to it is, that it produces a constrictive feeling in the chest. It will accordingly be found useful in (periodical) spasmodic asthma."

The following digest of the symptoms of Aesculus has been arranged from provings made by Dr. Woodland Warren, and by Dr. O. A. Buchanan, upon himself and six other persons, four females and three males, all in middle life.*[See British Journal of Homoeopathy, vol. XVIII, p. 188, 194.]

The mother tincture or crude drug was chiefly used in doses of from five drops to forty grains, in a few instances, however, the first and second decimal triturations were employed.

Dr. Buchanan introduces the provings in the following words:

"Horse Chestnuts have been occasionally used as a popular remedy, and the favorable results heard of from their use in glandular swellings of horses, in chronic catarrhs of the respiratory passages and of the intestinal canal, determined me to undertake a careful proving of them in the healthy, in order to ascertain if their vaunted curative powers were on the homoeopathic principle."

Symptoms. – Compiled from eighteen provings, by eight persons. The figures indicate the number of times the proceeding symptom was mentioned by the provers.

General Symptoms.

Feeling of extreme illness. Great weakness. Totters when walking. (2) Weariness. (3) Fatigued feeling, as from a long walk. Sensation as if she would faint. General feeling of malaise. Duration of action from two to six hours.

Sleep

Inclination to sleep. Yawning and stupefying sleepiness. Constant yawning. (2) Falls asleep when sitting. Sleep for a quarter of an hour. Slept well.

Fever

Chilliness and goose-skin. Attack of rigor, lasting ten minutes. Cannot get warm. Rigor for half an hour. Rigors. General perspiration. Heat in the whole body.

Sensorium

On waking cannot recognise what she sees; knows not where she is; nor whence come the objects about her. (2) Inward cheerfulness and placidity of temper.

Head

Feeling as if a board were on the head. Aching in the forehead. Feeling as during a cold in the head. Sensation as if intoxicated. Confusion of the head. (2) Giddiness. Vertigo, with sensation of balancing in the head. Formication in the front of the temple. Heaviness in the head. Heat in the head and eyes. Headache over the left eye. (2) Headache over the right eye. Dull pains in the head, here and there, chiefly in the right temple, and occiput, followed by dull stitches in the forehead. Throbbing in the right frontal eminence. Fine stitches in the left temple. Dull pain in the left temple. Sharp pressing pain in the right temple. Dull stupefying pain in the head. Dull pain in the occiput. (3) Bruised feeling in the occiput. Heat in the integuments of the occiput. (3) Heat extending from the occiput to the ears. (2)

Eyes

Burning in the internal canthi. Burning and stinging deep in the left orbit, as if the pain surrounded the eyeball. Weight and heat in the eyes. Coldness in left eye. Jerking in the right eye. Quivering of the lids. Lachrymation. (2) Flickering before the eyes. (2) Can see well at a distance, can read without spectacles which she could not do before.

Ears

Burning of the ears. Heat in the occiput extending to the ears.

Nose

Severe fluent coryza. (8) Burning in the nostril. Raw feeling throughout the whole nasal cavity. The nasal mucus becomes watery. Thin mucus from the nose, causing a frequent use of the pocket handkerchief. Dry feeling and sensation of heat in the nose, especially its point, as when a severe coryza is about to come on. Disposition to sneeze. Feeling as after having taken a pinch of snuff. Formication in the nose. (3) Sensitiveness of the nasal mucous membrane to the respired air. (3) The respired air causes a feeling of coldness in the nose. (2) Drawing in the right nostril as in violent coryza. Twisting sensation in the front part of the nose. Shooting pain in the nose.

Face

Looks ill. Pale miserable appearance. (2) Flying heat, and redness of the left side of the face; (2) Burning in the left cheek.

Mouth

The taste was something like that of aloes. Bitter taste. (3) Coppery taste, acting as an astringent in the mouth and esophagus. At first bitter, then sweet. Sweetish taste, (6) as after taking Dulcamara, like liquorice. Burning in the mouth. (3) Biting and stinging at the tip of the tongue. Increased flow of saliva, (9) producing an inclination to swallow.

Throat

– Contractive pain in the throat. (2) Sort of constricted scraped sensation, causing a disposition to hawk. Irritation in the throat and esophagus. All the throat was excoriated and constricted. Dryness and contraction of the throat. Dryness in the throat. Burning in the throat, (12) like fire, when swallowing; at one time slight, then severe; with raw feeling. Constant shooting and raw pain in the throat. Scraping sensation in the throat. The mucus in the throat becomes thinner. Hawking of thick, (2) afterwards watery mucus. Frequent call to expectorate mucus, which becomes watery. The mucus in the throat excites a cough. Tickling in the throat, (2) causing a cough. Inclination to swallow. Formication in the fauces. Dull pressing and pricking in the fauces. Biting and stinging pain in the fauces. Stinging and burning in the soft palate, and posterior nares. Increased pain in the throat, after eating a grape.

Stomach

Nausea. (15) Retching. (2) Inclination to vomit. Violent vomiting. Burning in the stomach, (4) Heartburn for half an hour. Water brash. Eructations of wind, (16) of mucus; of thick mucus; of viscid mucus, (3) empty eructations. Flying heat before the eructation.

Fullness of the stomach. (3) Periodical tightness in the scrobiculus cordis, with labored breathing. Twisting in the scrobiculus cordis. Pressure as from a stone in the pit of the stomach. Sensation as if a stone lay on the scrobiculus cordis. Aching and rambling in the stomach. Cutting stomach ache. The aching in the stomach extends downwards. Comfortable feeling in the stomach. Hunger.

Abdomen

Constricted feeling in the bowels. Cramplike constriction in the bowels, followed by stool, (the fourth time.) Griping in the bowels. (2) Cramps in the bowels. Motions preceded by pain in the bowels. Pinching below the navel. Fine pricking pains around the umbilicus. (2) Cutting pain around the umbilicus. Pain from the bowels to the small of the back. Burning in the bowels. Pressing downwards, in abdomen. Bumbling in the bowels, half an hour, without pain. Distention of the abdomen. Pain in the hypochondria, through to the back, especially on inspiration. Tearing pain in the right side. Shooting in the right side, above the hip, deeply seated. Colic, with pinching pains in the right hypochondrium. Stitches in the right hypochondrium. Stitches in the left side; Fine stitching in the left hypochondrium. Dull pressing pain in the left hypochondrium. Cutting in the left inguinal region. Rumbling in hypogastrium.

Stools

Eructations of wind with desire to go to stool. Three moderate fecal evacuations half an hour after taking the drug. Four loose evacuations within a quarter of an hour. In two hours several thin evacuations. In two hours after taking the drag, two moderate evacuations; Constant urging to stool, after two hours. Pressure in the rectum, with desire to go to stool. Ineffectual efforts to stool. Difficult scanty stool. Difficult hard stool, followed by burning and constriction in rectum. Constriction in the rectum (2) Itching in the anus, (2) with raw feeling. Stool of a mixed character. Two liquid motions, preceded by griping. Motions preceded by pinching in the bowels. Frequent expulsion of flatus. (2) The usual stool did not take place. (2)

Urine

Shoots in the orifice of the urethra. Call to urinate. On two occasions, at short intervals, urging to urinate.

Genital Organs

Leucorrhea. Burning in the mammae.

Larynx

Hoarse voice, speaking brings on a cough; Short cough, increased by swallowing and breathing deeply. The mucus in the throat excites a cough. (2) Tickling in the larynx, causing a cough, with mucous expectoration. Cough from irritation. Dry cough. Repeated cough. Dryness in the larynx. Frequent call to expectorate mucus which becomes watery. Pressure in the throat pit as if something had stuck there which required to be expelled.

Lungs

Hot feeling in the chest, with cold rising up. (2) Burning and heat in the chest. Raw feeling in the throat and chest. (2) Warm feeling in the chest Shooting pain in the sternum. Pains in the sternum, as if a piece were torn out of the chest Sudden stitches throughout the chest Pains in the right scapula, and in the left side of the chest, increased on inspiration. Rheumatic pain in the right scapula. On the right side of the chest a sensation as if the lung painfully moved up and down at each respiration. (2) Increase of the pain on drawing a deep inspiration. Pain in the chest alternating with pain in the abdomen. Stitches leave the left side of the chest and go to the right. Twitching from the chest to the left shoulder. Tightness in the chest (6) Labored breathing. (2) Palpitation of the heart, (4) severe; periodic; frequent; with great anguish.

Upper Extremities

The arm and hand of the left side become strikingly warmer, and feel as if they were heavier and swollen. Heat in the shoulders. Burning in the palms of the hands, and soles of the feet Constant jerking in the right arm. Tearing and jerking in the right arm. Paralysis of the right arm, cannot raise it.

Back.

Pains in the small of the back, and lame feeling. Pain extending from the abdomen to the small of the back. (2) Weariness in the small of the back. Tearing pain in the back. Lameness, and sensation as if strained, in the right lumbar region, extending to the gluteal muscles. Heat in the back of the neck and shoulders. Weariness in back of the neck. Lameness in back of the neck. (2)

Summary. The following are prominent symptoms:

General Symptoms – Weariness, faintness.

Sleep – Sleepiness.

Fever – Rigors, chills.

Head – Confused dull aching pain, as if from a cold.

Eyes – Burning heat, as if from a cold.

Nose – Severe fluent coryza.

Mouth – Increased flow of saliva.

Throat – Burning, raw, stinging, dryness.

Stomach – Eructations, nausea.

Abdomen – Colic, cramp, constriction.

Stools – Diarrhea, burning, constriction, pressure, tenesmus and itching in the rectum, indicate the utility of this drug in hemorrhoids.

Larynx – Laryngitis?

Lungs – Bronchitis? Asthma? Palpitation?

Back – Pains and lameness in the small of the back.

These symptoms indicate a wide range of influence. They exhibit decided action upon the mucous surface of the air passages; upon the stomach, bowels and rectum.

Dr. Buchanan thus concludes his article:

"I trust these provings may induce others to institute more provings, and to test the therapeutic action of this drug. I may merely add that I have succeeded in curing radically a chronic cough with emaciation, which had long been treated without effect, by daily administration of as much powdered chestnut as would lie on the point of a knife; and that I have heard from persons on whom I could rely of the rapid cure of a chronic diarrhea, in which many remedies had been used in vain, by a single dose of powdered Horse Chestnut."

Let these abundant evidences of its usefulness become an incentive to renewed diligence in developing and perfecting the pathogenesis of this important remedy.

It is usually prepared by grating the nut, after removing the shell. When dry it can easily be reduced to a fine powder. Triturations are made as of any other homoeopathic remedy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 11, 1860, pages 517-528]

[Description: Aesculus Hippocastanum.]

[Remedies: Aesculus hippocastanum]

[Author: Paine, H.M.]

[Year: 1860]

STATE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY, *[A paper showing the importance of organizing a "State Homoeopathic Medical Society; and establishing an extensive and uniform system of Drug Proving." Read before the "Oneida County Homoeopathic Medical Society," December 6, 1859.]

BY H. M. PAINE, M.D., CLINTON, N. Y.

The Object and Influence of Homoeopathic Medical Societies. — Homoeopathic Medical Societies are formed in order to accomplish by association what cannot be effected by individual effort, in increasing the usefulness and extending the boundaries of Medical Science.

The members of these societies by assembling and consulting on all subjects related to the profession, and by interchanging the results of their experience, become prepared to render their practice more effectual, and successful in alleviating suffering.

The influence of such organizations is generally very great If they decline because the profession do not efficiently sustain them, the interests of Homoeopathy must suffer. They are an index in a great degree of the prevalence, celebrity and success of the truths for the advancement of which they are established.

The Homoeopathist, who, although surrounded by patrons and friends, yet is so situated as to be excluded from the company of his professional brethren, feels but little general interest for or against the theory and practice he is employing. But this isolation should not deprive him of the assistance and co-operation of other members of the profession. It is a fixed law that progress is most promoted by a communication of the fruits of experience. He should therefore come forth from his retirement, and contribute his thoughts for the general good. His experience may suggest subjects of the greatest importance, his practice may be of benefit to all, and on the contrary his gain may be a harvest of an hundred fold.

While Homoeopathic Societies extend their researches over the whole field of medical science, it is their special object to improve the Materia Medica. Prominent among the means to attain this important end, is the Proving of Drugs. Before a substance is used as a remedy, its nature, properties and effects must be fully ascertained and clearly defined. At present there is a great necessity for an

Enlargement of the number of Drug Provers. Heretofore but little thought has been given to this essential work. As a general thing physicians have relied too much upon the authority of others, never themselves testing the powers of the remedies they employed. But at the present time this department is receiving more attention and care. Yet without doubt, even now, not more than one in twenty is engaged in this important labor. Hence, it is

The part of every Physician to Prove Drugs upon his own person. It is obviously the office of every homoeopathic practitioner to engage in this truly profitable and enduring labor. In order to employ his remedies with success, he must possess an accurate knowledge of all their powers and effects. And in no way can he acquire a comprehensive understanding of them, as well as by first proving them upon himself. The knowledge will be gained thus most easily and permanently, and will be most familiar and reliable in its application. Let not, however, proving be confined to common remedies; but let experiment carry research into new fields. Let the physician ascertain the effects of new drugs upon his own system, and without doubt remedies of great value will be discovered. Upon this point a remark of Dr. Wm. E. Payne is appropriate, and its quotation therefore will net be considered irrelevant:

"The prover would therefore respectfully, but earnestly solicit the co-operation of those of his professional brethren, who are desirous of making the only enduring contributions that can be made to the medical profession. The proving and re-proving of drugs, until their whole therapeutic powers are understood, is a work devolving upon the medical profession; and a participation in this work, is a duty incumbent upon every member; and no-one who has entered the profession, can be in the faithful discharge of the responsibilities thus voluntarily assumed, until he has submitted himself to the self-sacrificing work of proving drugs upon his own person. Such a labor is truly self-sacrificing; but when faithfully performed, it will subserve the cause of suffering humanity in all coming, time; and he who shrinks from it, is unworthy the honors of his Alma Mater, and toe confidence of those who submit their lives to his imperfectly cultivated instrumentality."*[Vide AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW, Vol II, p. 83.]

In order that the results and discoveries of each individual physician may become useful to other members of the profession, some means must be devised by which they can be brought together and their results communicated. such a medium may be found in.

County Medical Societies. The proving of a drug by a single person is insufficient to establish its character. In order to ascertain its true therapeutic powers the observations of many individuals must be compared. Only when the results are contrasted, verified and reduced to a system can its power and worth as a remedy be determined or affirmed. Medical societies are peculiarly adapted for this work. Yet at the present time there are but few agencies of this kind which engage the co-operation of our homoeopathic physicians. The American Prover's Union, and the American Institute, assisted by comparatively a small number of observers, have accomplished highly valuable results: and many others still can achieve successes equally important. For these purposes and to obtain these ends, let a medical society be formed in each of the counties where none now exists. Small associations generally accomplish more in the aggregate than large, because their members are required to put forth greater exertion, and to make greater sacrifices than when there are many to perform the labor. If any motive can have influence surely such an one should prove a powerful incentive to personal effort. During the last ten years, as our Journals testify, many imperfectly proved remedies have been presented to the profession: if these trials should now be increased and verified by a larger number of observers, the results would be of far greater value.

One object of a State Medical Society. Prudence forbids the public expression of some of the reasons in favor of forming at an early day a State Medical Society; but among the others and perhaps not least, is the necessity of a central and controlling organization which shall secure by means of the county societies the co-operation of all the members of the profession in the state, who are willing to assist by their influence and example in the department of drug proving. There is now evidence of progress, yet there can be but little permanent advancement until a combination of effort shall be secured upon fewer drugs. If a larger number of physicians in the state can be induced to engage in this work, or if all who are at the present time thus employed, will unite, by this means of co-operation, in developing the pathogenesis of one remedy at a time, complete provings will result. Thus uniformity and concert of action, and thorough and speedy discovery of the therapeutic powers of drugs will be attained; and that which now requires eight or ten years to perform, will be accomplished just as well in one or two. A State Society being a representative body would be eminently fitted to give direction, uniformity and efficiency to this most important work.

How it is to be established. At the last meeting of the State Society, in May, 1857, it was discovered that its organization had not been effected, as the statute required, and therefore all its proceedings were informal. The la recognizes county societies as the foundation on which the State organization must be formed, by granting them the privilege of sending as many delegates as there are members of Assembly. The State Society, however, has power to increase the number of permanent members by electing as many as there are members of the Senate.

There are at the present time seven County Homoeopathic Medical Societies. They are Livingston, Onondaga, Oneida including Herkimer, Saratoga including Washington, Renssalear, New York and Kings. These are entitled to a representation of forty-two members, a number sufficient to organize immediately a State Medical Society.

The members, talent and influence of the Homoeopathists in the State clearly indicate that the time has fully come for establishing such an association upon a permanent basis. The welfare of our patrons, and the interests of Homoeopathy should stimulate the profession to put forth every effort which will favor and promote our cause.

If the proposed plan be considered premature or impracticable, then let some other method be soon adopted which shall bring about the same desirable result. At least let the county societies already established institute a correspondence, which shall secure uniformity in this department, and thus form a system which, with the addition of other societies, shall become increasingly instrumental in developing the true law of therapeutics discovered by Hahnemann.

Action of the Society. A committee presented the following resolutions, which were adopted by the Society:

Resolved, "That a Homoeopathic County Medical Society should be formed. as soon as practicable, in every county of the State where none now exists."

"That a uniform and extensive system of drug proving should be instituted in connection therewith."

"That a State Medical Society should be organized as soon as a sufficient number of County Societies shall have been formed."

Correspondence. I From Dr. H. D. Paine, of Albany, in reply to a communication relative to the organization of a State Medical Society.(Dec. 5, 1859,):

"It would seem, however, that with the increase of our numbers, and our social strength, our action and influence might be more effectually concentrated and combined, both for the benefit of the public and the promotion of Homoeopathy. Whether the sentiment of the homoeopathic profession is quite ripe for a decided move in that direction I do not know. I have felt a little doubtful of it, but the only way of testing the matter is for somebody to take the initiative step. That can be done as effectually by your Society, as any other — perhaps better, and I am very glad you propose to set the ball in motion.

"The plan of organization should be the same, or nearly so, as the Old School Society — a representative body, and should be made as simple, and expressed as briefly as possible. Simultaneously with this movement the teal of the brethren throughout the State should be stirred up to form County Societies, and appoint delegates, so as to be ready to organize as soon as opportunity shall occur. Let those Societies already formed appoint Delegates, and a time and place for meeting.

"Such a course would probably stimulate the formation of Societies in Counties where they do not yet exist, which would add their delegates to the number, and thereby strengthen the influence which such an association could not fail to exert if vigorously pushed."

II. From Dr. B. F. Joslin, of New York:

"I would suggest the formation of as many county societies as practicable this year, and a State Society the next. The necessity of the general association will be more urgent and obvious in proportion to the number of elementary ones; by this mode of proceeding, the State Society will not be made for the county societies, but by them; each of the latter will have a little time to rest from legislative labors, which are generally irksome to scientific men, as the making and mending of societies interferes with their favorite pursuits. These are reasons for the postponement of the State Society for another year, or at least until the elements are more generally created.

"The advantages of County and State medical associations are well stated in your paper. It is an excellent feature of those contemplated that they are designed to work, and that their most important duties are to relate to provings. If a number of homoeopathic physicians in any county take pleasure in improving the Materia Medica in this way, and actually commence giving a portion of their time to this duty, they can form a society which will probably have the requisite vitality. This living principle must depend more upon the spontaneous tendency of the members than on the external pressure of the rules of the body. A majority might become provers with advantage to themselves and the cause; but it is not to be expected that such a number will engage in the undertaking, still less that they will persevere. Organization may do something to excite the requisite sentiment as well as to regulate the action it is worthy of trial.

"Several such societies for the advancement of the materia medica can be formed in Central New York, and I trust in other parts of the State, especially if you can convince medical men that they are not required to endanger permanent injury of their health by crude preparations and large doses. HAHNEMANN, after much experience in proving, recommends in his Organon, the thirtieth dilution as the best for this purpose. There are some idiosyncrasies which appear to be proof against certain drugs, at least in the tincture and lower dilutions. For example: — In the Autumn of 1858, an able pharmaceutist, at my request, sent to a member of the Bureau two drachms of the tincture of Rumex, and as much of the 3d and 12th potencies in solution. Some months afterward this prover wrote to me: "I have proved the Rumex until the stock you sent me is nearly exhausted. I have tried it in small and large doses, but I am unable to furnish any symptoms which I can conscientiously communicate as legitimate effects of the drug."*[Dr. J. gives this extract from the letter since found, instead of the abstract contained in his own, and given from memory.] Subsequent events give this incident some value to societies about to commence provings.

"The activity in the right direction, of a sufficient number of county societies would afford the best pledge of the vitality and permanence of a State Society subsequently formed. I have given what appears to me to be the best order for the development of a healthy and durable activity. Perhaps the whole could be accomplished in a few months; if so, all the better. You are surrounded by colleagues who will heartily cooperate. Whatever order you adopt, you will have my best wishes for the success of your laudable undertaking."

Act of Incorporation relative to the Formation of Homoeopathic County Medical Societies. — An Act to Incorporate Homoeopathic Medical Societies. (Vide Laws of New York, Session of 1857, Vol. I., Page 790, Chapter 384.)

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:

Sec. 1. It shall be lawful for Homoeopathic Physicians, in each of the counties of this State, to meet together on the first Tuesday of May next, at the place where the County Courts are appointed to be held in their respective counties, and organize County Homoeopathic Medical Societies, in the same manner as provided in an act entitled "An act to incorporate Medical Societies for the purpose of regulating the practice of Physic and Surgery in this State," passed April 10, 1813. And whenever a Society be organized as aforesaid, in either of the said counties, it shall be known by the name of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the county in which it shall be founded, and shall have all the powers, rights and privileges, and be subject to all the duties and responsibilities, now by law given to or imposed upon a County Medical Society, organized under the act aforesaid.

Sec. 2. If the said physicians shall not meet and organize themselves at such time and place as aforesaid, it shall be lawful for them to meet at such other time as a majority of them shall think proper, and their proceedings shall be as valid as if such meeting had been held at the time before specified.

Sec. 3. This shall be and is hereby declared to be a public act.

Sec. 4. This act shall take effect on the first day of May next.

If there is not a sufficient number of physicians in one County to form a Society, they can unite with the physicians in an adjoining County for that purpose.

"And be it farther enacted, that if there should not be a sufficient number of physicians and surgeons in any of the counties of this State to form themselves into a Medical Society agreeably to this act, it shall be lawful for such physicians and surgeons to associate with the physicians and surgeons of an adjoining county for the purposes hereby contemplated, "Section 20, Revised Statutes Vol. 2, page 651.

See also the "Act" which "Regulates the practice of Physic and Surgery," Revised Statutes, Vol. 2, Pages 646 — 52, 1859, for information in respect to the formation of County and State Medical Societies.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04, 1860, pages 177-181]

[Description: State Homoeopathic Medical Society – a paper showing the importance of organizing a "state Homoeopathic Medical Society; and establishing an extensive and uniform system of Drug Proving." Read before the "oneida County Homoeopathic Medical Society," December 6, 1859.]

[Author: Paine, H.M.]

[Year: 1860]

CHRONIC TETANUS OF SEVEN YEARS STANDING.

BY J. H. PAYNE, M. D., BANGOR, ME.

Mr. Chas. H. Lampson applied to me for medical attendance, April 27th, 1855.

He had taken no medicine for several weeks when I first visited him.

Without any warning of approach, he would be seized with the most violent spasms. His face and knees would be drawn together in an instant with great force (emprosthotonos). All the flexor muscles of the hands, feet, and body, were contracted, inflexible and rigid, and the whole person presented the form of a large clump or ball. The spasms of the intercostal muscles, diaphragm and abdomen, were so intense, they produced a large cavity at the base of thorax; apparently displacing all the internal organs of the body.

The face was suffused with a dark livid flush, and miserably disfigured by the perverted action of the muscles, which drew up the nose, wrinkled the forehead, and dragged the angles of the mouth toward the cheek bones, distorting the eyeballs, and producing the most hideous countenance. After remaining in that position from two to twenty minutes, in an instant his condition was reversed. The head thrown backward (opisthotonos), striking his feet with violence. The feet would sometimes pass the head nearly a foot, which curved the body in the shape of a hoop or ring. This curvation was so sudden and so forcible, he would be thrown far from the bed, if not held by assistants. All the extensor muscles of the body were rigidly contracted and inflexible, at the same time in a continual spasmodic twitching motion.

During these severe contortions, both shoulders, the lower jaw, and sometimes one of the hip joints would be dislocated, requiring each time much strength to reduce them. The head was drawn back upon the nucha, and the larynx thrown forward, the tongue dragged down the throat, or convulsively protruded, nearly causing suffocation. The blood at times gushing from the mouth and nostrils in large quantities; the eye alls spasmodically rolling, producing a frightful distortion of the face, expressing the greatest agony; he presented a more hideous spectacle than can be described. Sometimes the cramps affected one side of the body most, when they produced a lateral incurvation of the neck and body, constituting pleurosthotonos. When these spasms had lasted from a few moments to a half hour, they would leave him instantly.

All the muscles of the body would be relaxed and flexible, and the limbs could be easily placed in any position, but while in the spasms the greatest force could not move them. The first twenty-four hours I attended him, the spasms were so severe, that both shoulder joints and the lower jaw were dislocated twenty-seven times, and one or the other of the hips five times, requiring to be reduced each time, causing distinct snaps when the bones returned to their sockets. And when the head was raised from the nucha, a distinct snap could be heard in any part of the room.

During the severest spasms he was always delirious or unconscious, the pulse not perceptible and respiration nearly ceased, having the appearance of a person in a fit of epilepsy. The spasms left him greatly prostrated, his limbs and flesh sore, as if badly bruised, and sometimes with a heavy sleep. He was greatly reduced in flesh and strength, the face of a yellowish, sickly look, and the eyes deeply sunken in the head. His tongue coated yellowish brown; no appetite; continual thirst; obstinate constipation; stool only once in nine or ten days; evacuations, small, dry and dark colored; urine Scanty, without any sediment, brown red color and burning pain when voiding. In his moral symptoms – greatly depressed, morose and melancholy; easily enraged; nothing pleased him; despaired of being cured; confusion, drawings and shootings in the whole head.

This was the condition he was in the first day I visited him. It was about an average of what he had suffered each day for the two weeks previous. He had had no medical assistance during that time.

I learned the following early history of this singular case from himself and friends.

He was aged 26 years, unmarried, dark complexion, five feet and seven inches in height, intelligent and always temperate in his habits. His father and one brother died with consumption at an early age. Enjoyed good health till he was seventeen, when he had a hemorrhage from the lungs supposed to have been caused by a severe fall two months before. But previous to this hemorrhage, from the age of fifteen to near seventeen, he had been troubled with chronic eruptions (scabies) very much; itching and burning, especially at night. From a few small pimples, it increased till it covered the whole body. After using various remedies, it was entirely suppressed and he supposed cured by a mercurial ointment.

Although this eruption annoyed him so long, he had forgotten it and no physician before, as he said, even asked him about "such a thing" and it required some skilful questions to remind him that he ever had any eruption. The cough and hemorrhage continued at intervals, nearly two years, till he was About nineteen, sometimes bringing him near the grave. During his nineteenth year, he occasionally had slight cramps in his hands and feet, but thought nothing of them at the time. January 20th, 1847, he was seized with cramps in the most terrible manner. The head was drawn forward, then backward, the museles rigid and inflexible, the face livid, producing the most frightful contortions and great distress. These attacks would last from a few days to six months and then leave him suddenly, perhaps after having the severest ones. For some time he would be much be ter, or free from spasms, but they would always return as suddenly as they left and in an aggravated form.

In 1849 he had cholera, which relieved the spasms four months, when they returned with new vigor. In 1852 the joints were dislocated. First, the lower jaw, then the shoulders, and lastly the hips, then all three, would be dislocated in a spasm.

His treatment for seven years had been the most skilful the allopathic school could devise. After doing all they could here, he went to the Hospitals in Boston, Rio, N. Orleans, and San Francisco. He had the best medical advice of those cities. After a fair trial they all said his disease was incurable and could give no probable cause of his trouble, except the fall he received. A rigid diet, traveling, a sea voyage, mineral waters, warm and cold baths, no medicine, electricity, &c., were prescribed. He tried them all but with no permanent success. If he received any temporary benefit it was only to have the spasms return with renewed force. Large doses of turpentine, &c, were ordered for tape worms, and he once thought one eame away, but the spasms continued to grow worse.

His physicians prescribed issues, setons, blisters, bleeding, tobacco injections, opiates, and narcotics of all kinds. His physicians and attendants had repeatedly given him five ounces of laudanum when in the spasms, in the short time of one hour, with but little effect. Six ounces of chloroform were administered in one hour and a half and the spasms but very little checked by its use; it rather aggravated his. troubles. He also used ether, musk, hyoscyamus, valerian,. morphine, and brandy in large doses. He took the medicines. before the cramps, as he could not swallow while in them. All the statements of his case were verified by his physicians, as well as many other intelligent persons equally capable of judging.

After taking notes and thoroughly investigating the case, I commenced the treatment. All drugs and medicinal substances were strictly prohibited, externally and internally. For food, I gave him a little milk, old bread, gruel and ripe fruits. Drinks, cold water, and a little pure wine or brandy when the greatest prostration ensued from the, spasms. He was bathed in warm or cold water once in two or three days, and rubbed with a crash towel. He shaved a heavy beard that I advised him to carefully cultivate, to which he consented. The first remedy that I gave him was Stram.31 April 27th, 1855. After crushing six small pellets in a powder of Sac. lac, I dissolved them in ten tea-spoonfuls of pure cold water; gave him two tea-spoonfuls of the solution every four hours till all was used. Followed the Stram.32 with Sac lac, giving it in the same manner,, alternating daily between the two for eight days, then I gave him two powders, of Sac. lac. to one of Stram.31 for ten days longer. During the action of Stram^31, there was a perceptible change in his symptoms. He said the pains were more acute, the spasms drew him different, and that he felt different from what he ever had before. But the most important effect of Stram.31 was the time of the appearance of the spasms. They were retarded to a later hour, they did not last so long and the time between them was shorter. I continued Sac. lac. one week, then gave him Bell.65 I prepared and gave it in the same way as the Stram.31 I chose the Bell, because the symptoms assumed more the form of epilepsy. There was violent congestion, face was ore livid and purple than ever before, foam at the mouth, & c, and a heavy sleep after the spasms. I continued the Bell.65 in alternation with Sac. lac. for about four weeks, till about the 15th of June, 1855, when there was the most decided improvement in all his symptoms. He had fewer spasms, they were not so severe or painful, the joints were not dislocated so often, the regularity of the time in coming on was partially changed, and he had passed several nights without spasms. The congestion decidedly better. The brandy, now the 15th of June, 1855, was omitted, and his diet made more liberal.

After letting the Bell, act a sufficient time, I gave him Sulph.100, June 20th, 1855. From the commencement it was my opinion Sulph. was the remedy to cure him, if such a thing was possible. It appeared to me his psoric affection was the only probable cause of all his troubles. Before commencing the antipsoric treatment I gave him Strain.31 and Bell.65, thinking they would relieve him somewhat; and I was not disappointed in their efficacy. I dissolved six small pellets of Sulph.100 in ten tea-spoonfuls of pure cold water, after crushing them in Sac. lac, and gave him two tea-spoonfuls every eight hours till all was used. After the Sulph. I gave Sac. lac. one week, when I repeated the Sulph.100 as before; continued this treatment for six weeks longer, then gave him Sulph.200 the same way, only continuing the Sac. lac. three weeks every time, after giving a powder of Sulph.200 followed this treatment for nearly one year.

After administering Sulph.100 began to improve rapidly. The spasms did not cease suddenly as they had before when he had temporary spells of relief; they gradually decreased, remaining absent one, two, and three or more days at a time. After September 1st, 1855, he scarcely ever dislocated his joints; and after November 1st, 1855, he never had a severe spasm. When he had taken the Sulph. a few weeks, on his face, and different parts of his body, a great number of small dark livid abscesses appeared, which were a long time in suppurating. Some were as large as a quarter of a dollar and left without discharging. These boils remained six months although he never had such an eruption before. Several weeks after discontinuing the Sulph. 200 prescribed Nux. v.55, given in the same manner as Sulph.100 ad no spasms then, but when excited would have some symptoms of them, and a dull feeling in the head, fullness in the stomach, seminal weakness and emissions, although he had never been addicted to secret vice. The Nux. v.55 few weeks removed all those symptoms. And now four years and more have elapsed, since taking any medicine, and he has enjoyed good health all the time, and has been able to labor vigorously, mentally, and physically, as he could not do for more than seven years before my treatment.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 06, 1860, pages 276-282]

[Description: Chronic Tetanus of Seven Years Standing.]

[Remedies: Stramonium, Belladonna, Sulphur, Nux vomica]

[Author: Payne, J.H.]

[Year: 1860]

SYPHILIS

BY J. H. PAYNE, M. D., BOSTON, MASS

There is but little in homoeopathic literature in regard to the treatment of syphilis. Whether it has received the attention it should in our profession, or not, it certainly deserves a careful study by every physician who practices Homoeopathy. We hear it charged by our opponents, that Homoeopathy can not cure syphilis and gonorrhea. That it is not powerful enough to cope with such terrible diseases. Consequently, our Allopathic brethren, from such misrepresentations, very undeservedly get a lucrative practice in this class of diseases, which from distrust on the part of the patient or from unskilful management by the homoeopathic physician, are entrusted to their care, inflicting great injury on the reputation of the homoeopathic method of practice generally, as well as innumerable torments on their patients and on humanity.

Far from admitting that the allopathic method with large doses of medicine can cure syphilis or gonorrhea more quickly than Homoeopathy, we affirm, on the contrary, that it cannot cure it either in so short a time, nor so radically as the true homoeopathic method. In fact I will hardly admit Allopathy can cure syphilis at all. If it can, no case has ever come under my observation from allopathic treatment, in which I could not detect some traces of the disease in the system. I know the so called regular physicians claim all the science and learning, as if the homoeopathic physician did not have access to the same fountains of knowledge from which they derive theirs. Yet the oldest and wisest heads among them know there are but few, if any, cases of syphilis they can radically cure. And such men are very cautious in their assertions that the true homoeopathic practice is inefficient for the cure of syphilis. A great number of patients, even from the best allopathic physicians, are discharged cured, when the disease is only partially or wholly suppressed, and would require six months or a year's careful treatment for its eradication. And in many cases the symptoms are greatly intensified and aggravated, the disease being made worse after a long and careful trial of their treatment, than if left to nature. If such cases after years standing are cured, as they have been and can be, with the "mites," or "nothing," as our learned opponents say, what, I ask can justify them in their mode of treatment, so ruinous to the human system, and so unsatisfactory in its results?

To understand thoroughly the homoeopathic treatment of syphilis, there are a few fundamental truths that should be well understood, and I will state some of them as practical facts (not as theories) which have been proved and illustrated by cases from actual experience in the treatment of the disease.

That syphilis is contagious no one will doubt, and it usually makes its first appearance on the genitals in the form of a little sore, pimple, or blister, about three days after copulation. But it sometimes may be communicated to the person without sexual intercourse.

Several years since a gentleman consulted me for a sore lip that proved to be a chancre, which was caused by using tobacco from a man who had acute syphilis. Another case of a lady who had contracted the disease in the secondary or chronic form, from an instrument that had been used for a person who had syphilis. Both cases were above suspicion, and the cause, could be unmistakably traced to the sources named. Both cases were cured in a few months by Merc. sol. 30 a dry powder every other night, omitting the medicine a few days occasionally to give it the full curative action.

The chancre when it first makes its appearance upon the genitals or elsewhere in the form of a little blister or sore is not a local disease, but the whole system is more or less impregnated with the subtle poison. Therefore any caustic or local application to the diseased part or the internal Administration of powerful doses of Mercury, only modifies or suppresses the disease, which may be developed in some other form at a future time.

Mr. — , aged 24, of robust constitution, consulted me, June, 1857. The surface of his body in different places was covered with an eruption of reddish yellow spots, from the size of a pin's head to a five cent piece. Throat sore and ulcerated, of an unhealthy color, evidently syphilitic. He was otherwise in apparent good health. He had a chancre four years previous, but it was very soon suppressed by the application of Nitrate of Silver or Caustic, and a few doses of physic. Gave Merc. corr.30 three times a day for three weeks, omitting every other day, when the spots had nearly vanished. Followed by Merc. v.55 once a day, six or eight weeks, as long as he improved; then Nit. ac.30 in same manner, omitting at times, for four months, when he was apparently well and the disease never returned. I could repeat many similar cases where the disease had been suppressed longer without making any appreciable disturbance in the general health till it made its appearance, and treated in a like manner with the same result.

That syphilis, primary or secondary is hereditary, but few will doubt. And it may be transmitted to the offspring from the father or the mother; and sometimes the child will be affected with secondary syphilis without any visible symptoms of the disease in either.

Was called to attend Mr. — 's child, aged 12 months, June, 1855. It was evident the child had secondary syphilis, The corners of the mouth, the face, anus and other portions of the body were affected with permanent unhealthy ulcers or sores. The mother was but seventeen and never had any symptoms of syphilis, and this was her first child. It was also afflicted with diarrhea from the irritation of dentition. Gave Merc. v.55 for three months with gradual improvement. Dissolved one powder in six teaspoonfuls of pure cold water, and gave one teaspoonful three times daily, omitting two or three days after every powder. Followed Merc. v. by Merc. sol.300 in same manner for eight months. The cure was complete, and the disease never made its appearance again. No other remedies were used except, occasionally, a few powders of Cham." and lpec^55 for the diarrhea.

In May, 1857, the father of the child called on me after heating himself at a fire, and said he thought he had the measles, I found him nearly covered with syphilitic eruption. The scalp, face and body were broken out with reddish yellow spots of different sizes. He confessed he had a small sore or chancre which was suppressed by the application of Caustic, and a few doses of medicine in a short time. That was nearly two years before he was married, and then about four years before the disease made (its appearance in this form. Gave him Merc. cor.16' one powder a day, dry at night for two weeks; followed that by Mer. viv.55 and Mer. sol^200, giving a powder once in two or three days for six months, when he recovered and the disease since has not made its appearance. Gave the Merc. viv.55 about a month then the Merc. Sol.200 a month in alternation, frequently omitting a few days.

Sometimes chronic syphilis may be radically cured in conjunction with some acute disease, which, if properly treated, forms a crisis and syphilitic miasm disappears with the attack, as the following case clearly proves:

Mr. — , aged 36, consulted me January 1st, 1856; had a chancre about seven years previous, supposed himself cured of that complaint. But had been sick the last two years, and under the care of an allopathic physician who had the charge of a marine hospital. Grew worse all the time; had unhealthy ulceration of the throat and palate, offensive breath, syphilitic eruption of the scalp and other portions of his body, and large syphilitic warts around the orifice of the anus that had been there for a long time. Greatly emaciated, and his whole system in a cachectic condition. Gave Nit. acid" a powder every night for a month. He improved rapidly, and after discontinuing medicine for some time, Merc. viv.55 was used in the same way, continued these remedies for six months when the warts were all gone and he was greatly improved in health. Thought himself well. Omitted medicine three months, when he was attacked with severe double pneumonia. Dullness over the whole chest on percussion, high fever, delirium, and great prostration; intermittent pulse, tongue loaded with yellowish white coating, breath offensive, and constipation; cough violent, dry, continual, with severe pleurisy. Gave the usual remedies in such cases, Acon. the first, Bry. and Tart emet. the second and third days, but without relief. All symptoms worse, except the cough little looser. Being reminded of the old trouble, gave Mer. sol^90 in water every three hours. He found immediate relief. For several days expectorated large quantities of bloody slime, and continued to improve for five or six days with the Merc. sol. 30, when I gave Merc. sol.200 twice a day for three weeks, discontinuing occasionally. Since that time he has been perfectly well, showing no signs of syphilitic troubles. Chronic or secondary syphilis is contagious, and it assumes a type of the disease similar to the source from which it is communicated, and it is sometimes, probably, transmitted by means of the semen. The above case is a fair illustration. When he was married, and till after his children were born, he had no visible symptom of the disease, but I found his wife and two children had secondary syphilis of a similar type to that which he himself presented. They were all cured in a year and a half. The remedies used were Merc. viv.55, Mer. sol.200, Nit. acid^30, Mez.30, Sass^200., Sulph^200., Thuj.20 The high potencies have proved the most efficacious in chronic syphilis, when all other remedies were unable to cure. I call high potencies from the twelfth to the three hundredth. Nothing proves more conclusively the curative power of the potencies than cases of chronic syphilis. I have had many patients in whose cases there was no reasonable way to evade the truth that there is a curative power in the high attenuations, as the patients could tell by the effects of the medicines, although they had not the remotest idea what they were taking.

Mr. — , aged 27, came under my care June, 1850. He had been suffering with the most terrible syphilis for more than three years. His case was considered hopeless by his physicians. He had extensive ulcers on the scalp, face, sternum, and a very large and deep one on the left ankle, that had prevented the use of the limb for a long time. He was pale and emaciated, suffering the most violent pains by night and day. Had used Mercury and other drugs in large and repeated doses, and Opium was his only relief. Gave Nit. acid^30 in water three times a day which gave him great relief, as well as gradual improvement in his general health. When the remedies were alternated with Sach. lact. he would most always remind me I had changed his medicine, and expressed great impatience because it did not do him as much good as the previous one, which induced me to give it to him (as well as others) oftener than I otherwise should. I also gave him Merc. viv^55, Merc. sol.200, Sass.200, Aur. fol.30, Mez.30, Sil.30, Sulph.50 and Sulph.200, continuing each of these two or three months before changing. In two years the pains all left and the ulcers healed. He never recovered the use of his limbs as they were distorted and drawn up, but otherwise he is comfortable and enjoys fair health.

Mr. — , aged 40, consulted me August, 1853, was very intemperate; had syphilis several times; throat and mouth badly ulcerated, could scarcely swallow anything; ulcers on the head and face; appetite gone, and his whole system saturated with disease and medicine; was unable to work and his case appeared hopeless; he had had several physicians who pronounced him incurable. Gave him Merc., viv.50 a dry powder twice a day for a month, then Merc sol.200 the same length of time, alternating the two monthly for five months as long as improvement was perceptible under their influence; followed by Nit. ac.30 and Sulph.60 in the like manner for a year more, returning at times to Mer. sol.200 At the end of two years he was in his usual health and has ever remained so till the present time. A strict diet was prescribed.

Mr. — , aged 31, May, 1855, nine years previous had chancre. For the first seven or eight years had been under care of different allopathic physicians, but had of late about given up all hopes of recovery as his health grew poorer all the time. He had no ulcers or eruption externally, but his health was gone. Pale and emaciated, and so feeble; he had done no labor for two years; throat inflamed and ulcerated; dry cough; feet swollen at times; continual constipation; hair falling out; most violent nocturnal pains in his limbs; and unbearable mental depression, as if life was a burden. All his symptoms worse from one to four, a.m. The severest pain in the left arm, just above the elbow, and so violent about one at night, he would weep like a child. Gave Aur. fol.30 two powders daily, omitting as he got relief. In six weeks he was nearly relieved of the pain and greatly improved in appetite, strength and mental sufferings. Followed by Sulph.60 for seven weeks, when I gave Merc. sol.360; continued these remedies a year, giving them at different times as they appeared indicated, when he was nearly as fleshy and well as ever in his life, and has since continued in good health.

Mr. — , aged 28, June, 1854, had been in the hospital nearly a year with Panama fever and syphilis; came to me with chronic diarrhea; night sweats; no appetite; a mere skeleton in flesh; feet swollen; and a large ulcer in the right ankle, which his physician told him must be amputated. Had walked but little for a year and was reduced to the lowest condition. Gave Ars.100, Sulph.60, Nit. ac^30, Merc. viv.55 and Sil.30, continuing each remedy from one to two months before changing. In a little over a year was well and sound, remaining in perfect health till the present time.

These are some of the worst of a great number of cases I might cite that have recovered with similar treatment. A careful diet was prescribed, but a free use of fruits and vegetables, wine, liquors of all kinds, coffee, tea, and spices were strictly prohibited; bathing in cold water and access to good air was enjoined in all cases.

I have used higher potencies every year, and during the last twelve months have treated two very difficult cases, they having resisted the treatment of both allopathic homoeopathy and homoeopathic allopathy for two years, which have entirely recovered under the effects of the two hundredth potency — Lehrman's. I have not the least faith in any remedy but the high potencies for chronic syphilis, and if you get a good effect, at first, from the low dilutions or triturations, like the allopathic treatment, they suppress the disease and it surely will at some time break out anew in a worse form than at first.

The indications for the use of Mercurius and its Chlorides are of importance in the treatment of syphilis. I think they are different remedies, and have their individuality in this disease. If the chancre is very dry, hard and discharges but little, or none, and the secondary symptoms break out in distinct, reddish yellow eruption — Merc. corr. is the remedy indicated. If the chancre is soft, eats or corrodes deeply and discharges much, and if the cellular tissue is particularly affected by secondary symptoms — Merc. corr. is the best remedy. In other cases when these symptoms are not well marked, Merc. viv., or Merc. sol., is to be given if indicated. They are more frequently indicated in this disease than any other remedy, but that should not prejudice the mind against the use of any other medicine.

That syphilis assumes varied forms, in different persons, may perhaps be caused in part by a difference in the virus or poison. But the principal cause, no doubt, is the scrofulous or psoric miasm in the person affected. In good healthy constitutions some case of recent chancre will readily yield to a few doses of the proper remedy (I do not mean those cases that might properly be called false chancre, a slight pimple, or abrasion, resembling chancre in its early stages so nearly that its true nature can with difficulty be detected, If there is doubt, wait a few days without giving any medicine and it will disappear itself), while others assume a moat malignant form and require a long and judicious treatment to make a radical cure. Such persons are always affected with some chronic miasm or the suppression of another eruptive disease.

When homoeopathic physicians see syphilis in all its varied forms, and how inefficient have been the means of cure in all times past by the old school, how can they but acknowledge the truth of the psoric theory, the only true principle by which chronic diseases were ever cured. And how can they but admire the memory of the great man who first promulgated and demonstrated that great pathological truth.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 05, 1862, pages 211-219]

[Description: Syphilis]

[Author: Payne, J.H.]

[Year: 1862]

Toxicological Effects

OF RHUS TOXICODENDRON.

BY N. M. PAYNE, BATH, ME.

In November of 1857, I accidentally spilled some of the tincture of Rhus toxicodendron on the back, and ring finger of my left hand.

After the lapse of about 24 hours, itching, and burning commenced, lasting from 1/2 to 2 hours. After about 36 hours, swelling of the parts, with violent itching and burning, increased on touching or moving the parts affected, as if pierced by hot needles. White transparent vesicles appeared on the highly red and inflamed skin. Rheumatic pains in the knee joints, extending to the ankles, lasting from 4 to 8 hours. Violent throbbing, tearing, rending pains in the head. Burning pressure in the left eye. Biting and itching in the external surface of the lid, below and around the left eye, also on the cheeks and nose; nose feels sore as if abraded; sore feeling in the left nostril. Smarting and prickling around the mouth, with vesicular watery eruption below the vermillion border of the lower lip; lobule of the left ear swollen. Itching and burning in the rim and lobule of the left ear; dim sightedness; appearance as if gauze was before the eyes. Vesicular eruption on the cheek, with intense itching and burning. Violent burning, itching, and prickling in the swollen eyelids, and lobules of the ears. The epidermis peeled from the cheeks, leaving the parts hot and rough. Soreness in the corners of the mouth. Swelling of the prepuce, and glans penis. Violent itching, burning, prickling, and cutting around the root of the penis, and in the prepuce: transparent swelling extending from the prepuce to the scrotum -more on the left side, with watery vesicles, discharging a transparent fluid. Prepuce very sore, looks and feels like a scald. Great desire to sleep; constant drowsiness; with itching in the eyelids. Burning pain in the knee joints, and lower extremities; chills after 72 hours. Objects were seen double, and sometimes only one half of the object could be seen. Objects appeared to be removed only one half of the real distance. Intense itching in the eye ball. Feels desponding; don't like to be spoken to, nervousness; starts suddenly at every slight noise.

Fourth day; itching, burning, and stinging increased. Rending pain in the diaphragm, more so in the horizontal position. Pain in the knees and lower extremities; dull throbbing pain in the head, at intervals. Itching, burning, biting, and stinging, shifting from the face to the genitals, and from the genitals to the left hand. Left eye closed from swollen lids, with feeling as if a piece of glass or sand was in it.

Fifth day; severe pain in the diaphragm, and pit of the stomach, so distressing I could not lie in bed. Pain in the hips, knees and head; swelling about the head; swelling of the left hand and prepuce greatly increased; watery vesicles nearly covering the left hand. Rheumatic pains in the hands. The itching and swelling extended to the groin, and inside of the thigh, pubes and abdomen, as far as the navel.

Sixth day; itching and swelling of the left ear and lobule of the right ear, also of the left hand, increased to bursting of the skin. Swelling of the inguinal glands. Throbbing pain in the left hand, at intervals. Intense itching and stinging in the palm of the left hand, at intervals, worse in the evening; throbbing pain in the left hand extending to the elbow joint. Itching worse in the night and evening, also in the morning, from 1 to 2 hours, not so much in the day time. Swelling of the inguinal glands, after 8 days. Small boils on the pubes, gradually increasing in size and number. At midnight, intense itching, burning, and stinging, suddenly attacking the palm of the left hand, and extending to the elbow, lasting about two hours. In the palm of the left hand there was a considerable elevation, studded with itching vesicles, which burst and discharged serum in considerable quantity.

Ninth day; the itching was more severe in the morning, and consequently there was at this time, a freer discharge of serum. Pubic region very sore, from the great number of boils. On the 10th day; itching in the palm of the right hand; vesicles filled with opaque matter on the right hand; at midnight there was severe itching and prickling in the right hand as if it were asleep, lasting from 1 1/2 to 2 hours; left eye closed; very sore around the right eye; intense itching in right, groin; the little boils on the lower part of the abdomen, in the groins and on the inner parts of the thighs, were very sore and suppurated. On the 11th day, itching in the palm of the hand ceased, became very sore to touch, and the vesicular discharge became yellowish. On the 12th day, aching pains in the legs, inability to rest in any position but for a moment. Great drowsiness, languor in the afternoon, requiring great exertion to move about. The abdomen, thighs and groins are very sore, and red; boils the size of a walnut, discharging pus. Cold feet and legs; aching pains in the hollow of the feet.

Thirteenth day, unusual restlessness at night. Smarting, throbbing, burning pain in the boils on the pubes, and abdomen; chills and entire sleeplessness.

Fourteenth day; soreness returned around the left eye, left eye sore and swollen as if bruised; upper lid much swollen, and severe itching. Dull, aching pain in the pubic region. Mons veneris swollen to twice the normal size. 16th day; boils increased in size one third. 17th day; distressing pain in the stomach, as if closed, and being split open with a knife; could not remain in a horizontal position; violent headache. Severe itching and stinging in all the parts affected with the poison. 21st, 22d and 23d day; all the symptoms seemed to be renewed at this period. Itching, burning, stinging, and smarting at intervals; the parts were very sore to touch, dry and cracked; violent head ache. 24th day; intolerable itching on the pubic region. Boil on the edge of the upper lid of the left eye, the size of a pea, the eye again entirely closed. 30th day; boil on the left eyelid discharging freely, with abatement of swelling; new boils, in great numbers, are constantly appearing in the groins, on the legs and abdomen, and increasing in size, some half as large as a hen's egg. Inguinal glands swollen to a very great size. Pains in the legs alternating with cold feet; hollow of the feet ache with the cold.

Thirty-fifth day; constipation with continual urging to stool. Ineffectual stool with a great deal of flatulence, and rumbling in the abdomen; incessant headache, ineffectual desire for stool immediately after eating. Pain in the epigastrium.

Forty-fifth day; skin peeled from the left hand entirely. Itching intolerable. Skin peeling from all the parts affected. Constant urging and straining at stool. Pains in the knees and legs at short intervals, very sore. Many of the above symptoms did not disappear until after the sixtieth day.

More than twenty years ago I was thoroughly poisoned by Rhus toxicodendron when gathering the fresh plant, or shrub. My whole body, from the top of my head even to the ends of my toes, was enormously swollen; for eight or ten days my eyes were closed. Penis so badly swollen, could not void urine for five days; the symptoms were the same as those above described, only much more severe. About thirty days after the poisoning, a swelling came on the left side of my neck under the ramus of the lower jaw, which increased to the size of a man's fist, so large that it turned my face directly to one side, causing my chin to rest on the right shoulder. The swelling was quite hard, and disappeared in about two months, without suppurating. But the effects of the poison remained for eight years; when, after a typhoid fever (so called by the doctors,) which continued for thirteen weeks, all symptoms of the poisoning disappeared and never returned. During the eight years, continued constipation with violent headache, loss of appetite; almost constant pain in the epigastric region; sallow complexion; weakness of the joints of the lower extremities; restlessness and sleepless nights, with drowsiness during the day; great despondency; severe headache in the morning, immediately after rising, and great aversion to any kind of labor.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06, 1859, pages 251-254]

[Description: Toxicological Effects of Rhus Toxicodendron.]

[Remedies: Rhus Toxicodendron]

[Author: Payne, N.M.]

[Year: 1859]

PROVING OF GELSEMINUM SEMPERVIRUS.

(Yellow Jessamine.)

BY WM. E. PAYNE, M. D., BATH, ME.

The following symptoms were obtained from the fluid extract:

April 7th., 1859. — At 9½ o'clock P. M., 4 drops in a table spoonful of water, were taken. 8th. — 6 o'clock, A. M., 5 drops, and at 11½ o'clock, 6 drops. 9th. — 5 A. M., 6 drops. 10. — 6½ o'clock, A. M., 10 drops. At 2 o'clock P. M.. when lying down, pain under the floating ribs of the left side, suddenly, as if thrust with a sharp instrument. In an instant the pain disappeared, but appeared as suddenly in the left temple, causing an involuntary contraction of the brow. At 2½ o'clock there was a full and crowded feeling in the whole head, and a sensation of feverish heat in the face, nevertheless the temperature of the skin did not appear to be augmented.

At 3 o'clock P. M., 6 drops on sugar. In half hour, pulsative pains in left hypochondrium, continuing for one hour.

11th. — At 9 o'clock A. M., 6 drops. In an hour, while sitting, a sensation as if a galvanic current were passing down the fore arms and hands; the same also in the feet. At 2 o'clock, when lying down, pulsative pains in the left hand and joints of fingers, and at the same time, in the right foot, more severe in the ball of the great toe, continuing for two hours.

12th. — At 6 o'clock A. M., 6 drops. Fullness about the head.

13th. — At 9 o'clock A. M., 10 drops. Erratic pains of a rheumatic character.

14th. — At 3 o'clock P. M., 10 drops. Feverish heat in face; full and crowded feeling in head, with pain as if the brain were bruised, and accelerated pulse. (90) General fatigue; aching in the loins; soreness of trapezius muscles on moving; at 6 o'clock, sensation as if a galvanic current were passing through the fore arms, continuing for half an hour. The sensitive and bruised sensation of the brain continued for two days, and then disappeared. The aching and soreness in the muscles of the neck and shoulders continued for four days.

May 8th. — Twenty-four days after taking the last dose in the above proving, at 9½ o'clock P. M., took 3 drops. 9th. — At 6 o'clock A. M., 5 drops. At 10 o'clock 5 drops, and at 9½ o'clock P. M., 6 drops more.

10th. — At 6 o'clock A. M., took 8 drops. One hour after, confusion of sight; light headed and dizzy, much increased by sudden movement of head and walking; gait staggering and very infirm; full crowded feeling in head, and heat in face. At 9½ o'clock seized with violent cramp-like pains in epigastrium, causing an involuntary cry, lasting but a moment, and then subsided, leaving a constricted sensation for one hour. This was followed by a sensation of heat and burning in the stomach. Light-headed, and dim vision, continuing for one hour. At 2½ o'clock took 8 drops. At 3 o'clock, pressive pains in right temple, with dizziness and blurred vision, such as may follow the use of intoxicating liquor, but without the exhilarating effects. The dizziness and blurred vision were attended by nausea, and continued for three hours. There were also pains in left elbow, wrist and knee, and in both ankles, and the pulse continued accelerated. The sensitiveness of the brain continued for several hours, and it appeared as if every step and sudden movement of the head would excite pain, but this did not occur.

12th. — At 6 o'clock A. M., took 6 drops. At 2½ o'clock P. M., 8 drops. At 3½ o'clock dizziness of head and blurred vision returned, and gradually increased, so that all objects appeared very indistinct, till 6½ o'clock, then as gradually abated. The face was flushed, and hot to touch, and eyes suffused.

In another instance that came within my knowledge, when the Gelseminum was given in repeated 10 drop doses for gonorrhea, almost total blindness ensued.

It would appear that the Gelseminum, in the above pathogenetic effects, promises to become an agent of considerable curative power in-the hands of homoeopaths, and especially in a form of disease, for the treatment of which we may be said to be somewhat deficient in therapeutic means, viz: Amaurosis, or that form, at least, which depends upon a functional disturbance of the nerves of vision.

The head symptoms were very marked and disagreeable indeed — almost unbearable; and nothing but a desire to develop the pathogenetic, and consequently secure the therapeutic power of such a drug, could induce the prover to repeat the experiments. But however disagreeable, it is designed to pursue the proving still further, both with the tincture and attenuations. The prover would therefore respectfully, but earnestly solicit the co-operation of those of his professional brethren, who are desirous of making the only enduring contributions that can be made, to the medical profession.

The proving and reproving of drugs, until their whole therapeutic powers are understood, is a work devolving upon the medical profession; and a participation in this work, is a duty incumbent upon every member; and no one who has entered the profession, can be in the faithful discharge of the responsibilities thus voluntarily assumed, until he has submitted himself to the self-sacrificing work of proving drugs upon his own person. Such a labor is truly self-sacrificing; but, when faithfully performed, it will subserve the cause of suffering humanity in all coming time; and he who shrinks from it, is unworthy the honors of his alma mater, and the confidence of those who submit their lives to his imperfectly cultivated instrumentality.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 02, 1859, pages 80-83]

[Description: Proving of Gelsemium sempervirens.]

[Remedies: Gelsemium sempervirens]

[Author: Payne, WM. E.]

[Year: 1859]

LACHESIS AS A REMEDY.

BY C. PEARSON, M. D., MOUNT PLEASANT, IOWA.

AS some writers in the REVIEW have expressed a desire that physicians should give their experience in regard to Lachesis as a curative agent, I will add mine unbiased by prejudice or the opinions of others.

Some fourteen years ago I obtained of my friend Dr. Pretsch, who had brought it from Leipsic, what purported to be the seventh alcoholic attenuation of Lachesis, and we had good reason to believe it was genuine. I carried it up to the twelfth and thirtieth, seldom giving it below the latter dilution. After prescribing it wherever I thought it indicated for some two or three years without any satisfactory results, I thought it might be owing to the fact that the attenuation was too low. I therefore carried it up to the two hundredth decimal, and a case coming under my care very similar as I thought to the third one reported by Dr. Hering, and published in the second volume of Jahr's Symptomen Codex, I prescribed it, but with my former lack of success. Seeing no improvement follow its administration after repeated trials, I came to the conclusion the preparation I was using might be spurious, and in consequence threw it all way; and some eight years ago procured from Dr. Sheek, of Philadelphia, what he assured me was the eighth attenuation. From this I prepared as before the thirtieth, determined to ascertain, if possible, what had been the trouble; and though my former ill success followed its first administration, I would again and again, after reading its provings, be led to prescribe it, until I very reluctantly came to the conclusion it was useless to try it further, and for the past three or four years I have not resorted to it oftener than that number of times, yet with the same results.

Now I would not prescribe the remedy entirely; others may not have been equally unfortunate in its use; it is possible I may never have given Lachesis, as I am inclined to believe the supply has always been somewhat limited. Still, I used what I had every reason to believe was a genuine article, and have to say I have never yet seen one patient relieved, much less cured, by it.

Other remedies, however, have served me in a similar way, one of which is the Crotalus horridus so highly recommended by Dr. Neidhard and others. A remedy, I remember, Dr. Williamson once charged his class never to use. Some five years ago I obtained of Dr. Rowley, of Louisville, Kentucky, what he assured me was was the pure virus, having taken it from the snake himself, and prepared it by saturating one grain of sugar of milk with a portion of the poison and triturating this with one hundred grains. Of this first trituration he sent me ten grains, and also ten drops of the first centesimal dilution prepared in alcohol. The latter I carried up to the sixth, twelfth and thirtieth.

The doctor wrote me he had been very successful with it, particularly in the treatment of whooping-cough, and I had long been anxious to find some remedy that would promptly control this sometimes very troublesome disease. I therefore gave it in numerous cases but never with any degree of success. The idea then presented itself that the poison might be neutralized by the alcohol, as it had long been a popular opinion that the bite of the snake could be cured by whiskey.

Here in the West it is still quite customary during the summer for hunting parties to carry with them a bottle or two of snake medicine, and if they do not chance to encounter any snakes, they think it safe nevertheless to sometimes take a little of the medicine. Reasoning in this way I carried the medicine up by trituration, and gave it, with no better success.

Now, can any one say I have not tried these remedies sufficiently? Perhaps I have not, and yet I have, I think, with much less trial seen the most marked improvement follow the administration of other medicines. As valuable as any number of symptoms said to be developed in the normal system by any drug may be, its clinical effects must, after the physician has repeatedly witnessed them, give him a greater degree of confidence in it then anything else can do, and numberless failures must in like manner tend to discourage.

I am glad that a discussion of this kind has been suggested and hope it may be conducted with candor. If our old remedies are what we have long been taught to believe them to be, let us not seek to supercede them with new ones. And here I would just state that of all the new remedies introduced into our Materia Medica and so highly extolled by some physicians within the last ten years, there is not a single one to which I resort with any degree of confidence.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1863, page 210-212]

[Description: Lachesis As a Remedy.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Pearson, C.]

[Year: 1863]

REMEDIES.

BY ROGER G. PERKINS, M. D.

Remedies may be divided into three classes, according as they reach the personality through the life-the Soul-or the Body. These classes differ from each other in character as do the three elements aforesaid, which together make up the Man.

Psychical remedies, or those which reach the personality through the Soul or Spirit, are, as is well understood, of a purely Spiritual nature. They consist of impressions made upon the inner senses by psychical influences; in other words, the apprehended meaning of things, or the ideas conveyed by any presence.

In the exhibition of the "Palmer Marbles" two or three years ago, a female head called "Resignation" will be remembered by many as one of the principal attractions. To those who have seen this piece, any description which may be given here must seem meagre and inadequate. To those who have never had that pleasure, we can only say, the prominent ideas inspired by it are well indicated by the name which the artist has given. Blended with resignation, and in a manner subdued by it, is an expression of calm resolve and quiet firmness, all the more heroic because so still and strong. This is the meaning of those marble features-this is the spirit of the sculptured stone. This is the psychical element which applies itself to the soul of the spectator and gives the "effect."*["Expression is addressed to the Soul, as form is addressed to the senses. Form is the obstacle of expression, and, at the same time, is its imperative, necessary and only means. By working upon form, by bending it to its service, by dint of care, patience and genius, Art succeeds in converting an obstacle into a means."-COUSIN.] During the period of the exhibition, the writer had in charge an highly interesting patient, suffering from mental derangement. This young lady was profoundly depressed from certain moral causes, which it is unnecessary here to specify. She had been plunged into the deepest melancholy, by a sequence of painful circumstances, and though affected by no physical disease, was rapidly loosing strength and flesh. Mental Diseases were hereditary in her family-and the natural susceptibilities of the patient had been much intensified by a previous attack. Viewing this as a purely psychical disease, it was to be treated by psychical means. The young lady was taken to the room where the Palmer marbles were to be seen, and seated in front of the statue of "Resignation." Her attention was immediately attracted, and she sat gazing intently upon the marble face, in wrapt silence, from half-past seven P. M. till ten, the hour of closing the rooms. She was not spoken to, nor interfered with in any way, but most carefully observed. On her way home she manifested an unusual degree of calmness; said she felt better for having seen that remarkable statue; and arriving home, went to bed quietly and slept pretty well all night. On the morrow she again visited the exhibition, this time at her own suggestion, and in the course of the day there came over her mind the much wished for change. She may be said to have begun her convalescence at the first sight of the statue. She has often spoken since of the circumstances above narrated, and assigns her cure to the "effect" of that wondrous piece of sculptured art. This case has been selected as illustrating a cure by means of pure spiritualities. Cases similar are not unusual.

Material or Crude Remedies are those which are applied primarily to the material side of the personality, and remove symptoms with but little change in their own atomic conditions. If however, a genuine cure of the disease be effected, the crude drug, introduced into the personality, primarily through its material sphere, becomes speedily dynamized by the various succussations and triturations it receives in its progress through the system (in the course of arterial and nervous function,) and secondarily enters the personality through the Life as a *[The term Specific or essential is used here, as in other papers of this series, to indicate those properties which are characteristic and peculiar to the thing referred to, and upon which its individuality is dependant.] specific or essential influence.

The differences between crude drugs, considered merely as such, consist only in these things which appeal to the external senses of the observer. They are differences of form, color, taste, smell, consistency, and chemical affinities. These particulars embrace every thing which can be discovered of any crude remedy when viewed from a purely material stand point. Any other properties which it may, and necessarily must, possess, are found out by other means, to be presently considered. As instance of the application of a remedy to the material sphere of the personality, we may cite the cauterization of ulcerated surfaces, the use of poultices, lotions, &c. No one doubts the removal of symptoms by this means when the disease is manifesting itself upon the body-third of the man-trinity; but the thorough removal of the disease element, which, if not allowed to manifest its presence through one particular set of symptoms, is pretty certain to select another field for its operations, is only effected under the conditions named above.

The symptoms produced by chemical irritation, or by material contact, when compared with those caused by the dynamization of the same drug, are as the crude material mass of the body is to the refined nervous influence which pervades it. Of this we are assured by positive experimentation; Rhus Radicans, for instance, produced, when proved in Tincture, boils, carbuncles and erysipelas – when proved in the attenuations, mental symptoms and the Rhus chills and pains. It thus seems that correspondential relations exist between the material side of the personality and the material element in the drug. The inference is a natural one, that for certain material manifestations the best homoeopathic remedy is one similar in its crudity as well as in its essential and specific nature. Then again it is to be remembered that some constitutions have such remarkable susceptibilities in the vital direction; a susceptibility, it should be remarked, often entirely ignoring the presence of the coarse influence applied to the material sphere; that if diseases manifesting themselves on the materialities are treated by attenuations, (remedies applied to the vitality directly) severe nervous aggravations occur, and there is required a longer time to remove material symptoms (organic lesions) than if the crude Tinctures or lower triturations were administered. After the troublesome symptom is removed, the attenuation of the same drug will enter the personality with a curative effect on the disease itself.

A Vital Remedy-or one applied directly and primarily to the Life-is understood as being the essential specific influence of any drug detached from its natural material nidus, and located in an artificial one-Sugar of milk-to which it is but losely adherent, and from which it is immediately appropriated by the vitality of the patient. This is the sense in which the term is to be usually taken. It is proper, however, to broaden the definition that we may include climatic, marine, solar and terestrial influences. Let us say, therefore, that Remedies directly applicable to the Life, are those specific influences which by their extreme tenuity, and state of high specific tension, have a natural correspondential relation with the specific or essential vitality of the man.

This theory of the specific tension of the ultimate atom, when treated by the Hahnemann method of trituration and succussation, seems to us the crowning glory of our system. That the last possible sub-division of the material mass contains its proper proportion of the specific qualities which gave a character to the original aggregations; that this specific quality may be intensified, and while under this tension may communicate itself to substances formerly foreign to it, and this too with an immediateness which is almost electrical; that thus the specific Life of a man, may be directly reached by the specific quality of a remedy; all these seem to us revelations, greater than which, we have not had since the foundation of the Christian Religion. We are well aware there are those among our school who, like Thomas, must put their fingers in the holes the nails have made, and even thrust the hand into the side of this great truth, before they can believe. For such, in all brotherly kindness, we hope to show it naked, now, and here.

Our propositions are stated above, viz: that the ultimate atom contains the specific qualities of the Mass-and, that the specific quality thus resident is intensified by friction. This is the whole story, and as such only requires to be understood, to be tested rationally, analogically and clinically; to be at once received as the second article of our medical creed.

It requires not a moment's thought to satisfy the reason that the qualities of an inanimate mass are dependent upon those of the parts of which it is composed. No possible aggregation of granite molecules, for instance can possess the qualities of leather or pomatum; nor can the fat of pigs, in any quantity, charged no matter how thoroughly, with the breath of the costliest perfumes, ever become granite; for the simple reason that the ultimate molecules of granite and pomatum are essentially different. It is not worth while to dwell longer on this point-we pass to the next proposition-viz: that specific qualities are intensified by friction, according to the Hahnemann method. And this after all is a mere question of fact though, perhaps, the consideration of sundry analogies may render our apprehensions more apt to receive it. Let us remember that friction evolves Heat, Light and Electricity. These are imponderable, and other imponderables may be governed by the same laws, which obtain in these instances. Under the influence of friction the Heat is not generated, nor yet is it simply evolved-the latent heat in the two dry sticks which Robinson Crusoe rubbed together (frictionized) was intensified as well as evolved. Perhaps this single analogy is sufficient. It is certainly a very strong one. The reader asks at once, if latent heat is evolved and intensified by friction, why should not other latent (specific) qualities (alike imponderable), be evolved and intensified by the same means? Indeed, and why not?

But here comes the fact. Away with all theorizing and explanations. It is a positive truth, one which admits of no question in the minds of candid experimenters, that drugs which have passed through the process of frictionization according to the Hahnemanian plan, which involves the necessity of dilution and attenuation, do possess the same specific powers as when in crude mass. It is also perfectly well settled that these specific properties are really intensified by this process.

The following cases are cited in proof:

A woman took, under my directions, three doses of the 200th of Pulsatilla, (Lehrman's). The totality of her symptoms indicated the remedy, but the particular manifestation for which the drug was administered, was "involuntary emission of some drops of urine on coughing." Patient had a chronic, nervous cough of long standing, and the urinary trouble was so considerable as to necessitate wearing a napkin constantly. For a week after taking these three doses, above referred to, she had a pain in the head, with fever every afternoon and evening-" Pain in the head as if the forehead would split"-" Sense of emptiness and confusion in the head" -" Shootings, or sharp drawing and jerking pains, or tingling pulsation and boring in the head"-"compression somewhat mitigated the symptoms." Pressive pains in the eyes-burning itching in the eyes-sharp shooting pains in the teeth- flying pains over the whole person. These pains were worse on movement, and of course on coughing, talking and stooping. Such an headache the patient had never before or since. She was perfectly satisfied the terrible pain was caused by the medicine I had given her, and begged me to administer something to check its too violent action. She was entirely ignorant of the nature of the remedy which had been taken in solution, and which was, of course, tasteless. A drop of Tinct. of Camphor in a tumbler of water, taken now and then during the worst of her paroxysms, palliated the pains.

The reader is assured that the most jealous care was taken in endevouring to discover any influence which could have caused these unusual symptoms. There was positively no cause for them except in the Pulsatilla.

Lest any should suppose the imagination of the patient has somewhat to do with these manifestations, the following case is cited of a remarkable effect following a dose of Bovista in the fifteenth dilution, administered by Dr, Bayard to a favorite horse of one of his friends:

The horse had been for one year affected with "Heaves." The asthmatic paroxysms were invariably induced by the pressure of the girths of blanket or saddle; by dry food, (hay &c), and by a faster gate than a walk. When fed upon grass in the country, the disease caused less inconvenience, but though a beautiful, well bred ladies-saddle horse, he had become, in consequence of his disease, almost useless. The intolerance of girths, and the aggravation of asthmatic difficulty from dry food, (which last symptom had occurred in a fragmentary proving of Dr. Bayard) were, with certain abdominal complications, the grounds of the prescription. Hardly three minutes passed after the pellets of the 15th potency were placed on the tongue of the horse before a most violent paroxysm of asthma occurred; worse by far than any which the groom had ever witnessed. It seemed almost impossible the horse should survive the terrible agony and fright which accompanied this attack. He recovered however from this aggravation in about half an hour. He had three doses of the same remedy on the following day. The horse has never had another attack since this one which took place a year ago. He has been ridden at full gallop, an hour, and perhaps longer, every day since. He has worn the tight girths of a side saddle, and has had hay and other dry food, as have the other horses in the stable with him.

Now here is a palpable effect, a lasting one also, of four doses of a remedy, fourteen times diluted from a drop of the Tincture; which it is utterly unreasonable to doubt. There can have been no cause for the sudden cessation of these asthmatic attacks aside from the Bovista. The subsequent diet was one which had, up to the time the Bovista was administered, invariably produced paroxysms. The horse has been frequently ridden at its utmost speed, and still no return of the disease. A year has transpired. What can those of our brothers, who doubt the potency of the dynamized remedies, say in explanation of these facts?

A gentlemen who had often joked at the minuteness of the symptomatology of our provings; took, not long since, a dose of the 200th of Lachesis, (Lehrman's.) Three days after, while sitting quietly writing in his usual position and chair, his attention was suddenly attracted from his occupation by a most unlooked for, and hitherto unexperienced sensation. It was as he described it, as if several little hammers were beating in the anus. This symptom was recorded by Hering. The gentlemen above referred to, thus inadvertantly proved a symptom, the presence of which in the pathogenesis of Lachesis, induced Bayard, ten years ago to prescribe that remedy rather than another which covered the other symptoms as well as the Lachesis. Bayard's case, which was one of very multitudinous symptoms, recovered perfectly with no other remedy beside the Lachesis-except a single dose of Sulphur.

In the month of November 1857. A woman who had been my patient for some six months for another and an entirely different set of symptoms, came into my office with the following story: During the months of November of the two preceding years she had caught cold which, as she expressed it, had settled in her ears. This had produced a deafness which lasted all winter, but which went off on the approach of warm weather. An elder sister had been every winter for the few preceding years afflicted in a similar manner. The concomitant symptoms as well as those directly connected with the ears indicated Sulphur. She was at the time of her then speaking extremely deaf; and it was with the greatest difficulty she was made to understand the questions I asked.

I placed half a dozen pellets of the 2000th of Sulphur, dry on her tongue. This being one of the first of my clinical provings of so high an attenuation I anxiously waited the result. The patient remained sitting quietly upon the sofa while I was busied in a distant part of the room preparing S. L., which I wished to give her. About five minutes elapsed when, without turning toward her, or speaking above my ordinary tone, I addressed her by name. She started from her seat-putting her hands to her ears, and looking at me with a most frightened expression, exclaimed- "Why Doctor I heard you!" and in truth she did. This almost instantaneous cure of the woman's deafness was as permanent as sudden. She had no return of deafness during that winter nor indeed has she had since.

A shoemaker who had had Intermittent Fever for six years, and who told us he had spent a house and lot in paying for Quinine in the attempt to stop his chills, at last succeeded in masking his disease with a Neuralgia. Having had this manifestation of disease for some time, he came limping into our office one afternoon with scarcely power to cross the street. He had Sciatica. The pain was agonizing. I gave him a single dose of the 8000th potency of Arsenic. In about three minutes he screamed out, clasping his limb with both hands- "Oh Doctor, now it's in my knee;" in a minute after- "No, it's in my ankle;" a minute more, and he looked up wonderingly, "Why Doctor, the pain is gone!"And so it had. This was Saturday and there was no return of pain till the following Thursday. On that day the pain returned. I repeated the dose. I do not know what became of the patient afterwards; but the fact of the power of the 8000th of Arsenic is firmly fixed by the circumstances of his temporary relief.

It would be very easy to multiply the number of instances similar to those given above, but these are perhaps sufficient for our present purpose. We have thus passed in review the three classes of remedial agents, and have endeavored to illustrate their characters, and the method of their action by individual cases selected from our own experience.

In view of their relative excellence, we cite the following instance which sets forth the differences between what we have called material or crude drugs, and the vital or dynamized remedies:

A child, a fine boy, was subject to Ephemeral fever, which occurred at regular intervals, lasted two or three days, and generally passed off, leaving no particular effects. I was generally called in, and usually placed a drop of Tincture of Aconite in a tumbler of water, and gave the boy a teaspoon-full of the fluid every two hours. The child would hardly take two doses before falling asleep, with a loss of eight or ten beats in the pulse. The fever, as such, seemed to leave the patient almost immediately. On calling the next day, however, I invariably found the child's pulse had again risen to the number of beats the night previous; but that all the other febrile symptoms had completely disappeared. There was no great heat of skin; no suffused eyes; no redness of the cheeks; no headache, and yet the pulse was fully as rapid and in fact more irritable than on my first visit.

Under these circumstances I generally prescribed Sugar of Milk; and at the end of three or four days, the pulse would fall to its natural standard, and the child be as well as usual. The repetition of this series of phenomena, on several occasions, induced me to think that the very rapid and extremely satisfactory effects of the Tinct. of Aconite, occurring at the time of its administration, were followed by a nervous reaction on the following day. It might be also that the disease manifesting itself on the material side of the little fellow, through the congeries of febrile symptoms, had been driven from material to vital demonstrations, and we thus had a nervous irritability taking the place of a material erythismus. The real disease element was thus seen to be unneutralized by the remedy employed. It had been driven from one set of symptoms to another. Yesterday we had a vascular: today a nervous erythismus. Manifestly the intra-within (to coin a word) of the disease element had not been reached. But Aconite was emphatically the remedy which fulfilled all the the conditions of Homoeopathy, and yet the disease was not cured by it. The reader must see at once how irresistibly I was led by this train of thought to administer Aconite 30th instead of Aconite Tinct., in the subsequent attacks.

It required a longer time for the pulse to fall and for the material febrile symptoms to subside, under the influence of the 30th dilution than had been needed for the Tinct. But the following day the Pulse remained normal; and the child was well much sooner than usual. The 30th dilution entering the personality directly through the Life, required a longer time to work itself out toward and upon the material sphere; and thus the material febrile symptoms, were more slowly removed, than when the application of the crude drug was made directly to them, and the specific influence of the drug found its way toward the more interior and vital sphere by the slow process of vascular and nervous dynamizing circulation. The specific influence of the drug having reached the personality, the disease element was at once expelled according to the theory of cure before published in this REVIEW.

What further remains to be said in direct connection with this subject will appear in a subsequent issue.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 09, 1859, pages 385-395]

[Description: Remedies.]

[Remedies: Aconitum napellus, Sulphur, Lachesis, Arsenicum album, Bovista, Pulsatilla]

[Author: Perkins, R.G.]

[Year: 1859]

THEORY OF CURE.

THE Homoeopathic law, "Similia similibus curantur," is unexceptionable; there can be no diseased condition to which it is not applicable: and in the perfection of pathogenetic science lies an absolute certainty of universal cure.

While there are no diseases to which the law of similia is not applicable, there are certain morbid manifestations, the removal of which may be accomplished under the law of "Contraria contrariis curantur," and also certain ones, removable under the law of Revulsion. Hence, while we have, in the maxim of Hahnemann, a universal law of cure, we have less general ones from Galen and Hippocrates. To operate in either of these ways-under the law of Hahnemann, the law of contraria, or the law of revulsion-the drug must reach the personality of the patient. The Disease proper, lying behind all the symptoms, in the personality, can only be affected by those influences which can follow it thither. The symptoms, perhaps, are occasionally relieved or palliated, without penetration into the essential egoism-such, at least, is the opinion of some writers-but a radical cure is only effected by neutralizing the morbid influence, where it sits in the personality, disturbing the proper distribution of the vital currents and producing manifold disasters.

We shall first endeavour to show how the remedy reaches the personality; then how it causes the withdrawal of the morbid influence.

The cure of a disease may, and, in fact, must occur before the subsidence of the symptoms to which it gives rise. The exceptions to this general rule are as follows: – Symptoms may be removed by cutting off communication between the personality and the organs through which they are manifested. The pain of a neuralgia, for instance, is often suppressed by large doses of Morphine, because the nerves of communication between the affected part and the rest of the personality are under a condition of partial paralysis, and therefore cannot perform their proper function. Symptoms may also be suppressed by a remedy applied to the part where their manifestation occurs. Ulcers may be healed with Caustic; cutaneous eruptions removed by stimulating unguenta; congestio cerebri, with bladders of ice; and constipation, with purges. But the morbid essence, which caused the abnormal manifestation, still remains in the personality, and will by and by exhibit itself in another, and perhaps, a more dangerous direction. The same symptoms are apt to return when the reaction from the treatment occurs; and it is for this, among other reasons, that in chronic diseases, topical treatment is not admissible.

It will be remembered that in our article on the Theory of Disease, the morbid influence was said to enter the personality in one or more of three directions, viz., through the molecular, spiritual, or vital affinities of the "Ego." It was there held that, in health, the affinities of the personal Ego were, all of them, acting in normal directions, i.e., in directions calculated to permit and to facilitate the outworking of the individuality of the Man. It was also held that, in disease, these affinities extended in unusual directions, and, by this unusual action, caused embarrassment to the natural utterances of the personality. Now, remedies-which are disease producers- enter the personality by the same three avenues. They may enter through the material side, being digested and absorbed; through the spiritual side, being a part of the thoughts and emotions; or through the Life itself, being themselves of an essential, vital, or specific character.

We shall instance all three of these methods of remedial approach; and first, of the approach through the material side. When the personality is reached through this avenue, it is done by changing the condition of the body itself. Foreign molecules are forced into the physical composition of the Man, and thus the personality, which is man in the totality of his material and spiritual relations, is changed by the additions which have occurred to one of its sides. The presence, for instance, of the metallic arsenic found in the muscular tissue, and even in the bones and nails, of Mrs. Stephens, changed the composition of the material side of her personality to such an extent, and involved such an unusual condition there, as to interfere with the outworking of her individuality, in a very decided manner. Of course this Arsenic was digested and absorbed, as if it had been food-taken up by the blood vessels, and carried in their flowing currents to the parts of the material person where it was found deposited. The molecules of the Arsenic were themselves taken bodily into the body, in obedience to the molecular law. So also, madder is taken up bodily as madder, in small molecules, and carried all over the system, till it lodges in the bones, and is there found, having fulfilled the molecular law, and having become a part of the personality, under its workings.

The second avenue of remedial approach to the personality, and consequently to the Disease, i.e., the one through the spiritual side of the Man, may be witnessed every day in a hundred ways. The passions and emotions which belong to the spiritual sphere are very powerful in their influence upon the personality, both for good and evil. The less exciting intellectual operations, if of sufficient interest to hold the attention, often modify the diseased manifestations. The chills of intermittent fever, it is well known, are frequently avoided by means of strong mental impressions. A patient, who had been confined to his sofa by an ankle badly sprained, was suddenly cured by the shock to his emotional sphere, occasioned by the sound of a desperate fight under his chamber window. The shock resulting from the sight of a stage murder brought on the menstrual flow of a woman, who had had Amenorrhea for months. Instances occur too frequently in the practice of every physician to call for further remarks on this point.

We come now to speak of the third avenue of remedial approach, viz., through the vital essence-the Life itself. As the personality can be reached through the material sphere by material influences only; and as it is also reached through the spiritual sphere by spiritual influences alone; so when reached through the Life-the vital sphere-it must be by vital influences, i.e., by those peculiar, specific qualities which depend upon the vital essence of the remedy. We have explained, in a previous paper, our reasons for adopting the term vital, when speaking of specific and essential properties. There are, it is true, many drugs in use, which are from the realm of inorganized matter; but we have shown the truth of Mr. Hunter's teaching, that Life is independent of organization, and when speaking of the vital properties of such drugs as Silicea, Calcarea, Mercury, etc., we are to be understood as referring to their specific qualities, as detected by the vital affinities of the human personality.

The specific action of drugs is instanced in the cure of intermittent fever with China; of syphilis, by Mercury; of angina, by Belladonna; of ephemeral fever, by Aconite; and, in fact, in almost any cure, with almost any drug. No particular arrangement of the molecular structure of China, or Mercury, or of either of the other drugs mentioned-no chemical constituents which either of them may possess-can account for the relations they bear to the specific diseases which they cure, or to the abnormal conditions which they remove. The power of the drug to cure disease depends upon its specific properties alone; and these only are to be taken into consideration in the selection of a remedy for any given case. As these specific properties are vital, they can be appreciated by the vitality only, nor, indeed, can any correct idea be formed of their true character and value, unless the human vitality is employed as a test. The specific, or vital properties of the drug are brought into contact with the vitality of a man, and there make their impression. The real specific character and influence of a drug is, by this means, forever certain, and fully known.

If it be asked why the specific properties of different drugs affect the system in different manners and degrees; if we inquire why hydrocyanic acid paralyzes the human vitalities to death, while citric acid is harmless and grateful; we can only reply, such is the specific law, held over each since the beginning. We can say that the relations of the human life to certain specific essences are such that both cannot exist, at the same time, in the sphere of the personality; that on the entrance of the influence of the drug, the vital influence, unable to hold a contiguous position, leaves the bodily form, to take up its residence elsewhere.

Inasmuch as there is an incompatibility between the Life and certain specific essences belonging to, and emanating from drugs, so also must there be an incompatibility between diseases and the specific essence of that agent which proves remedial. Disease is, as we have said in our previous article, a condition of the Life which interferes, perhaps merely on account of its unusualness, with the normal outworking of the personality. The cause of this changed and unusual condition of the vitalities is found in the presence of a morbid influence within the sphere of the personality. This morbid influence, be it remembered, is always a specific essence, and is, of course, under the same code of laws, as are the specific, essential, vital properties of man. It is under the same general laws, because it belongs to the same class of entities.

There exists a specific entity within the man, making him not only man, but the man he is; and there exists, outside the man, millions of other specific entities, making their several bodies precisely what they are. The same general law, we repeat, must govern them all. That law is the law of affinity and antipathy. Certain essential entities have certain affinities for certain other essences, and antipathies for certain others.

An analogous law is found in that of magnetic polarity, the positive pole of one magnet repelling the positive pole of another, while it has strong affinity for the negative. There is an analogy also in the chemical affinities and antipathies; and it so happens that the nearer to sameness are any two chemicals, the more certainly are they repelled from each other; and the more defined the differences, the more certainly are they attracted.

Here, then, we come directly upon the method by which disease is expelled the personality. The morbid essence has enough affinity for the personality to remain in its sphere, but has very little, if any, affinity for the Life, and one or the other must leave the system. The struggle goes on, followed by the evolution of external symptoms, and now comes into the personality another essential influence-another specific entity – as fully capable, under the law of its nature, of affinities and antipathies, as either the Life, or the morbid essence. If the new influence is similar to the morbid one, no affinity occurs; but as the north pole repels the similar north pole, so the newly introduced essence repels its similar, and the morbid influence previously existing in the system must either overcome this antipathy, or leave the personality, to take up its residence elsewhere.

Disease is, in fact, an essence, a specific entity, as is man's Life. Disease cannot die, any more than the Life of man can perish. Both these entities change their position, whenever the nature of their surroundings is such as to call out their affinities. When a man recovers, therefore, from an illness, the morbid influence has left him, in consequence of the introduction into his personality of another entity, the presence of which was repulsive to, and unbearable by, the essence of the disease. As two men may be in the company of a third who has some affinity for both, while they are so antipathetic to one another, as to be thoroughly incapable of breathing the same air, and one, or the other, must leave the company, notwithstanding the affinity between the third man and each of the other two; so in convalescence, the personality, represented by the third man above alluded to, having an affinity for both the disease essence and the drug essence, loses the presence of one, through their mutual repulsion. Manifestly, the repulsion, to be perfect, must take place between similars, and hence the Homoeopathic law.

A certain morbid essence, being in the personality, produces certain external symptoms, by means of which we understand its peculiar nature. The essence of a certain drug, being introduced into the personality, during health, will produce the same symptoms. From the observation of these two sets of similar phenomena, we must conclude that the causes producing them are similar; and if we wish to expel from the system the first essence, which is morbid, we may do so by introducing the second, which is so similar, so like in every respect, that a repulsion takes place, and the first essence leaves the personality. It may sometimes happen that the first essence, the proper morbid influence, may, for a time, be the stronger of the two; but the sources from which it came being removed, while the sources from which the second comes are constantly at hand, in the form of repeated doses of the drug, the morbid essence must finally change its position and pass away.

Cure takes place, then, through the antipathy of similars. This, which is believed to be the true solution of the methodus medendi, is, at the same time, a grand confirmation of the law of "Similia similibus curantur. "Contraria contrariis curantur" is not true of the morbid essence proper; it is true only of those symptoms which are always simply external manifestations of the real diseased influence which lies beyond them. Contraries will not, nor can they, drive out the essential essence of disease; but rather, as the north pole of the magnet attracts the south pole, in virtue of its opposite, contrary character, the administration of contraries must intensify the disease previously existing.

Thus, then, is submitted our theory of cure. Its truth, or falsity, depends on one premise only. That is, that essential, specific entities are under the universal law of attraction and repulsion, of affinity and antipathy. Of the truth of this premise, it seems impossible to doubt. A world of analogies, from all the grosser material elements of the Cosmos, is at hand to prove it. From the realm of Spirit, from the kingdom of the soul, come also a thousand likes and dislikes, loves and hates, in confirmation. And if proof were needed in addition to these analogies, the Life itself, this intangible essence of our being, shows its affinities and antipathies in the appropriation of nutrient, and in the rejection of innutritious substances.

Symptoms are, of course, of three kinds, differing from each other as they are manifested on the material, spiritual, or vital side. Purely material symptoms are, from the nature of things, the last to make their appearance, and the last to disappear on convalescence. They always consist, to a greater or less extent, in organic lesions. Blood congestions and consequent chronic inflammations, malignant growths, and radical changes of structure, are well understood to be symptoms belonging to the material sphere. Pains, also, are manifested through the material side of the man, and, consequently, are to be classed among the material symptoms.

There are also symptoms manifested through the spiritual sphere, of a very different character from those just mentioned. They are instanced in abnormal, i.e., in unusual mental habits, in unreasonable acts, in unjust antipathies (using this term in its popular sense,) in delusions, and in psychical dementia.

Symptoms which are purely vital are only met with in the very beginning, at the very outset, of the morbid influence. They are mostly confined to the general feeling of malaise which arises in the coenesthesis, or common internal feeling. Every symptom occurring during the course of disease has a vital element in it which is essential to its presence; but purely vital symptoms are rarely noticed, except as above indicated.

Symptoms, whether manifested through the material, spiritual, or vital sphere, are made up of three elements. These concomitants are first, the morbid essence; second, the repelling force; third, the external phenomena. This is the general rule, to which there are but very few exceptions. The symptoms following a deadly stroke of lightning are not possessed of any element of repulsion, the morbid influence is the principle element, and to this the Life immediately yields without the least attempt at recuperation. No other exception at present occurs to us.

Now the object of sound therapeutics is not so much to remove symptoms, as to cure disease. For if a symptom be removed without the thorough repulsion of the morbid influence from the sphere of the personality, there is still in the man that which will certainly destroy him, unless in some way antidoted. We have only to call to mind that the natural ultimatum of disease is Death, to make this apparent. The removal of symptoms by topical applications, local stimulants, etc., is much as if, when a ship hangs out signals of distress, the vessel which would relieve it, should send forward men to cut away, or burn up the signals calling for assistance. Beyond all doubt the best, and in fact the only law of cure, is that which, in removing the symptoms, does so only as an incidental result of an antipathetic influence exercised by the remedy upon the morbid essence.

The morbid essence having thus left the system, the symptoms gradually subside under the recuperative action of the Life, this vis medicatrix naturae. If the external symptoms evolved by the morbid essence have taken the direction of blood congestion and consequent organic lesions the complete convalescence of the patient cannot take place immediately, though the personality is freed from the morbid taint. The disease may be removed in an hour, perhaps, while the results of the morbid action may still exist. This brings us to the consideration of the true nature of symptoms, which we shall endeavor to unfold in our next number.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 04, 1859, pages 145-153]

[Description: Theory of Cure.]

[Author: Perkins, R.G.]

[Year: 1859]

THEORY OF DISEASE.

In our last number, we described man as made up of three independent entities, Matter, Spirit and Life.

We have shown each of these to be governed by its own laws-Matter, by a Molecular law, Spirit, by a Psychical law, and Life by a Vital law. The great fundamental law, however, upon which these three all turn, is the law of Affinity. The molecular law is well illustrated by the phenomena of chemical affinity; the spiritual law has its outworking in the human sympathies – as also in taste and antipathy in esthetic connections; and the vital law has its manifestation in the assimilation or rejection of elements for which Life has affinity or antipathy.

Now health in man is that state in which all the affinities of each of these entities are acting in a normal direction. Matter, Spirit, and Life, have each a latent power of acting in any other direction whither their affinities may tend, and from this power comes the liability to disease. That which we consider a normal direction for the action of these affinities, is that which observation has taught us is most convenient for the untrammeled operations of the personality or individuality of the man.

The personality of an individual is the resulting entity following the contactal relation of his Spirit and his Body, through his Life. In other words, that which is made up from the products of the spiritual and material affinities, brought together as the mental possession of one living being, is proper to him only, constitutes him an individual, and gives him a peculiar personality. Now this personality-this individuality-this Ego-is the sufferer and the enjoyer, as also the reasoner and the doer, in and of all things and all events through which man is called to pass. It is the personality which is sick or well, as the case may be, though the cause of the sickness or health finds its way into the personality through the vital affinities of the material or spiritual entities, which go to make up the man's Ego.

While the affinities are directed normally, we are certain there are no affinities of a stronger character within the sphere of the personality, attracting it into abnormal directions. In cases of disease, other and stronger affinities have been admitted within the sphere of the personality, which have influenced the vitality as it exists in body and spirit, into directions more or less contrary to the normal manifestations. The result of this is, of course, to embarrass the operations of the personality or individuality of the man, and his selfhood is tortured from its proper assertion.

To illustrate this matter of vital affinity, let us consider the seed planted in the earth. It appropriates and assimilates to itself the elements suited to its nutrition, to the exclusion of all others. So also the bony structure in men and animals will appropriate from the currents of nutriment flowing through the system those elements which are required for the development of bone. In both these instances the vital affinity is acting normally, i.e., in the manner most conducive to the outworking of the personality of the plant and of the man. But suppose the affinity of the bony structure, or rather of the life which is in it, should from some cause or another change from the lime and the phosphorus to the elements of fat and cellular tissue. This must be considered abnormal, because it is incompatible with the legitimate outworking of the personality of the man. The law of affinity, under which this abnormal action occurs, remains intact, but the conditions of its manifestation are different. The change in the direction of these affinities is brought about by some unusual influence which has by some means found its way within the sphere of their vitality.

The character of this interloping influence, which we call morbid, is various-it may be spiritual, material or vital. If spiritual, it has entered into the sphere of the personality through the psychical side, through the passions and emotions, or the intellectual labors; if material, through the material or molecular element, such as the chemisms, and mechanical injuries; and if vital, it has entered through the Life, as we see in the specific actions of drugs, aside from their chemical properties, the influence of other personalities, and the specific actions of miasms – as fevers, exanthemata, &c.

Now in whatever way, through whatever channel, the morbid element may effect an entrance into the personality of the man, the manifestations of that taint are always such as involve the Life principle of the Ego. The symptoms of disease, in other words, are always dependent on the vitality, with the single exception of mechanical solution of continuity, and even in this, there is something secondary to the injury, which something cannot occur except under the involvement of the Life. Here then we perceive three methods in which a morbid element may come within the sphere of the personality, and as a matter of course, the morbid element must have contracted affinities for some one of the three entities which make up the individual.

The morbid element may be immediately and summarily ejected, or it may lie for a long time in the system, with no external manifestation. For instance, two men are exposed to the miasm of intermittent fever, the one, having already a certain affinity (which we call susceptibility to the poison), took a chill and fever the following day; the other was free from all external manifestations of disease, until two weeks after, when he drank excessively, and this so influenced his vitality-so changed temporarily its affinities-that their direction passed from the normal to the abnormal, and the disease, till then lying "perdu" was aroused and immediately manifested itself in chills and fever. The immediate and summary rejection of the morbid element gives us the immunity we possess, when in good health, against the thousand and one noxious influences which daily surround us. Our personality has not only no affinity for them, in either of the three directions, but an actual antipathy, and they are repelled.

The personality of man may be diseased, that is embarrassed in its proper outworking, as we have already intimated, in three directions. First, through his spiritual part. A man, for instance, is in perfect health, having, as the phrase good health implies, an absolute freedom of self-assertion in all directions, he can think well, he can digest well and he can act well. Such is his state today; to-morrow, he hears of his total pecuniary ruin, or of the distressing death of his dearest love; his spiritual affinities are at once so changed in their direction by the shock they have received, that instead of acting in their ordinary channel of intellectual labor in which he "thought well" yesterday, they run toward the contemplation of his loss; and the greatest possible embarrassment is experienced in the outworking of the self-hood of the man. Here is a diseased condition, and if it continues, the whole material man will become affected through the ground of communication which it has with the spiritual man, through the Life, as before described. The shock has driven the spiritual affinities of the Ego into unusual, that is abnormal directions, and the entire being is under a morbid influence. There presently occurs an involvement of the other members of this man trinity, and though the Soul is first affected, the body receives a sympathetic affection through the common Life in both, and the man may have apoplexy, or diarrhea, or dyspepsia, or sleeplessness, or any other one of the thousand ills which wait upon our human nature.

Now let us see how the Ego, the personality, the individuality of the man, may be affected through the material affinities. We have seen how a man becomes sick from the impressions which come to his Ego, through the portals of his soul, which are always standing so wide open for the entrance of any vital influence of a spiritual character, and now we wish to show the manner of the passage of morbid influences to the Ego, through the body or material part of man. And here we find the law to be the same in principle as that which governs the spiritual nature. A certain congeries of material influences are brought into contact with the material part of the Ego, and an affinity is discovered stronger than those other affinities previously existing. A union of these affinities occurs, and a morbid element is thus presented at the material gate-way of the Ego, or the personality within. At this point the morbid element may be met and expelled by the personality, which thus shows its right to the name by which it is often known, "Vis Medicatrix Naturae."If the morbid influence is at once expelled, no symptoms occur beyond the material sphere; but if a struggle is necessary between the personality and the morbid element while forcing its way, under the law of molecular affinity, through the body, into the personality, then indications of the contest make their appearance, in the form of externally manifested symptoms, and the man is said to be sick.

A good illustration of disease occurring under the molecular law, that is of the entrance of the morbid element through the material part of man, is afforded by the phenomena attendant upon vaccination. A molecule of vaccine virus is brought into contact with the material molecules of the body and in consequence of certain properties possessed by both the parties to this contact, an assimilation of the virus takes place at once, on precisely the same principle as does the assimilation of the digesta in the stomach and intestines. There is something in the peculiar qualities of the vaccine molecule, which finds an affinity in the molecules of the body, when it comes in contact with them. All through the congeries of molecules which make up the body, the influence of this little vaccine atom passes, in obedience to the molecular law, which compels a response to attractions, the very response implying continued motion. The whole molecular structure becomes charged with the peculiar properties of the vaccine atom, and now the material part of the man has come under an influence which is embarrassing to the outworking of the personality, simply perhaps because unusual; that is to say, the man, acting in his totality-and because acting in his totality, acting through both body and spirit-finds one of the media, through which he receives and conveys impressions, changed in some manner, and finds consequently that an impediment exists to the outward manifestation of his entire and integral self-hood.

At this point, the personal Ego, the true Life of the integral man, rises to throw off, or to overcome the influence which threatens the destruction of those natural and normal relations of body and soul, through and by means of which the mentality is existent; and the struggle continues accompanied by the evolution of various symptoms, until either the Life of the integral man is compelled to change its material position, or the vaccine poison is thrown out of the system by the pustule. It will be appropriate at this stage of our subject, to glance for a moment at the manner of this pustulation, and at the influences which accomplish it. The law attaching to the vitality, "Ubi irritatio, ibi fluxus," determines the seat of the pimple; the amount of the poison in the system determines its size; and the Life of the personal Ego produces the formation of the pustule. The pimple once started in its growth, the rest of the material poison in the system is aggregated to it, under the action, it may be, of a similar law to that which governs the aggregation of those fiery particles which float in limitless space, under the name of "star dust," and which by their attraction and cohesion formed the telluric mass, and are continuing to form other worlds like ours.

The vaccine poison thus located on the skin, after having been driven by the Life of the man from the innermost recesses of the frame, whither it had penetrated, and having been collected into a pustular mass by the law governing the aggregation of molecules, is hemmed in upon the surface by a barricade of coagulable lymph, which is thrown around it by the healing process of the man's Life. Here, surrounded by an impenetrable wall of hardened and organized Lymph, the vaccine virus poisons itself to death, so to speak, and rots into pus; and this is the end of the molecular affection. It is not, however, by any means, the end of the vaccine affection, as we shall see immediately, when we pass to the consideration of the third way in which Disease may enter the personality.

To rehearse a moment, we have found disease entering the personality through the spirit, by means of the thoughts and emotions; and we have found it entering through the body, by means of mechanical injuries and material poisons. It remains to speak of the third mode by which disease may enter the personality, which is directly through the personality itself, with no intervention of matter or spirit, by means of other personalities, which being above the law of matter are not governed entirely by it, and being below the law of spirit, are not governed entirely by it. And here we call particular attention to the term "other personalities."We will define the term personality again, and in such a manner as shall be unmistakable. We shall use very nearly the same words as before, but the connection in which these words are used will show them to mean rather more than at first sight appears. The union of Soul and Body by means of the Life produces, what may be called in College phrase, a "tertium Quid."This is the personality; the synonyms which are used for this, being "The Ego," "The Vis Vitae," "He Phusis," "The Vis Conservatrix," "The Vis Medendi," &c. Again, when we speak of the system as throwing off disease, we mean by system, this Ego, this personality, this specific something which makes man what he is, which gives him his individuality, and which preserves him in it.

The term "He Phusis" was first used by Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, and its meaning is simply Nature. It is also the very term applied to that which is the cause of all the occult movements of the Cosmos. There is a sublime beauty in thus giving the same name to the influence which manifests itself in the Cosmos in its million ways, from the formation of worlds, to the gift of specific individual properties to the smallest atoms, and to that which manifests itself in the individual, integral, personal man. It is the Nature of Man to be what he is, in contra-distinction to every thing else; and Man is just what he is, for the simple reason again, that it would be contrary to his Nature, to be anything else.

Now there is a peculiar Nature in Aconite and Belladonna, in Silex and Sulphur, in Nux and Pulsatilla, as well as in Man. He Phusis in them corresponds to He Phusis in Man, and as He Phusis, Nature, in man is what constitutes him an integral person, so He Phusis in these drugs gives them also a personality, and in like manner He Phusis gives a personality to every atom in the Cosmos. The whole universe is made up of innumerable Egos, so to speak. Each atom is an integer, and as such has its specific properties.

We shall now be understood when we say that the personality of man may become the subject of disease through contact with other personalities. We mean that the personality, the specific property of a thing, whether it be a drug or anything else, may be brought into direct contact with the personality of man, and in a mode entirely distinct from any action of its crude material mass, or of its spiritual part. The "Nature," "He Phusis," "the personality," "the specific property," "the Ego," "The Life," if you please, of any thing being brought into contact with the personality of the man, furnishes food for health or disease, as it is usual or unusual, normal or abnormal. The personality is either stimulated or embarrassed, according to the character of the personality opposed to it.

Now the fact seems to be that this specific quality of things whether drugs, or miasms, or anything else, requires for itself, (as does a mathematical point,) position, but not magnitude; and however small may be the atom in which it rests, it may be strong enough to produce, by its contact with another personality, symptoms of a striking character. The same law of affinity governs the personalities, as well as the molecules and the spiritualities of man. If an external personality is presented to the personality of a man, it is received or rejected as its affinities or antipathies command.

Now let us again refer to the vaccine pustule. Notwithstanding the material molecule of the vaccine virus has rotted out, and there no longer remains any thing of the material vaccine in the body, there is left behind a dynamic result, which is in fact the result of the very thing we have just described, viz: – the personality, or the specific property of the poison, has found its affinity in the personality of the man, and therefore clings to it, though the crude molecule of vaccine, in which it formerly lodged, has entirely disappeared from the system.

There seems no difficulty in understanding this matter. It is quite impossible that an atom of vaccine or any other virus should remain in the system as a material constituent part of it, but that its dynamic effect pervades the system for years, there is of course every necessary proof. The specific property of this virus has been transferred to the atoms of the body. The peculiar properties of the vaccine have changed their position, have attached themselves to other atoms. We believe the process of transferring the specific property of one atom to another contiguous one is accomplished by frictionization. It being now fully understood that the specific or vital properties of a thing cannot be inferred from any chemical constituent which may enter into its composition, it can make but little difference whether the contiguous atom has the same molecular or chemical attractions as has the atom from which specific properties are about to pass. By a process of rubbing together, as it seems to us, the two atoms are placed in a sort of electrical "rapport" and while in this state of electrical tension, the specific property passes from the one into the other. This frictionization, of course, occurs in the human body, as the fluids rush up and down the bloodvessels and nerves, (for the nerves have a certain fluid of their own), carrying in their current the atom of vaccine virus whose specific property is to be rubbed out of it. When we shall in future articles speak of attenuation, this transference of specific qualities of atoms by exciting electrical tension in the atom and menstruum will be more distinctly set forth.

This then is our theory of the inception of disease, which, to sum up in a few words, is as follows. Disease consists in that condition of either the spiritual or material part of man which interferes with the natural outworking of his individuality. It is at this point, that the popular fallacy-that disease may run its course-may cure itself-attracts our attention. The natural ultimatum of Disease is Death, and that it should cure itself is absolutely impossible. The personality, or the vitality of man, may sometimes throw off the incubus of the morbid taint, but that disease will leave the system, without being driven therefrom by an opposing force, is entirely out of the question. Nature cures disease, with or without the aid of stimulants, as the case may be; disease never cures itself, never runs its own course, but is always hurried or retarded as the influences brought to bear upon it are favorable or otherwise.

That there are many cases in which disease is cured without medicine, we make no doubt, but in these very instances the disease is cured by influences quite adapted to the existing state of things, influences derived perhaps from our surroundings, from the inherent power of our vitality, it may be, but never does disease cure itself. The affinities presented to the morbific influence are always sufficient to keep it out of the organism when antagonized by the "Vis Medicatrix Naturae," and hence it follows that our duty as curers, is to furnish such stimuli to the powers of Nature, as shall strengthen her in the direction of recuperation.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 03, 1858, pages 97-106]

[Description: Theory of Disease.]

[Author: Perkins, R.G.]

[Year: 1858]

THEORY OF LIFE.

Manifestly each school of medicine has for itself some peculiar institutes-some theory of life-some theory of disease-some theory of cure-some theory of their rodus operandi of drugs-and whatever theories we may adopt, the extent of our adherence to the particular school whose therapeutics is founded .upon them must be proportionate to their importance as elements of its formation.

The most fundamental of all institutes, and that on which all others, to a great extent depend, is that which involves The Theory of Life; and among the various opinions on this subject, that which we hold as at once the most philosophical and defensible, is best stated in the following proposition: THE LIFE OF MAN IS AN IMMATERIAL ENTITY, INDEPENDENT OF THE ORGANISM.

That the life of man is an independent entity, there are many who deny in toto. Bichat for instance has said, " Life is the sum of the functions", and this idea is very prevalent among the medical men of the present day. The late Dr. Bartlett, in his work on the philosophy of medical science, thus puts in a few words, the multitudinous dissent of the profession to the position we have taken- "There is no evidence whatever of the existence even, to say nothing of the alleged properties and relations of an independent dynamic force, presiding over and moving the organic structure. The existence of this force is an assumption just as perfectly and entirely gratuitous as it is possible to imagine. The whole doctrine of this dynamic force is nothing but physiological transcendentalism. Life is the sum of the organization and its actions. This is all we know-this is all we can know about it."

On the other hand, Mr. Hunter, in whose far-reaching footsteps we may contentedly follow, has said that "Organization and Life do not in the least depend on one another," and that "Life can never arise out of or produce Organization."But it is no part of our purpose to cite authorities either in favor of or against the position we have taken.

We feel, we achieve, we know, that, we live. In this fact of living there is a result which must have followed from some antecedent cause. We name this cause a force, a dynamic, vita force, and as Newton called the force of gravitation, Gravity so its call the force of living, Life.

That Life is immaterial is shown by the fact that it pervades spirit as well as matter; and the same fact proves it independent of organization. Organization is also independent of Life. It always occurs in obedience to the laws of matter. The relations which the organization and the Life hold to each other are as a topographical point to a mathematical one; for the organism is a material aggregation, and as such must occupy space, while the Life is immaterial and requires only position. Life is a power under which the organism performs its functions; it is not "the sum of the functions," but their moving cause. Function is caused by the Life, and is dependent on the organism for its manifestation.

Organs, or organizations, are aggregations of certain constituent elements drawn together under certain laws belonging to the individual molecules, chemical affinities, &c, being among these laws. No function can as yet be performed, until the immaterial Life takes position in the particles, when the prime function of growth immediately follows. The organization is primary, the function is secondary, to the Life. Organization is thus used to mean a simple aggregation of particles, without other power of action than that occurring under the molecular law. Organic function is the action occurring under the vital law, or the Life.

Manifestly the Life cannot cause the organization, because the one being immaterial cannot act as creative to the other, which is material. The three entities, Spirit, Matter, and Life, are the creations of the great first Cause, and are made to constitute, so to speak, a trinity of that Cosmos, of which man is the King. Each member of this trinity is governed by its own laws-the law of the Soul is psychical-the law of Matter is a law of molecules-the law of Life is a law of vitality.

Though Life, by reason of its immateriality, cannot so act upon matter, as to cause organization; yet as we have said, it can so act as to cause function, and this causing of function is its proper and only office. But as function is sometimes, as we have seen, an action of a material organization, it may at first sight appear impossible that the immaterial entity, which we have shown Life to be, should cause this material result. Though however immaterial entities cannot act upon material entities, it is manifest that as the laws of the immaterial are independent of the laws of the material, and the laws of the material are independent of the laws of the immaterial, one set of laws may act at the same time with the other, each ordering its peculiar subject, and confining its action to its own realm. These synchronous actions may take place in the same direction, tending in parallel lines, so to speak, toward the same objective accomplishment. The molecular law, for instance, under which certain atoms are aggregated into an organ, may continue its influence, and retain them there, and by means of chemical affinities govern their position, independently of the vital influence. We see this in cases of sudden death. The molecular structure of the human organs is not changed the moment vitality ceases, as would be the case if the vitality was influential over the law of the molecules. The molecular law, or the law of Matter, is operative both during and after the life: it has a material direction and acts upon Matter only.

In the same manner the laws of Life operate on Life alone. For an illustration of our idea, and to show how the laws of Matter and of Life act independently of one another, and yet tend to the same result, and to show at the same time how the functional result is accomplished by the Life as the directing agent, we will suppose an army in the field. This is, for the present purpose, a huge organism, a great organ, the function, of which cannot be performed without a commander. Each man in the army may represent an atom in the organ. If the individual peculiarities and attractions of each man are not ordered, if the peculiar chemical affinities of each atom are not directed, no function can occur, but all is confusion and chaos. The General is to be considered as the moving spirit and the Life of the army, and is to it, what the Life is to the organism. Ideas are communicated from his spirit, through his Life, to the living principle in the army, and thus material movements are made in obedience to an immaterial idea. The Life is thus seen to serve as a bridge for the passage of ideas from the soul of man to his body. The body and the soul, having thus this Life, as a common possession, are united by it, as the two edges of a deep abyss are joined by a bridge suspended in mid air.

And now to return to the function of a simple organ, we can easily see how the law of matter may operate, in harmonious relations with the Life, through which is communicated its peculiar function, the Life in its turn being under the influence of the laws impressed upon it by the first great Cause, God.

We have thus shown in part the truth of our propositions, that Life is independent of organization, and that it is the directing cause of organic function. It will be perceived, however, that the proof that Life is immaterial rests in a great measure upon the fact asserted that it is a property of Spirit. To make the argument complete, it remains to prove that such an entity as Spirit really exists. This therefore is our present purpose.

To those, into whose minds there has never entered a doubt as to the existence of their souls, and with whom the instructions of orthodox theologians have still an unquestioned force, it may appear strange that we should think it necessary to enter upon an argument to prove a spiritual existence. But with most philosophers to think is to doubt, and a blind faith has no place in true science. Nor can we forget how prone are many medical men to materialism. In the diagnosis of disease we are daily using our external senses, and in the application of remedies we are also governed by our external sense of symptoms, both of the remedy and of the disease; and being of the earth, earthy, we have in our daily contact with the world about us, constant use for our external senses. One may go through the world with ample means for getting his bread and his meat with nothing but a sense for externals.

But there are certain possessions of the human mind which cannot come through the external senses. These are called supersensuous ideas. They consist of ideas which have no more connection with the external senses, than has the message of the telegraph with the wire over which it passes. Now if we are able to prove man in possession of a single idea, which is, as we have termed it, supersensuous, we prove also the existence of a means of intelligence superior to, or at all events entirely different from, the means afforded by external eyes, ears, or other senses.

Now let us take the abstract idea of a Deity-we have never seen him, heard him, touched him, smelt him, or tasted him, and yet it is quite impossible that we should fail to conceive an idea of him. Through what recollected sensation of sight, or touch, or anything else, are we able to get the least conception, and yet we have a conception, of Deity. Suppose our idea to be that Deity is simply a Law. In that case, it may perhaps be said, that we perceive the out-working of a Law by the means of our external senses-and this is true, we do see the out-working of a Law-but we cannot see the Law itself, save by the operation of inner senses. The Law, and the Law maker and giver, is inferred by a simple process of reasoning, founded no more upon sensual fact than upon an innate logical necessity which demands a cause for every effect. The idea of Law is supersensuous, that is beyond the senses, for the power of sense is limited to the observation of the effect of Law. The cause of these effects is beyond the ken of our external senses, and the moment we begin to reason upon it, we pass beyond sense into the realm of Spirit. The abstract idea of Law, being a spiritual idea, requires a spirit for its appreciation, and this spirit is the Soul of man.

Again take the idea of abstract Beauty. No man has ever seen that, a more beautiful thing than which, he could not imagine. The most beautiful picture or landscape, the most delightful poem, the most gorgeous sunset sky, fails to fill the spirit utterly; there will still be room to conceive of something more beautiful. The most ravishing of all sensuous objects joined in one harmonious whole must fail to satisfy. We still conceive of something better. And we cannot form this, our conception, by any art, because form is material and sensuous, and our innate idea of a something better is beyond form-verily it is spirit. This idea of a God, and this other idea of a better something, are each of them, soul possessions, and as man has these ideas, he must have a soul to hold them and to grow them in.

The utterance of the great eternal fact of the ideal excellence, which no form can indicate, and which must therefore belong to an unformed and immaterial realm, has been most happily made by the veiled statue at Sais. Upon the hem of the veil which concealed the features of the Statue, was this legend in gold, "I am-I was-I shall be-and no mortal shall draw aside my veil." The chisel of no sculptor could ever reach the ideal beauty hidden in the marble block. The artist hand comes infinitesimally near, but the spiritual idea is always infinitely removed from all material contact.

Before proceeding farther, let us pause a moment and see exactly where we are. We started with the axioms that we have a body, and that we live; we have shown the existence of a soul as well as a body, and also that life is a possession common to both, and because common to both, possessing the distinctive characteristics of neither. Life has been shown to be something different from Spirit, because Matter possesses it under certain circumstances. We are thus driven to the irresistible conclusion that Life is a distinct individual entity, through which the laws of Nature are communicated to and received by the soul and body of man. And now it may be asked-What is Life?-and there remains for us only to reply, it is the principle of being which the great ruler of the world has shed upon, and given position within all the works of his hand. It is the breath which God breathed into the nostrils of the first man, Adam.

It has long been the custom to consider the world as divided into two kingdoms only-the realm of matter, and the realm of spirit-but we have endeavored to show that a third something exists, which being a pertainer of both, forms a bond which unites them; and there is plainly a necessity for the existence of such a uniting influence between two entities, the one being precisely what the other is not, and each totally unable to appreciate the other, unless through some common property.

The external manifestations of this third something, this Life entity, are various. It may be that the lowest of these manifestations is found in the simplest chemical affinities, while the highest is found in the mind of man. There is no difficulty in supposing chemical affinities to be in some manner under the action-the very feeble impression, but still an impression-of the entity we call Life, when developed upward into organisms. For indeed, the molecular law, under which chemical affinities occur, must receive its direction and a continuous influence from the great cause; and there must therefore be still in existence some connecting link between these molecules and their ruler: and what better or more philosophical supposition, than that this Ghost of an entity, which is neither Spirit, nor Body, performs the holy office of communicating to the coarse, ultimate molecule, the mighty fiat and continuous influence of the Great Spirit Ruler.

If this is the lowest of the offices of the Life, the highest is, as we have said, the mental manifestation in man. Here in mind is the ultimatum of the Life in the Sphere of being which man now occupies. Here in mind we see the perfectness of the union of the two opposites, Spirit and Matter, united through their common pertainer, the Life which is in them. Through Life, the external senses are perceptive of form, and through Life, the internal or spiritual senses are perceptive of meaning; the picture and the idea are thus brought into contact in the Life, which thus becomes a storehouse of external and internal impressions, and is thus called Mind. Comparison, Judgment and Conclusion are the results of this contact in the Life, and bear the same correspondential relation to the growth of the mind, that material assimilation does to the growth of the body. That however which we call mental growth is not increase in either spiritual or material volume, if we may speak of volume in connection with Spirit; but is rather like putting a higher temper into a steel wire, which is not increased in volume, but responds more immediately and positively to the things which impress it.

In these mental manifestations in man, we find ourselves, so to speak, at the blossom of the Life. If we pass down the scale, we find the corresponding manifestation in the brute to be what men call instinct. It seems very certain that that which is instinct in animals would be mind as we see it in man, but for two things-the molecular law, and the law of the Life. A different molecular arrangement, and a higher temper to the Life, are required for mental, than for instinctive manifestations. Thus the instinct of animals seems to be a lower degree in the course of vital development, than that to which man has attained in the fulness of his mentality. The instinct of plants, for we can hardly call it anything else, is a still lower development of Life. The manifestations of this are seen in the greatest perfection, when two seeds, the one of a nutritious, and the other of a poisonous plant, are placed side by side, in the same soil, and surrounded by the same influences. The one becomes a fruit which shall bring strength and beauty to man, while the other becomes a deadly and disgusting weed. Now each seed is subjected to an aggregation of similar, in fact of identical, chemical affinities. It is the Life in each seed which determines which of the chemical constituents of the earth in which they are both placed, shall be assimilated by the one, and which by the other; and also that some of the chemical constituents common to both shall in the one case be appropriated to the uses of nutrition, and in the other applied to the purpose of toxical production. These things are all directed by the Life; the molecular law has its natural out working, and the spiritual law has its proper obedience, but the Life presides over, directs, and perfects, at the same time that it brings into relation all the operations both of Spirit and Matter, making that one, which before was two, by the addition of a third entity.

This doctrine may seem new, but a little thought upon the subject will show that it is not. The idea is mirrored in all the mythologies, more plainly perhaps in the Jewish, than in any other, but yet distinctly in all.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 49-57]

[Description: Theory of Life.]

[Author: Perkins, R.G.]

[Year: 1858]

YELLOW FEVER AT STATEN ISLAND.

For much of the information in relation to the endemic as at present existing at Staten Island, we are indebted to Dr. J. C. Peters, of this city. We are glad to express our sense of obligation to him for this and other favors. He generously placed at our disposal, facts which he had taken some pains to collect for purposes of his own.

At the present writing, Yellow Fever is fairly settled on Staten Island, and we may count with great certainty upon a spread of the disease, unless immediate means are taken to arrest the progress of the contagion. We are by no means anxious for the reputation of alarmists, but with the prospect before us of yellow fever among the poor of our densely crowded tenement houses, we deem it but duty to the public to give the facts, and to call attention to the loud warning which they convey. The poorer classes always suffer most, during the prevalence of such diseases as yellow fever, lacking as they do in many instances, the proper means of treatment, during the progress of the disease, and proper diet and care, during convalescence. The rich can, of course, retreat from the threatened danger, if the thing they should shun is pointed out to them. To protect the poor and to warn the rich, is a part of our present object, though a short resume of the symptoms and therapeutics of the disease will follow. Up to the 22nd of August, there had been received at the Quarantine Hospital, 153 cases of yellow fever, with the very fair result of 90 discharges, 29 deaths, and 34 still in the Hospital wards.

The ports from which these cases came, with the results attending the treatment, are indicated in the following list.

Cases.

Deaths.

Discharged.

Remaining.

Havana

30

4

22

4

Kingston, Jamaica

41

6

25

10

Sagua la Grande

7

1

4

2

Puerto Principe

3

1

2

Matanzas

8

3

5

Cardenas.

1

1

St. Thomas

1

1

St. Jago,

2

1

1

Remedios

1

1

Trinidad

1

1

Cuenfuegos

4

4

New Orleans,

27

3

16

8

Savannah

10

2

5

3

Ship Susquehannah.

shipkeepers,

3

2

1

stevedores,

10

2

5

3

Tompkinsville, S. I.

(epidemic)

3

2

1

Ship Grotto, Shipkpr.1

1

Total.

153

29

90

34

Or 18.3 percent of Deaths.

The above is entirely correct as to the prevalence of the disease within the gates of Quarantine Hospital. The following extract from a letter of Dr Walzer, Assistant physician at the Marine Hospital, indicates the progress of the epidemic outside of the Hospital walls.

There have been cases of yellow fever this season outside of the Quarantine walls, on Staten Island, on throe localities only viz., 1st. In a block of shanties close by the beach, and a short distance below the Quarantine; second, in the Silvia-house, directly on the beach, and about half a mile below Townsend's Dock; and thirdly, at New Brighton, in two dwellings, on each side of the Postoffice building, which also is very close to the beach.

In the first locality there have been in all twelve cases and four deaths, the first case being reported as appearing on the 17th of July ult.; in the second two cases and two deaths, being taken ill on the 11th and 13th inst; in the third, three cases and one death, being taken ill on the 13th and 15th inst. The source of the disease in the first and second locality is distinctly traceable to infected shipping within the Quarantine anchorage, but the source of the malady in the third locality is wholly a matter of conjecture if the statements of the patients are to be relied upon.

It will be perceived by the localities mentioned that nearly two miles intervene between each, and aside from these three points there have occurred no cases of yellow fever on Staten Island this season.

Some interesting particulars in relation to the cases referred to by Dr. Walzer are given in the following extracts from Dr. Lea's report to the Richmond Medical Society.

The first case of epidemic yellow fever occurred about the middle of the month of July. A man named Kramer, who had been employed in burning the infected bedding, etc., on the iron scow "Dr. Rockwell," sickened at his residence in the village of Tompkinsville, but was subsequently removed to the Quarantine Hospital, where he died. It has been stated to the committee, and to the best of its belief is true, that Kramer had been in the habit of bringing to his wife articles of clothing intended for the flames, and that they were washed on the premises. On the 17th of July Mrs. Kramer was attacked with yellow fever, and died at her own residence. Opposite the house of Kramer, in the same yard, and only a few feet from the door of ingress, is the entrance to a small tenement, occupied by a stevedore employed on the Quarantine, named Nell; between the wife of this man and Mrs. Kramer a close intimacy existed, and she took the fever about the same period and died on the 19th of July. A post mortem examination of this case was made by Drs. Prendergast and Munday, and the case reported as yellow fever to the Castleton Board of Health. The authenticity of this case was denied by the Quarantine authorities but in the minds of this Committee there is no doubt of its genuineness.

The next case was that of Mr. Halliday, who owned the house occupied by Nell and whose own residence was on the saint, lot, fronting on Griffin street; he was seized on the 23d of July and died on the 27th. A boy in the same house took the disease subsequently, but has recovered.

On the 3d of August Mr Young and daughter, living on Griffin street, and the rear of whose lot joined that of Kramer, also sickened; they were well marked cases of yellow fever, and have recovered. Subsequently, a German sailor, living immediately on the water, at the lower termination of Minthorn street, and not over 100 feet from the house of Kramer, sickened with yellow fever, and has had a tedious convalescence. A son of the above mentioned patient sickened on the 21st of July, and is still under treatment. Mrs. Finnerty, living in the same block, was seized with the fever on the 2d of August, and has recovered.

On the 18th of August the disease made its appearance in the house of Mr. Miles, in the same block, and only a few steps from the last mentioned place. The first case occurred on the 18th, in the person of his daughter; on the 20th, another daughter was attacked; on the 21st he was seized, and lastly, his wife on the 23d inst.; these cases are now under treatment, one of them is in a dying condition. In an adjoining house n Mr. Holland resides, and Mr. Nell, after the death of his wife, took up his quarters here. On the 23d of August Mr. H. was seized with the yellow fever, and his death has just been reported.

On the 8th and 11th days of August two cases of yellow fever occurred at Sylvia's Point, about one and a half miles from the above locality, in a house situated immediately upon the water; the victims were Miss Cross and her servant girl. On the 18th of August, Mrs. Quinn, living between Townsend's Dock and the Gas Works, was attacked with yellow fever, and will probably die before this report goes to press.

The residence of the last mentioned patient is not more than a half a mile from the house in which Miss Cross and servant resided.

Two cases of yellow fever occurred at New Brighton on the 12th of August, in a building near the landing; one of these, a distinctly marked case, was transfered to the city, at her own request, and now lies in the building No.16 Green wich street. Her companion is at Bridgeport, Connecticut, having recovered.

On the 15th of August Mr. Block, living at the corner of Jersey street and Richmond terrace, was attacked with yellow fever, and he died on the 19th. His case was particularly marked, the black vomit having occurred. The wife of Mr. Block sickened at the same time, in the same bed, and has since recovered.

It will be perceived from this report, that the disease has appeared in three distinct localities; the first district being included in the triangular block bounded on one side by the bay, by the Hospital on another, and by Griffin street on the remaining side. These cases, fifteen in number, may be traced to the introduction of infected clothing by Kramer.

The cases at Silvia's Point can only be attributed to imprudent bathing; the committee having come to the conclusion that the peculiar position of the house upon the bay, where the eddies of the ebb tide deposit floating materials favored the development of the disease.

The case of Mrs. Quinn has been ascribed to recent intercourse with a friend laboring under the same disease.

In the third locality, that is near the New Brighton landing, the causes have probably been exposure at night; the girls who were attacked, as well as Mr. Block, we're in the habit of walking along the beach in the evening, and of breathing an atmosphere poisoned by the fumes from the iron scow.

The iron scow, which has been laying within two hundred feet of the beach for several weeks past, is allowed to burn her refuse not only within sight, but also within smell of the residents along the shore; surely this gross carelessness has not failed to cooperate with the other circumstances mentioned as being instrumental in the causation of yellow fever.

A careful reading of the above extract can hardly fail to convince any intelligent person whether layman or physician, of the really contagious character of yellow fever. To us it seems not only the height of folly to attempt to argue in the face of such facts as these, but the extreme of recklessness to omit the precautions which are called for. What can be said by the non-contagionists to the following facts, taken from Dr. Holcombe's Second Article on Yellow Fever, published in 1856, in the North American Homoeopathic Journal.

"For ourselves, we have seen enough this year alone, to say nothing of the two years previous, to convince us immovably that the yellow fever we have to deal with here on the banks of the Mississippi is a palpably contagious disease, communicable by contact of persons, clothing, &c. This little village of Waterproof, La., never presented a case of it until this year. It has raged above and below us, but never appeared amongst our population. The autumnal remittents and malignant intermittents, when prevailing here were never known to turn into yellow fever or be mistaken for it. A stranger from New Orleans, sick of the disease, is landed from a boat. He convalesces and leaves, but in the course of a week others are taken, and very soon the constantly increasing virus infects the whole atmosphere and we have more than a hundred cases in the course of a month. A gentleman residing several miles out of Natchez rides into town to see his brother's family, sick of yellow fever, assured by the physician of its non-contagious nature. In a few days he sickens, next his wife, then the chambermaid, then a daughter who nursed them, then a woman brought in from the field to supply the place of the chambermaid, then, other children, and so on, until twelve or thirteen cases occur; all the persons on the place being exempted except those who came near the sick persons or the the sick rooms. A negro accompanying his young master to college is taken sick one night at a gentleman's country-seat-remote from all towns and public roads where every body is and has been for weeks in perfect health. He gets well and goes away, but several of the family who were with him sicken, and three die of black vomit. It is now found that the same disease has also broken out at the same place the negro started from, he having had the germs of the complaint in his system in a state of incubation. We need not adduce more examples. We have seen and heard of so many similar cases that we feel impelled to recommend all unprotected, unacclimatized persons to get out of its way, and to lend our cordial support to all sanitary, hygienic and Quarantine regulations which may promise deliverance from its visitations."

The progress of yellow fever seems marked by three stages, the first of which is eminently febrile, the last one of collapse and the middle, one of transition. In the first, the phenomena are symptomatic of a strong reactionary attempt, and the powers of nature are manifested more prominently than are the influences of the morbid element. In the second, the morbid element has evidently the mastery, though the congeries of symptoms still give evidences of the vis medicatrix.

In the third and last stage, the morbid taint is paramount, and the vitality gradually ceases to manifest itself. Considering the symptoms of the first stage, as indications of a natural effort to throw off the disease, we can readily understand how it happens that the patients in whom the febrile symptoms are most intense; whose headaches, and other pains, those in the back and bones particularly, are most severe; whose pulses are strong and full are the ones which recover soonest and easiest, under the proper medication.

Homoeopaths must be well satisfied that the depleting remedies employed by the old system are calculated to oppose nature in the reactionary efforts which she is earnestly making. The loss of blood or other humors, under these circumstances, is just so much energy taken from the recuperative powers, and when the second stage comes on in which there is a general subsidence of the intense fever, the weakness of the vitality is destructive to the patient. As is well known to our school, the Aconite and Belladonna, which are generally administered by us, in this first febrile stage, stimulate nature in the very direction she has chosen for the recuperative efforts.

The natural effort, which has fever as its concomitant, originates in the vitality of the patient, and our aid is attracted and solicited in that direction by the red fever flag which distressed nature hangs out.

The beginning of the second stage is generally pretty well marked by a fall of the pulse, and a remission of most of the febrile symptoms. The skin perspires moderately and the patient feels much relief, dependent on the subsidence of his headache and other pains. This remission is very similar to that almost always observed, in the morning, in cases of bilious remittent fever. Toward the close of this period the tongue becomes brown and dry, and the mucus membrane lining the mouth and fauces assumes an edematous and softened appearance. In the cases we have seen, the secretions from the mouth were slightly tinged with blood from the softened gums, even before the ejecta from the stomach were thrown off. Nausea and thirst, with epigastric tenderness make up with the prostration of the patient, a totality of symptoms indicating Arsenicum.

It is in the third stage that we have the ejecta assuming the brown or black color, and the remedies found of most value, and which are exceedingly well indicated at this last period are Arsenicum, Lachesis, Nitrate of Silver, and Sulphuric Acid. Drs. Holcombe and Davis used the remedies above mentioned, in the endemics which they witnessed with excellent success. Their results are as follows.

In 1853

555 cases,

33 deaths,

" 1854

112 "

0 "

" 1855

349 "

22 "

1016 cases,

55 deaths,

This is a mortality of 5. 4 percent, among these cases there were four, three of whom had "brown" and one, black vomit, who recovered.

The percentage of deaths at Staten Island is small, when compared with that which generally follows Allopathic treatment, but it seems to be three times as great as that resulting from the Homoeopathic, even excluding from the computation the epidemic of 1854. This success is extremely gratifying. We are fully satisfied it was owing to the philosophical application of the remedies to the totality of the symptoms, in the individual cases. It, by no means, follows that the drugs named above are applicable to all forms of the disease.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 01, 1858, pages 17-22]

[Description: Yellow Fever at Staten Island.]

[Remedies: Aconitum napellus, Belladonna, Arsenicum album, Lachesis, Argentum Nitricum, Sulphuricum Acidum]

[Author: Peters, J.C.]

[Year: 1858]

THE AUSTRALIAN RED GUM, OR KINO.

BY DR. PLUNDELL.*[Monthly Homoeopathic Review. London, April, 1863.]

The growing reputation of this gum among allopaths, successful as it has been in some most severe cases of chronic dysentery, which had baffled every other known means of relief or cure, will, I trust, be a sufficient apology for bringing it before the notice of your readers. It is well worthy of a thorough proving, from its homoeopathic relation to the above disorder, and its affording a ready illustration of the law of Hahnemann. I regret that no scientific description of the tree producing it can at present be given.

If not identical, there is still a great resemblance between the eucalyptus resinifera of the order myrtaceoe, class icosandria, and the above, the produce of the Australian continent. I may, however, be deceived in this, so far as our present knowledge extends, for there appears to be a remarkably wide family of the eucalyptus spread over the entire continent of Australia. The prevalence, however, of shrubs and trees of the order myrtaceos, especially Melaleucas, in the north and north-western regions of that continent, is a circumstance favorable to its partial identity, at least, with the now almost obsolete kino of Africa and the Indian Archipelago. I have recently applied to a distinguished botanist for a scientific record of this tree, but without success, in consequence of no specimens of the fruit or leaves having been forwarded to him at any time. He furnished me, however, with a small sample of the gum of the eucalyptus amygdalena, the produce of New South Wales; but on testing and comparing this in every way with that in my possession from the coast of Western Australia, on the opposite side of the continent, I found such a marked superiority in the latter, that I should most decidedly give it the preference over the former, or any other I have seen. Indeed, the latter has of late come into high favor in the East Indies, at least among the allopathic practitioners there. The demand in this country has recently vastly increased also, among the same class of practitioners.

I can only, therefore, give a natural description of this gum or sap, from want of scientific knowledge of the tree itself. It is found in large and almost inexhaustible forest lands, on the western and eastern coasts of Australia chiefly, though it is common to the southern and north-eastern coasts. So far, then, unlike the cinchona forests of Peru, the supply of this drug cannot easily be exhausted. We have recently learned, that owing to the reckless practice of completely "barking" the cinchona trees, great fears are entertained respecting our future supplies of that valuable article, so much so, that with great expense and difficulty, plantations of shrubs taken from Peru have been commenced in British India.

The red gum as it were bleeds from the tree, dripping like drops of blood upon the soil closely adjacent to its roots; within the "faults" of the timber (and it is a very "faulty" tree) are large collections of the gum, so that when felled and being sawn up, the saw and trunk appear to be covered with blood, and this remaining upon the ground, speedily coagulates into a laminated friable mass, which when reduced to powder resembles a puce-colored pigment It is, on the western coast of Australia at least, a tree of large size resembling the African oak rather than the family of eucalypti.

In the form of powder it can be readily preserved, and in the first decimal dilution with alcohol. At least, the latter is the number used by myself and a friend, in testing the homoeopathicity of this drug. That its peculiar virtues in chronic dysentery are due to the homoeopathic law, I have long felt convinced, and determined that so good an opportunity of testing that law should not pass without some attempt at a proving. None can say that our armamentarium is complete in all severe cases of dysentery, and I only regret that I have not used it long ago. Its qualities, I trust, may be yet fully proved by some of our more enterprising Workers in the field of Homoeopathy, and I shall always be glad to aid them in every way in my power.

The following are the symptoms most prominently present in the provings to which I have alluded. This as a proving is of course fragmentary, but it is a faithful picture of the effects of the drug upon the healthy body, viz.:

Colicky pains towards evening; bearing-down with inclination to stool, but without an evacuation. This was from taking five drops, first decimal. The pains continued the next day. On the following night twenty drops, in halt a tumbler of water, were taken. The previous symptoms not more violent, but more continuous. On the next morning from ten to fifteen drops were taken, and but little inconvenience felt till towards evening, when most severe colicky pains, with bearing-down of the lower bowel, were developed. These were only relieved by lying flat upon the face; they continued for an hour, and then diminished; and on the following morning a hard, dry evacuation was passed, with a small quantity of blood at its termination. Following this, for four or five days, the bowels were obstinately constipated, the latter terminating in sickness and diarrhea, with extreme giddiness and general debility, relieved by Ipecacuanha.

Under the influence of smaller quantities, such as two, three and four drops, taken in water, the following symptoms were prominent: Evacuations hard, with sensation of turgescence of the mucous lining of the bowels; slight bearing-down, and frequent desire for an evacuation; nausea, headache, great amount of flatulent distension, appetite decreased; lastly, the mucous lining of the bowels became irritable, and the evacuations exhibited a tendency to diarrhea, with bearing-down and greater rapidity of action than usual in health.

One of the chief inducements to ray testing this drug at all, was a fact with which I had for years been familiar, and it was that the practitioners of Australia were or had been afraid of this gum, for its powerful action and reaction; conditions which at the present time appeared to me decisive of there being something like the homoeopathic law in operation, and I feel satisfied this will be yet fully established to be the case.

I have ventured, then, to draw the attention of homoeopathic practitioners to this valuable product, because I think there is nothing like testing some of the most popular of allopathic remedies, and finding out, what I believe will be the case, their decided homoeopathic relations to the diseases in which allopathists believe them specifics. I know of nothing likely to be more serviceable to our cause than success in this way, especially at the present hour, when so much controversy regarding homoeopathic principles and practice is abroad among us. "We are much more likely to increase our own faith in the law of Hahnemann by tangible provings, of which all may satisfy themselves, than by disputing, and oftentimes recriminating, over the dose.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 01, 1863, pages 33-37]

[Description: The Australian Red Gum, Or Kino.]

[Remedies: Angophora lanceolata]

[Author: Plundell]

[Year: 1863]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTION. [Read before the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Onondaga County, N. Y.]

By T. F. Pomeroy, M. D., Detroit, Mich.

Mrs. B., of this city, was confined on the 12th March, at about eight months. She is a blonde, with light hair and eyes, nervous sanguine temperament, highly intellectual and cultivated; in short, a very agreeable and refined lady of about thirty years of age. Previous to this, she had had three children; with the first she had convulsions, (I am not sure whether immediately before or after confinement). With the third child she escaped these formidable attacks, as the result of great care and of medication for months before, with direct reference to their avoidance through the aid of homoeopathic treatment; and she did escape, although repeatedly and severely threatened, and gave birth to a fine healthy boy, who is now about five years of age; and from this confinement she got up very rapidly and as well as any woman ever did.

In consequence of a slight fall upon the ice in the latter part of the winter, and partly perhaps from over exertion from excitement afterwards, she was taken in the afternoon of March 11th 1865, with the peculiar nervousness and feelings of apprehension that had preceded and ushered in those violent convulsions of her first two confinements, as well as the threatenings of the third confinement, but at this time they seemed much more decided emphatic and in connection with the fact that she had not gone beyond the eighth month of pregnancy, betokened a formidable and dangerous illness, which augury was most fully verified in her subsequent history.

Without entering into full details, I will state that she had her first convulsion at about seven, p. m., of the 11th March, and between that time and eight o'clock of the next morning she had fifteen distinct and separate convulsions of an epileptiform character and most violent and frightful in degree, presenting all the phenomena of that horrible disease at each repetition. Having attended her at and before her third confinement, and understanding the history of the first, I fully comprehended the danger attending this one and immediately gave her Pulsatilla in the 12th or 21st dilution with the view of hastening the labor, believing that the convulsions would not cease until the fetus was expelled, except with her life; for, in addition to the convulsions, she had during the interval between them the most frantic delirium, with biting, and tearing and endeavoring to escape from the bed, so that it required, for nearly the whole night, four female attendants to hold her still, and with all this she was besides, totally blind and deaf; (she has been partially deaf since her two first confinements and in consequence of the conditions attending them, as is supposed).

At or about three or four o'clock of the morning of the 12th, I made a vaginal examination (the nurse had made one some hours earlier and found no dilatation of the os uteri) when I found that labor was progressing satisfactorily if not rapidly, with a head presentation, this gave me great hope and courage, although her pulse had become quite feeble and her strength was evidently failing. From this, labor progressed coincidently with the alternate delirium and spasms until about half past eight o'clock of the morning of the 12th March, when she was safely delivered of a dead child, and shortly after of the placenta, and was then as comfortably put to bed as the circumstances of the case would admit. After the termination of the labor the convulsions ceased altogether, although there were several subsequent attacks of the delirium, and she was not restored to consciousness or sight and hearing until the following day during the forenoon. From this severe and dangerous illness she rapidly recovered, and was up and about the house within four weeks from her confinement, and has continued in her usual state of health ever since.

I will now state a physiological fact that I observed during the progress of the labor and which fact led to this communication, viz.; that the labor progressed only during the stage of delirium, while that of the spasms was characterized by an entire absence of uterine contractions or in other words the delirium marked the recurrence of the labor pains although there was no other evidence of pain, while the spasms marked the intermissions between the pains. In the absence of this positive evidence I should have supposed that the contrary would have been the fact, the convulsions attending the progress of labor, and the delirium the intermissions. I administered successively, Belladonna, Ignatia and Hyoscyamus, at about the 12th and 21st attenuations, to control or modify the spasms.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 01, 1865, pages 22-24]

[Description: Clinical Contribution; Convulsions during labor]

[Author: Pomeroy, T.F.]

[Year: 1865]

ERUPTION UPON THE SCALP, CURED BY A SINGLE REMEDY.

BY T. F. POMEROY, M. D., DETROIT, MICH.

The patient, a gentleman of 35 years, of naturally good constitution, unmarried, has had syphilis, lives pretty freely, drinks Bourbon whisky and wine in considerable quantities, He had been complaining for several months of loss of appetite and general malaise, when he called upon me for aid, with reference not merely to these symptoms, but more especially to an offensive symptom upon the scalp, such as in a child and at a more advanced stage and confluent, I should have recognized as Tinea Capitis.

In this case the eruption consisted of numerous conical but generally distinct cones as large as a split pea, but more prominent. Upon removing one of these crusts there would be a yellowish exudation or watery deposit beneath. The crusts had a dark reddish base, and the eruption was attended with considerable itching and irritation and was becoming very disagreeable. It was confined entirely to the scalp.

I looked his case over carefully and prescribed Viola tricolor (12th decimal) for seven or eight days, and then Viola tricolor (6th decimal dilution) for a week more; at the end of which time he presented himself with scarcely a crust left. The process of which they were the result seemed to have been at once arrested, the crusts separated from the skin, leaving only a red mark or spot behind; these gradually faded out and he is now quite free from all traces of the eruption. Viola tricolor was the only remedy used and cured the disease in a fortnight.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 01, 1862, pages 30-32]

[Description: Eruption Upon The Scalp, Cured by a Single Remedy.]

[Remedies: Viola tricolor]

[Author: Pomeroy, T.F.]

[Year: 1862]

THE CATTLE PLAGUE

An Enquiry into Its Pathology and Treatment, by A. C. Pope, Esq. – The difficulties surrounding an investigation into the nature of a disease, entirely new to the present generation of medical men, are immense. No less so, are those presenting themselves in the attempt medicinally to treat such a disease; one occurring, moreover, in a class or animals upon which no drug provings have been made. At the best, the homoeopathic relationship between the effects of medicines and the consequences or disease under such circumstances must be of a somewhat rough and hypothetical character. Any nicety in the selection of a medicine to meet a particular case seems well nigh impossible. Hence the especial necessity to study carefully the pathology of the disease, and to institute a careful comparison between it and that of similar diseases met with in the human subject. This being done, our experientia in morbis directs us to certain well-proved remedies, between which and the phenomena of cattle plague certain well marked analogies will be found to exist

I purpose, therefore, in the following observations to describe the history, symptomatology, and morbid anatomy of this disease, deducing therefrom its nature, then to infer from these conclusions the treatment most likely to prove effectual in checking it, and to illustrate its results and practical working by reference to a large number of cases that have come under my observation within the last two months.

That the cattle plague is contagious in the highest degree is so generally admitted, that its discussion here is unnecessary. As a contribution to the facts upon which its contagious character has been concluded, I may state that the outbreak of the disease in this district was distinctly traced, in innumerable instances, to cattle bought at low prices, by thoughtless farmers, in York fair. This, the largest cattle fair in the North of England, is held fortnightly. It was among the last to be closed. In it, during the last two fairs, many animals were exposed for sale at "ruinous prices," which had been brought from infected districts where the markets were already closed.

The period during which the disease is incubating has no very definite symptoms, the indications observed being merely such as would lead one to conclude that the animal was, from no very obvious cause, not quite so well as usual. Such as have been noted, may all be described by the word, languor. In a recent number of this Review, Dr. Wilson described certain phenomena which he had remarked by auscultation to exist in animals exhibiting none of these characteristic marks of the disease, but in which these characteristic marks were subsequently fully developed. Dr Trippe, in his evidence before the Cattle Plague Commissioners, confirmed this observation of Dr. Wilson's: he says, "by auscultation of the lungs and careful examination of the animal, the disease may be detected in a very early stage. I may state that I have auscultated several cows, and found certain alterations in the breathing sounds in each indicative or approaching congestion of the lungs, before the running from the nose and eyes commenced." – Quest. 2729. Dr. George Moore, in the last number of The British Journal of Homoeopathy, on the contrary, asserts, "that during the incubatory stage there is not a shred of evidence, derived either from the symptoms during life, or from after death inspection, proving that any organ is the seat of morbid action."

The post mortem appearances generally observed do not, as will subsequently appear, tend to confirm Dr. Wilson's views. But knowing the varied modes in which the disease has been displayed in different parts of the country, and in animals placed under different circumstances as regards housing, feeding, and the like, I hesitate to assert that Dr. Wilson has been mistaken, more especially as the animals he has had the opportunity or examining have been similarly situated to those seen by Dr. Tripe. But whether he be right or wrong is practically of little moment, for as long as an animal feeds, chews the cud and the secretion of milk continues, whether these functions are performed with their usual vigor or are so somewhat languidly, so long will the owner, in the vast proportion of cases, refuse to submit his stock to examination. In studying the nature of the disease, the knowledge that a definite period of incubation, a period during which the materies morbi is multiplying in the blood does exist is of great importance. This period Dr. Smart, in his very able report to the Lord Provost and Magistrates of the City of Edinburgh, says that all his observations lead him to conclude, terminates on the seventh day. Dr. George Moore, in the paper previously referred to, says that it "averages from seven to twelve days, as observed in natural and inoculated cases; the period may, however, be longer or shorter, according to the previous state of health, the mode or origin of the disease, and the virulent or benign type of the prevailing epizootic." Professor Gerlach, of Hanover, in his examination before the Cattle Plague Commissioners stated the period of incubation to be "generally from five to seven days; though in rare case it may be more." – Quest. 479. Professor Gamgee, in answer to Dr. Parkes, said that the largest incubative period he had known was eight days; and that after exposure to contagion he had not known any case longer than eight days. – Quest. 2769, 2770.

There is then an incubative period of from six to eight days, during which no symptoms characteristic of any definite form of ill health are usually observed. At the termination of this period an experienced eye can detect symptoms indicating the plague. Of these, one of the earliest and most valuable, both as regards diagnosis and prognosis, is a faint blush of redness on the mucous surface of the vagina, and on that of the gums. The increased vascularity of these parts is only faintly marked, but is almost invariably perceptible before any other symptom. The animal hangs her head, her ears droop, and, with the horns, are at first cold, then in a few hours abnormally hot. The coat stares, the muscles of the fore and hind quarters twitch, and are tremulous. — The appetite fails early; the alae of the nose are swollen and faintly reddened. Within twenty-four hours, or a little longer, the secretion of milk has ceased, rumination is suspended, the pulse has risen, the respirations have increased in frequency. At this early period the bowels act either scantily or not at all. As the disease advances to the third and fourth day, the vaginal surface becomes more intensely injected and swollen; the red patches on the dental margin of the gums, under the tongue, and on the sides of the mouth, increase in size and deepen in color. The respirations increase rapidly in frequency, being from 82 to 60 or 70 in the minute. In one case – and that a recovered animal – the respirations numbered 96 in the minute. The pulse is increased; the conjunctivae are congested, becoming, as the disease progresses, perfectly turgid; lachrymation is more or less profuse; a thick, greyish discharge takes place from the more, large plugs of dense ropy mucus being occasionally passed; the alae are more swollen and injected on their internal surface, externally, copper-colored and livid looking patches are observable. Occasionally vesicles are seen on the nostrils; this symptom, which, with a somewhat similar eruption on the udders and the fore and hinder quarters, has been frequently met with in other parts of the country, has not been seen in more than ten or a dozen of the cases that have been treated homoeopathically in this neighborhood. About the fifth or sixth-day, and in many instances a little earlier, the discharges become purulent, alike from the canthi, the nostrils and the vagina. The urine is now not unfrequently loaded with blood, and is passed with considerable pain and difficulty. The animal stretches out its head, grunting and moaning in a peculiar manner. The rapidity of the respirations increases, and they are often jerking in character. The pulse is quick and thready. Diarrhea, often dysenteric in character, or thin watery and offensive in the highest degree sets in, and the animal sinks exhausted. This exhaustion is often attended with intense restlessness, turning of the head from side to side, frequent efforts to rise, which even it successful cannot be sustained for more than a few minutes. In cases thus protracted death takes place from simple exhaustion. But, in several instances it has occurred somewhat suddenly, either early or where all the prominent symptoms had abated, when the pulse and respiration had become less abnormal, when the characteristic redness of the visible mucous surfaces had sensibly decreased, where, in short, a reasonable hope had been entertained of recovery. In such, the animal becomes suddenly more dull, the head drops, the eyes look heavier, the conjuctivae are almost livid, the teeth are ground, she butts at everything within reach, oftentimes becomes furious, and suddenly dies.

The two modes, then, in which death has moat generally occurred are — 1st, by general exhaustion, and 2d, by an apparent serous effusion within the cerebrum, under circumstances which seem to favor the idea of a metastasis to the brain having occurred. When no treatment at all is pursued, an animal dies generally about the seventh or eighth day. In many instances, were powerful alcoholic stimulants have been freely given, or where, on the other hand blood-letting has been largely practised, death is earlier. In those that recover, the first indications of returning health may be looked for about the sixth or seventh day from the first appearance of characteristic symptoms, though instances are not wanting where encouraging signs have appeared earlier. The earliest indication of improvement is a more cheerful expression of countenance. The head is held up occasionally, and the animal looks about her; the muzzle becomes dewy; the pulse comes down, and the respirations less frequent; there is more desire for food, the milk returns, and presently "cudding" is again seen. When this is fairly established, the appetite oftentimes becomes voracious, and any thing presented is greedily eaten. The injection of the mucus surface is the last symptom to disappear, but until it has disappeared an animal cannot be said to be perfectly healthy.

In in-calf heifers abortion sometimes happens, and in every instance where it has done so within my observation, recovery has followed. An animal belonging to Mrs. Bentley, of Stockton, near York, which appeared to be recovering, was lost during calving. The presentation was a false one, and the cow sunk under exhaustion caused by the manipulation necessary to rectify it.

From the symptoms observed during life, I pass on to notice the appearances witnessed after death. These have been well described by Dr. Murchison, of London, and Dr. Smart, of Edinburgh. To their reports, and to the observations made by Mr. Emerton, of Norfolk, I am indebted for the following description:

The mucous surfaces of the mouth, pharynx, gullet, trachea, the larger bronchi, the third and fourth stomachs, the small intestines, the anus, and the vagina and urethra, are all in a state of hyper-vascularity. This condition is most intense in the pharynx, the trachea, the vagina and urethra. In the mouth, the fourth stomach, and vagina, there is a large accumulation of epithelium. It collects on the membrane around the follicles, giving a punctuated or honeycomb appearance, resembling ulcers. The surface below is entire. There is, therefore, no true ulceration. The condition is one of congestion, with increased epithelial secretion. In the third and fourth stomachs the mucous congestion is most marked. * * *

In a plague-stricken beast, the condition in which food is found in these stomachs appears to vary; probably depending upon the period, as regards feeding, when the disease had so far advanced as to stop the process of digestion. Dr. Smart found the first and second stomachs full of undigested food; such was also the case in two post mortems, made Mr. Dring, veterinary surgeon, of Bath, for the notes of which I am indebted to my colleague Dr. Bayes. In Norfolk, Mr. Emerton informs me that he generally found a little food in a comparatively raw state in the first stomach, practically none in the second, the third was newly full, often quite distended with hard, dry, cake-like masses, in the fourth, the quantity varied, but like that in the third it was hard and dry. * * * * *

Dr. Smart observed no redness in the first and second stomachs. In about half or the animals he dissected, he round circular patches, varying in size from a pin head to a crown-piece, having bright red or scarlet margins, central patches of a dirty color, and somewhat gangrenous color on the folds of the third stomach. It is not, Dr. Smart remarks, the mucous membrane of the folds that readily peels off, but their epithelial covering. * *

In the intestines, similar, but much less intensely marked congestion, is met with. "The whole mucous lining of the bowels is unduly soft, and its epithelium imperfect. There are no true ulcerations and in this respect its condition differs broadly from the ulcerated typhoid of man" (Smart). The glands of the intestines are not ulcerated. "The mesenteric glands show no lesion of structure. They are bloodless and shrunken, and their lacteal vessels empty." (Smart).

On the surface of the heart, and large vessels in its immediate neighborhood, a vesicular eruption, similar to that observed in the muzzle in some cases, has been occasionally noticed. Dr. Arthur Gamgee, of Edinburgh, who made a chemical analysis of the blood, found it deficient in water, the solids of the serum increased, the blood corpuscules increased, the fibrine increased, and the proper salts diminished. The blood is found in a fluid state; it is dark in color, somewhat tarry looking, and out of the body coagulates slowly but firmly.

In the kidneys, the pyramidal bodies are usually found congested. The uterus presents no unusual appearance, but the vagina is red, swollen, tense, and irritable looking. An aphthous or epithelial eruption is found where the mucous surface joins the integument. A glazy ropy mucus flows from the orifice, and hangs in strings from the vulva.

The only other post mortem appearance of moment mentioned by Dr. Smart is the emphysematous condition of the cellular connective tissue of the loins in some animals. This is observable in many instances during life, and is always indicative of great prostration.

These then are the data from which we have to form an opinion of the nature of this terribly destructive disease. We have seen it to be eminently contagious, to have a distinct period of incubation, to present during life symptoms of fever of a dynamic type, of a determination of unhealthy blood to the mucous surfaces, of intense exhaustion, and in some instances of a specific vesicular eruption. The post mortem appearances point to a congested condition of the mucous surfaces, and to a depraved state of the blood.

Various theories have been hazarded as to its similarity or identity with certain well-known diseases in the human subject. It has been compared to typhoid fever, to diphtheria, to measles, to small pox and to scarlatina. Unlike typhoid fever, it has no ulcerated intestinal glands. Unlike diphtheria, it has no true false membranes. Unlike measles and small pox, its eruption is not constant, and when present not sufficiently similar to identity it with either. To scarlatina, the disease, as it has appeared in this district, has seemed to me somewhat, though but slightly, more analogous

In the present state of public opinion, a few words on its likeness to small pox must be said.

In variola, whether occurring in man or sheep, a pustular eruption is invariably present, save in that very rare disease variola sine eruptione. In rinderpest an eruption, whether pustular or vesicular, is by no means uniform. Since my attention was first directed to this disease, I have constantly been on the look out for such an eruption, and have requested both Mr. Hope and Mr. Emerton, under whose immediate care all the animals I have seen, together with many others, have been, to watch especially for this symptom. It has been seen in only some nine or ten cases out of more than a hundred and seventy. Small pox is a recognised and well known disease in sheep. In a few sheep attacked with rinderpest, near York, the indications observed in oxen were as well marked as they could be, while those of ovine variola were not present at all. Again, it has been stated that animals that have passed through the vaccine disease are secure from rinderpest; and certainly, if it were small pox they should be so. * * * * * *

Certain features of rinderpest are very like those of scarlatina. Its toxaemic character, the congested state of the mucous surfaces, and the extensive desquamation of epithelium are resemblances of some importance.

Mr. Lord, in the October number of the last volume of this Review, suggested that the disease owed its origin to the existence of protozoa in the animals affected. Dr. Fenwick, in a recent letter to the Times advocated the same view. Dr. Lionel Beale, in the Medical Times and Gazette of the 20th of January, gives the result of a most careful examination of this view of the nature of the disease. He has found entosoapro temno ont or entozoon-like bodies in considerable numbers in the voluntary muscles of the system, and in the heart of every animal dead of the plague that he had examined, with only one exception. He admits that similar bodies are met with in the muscles of healthy animals, but says that they are so in smaller numbers. Dr. Bristowe, in the Lancet of the same date, states that he has found "Rainey's bodies" (parasites at one time described by Mr. Rainey as immature cysticerci cellulosae) in considerable abundance in the carcasses of two heifers dead of the plague. But at the same time he found them in equal abundance in healthy muscular tissue. He concludes "they are of much pathological interest, and still need elucidation, but obviously they have only an accidental connexion with the Cattle Plague."

Amid the many conflicting facts and theories which surround the question of the true nature of rinderpest, it is almost impossible at the present moment to arrive at any positive conclusion. So far as my examination of this very interesting subject has gone, I am induced to believe that, when its pathology is more fully cleared up, rinderpest will be found to be a disease sui generis — one peculiar to ruminant animals, partaking largely of the most striking features of the exanthematous fevers in their malignant form, but identical with neither.

Such being the present state of our knowledge as to the pathology of the Cattle Plague, we come to inquire what are the measures necessary for its cure, or rather what are those that have been proved competent to its cure. The remarks I have to offer on this part of my subject are deduced from the observation of 172 animals suffering from the disease in this neighborhood.

The experiments made by the Association established for the prevention and cure of the Cattle Plague by Homoeopathy, in Norfolk, are by no means conclusive, either as to the control over the disease a homoeopathically selected medicine can exert, or of the ability of our veterinary surgeons to discover such a remedy. The circumstances by which those treating the disease homeopathically were surrounded, well nigh precluded all possibility of success. They had to contend with a total disregard of instructions given to persons, whose cattle being insured for two-thirds of their value, had lost all interest in their salvage. Insurances may be very safe preservative for the pockets of owners, but it has a marked influence In destroying their energy in attempting the cure of their animals – more especially when this involves constant watching, constant cleanliness, and the adoption of a system of dietetics quite different from any they had been wont to use. Though we have to regret the death of many animals through the folly or willfulness of their owners, we have not had an insurance society — at least, not on any extensive scale – to counteract our endeavors by its paralyzing influence. * * *

The essentials of treatment are – the commencement of treatment in an early stage; good nursing; constant attention; scrupulous cleanliness; suitable diet, and a truly homoeopathic medicine. * * *

Since the 9th of November, 177 animals suffering from Cattle Plague, of different breeds, of different ages, and is various conditions, have been placed under homoeopathic treatment. It must here be stated that no case has been refused where it was not but too obvious that life would be extinct within a few hours. Of these, 72 have recovered and 98 have died; being over 40 percent. of cures. The remainder are at present unreturned. Since the 1st of January the numbers have been 70 treated, 35 cured, and 35 dead: being exactly 50 percent of cures. The smaller proportion of success during the first seven weeks of the experiment arose from a want of acquaintance with the proper management of, and medicine for the disease; this information, increased opportunities for observation was not long in supplying. Our first cases almost all died; and I now feel sure that they were erroneously treated. We lost nearly fifteen animals from this cause in rapid succession. In another instance eight were lost out of ten treated, from the poor condition in which the disease found them, the filthy character of the place in which they stood, and the incapacity of two old people to attend to them. Bleeding contrary to our instructions, putting animals on solid diet too early, gave rise to death in several instances. One was a peculiarly provoking specimen of a cowkeeper's stupidity. A two-year old ox had been treated early, and was doing well, when a neighbor stepped in and suggested bleeding! Seven quarts of blood were at once taken from this sufferer from an exhausting disease! The animal lay down and never was able to rise again, dying next day from the exhaustion produced by bloodletting – not from that of rinderpest. One cow apparently recovering died during calving. Her case has been previously referred to. Of the remainder, not a few have been moribund when the treatment was commenced, some have been totally neglected by their owners, three have died apparently from sudden metastasis to the brain and the remainder from exhaustion.

I have said that the first element essential to a successful treatment of this disease, is that the cases be seen early. As a rule, when the characteristic symptoms have been present for four or five days, an animal will die, whatever may be the medicine given or the care bestowed upon it. Two or three very gratifying exceptions to this general rule have occurred here. One, an animal belonging to Mr. Musgrove, on the Fulford road, was so far advanced in the disease, that on Mr. Hope visiting her he found that the Inspector had been sent for, to give an order for her shooting and burial. It was late at night, and as the order could not be carried into effect until the following morning, the owner was persuaded to allow medicine and gruel to be administered during the night. Belladonna was the medicine given, and by the morning the animal had so far rallied that all thoughts of destroying her were abandoned, and she made a complete recovery. In another case, belonging to Mr. Wilberforce, of Stockton-in-the Forest, the cow was completely despaired of when first seen, and though she suffered to a very great extent from emphysema of the subcutaneous cellular tissue of the trunk, completely recovered.

These instances are, however, on the whole exceptional. The treatment ought to be commenced early, in order to give the animal a chance for life.

2. Good Nursing. – A sick cow requires as much attention as, if not more than a human patient prostrated by severe disease. Warm clothing and good ventilation must be provided, and medicine, food and drink regularly supplied. The animals wants cannot be expressed; they must be sought for and administered to by intelligent attendants. In milch cows the bag should be emptied three times daily of any milk it may contain.

3. Scrupulous Cleanliness. – All manure should be removed from the shed at once, and not allowed to accumulate. The "channel" behind the animals should be well flushed with pure water several times daily. The skin should be kept well cleansed by brushing and "rubbing down" twice every day.

4. Suitable Diet. – Herein consist, the great difficult, in dealing with men accustomed to give an animal almost anything it will take. They have no idea either that a sick beast will live on gruels, or that the food to which it has been accustomed can by an possibility be injurious. Solid food to be digested requires mastication. This process is at a stand still. The functions of the first and second stomach are in abeyance, the third and fourth are inflamed, and moreover contain masses of undigested food. Hence the aim in feeding must be to supply material not requiring mastication - food that can be absorbed readily. It must also be given in quantities that will not be beyond the creatures power of absorption. In one case the person in charge of a cow seemed to think, that it gruel was admissible it was so in any quantity; and he gave his cow, I am afraid to say how many quarts of gruel – but it was administered by the quart every half-hour for many hours – till the animal was immensely distended with the amount of fluid in the abdomen, and of course died. The difficult of ensuring the giving of suitable food in proper quantity is enhanced by the appetite of an animal, as it begins to shake off the disease, becoming ravenous. She will eat anything she can get at, at this time. The gratification of her appetite is at once followed by a return of all the former symptoms, and her life is again placed in great danger. Mashes, gruels of Indian corn, oatmeal, linseed tea, thick and mixed with bran that has been steeped in hot water, are the best kinds of food to give during the first six or seven days. When really better, well boiled carrots or potatoes may be given sparingly. But until all redness is gone from the mouth and vulva, no solid food such as hay or roots can be taken with safety. In animals suffering much from exhaustion, it has been found useful to mix about half a pint of warm ale with each pint or gruel given. For drink, "hay tea," or water barely warm are grateful and harmless.

5. A Truly Homoeopathic Medicine. – From the reports in the papers it would appear that animals have recovered under every variety of medication. But I know of few districts where so large a proportion of so considerable a number of cases – of cases, be it remembered, in every stage of the disease, treated too mostly in country farm steadings, seldom seen more than once a day by the veterinary surgeon, who had moreover to depend upon servants for the carrying out of his instructions – have recovered as in this neighborhood, under the care of Messre. Hope and Emerton. Dr. Wilson, in the Morning Advertiser of the 18th of January, states that he has saved 23 out of 32 cases he has treated. For my part, I heartily congratulate him on his success, and trust that the particulars of cases of so much interest and importance will speedily be published. Dr. Wilson also states that 116 remedies require examination in treating a case of rinderpest, and that this examination should he made in German repertories. If this is necessary to the homoeopathic treatment of the disease, then Homoeopathy, so far as rinderpest is concerned, is impracticable. To carry out Homoeopathy in this way, every sick beast should have a veterinary surgeon specially appointed to attend to it, and he too should be a much more highly-educated man than the majority of the veterinaries of this country are.

The experience we have had in York shows that Homoeopathy is not thus impracticable.

Belladonna, more than any other remedy, corresponds to the prominent feature of the disease, as we have seen it here. The difficult breathing, the congested mouth and throat, the engorged conjunctiva, the general congestion which pervades the mucous surfaces, with the desquamation following, all point to this as the remedy par excellence. It has been more valuable than any other we have used. It has been given in from two to five drops of the pure tincture every two, three or four hours. The first, second and third dilutions were tried in our early cases, but they were by no means satisfactory in their action as the pure tincture.

Arsenic has been useful chiefly in meeting the prostration about the fifth or sixth day. As a prophylactic I question its value. If it have any, it is not in the sense that vaccination is prophylactic to small pox; but it simply acts by keeping the animals in good condition, and so enables them the better to resist the contagion, giving rise to the disease.

Rhus tox. – The chief indication for this remedy has been found in the muscular twitchings which characterize the disease in some of its stages.

Mercurius sol. has been found valuable when the mouth has been long congested, and the patches of desquamation are general.

Ammonium caust., 1st dec., is of service where there is much abdominal distention, with heavy breathing and painful moaning.

Turpentine, 1st dec., has been of signal service in checking hematuria, a symptom which did not yield to Cantharis at all.

Secale cor., tinc., Mr. Emerton thought useful in one case of sub-cutaneous emphysema, and its proving shows that it deserves attention in this condition.

Phosphoric acid, 1st dec., Mercurius sol. and Arsenic have appeared to control the diarrhea more than any other remedies; but they have not proved altogether satisfactory. In any future case I should be disposed to try Muriatic acid or China. It has been a more difficult symptom to meet than any other.

Mercurius cor. 1 has checked several cases of dysentery in very marked manner.

In one case of apparently impending metastasis the acetate of copper, in grain doses of the 1st trituration, appeared to prevent its development; but it was the only case in which it was resorted to, and therefore much additional experience is required before its value here can be estimated correctly.

In addition to medicines, much good has accrued from exposing the animals, muzzle to steam from boiling water or scalded bran. The nasal discharge is thus promoted, and large lumps of coagulated mucus are passed, to the great relief of the patient. * * * *

London, Monthly Homoeopathic Review, Feb., 1866.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 09, 1866, pages 349-358]

[Description: The Cattle Plague]

[Author: Pope, A.C.]

[Year: 1866]

Correspondence, Drs. Lippe and Pope. — To the Editors of the American Homoeopathic Review:

Gentlemen; – The point at issue between Dr. Lippe and myself is simply this, I assert that the medical man who invariably, or as often as his knowledge permits him to do, or as the means at our disposal admit of his doing, selects his remedies for the cure of disease guided by the homoeopathic law, as to all intents and purposes a Homoeopathist, or in the phraseology of your journal a "Homoeopathician." Dr. Lippe, on the other hand, regards no one as a Homoeopathist or Homoeopathician, who does not accept as absolute truth everything propounded as well as every fact related by Hahnemann. Those who believe in the law of similars only, who doubt, even though they do not deny the dynamization theory, who have the audacity to question the complete accuracy of the itch doctrine, who presume to regard high dilutions as uncertain remedies, Dr. Lippe has the impertinence to style "pretenders "i.e. dishonest persons. In another part of his curious effusion, he describes such practitioners as pseudo-Homoeopathicians, a term equally unjust. In all that Dr. Lippe has written, not one word has he uttered, proving that the physician who takes the homoeopathic law as his guide in drug therapeutics, is not a Homoeopathician. Though all he has published is utterly beside the mark, I will so far presume on your space, as to make one or two observations on what he does say.

We are told, that the morbid sensations produced during a proving do not constitute disease, because, forsooth, they disappear without requiring any medicinal remedy; but if no functional disorder is to be regarded as a disease which nature alone and unaided is able to shake off, some cases of pneumonia, to say nothing of catarrhs, diarrheas, dyspepsias and many others will have to be removed from the catalogue of diseases. The symptoms produced by a drug must owe their existence to a definite morbid process, and must therefore constitute a disease,

If, when Hering writes of "the practical rule of the master," he does not mean the law of cure, what practical rule does he refer to? If the word rule, is to mean only the manner in which a law is applied, Hering does not seem to be aware of its interpretation. Dr. Lippe thinks, or rather says, that Hering ought to have written, rules. But that, after all, is Dr. Lippe's opinion, and not Dr Hering's. To show that Hering here refers to the law when he uses the word rule, he couples it with our "our Materia Medica," regarding the two as constituting Homoeopathy. In an earlier part of the same essay he writes of the law, the Materia Medica, and the single medicine as characteristics of homoeopathic practitioners. Of course Hering was wrong, Dr. Lippe would say, in takings narrow a view; but it is his view, and in my opinion the correct one. The passage from the preface quoted by Dr. Lippe, merely tells us what we all know and regret, viz., that there are such persons in the world as careless practitioners. Though how such persons can expect to find comfort from employing massive doses I cannot see. Inasmuch as a massive dose prescribed without reference to the homoeopathic law, and yet too small to have an antipathic action will have no more influence than a high dilution of an equally ill-chosen remedy.

Then with regard to Dr. Lippe's favorite theory — the theory on which be wants to make out that all true Homoeopathy is built - the theory of dynamization, what is it? It is Hahnemann's mode of accounting for a puzzling fact. It is nothing more. The fact may be perfectly true, and the explanation of it just as false. The infinitessimal dose does act. I know it. But I have seen no clearly stated evidence either in Hahnemann's writings or elsewhere that a supposed process of dynamization accounts for it. It seems somewhat probable that trituration does render some drugs more active, but it does not therefore follow that it does so in all. As a mere explanation or attempt at explanation of a fact, the dynamization theory, I repeat, may be true or false and Homoeopathy remain unaffected by the result.

Dr. Lippe, not satisfied with making, all sorts of charges against me, proceeds, and I regret to be compelled to say so, proceeds deliberately to misrepresent what I have written. He writes: Mr. Pope claims that the man who practises giving crude drugs is a Homoeopathician, and, as the inference that the man who gives potencies is not a Homoeopathician." (The italics are mine.) Further on he suggests the existence, on my part, of a desire to expel those who prescribe high potencies. He doesn't say where I wish to expel them. All this would be very amusing if it had the ghost of a fact to stand upon, but it hasn't. Dr. Lippe must have been dreaming of spirit-rapping when he deduced such an inference from anything that I have ever written. In the January number of the English Review, p. 8, I find the following sentence in the first paper on this subject; "It by no means follows that a physician who avows his faith in Homoeopathy, by so doing admits that all the Organon contains is absolute truth. Dr. Hewitt desires that all who believe in Homoeopathy without regarding the Organon as pure infallible truth should be described by some other designation than by that of Homoeopathists. The title is a matter of wonderfully little consequence, but if such members of the profession are to be styled something, what are they to be called, certainly not Allopathists, for they do not practise allopathically. Dr. Hewitt does not like to be called a purist, a Hahnemannist or a high dilutionist, what is he then? He is certainly a Homoeopathist, but he is something more." And again in my paper published in August, in reply to Dr. Lippe, I have said, "since the man who used the crude drugs, according to the homoeopathic law is every whit as much a Homoeopathist as he who prescribes the higher potencies according to the homoeopathic law." Surely I have given Dr. Lippe and his friends, and the party for which he writes, as much credit as they are entitled to. Not only have I described them as Homoeopathist, but I have given them the benefit, such as it is, of being something more; by this something more, I wish it to be understood that Dr. Lippe, his "friends" and the "party" all believe in the superiority of the high dilutions, (200, 800, 1000, 2000, 10000, etc.) that they have unbounded faith in the psora doctrine, and are deeply impressed with the vital importance of the dynamization theory, Are not all these virtues enough for them? As Dr. Lippe has gone rather extensively into the "critical business" of late, and probably purposes doing a little more yet, let me beg of him at least to be fair.

Dr. Lippe characterizes my expression of the need of a work on practical medicine, the therapeutical part being based on the homoeopathic law, as an "absurdity." This assumption that I would have diseases treated according to their nosological type is simply groundless. I am fully as alive to the necessity of treating cases individually as he can be. But, nevertheless, I believe that such a work as I have named as "a want," would be invaluable, if well done, it could never supersede the necessity of studying the Materia Medica, but would be a most important assistance in doing so.

If instead of wasting ten years in detailing the errors of Hempel, in stigmatizing them by the most offensive of epithets, those who have been so employed had revised, retranslated and republished the Materia Medica, they would have had some claims to the gratitude of homoeopathic practitioners. All it is they have none. Perhaps, however, they may, some of them, be disposed to work now; I hope they may.

Dr. Lippe objects to any sifting of the Materia Medica; his phrase is "we cannot strike out one solitary symptom." That may be true, but "pity 'tis 'tis true." Had we the records of the original experiments, the journals of symptoms, the scissors might doubtless be used with much profit in many instances I think it is Gross who tells us, that the chief part of the moral symptoms of several of Hahnemann's medicines, occurred in the person of a hypochondriacal, fellow student of his. Are these all pure?

Dr. Lippe may find not only consolation, but matter for rejoicing that the discussion raised by Mr. Wilson, Dr. Cameron and Dr. Cockburn has somewhat checked the progress of Homoeopathy among medical men. It he fancies that the peculiar views on which he lays so much stress have gained ground by it, he is grievously mistaken. I cannot wonder that medical men who have meditated an investigation of Homoeopathy, should, on reading the papers I have alluded to, have given up their intentions of doing so altogether. In so exaggerated a light have these errors of Hempel been exhibited, that some might have supposed our Materia Medica to be a tissue of fallacies, and as a perfectly rational inference, have concluded that all the cures reported to have been made by medicines selected on its authority have been so many therapeutic delusions. Those who have used these translations know full well that they are, in nearly all the emergencies we are called on to meet, perfectly reliable, but if errors do exist they should certainly be removed; even the most trivial should be corrected. The importance of a perfectly trustworthy Materia Medica cannot be overrated. If critics would turn workers, we might yet have this desideratum. But from such critics as we have had of late, I fear real work is too much to expect.

Dr. Lippe says that he has attended cholera patients, and never lost one! He must, I conclude then, have had either very few or only such as were comparatively mild in their nature. I suppose that even his patients die sometimes! A case of cholera which will run its course in four hours is not usually, if ever, amenable to any treatment at all. Perhaps Philadelphia people are tougher than such as are seized with cholera in London, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Hull or Newcastle. In these cities and towns, physicians who not only studied the Materia Medica but were possessed of a thorough knowledge of disease, (these two qualifications for practice do not always go together) found ample cause for gratitude that they were able to save seventy-five percent of those attacked. For my part, I place more confidence in the statements of such men as Drysdale, Russell, Atkin and Yeldham, than I do in those of practitioners who profess never to lose any cases of a disease so rapid in its progress as cholera.

If Dr. Lippe doubts the homoeopathicity of Arsenic to the advanced stages of cholera, let him study the records of this medicine's action on the healthy, given by Dr. Black in the Hahnemann Materia Medica. But whatever may be his doubts, its value here has been clinically demonstrated to be greater than that of any other medicine, Veratrum and Cuprum perhaps excepted. If it does not then cure homoeopathically, how does it cure?

I owe you on apology for taking up so much of your valuable space. On this subject, however, I do not intend again to trouble you, so that if Dr. Lippe likes to have the last word, he is welcome to it. Thanking you for your courtesy,

I am, Gentlemen,

You obedient Servant

York, Eng., Nov. 1, 1864 Alfred C. Pope

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1864, pages 279-282]

[Description: Correspondence, Drs. Lippe and Pope.]

[Author: Pope, A.C.]

[Year: 1864]

WHO IS A HOMOEOPATHICIAN? [We have substituted the term Homoeopathician for "Homoeopathist," as it was in the author's manuscript. For reasons given in a previous number, we shall hereafter adopt this term as being the correct one. [EDS]

By Alfred C. Pope, M. R. C. S., York, ENG.

In the July number of the Monthly Homoeopathic Review (London), I see an article from the pen of Dr. Lippe, of Philadelphia, reprinted, at the request of Mr. David Wilson, from the American Homoeopathic Review. To the question therein addressed to me regarding some observations I published in the English journal under the title "Who is a Homoeopathist?" I now propose to reply.

In the course of his critique, Dr. Lippe frequently writes of "Mr. Pope and his friends;" a description which seems to imply that I have officiously thrust myself forward to express not only for myself but on behalf of others, views for which I alone can be held responsible. This I most certainly have not done. At the same time I have good reason to believe, from intercourse with homoeopathic practitioners since that paper was published, that I am by no means singular in the opinions I entertain.

With this personal explanation given, I will proceed to the consideration of Dr. Lippe's queries.

By the phrase "aggravation of the disease;" I do mean "aggravation of the symptoms," or to be plainer, the increase in intensity of the expressions of disease, of those altered sensations by which we, in a great measure, judge of the nature of disease. I do not see how the symptoms could be rendered more perceptible if the morbid process giving rise to them was not itself increased or aggravated. It was, I have always understood, the fact of the symptoms becoming aggravated, in some cases, after a large dose – such an one, for example, as would be needed to carry out an antipathic theory – of a homoeopathically selected remedy; together with circumstances regarding the dispensing monopoly of the German apothecaries, that led Hahnemann to employ extremely infinitesimal doses. So far as my experience has gone, aggravations rarely occur either with the first, second or third dilutions. Dr. Cockburn, of Glasgow, says, "that he has seen sharp aggravations follow unmedicated globules." This is assuredly the unchecked progress of disease. I can readily believe that such aggravation, frequently follow the higher and highest dilutions.

In the next paragraph Dr. Lippe misquotes an extract I made from Dr. Constantine Hering's preface to the American edition of the Organon. Dr. H. writes of the "practical rules 'of the master.'" Dr. L makes this "practical rules" a widely different affair. Hering here obviously alludes to the law "Similis similibus curentur;" and to that law only. To the practical rules of the chronic diseases he makes no reference.

In disputing the accuracy of my statement that "Homoeopathy consists simply and solely in prescribing for disease such remedies, and such remedies only, as produce similar disease in a healthy person, "Dr. L. makes what appears to me a very puerile play upon words. He asks "has (sic) Aconite, Bryonia or Phosphorus ever produced pneumonia." I reply, Aconite produces an aconite disease; Bryonia, a bryonia disease; Phosphorus, a phosphorus disease; and, further, that these diseases resemble, among others, certain forms of pneumonia, that they are therefore homoeopathic to them, and consequently curative of them.

Dr. Lippe next takes exception to the proposition that the "dynamization theory may be true or false and Homoeopathy remain unaffected," – most unquestionably such is the case. The truth of Homoeopathy does not depend upon the proving of Carbo vegetabilis being correct or otherwise. How the symptoms alleged to have been produced by this medicine were obtained, I am not aware, never having read the original experiments, but I do know, ex usu in morbis, that some of the symptoms, at any rate, said to have occurred from persons taking it in some form or other are correct. I do not deny that prolonged trituration may, in some drugs, develop power to affect the human organism; but no evidence that I have ever seen proves that it does so in all, neither can we show to what extent it does so in any. Dr. Lippe adduces nothing to prove that the dynamization theory is an indispensable part of Homoeopathy – he merely says that it is so; and this has been already done ad nauseam. That such a theory is not indispensable has on the other hand been shown often enough by perfect cures having resulted from the use of crude drugs in small doses, prescribed on the homoeopathic principle.

"It has been proved many a time and oft, that a low dilution or the pure substance has succeeded in curing where a higher dilution has failed." In commenting on this passage from my paper, Dr. Lippe asks for the minute record of a case illustrating the truth of what I state. I confess that I can see no advantage that would be derived from such a detail. If my word that I have seen such cases, that medical friends of mine have seen such cases, is not sufficient evidence on which to ground this assertion the report of a case by me would be equally valueless. [See Dr. Diller on "Diphtheria." – Western Homoeopathic Observer, March, 1864.]

Dr. Lippe asks what I understand by a cure; the Imperial Lexicon "interprets a cure" – "a restoration to health from disease, and to soundness from a wound." I think that definition as good as any that could be given.

Dr. L. tells us that an Allopathist cures an accelerated pulse dependant on organic disease of the heart by Digitalis. I never heard of an Allopath pretending "to cure anything" of the kind. Relief for a time from organic disease of the heart, some may endeavor to secure from the antipathic action of Digitalis. But none but a quack or an ignoramus would ever presume to describe such an achievement, if affected, as a cure.

Not having seen the experiments of Dr. Eidherr, I am unable to express any opinion regarding them.

Dr. Lippe now writes as follows: "That crude drugs and low potencies cure, and cure according to the homoeopathic law of cure no one ever denied, and if this had not been the fact we would not have had Homoeopathy." This is what I have, in the paper to which Dr. Lippe takes so much exception endeavored to enforce: and, as a natural consequence, that the man who so practices is a Homoeopathician. "Oh! but," says Dr. Lippe, "high potencies cure where the low do not." Perhaps they do; but the cases illustrating this assertion are marvelously few; and were they legion, would not affect the argument one iota. Since the man who uses the crude drug according to the homoeopathic law, is every whit as much a Homoeopathician as he who prescribes the higher potencies according to the homoeopathic law.

Dr. Lippe then remarks "that in every instance in which a lower potency has ever relieved, not cured, a case to which a higher potency of the same remedy had been given without success this relief has proved to be only the palliative effect, not the curative action of the remedy." This is simply a roundabout way of saying that where relief only has been given by a medicine, that medicine has only palliated the patient's sufferings. This I apprehend applies equally to high and low dilutions where a cure is not effected, but some ease to the patient, some mitigation of pain, etc., only secured by the drug used.

What I understand by Homoeopathy I have stated, as clearly as I can, in the third paragraph on the eighth page of the January number of the English Review. I cannot do so more explicitly and therefore must ask Dr. Lippe to read this paragraph again. Having read the sentence referred to, I would like Dr. Lippe to tell me whether I, holding the therapeutic views therein expressed, am a Homoeopathician or not; and if I am not so, what am I? I care not one jot what I am called so long as I cure my patients, or how I cure them so long as I do so in the quickest, safest, and pleasantest manner known to me.

I find no fault with Dr. Lippe for his faith in potentization; for supposing that a case of intermittent fever of some standing is curable in three or four days with as many globules of the 2000th dilution of Belladonna; or with Mr. Wilson for imagining that Lycopodium^200 cured a case of pneumonia all but moribund before that marvelous agent was, through the medium of aqua pura, introduced into the patient's organism.

What I do object to is the arrogance, the presumption which demands for those, for those only, who credit such extraordinary - I had almost written supernatural – assertions, the exclusive right to a title for which they can show no special or peculiar claim. What I still more object to is, that with so much remaining to be done in sifting the Materia Medica, with the urgent call for accurate translations of original provings, with the need so frequently expressed for an examination of the relations borne by well proved medicines to clearly defined forms of disease, with the whole superstructure of the science of therapeutics waiting its erection on the foundation laid by Hahnemann and his early disciples, that while all these works are unaccomplished, men, who, we would trust, are competent to assist in carrying them out, should expend their time and strength in dilating on the supposed extraordinary merits of 2000th and 10000th dilutions; and still further exhaust their energies in unmeasured abuse of all who will not accept their post hoc for propter hoc.

With the Wilson-Hempel dispute I have nothing to do. Doubtless in a work of such magnitude as the Symptomen Codex there are errors; but in spite of them, I feel that I am, and I think all English-reading homoeopathic practitioners ought to be, extremely grateful to Dr. Hempel for his untiring industry in placing before us in an English dress the records of the actions of many valuable drugs. If Mr. Wilson and those who have joined him in raising this hue and cry about Hempel's imperfections had only done one-fiftieth part of the work that he has accomplished, Homoeopathy would be much better understood, much more widely and successfully practised than it is. These gentlemen are critics and nothing more. They find fault with the work of others and do none themselves. But it is "never too late to mend," and if Mr. Wilson really believes that Hempel's errors are as general and as serious as he has represented them to be, let him put his shoulder to the wheel and give us "a revised edition" of the Symptomen Codex "corrected from original sources;" such a work, well done, will earn Mr. Wilson the cordial thanks of all English Homoeopathicians; and further a great good will have grown out of a discussion, which hitherto has been productive of more evil to the progress of Homoeopathy than any other that has ever taken place.

With one more reference to Dr. Lippe's article I will bring this paper to a conclusion.

Dr. L. complains that Dr. Hempel, when in a witness box, swore to having given one-fifth of a grain of Arsenic in cholera; that the patients did well; and that in prescribing, his habit was to endeavor "to stop short of symptoms of poisoning." Of course all this is to Dr. L. very objectionable; Dr H. is objectionable; the fifth of a grain of anything, as a dose of medicine, is objectionable; but to state that any case of disease was ever cured by such a dose is in the highest degree objectionable; it is utterly subversive of all Dr. Lippe's ideas on the subject of Homoeopathy.

The most singular passage in this attack upon Hempel is that which declares that the symptoms characteristic of Arsenic, and those which are so of Asiatic cholera, are so very different, that "but in very few and very exceptional cases Arsenic may become the curative remedy in the above-named disease." I would here ask Dr. Lippe whether he has ever seen a case of arsenical poisoning, whether he has ever stood by the bedside of a cholera patient? Or has he ever studied the published details of an instance of either? That he can have done so, and have failed to recognize the similarity of the two conditions seems almost impossible.

Dr. Rutherford Russell, an authority on the subject of Asiatic cholera, by virtue of his extensive clinical observations, his pains-taking investigations the nature and treatment of the disease, writes thus: "Arsenic is the remedy in which w have far the most faith after the period for the administration of Camphor has passed away. "Epidemic cholera, p. 213 London, Headland 1849.

The dose employed by Dr. Hempel was unquestionably larger than is ordinarily necessary, and possibly a less quantity would have been equally successful in his case; but the fact remains the same, that what was given was successful – no small merit in any medicine in such a disease as Asiatic cholera.

By the phrase "we endeavor to stop short of symptoms of poisoning," I apprehend Dr. Hempel to mean that while he prescribes sufficient medicine to compass his object – the cure of disease — he does so without risking the chance of an aggravation from giving an excessive dose — a contingency always to be kept in view in prescribing a homeopathically selected remedy. The phrase is certainly a bad one, but clear enough in its meaning, to all who understand Homoeopathy, and are free from any desire to misrepresent its author.

I trust I have now been sufficiently explicit to enable Dr. Lippe to understand what I mean by a Homoeopathician."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 03, 1864, pages 110-116]

[Description: Who Is a Homoeopathician?]

[Author: Pope, A.C.]

[Year: 1864]

AMERICAN REMEDIES.

BY C. PRETSCH, M. D., TRENTON, N. J.

In presenting the following cases of practice to the readers of this REVIEW, the writer wishes to draw the attention of the Homoeopathic physicians to the fact, that those medicines which are indigenous to this country, might become most valuable in the treatment of diseases if they did not meet with such undeserved neglect on the part of the profession. To judge from the very limited use, which the writer has made of some of them, they seem to be destined to become as valuable medicines as any of our polychrests, if we only will use them oftener and record our experience in some medical journal.

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. – The first use I made of this plant was in two cases of intermittent fever, where I used it in the form of an infusion, not having the tincture or any other homoeopathic preparation at hand. The patients were a German and his wife, both of whom were attacked every morning about 7 or 9 o'clock, with the most violent chills, attended by vomiting and followed about noon by heat with headache, which lasted till 5 or 6 o'clock P. M. No sweat followed. I had given them several medicines without any effect whatever. At last having seen Eupatorium growing in a neighboring pond, I went there, pulled out a few stalks and gave them to the patients with directions to make a tea of it and drink it. They did so and were perfectly cured in two days.

On perceiving the good effect of Eupat. perfol. in the above mentioned cases, I prepared forthwith the tincture, and potentized it up to the 3d and 6th, and cured a number of cases of intermittents with those potencies. All those fevers cured by Eupat., came on in the morning, were quotidian or rather double tertian, the hour of the commencement of the chills being the same every alternate day. Chills preceded or attended by vomiting, shaking very hard-even the bed would shake-during the heat, more comfortable; thirst, violent and lasting through chills and heat; no sweat.

Eupat. answered at that time (1853) so well in almost all cases of intermittent fevers, that I considered myself very fortunate in having found so valuable a remedy. But when the fever season commenced next year, it did not answer at all, not one solitary case having any resemblance to the Eupatorium fever. I used a number of different remedies that year, but did not succeed in finding one which answered so well, to almost all cases of intermittent, as Eupat. did the year before.

During the years 1854-'55 there was especially one kind of intermittent fever which baffled so completely, all my efforts, to cure it, that I came at last to the conclusion that there was no remedy for them, to be found in our Materia Medica. These fevers commenced like continuous fevers, became remittent on the third or fourth day, and intermittent after about a week. Then they commenced every day at or shortly after noon, with little or no chill, but most violent fever; headache, and very often delirium. No remedy seemed to have any effect on them, till at last I tried Sanguinaria canad. I administered it in three cases in the fall 1855 with the most happy result, but have not found any occasion to use it since; there being no cases of intermittent fevers during the following years, up to the time I moved away from that neighborhood.

I have also cured some cases of Tonsillitis with Sanguinaria canad., where Bell, seemed to be indicated, but did not take any effect.

PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM-Of this remedy I can only say, that it has become quite a favorite with me for the last four years. I could relate more than fifty cases where it acted like a charm. In dysentery I seldom use any other remedies than Aconite, Mercurius, and Podophyllum, having been more successful with them than with any others recommended for that disease. In summer-complaint it has become the medicine with me. Why such a sovereign remedy is never mentioned in the journals, is a mystery to me, for though this remedy is not mentioned in Jahr's Pocket Manual, or in the Domestic Physicians with which we are blessed, we have a very good pathogenesis of it among the American Provings, which gives all the indications that are necessary to employ it. Only this much I would say, that the diarrheic discharges which indicate Podoph., are generally worse in day time, and especially in the forenoon.

KALMIA LATIFOLIA is another medicine which has been most undeservedly neglected. The first use I made of it was in 1850, in a case of inflammatory rheumatism. The rheumatic pains were of that kind which shift about from one place to another, for which Puls. is generally recommended by the books without, however curing them-at least so far as my experience goes. Puls. was duly given in this case and Rhus., Bry., Acon. and some others, till the patient became tired of Homoeopathy, and desired to have something "to rub on," without which she thought she could never get well. In this dilemma I gathered some of the young leaves of Kalmia latifolia (it was in the spring before the flowers had come out) made a weak tincture of them and gave it to my patient, to rub herself with. The first application soon gave relief; however, as the rheumatic pains shifted about, almost every joint of the body had to be rubbed in turn, before the disease was subdued.

In the month of August, 1852, during a sojourn of a few weeks in Philadelphia, I became acquainted with a young German who had been attacked in the spring with inflammatory rheumatism. When I saw him he was not able to walk, his ankles were swollen, but the pains, though mostly confined to his ankles, would shift about from one joint to another. He had had both homoeopathic and hydropathic treatment without receiving any permanent relief. I gave him Kalmia 3d in tincture, one drop to be taken every evening, and in about six weeks he was able to work again at his business. Last summer I saw him again, when he told me that he had not had the rheumatism since.

In May, 1853, I was called to see a boy of about 12 years of age, who was laboring under a most violent attack of inflammatory rheumatism. He had a very high fever and every attempt to move was attended with the most excruciating pains. Every joint and every muscle of his body seemed to be affected. I gave him Acon. 3d, in water for one day without any effect; Bry. 3d on the second day with no better result; Kalmia lat. 3d, in water on the third day, which was followed by an abatement of the pains in a very short time. Kalmia was continued for eight or ten day, after which time the pains had ceased altogether, but-both arms and legs of the boy were paralysed. However, under the continuous use of Kalmia he recovered the use of his limbs, first of his arms, then of his legs, and in three or four weeks his limbs were as strong and as nimble es ever.

In the fall of the same year, I was called to see the captain of a canal-boat, who had been attacked with what seemed to me at first an inflammation of the lungs, but which, upon closer examination, turned out to be rheumatism of the muscles of the thorax and the back. He had a very high fever, his breathing was very much oppressed, had to lie quiet on his back, every motion of the body being attended with violent pains on the thorax, back and axillary joints. He received Acon. and Bry. for the first three days, without any apparent benefit. Kalmia 3d in water, a teaspoonful every three hours, relieved him very soon. On calling to see him on the sixth day I found his bed empty, he having gone out to see some friends.

During this winter I have tried Kalmia in several cases of false pleurisy, with the most happy result.

Kalmia like Rhus tox. seems to be a remedy which is especially adapted to the rheumatic diseases of this country, especially to those cases where the pains shift from one place to another, for which Puls. is recommended. But also in those cases of muscular rheumatism, where Bry. is indicated, it will often effect a cure, when Bry. disappoints us.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 07, 1859, pages 323-326]

[Description: American remedies – Eupatorium perfoliatum, Podophyllum peltatum, Kalmia latifolia, Sanguinaria canadensis.]

[Remedies: Eupatorium perfoliatum, Podophyllum peltatum, Kalmia latifolia, Sanguinaria canadensis]

[Author: Pretsch, C.]

[Year: 1859]

POTENCIES OR DILUTIONS. — SECOND ARTICLE

BY C. PRETSCH, M.D., TRENTON, N. J.

A piece of steel, after having been subjected to certain manifestations, will exhibit a certain attractive and repulsive force which we call magnetism; by the decomposition of water we develop another force which we call galvanism; and y rubbing a piece of amber or glass, or a stick of sealing-wax against some silk we produce a force which we call electricity. These three dynamic forces, together with light and caloric have been considered by some as different manifestations of one universal force. Be this, however, as it may, thus much is certain, that every one of them exhibits peculiar properties which enable us to recognise them individually. The magnetic current runs from north to south, the galvanic current from east to west, and the electric current perhaps in the direction of the diameter of the earth, so that they would correspond to the three dimensions in space, length, breadth and depth. Light and caloric, also, have each their peculiar actions by which they may be readily distinguished from one another. Beside these just mentioned dynamic forces which we might call universal or elementary forces, there are others which are more limited in their actions. They manifest themselves by the peculiar action of one substance upon another, as in chemical affinities, or in their specific action upon vegetable, animal and human organisms, or certain parts thereof, as we observe in the specific action of different medicines.

The prevalent opinion as to the nature of these dynamic forces is: that all of them are mere properties of material substances and that, consequently, they cannot exist apart from matter but must increase or decrease with its bulk.

It seems strange, that such an opinion should have been so generally accepted, when we consider that it has been abundantly shown by often repeated experiments, that the dynamic force of a material substance is not proportionate to its bulk, but to the extent of its surface; that for instance, a solid ball of brass will not carry any more electricity than a hollow one with the same surface, and that a cylinder of steel will be as strongly magnetic as a solid steel rod equally large in surface. Now, if the dynamic force of a given substance is not proportionate to its bulk, but to its surface, the former must increase, if the surface of the latter is increased, as is done by breaking the substance to pieces or reducing it to powder. This fact alone would be sufficient to explain why our medicines have their dynamic forces augmented by trituration, even if the above mentioned theory, "that dynamic forces are mere properties of matter" were true. But we shall go a step further and show that this theory itself is entirely erroneous.

We receive the knowledge of the outer world through the instrumentality of our senses. Every object in nature makes a certain impression on our senses of sight, of hearing, of taste, of smell or of touch, and these impressions are carried to the brain to be retained or deposited there, to serve as a material for our intellectual functions. To us such things only, as we are able to perceive with our senses, have any material existence, and as we become conscious of the existence of dynamic forces only by their action upon material substances, as we, therefore, are never enabled to see tm connected with matter, it is not so very strange that we have come to the conclusion, that those forces have no existence of their own, and independent of material substances. There are, however, persons — and their number is daily increasing — who are endowed with what has been called "the sixth sense," or, "the power of second sight," who perceive things that are invisible to ordinarily constituted individuals. They see those dynamic forces which are invisible to most of us, to them, at least, these forces are as real, as substantial, as material as any material substance can be to us. Reichenbach of Vienna, in his work on what he calls the "odic force," mentions the names of not less than 180 sensitive persons, who saw that force and were unanimous in their description of it. Such an array of witnesses ought to convince the most stubborn skeptic. But there are unfortunately, a great many individuals so constituted that they will not believe anything, unless they can see it with their bodily eyes and weigh it and measure it with scales and rule. Such persons would not be convinced by the testimony of 1000 witnesses, unless they become sensitive themselves, a thing which is not very likely to happen. To them I offer the following facts for their consideration, which will enable them to see the dynamic forces, if not with their bodily eyes, at least with their "minds eye," if they have got anything like that.

We call the dynamic forces imponderables, and the general impression is, that something which is imponderable must of necessity be immaterial also. This impression has, doubtless, its foundation in a misunderstanding of the real cause of gravitation. Dynamic forces, it is true, do not exert their force in the direction of the centre of the earth, but neither does hydrogen, and yet nobody will attempt to say that hydrogen is not a material substance, but a mere property of matter. We are just as unable to weigh hydrogen on scales as we are to weigh any of the dynamic forces, and if we had no means to confine it within some substance which is ponderable, we should never have been able to tell even its negative weight, that is, the weight it takes away from the ponderable substance in which it has been confined. The gravitation of material substances which enables us to weigh them on scales, consists simply in this: that substances will attract each other, which are equal in their specific gravity. So all substances, such as hydrogen, which are specifically lighter than atmospheric air, will not be attracted to the centre of the earth, but will rise in the air till they arrive at a stratum where the air is so rarified as to be equal in its specific gravity to their own. Just so if we drop a substance in water, it will either swim at the surface of it, if it is specifically lighter than water, or sink partly down in the water, or fall to the bottom if its specific gravity is equal to or greater than that of the water. The same thing will occur if we drop a substance in any other fluid, and, if the earth were fluid, we should perceive the same phenomenon; some substances swimming at the surface, some sinking more or less down, and some, the heaviest of all, falling down as far as the centre. There is actually no such a thing as a force of gravitation emanating from the centre of the earth. All substances have a tendency to arrange themselves according to their density, the most dense substances taking the lowermost place, which in a globe is its centre. The dynamic forces or imponderables being even less dense than hydrogen, we need not expect them to show any ponderability, they follow affinities of a higher order than that which is exerted by the dense masses of the interior of the earth.

But because they are not ponderable it does not necessarily follow that they are not material substances. The property of ponderability or imponderability is, as we have shown, no criterion as to the materiality or immateriality of a substance. A material substance is simply defined to be "a something which occupies space" Nothing more. Certainly some of the imponderables at least possess that property. How could heat, for instance, expand metals and other substances if it did not occupy space? We may deprive substances of their heat by mechanical pressure just as easy as we press the water out of a sponge. The lightning could not split rocks and trees if on entering them it did not occupy space. We can even see the flash of lightning well defined against the dark clouds, which would be impossible if the lightning had no shape or form, or in other words, if it did not occupy space.

Again, we know that light and caloric are subject to the same laws that material substances are subject to. Both light and caloric are reflected according to the same law, according to which a ball or any other elastic substance rebounds from a surface which it has been thrown against. We can bottle electricity like any other fluid and carry it away, but if we fill too much in the bottle, the electricity will, like other fluids, flow over, that is it will explode. The magnetic current also shows the same properties as a current of water. Suppose, for instance, two horse shoe magnets to be two tubes of water, in both of which the water flows in a certain direction; mark the direction of the current with arrows, and then lay the two magnets together in such a manner as to form a circle. You will then find that the two currents will form one continuous circular current. If we furthermore mark the poles of the horse-shoe magnets, the right one with S and the left one with N, we shall And that in order to produce a perfect circular current in one direction through both magnets, we have to connect the S pole of the one with the N pole of the o her and further, that if we connect N with N, and S with S, the currents will flow in opposite direction. Whether we presume water or some other fluid to flow through the two magnets, the effect will be the same; an attraction in the first position where the currents flow in the same direction, and a repulsion in the second position. This, by the bye, is the reason why unlike poles attract, and like poles repel each other.

From all these facts we may reasonably suppose that the so-called imponderable forces are in reality material substances in a certain state of aggregation, which we shall call the dynamic state, and if they are material substances they must have, like other material substances, an independent existence, they must be able to combine with other substances, or to leave this combination to follow other and stronger affinities, just like any other material substance.

It appears, moreover, from certain experiments, made by Davy and others that even ponderable substances, such as acids, alkalies, metals, etc., may, under certain circumstances, pass into a state of aggregation in which they assume properties peculiar to imponderables, such as flowing along a conductor with the same rapidity which is peculiar to magnetic, electric and galvanic currents. This most conclusively shows that the dynamic state of aggregation is not a peculiarity of those forces which we call imponderables, but that all material substances may pass into that state and by this means become more active, more efficacious and powerful in their action, than they are in their lower states of aggregation.

Are we using potencies or dilutions? I have, in opposition to the generally accepted theory, that "dynamic forces are properties" advanced here, another "that dynamic forces are substances" and I leave it to the homoeopathic physicians to accept whichever theory they please. If they accept the first they must of necessity consider their medical preparations as mere delusions, and follow the principle of our allopathic brethren, that the effect of a medicine is commensurate to the size of the dose; but, if they accept the second theory, they will experience no difficulty in convincing themselves, as well as others, that the prompt action of a remedy does not depend upon its ponderability, but upon its state of refinement.

In vindicating our potencies, however, I wish not to be understood as advocating the exclusive use of the higher or highest potencies, and to condemn the occasional use of lower preparations down to the pure tincture. There are certainly medicines in such an original state of refinement as to require very little, if any improvement by way of trituration or shaking. I think this mania of trituration and diluting, and potentising everything which is used as a homoeopathic medicine has done more to injure Homoeopathy, than anything else. I should just as little expect to raise young frogs from the 30th potency of frogs semen, or to cure small-pox by means of Vacinin 30, as to raise an oak by placing a globule moistened with the 30th potency of an acorn in the round. Caro vitulina and caro porcina 200, will be an eternal disgrace to Homoeopathy. On the other hand, minerals and other substances which produce very little, if any effect on the system in their crude state, ought to be potentized as much as possible, and ought never to be given in their crude state. I would concede to every homoeopathic physician perfect freedom in selecting and administering his medicines from the tincture up to the 1600th potency, according to his judgment, and I cannot help but consider all those who use exclusively high potencies or low potencies as deficient alike in common sense and sound judgment.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 03, 1859, pages 105-110]

[Description: Potencies or Dilutions – Second Article.]

[Author: Pretsch, C.]

[Year: 1859]

POTENCIES OR DILUTIONS.

BY C. PRETSCH, M.D., TRENTON, N. J.

In Nos. 11 and 12 of the AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW, Dr. James T. Alley gives us two articles on the teachings of physiology and pathology, in relation to Homoeopathy, which I may be allowed to say a few words about.

I do not find any fault with the author's very laudable effort to explain the action of our remedies, and to show the necessity of our employing them in such minute doses; for the public expects us to give some explanation or other in regard to this subject; but I deeply regret to see the author in giving this explanation, assume the position of a gross materialist who calculates by weight and measure the amount of gross matter which, although a very small fraction of a grain or drop may be sufficient to produce appreciable effects in our system, and I still more regret to see that this mode of reasoning is not peculiar to the author, but that our whole school is slowly but surely inclining to that gross materialism, which is at present quite the fashion in Europe, and which, if not resisted, will be the grave of Homoeopathy. For if we accept, unless as an article of faith, the doctrine of modern physiologists, that force is a mere property of matter and that the nervous or vital forces are but the results of the chemical action taking place in the animal or human organism, if we join with them in proclaiming, that chemical action is the cause of vitality instead of asserting that vitality is the cause of chemical action, then the time will soon come, when our homoeopathic dilutions and attenuations-the term potencies has already been discarded-shall, in spite of such arguments as we find in the above mentioned articles, appear as ridiculous to us as they do to our allopathic brethren.

"Corpora non agunt nisi solata" is an axiom in chemistry. If this is true, every attempt on our side to show that solid particles of crude drugs have been detected in our 3d or 6th potencies by the aid of the microscope, are simply ridiculous, for "solids do not act unless dissolved," and when dissolved are perfectly invisible to our eyes, even if armed with a microscope of a thousand-fold magnifying power. Who ever saw the particles of salt or sugar, or any other soluble substance in their fluid state? Therefore it will never do to refer our opponents to the microscope in order to prove that there is "something" even in our 6th or 12th potencies, for they might tell us that the solid particles in these preparations are still solids, and as such incapable of acting on the organism, and that making them soluble by some chemical process, and giving a strong dose of it, is far preferable to laborious trituration, in which the solid remains a solid; no matter how finely it is divided. Nor will it avail us to point to the blood and nerve globules as a proof that solids will enter the system in a solid state, for we all know that these globules as such never enter, nor escape through the walls of their respective channels, unless they are first dissolved by some chemical hocuspocus. Some physiologists even deny that blood globules enter the smallest capillary vessels, and if such is really the case, we have to account for their reappearance in the vein, in a different way than by letting them pass mechanically through the capillaries.

But let us for once suppose it to be true, that solids in a comminute state really pass through animal membranes, how are we to give any satisfactory reason for our diluting fluid medicines? There is certainly no necessity for triturating or diluting them in order to enable them to enter the circulation. Here we change our mode of our argumentation, and we say: The tissues or organs, when diseased, are more susceptible for the action of our specific remedies than when in a healthy state. According to the calculation a diseased organ will be affected by the 1/345600 part of a dose, which will affect an organ in health. We could, therefore, not reasonably expect to produce any effect by using a higher dilution than the 6th or 7th decimal scale, or the 3d or 4th, centesimal scale. How then are we to account for the action of the 30th or 200th? A great many Homoeopathists will say: "These latter preparations have no effect at all!" and this seems to be about the only way to get out of the difficulty.

Frogs semen, also, has been brought forth to help us along in our argument. The one millionth part of a drop is said to fecundate an egg. But a less quantity, I suppose will not do, nor could a little more, perhaps even a whole drop be too much. I must confess that, in order to make fecundation sure, I should prefer drop-doses to the one millionth part of a drop, if I had the quantity to spare. This argument, like all the rest of them proves only the possibility of the effects of small doses, but not the necessity of using them in preference to stronger doses. If we cannot bring better arguments than these, how long will it be, till all homoeopathic physicians- some are doing it now-shall administer the pure tinctures by the drop or teaspoonful, vieing with each other, as the Allopathist did formerly, as to who can give the biggest doses without killing his patients, and taking along with them in their daily rounds, pocket-cases as big a traveler's hand-trunk.

Surely, we are inclining towards Allopathy. It is not, because we neglect the study of our Materia Medica, as we have been charged by some of the "earlier practitioners," nor is it because a great many among us do not, unconditionally, subscribe to the doctrine that the law: "Similia Similibus is the only law of cure," but use occasionally as adjuvants a poultice, or a wet blanket, or even a blister or a dose of castor oil, cure a broken limb by shingling it, instead by homoeopathic potencies, cover a burn with flour, or starch or cotton, open a panaritium with a knife, remove a poison from the stomach by means of a stomach-pump or neutralize by some chemical preparation; but it is because we are drifting every day more and more towards that materialism, which declares gross matter to be everything, and dynamic forces nothing but a mere property, increasing or decreasing as the bulk of matter is increased or diminished, and vanishing as soon as matter vanishes and becomes invisible under the microscope.

We can only save Homoeopathy from extinction by asserting, as it was asserted by Hahnemann and his earlier disciples, that by the agitation of crude substances, by trituration and shaking, a dynamic force, peculiar to itself, is developed which acts more speedy and more prompt, than the crude substance; that our medical preparations are really potencies, and not mere dilutions or attenuations. We must place ourselves in opposition to Allopathist and modern physiologist, instead of following in their van and accepting everything that drops from their months as self-evident truth and sound doctrine. If they are materialists,we ought to be dynamicists; if they proclaim matter the ruler and dynamic forces the slave; we must proclaim dynamic forces the master, and matter the slave; if they assert, that vital forces are the effect of chemical changes; we ought to assert, that chemical changes are the effect of vital forces, that whilst their medicines act chemically, or sometimes only mechanically on the fluids or solids of the system, our medicines act dynamically on the vital forces; that our medicines act from the centre toward the periphery-centrifugal-whilst theirs act mostly from the periphery toward the centre-centripedal. As long as we are following the train of modern physiologists and pathologists, worshiping the golden calf of modern materialism; as long as we are neglecting to create a physiology and pathology for ourselves, and continue tacking our Materia Medica to the tail of allopathic pathology; so long we shall, like Prometheus of old, be tortured by an eagle who is eating out our vitals as (quick as they are growing.

We shall never be a power among the scientific schools till we have learned to stand manfully on our own feet without bowing before the shrine of Allopathy, trying to please our allopathic brethren by doing as they do, talking as they talk, ridiculing our potencies as they ridicule them; calling those who use anything higher than the the 3d fools or visionaries, just as the Allopathists used to call all of us denying; the truth of their clinical records of diseases cured by the 30th or 200th potencies, just as the Allopathists do in regard to all homoeopathic cures; nor shall we ever prevent Homoeopathy from declining by declaring over and over again that, "Similia Similibus is the only law of cure." We must maintain our ground in asserting that our preparations of medicine are really potencies; but at the same time, we must yield a point or two in regard to our therapeutic law, by admitting that it is only true in so far as the dynamic action of medicine is concerned, and that in order to treat successively each and every case of disease that is confided to our care, we must also have recourse to mechanical, chemical, and psychical means.

Thus, and thus only, shall we succeed in elevating Homoeopathy to the rank of a universal system of medicine.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 02, 1859, pages 62-66]

[Description: Potencies or Dilutions.]

[Author: Pretsch, C.]

[Year: 1859]

DIAGNOSTIC INDICATIONS OF THE FACE. [A lecture delivered before the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, Nov. 11, 1864]

By C. G. Raue, M. D., Philadelphia PA.

The face of a patient tells along story, and it will be well for the student to Observe closely its features, expressions, color, and temperature. The experienced physician reads on it, not only the degree of severity of an attack, but often also, its whole general nature. But this must be learned by practice. There are fine shades, which cannot well be described, but which, nevertheless, stamp upon the whole a peculiar character. I shall try to collect and delineate in rough outlines, what you will have to fill up at a later time, by your own observation and experience.

The Aspect of the Face. a. A delicate appearance, with long fringed eyelashes, often serves to point out the tubercular diathesis. b. The thickened alae nasi and upper lip of scrofula are most marked in childhood. c. The pallor of anaemia is very important; it is waxy in chlorosis, and pasty in diseases of the kidneys. d. A puffy appearance about the eyelids, along with anaemia, is very generally the indication of albuminuria. e. A bloated, blotchy, face, generally indicates irregular habits of living. f. The features undergo remarkable changes in erysipelas, parotitis, facial paralysis, etc. g. A sunken face, indicates exhaustion either from too great exertion, loss of sleep, want of nourishment, profuse diarrhea, or disturbed digestion. If it sets in suddenly during pregnancy, it is a premonitory sign of abortion. If you find it at the beginning of a disease, without previous weakening causes, it denotes a severe illness. If it sets in suddenly during a disease, without chill or spasm, by which it might be caused, it is a sign of extreme exhaustion or metastasis, mortification or apoplexia nervosa. h. The Hippocratic face is characterized in the following way: the skin upon the forehead is tense, dry or covered with cold perspiration; the temporal regions are sunken, the eyelids are pale and hang down, eyes are dull, without lustre, turned upwards and sunken; the alae nasi are pinched together, and the nose very pointed, the malar bones stick out and the cheeks are sunken and wrinkled; the ears appear to be drawn in and are cold, the lips are pale, livid; the lower jaw sinks down, and the mouth is open. It is always a sign of extreme prostration of vital powers, and is found in cholera, in mortification, during the death struggle. i. A wrinkled face is natural in old age but in children it is a sign of imperfect nutrition, and is found in consequence of exhausting diarrhea and atrophy. In boys and half grown lads, a wrinkled face is a sign of onanism.

The linea ophthalmozygomatica, is a line or fold, commencing at the inner canthus of the eye, running towards the zygoma, where it ends. It shows momentarily when children cry but becomes more permanent in children with affections of the brain. Its appearance in simple catarrh is said to indicate the setting in of whooping cough.

The linea nasalis, is a line or fold, which commences at the upper part of the alae nasi, and runs towards the orbicularis oris (the sphincter of the mouth), forming a more or less perfect half circle. This line, if found in children, denotes abdominal diseases, especially inflammation of the bowels, also rachitis, scrofula and atrophy. In grown persons it is said to have been observed as a concomitant symptom of albuminuria, ulcer and cancer of the stomach, and degenerations of the liver.

The linea, labialis, is a line or fold, which commences at the corner of the mouth and runs down towards the side of the chin, where it ends, and whereby the chin appears to be elongated. This line is said to be a characteristic sign in children of inflammatory or chronic diseases of the larynx and lungs. It has been found very marked in grown persons, who suffered with ulceration of the larynx and bronchial affections, attended with difficulty in breathing, and much mucous discharge.

k. The risus sardonicus, a spasmodic distortion of the face, resembling a kind of laughing, is found in irritation and inflammation of the brain, in inflammation of the pericardium and diaphragm, in irritations of the intestinal canal, in abnormal condition of the menses; even after mental excitement, fright and depression of spirits.

The Expression of the Face is in health the reflex of the mind, and in disease it has a distinct reference to the nervous system. In general I may say: a. A rigid, staring, stupid, troubled, but sometimes also a smiling countenance is found in affections of the brain and typhoid conditions. b. An anxious, sad and restless expression is found in lung and heart diseases; and, c. A morose, long-faced and apathetic expression is found in abnormal disorders.

The Color of the Face. – a. Redness, if habitual, denotes a tendency to gout and hemorrhoids, and is a sign of indulgence in spirituous liquors. Flying, often changing redness is seen in children during dentition, in women before menstruation or after conception, and is also found in inflammation of the lungs. Bright vivid redness is found in nervous diseases, hysteria, and tendency to hemorrhoids. Dark purplish redness is found in congestion and apoplectic and suffocative conditions. Redness, coming and going in spots, I have often found in brain diseases of little children. One-sided redness with paleness and coldness of the other side is in inflammation of the brain, according to Schoenlein, a sign of formation of pus in that half of the brain which corresponds with the red side of the face. One-sided redness is found also in diseases of the lungs, of the heart and abdomen. The circumscribed hectic flush is characteristic of phthisis. Redness of the cheeks with a white ring around the alae nasi and the mouth. I have found in different exanthematic fevers.

Paleness. – Sudden paleness, especially around the mouth, is found in children with colic, spasms in the abdomen. Great paleness, alternating with flushes of redness, is found in inflammation of lungs and brain, also during dentition. A pale peculiar white and wrinkled face is found in children with chronic hydrocephalus. A sudden paleness after an inconsiderable limping in children, combined with great lassitude is a sign of a lingering hip disease. In women paleness is a sign of profuse menstruation, or suppression or chlorosis. Sudden paleness during pregnancy prognosticates that metrorrhagia, or death of the fetus, or coming on of abortus. Sudden paleness of the nose is in scarlet fever a bad sign; it denotes a metastasis to the brain; during the pealing off, it is a forerunner of dropsy. Sudden paleness after a fall indicates concussion of the brain. Pale lips are characteristic of chlorosis.

Blue Color of the Face. – It is found in organic diseases, of the heart, especially dilatation of the ventricles and disorganization of the valves, whereby the oxygenization of the blood is interfered with. In the highest degree it exists in cyanosis. Blue face of new born children is found after labor, with face-presentation, or if the navel-string was wound round the neck. If it lasts long after birth it denotes cyanosis. Livid greyish, lead color, denotes deep-seated organic diseases, scirrhus, gangrene.

Yellowish Color of the face is found mostly in diseases of the liver. A yellowish or brownish bridge over the nose, indicates Sepia. The yellowness of jaundice varies from a pale orange to a deep green yellow. There is a certain yellowness of the malignant aspect, which is distinguished from jaundice by the pearly lustre of the eyes.

Brown Spots in women are mostly signs of pregnancy or of irregularity in menstruation; they are also said to be found in liver complaints. Irregular brownish spots, a little raised above the skin and covered with small pustules, which sometimes discharge a bloody fluid, are in children a sign of congenital syphilis.

The Temperature of the Face. – a. Heat of the face is found in congestion of the head, in fevers, in inflammatory conditions, in coryza and other different complaints. b. Coldness of the face we find in chills, in spasms, exhaustion, in sickness of the stomach, in syncope. A deadly coldness in cholera also in violent hysterical paroxysms. In inflammation of the lungs coldness of the face is a bad sign of commencing suppuration. Sudden coldness of the face in scarlet fever indicates the near approach of death.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1864, pages 272-276]

[Description: Diagnostic Indications of The Face.]

[Author: Raue, C.G.]

[Year: 1864]

DIAGNOSTIC INDICATIONS OF THE TONGUE. [A lecture delivered before the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania and published at the request of the class.]

By C. G. Raue, M. D., Philadelphia, PA.

Much attention has always been paid by the physicians of all schools to this important organ. Indeed it often presents characteristic, diagnostic and therapeutic indications, the most important of which I shall bring before you.

1st, Its color. It is either too red all over, as in scarlet fever, with considerably raised papillae, whence the name strawberry tongue, or red and dry as in inflammation of the brain and its membranes, in inflammation of the thoracic viscera and the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, or red on the edges, and on the tip, or a red, dry streak in the middle as in typhoid fever, or red, clean and glossy, indicating great fever, heat, congestion to the head, impending delirium, and gastric fevers the transition into the typhoid state, if chapped at the same time, ulceration of the bowels. A pale tongue is found in chills, in spasms, after loss of vital fluids, in chlorosis, dropsy, and general exhaustion. If it sets in in exanthamatic, gastric or bilious fevers it denotes a fatal issue. A lead-colored tongue is found in cholera, in mortification of the lungs and stomach, in schirrus of the tongue. Lead-colored, covered with aphthae denotes impending death under all circumstances. A blueish tongue is a sign of impeded circulation of the blood, whence it may be found in paroxysms of asthma, whooping-cough, croup, bronchitis, pneumonia, heart diseases, dropsy of the chest, and cyanosis. It is also fonnd in scurvy and mercurial inftammation of the tongue.

2nd, Its humidity. A moist tongue is generally a favorable sign; but in putrid fevers with exhausting perspiration it has no such favorable meaning. A constant moist tongue in soporous conditions denotes great exhaustion. A dry tongue is found in a great many different affections,

especially in feverish conditions. Great dryness of the tongue in typhus cerebralis is, according to Schoenlein, an unfavorable sign. Dryness of the tongue in infants is a forerunner of aphthae or internal inflammation.

3rd, Its temperature. A hot tongue is found in congestion and inflammatory states of different parts of the body; in infants before aphthae appear. A cold tongue is found in chills, violent spasms, after great loss of blood, internal mortification, apoplexy, and cholera. In fevers it denotes greatest prostration and impending death.

4th, Its covering and coating. We must bear in mind, that the tongue is coated or furred without indicating any disordered state of the system; in the morning by an empty stomach, after siesta, after night watching, and with habitual smokers of tobacco. A coating at the root of the tongue does not mean much, almost everyone has it in a slight degree, even in the best of health. A coating on the tip of the tongue is said to be found in phthisical persons. One-sided coating is said to be found in one-sided complaints as prosopalgia, paralysis, in one-sided lung diseases, in affections of the liver or spleen. A patchy or map tongue is often indicative of considerable irritation or even partial inflammation of the stomach. I have seen it also in lung diseases. A thick white coating exists to its greatest extent in affections of the fauces, but also in gastric derangements. A yellow coating is generally believed to be bilious. Single yellow streaks on a white coated tongue indicate obstinacy of the disease. A peculiar buff leather appearance is presented in cases of enteritis and hepatitis. A dark brown coating exists in malignant fevers and hemorrhages from the mouth. A black coating in dysentery, indicates exhaustion, mortification and death. In jaundice it denotes organic diseases of the liver and spleen, as induration, tubercles, abscesses. In small-pox it is an unfavorable sign.

5th. Its form and size. We find a large, long tongue most conspicuous in chronic hydrocephalus and Cretans. A small tongue if not congenital, in atrophy, consumptive diseases and chronic, long-standing paralysis of the tongue, especially if resulting from an irritation of the brain or spinal marrow. A sudden diminution in size denotes in inflammatory diseases of the lungs or the liver, formation of abscesses, also general exhaustion, especially in putrid and typhoid fevers. A gradual decrease in acute disease, denotes severity and obstinacy of such diseases, and is a bad sign, showing that the brain is dangerously affected. A broad tongue is found in rachitis, scrofula, disposition to abdominal affections, and in intermittent fever. ..A narrow, pointed tongue is said to be found in persons who are subject to spitting blood, tuberculosis, and internal inflammations. ..A thick, swollen tongue is found in rachitis, Cretans, chronic dropsy of the head, in obstinate dyspepsia and chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach; also in intermittent fevers, in catarrhal affections, mercurial salivation, in inflammation of the tongue, in old drunkards after death from strangulation or suffocation. A swollen and heavy tongue in old age and in drunkards is the forerunner of apoplexy. In fevers, if associated with dryness and stammering speech, it denotes congestion of the brain. In croup, pleurisy and pneumonia it is a bad sign just as bad as its sudden diminution without improvement of the other symptoms. (Hippocrates) A thin, like a small tongue, is found in atrophy and consumptive diseases. Tumors on the tongue if hard, red brownish, with blueish bloodvessels interwoven, are of a schirrous nature. Single lumps and fleshy excrescences on the tongue are found in elephantiasis.

6th, Its consistency. We find a hard tongue associated with great dryness of the tongue in congestion, inflammation, fever, tonic spasms, in schirrus and other degeneration of the substance of the tongue. A soft tongue we find in catarrhal affections, in chronic mucous diarrhea, gastric derangements and in paralysis of the tongue. When soft and somewhat swollen, the teeth generally show their imprints on its sides, often to be found after mercurial poisoning, and in catarrhal affections. In brain diseases a soft tongue is an unfavorable

7th, Cracks and fissures on the dry tongue, sometimes deep, bleeding and suppurating, are found in typhoid fever, small pox and dysentery.

8th, Paralysis of the tongue, which manifests itself by an imperfect and stammering speech, is most always in consequence of apoplexy or softening of the brain. Its immobility and trembling are signs of torpor of the brain, especially in typhoid conditions.

These are the most important of the objective symptoms of the tongue, which an every-day's practice brings before the eyes of an observing physician, and I have given to each of them its diagnostic meaning, as near as this can be done. For, all these symptoms must be considered cum grano salis, id est,, with discrimination and comparison with other symptoms, if we want to gain a nearly right conclusion as to their bearing and signification.

A red tongue, all over, with considerable raised papillae, indicates Belladonna and Tartar emetic. A red tip in shape of a triangle, Rhus tox. A red indefinite tip, Sulphur. A lead-colored tongue may indicate Arsenicum, and a bluish tongue, Digitalis, Arsenicum, and Acidum muriaticum. A whitish coat on one side of the tongue, indicates Rhus tox,on both sides Causticum, in the middle, Phosphorus and Bryonia, on the root, strongly marked, Sepia, and a general thick white coat, Bryonia, Antimon. crud. and others. A map tongue indicates Nat. mur., Ars., Lachesis, and Taraxacum, and a yellowish coated tongue, a number of remedies. A dry red, tongue, cracked at the tip, indicates Lachesis. A dry tongue without thirst, Bryonia and Pulsatilla. A soft tongue with imprints of the teeth, Merc. and Stram. A clean tongue with gastric and other derangements, Cina and Digitalis. Trembling of the tongue, when the patient is requested to put it out or inability to do so, indicates, in typhoid fever, Lachesis. A heavy, perhaps trembling tongue in typhoid conditions, especially if the lower jaw commences to sink down, Lycopodium. An involuntary darting of the tongue out of the mouth and moving between the lips to and fro, indicates, in similar conditions, Lycopodium. Complete paralysis of the tongue, Baryta carbo.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 08, 1865, pages 372-375]

[Description: Diagnostic Indications of The Tongue.]

[Author: Raue, C.G.]

[Year: 1865]

CASE OF SCARLET FEVER. [Corroborative testimony to the value or Lycopodium where the "fan-like movement of the alae nasi" is present. From the London Monthly Homoeopathic

Review, May lst, 1865.]

By William Ray, M. R. C. S. E.

Dr. Bayes, in his interesting cases of "Characteristic Symptoms," published in the March number of the Review, says: "Few men, in a case of pneumonia, would have been led, as Dr. Wilson was, to select the fanlike motion of the alae nasi' as the characteristic indication; and in this selection he was guided by the experience of many years, rather than by the prominence accorded to the symptom in the proving of the medicine. Yet here his clinical experience stood him in good stead; and I have myself cured two cases by Lycopodium^30, where similar symptoms were very marked. Both were cases of pneumonia occurring in very unhealthy children, during a convalescence following scarlet fever, which had been treated allopathically."

If I may venture to offer my mite of clinical and practical observations with others who, as well as myself, have had the privilege of witnessing Dr. David Wilson's mode of selecting his remedies, both in his private as well as in much of his extensive dispensary practice, I should think that it is always a first consideration with him, what are the characteristic indications existing when he examines a patient-an examination so searching, so exhaustive in its character -before he attempts to prescribe.

No doubt his large experience assists him in this searching investigation, in giving him confidence in any special symptom he may have tested in practice.

But his method, to my mind, is not that of a routinist, whatever his experience (and it must be enormous), as the symptoms present are always paramount, and experience subordinate.

He seems, in fact, constantly finding out new indications, to which few men with less experience and knowledge of the Materia Medica would give any heed; and when once he has made a choice of a medicine, it is most interesting and instructive to watch the firmness with which he handles their various dilutions.

It is greatly to be regretted that he has not yet seen fit to publish a few more characteristics from his MSS. volumes of most interesting cases; and in this opinion I beg to assure him there are others who share it with me.

In the now famous Lycopodium case, he has told us that such is his confidence in the fan-like motion of the alae nasi as characteristic of Lycopodium, that when marked and fitting in all other particulars, he prescribes it, no matter what the disease may be. The following severe case tends to confirm that statement, and therefore I have thought it my duty to publish the notes which I made of it at the time, and have only to regret that they are not more copious, so as to do full justice to the observations and indications of Dr. Wilson, when he took up the case of my poor child with that consummate skill, which, through the blessing of God, rescued him from an early grave, and restored him again to his parents.

On Sunday, October 6th, 1861, my only child, a boy aged 12, called me to his bed, and complained of sore throat. He had been overheated at football the previous day. I examined him and found his skin hot; tonsils slightly swollen; great thirst; continual retching; headache; red tongue, especially at sides and tip; pulse 120. I gave him Aconite 3/6, Belladonna 3/0, Pulsatilla 3/0, in alternation. At two, p.m., the febrile symptoms greatly increased; delirious; feces passed involuntarily and unconsciously; urine red and scanty; retching ceased the last four hours; pulse 150. Continue the medicine.

Monday, 7th. Spent a very restless night; talking and muttering all night. All the former symptoms aggravated; papillae of tongue more injected; glassy eyes; dilated nares; lips dry, and, together with teeth, covered with tenacious sordes; suppression of urine; pulse 160.

Tuesday, 8th. Very delirious all night; continued talking, picking at the bed-clothes, and continually feeling for something supposed to be lost; clenching his teeth firmly; desire to get out of bed; all the former symptoms are aggravated; pulse 170.

At nine, a. m., I went for Dr. Wilson, who very kindly came at three, p. m., according to appointment.

He at once said, "This is an acute case, indeed, of a very bad type of scarlet fever, threatening typhoid," and inquired what he had been taking by way of medicine and diet; he thoroughly examined him, pronounced him in great danger, remarked on the alae nasi action, and ordered all the former medicines to be suspended, and Lycopodium to be substituted, 4/200 in half a tumbler of water, take one teaspoonful every three hours; diet, thin arrowroot and cold water.

Wednesday, 9th. Spent a better night; not so much talking or tossing about; had a little sleep occasionally, for a brief period; not so much picking at bed-clothes; more composed generally; eyes not so glassy; less working of the nostrils, and wings not so much dilated; micturates more freely, urine still red; tongue not so much injected, and looks better; tonsils better; bowels constipated; pulse 100, soft and weak.

Three, p. m. Dr. Wilson called; said "he is much better; eyes not so glassy; febrile symptoms greatly abated; more conscious; pulse better; congestion of brain less. Continue medicine; diet, milk and water.

Thursday, 10th. Had a better night; slept a little longer at intervals; no picking or looking after lost things in bed; all the other symptoms improved; pulse 100. Dr. Wilson did not call today; it was understood, yesterday, that I was to call on him and carry him my report of the case, which I did. Continue medicine and diet as before.

Friday, 11th. Had a much better night; no delirium; urine more normal; pulse 95. Dr. Wilson called today; said "he is much better, much improved; the organism has been relieved, consequently the genuine disease – scarlatina — is being actively developed, having its characteristic analogue (in this instance) in Belladonna." He accordingly ordered 3/200 globules of Belladonna in half a tumbler of water, a teaspoonful to be taken every four hours. Diet, mutton-tea, beef-tea, and milk; "to-morrow, diet, a little lean roast mutton, if all goes on well," he added.

Saturday, 12th. Slept better; a little restlessness, but no delirium; feels very much fatigued and sore. Takes his beef-tea and milk with avidity and relish, as also a little roast mutton. Urine less colored and more free; pulse 92.

I saw Dr. Wilson, and gave my report.

Continue medicine and diet as before directed.

Sunday, 13th. Continues to improve rapidly; slept much better; tongue not so much injected; micturates freely, not so high colored; pulse 90. Medicine and diet as before directed.

Monday, 14th. Still improving; very much fatigued and sore in his joints; appetite better; pulse 90. Dr. Wilson saw him today; said "he is quite convalescent; greatly improved since I last saw him. Continue medicine every eight hours; diet as before."

P.S. This is the last time my son was soon by Dr. Wilson. From the moment his prescription began to act, until convalescence, there was steady, progressive, and rapid improvement in my son until the 26th, when I reported him not so well this day; a little more fever; less appetite; a discharge from the nostrils, consisting of blood and pus. I saw Dr. Wilson, who ordered Kali bichrom. (I regret having omitted to note his indications) 3/200 in half a tumbler of water; take a teaspoonful of this mixture every six hours. Diet as before.

27th. Discharge and irritation much subsided.

28th. Still better. Continue medicine.

29th. No discharge; less irritation. Continue medicine.

30th. No discharge; no irritation.

31st. Desquamation going on rapidly; bowels not moved for eight days. I reported this to Dr. Wilson, who ordered one globule of Sulphur 200, every third night.

Nov. 3rd. Cuticle peeling off in large pieces; bowels slightly moved; appetite increasing; getting from one room to another briskly.

4th. Can get up and down stairs; increasing in strength; appetite better; urine normal.

6th. Bowels freely opened; desquamation still progressing.

11th. Desquamation over; no more medicine. Quite well.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 12, 1865, pages 568-572]

[Description: Case of Scarlet Fever. Corroborative testimony to the value or Lycopodium where the "fan-like movement of the alae nasi" is present.]

[Remedies: Lycopodium clavatum, Sulphur]

[Author: Ray, W.]

[Year: 1865]

DIPHTHERIA *[Read before the Homoeopathic Medical Society, of Oneida County. Oct. 18. 1859.]

BY J. C. RAYMOND, M. D., UTICA, N. Y.

This disease has prevailed at times in various parts of Europe since the year 1557, and in North America since the year 1635. The following description, given by J. A. Symonds, M. D., Physician to the British General Hospital, in England, several years ago, corresponds closely to the symptoms which we observe at the present time. "This species of Angina is characterized by the formation of albuminous pellicles on the surface of the inflamed membrane, whence it was named by M. Bretonneau of Tours, "Diphtheritis." The patches are of various extent, in mild cases white or ashy, separate and presenting the appearance of separate sloughs, for which they have often been mistaken: in others, dark colored, coalescent, and forming one uniform crust. The exudations may extend far down the aesophagus, or into the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, and upwards into the nasal fosae. The membrane beneath and between the pellicles is in some cases of a bright red, in others purpleish or livid. The exudations vary in density from that of coagulable lymph to that of a soft pultaceous matter.

The local symptoms are similar to those of Angina diffusa, with the addition of those produced by irritation and obstruction of the air passages when the disease has extended in that direction. It is common also for the submaxillary and cervical glands to become inflamed and tumefied. The general symptoms are those of fever, and vary with the type of the latter, and the degree of the inflammation. When the patches are few and circumscribed, the disease is often called ulcerated sore throat, such as may be seen in Scarlatina anginosa; but there are no ulcers in these cases, for on removing the pellicles or sloughs as they are called, we find the membrane beneath quite free from any other disorganization than the loss of its epithelium. In the worst cases the pellicles are discolored by admixture of bloody exudation, and vitiated secretions from the throat, so as to create an impression that the parts are in a state of sphacelus. These cases correspond to the Angina maligna of many authors, and to the gangrenous angina of others; but we have the united testimony of Bretonneau, Guernsent, and Deslandes, formed on extensive microscopic observations, that there are no true escars in these cases. The idea of gangrene existing, has been further kept up by the discharge of serous fetid matter from the nostrils, and by the putrid character of the fever.

From the above remarks it may be inferred that diphtheria appears in two forms. In one, the local affection bears the marks of active inflammation, in the bright hue of the mucous membrane, and in the white circumscribed exudations, unmixed with blood or sanies. The constitutional symptoms in this form are likewise sthenic, the pulse being full and firm, the skin warm, and the nervous system tho' disturbed, not exhibiting the signs of prostration so common in typhoid fever. The other form may well be called Angina maligna. Its approach is often insidious, being attended with but little pain or distress in the throat until the false membrane is already extensively formed. Then the dysphagia becomes extreme, liquids are forced back through the nostrils, and symptoms soon occur denoting that the air-passages are obstructed; such are a croupy cough, hoarseness and stridulous breathing.

The feeling of suffocation accompanying these symptoms is in part owing to the swelling of the lymphatic glands. On inspection of the throat we see a thick pellicle, sometimes dense, not unfrequently pultaceous, variously colored according to the degree of its decomposition, or to the accompanying secretions, and either continuous or interrupted by fissures which exhibit the livid hue of the membrane beneath. The pulse is extremely rapid and feeble, delirium sets in early and is soon followed by coma; and the collapsed face and sunken eyes indicate extreme exhaustion. Death often takes place suddenly from the laryngeal complication. Bretonneau was led by the results of his dissections to attribute the death in all the fatal cases to the changes in the air-passages.

Causes. — A humid atmosphere, decomposing fecal and vegetable matter, crowded dwellings, a deficiency of proper nourishing food and clothing, are considered to be the most prominent in inducing the disease. By nearly all observers the decease is admitted to be contagious.

Diagnosis. — 1st. The fibrinous exudations in this disease, with the obstruction of the air passages, has caused it to be confounded with croup, yet the diseases are very different. In the latter the inflammation is confined to the tracheal and bronchial membrane; while in diphtheria the inflammation is seated in the fauces and pharynx, and only in severe cases extends to the larynx and trachea.

(I should state from my observations, that Angina membranea, true croup, commenced with inflammation of the laryngeal, tracheal, and bronchial membranes and extended to the throat and fauces; for in almost every case fully developed, the arches of the palate, uvula, tonsils and pharynx will be found to be inflamed, and the tonsils dotted with small patches of false membrane.

In diphtheria the inflammation is seen first, on the curtains of the palate and tonsils, and from thence spreads over other portions, or the entire throat, pharynx, and in most severe cases to the air passages.) True croup is rarely if ever attended with the low typhoid fever so common in diphtheria, the symptoms of exhaustion in the advanced stage being clearly referable to the impeded respiration.

2d. "Diphtheria is with difficulty discriminated from angina gangrenosa, the affection described by Fothergill as putrid sore throat, the cynanche maligna of Cullen. The general and local symptoms are very similar, but in the latter disease the difficulty of breathing is attributable rather to the general tumefaction than to any laryngeal complication, and these are true gangrenous sloughs, which, on separating, leave corresponding concavities in the tissue. On this point Fothergill speaks very distinctly, and where the disease is of the mildest kind a superficial ulceration only is observable, which may easily escape the notice of a person unacquainted with it. A thin white slough seems to accompany the next degree; a thick opaque or ash-colored one is a further advance, and if the parts have a livid or black aspect, the case is still worse. These sloughs are not formed of any foreign matter spread upon the parts affected, as a crust or coat, but are real mortifications of the substance; since, whenever they come off, or are separated from the parts they cover, they leave an ulcer of greater or less depth, as the sloughs were superficial or penetrating. In this disease moreover, there is frequently observed an erythematous or papular eruption on different parts of the body; and there can be little difficulty in arriving at the conclusion that it is a variety of scarlatina maligna. Dr. Tweedie observes, "we are inclined to affirm that the scarlatina simplex, scarlatina anginosa, and the scarlatina or angina maligna, and the sore throat without efflorescence on the skin, are merely varieties of one and the same disease."

Treatment. — The remedies which have been found the most efficacious to arrest, and effect a radical cure of this disease when fully developed, are the alternate Use of Kali bichromicum, and Mercurius iodatus; when the prostration is extreme, Arsenicum and Ammonium carb. In the milder varieties of the disease Aconite, Belladoma, Capsicum, Jodine, Lachesis and Nitric acid have induced cures. The diet should be very liberal, the patient urged to take all the beef-tea and similar nourishments that he can get down. In case of great difficulty in swallowing injections of rich meat soups are advisable.

Remarks. — From November 1858 to May 1859 we had in this city an epidemic of Scarlatina miliaris which proved very fatal, more than one hundred deaths having occurred from this cause during the time specified. Death resulted from three causes, paralysis of the brain, paralysis of the lungs, and the exhaustion produced by the malignant character of the throat disease; complete disorganizations of the tissues involved, being induced by ulceration, and gangrene; with low typhoid symptoms; attended in some cases with profuse hemorrhage from the throat, nose and ears. In no case which I saw was there any appearance of diphthritic formation.

Affections of the throat were also very prevalent. In cases of simple inflammation the attack usually commenced with chills, followed by the usual Symptoms of fever. When the throat was examined the palate, fauces and tonsils would be found inflamed with a bright red appearance, with little or no tumefaction, and yielding promptly to a few doses of Aconite and Belladonna. In another form more severe than the first, the inflammation was more strongly marked, the tonsils, one on both, very much enlarged, and in some cases suppuration would ensue. These cases required Aconite, Belladonna, Mercurial preparations, Baryta carb, Capsicum and Lachesis according to their indications.

Another form more severe was ushered in by chills and in many cases by nausea and vomiting. The fever would be very intense, the difficulty in swallowing great, and at night with children more or less delirum would be present; in these cases the tonsils would be swollen and ulcerated. Three remedies would control these cases, Aconite, which I only used when the fever was very violent, and Belladonna and Mercurius iodatus. The remaining form was Diphtheria of which a description has already been given.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 03, 1859, pages 116-121]

[Description: Diphtheria.]

[Author: Raymond, J.C.]

[Year: 1859]

ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA. *[Communicated by SAVARY to the Journal de la Societe Gallicane de Med Hom., March, 1859.]

(Translated from the Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung.)

BY M. J. RHEES, M.D., MOUNT HOLLY, N. J.

[The following description of the above plant is copied from the U. S. Dispensatory.

"The root of Asclepias tuberosa. U. S.

ASCLEPIAS, Sex Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceae.

Gen. Ch. Calyx small, five-parted. Corolla rotate, five-parted, mostly reflexed. Staminal crown (or nectary) simple, five-leaved; leaflets opposite the anthers, with a, subulate averted process at the base. Stigmas with the five angles (corpuscles) opening by longitudinal chinks. Pollinia five distinct pairs. Torrey.

Asclepias tuberosa. Willd. Sp. Plant i. 1273; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. ii. 59; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 239. The root of the butterfly-weed or pleurisy-root is perennial, and gives origin to numerous stems which are erect, ascending, or procumbent, round, hairy, of a green or reddish color, branching at the top, and about three feet in height. The leaves are scattered, oblong-lanceolate, very hairy, of a deep rich green color on their upper surface, paler beneath, and supported usually on short footstalks. They differ, however, somewhat in shape according to the variety of the plant. In the variety with decumbent stems, they are almost linear, and in another variety cordate. The flowers are of a beautiful reddish-orange color, and disposed in terminal or lateral corymbose umbels. The fruit is an erect lanceolate follicle, with flat ovate seeds connected to a longitudinal receptacle by long silky hairs.

This plant differs from other species of Asclepias in not emitting a milky juice when wounded. It is indigenous, growing throughout the United States from Massachusetts to Georgia, and when in full bloom, in the months of June and July, exhibiting a splendid appearance. It is most abundant in the Southern States, The root is the only part used in medicine.

This is large, irregularly tuberous, branching, often somewhat fusiform, fleshy, externally brown, internally white and striated, and in the recent state, of a sub-acrid, nauseous taste. When dried it is easily pulverized, and has a bitter but not otherwise unpleasant taste. It yields its virtues readily to boiling water.

Medical Properties and Uses. The root of the Asclepias tuberosa is diaphoretic and expectorant, without being stimulant, In large doses it is often also cathartic. In the Southern States it has long been employed by regular practitioners in catarrh, pneumonia, pleurisy, consumption, and other pectoral affections; and appears to be decidedly useful if applied in the early stages, or after sufficient depletion, when the complaint is already formed. Its popular name of pleurisy-root expresses the estimation in which it is held as a remedy in that disease. It has also been used advantageously in dysentery and acute rheumatism, and might probably prove beneficial in our autumnal remittents. Much testimony might be advanced in proof of its possessing very considerable diaphoretic powers. It is said also to be gently tonic, and has been popularly employed in pains of the stomach arising from flatulence and indigestion."

The following account of its medical properties is from Rafinesque's Medical Flora.

"Properties. — Sub-tonic, diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic, laxative, escnarotic, carminative, antispasmodic, &c. It is a valuable popular remedy, and a mild sudorific, acting safely without stimulating the body. It is supposed to act specifically on the lungs, to promote suppressed expectoration, and to relieve the breathing of pleuritic patients. It appears to exert a mild tonic effect, as well as stimulant power over the excretories. It relieves the dyspnea and pains in the chest. It often acts as a mild cathartic, suitable for the complaints of children. It is also useful in colic, hysteria, menorrhagia, dysentery, &c.

"In the low state of typhus fever, it has produced perspiration when other sudorifics had failed. In pneumonia and catarrh it is always beneficial. It restores the tone of the stomach and digestive powers. It has been given in asthma, rheumatism, syphilis, and even for worms."

On comparing the pathogenesis as communicated by Md. Savary, with the above, we shall be able to judge whether there are any grounds for ascribing any, or all of these virtues to this plant. Translator.]

Translation. — The prover is thirty-two years old, of nervous temperament; at the commencement of the proving the stomach and respiratory organs were somewhat irritated. We give, instead of a literal translation, an abstract of the symptoms arranged according to the customary plan, as we shall avoid in this way a multitude of repetitions. The numerals indicate the days after taking the medicine. Only two drops of the tincture were taken, and these alone produced the following symptoms.

General Symptoms

Sensation of numbness in the whole body. Excessive weakness in the morning in bed. Walking seems impossible. Sensation while walking as if he were bent forward toward the left side. Aching in the bones and rheumatic pains in the extremities, principally in the joints; these pains appear in one arm and in the opposite leg at the same time; thus, if the left arm is affected, the right leg suffers in sympathy, and the left leg with the right arm. This circumstance was almost constant. Quivering and twitching of the muscles in different parts. Great emaciation.

Skin

Pimples, vesicles or pustules began to appear on the fifteenth day, and spread gradually over almost the whole body, but particularly on the arms, legs, and in the face; they are very painful and itch excessively, and continue more than eight days. A red inflamed spot on the upper part of the right thigh, as large as a dollar, painful and itching, continuing several days and leaving a dark stain. (23.) Many vesicles on the lips. (20.) Pock-like pustules on the arms.

Sleep

Difficult and late sleep at night, with great sleepiness in the morning and through the day, which is relieved in the open air. Restless and sleepless at night, Confused and anxious dreams.

Fever

Feverish the first day, the pulse being at first 55, afterwards 70. Sometimes much thirst, sometimes none. On the eighth day, pulse 92. Pulse thready at 65, during diarrhea.

Mind and Sensorium.

Excessive dejection. (15.) Weakness of memory. (2.) Difficulty in thinking collectedly. Sensation of weakness after smoking a little while walking, in the morning, before and after rising, particularly in the legs. Feeling of drunkenness after smoking a very little, with debility of the sense of sight.

Head

Pain in the forehead with a feeling of heaviness in the side, continuing the whole day. (1.) Headache is present almost daily, generally most severe early in the morning. Headache in the morning while rising with weakness, so that he must lie down again; it continued the whole day and the following night, and was somewhat relieved by a warm footbath. (7.) Pricking as if with nails in the head, and at the same time in other parts. (2.) Pain in the scalp, on the left side of the occiput, like touching a pustule, continuing one day. (16.) Falling out of the hair. (30.)

Eyes.

Transitory pain behind the left eyeball, in a few minutes. Broad dark spots before the eyes with a very slow pulse of 55. (1.) Itching in the angles and lids of the right eye. (3.) Inflammation of the conjunctiva for many days; (this, however, is not an unusual symptom with the prover.) Pain in the eyes by gaslight. The eyes look languid and fatigued. Feeling as if sand were in the eyes. The lower lids are painful as if ulcerated.

Nose and Face

Itching in the nose and in the face. Pustules on the nostrils. Stinging in the nose as if from a flea. Yellowness of the face. (15.) Facies hippocratica, (after violent diarrhea on the fifteenth day.)

Teeth.

Yellow coating on the teeth. Pain in the right inferior molars. (24.)

Mouth

Itching of the lips. Lips inflamed and covered with herpetic vesicles. Gums very pale and almost yellow; they bleed easily and repeatedly. Yellow, tough coating on the tongue. Putrid taste.

Pharynx

Transitory constriction and stinging in the throat, extending to the larynx, (1.) Pains in the throat. Angina. (26.)

Appetite and Gastric Symptoms

Deficient appetite, especially in the morning. Insatiable hunger. (2.) Eructations; frequently, immediately after taking the medicine, continued the whole day with the odor of the drug; less frequent the second day. Nausea in the morning, when rising. (17.) Taste of blood in the mouth.

Stomach

Burning in the stomach, (after twenty-five minutes.) Pains in the stomach; nervous, even amounting to violent gastralgia; also cramp-like. Sensation as if the stomach would burst, while laughing. The pains in the stomach continue, almost without a day's intermission, until the forty-second day.

Abdomen

Pain in the intestines, (after twenty minutes,) subsequently attended with burning in the right hypochondriac region, and stomach. Throbbing in the left hypochondriac region. Much flatulence, smelling like the medicine, with colic-like pains; with a sensation, when walking, as if the belly would drop. Violent pain in the hypogastrium, as if the region were ulcerated, with tenderness to pressure. Colic, while going up-stairs; while walking; after eating, especially violent at night after one o'clock (8 and 14), and also in the morning; during each Stool.

Stool

Fluid, painful stool (2), of very strong smell. (37.) Clammy stool, of green color and smelling like spoiled eggs, followed by pain in the anus. On the fourteenth day, at one o'clock at night, a painful and tolerably copious stool with violent colic and a sensation as if the bowels would come out; half an hour afterwards, a very small but excessively painful stool. At two o'clock, the same kind of stool, but with increased pain. (Veratrum^3 relieved the pain immediately until morning.) In the morning, at eleven o'clock, another stool almost black in color, clammy, with many ascarides and yellow spots like fat, attended with, a feeling as if a stream of fire passed through the abdomen. In the afternoon, a stool of intense yellow color, with green and yellow flakes. In the evening, a stool exactly like the white of an egg, with no fecal matter whatever. The following day, the feces are entirely enveloped in froth. Tenesmus.

Urine.

During the first twelve days the urine is red to saturation. On the seventeenth day, it looks as if mixed with blood; after standing a short time, small, dark red, almost black points of the size of a pin's head rise to the surface, and much mucus is deposited on the bottom of the vessel. The urine remains more red than normal during the whole of the proving.

Male Sexual Organs

Painful stitches in the urethra, repeatedly. Ulcerous excoriations on the glans, resembling chancre, with a pus-like secretion, (disappearing in a few days from washing with urine.) Copious perspiration of the genuine Erections without lust, particularly in the morning.

Coryza

At first dry, then fluent coryza during the first few days, with much sneezing. Subsequently, a blowing out of some blood from one nostril for several days.

Larynx and Chest (Heart)

Pain in the larynx. The breath smells like pepper. Necessity to inspire hurriedly, followed by a sensation of oppression. Want of breath like asthma, often very great, particularly after eating and after smoking a little. Pain in the right lung. Pain like the pricking of a needle in the region of the heart. Contracting pain in the heart.

Back

Stinging, transitory stitches between the shoulder-blades. Itching and red blotches on the back. Pain in the loins like lumbago.

Superior Extremities

Pain in the left shoulder and soon afterwards in the right, like rheumatism. Pain in the bones of the left arm. Rheumatic pains in the fore-arm down to the fingers. Numbness of the right hand. Violent itching in the hands and fingers.

Inferior Extremities

Pain in the hips like coxalgia. Rending pains in the knees and up to the hips, especially while walking, and also in the morning when rising. The ankle feels as if it were sprained. Pains in the bones of the left ankle; drawing in the soles and in the toes. Pain as if from corns, so that the bed-cover seems too heavy. Violent itching on the legs, particularly on the knees.

The duration of the action of Asclepias tub. appears to be very long. The indications of the foregoing proving extended to the forty-second day; but it must be added that symptoms were excited until the sixtieth day at least, which circumstances did not allow to be recorded.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 09, 1860, pages 406-412]

[Description: Asclepias Tuberosa.]

[Remedies: Asclepias tuberosa.]

[Author: Rhees, M.J.]

[Year: 1860]

CASES OF MINERAL POISONING.

BY M. J. RHEES, M.D., MOUNT HOLLY, N. J.

The following instances of the formidable effects of the mineral poisons, are reported from memory; the only record made of them having been left in California, where the cases occurred. It is much to be regretted that I cannot refer to them, as it is impossible after so great a lapse of time to remember dates and the remedies used. The first was a case of Gangroenopsis. Sometime in February, 1852, a gentleman called on me and desired me to visit his child, a boy of 9 years of age. 1 received the following account of the case: The boy had always been delicate, pale and thin. About three weeks previously, he had been attacked with languor, headache, slight diarrhea and fever. An allopathic physician was called in, who pronounced the disease bilious fever. He was a western man and administered large doses of medicines. For a week or more before I was called, it was supposed that Calomel had been administered for the purpose of producing salivation. Three days before my visit, salivation commenced, with the peculiar mercurial fetor, accompanied by an intense and extensive swelling of the left cheek. This swelling was pronounced erysipelas by the physicians, (two were attending at that time,) the circumference of the swelling was painted with solution of Nitrate of Silver, and the day before I saw the patient, it was decided that he could not live three days, and that further treatment was useless.

I found him in a state of complete prostration, pulse feeble and 120, constant thirst, no appetite, diarrhea of dark green, almost black, and very offensive feces, but not very frequent; tongue and mouth covered with dark coating, teeth heavily coated with black sordes, strong mercurial fetor with copious discharge of discolored saliva. The whole of the left side of the face, but especially the cheek, was excessively tumefied. The surface of this swelling was pale, cool, puffy and glazed. I was informed that the child had been seriously afflicted with cancrum oris in former years. From all that I could learn, I presumed that the case had been one of typhoid fever, which diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by the occurrence of three well marked cases of the disease in the same family. To the best of my recollection, it was on the third day after my first visit, that a dark livid spot appeared in the middle of the cheek. This gradually extended until it involved the whole cheek, and in a few days a distinct line of demarcation was established. The stench of the gangrenous tissues together with the mercurial fetor, was extremely offensive. The atmosphere of the room was kept as pure as possible by admitting the external air and by the use of Chloride of lime, and the putrefying parts were bathed from time to time with sweet oil in which a small proportion of Kreosote had been incorporated. The whole cheek was covered with a bread and milk poultice to promote the separation of the dead tissues and a weak solution of brandy and water was administered internally as a stimulant, and at the same time Arsenicum and China with other remedies, were administered as they seemed to be indicated. Portions of the decaying mass were removed with the knife as fast as it was prudent to do so, care being taken not to injure any living tissue. At the end of three weeks, the whole of the slough had separated and was removed, with the exception of a small portion of the masseter muscle under the zygomatic arch, which also came away subsequently. At the time of the child's death, which occurred in about four weeks from the time I was called, the entire margin of the wound was clean and healthy, but showed no disposition to throw out granulations. It extended from the angle of the mouth, (which was carried away leaving the lips separated,) along the Bide of the nose close to the internal angle of the eye, around the inferior margin of the orbit, leaving the orbicularis palpebrarum muscle uninjured, up to the articulation of the malar bone with the frontal bone, from that point down to the articulation of the malar and temporal bones, and thence along the ramus and body of the inferior maxillary bone to the vicinity of the mental foramen and up to the place of starting. All the bones included in this space were dead and black. The teeth of the affected side all came away early after mortification set in. It seems to me probable that the bones first lost their vitality and all the soft parts attached to them sloughed off as a necessary consequence. Just previous to death there were some evidences of an effort on the part of nature to cast off the superior maxillary bone from its attachment to the nasal bone, but she was unequal to the task and life passed away quietly and almost imperceptibly.

The second case was one of

Arsenical Poisoning. I was summoned in great haste to visit a young man aged about 20 years, and found him just recovering from a serious attack of syncope. I learned that he had been suffering for a day or two with violent fever, vomiting of bilious matter and other symptoms which induced me to think that he was laboring under one of the violent forms of bilious fever which prevail in that climate. But there was a complication which I could not understand, as it could not be referred to the effect of the fever. It was an extensive tumefaction of the right cheek, with violent pain in the whole of that side of the face, and smooth, shining, scarlet redness of the skin over the swelling. I battled with the symptoms to the best of my ability and succeeded in reducing the fever and the inflammation in the face, but the pain continued. In the course of a week after the attack commenced, the right arm became intensely tumefied from the elbow to the wrist, and was very painful. In my intercourse with the patient, I learned that a short time before he was taken sick, he had consulted a dentist in regard to a large cavity in the second superior molar tooth. The nerve being exposed, the dentist introduced Arsenic to destroy it, previous to filling the cavity. This seemed to throw some light on the case, and was sufficient in my opinion to account for all the phenomena.

In the course of two or three weeks, there were evidences of a considerable collection of pus in the arm, and I introduced a lancet near the posterior surface of the ulna just above the wrist. A very copious discharge of thick yellow pus followed, and on introducing a common silver probe into the incision, I could distinctly feel it grating on the denuded surface of the bone as far as the length of the probe permitted me to explore. Contrary to my expectation the arm got well speedily after this, and there was no subsequent trouble with it, although the bone was so extensively denuded of periosteum. The superior teeth of the affected side now began to loosen and were removed with the fingers in the following succession — the first molar, the second molar, the bicuspid and lastly the canine. An abscess pointed over the canine eminence and on being: opened discharged freely, and continued to discharge a sanious pus for several weeks afterwards. Subsequently, a large portion of the alveolar process of the superior maxilla became detached and was removed, and in the course of four or five months from the time he was attacked, the patient regained his usual health.

To this I may add an experience of my own, which, though not so serious, served to show the danger connected with the use of Arsenic for destroying exposed dental pulp.

Last spring I went to a dentist for the purpose of having a large cavity filled, in the second inferior molar of the left side. It was so sensitive that the operation could not be borne, and the dentist wished to introduce Arsenic; but remembering my California case, I objected, and he inserted instead, tincture of galls and myrrh. After a reasonable time had elapsed it was found that no effect had been produced by this application, and as the dentist assured me that he had used the Arsenic in hundreds of cases without any evil affects, I consented to have it applied. In about one hour a severe dull aching pain commenced in the tooth, extending to all the teeth of that side, attended with nervousness and general discomfort. I was told that this pain would continue not more than twenty-four hours; but instead of ceasing at that time, it increased and continued to torment me for nearly two weeks. The tooth seemed longer than natural, was somewhat loosened, and very sensitive to pressure, and to cold water. In about a month after the application of the Arsenic, a portion of the alveolar process came away from the outer side of the tooth, and it gradually became firm in its socket, and was afterwards filled without pain.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 11, 1860, pages 508-512]

[Description: Cases of Mineral Poisoning.]

[Author: Rhees, M.J.]

[Year: 1860]

PROVINGS OF RUMEX CRISPUS. * [Presented to the American Institute of Homoeopathy, June 1859.]

BY M. J. RHEES, M. D., MOUNT HOLLY, N. J.

Aged 34: years, small in stature, with well knit frame, good constiution, complexion neither light or dark, hair very dark brown, beard black, eyes deep blue. Unimaginative and cautious.

FIRST TRIAL. – Oct 1, 1858, 11 P. M. Took one drop of the tincture, after having mixed it with one ounce of water, by giving it one hundred strong succussions with the right arm.

1. Sensation across the forehead as if the brain were loose when moving the head, and as if it were bruised; this symptom commenced in two minutes after the dose and continued till after breakfast next morning.

2. Slight numbness and crawling sensation in the left arm, after lying down in bed; after two hours.

Oct. 2, 8:30 A. M. Second dose; one drop of tc. prepared with water same as first.

3. Grumbling, stinging toothache in the right superior molars, while riding in a cold wind; attended with a dull aching in the forehead; after three hours.

4. Sharp pain, piercing, in the left side of the head, for a short time; after three hours.

5. Dull pain and sensation of fullness as if from flatus, in the left side of the abdomen about midway between the umbilicus and the crest of the ilium, while riding; after three and half hours; continued two hours.

6. Rending in the anterior part of both ankle joints, running down the insteps, apparently in the ligaments; after four hours.

7. Gnawing pain in the internal condyle of the left humerus; this symptom was felt alternately with number six several times, after which was felt-

8. Aching and heaviness with crawling sensation all through the inferior extremities; after four hours, while riding.

9. Burning, tingling pain (similar to itching) below, and to the right of the left nipple; six hours.

10. Copious discharge of colorless urine; after eight hours. Oct. 2, 7:30 P. M. Third dose; same as first.

11. Sensation of distension in the scrobiculus cordis, with eructation of much tasteless flatus; after quarter hour.

12. Heaviness in the calf of the right leg, as if the flesh would fall from the bones; quarter hour.

13. Dull aching in both elbows.

14. Feeling of languor and universal heaviness, with fullness in the head and chest; after half hour.

15. Crawling, tingling sensation in the inferior extremities; half hour.

16. Dull aching pain low in the occiput; after one hour.

17. Dull aching pain in the left temple; after one hour.

18. Aching and pressure in the top of the head; after one hour.

19. Boring pain just behind the base of the left ear; after two hours.

20. Fullness and aching through the front part of the head and temples; after three hours.

Oct. 3, 9 A, M. Fourth dose; same as first.

21. Aching pain in the right hip joint while walking, producing slight lameness; thirteen hours after last dose; followed by

22. Burning pain on a small spot near the top of the right sacroiliac symphysis.

23. Burning stinging pain in the whole left side of the chest, suddenly, when taking a deep inspiration, while in the act of lying down in bed at night; after fourteen hours.

24. Rending aching pain in the flexure of the left knee, while standing; twenty-four hours.

Oct 4, 10 P. M. Fifth dose, R gtt. x in Aqua 3j; 100 succussions.

25. Stinging burning pain in the back, just below the inferior angle of the left scapula; after one hour; followed and accompanied by

26. Stinging almost itching pain in the left side of the chest. just below the nipple; attended by heavy throbbing in the ears, synchronous with the pulsations of the heart.

27. Dryness of the mouth and tongue at night

28. Sensation in the bowels and rectum as if diarrhea would ensue; after twenty-two hours; continued two or three hours.

Oct. 5, 11 P. M. Sixth dose; same as last.

29. Sensation as if a lump or a ball was sticking fast in the throat, which is not relieved by hawking or swallowing; after half hour.

30. Restlessness and discomfort in bed at night; the position must be frequently changed.

31. Burning pain in the left side of the chest, just below the nipple; worse when taking a deep inspiration.

32. Throbbing through the whole body; after fifteen hours.

33. Sensation of great dryness in the nose, the whole day and night.

34. Itching in the flexures of the elbows, and at the same time, to the left of the sternum, just over the fifth rib; after twenty hours.

35. Aching pain in the back, under and below the apex of the left scapula.

36. Feeling of dryness in the posterior nares.

Oct. 6, 10 P.M. Seventh dose; same as last.

37. Drawing pain, almost a cramp, in the calf of the right leg; 10 minutes after last dose; continued half an hour.

38. Sensation in the left chest as if the heart suddenly ceased beating; followed by a heavy throbbing through the chest; this symptom has been felt several times since the beginning of this proving.

39. Complete loss of sexual desire for several days.

40. Aching between the scapulae while standing.

41. Stinging burning pain in the back, between the scapulae, attended by a constant desire to take deep inspirations, with a sensation of dry heat in the middle of the chest.

42. Deep inspirations are attended by heavy dull pain in the region of the heart.

43. Stinging pain on the inner side of the right upper arm.

44. Sensation as if the ears were obstructed, especially the left one; the prover's own voice (as well as the voices of others) sounds strangely to him, producing a kind of titillation in the ear and having a peculiar ringing, confusing sound, and yet the sense of hearing is as acute as ever; this symptom began six hours after the last dose, and continued eighteen hours.

Oct. 7, 10 P. M. Eighth dose; gtt. xx. in Aqua z/3 ij; 100 succussions.

Oct. 8, 10 P. M. Symptom 44 still continues, but not to so great a degree; attended by slight ringing in the ears.

Oct. 9, 45. Constant roaring in the left ear, as if a conch shell were held before it; the whole day; attended by a feeling as if a fine thread were tied tightly around the neck just below the ears. The roaring is not relieved by pressing the finger into the ear.

Oct. 20. Symptom No. 45 continued for a week and then gradually disappeared.

SECOND TRIAL. With sixth dilution-Nov. 22, 1858. Took gtt. v in Aq. z/3 ij, 100 succussions, at 10 P. M.

1. Dull, bruised feeling in the forehead, most severe in the right side of the forehead, worse when moving the head, when it feels as if the brain were loose after a few minutes.

Nov. 23. No. I continued until this morning, when it was worse then last evening.

2. Severe stinging pain in the region of the heart, extending through the chest to the apex of the left scapula, with a frequent desire to take a deep inspiration, which increases the pain. In the afternoon for two or three hours.

Nov. 23, 10:30 P. M. Second dose, gtt. x in Aq. z/3 ij, 100 succussions.

3. Sensation in the bowels as if diarrhea would ensue, with aching pain in the rectum, one hour after second dose.

Nov. 24. 4. Dull aching pain in the right molars, both upper and lower, which is entirely relieved after eating dinner.

5. Pungent drawing pain in the left side of the occiput, with a similar pain in the left nostril, and a feeling as if coryza would ensue. Eighteen hours after second dose.

6. Violent irritation to cough in the larynx, while eating; observed at three meals.

7. Much tough mucus in the larynx, with a constant desire to hawk and raise it, but without relief; worse at night, but has been troublesome all day.

Nov. 24, 11 P. M. Third dose, gtt. xv in Aq. z/3 ij., 100 succussions.

Nov. 25. 8. Dull headache and slight bruised feeling in the forehead nearly all day.

9. Sensation in the bowels as if diarrhea would ensue, with aching in the rectum.

Nov. 25, 11 P. M. Fourth dose, gtt. xx in Aq. 3j, 100 succussions.

10. Headache in forehead, increased soon after taking the last dose, connected with a pungent tingling sensation in the occiput, where phrenologists locate philoprogenitiveness.

11. Tingling, crawling sensation in the inferior extremities; after one half-hour.

Nov. 26. 12. Griping pain in the bowels below the umbilicus, which is partially relieved by discharge of very offensive flatus; after breakfast.

13. Aching sensation in the throat, as if a lump were sticking in the gullet; after twenty hours.

14. Dull pain in the region of the heart; attended by

15. Dull pain and heaviness in the left upper arm and particularly in the elbow.

16. Sensation as if a thread were tied tightly around the neck just below the ears, with a slight roaring in the ears; twenty hours after last dose.

17. Frequent, forcible eructation of tasteless flatus (in the evening).

18. Aching in the pharynx and collection of tough mucus in the fauces; with a slight irritation to cough; in the evening.

Nov. 26, 11 P. M. Fifth dose; same as last.

19. Prickling itching on the buttocks while exposed to the air, during an evacuation from the bowels.

20. Dull headache in the forehead with heat and redness of the face; after singing; in the evening.

Nov. 27, 10 P. M; Sixth dose; same as fourth. Shortly after the above dose, symptom No. 20, was entirely relieved.

Nov. 28. No. 19 was repeated today.

21. Much tough mucus in the fauces, which is very difficult to reject.

22. Raw pain in the chest just under each clavicle, while hawking mucus out of the throat.

23. Raw, stinging pain a little to the left of the longitudinal center of the sternum, which obstructs deep inspiration; at night.

Nov. 29. 24. Dull pain in the left side near the back, just above the last true rib, after lying down at night Nov. 30. No. was repeated on going to bed last night.

25. Very restless, uncomfortable night.

26. Sleep full of troublesome dreams.

Dec. 1. 27. Unfreshed in the morning.

28. Burning stinging pain in the left side near the heart; came on soon after lying down in bed; gradually moved up into the great pectoral muscle, about two inches above and to the left of the nipple, and continued for a long time; increased by a deep inspiration and by lying on the back or the right side; relieved by lying on the left side.

29. Severe dull aching in the right molars; relieved by rinsing the mouth with cold water.

30. Itching on the buttocks before and after getting into bed.

31. Itching on the calves of the legs last night and this morning.

32. Uncomfortable night; sleep full of dreams and unrefreshing. No. 19 was repeated today.

Dec. 7. Uncomfortable nights continued until the 6th inst Last night was a good one. Sexual desire diminished throughout the trial.

SYMPTOMS ARRANGED. –

Head

1. Sensation across the forehead as if the brain were loose when moving the head, and as if it were bruised; after two minutes. tc.

2. Sharp piercing pain in the left side of the head, of short duration. tc.

3. Sensation of fullness in head and chest, with general languor and heaviness. tc.

4. Dull aching pain low in the occiput. tc.

5. Dull aching pain in the left temple. tc.

6. Aching and pressure on the top of the head. tc.

7. Boring pain just behind the base of the left ear. tc.

8. Fullness and aching through the front part of the head and temples. tc.

9. Dull bruised feeling in the forehead most severe in the right side of the forehead, worse when moving the head, when it feels as if the brain were loose. 6 dil.

10. Pungent drawing pain in the left side of the occiput, with a similar pain in the left nostril and a feeling as if coryza would ensue. 6 dil.

11. Dull headache and slight bruised feeling in the forehead nearly all day. 6 dil.

12. Headache in the forehead connected with a pungent tingling sensation in the occiput, where phrenologists locate philoprogenitiveness. 6 dil.

13. Dull headache in the forehead with heat and redness in the face; after singing. 6 dil.

Ears

14. Sensation as if the ears were obstructed, especially the left one. The prover's own voice (as well as the voices of others), sounds strangely to him, producing a kind of titilation in the ear, and having a peculiar, ringing, confusing sound; and yet the sense of hearing is as acute as ever. Attended with slight ringing in the ears. tc.

15. Constant roaring in the left ear, as if a conch shell were held before it; the whole day; attended by a feeling as if a tine thread were tied tightly around the neck just below the ears. The roaring is not relieved by pressing the finger into the ear. tc.

16. Slight roaring in the ears with a sensation as if a thread were tied lightly around the neck just below the ears. 6 dil.

Nose

17. Sensation of great dryness in the nose, day and night. tc.

18. Feeling of dryness in the posterior nares. tc.

Face.

19. Heat and redness of the face, with dull headache in the forehead; after singing, in the evening. 6 dil.

Teeth

20. Grumbling, stinging toothache, in the right superior molars, while riding in a cold wind; attended with a dull aching in the forehead. tc.

21. Dull aching pain in the right molars, both upper and lower; entirely relieved by eating dinner. 6 dil.

22. Dull aching pain in the right molars; relieved by rinsing the mouth with cold water. 6 dil.

Mouth

23. Dryness of the mouth and tongue at night. tc

Pharynx

24. Sensation as if a lump or ball were sticking fast in the throat, which is not relieved by hawking or swallowing. tc.

25. Aching sensation in the throat as if a lump were sticking fast in the esophagus. 6 dil.

26. Aching in the pharynx and collection of tough mucus in the fauces, with a slight irritation to cough, in the evening. 6 dil.

27. Much tough mucus in the fauces which is very difficult to eject. 6 dil.

Gastric Symptoms.

28. Frequent, forcible eructation of tasteless flatus; in the evening. 6 dil.

29. Sensation of distension in the scrobiculus cordis, with eructation of much tasteless flatus; in the evening. 6 dil.

Abdomen

30. Dull pain and sensation of fulness as if from flatus in the left side of the abdomen, about midway between the umbilicus and the crest of the ilium; while riding. tc.

31. Griping pain in the bowels below the umbilicus, which is partially relieved by the discharge of very offensive flatus; after breakfast. 6 dil.

Stool.

32. Sensation in the bowels as if diarrhea would ensue, with aching pain in the rectum (twice). 6 dil.

33. Sensation in the bowels and rectum as if diarrhea would ensue. tc.

Urine.

34. Copious discharge of colorless urine, in the afternoon. tc.

Genitals.

35. Complete loss of sexual desire for several days. tc.

36. Sexual desire diminished for many days. 6 dil.

Larynx

37. Much tough mucus in the larynx, with a constant desire to hawk and raise it, but without relief; worse at night. 6 dil.

38. Violent irritation in the larynx to cough while eating; observed at three meals. 6 dil.

Chest

39. Burning, tingling pain (similar to itching) below, and to the right of, the left nipple. tc.

40. Fullness in the chest and head, with languor and universal heaviness.

41. Burning stinging pain in the whole left side of the chest; suddenly, when taking a deep inspiration, while in the act of lying down in bed at night. tc.

42. Stinging, almost itching, pain in the left side of the chest, just below the nipple, attended by heavy throbbing in the ears, synchronous with the pulsations of the heart. tc.

43. Burning pain in the left side of the chest, just below the nipple; worse when taking a deep inspiration. tc.

44. Sensation in the left chest as if the heart suddenly ceased beating, followed by a heavy throbbing through the chest, observed several times. tc.

45. Severe stinging pain in the region of the heart, extending through the chest to the apex of the left scapula, with a frequent desire to take a deep inspiration which increases the pain. (In the afternoon). 6 dil.

46. Dull pain the region of the heart. 6 dil.

47. Raw pain in the chest just under each clavicle while hawking mucus out of the throat. 6 dil.

48. Raw stinging pain a little to the left of the longitudinal center of the sternum, which obstructs deep inspiration; at night. 6 dil.

49. Burning stinging pain in the left chest near the heart; came on soon after lying down in bed, gradually moved up into the great pectoral muscle about two inches above and to the left nipple, and continued for a long time; increased by a deep inspiration and by lying on the back or the right side; relieved by lying on the right side. 6 dil.

50. Deep inspirations are attended by heavy dull pain in the region of the heart. tc.

Back.

51. Burning pain on a small spot near the top of the right sacro-iliac symphysis. tc.

52. Stinging burning pain in the back, just below the inferior angle of the left scapula. tc

53. Aching pain in the back under and below the apex of the Left scapula. tc.

54. Aching between the scapulae while standing. tc.

55. Stinging, burning pain in the back between the scapulae, attended by a constant desire to take deep inspirations; with a sensation of dry heat in the middle of the chest. tc.

56. Dull pain in the left side near the back, just above the last true rib; after lying down at night. 6 dil.

57. Sensation in the neck as if a thread were tied tightly around it just below the ears; with roaring in the ears; observed twice, tc., 6 dil.

Superior Extremities.

58. Slight numbness and crawling sensation in the left arm, after lying down in bed. tc.

59. Gnawing pain in the internal condyle of the left humerus (alt. with No. 64). tc.

60. Dull aching in both elbows. tc.

61. Itching in the flexures of the elbows, and at the same time to the left of the sternum, just over the fifth rib. tc.

62. Stinging pain on the inner side of the right upper arm. tc.

63. Dull pain and heaviness in the left upper arm, and especially in the elbow. 6 dil.

Inferior Extremities.

64. Rending in the anterior part of both ankle joints, running down the insteps, alt. with 59. tc.

65. Aching and heaviness with crawling sensation all through the inferior extremities (while riding). tc.

66. Heaviness in the calf of the right leg, as if the flesh would drop from the bones. tc.

67. Crawling, tingling sensation in the inferior extremities. tc.

68. Aching pain in the right hip joint while walking, producing slight lameness (followed by No. 51). tc.

69. Rending aching pain in the flexure of the right knee, while standing. tc.

70. Drawing pain, almost a cramp, in the calf of the right leg. tc.

71. Tingling crawling sensation in the inferior extremities. 6 dil.

72. Prickling itching on the buttocks, while exposed to the air, during an evacuation of the bowels; observed three times. 6 dil.

73. Itching on the buttocks before and after getting into bed. 6 dil.

74. Itching on the calves of the legs.

Sleep and Dreams.

75. Restlessness and discomfort in bed at night, the position must be frequently changed. tc.

76. Very restless, uncomfortable nights; observed several times. 6 dil.

77. Sleep fall of troublesome dreams. 6 dil.

78. Unrefreshed by sleep on waking in the morning. 6 dil.

Skin

79. Itching and prickling itching on various parts of the body, principally on the lower extremities. 6 dil.

80. Crawling, tingling sensations in different parts of the body. tc. and 6 dil.

General Symptoms.

81. Languor and universal heaviness with fulness in the head and chest. tc.

82. Throbbing through the whole body. 6 dil.

83. The most prominent chest symptoms are increased (aggravated) on lying down in bed.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 02, 1859, pages 69-80]

[Description: Provings of Rumex Crispus.]

[Remedies: Rumex crispus]

[Author: Rhees, M.J.]

[Year: 1859]

VALUE OF CLINICAL REPORTS.

BY M. J. RHEES, M. D., MOUNT HOLLY, N. J.

"The request of some friends, halting half-way on the road to this method of treatment, to detail some examples of its success, is difficult to comply with, and no great advantage can attend a compliance with it Every cured case of disease shows only how that case has been treated. The internal process of the treatment depends always on those principles which are already known, and they cannot be rendered concrete and definitely fixed for each individual case, nor can they become at all more distinct from the history of a single cure, than they previously were when these principles were first enunciated. Every case of non-miasmatic disease is peculiar and special, and it is the special in it that distinguishes it from every other case, that pertains to it alone, but that cannot serve as a guide to the treatment of other cases. Now if it is wished to describe a complicated case of disease consisting of many symptoms, in such a pragmatical manner, that the reasons that influence us in the choice of the remedy shall be clearly revealed, this demands details, laborious at once for the recorder and for the reader.

In order, however, to comply with the desires of my friends in this also, I may here detail two of the slightest cases of homoeopathic treatment.

It will be sufficient for the present purpose to transcribe one of these cases.

W-e, a weakly, pale man of 42 years, who was constantly kept by his business at his desk, came to me on the 27th of December 1815, having been already ill five days.

1. The first evening he became, without manifest cause, sick and giddy, with much eructation.

2. The following night (about 2 a. m.) some vomiting.

3. The subsequent nights, severe eructation.

4. Today also sick eructation of fetid and sourish taste.

5. He felt as if the food lay crude and undigested on his stomach.

6. In his head he felt vacant, hollow and confused, and as if sensitive therein.

7. The least noise was painful to him.

8. He is of a mild, soft, patient disposition. Here I may observe: –

To 1. That several medicines cause vertigo with nausea, as well as Pulsatilla (3), which produces its vertigo in the evening also (7), a circumstance that has been observed from very few others.

To 2. Stramonium and Nux vomica cause vomiting of sour and sour-smelling mucus, but, as far as is known, not at night. Valerian and Cocculus cause vomiting at night, but not of sour stuff. Iron alone causes vomiting at night (61, 62), and can also cause sour vomiting (66), but not the other symptoms observed here. Pulsatilla, however, causes not only sour vomiting in the evening (349, 356), and nocturnal vomiting in general, but also the other symptoms of this case not found among those of Iron.

To 3. Nocturnal eructations are peculiar to Pulsatilla (296, 297).

To 4. Fetid, putrid (249) and sour eructations (301, 302), are peculiar to Pulsatilla.

To 5. The sensation of indigestion of the food in the stomach is produced by but few medicines, and by none in such a perfect and striking manner as by Pulsatilla (321, 322, 327).

To 6. With the exception of Ignatia (2), which, however, cannot produce the other ailments, the same state is only produced by Pulsatilla (39 compared with 40, 81).

To 7. Pulsatilla produces the same state (995), and it also causes oversensitiveness of other organs of the senses, for example, of the sight (107). And although intolerance of noise is also met with in Nux vomica, Ignatia and Aconite, yet these medicines are not homoeopathic to the other symptoms and still less do they possess symptom 8, the mild character of the disposition, which, as stated in the preface to Pulsatilla is particularly indicative of this plant.

This patient, therefore, could not be cured by anything in a more easy, certain and permanent manner than by Pulsatilla, which was accordingly given to him immediately, but on account of his weakly and delicate state, only in a very minute dose, i. e., half-a-drop of the quadrillionth of a strong drop of Pulsatilla.This was done in the evening.

The next day he was free from all ailments, his digestion was restored, and a week thereafter, as I was told by him, he remained free from complaint and quite well."

The preceding extract from the writings of our great master, Hahnemann, will serve to show not only the care with which he examined a very slight case of disease, and his mode of choosing a remedy for it; but it will exhibit in a clear light, the opinion he held in regard to the uselessness of reporting cases which have recovered under treatment – a custom which prevails at the present day to a pernicious extent. We have a strong proof of the tenacity with which he adhered to this opinion, in the fact, that he has published but few cases comparatively; and those have been given to the world with a view to guide his followers into the right path as to the true method of administering medicines, or to prove the truth of his doctrine; and not with any desire to make a vain-glorious display of his own success. Doubtless, if he had been so disposed-if it had accorded with the Homoeopathic doctrine-he could have given us hundreds and thousands of cases of cure, which would have been very valuable to those who depend mainly on clinical experience, instead of giving their whole attention to pathogenesis. But he declared, and with a laudable persistence maintained, the doctrine, that each case of non-miasmatic disease is in itself a speciality, and that its cure ought not to be and cannot be a guide to the cure of any other case. It is worthy of remark that his most successful followers, with but few exceptions, have adopted this opinion.

It cannot be denied that clinical reports may be, and frequently are, very instructive in confirming pathogenesis. Considered in this light they are very interesting. But to be either interesting or instructive, they must conform to the following rules: –

I. Each symptom must be described with minuteness as to all its conditions and attending circumstances. Generalities and the names of groups of symptoms must be studiously avoided.

It is quite useless, for instance, to report as one of the symptoms of a case, "headache," without stating the precise locality and character of the pain and the circumstances which increase or relieve it. More than half the medicines we use are capable of producing some form of headache. One causes shooting, stinging pains; another, throbbing and fullness; another, dull, heavy, pressing pains; another, piercing as if a nail were driven in, and so on. One produces pain principally in the left temple, and another in the right temple; in the pathogenesis of one, pains in the forehead predominate; in that of another, in the occiput, and in that of yet another the headache is principally in the vertex. Which shall we choose for this symptom (?) " headache." It is equally useless to report diarrhea as a symptom, without the color and appearance of the discharge, the time of day when the evacuations are most frequent, the nature and locality of the pain accompanying them, and all other concomitants. Yet how often we see these and other generalities in the reports of cases of cure! Of what possible benefit can such cases be to the profession ?

II. The name of the medicine administered must be clearly stated in the ordinary Homoeopathic nomenclature, together with the potence used, the manner of giving it and the frequency of repetition of the dose. Such terms of "Tr. Nucis," "Silex," "Carbo Animal," etc., etc., are inadmissible because incorrect. They serve only to display an affectation of superior learning on the part of the reporter.

III. The reasons for giving each medicine should be concisely pointed out, and they should in all cases be founded on the known pathogenesis of that medicine.

Many cases are reported, in which it is impossible to trace any relation whatever in the detailed symptoms, to the pathogenesis of the drug used. And again, it is not uncommon to read reports of cases which are said to have been cured by medicines given empirically. And these cases are reported by men calling themselves Homoeopathic physicians! Thus we are told that a case of " Intestinal hemorrhage" was cured by Hamamelis virg., and the report is closed by the following remarks: "Its use was of course empirical, having been recommended by different authorities as of service in Hemoptysis and Hematemesis. In order to decide intelligently whether or not it is adapted to any given case with or without hemorrhage, we should know its pathogenesis more fully. It is probable we shall then learn that the cases where its action has been so marked are those where the totality of the symptoms corresponds with those of the remedy."

It is possible we may learn this, and it is quite as possible that we may not. Until we have a well conducted and arranged proving, we have no right whatever to experiment on the sick with this or any other drug; especially when we have, as in the case under consideration, medicines already in our Materia Medica, which are so clearly indicated by their pathogenesis. It is this very empirical source, and use, of the Allopathic Materia Medica, this jeopardizing the lives of the sick by experiments, that we as true Homoeopathists, most strongly condemn. We profess to be governed by a great law of cure which is universal, and when we so clearly depart from it and publish our departure, we not only proclaim our want of faith in the fundamental law, and bring discredit upon the cause of Homoeopathy, but we subject ourselves to the ridicule of our opponents, and the criticism of our colleagues.

It is very much to be regretted, that this disposition to try drugs on the sick in accordance with the suggestion of old women, or the suppositions of our Allopathic brethren as to their virtues, is becoming daily more common, such a course is a complete reversal of the doctrine, Similia similibus curantur. Instead of endeavoring to discover the use to which a drug may be applied in curing a disease by proving it on the healthy organism, those who adopt this course are making a vain effort to discover its pathogenesis by its effects in disease. They willfully blindfold their eyes from the bright light which is shining upon them in this nineteenth century, and grope in the darkness of the middle ages.

IV. No case should be reported which does not decidedly confirm, to some extent, the pathogenesis of the medicine used.

To be certain that any pathogenetic symptom or group of symptoms is confirmed by our practice, we must use but one remedy at a time, and that should not be repeated oftener than is absolutely necessary. If we give medicines alternately, we cannot know decisively to which the relief is attributable; and if we repeat the dose too often, we have pathogenetic and curative effects mingled, and the whole case is apt to become confused. The plan of alternating remedies is almost always a proof, either of the imperfection of our Materia Medica or of the inefficiency of the physician. Doubtless most, if not all, Homoeopathic physicians find themselves sometimes under the necessity of alternating medicines in their daily practice; but cases in which this plan is adopted ought not to be reported, because they do not teach us anything very decidedly, except that a case has recovered under treatment; and the great object of all published reports should be, the confirmation of the pathogenesis of the remedy and the consequent establishment of the fundamental law of Homoeopathia.

We not unfrequently see reports of cases in which benefit is attributed to so called "juvantia."It is scarcely necessary to say, that this plan of using medicated adjuvants is totally opposed to the very spirit of the Homoeopathic doctrine. One case is reported in which, while using two medicines alternately, the reporter applied a "liniment of Chloroform," under the use of which, a distressing symptom ("trismus") was relieved. Does it not seem highly probable that this result would have followed the use of the Chloroform without the internal remedies ? How could the latter produce any effect while the patient was constantly inhaling the powerful anesthetic? Even supposing that it did not counteract their curative power, which of them relieved the symptoms? In this connection, it may be well to notice that a case of traumatic tetanus is reported in a recent Allopathic Journal, in which the spasm was relieved by inhalations of Chloroform.

Another case is reported in which a cutaneous eruption was cured by the use of Rhus tox. internally and Calendula externally; and we are asked to believe that this is a valuable course of treatment. Is it in accordance with the Homoeopathic Law ? Perhaps the gentleman can tell us which of the medicines cured the case, and which might have been dispensed with? Perhaps he can tell us which symptom, or symptoms, of the disease, corresponding to the pathogenesis of Calend., indicated the employment of that medicine? But more probably, he can expound to us the theory in conformity to which, Calend. was applied. That theory may safely be pronounced in advance, as anti-homoeopathic, as the application was empirical.

In commencing this article with a case reported by Hahnemann, it was not intended to suggest that case as a model for ordinary clinical reports. The examples of cure referred to in the extract, if well pondered by the student and young practitioner of Homoeopathia, would impart to them knowledge of the most important character as to the Homoeopathic and only true method of choosing a remedy. But, although it is not necessary or desirable, in ordinary reports to consider each symptom in its relation to the pathogenesis separately, it is of the utmost consequence that the characteristic symptom or symptoms which led to the selection of the remedy administered, should be definitely stated.

In conclusion, it cannot be too strongly urged, that the confirmation of pathogenesis should be the only object in making clinical reports, and that the pathogenesis of remedies can never be discovered by their empirical use in disease. Reports made with any other object, may sometimes be curious, but can seldom, if ever, be useful to the true Homoeopathist.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 09, 1859, pages 411-418]

[Description: Value of Clinical Reports.]

[Author: Rhees, M.J.]

[Year: 1859]

A CASE OF PHLEBITIS.

BY H. ROBINSON, JR., M. D., AUBURN, N. Y.

Mrs. W., aged sixty years, of a nervous temperament was taken on the 25th of March last, with a severe chill which was succeeded by a fever. Thinking it was simply a cold, she sent to my office for a prescription when I sent her Aconite, and gave instructions to send for me in the morning if she was no better. She, residing six miles in the country, did not send for me until the 27th, when the following symptoms were present:

Symptoms. – Great pain in the right leg from the knee to the hip, much swollen and quite sensitive to the touch. The cutaneous veins were hard, swollen, knotty and painful. The skin erysipelatous; pulse 120, small and wiry; much thirst; no appetite; bowels costive; urine red and scanty; and feeling much debilitated. I prescribed Aconite^1 and Bellad.1, to be taken alternately every three hours.

March 28th. On visiting my patient I found her no better. The same symptoms were present as yesterday, with an increase of the erysipelatous inflammation. The redness of the skin and the varicose appearance of the veins had extended to the abdomen. I now gave Belladonna^1 and Pulsatilla^1, alternating every three hours.

March 29th. The symptoms as yesterday. Veins of the abdomen hard like cords; skin red and swollen; urine suppressed; great debility; pulse 120; pain increased by being moved and in the kidneys. Gave Hamamelis virginiana^1, five drops in a goblet half full of water, a tablespoonful every three hours.

March 30th. Had passed a more comfortable night. Pulse 100; urine still suppressed; the abdomen very hard and red (bright red); pain less severe and the veins not as distinctly felt Continued Hamamelis^1. It being very difficult for me to call the next day, I gave instructions to send me word if no better.

April 1st. Found my patient sitting up. The abdomen softer; the veins losing their whipcord feeling; no pain except on pressure; urine returned, yet scanty; thirst less; appetite still absent; pulse 95. Same treatment.

April 6th to 2d. The improvement under the use of Hamamelis continued, and on visiting my patient on the 22d I discontinued its use and dismissed my patient cured.

Here let me remark that from the time that Hamamelis was first given an improvement began, which did not flag until complete restoration The pathogenesis of Hamamelis being so very meagre, it was with much hesitation that I prescribed it, but after studying my case very closely I could find no remedy that seemed more plainly indicated. I gave it and had the satisfaction of witnessing its action in this rare disease with a splendid result

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 10, 1864, pages 452-453]

[Description: a Case of Phlebitis.]

[Remedies: Hamamelis virginiana]

[Author: Robinson, H.]

[Year: 1864]

CASE OF ASCITES. *[Read before the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Cayuga County, N. Y., March 8th, 1864.]

BY H. ROBINSON, M. D., AUBURN, N. Y.

Mrs. J., about fifty years of age, of a leuco-phlegmatic temperament, has been afflicted for many years with an ulcer on her ankle, the result of a phlegmatic inflammation after the birth of one of her children. After exhausting the allopathic school and the whole range of "patent medicines" to heal this ulcer, she abandoned the whole and trusted to nature 'and lacing for relief, but no material improvement followed. I was called to see her in the month of February (she living about ten miles out of the city). I found her in the following condition: general dropsy; the cellular tissues completely infiltrated; by taking hold and pressing upon her limbs, the water could be felt in the cellular membrane; around the eyes and under them was almost as clear as crystals; the urinary secretion was almost suppressed, would not pass over a gill or a half pint in the course of twenty fours hours. The abdomen was very much distended, and the chest was so much involved in the general disorganization that she was unable to lie down, but was raised about forty-five degrees. Bowels very costive; thirst almost insupportable. Taking a general view of this case, her age and temperament, and all the circumstances attending it, I could see but little prospect of a recovery; if any, it would be under Arsenicum, and this of a high attenuation. I therefore selected the eight hundredth, eight globules' dissolved in in two ounces of water, and directed to give a teaspoonful morning and evening. I gave the first dose about two o'clock, p.m., she took another that evening as directed, I left her with the promise of visiting her again in ten days, if I did not hear from her before the expiration of that time. At the time appointed I visited my patient again, and to my great astonishment every symptom of dropsy had disappeared. She told me, the evening of the day I first saw her, the secretion of urine had nearly doubled and continued to increase until she passed from four to six quarts per day. On my second visit, the urinary secretion was normal, her bowels regular, could lie down as usual and walk about the room. I suspended all medication for a week or more. On my third visit, I examined the ulcer and found it in a more healthy condition than it had been for a long time. I gave her another dose of Arsenicum^800, then Silicea^200 once a week for three or four doses, then Hepar sulph^200, which completed the cure of the ulcer.

Thus with this remedy alone she was cured of every symptom of dropsy and a restoration to general health, and with the aid of Silicea^200 and Hepar sulph^200 she was cured of an ulcer of over thirty years standing.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1864, pages 514-515]

[Description: Case of Ascites.]

[Remedies: Arsenicum album, Silicea terra, Hepar sulphuris calcareum]

[Author: Robinson, H.]

[Year: 1864]

SPECIFICS

BY WM. ROWLEY, M. D., LOUISVILLE, KY

The idea of specifics is one which has connected itself with medicine from the earliest ages to the present time, calling into action the mental energy of the learned physician, as well as of the ignorant empiric. When medicine first found an origin, and entered herself among the rising sciences, this idea was the one to which the whole attention was directed, and to its attainment the whole energy bent. Long and patient were the investigations by which the early disciples of medicine endeavored to discover and bring to light this, to them, the grand secret of nature, upon whose development depended the health of succeeding ages. But the panacea, so much sought for and So earnestly desired, they failed to find. The midnight lamp had burned in vain, and necromancy with her dark rites and sacrifices, and her wonderful oracles, had also failed to bring to light this one power, by whose agency the whole list of diseases should not only be controlled, but for ever after held in subjection, till the silvery headed sires of medicine, discouraged and baffled in their endeavors had, at least apparently, abandoned utterly all such investigation, considering all such endeavors as useless, and condemning the person in such endeavor at once to the rank of the ignorant and degraded.

Can we then find such a thing as a specific? To this question the answer comes to us decidedly in the negative, and, though apparently strange, with equal emphasis in the affirmative.

In the early ages of medicine the specific then sought after was one whose influence should know no bounds, and one which should be to them the universal panacea; at whose touch disease, in whatever form or suffering, in whatever guise, should at once vanish, and whose presence should for ever prevent any interruption in the harmonious course of health. Long and patiently was this sought for, and when its abandonment could no longer be deferred, it was done reluctantly, and then only to adopt and follow the same idea as presented in a different aspect, for instead of abandoning the whole idea of specifics, they abandoned it only so far as the specific being universal, and continued their investigations with renewed energy, to discover now the different specifics which should meet the variations in the course of disease, which they had chosen to distinguish by distinct names. Nor can the hope of the successful discovery in this latter division be said, even at this time to be abandoned, though all endeavors in this direction have up to the present time uniformly ended in a failure, still the allopathic physician though outwardly denouncing all investigation tending in this direction, by his writings and his course of action, shows too clearly that this is even now the great point which he by his labor endeavors to attain. And it is only to glance over the pages of allopathic literature, to find that the success so far in this direction is but failure.

We see, then, that so far, the idea of specifics in medicine is uniformly negative. The hope of success in the discovery of any substance of force which should act as a panacea for all diseases, having faded away. And the long series of years in which the specific for their separate classifications in disease has been sought for unsuccessfully, we may with safety conclude that all future endeavors in this direction will, as their predecessors, prove but a failure. So far then we find but the negative, and now can we find an affirmative to this great question.

When the immortal founder of Homoeopathy discovered and gave to the world the great law "Similia Similibus Curantur," and upon this erected his system of medicine, he built a system whose foundation was laid in specifics. He showed definitely and clearly that disease was to be removed in accordance with the teaching of this great law, and this to be brought about by means of specifics. But it was not a single remedy or force by which all classes and divisions of disease were to be eradicated at one sweep. Nor could it reach all cases, if such were to be decided merely from the name by which these had been classified by some preceding physician, but it was only when disease, in its progress, gave rise to such symptoms as the remedy to be used corresponded to in the most minute particulars in its pathogenetic developments, that the remedy became indeed the true specific.

This was the great law whose development was to revolutionize the whole medical world, and bring about a new era in the practice of physic, and though comparatively recently developed has made rapid strides into advancement. The truth of the law supported as it is by the accumulating proofs of years, can no longer be doubted by any who may investigate her principles, or follow her precepts.

Why then is it that we so frequently find filling the pages of our literature, the heralded accounts of some great remedy which is to prove the specific for this or that disease? Or why the reported failure of the homoeopathic physician when using the remedies as pointed out by our guiding law, and because of their failure, resorting to destructive doses and drugs of the dominant school? Does the law of specifics, the law of Similia fail in its application, or is the failure on the side of the physician, in his lack of care in the investigation of the symptoms in each given case, and in his prescribing more from the name than from the indicating symptoms, or does he fail after a close observance of disease, on account of his glancing in a mere careless way over the various remedies and making his selection without that close study and comparison, which should ever characterize the homoeopathic physician?

Perhaps there is no one class of diseases which the physician has been called upon to treat, which in our ranks has caused more to be written or more speculation, than that class known as intermittent.

The proving of some drug is published and this shortly becomes the much desired specific for chills. A few may use it with success, and this is then given in confirmation of the advanced statement, while others using the same with less success, condemn it as of no value, and in their disappointment resort either to massive doses of quinine or to some nostrum. It certainly seems that the Homoeopath should cease to follow this "ignus fatuus" which has so long been the guiding star of Allopathy, leading invariably into greater darkness and uncertainty. Why not follow in this, as in the treatment o other diseases, the promptings of the great law, and be guided by the developed symptoms in each case?

We cannot longer expect to find in any one drug or combination of drugs, that which is to remedy the different varieties in this disease with unvarying certainty. The law of specifics is confined in its action to those cases in which the existing symptoms of disease correspond with the symptoms as developed by the drug, and beyond this limit the medicine either ceases to act or its action is not that of a specific. The great number of medicines in whose pathogenetic developments we find the febrile symptoms forming a prominent part, is evidence of at least an equal variation in disease assuming this type, and shows clearly that all that is required in order to find the true specific in any case, is a careful investigation and close study, I would not be understood as condemning the use of quinine in all cases of intermittent disease, for we can not but conclude that this drug will relieve this variety of disease if we take but a single glance at its pathogenetic symptoms, but it is the use of the drug indiscriminately, when any form of intermittent disease makes its appearance that should be disapproved of by all who pretend to be guided by the law Similia.

If this drug approaches so nearly the true specific in all cases of this disease, why is it that it differs so widely from all other of our specific remedies, or differs in its action with the change of disease in regard to the amount required to o rest the course of disease? With other drugs when specfically indicated, we find the desired result brought about by the action of infinitesimal doses, and even when quinine may be indicated in other ailments we find the administration of the medicine in minute doses sufficient to bring about speedy and satisfactory relief. Then by what course of reasoning do we decide to administer the massive dose whenever disease may assume the intermittent type?

It is true that with our limited number of remedies and the limited knowledge of such as we have, there may be cases in which it may be difficult to decide with certainty as to the true specific, but if the case be carefully investigated and the remedy carefully selected, we shall find these cases to appear but rarely — and seldom will the remedy fail us in its action.

To conclude this article we will give the indication by which we have been enabled to decide as to the remedy in such cases as have appeared through the past season.

1st. As to the time of day at which the attack appeared etc., in the morning, Eupatorium, Lobelia, Podophyllum.

Eupator. Chill appearing early in the morning, followed by heat lasting most of the day, perspiration at night, thirst before and during the chill, also during the fever, vomiting at the close of the chills.

Lobelia. Chill appearing about the middle of the forenoon, attended by difficult breathing and oppression of the chest.

Podophyl. Chill appearing early in the morning, mental depression and confusion of mind, marked gastric bilious symptoms, constipation.

When the attack made its appearance at noon Elaterium.

Coming on in the afternoon I gave principally Cedron, the indication I looked for being especially coldness of the hand and nose, face red during the chills; coldness of the nose continuing during the fever.

2d. The remedies used without so much regard to the time of the appearance of the chills were Arsenic, Cimex, Menyanthes, Nux, Opium, Pulsatilla and Rhus.

Arsenic. Lips blue during the chill, other symptoms corresponding.

Cimex. Pains in the joints, especially in the front of the knee joint during the chill. Hunger during the sweat. Musty smelling sweat

Ignatia. Anticipating type. Thirst only during the chill. Bash on the skin.

Menyanthes. When the cold stage was decided, constituting almost the whole paroxysm.

Nux. Blueness of the finger nails during the chill, also Sleep, but more from the attending symptoms generally indicating this remedy.

Opium. Deep sleep attending the chills and continuing during the fever.

Pulsatilla. Chills irregular in appearance and severity in persons of mild temperament.

Rhus tox. Tertian. The chill accompanied by a nettle rash which continued into the fever. A good deal of pain in the limbs.

These remedies were given in potencies varying from the 6th to the 200th, and in frequent repetition, usually every hour. The Ars. was used almost exclusively in the 200th potency, and almost invariably with success when following the indication. As for the high potencies in the treatment of this disease we can say that they are certainly deserving of a trial. Though our use of them has been limited, still when given, their action has seemed to be more prompt and effective than that of the lower. When the disease has been arrested by these, there is much less liability to return.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 03, 1859, pages 111-116]

[Description: Specifics.]

[Author: Rowley, WM.]

[Year: 1859]

CACTUS GRANDIFLORUS.

By DR. Rocco Rubini, Naples.

This cactus is of great importance on account of its beauty, its great size, and the sweet perfume of its flowers. The flower appears to be inimical to light, so that it opens as the evening advances and in the course of the night withers, closes, and dies before dawn of day. In having hid it from the sun and from the sight of man nature seems to have indicated some peculiar qualities. In having acted, just as man himself does when he hides precious objects for fear of losing them, she seems as though she would say, that this plant was a precious treasure for man himself. Still no one in ancient or modern times, as far as I know, has ever thought of interrogating her, and pressing her as it were to reveal her secrets. This was reserved for Homoeopathy. She can boast of having succeeded in displaying the wonderful antiphlogistic virtues, and proposing to science another means of rapidly curing inflammatory diseases, without blood-letting. If my colleagues and brothers in Aesculapius, for whom I entertain the highest esteem, will give it a fair trial, they will certainly save those blood-lettings which have hitherto been deemed of such ordinary necessity, and they will not debilitate the systems of their unfortunate patients. In which case I shall esteem myself fortunate if I have contributed to the preservation of those vital forces which are so necessary to sick humanity for the organic reaction requisite to overcome disease. If my colleagues will make use of it, in order to obtain its full effects, they should take care that its action should not be interfered with, or indeed destroyed, by any other medicine. The preparation of this sovereign remedy is so simple, as I shall presently show, that any druggist and indeed any person may prepare it for himself, and have it ready for use and at the service of the doctor.

The characteristic feature of this Cactus consists in this, that while it develops its action specially in the heart and its, blood-vessels, dissipating their congestions and removing their irritations, it does not weaken the nervous system like Aconite. Hence it is preferable to the latter in all cases of inflammation, especially in patients of lymphatic and nervous temperaments.

The small pathogenesic which I subjoin, is but a tithe of what this medicine can produce in the healthy subject. My wife and I, when we saw that it acted so fearfully on the heart and circulating system as to produce weeping and fright (sym. 67, 74), had not courage to push our experiments further and thereby endanger our lives. I trust that others, endowed with more courage and less timidity than we, may be able to complete and to correct the pathogenesis where I may have erroneously described the symptoms. Everyone is aware that repeated proofs are necessary, first on the healthy subject, afterwards on the sick, in order to acquire full conviction and certainty respecting the constant mode of action of any medicine.

This Cactus has cylindrical stems, furnished with five or six branches that are not very prominent, and beset with small spines arranged in a ray-like manner. Usually the flowers appear one by one, they are white, of considerable size, and of a very sweet odor of benzoic acid and vanilla. These flowers open in the morning and shut up at the rising of the sun and do not re-open. The fruit is of an oval shape, covered with scaly tubercles. fleshy, of an orange or fire red color, full of very small seeds, and of a slightly acid taste. In Naples it flowers in July, and though originally from Jamaica and the coasts of Mexico, it thrives well in the open air, in the mild climate of this enchanting country.

To prepare the tincture of Cactus, in the manner required by Homoeopathy for all fresh vegetable substances, the youngest and tenderest branches and the flowers should be gathered in July; they should be cut into very small pieces and put to macerate in rectified spirits of wine, so that there shall be one part of the plant to ten parts of alcohol. It should be allowed to stand in maceration for a month, occasionally shaking the bottle which should be well closed, the tincture when decanted is ready for use.

It acts efficaciously in the dose of mother tincture, but it also acts well in doses of the 6th, 30th and 100th dilution. I have not given higher than this in my practice; but I believe that in still higher dilutions it will not fail to prove itself an active and energetic remedy. The herpetic eruption which it caused in the last days of its action (sym. 173 to 176) in a healthy man who never was affected with a similar rash, makes me think that it is a most powerful antipsoric medicine. Its action lasts 50 days and longer. Antidotes – Aconite, Camphor, China.

Clinical Observation. – It is a specific remedy for diseases of the heart, in which it acts quickly. In such diseases therefore it must be regarded as a sovereign remedy, to which none other is comparable. In organic diseases of the heart the dose of from 1 to 10 drops of the mother tincture mixed with a little water and taken at intervals during the day rapidly relieves the most severe sufferings even if it does not cure them permanently. In the severe acute affections of this organ the same dose cures them quickly without the aid of any other remedy. In nervous diseases of the heart, globules of the 6th, 30th and 100th dilutions are specially efficacious. It may be used with reliance in the following diseases:

Sanguineous congestions in phlethoric individuals; the injurious consequences of catching cold, from suppressed perspiration or from a draught of air; various kinds of inflammation; rheumatic inflammation with swelling of the parts and pain; catarrhal fevers; simple rheumatic fevers; inflammatory fevers; gastric fevers; cerebral congestions; headache from sanguineous congestion, or rheumatic pulsating aching pain in the head; tensive pain in the vertex; sanguineous apoplexy; profuse epistaxis; dry or fluent coryza; acute rheumatic ophthalmia; rheumatic otitis; rheumatism of the heart; rheumatism of the chest; stenocardia; hypertrophy of the heart; aneurism of the heart and of the large arteries; acute and chronic carditis; organic and nervous palpitation of the heart; hepatization of the lungs; sanguineous congestions of the chest; bronchitis; pleuritis; peripneumonia; hemoptysis; pnenmorrhagia; congestive asthma; chronic oppression of the breathing; catarrhal cough; pulmonary tuberculosis in the first stage; nausea; anorexia; hematemesis; hepatitis; hemorrhoidal constipation; fluent hemorrhoids; painful menstruations; hematuria; strangury; paralysis of the bladder; dry scaly herpes on the ankles and elbows.

Note by Dr. J. R. Russell. – - So small a number of the multitude of medicines fulfill the expectations raised by the terms employed by those who introduce them to our notice, that busy practitioners may well be pardoned if they inquire somewhat suspiciously for the credentials of any new candidate for their attention; and as the name of Dr. Rubini may probably not be familiar to most of the readers of this Journal, some account of the way in which this proving of Cactus came over to us may satisfy the legitimate curiosity of our colleagues, and perhaps induce them to receive the new comer with more cordiality than if he presented himself as a stranger without any introduction. About two years and a half ago I was consulted by a patient, of whose case the following account may enable the reader to form an opinion: - Between twenty and thirty years of age, tall, slender and active; remarkable for intellectual endowment and culture; very clear, exact and truthful in her description both of her own feelings and of what she observed. As a girl she had suffered from attacks of acute rheumatism, which, however, did not prevent her taking much severe exercise both on foot and horseback after they were past. Some four years ago after stooping while packing, she became suddenly affected with pain in the lumbar region; and she suffered excruciating agony (no other words are strong enough to express her sufferings,) for two days at the beginning of the menstrual period. The action of the heart was very peculiar; it beat with great force and irregularity. There was no displacement nor valvular disease. She described it as if grasped with an iron hand. The palpitation was excited by any strong mental emotion or bodily exertion. It affected both the lungs and head, producing dyspnea and violent throbbing headache. My impression is that she must have had pericarditis with the rheumatism, and that the heart must have been bound by bands of lymph, hence that concentric hypertrophy of the ventricles ensued. She was under my care, latterly assisted by Mr. Leadam, who found ulceration of the os and congestion of the cervix uteri, for about two years and a half - partly in this country where I visited her, partly in Italy where I sent her medicines. Although somewhat relieved chiefly by Belladonna and Naja, she derived no permanent good from the medicines I administered or the local treatment adopted by Mr. Leadam; on the contrary the last winter spent at Rome was by much the worst. She was confined constantly to the house, and was almost never free from pain; she wasted and her friends were apprehensive of her vital powers sinking under her long sufferings. The following extracts from the letters of this patient will put the reader in possession of all the knowledge I have of this matter, and I can answer for all that comes from her pen being absolutely trustworthy, if within the sphere of her own consciousness or personal observation.

"17th July, 1864.

"When I sent you from Naples the pamphlets of Dr. Rubini about the new medicine, the Cactus grandiflorus, I had not time to tell you what I knew of Dr. R. and his experiments. During the winter at Rome I had several times heard him spoken of and of the wonderful power of the new medicine. An English lady who left Rome suffering from bronchitis and all affection of the heart of long standing, derived so much benefit from it, that she could not praise it enough, and carried home a large supply with her. Dr. Rubini is a man past middle life, and has been ever since 1848 occupied in observing the effect of this medicine. In his pamphlet he speaks very modestly of his experiments on himself; but the fact is that he has suffered most severely in health from his perseverance in the cause of science. He holds quite the first place as homoeopathic physician in Naples, and having private means has been able to do much good, which otherwise would not have been in his power. It was he who immediately, on the change of government, took advantage of the newly acquired liberty to found the Homoeopathic Hospital, which had not been permitted under the Bourbons. His well-known liberal principles of course had kept him in bad odor, and every project of his was immediately quashed by the government. With regard to myself I have told you so often how horribly I have suffered that there is no need to repeat that, but I can say with a real satisfaction that the last time has been quite bearable; that I have faith when Dr. Rubini says that in a few months the pain will not return at all. I no longer look forward with dismay to certain days, and I have a hope that I may even get strong when this great suffering is so calm that I do not constantly lose the little strength I may have regained in the interval. Besides this, it certainly has done my heart and chest good."

Although there is more promise than fulfillment in this statement, yet to one acquainted with the case – the severest of the kind and least amenable to treatment I ever saw — even this amount of improvement is a great achievement for any medicine to have effected.

It remains only to say that the translation of the pamphlet having been made by Dr. Dudgeon is a sufficient authentication of its accuracy-and that the supply of the Cactus sent me by Dr. Rubini is in the hands of Leath and Ross, Homoeopathic Chemists, who have made all the usual preparations of it. J. R. R.

Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Employment :

1. Vertigo from sanguineous congestion to the head; after ten days.

2. Discoloration of the face and emaciation; first six days.

3. Face inflamed and red, with pulsating pains in the head; the twelfth day.

4. Great heat in the head and inflamed face, as if he had stood before a strong fire, which causes madness and horrible suffocation; the first day.

5. Feeling of emptiness in the head; second day.

6.Very great and intolerable pain in the head, from congestion to the head; fourth day.

7. Heavy pain in the head as if a great weight lay on the vertex.

8. Pain in the head with general prostration and weariness.

9. Excessive pain in the head which causes such a sense of suffocation he cannot rest in bed; first day.

10. Pulsating pain with feeling of weight in the right side of the head, lasting day and night, so severe as to make him cry out; after four days.

11. Most severe pain in the right side of the head, which increases to such a degree as to lift the head from the pillow, for many successive days; after three days.

12. Violent pain in the right half of the head, increased by the sound of talking, and by strong light; in the first five days.

13. Tensive pain in the vertex which returns every two days; in the first twenty days.

14. Heavy pain like a weight on the vertex, diminished by pressure.

15. Sensation of weight on the vertex, with dull pain increased by the sound of talking or any other noise.

16. Heavy pain in the forehead lasting day and night for two successive days.

17. Heavy pain in the forehead increased by strong light and by the sound of loud voices or noises.

18. Pulsating pain in the temples, getting intolerable at night; second day.

19. Sensation of great weight in the right temple and right eyebrow, diminished by pressure.

20. Constant and tiresome pulsation in the temples and ears, which gives much annoyance and causes hypochondriasis; the first eight days.

21. Such violent pulsation in the temples, it seems as though the scull would burst; first day.

22. Pain and drawing in the occiput, increased by moving the head.

23. Painful drawing in the aponeurotic covering of the occiput, relieved by bending the head backwards.

24. Momentary dazzling of the sight; first day.

25. Dazzling of vision; then appear before the eyes circles of red light which obscure the sight; sixth day.

26. Dimness of sight, at a few paces distance he cannot recognize his friends.

27. At a short distance he cannot recognize anyone, not even friends.

28. Weakness of sight for many successive days, objects appear as if clouded; the first four day.

29. Weakness of vision periodically recurring, objects appear to be obscured.

30. Rheumatic ophthalmia, produced by cold air, which soon goes off.

31. Troublesome dry coryza; at night he must breathe with his mouth open.

32. Fluent and very acrid coryza which irritates the nostrils.

33. Profuse epistaxis, which soon goes off.

34. Pulsation in the ears, constant day and night; the first six days.

35. Noise in the ears like the rushing of a river lasting all night; first day.

36. Hearing diminished by noises in the ears; one must talk in a loud voice to make him hear; first day.

37. Very painful otitis, from checked perspiration, which gets well in four days.

38. Sleeplessness at night, without apparent cause; first night.

39. Sleeplessness at night from arterial pulsation in the scrobiculus and in the right ear; second night.

40. Sleeplessness for forty-eight hours with pulsation in both ears; third day.

41. He cannot sleep in the early part of the night, and when he then falls asleep he wakes suddenly; first eight days.

42. Interrupted sleep at night; the next morning he feels weary as if he had not slept at all; twentieth day.

43. Talking nonsense while at sleep at night, on awaking he talks unconnectedly; tenth day.

44. Slight delirium at night; on rousing up the delirium ceases a while, but recommences as soon as he falls asleep again; seventh day.

45. Hypochondriasis and insuperable sadness; first six days.

46. Unusual melancholy for which he cannot account; first four days.

47. Profound hypochondriasis, is unwilling to speak a word; fourth day.

48. Continual taciturnity, he will not answer though repeatedly spoken to; third day;

49. Sadness, taciturnity and irresistible inclination to weep; the first six days.

50. Fear of death extreme and lasting; he believes his disease to be incurable; seventh day.

51. Love of solitude, he always avoids those about him who try to comfort him; ninth day.

52. Extraordinary irritability, the smallest contrariety puts him in a passion; fifteenth day.

53. Feeling of constriction of the throat which prevents free speech, and on forcing himself to speak, the voice is low and hoarse; tenth day.

54. Constriction in the upper part of the chest which hinders respiration; the first fifteen days.

55. Sensation of great constriction in the middle of the sternum, as if a hoop of iron constricted the part; this feeling produces oppression of the respiration, aggravated by motion; the first ten days. * [corrected according to Dr. Lippe's translation, see his notes below]

56. Sensation of constriction of the chest as if bound; fourth day.

57. Sensation of painful constriction in the lower part of the chest, as if a cord were tightly tied round the false ribs, with obstruction of the breathing; sixth day.

58. Sensation in the chest as if someone were pressing and holding it tightly, under the delusion that this was the case he cried out, "Leave me alone;" third day.

59. Sensation of great constriction in the shoulders so that he could not move; fifth day.

60. Sharp wandering pains in the thoracic cavity, very annoying, especially in the scapular region; first fifteen days.

61. Painful drawings in the muscles of the left side of the chest, which extend to the shoulder joint and impede respiration and the free motion of the arm.

62. Pain in the left breast which is increased by touching and relieved by gently raising it; the first twelve days.

63. Sensation of very annoying movement from before backwards in the cardiac region, as if a reptile were moving about in the interior, worse by day than by night; the first ten days.

64. Sensation of constriction in the heart, as if an iron hand prevented its ordinary movements; the first ten days.

65. Heavy dull pains in the region of the heart, increased on pressure; second day.

66. Acute pain in the heart, impeding respiration and motion of the body; fourth day.

67. Most acute pain, and such painful stitches in the heart as to cause him to weep and cry out loudly, with obstruction of the respiration; the first eight days.

68. Oppression in the left subclavian region, as if a great weight prevented the free dilation of the thorax; 4th day.

69. Prolonged oppression of the respiration with great anxiety; the first eight days.

70. Oppression of the chest with loss of breath; first four days.

71. Oppression of the breathing, as if a great weight on the chest, third day.

72. Chronic oppression of the breathing increased in the open air, and soon goes off again.

73. Difficulty of breathing, constant oppression and anxiety, as if the chest were constricted with an iron hoop, and could not dilate itself for normal respiration; the first eight days.

74. Periodical attacks of suffocation with faintness, cold sweats on the face and loss of pulse; the first eight days.

75. Anxiety recurring in the evening; the first fifteen days.

76. Congestive asthma, quickly going off.

77. Palpitation of the heart, constant day and night, worse when walking and at night when lying on the left side; the first six days.

78. Nervous palpitation of the heart much augmented on the occurrence of the menses.

79. Nervous palpitation of the heart produced by mental exertion is immediately claimed.

80. Nervous palpitation of the heart existing for several years, in consequence of an unfortunate love affair, is rapidly relieved.

81. Chronic palpitation of the heart in a youth of 12, which for years had resisted all the appliances of art was almost completely cured.

82. Acute carditis, with slight cyanosis of the face, oppression of the breathing, dry cough, sharp pain at the heart, impossibility of lying on the left side, pulse throbbing, quick, tense and hard, these symptoms were removed in four days.

83. Chronic carditis, edematous and cyanotic face, suffocating respiration, constant dull pain at the heart, hydro pericardium, hydrothorax, ascites, edema of the hands, the legs and the feet, impossibility of lying in bed, of speaking or oven of drinking, hands and feet cold, pulse intermitting, cured in fifteen days.

84. Rheumatic carditis, with dry convulsive cough, which is cured in four days.

85. Hypertrophy of the heart that had lasted three years; the patient is pulseless, extremely prostrated, short-breathed, cannot lie down, cannot speak, has had no sleep for fifteen days, weak, dull, feet edematous; he soon gets relief, lies down and sleeps quietly twelve hours.

86. Sanguineous congestion in the chest, which prevents him lying down in bed; third day.

87. Bronchitis rapidly cured.

88. Chronic bronchitis with mucous rattle, which, getting acute in consequence of a chill, causes great anxiety and suffocation; it is rapidly relieved and the acute stage soon passes off.

89. Chronic bronchitis of many years duration, with mucous rattle, lasting day and night, with short breath ongoing upstairs, and impossibility of lying horizontally in bed, which is rapidly cured.

90. Many pleurisies which are all cured in from two to four days.

91. Hepatization of the lungs which is resolved in a few days.

92. Most severe peripneumonia, with great oppression of the respiration, acute stitching pain, intense cough, sanguinolent sputa, hard, thrilling pulse of 120, which is cured in four days.

93. Hemoptysis soon ceases.

94. Frightful pneumorrhagia, which is arrested and stops entirely in a few hours.

95. Pneumorrhagia, which occurs every four, six, seven or eight hours, accompanied with convulsive cough, and causing the loss of two or three pounds of blood, is soon diminished and ceases entirely in four days.

96. Obstinate stertorous cough, worst at night.

97. Catarrhal cough with much viscid expectoration.

98. Convulsive cough with copious mucous expectoration.

99. Cough with thick expectoration like boiled starch and very yellow.

100. Dry cough from pricking in the throat; the first fifteen days.

101. Dry cough from itching in the larynx; first night.

102. Constriction in the esophagus, which prevents swallowing; he must drink a large quantity of water to get it down into the stomach; sixth day.

103. Constriction in the throat, which causes him to swallow his saliva frequently; eighth day.

104. Fetid breath in the morning; third day.

105. Nausea in the morning, and all day long; seventh day.

106. Acrid acid in the stomach, which comes up into the throat and mouth and makes everything taste acid that he eats; fourth day.

107. Sensation of great burning in the stomach; first five days.

108. Great thirst which causes him to drink much water; first day.

109. Sensation of great constriction in the scrobiculus, which extending to the hypochondria, constricts them and impedes respiration; fourth day.

110. Strong pulsation in the scrobiculus; first eight days.

111. Constant and annoying pulsation in the stomach.

112. Very troublesome pulsation of the coeliac artery after dinner, which lasts three hours, and corresponds with the pulsation of the right temporal artery.

113. Heavy feeling in the stomach.

114. Sensation of a great weight on the stomach which lasts many days; first eight days.

115. Sensation of weight in the stomach which soon goes off, but recurs every time the medicine is taken; first fifteen days.

116. Oppression and weight in the stomach; fourth day.

117. Want of appetite and loss of the taste of food, which goes off after some hours; second day.

118. Complete loss of appetite, he cannot take the least morsel of food; third day.

119. Loss of appetite and nausea for many days, it is only by an effort that he can swallow a few mouthfuls; the first fourteen days.

120. Great appetite, but weak and slow digestion; twentieth day.

121. Very slow digestion, even after eight or ten hours the taste of the food rises up in the throat.

122. Bad digestion, all food causes weight in the stomach, and so much suffering that he prefers to remain without eating.

123. Copious vomiting of blood.

124. Very severe gastro-enteritis, cured in five days.

125. Severe hepatitis, cured in two days.

126. Chronic hepatitis and hepatic engorgement, speedily cured.

127. Borborygmus in the bowels, preceding the alvine evacuation.

128. Distressing sensation in the bowels which annoys him much, as if a serpent were twisting about inside of him; fourth day.

129. Very violent pains in the bowels almost causing him to faint, which last more or less all day; seventh day.

130. Wandering pains in the umbilical region, which cease and recur periodically; fifth day.

131. Insupportable heat in the abdomen, as though something burnt him internally; after, two days.

132. The abdominal parieties when touched with the hand feel burning and are much hotter than the other parts of the body; third day.

133. Constipation the first six days.

134. Constipation as it from hemorrhoidal congestion, .

135. Evacuation of hard black feces immediately after taking the remedy in a man who had been constipated for two days; the following day bilious evacuations; first day.

136. Bilious diarrhea with four or five evacuations in the day, always preceded by pain; third day.

137. Bilious diarrhea, with pain in the abdomen, eight evacuations in one day; third day.

138. Diarrhea in the morning of very loose feces, preceded by great pain, eight motions from six to twelve, a. m.; no motions in the afternoon; seventh day.

139. Watery diarrhea, very abundant each time, the motions in the morning always preceded by pains and borborygmus; ninth day.

140. Mucous diarrhea preceded by drawing pains, three motions in the day; twelfth day.

141. Sensation of great weight in the anus and desire to evacuate, however nothing passes; fifteenth day.

142. Swollen varices outside the anus which cause much pain.

143. Great itching in the anus which causes him to smart often.

144. Pricks in the anus as with sharp pins, which cease on rubbing.

145. Copious hemorrhage from the anus which soon ceases.

146. Constriction in the neck of the bladder, which at first prevents the passage of the urine, but when he strains much he succeeds in urinating as usual; tenth day.

147. Great desire to pass water, and though he passes a long time trying to do it he cannot pass a drop; first day.

148. Desire to make water, and after having in vain tried to do so for a long while, he at lasts succeeds in passing water abundantly; first day.

149. Insupportable irritation in the urethra as if he should make water constantly.

150. Frequent desire to make water with a large flow of urine each time, at night; the first six days.

151. Heat in the urethra, which increases gradually and becomes insupportable; firth day.

152. Urine passed by drops with much heat; fourth day.

153. Involuntary escape of urine in bed, whilst asleep at five, a. m.; first night.

154. Urine much more copious than usual; first four days. * [corrected according to Dr. Lippe's translation, see his notes below]

155. Very copious urine of a straw-color; first day.

156. Urine very much increased, he must pass water very frequently, and each time he discharges a great quantity.

157. Urine reddish, turbid, very abundant.

158. Urine on cooling, deposits red sand.

159. Frightful hematuria from hemorrhoidal congestion in the bladder, retention of urine, paralysis of the bladder; the catheter with difficulty breaks through the sanguineous clots which with difficulty pass into the catheter in order to escape with the urine; the patient who for forty-seven days had in vain tried all other remedies, was cured completely in a few days.

160. Sensation of painful constriction in the groins, extending round the pelvis .

161. Painful sensation of constriction in the uterine region, which gradually rises upwards, and in a quarter of an hour reaches the stomach and causes the sensation of a great blow in the back that makes her call out, after which it rapidly goes off; first day after taking a globule of the 100th.

162. Pain in the uterus and its ligaments, recurring every evening, and increasing gradually till eleven. p.m., when it is worst; it then ceases until the following evening, for many successive days; after fourteen days.

163. Pulsating pain in the uterus and ovarian regions, like an internal tumor suppurating; the pain extends to the thighs and becomes unsupportable; it then ceases completely and occurs at the same time the next day and so on for many successive days; after fifteen days.

164. Very painful menstruation accompanied by great prostration of strength so that she must remain in bed three days; after eight days.

165. Menstruation with most horrible pains causing her to cry out and weep; fifth day.

166. Menstruation which was usually preceded by pretty strong pains comes this time without any pain and very copiously.

167. Menstruation eight days too soon in a woman it was usually seven days too late; third day.

168. Menstruation scanty, which stops when she lies down.

169. Menstruation of black pitchy blood, rather copious.

170. Labor suppressed for ten days, recommences the first day after the administration of the remedy.

171. Formication and weight in the arms which cannot be raised freely, worst in the left arm.

172. Edema of the hands, worst in the left.

173. Dry scaly herpes at the outside of the right elbow, without itching, of about an inch and a half in breadth; after thirty days.

174. A similar dry scaly herpetic eruption at the outside of left elbow; after forty-eight hours.

175. Dry scaly herpes, two inches broad, on the left internal malleolus, without itching after twenty-four days.

176. A similar dry scaly herpes on the right internal malleolus; after thirty-eight days.

177. Great itching in the ankles; twentieth day.

178. Very violent itching, causing him to scratch, on the lower part of the tibia; after twenty-one days.

179. Edema of the legs up to the knees; the skin is shining, and pressure with the finger leaves a depression for a long time.

180. Edema of the feet up to the inferior third of the legs, which soon goes off.

181. He cannot rest still when sitting, he most throw his legs about hither and thither involuntarily.

182. General weakness with sadness and bad humor.

183. General weakness so that he cannot venture to speak.

184. Weakness so great that he cannot venture to do anything, not even to walk &cross the room.

185. Great weakness for many successive days, he cannot venture to walk at all.

186. Great corporeal depression, he cannot trust himself to stand.

187. Great prostration of forces, so that he must remain in bed, not feeling able to use his legs.

188. General malaise, and such weakness as to be unable to rise from the seat.

189. Depression and languor all day.

190. Great coldness at night which lasts half an hour; first day.

191. Slight rigor towards ten, p. m.; first day.

192. Slight coldness which passes off quickly towards two p.m.; first day.

193. General rigor so severe as to make the teeth chatter which lasts three hours and does not go off although he lies down and covers himself over with many blankets; first day.

194. Burning heat which causes suffocation and restlessness, so that he cannot remain quiet in bed; this heat succeeds to the rigor of three hours duration, and lass twenty hours; first day.

195. Burning heat in the course of the night with great pain in the head, great dyspnea, and inability to remain lying; first day.

196. Copious sweat, which follows the hot stage; first day.

197. Slight fever with pain in the head, which develops itself after a very short rigor; it lasts but a short time and terminates with a slight sweat at four, p. m.: first day.

198. Quotidian intermittent fever, which recurs every day at the same hour for many successive days. At one, p. m. slight rigor, then burning heat, dyspnea and great pulsating pains in the uterine region, terminating in slight sweat. From eleven, p. m. till twelve, a. m. the next day, complete apyrexia; after thirteen days.

199. Quotidian intermittent fever not subdued by Sulphate of Quinine, is immediately checked. At eleven, a. m. some rigor for two hours, then burning heat with great dyspnea, thirst, extreme pain in the head, coma, stupefaction, insensibility till twelve, midnight; terminating in inextinguishable thirst, and very copious sweat. At four, a. m. of the following day complete apyrexia and feeling of perfect state of health which lasts seven hours. Then at eleven, a. m. the paroxysm returns and it recurs constantly for five successive days, unmodified by the Quinine.

200. Pulse completely lost for several days in a man affected with chronic hypertrophy of the heart; immediately after taking the remedy the pulsation returns with an irregular rhythm and intermitting as before. – British Journal of Homoeopathy.

In numbers eight and nine of the current Volume of the Review we republished from the British Journal of Homoeopathy, Dr. Dudgeon's translation of Rubini's proving of Cactus Grandiflorus.

We had not then been able to procure a copy of the original Italian publication whereby to satisfy ourselves of the correctness of Dr. Dudgeon's translation. Nor indeed did this seem to us a necessary precaution. Dr. Dudgeon's high reputation for exact and elegant scholarship we thought a sufficient guarantee of the faithfulness of this piece of work.

But while the last sheets of our republication were still in press, we were informed by a colleague in Philadelphia that he had in his possession a copy of Rubini's original pamphlet, an examination of which had revealed to him the fact that Dr. Dudgeon's translation contained defects and errors. We arrested our press and earnestly besought the loan, for a few hours, of the original Italian pamphlet of Rubini, or at least an indication of the nature and extent of the defects and errors. Our wishes were not gratified. The publication of the Review could not be longer delayed, and thus we were constrained to lay before our readers a translation that had been objected to as imperfect, without having had an opportunity to estimate the validity of the objection.

We now hasten to call attention to a publication which is a retranslation, by Dr. Lippe, from the original pamphlet of Dr. Rubini. It claims to correct the errors and to supply the deficiences of Dr. Dudgeon's translation.

We give the Preface of Dr. Lippe, and his translation of the Notes, which Dr. Dudgeon omitted. The title is as follows:

Cactus Grandiflorus: Translated from the original by Dr. A. Lippe, professor of Materia Medica at the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania. With a Preface and Notes, and the notes or Dr. Russell. Preface by the Translator. - "By comparing the original Pathogenesis of the Cactus Grandiflorus with the translations into the English language, by Dr. Dudgeon as published in the 'British Journal or Homoeopathy,' No. XC. October 1st, 1864, and from it, again, into the German language, by Dr. C. Meyer, as published in the 'Allgemeine Homoeopathische Zeitung,' Vol. lxix, Nos. 18-23, it appears that liberties have been taken by the translator which are not admissible.

"That Dr. Meyer translated from Dr. Dudgeon is very evident, although, at first, the additional headings in the German translation might deceive one into the belief that the translation is an original production. Dr. Meyer has omitted, as well as Dr. Dudgeon, the Symptom 137; he has with Dudgeon, in Symptom 139, the ten passages; and, with Dudgeon, omitted all the foot notes in the introduction. Symptom 55, Drs. Meyer and Dudgeon have it, 'the 15th day,' While it is 'the 10th day,' etc. The notes left out stamp Dr. Rubini to be a true Hahnemannian; by omitting them, he may be claimed by the 'other side.' Again, this imperfect translation is republished, in good faith, in the American Homoeopathic Review, and the errors are in this manner perpetuated. It is assuredly an error if, in all these translations and republications, as in Symptom 154, when 'piu' is rendered with 'less', while it means 'much more.' In the homoeopathic literature, and especially in the Materia Medica, such liberties have been so often taken, that, in order to keep our records pure and unadulterated, it has been absolutely necessary to call the attention of the profession to all these facts. To accomplish this more efficiently, the work in question has been fully and carefully re-translated, and, as far as practicable, the exact meaning, sense and spirit of the author have been rendered literally. The neglect of exposing and correcting errors, of reviewing deficient works and of allowing falsehoods to go uncontradicted and uncorrected, has brought our literature into a deplorable condition. The evidence of this assertion becomes apparent when we see that 'The Hahnemannian Materia Medica,' of which only one number was published, containing the 'Caricatures of Kali bichr., Aconite and Arsenic' is now claimed as an 'authority;' and this because, since 1852, when it was published, no adverse reviews have appeared.

"It is to be hoped that, should further translations be rendered, more attention will be paid to giving them not only correctly, but full and entire, as a translator has no right to omit anything, not one word, not even a syllable, from the original, whatever may be his own personal views. He does not endorse the author, but translates his work. If, by omissions, he places the author in a false light, and leaves him without means of redress, or should he, by mistranslations, lead the profession into forming erroneous ideas of the effects of the drugs, this wrong can only be amended by placing before the Faculty a correct literal translation, and this is hereby done.

"A. Lippe"

[Rubini's Notes omitted by Dudgeon.]

Foot note page 9. – "The Cactus family being very numerous, great attention must be paid, in order to avoid mistaking one for the other, when it is the intention to prepare the true remedy, which I, myself, have obtained. Every individual possesses an innate virtue proper to himself; and, the generical action not existing in vegetable substances, it is impossible to replace, with impunity, one plant by another. Hence, the real Cactus Grandiflorus, of which I have noted expressly the characteristics, is the only one to select.

"Of this great truth Haller himself reminds us, by the words: "Latet immense virium diversitas in iis ipsis plantis quarum facies externas dudum novimus, animas quasi, et quodcumque coelestius habent, nondum perspeximus"

Foot note page 11. – "Here it is necessary to remark how impossible it is to state precisely the dose of a medicine. It is always left to the judgment of the attendant physician to proportion, at the bedside of the patient, the strength of the medicine to that of the illness. It is, also, important to notify, that too strong a dose can, instead of ameliorating the illness, produce irritation or aggravation. And this might be made still more serious, if the doses, also, were repeated daily. The patient then would become discouraged, and would fall into the great error of believing that the remedy was not suitable, or that his organism was unable to bear it. These erroneous and false conceptions are very frequent, and so firmly established, that the physician is, at times, forced by the patient himself, to change the prescription. This change itself would be an error in practice, and perhaps there can be no greater. When, from the beginning of the action of a remedy, the patient seems to grow worse, it indicates already that its action is directly developed on the morbid centre, and that, corresponding exactly in its nature, it takes the most proper means of destroying the disease promptly. Under these circumstances, any change is dangerous. Hence it is proper to rest for a few days; to wait for the reaction of the organism, and to diminish the dose. Hahnemann in the beginning, used the mother tinctures, ( Etudes de Medicine Homoeopatique – Paris, 1855, p. 595;) but afterwards, having learned from facts, he cured with the 100th, later with the 10,000th, then the 1,000,000th, and finally the 10,000,000th part of a drop, and then he saw no more irritation or aggravations. To obtain these fractions he dissolved one drop of the mother tincture in 100 drops of very rectified spirits of wine. Of this first dilution he put one drop in one hundred more of spirits of wine; and of this second dilution he took another drop, adding it to one hundred more of the above said rectified spirits of wine; he obtained thus three bottles, of the first three attenuations; and each of these he shook with his arms one hundred times, beating one hand against the other, this dynamization producing a perfect mixture of the fluids, and the development of that medicinal power not understood by us, but possessed by all substances in nature. Of one of these dilutions, or of higher ones, always prepared in the same manner, use should be made in case of irritations or aggravations, and the remedy should never be changed."

Note by the Translator. – "The allopathic school has applied the milky juice, which is acrid, but without smell, for the same purposes as the leaves of the Cactus opuntia, Linn.: as poultices for gouty, and other painful conditions, for inflammation of internal organs, also for corns. Paulle, Journ. de Med. 177, LI, 9, 321. Cleghorn, Diseases of Minorea pp. 268 279. n. Papen at Pyrmont, Hannov. Mag. 1790, p.1433. Wilh. Heinr. Brennecke, Hufel Journ., 1807, xxvi, 4, 136. It is stated that the Cactus Grandiflorus causes on the skin excoriations and pustules. It has been administered in doses, from two to ten grains, as an anthelminticum. If the juice be dried, then burned, the fumes will cause sneezing, coughing, inflammation of the nostrils, and even hemoptysis. It is also reported to have cured dropsies.

"The few symptoms we now possess of this new remedy, show clearly that another great curative means is added to our increasing Materia Medica. In some particulars it is similar to various remedies; while many of its great characteristic symptoms stand alone, or almost so.

"The congestions to the head are similar to those of Bellad. and Glonoine. The weight on the vertex is similar to Aloe and Alumina. Like Belladonna, it affects more the right side of the head. The sleeplessness at night is like Sulphur. The mental symptoms like those of Lachesis.

"The constrictions in so many parts of the body are similar to those or Belladonna, Stramonium and Alumina. The constriction in middle or the sternum like that which we find under Bovista. The constriction about the heart is similar to that of Lachesis. The effect on the heart is, in many respects, similar to that or Crotalus, Lachesis, Spigelia and Kalmia. The edema of the hands in chronic carditis, especially that of the left hand, is under no other remedy, and is a very weighty symptom. The diarrhea seems to be worse in the morning; but, unlike Sulphur, is preceded by pain. Symptoms 141, 146, 147, 148, 149, are frequently the consequences of diseases of the prostate gland. The cessation or menstruation, when lying down, is similar to Causticum. The constriction in the uterine region is similar to Murex pur. The intermittent fever symptoms find a similarity under Arsenic, Bryonia, Calcarea, Lachesis, Pulsatilla, Rhus and Sulphur; but Arsenic has, as a difference; the recurrence of the paroxysms very rarely at the same hour.

"The direction (from one side to the other) in which the symptoms develop themselves, is only found under the skin symptoms, and under them they appear on the upper extremities, first on the right, and then extend to the left side; while on the lower extremities they appear at first on the left side, and then extend to the right side.

"The thanks of the profession are due to Dr. Russell, who first called the attention or the English-reading Homoeopathists to this valuable remedy. By this translation the Germans were also benefited; for they again, from Dr. Dudgeon's version or the original, re-produced it into the German language."

Symptom 137, omitted by Dr. Dudgeon. - "Bilious diarrhea, with pain in the abdomen, eight evacuations in one day; third day."

On comparing the respective translations by Drs. Dudgeon and Lippe with the original, we find that wherever Dr. Lippe affirms an error in the former, Dr. Lippe is correct and Dr. Dudgeon in fault, except in one single instance in which Dr. Lippe (p. 17) says, "Dr. Dudgeon writes 'fifteen days' when the original has it ten 'days.'" This is a mistake. Dr. Dudgeon's translation is "eighteen days. "We feel justified in accounting for this, as for several other of Dudgeon's errors, by ascribing it to carelessness of the printer and proof-reader, Dudgeon probably used the Arabic numerals "10" and the printer read it "18." It is none the less a blunder and likely to mislead the student. The same theory will explain the ridiculous error of seeming to translate "qualche" by "seven." No doubt in the manuscript of Dudgeon it was "some."

But this theory will not account for the translation of "piu" by "less," nor for the omission of symptom 137, nor for other errors to which Dr. Lippe refers.

The whole affair may serve to impress upon us again, the great importance of scrupulous attention to the translation and also to the printing of provings to the end that absolute accuracy may be ensured. We thank Dr. Lippe for correcting these errors.

As regards the merits of these two translations in other respects than those already considered, a fastidious scholar might easily find fault with them both. Both present a fair and intelligible rendering of the author's meaning in his Introduction, and therefore answer the purposes of a translation. Dr. Lippe evidently aims at literal accuracy, but we incline to regard Dr. Dudgeon's as perhaps the clearer and more satisfactory to the English reader. Perhaps this is because Dr. Dudgeon has over Dr. Lippe the advantage of that intimate knowledge of the English language which only a native Anglo-Saxon can possess, and in addition, an uncommon ease and sweetness of style. [EDS.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 08, 1864, pages 360-365, pages 413-425, pages 499-503]

[Description: Proving of Cactus Grandiflorus, translated by Dr. Dudgeon, corrections by Dr. Lippe.]

[Remedies: Cactus grandiflorus]

[Author: Rubini, R.]

[Year: 1864]

CHRONIC CEREBRO-SPINAL DISEASE

In the Allgemeine Hom. Zeitung, Vol. LXVIII, page 75, Dr. Ruhfus narrates a case of complicated disease of the brain and nervous system, successfully treated by him.

The patient, a boy of twelve years, presented the following symptoms: confusion and obfuscation of the intellect, weakness of memory, confused vertigo, a headache in the region of both parietal bones; increased pulsation of the temporal and carotid arteries, heat of the head, heat and redness of the face, dilation of the pupils, which did not contract under the sudden effect of light, the patient some times complains of seeing fiery spots; he can not distinguish small type. Nose dry, tongue coated with a thin slimy fur, taste flat, moderate appetite and thirst, stomach and abdomen slightly tympanitic; vomiting of food, of mucus and of bile frequently occurred; and there was obstinate constipation. The secretion of urine was not much altered, the urine was red but without sediment. The voice was hoarse, rough, hollow, almost aphonic; speech consequently unintelligible. Inspection of the mouth and faces and physical examination of the thorax gave no special indication of any abnormal condition.

The patient lay almost continually on his back in bed; he always required assistance when rising or standing; as soon as he raised his head, increased vertigo, nausea and vomiting ensued. When attempting to walk, he showed great weakness and uncertainty in the lower limbs. He required to be supported and led in order to avoid the danger of falling; his limbs knocked together and at every step he lifted his feet high; when his eyes were closed, his whole body tottered, and if he was not firmly held fell to the ground. Examination of the spinal column by pressure upon the spinal processes and the application of Copland's experiments gave only negative results.

Along the course of the femoral nerves there were several spots in which the skin was devoid of sensibility. The vascular system was in a state of irritation; pulse hard, 90 to 100. Some times, in the evening, a slight chill; the skin which, as a general thing was hot, was hotter on the head than on the extremities; sleep some times restless; during sleep the cervical muscles drew the head backwards. Disposition quiet and resigned.

No cause of disease could be discovered, nor could the time of its beginning be determined; its course was chronic and the prognosis very unfavorable.

Notwithstanding the diagnosis of softening of the brain and the declaration that the case was incurable, it had been already treated by means of leeches, blisters, etc.

Dr. Ruhfus gives his theory of the Pathology and Pathological Anatomy of the disease, and on this he bases a prescription of Belladonna^20, five globules, dissolved in water, a teaspoonful every two hours on the first day, every four hours on the second day, and every six hours on the third day.

On the fourth day, a decided improvement was perceived in so far that the mental confusion, weakness of memory, dilatation of the pupils, impaired vision, signs of congestion of the head, the vomiting and the vascular irritation — had all vanished.

He allowed the Belladonna already given to act eight days longer, but saw no further improvement. The paralytic symptoms remained unchanged.

Having learned by experience the power of Phosphorus in similar affections of the respiratory organs, and ascertaining that Phosphorus produces on the healthy subject great hoarseness, bordering on aphonia as well as a paralytic weakness of the lower extremities, he gave night and morning two globules of Phosphorus^30.

After six globules had been thus taken, he found the voice pure and clear so that the boy could again speak distinctly. But the weakness and uncertainty in the limbs remained unchanged. He waited eight days before giving medicine.

Then certain gastric symptoms supervened, for which, as also for its known action upon the nervous system, he gave Nux. vom. The gastric symptoms were promptly relieved and the paralysis so far improved that the patient walked with more strength, did not lift the feet so high in stepping and could walk through the room alone, supported on two sticks, although somewhat unsteadily it is true.

A further improvement was looked for, in vain, for fourteen days longer and then, as the parents were impatient, etc., he determined to have recourse to Aluminium met. which had been recommended by von Boenninghausen for similar cases.

Of a solution of five 'globules of Alum. met.30 in a half pint of water, the patient took a teaspoonful every night and morning. On the third day there was a manifest improvement, whereupon the remedy was given only at night. The improvement continued, and on the eighteenth day. after beginning to give the Aluminium, Dr. Ruhfus had the happiness of discharging his patient completely cured.

Remarks. — The treatment of this case presents some noteworthy points. Globules of the thirtieth dilution were used; only one remedy at a time was given; this remedy was allowed to exhaust its action before another was administered, as soon as amelioration was perceived from the action of a remedy, with one exception, the remedy was discontinued until the improvement ceased to progress. All this was according to Hahnemann's advice. The result was a steady and uniform improvement without aggravations or perturbations, or the introduction of accessory symptoms.

If now the doctor had based his prescription directly on the similarity of the symptoms and not another, in the first instance, at least in a pathological theory and again on clinical experience, he would have attained his successful result more speedily and with much less risk of missing it. As it stands, however, the case is most brilliant and encouraging.

D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 11, 1864, pages 511-513]

[Description: Chronic Cerebro-spinal Disease]

[Remedies: Belladonna, Phosphorus, Nux vomica, Aluminium metallicum]

[Author: Ruhfus]

[Year: 1864]

ARE WE INCLINING TO ALLOPATHY?

BY GEO. E. SHIPMAN, M. D., CHICAGO, ILL.

The assertion has been repeatedly made of late, that Homoeopathists are changing ground, becoming more assimilated in theory as well as practice, to their opponents, the Allopathists; nay more, that they are abandoning their ground altogether. and confess the utter inefficiency of Homoeopathic preparations. Add to this the Well-worn charge that we give Allopathic medicines secretly and under pretence of giving Homoeopathic, and there is little left for us to stand upon. It is my purpose in the present article, to consider the truth of these allegations.

And to take the last first; there has been no time for the past twenty years, that this assertion has not been made in regard to Homoeopathists in general, but no one to my knowledge, has ever brought it home to any individual. The last public appearance of this slander, was about a year ago, when it was produced by Dr. Davis of this city in his journal. He says:

"We see but one question left in connection with Homoeopathy, and that is, how long a class of men, calling themselves doctors, can succeed in deceiving the public, by calling Calomel Mercurius, Arsenic Arsenicum, etc., and concealing the most concentrated poisonous articles of the Materia Medica under a cover of sugar of milk."

The Dr. shuts both eyes when he fires, like the raw-recruit, and lets fly at random. If he knows of any Homoeopathist who does such things, why does he not call him by name and hold him up to universal reprobation; though the sin of calling Arsenic Arsenicum, does not seem to me a very flagrant one. If Dr. Davis will convict any Homoeopathist of giving concentrated poisons, under a cover of sugar of milk, I will join with him in condemning such a man, or if he will accuse him by name, I will aid him in bringing the accused one-if he is found guilty-to justice. The Dr. has been in this city long enough to know something about the doings of the Homoeopathists here, and if he has any evidence to sustain this charge, he is challenged to publish it. That some individual may do it, I am not prepared to deny, but that it is the practice of the majority of Homoeopathists in this city, I do deny without hesitation. The assertion is one both from its indirectness and its falsity, which no man of honorable feelings should ever allow himself to make.

Nor do Homoeopathists deny the efficiency of Homoeopathic preparations. As far as I am able to judge-and my acquaintance with Homoeopathists is tolerably extensive-the great majority of them recognise the efficiency of infinitesimal doses-of the attenuations from the third upward. That there should be a great diversity of opinion upon such a subject, is not surprising, nor does it argue anything against the efficiency of the attenuations. Indeed it is by no means certain that the question ever will be settled more than it now is, that is, to leave the whole scale open to the judgment of the individual practitioner. Nor do we abandon any ground which we have ever occupied, when we say that Homoeopathy does not consist in giving minute doses of attenuated medicines. That the practice of giving such doses is a deduction from our fundamental principal we admit, as we always have admitted. We challenge others to repeat our experiments-giving but one medicine at a time – a medicine selected according to our principle that like cures like, and we are ready to leave it to their good sense and conscience to say how much they shall give. Those who make this experiment fairly, will arrive at substantially the same conclusion which Hahnemann and the vast majority of his disciples have reached, that medicines attenuated, to a greater or less degree are to be preferred to crude drugs. That there are a few who give doses rather large for infinitesimal, does not prove an inclination of the whole school in that direction, while the largest doses of the most heroic Homoeopathists, would be small enough compared with the doses prescribed by the orthodox Regular twenty years ago.

But if we have not inclined towards the Regular Allopathic practice, have not the Allopathists inclined towards us ? In matter of principle it might be difficult to prove it, for they scout the idea of having any principles; but what discoveries have they not made in Materia Medica since the Materia Medica Pura was published! Their advance has been slow to be sure, but no less certain, and year after year the Allopathic journals teem with announcements of important discoveries known to the Homoeopathic world fifty years ago. That Nux vomica would cure tetanus, constipation and piles, that Arnica was good for bruises, that Aconite acted like a charm in fever &c, &c, these and similar facts are claimed in Allopathic journals as great discoveries by Dr. this and Dr. that, when they are simply great thefts. And then as to the dose-who does not know that the size of their doses has been gradually diminishing for the past twenty years: who does not know bleeding is not practised once now where it used to be twenty times no longer ago, and that all the murderous and torturing engines of Allopathy are becoming more and more disused every day? One great hindrance to the spread of Homoeopathy is, that Allopathists now-a-days give so little medicine. Deride the system and its adherents as they will, they do not scruple when they can get or save a case by it, to announce that they practise Homoeopathically, and refer to their small doses as evidence, or even to pass themselves off as Homoeopathists.* [I do not mean to apply this charge to all of our opponents-there are among them, certain high minded men to whose excellence I should even esteem it s pleasure to bear witness, but to certain ones in this city, who in public and in private are incessantly defaming and traducing our system and its adherents. Here is a picture of two of them which I can complete at any time by names, dates, &c, &c. A lady sometime ago, came to this city from Detroit, where she had been under the charge of a Homoeopathist. Her babe was taken sick soon after her arrival, and having prospered so well under Homoeopathic treatment there, she concluded to try it again here. Being a total stranger in the city it chanced that an individual was called in who was once upon a time designated by the Board of Health as an Allopathist, but as he flouted the title it might seem discourteous so to style him; however, he was not a Homoeopathist, though the lady thinking he was, related to him how favorably she had been impressed with Homoeopathy in Detroit, and how strong were her preferences for Homoeopathic treatment. He indulged her in the illusion that he was a Homoeopathist, and treated herself and child for some time with but little success. Counsel was at length proposed and introduced-heard the the same story about the lady's preferences and joined in the same deception. The two together treated her long enough to show that two heads are not always better than one, and at length left her, after having told her that she would certainly be obliged to wean the baby, and would very probably lose it. The patient was more successful in her next medical attendant, who being a real Homoeopathist, cured both mother and child in a few days and that without weaning.]

But to say nothing of the "lower classes" of the Regular Scientific Faculty, the most upright and conscientious, the most intelligent and scientific of them, have gone much more than half way towards infinitesimal doses. Account for it as they may, they cannot dispute the fact, nor can they claim that they have reached the limit of their progress in this direction-whether they are yielding to their own judgments or to the demands of their patients, they are lessening their doses, and they will be surprised in time to come to see how much more their doses will bear reducing. Not only that, but Madam Rumor says that it is no uncommon thing for the Scientific gentry to give Homoeopathic Remedies, secretly of course: but on this point I shall say nothing, till some one of them honest or foolish enough to speak the truth acknowledges the facts.

If the above statements are true, what folly is it for Homoeopathists to give large doses for the purpose of gaining the favor of Allopathists ? In the course of time it is quite probable, that as Allopathists gradually lessen their doses, both Homoeopathists and Allopathists may – in regard to the dose – occupy very nearly common ground. As regards to our fundamental principle, it is quite conceivable, that, when intelligence is more widely diffused, medical men may see that it is better to have some principle to guide them in the selection of a remedy than to get -their remedies from old women or by chance, and thus the two schools may become one; but let us not forsake our principles or our modes of practice deduced from those principles for the sake of unity.

While the majority of Allopathists profess to take it for granted, that Homoeopathy has already been sufficiently tried, the recent controversy in this city relative to the City Hospital, brought to light the fact that there were some who thought otherwise. It will be remembered that the Board of Health appointed two Boards to this Hospital, a Homoeopathic and an Allopathic and thus designated them: and that Dr. Davis who was appointed to the Allopathic Board, in a very discourteous letter to a public paper declined the honor. Prof. Dickson of South Carolina, who seems to have the heart of a man within him, and would like to see a fair stand up fight, thus gives Dr. Davis his views of the case. After discussing other points he comes to the case in hand as follows: –

"A very different question is presented in the appointment to office of heterodox or schismatic practitioners or teachers, among those of accredited or orthodox views. Thus in at least two of our great cities, it is proposed by the Commissioners in charge of public hospitals, to admit among the attending physicians, persons who designate themselves and are known as advocates of partisan principles, as champions of new and special modes of practice. Thus in one of our Medical Colleges, it is proposed to instruct a Professor, expressly to teach its classes, the doctrines of a new school. Under these circumstances, and in a storm of indignation, the present medical staff of these hospitals, are called on loudly to resign their places, promptly and peremptorily; and the present highly esteemed faculty of the medical school alluded to, are required to vacate their chairs, rather than accept the enforced fellowship of so equivocal a colleague. For my part I regard the course thus advised, as full of danger and threatening seriously evil consequences. With a single condition which is not refused, or even contemplated to be refused, the conjoint hospital service which has been denounced as derogatory, seems to be at once safe and honorable, and indeed promises to be full of advantage. Let there be no interchange of patients; let separate wards be set apart, in which each practitioner shall follow his own course, and it is impossible to see what contamination or other injury shall accrue. Nay, as we all profess to be in search of truth; as we are all anxious to provide "the greatest good for the greatest number," we must not shrink from any fair experiment, any attempt at palpable exhibition or open demonstration. 'Truth has nothing to fear from the frankest exposure, the most precise comparisons, and I have not the slightest uneasiness as to the ultimate result. Hypocrisy and quackery may not be unmasked at once, as by the sudden touch of Itheriel's spear; the obstinacy of dullness and ignorance may require sometime to be overcome, but at last even the most partial jury will be convinced by accumulation of evidence, and the "sober second thought" of the common people, to which even science itself must not disdain to appeal, will be enlightened and guided aright.

Similar reasoning is applicable and with greater force, in reference to the contemplated Professorship. Laymen will accuse us of evading the offer of a "fair field and no favor," and of doubting our own ability to maintain what we proclaim as truth and reason. Let me be permitted to express the hope, that the respected members of our profession who in. New York, or Chicago, Ann Arbor, or any where else, are thus, or in any similar manner, called upon or chosen "to defend the right," will show themselves as ready and willing, as we know them to be able, champions of our care-worn and time-honored faith."

Right manfully spoken! one would think that such words would arouse the latent courage of any man, but Dr. Davis' courage is not to be thus aroused. He declares in reply, that he never can consent to such a trial, because he and his compeers were called Allopathic-because, as he alleges, the Homoeopathic method of treating disease when faithfully adhered to, has been fully proved to be inefficient and unsafe when applied to diseases of an acute and severe character,* [The Drs memory is poor-let me jog it. In November 1854 he in common with two brother Professors, had a patient sick with cholera – a disease of rather an acute and severe character sometimes: thus it happened to be this time, and after twelve hours were passed in "the ordinary scientific practice of the day," as the Dr. calls it, the patient was left to die, her probable term of life being set down at about a couple of hours; there was no mistake on this point-one of the two sent to the house the next morning to see when the funeral was to be : but to go back; the Doctors having left, it was concluded to try Homoeopathy as the last resort, and to make a long story short, the patient recovered and is alive to this day. Another case-one of Typhoid Fever, which is also a disease of an acute and severe character, was left by the Dr. to die, but was cured by a villain of a Homoeopathist. In these two cases Homoeopathic treatment was not very "inefficient," and the subjects of it did not think it "unsafe," though "it was faithfully adhered to." Nor are these two the only cases which have been given up by Allopathists, and cured by Homoeopathists, as Dr. Davis very well knows.] because he thinks that these experiments should not be repeated when human victims are to be involuntarily the subjects of the experiments, "that the system must be false, because after a lapse of fifty years it is wholly repudiated by the profession, (see Homer's Letter) and its pretended advocates are with scarcely a foothold or a place in a single public hospital or incorporated school of medicine on either hemisphere, and because three-fourths of those who claim to be Homoeopathists, openly renounce the idea of potentizing remedies by trituration and attenuation, and the efficacy of infinitesimal doses," but all these are the shallowest of pretences; to have said "I am afraid of the issue," would have been as much truer as it is shorter. Dr. Davis, however, may be taken as the representative of a large portion of the Regular fraternity, while it is to be hoped that the class represented by Dr. Dickson is increasing and to increase. The voice of the people is already requiring that the points in dispute should be submitted to an impartial investigation, and whether Dr. Davis is willing or not, the investigation will be made ere long.

Before concluding this article allow me to express a hope that Homoeopathists throughout the country, will take an early opportunity to express their views fully and frankly upon the matter of the dose. For my part, I am not willing to acknowledge any one person or any number of persons as exponents of Homoeopathy, who decry small doses-they have the right, and I would make them welcome, to hold and publish their views to the fullest extent, but let the other side -if there be another side-express their views with equal freedom. After a practice of more than sixteen years I do not hesitate to say, that while I am not confined to any one dilution, I could not practise with satisfaction to myself without the thirtieth attenuation-that I have seen as well marked and decided effects from this attenuation as I ever have from drugs in any form. As for the poor persecuted pellets I fondly cherish them still, even when they are as small as a mustard seed. I have no aspiration for greatness which can be gratified by giving big pills or pilules or globules, and I find the pellets in many cases not only useful but indispensable. It is not my custom always to use them, but when I lay them aside for drops or powders, it is not always very clear that it works to the advantage of the patient or the advancement of truth. Were I to go to either extreme I should prefer to side with those who never give anything but pellets and the high attenuations-from the sixth upwards say, than with those who never give anything but the extracts or Mother tinctures. My observation leads me to think that more medicines may be given than is necessary to cure the disease and that the surplus often retards and can in no case hasten the cure.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 10, 1859, pages 445-452]

[Description: Are we inclining to Allopathy?]

[Author: Shipman, E.]

[Year: 1859]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTION.

By C. Schaefer, M. D., South Bend, Ind.

The following case was suggested by reading the interesting article of Dr. Wesselhoeft, as also the article on Apis, published in a previous number of the Review. I also intended to give a few cases from practice, showing symptoms characteristic of Apis in Intermittent fever, as well as of Ipecac (of which vomiting is not characteristic) and Helleborus; old remedies it is true, but from which we nevertheless may yet learn something new. Time, however, will not permit at present.

Mrs. O -, about thirty-six years old, of strong constitution, mother of three children, the youngest three weeks old, was taken with nursing sore mouth, as soon as she had recovered from her confinement with her first child. After three months fruitless allopathic treatment, being reduced to a skeleton, and her life despaired of, she was obliged to wean her babe to cure herself. The birth of the second child caused but a repetition of the state she was in with her first, only that she was determined to wear out the disease, and continued to nurse and suffer six months. Suffering and failing strength necessitated her to forego the important office of nursing her babe, and her mouth got well without further treatment, which during lactation had been of no avail.

The last confinement, myself in attendance, passed off without anything noticeable, excepting that metritis set in a day or two after confinement, also phegnmesia alba dolens (she had, some weeks previous to confinement, noticed painful stiffness and lameness of this limb); both were promptly relieved by homoeopathic treatment. About the third week I was called onto do battle against her old enemy, nursing sore mouth, which had appeared at its usual time, about the second week. Although she had recovered more rapidly from this than any previous confinement, I found her attending to her domestic duties, being a hard worker – portions of her tongue were entirely denuded of epithelial covering, red and shiny; in the same condition was the soft palate, and as far as I could see into her throat. Smarting, stinging pains, profuse salivation, no appetite, feverish.

The good reputation of Homoeopathy being at stake, I did not feel at all easy about this case, especially as the patient had declared the disease incurable. A prompt effect was necessary to encourage the patient to continue treatment. But what remedy would do this, was the query. She was thoroughly Mercurialized. Hesitating between Nitric acid and Apis mellifica, I gave the latter the preference, as being better adapted to the general feverish condition of the patient. Apis mel^5, a few pellets in a tumbler half full of water, a teaspoonful every four hours. On the third day less pain, less salivation; denuded surfaces red, shiny as before, nor were they less in extent. A few days after, sent for more medicine, and reported improvement. The medicine was now alternated with unmedicated pellets. Saw her a week after and found her cured. A few weeks after, intermittent fever, cured by Nux vomica, but no return of nursing sore mouth.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 05, 1865, pages 181-183]

[Description: Clinical Contribution; Nursing sore mouth, fever.]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: Schaefer, C.]

[Year: 1865]

DYSENTERY.

By C. Schaefer, M. D., South Bend, Ind.

Dysentery has always been considered one of the diseases Homoeopathy has perfect control over; at least I could never have supposed that such remedies as Merc. corr., Colocynth, Nux. v., Ars., Carbo veg., etc., could leave anything to be desired by reasonable patients and intelligent practitioners; yet inflammatory dysentery is anything but easily combated by the usual treatment.

Of a family of seven, four were attacked simultaneously and presented the following symptoms: after frontal headache, aching in back and extremities, disagreeable feeling with nausea about the stomach had continued several days, the patient was suddenly taken with violent, cutting, griping pains in the umbilical and epigastric regions, extending finally over the abdomen, with small discharges of bloody mucus in some and large quantities of a frothy, pitch-like substance; alternating with small discharges of bloody mucus; in others offensive at times only, taking place every five, ten, fifteen minutes; tenesmus and, in one case, a young man of twenty, bilious temperament, prolapsus ani with severe pain in the rectum, tenderness of the abdomen to the slightest touch-coated tongue, dry and red on the edges, in two cases brownish dirty-looking, bitter taste, great thirst with aggravation from drinking, craving for acids; pulse small, hard, frequent in the forepart of the day – full, hard, increased frequency in the afternoon and night; increased pain and frequency of discharges in the afternoon and forepart of the night. All the symptoms were variable but the pulse (120-140), and tenderness of the abdomen, remained throughout. Belladonna and the above named remedies produced no effect; especially was I disagreeably surprised to find Colocynth of so little benefit against the agonizing pains. To look for other means appeared urgent, as one of my patients, a little girl of 7-8 was sinking – the young man of twenty delirious at night and frantic for fear of being left alone.

I had studied Dr. Hering's provings of Aloes, and it was Aloes that came to my rescue. Not having the remedy in my possession, I obtained some from a drug store and made a tincture in proportion of 1-10, and dropped from two to three drops into a tumbler of water, a teaspoonful to be taken from one to two hours. The third dilution, a few pellets in water, is preferable, as experience taught me. There is no remedy I know of to remove the distressing pains as promptly as Aloes. One of these cases, a girl of fourteen, menstruating at the time, was brought to a close by Sulph. 3 I have treated cases from report only, and they recovered in a remarkably short time under these agents.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 06, 1865, pages 218-219]

[Description: Dysentery cured by Aloes.]

[Remedies: Aloe socotrina]

[Author: Schaefer, C.]

[Year: 1865]

REPORT OF AN ANOMALOUS CASE

BY HENRY M. SMITH, M. D., NEW YORK.

Without attempting to give any name to the following disease we publish the history of the case as one rarely, if ever, met with in this country. It is interesting in itself, aside from Therapeutics.

On the 30th of September last there came to the Central Homoeopathic Dispensary, in this city, a young man enquiring for a homoeopathic hospital which he had been told was here. He had come from Camden, N. J., in the hope of finding in such an institution the rest he needed, and the medication required. He presented the following appearance:

The thumb and fingers of the right hand were gone from the metacarpo-phalangeal articulation. On the left hand the thumb was missing from its metacarpo-phalangeal articulation and all the phalanges of the fifth finger had gone. All that remained was about half of the first phalanx of the index finger, one-third of the first phalanx of the fourth finger and the first phalanx of the third finger. He had lost the toes of both, feet from the metatarso-phalangeal articulation with the exception of the first phalanx of the left fifth toe which was then denuded and coming off.

On the hands were a number of hard red pustules from one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch in diameter. With this exception the skin appeared smooth and dry, and over the three remaining joints of the left hand were deep fissures. Where the fingers had been, the skin had healed, as over a stump after an amputation. There was no sensibility in the arms below the elbow, nor had there been for years. The legs were likewise insensible from the knee down. The feet differed in appearance from the hands; instead of the skin being dry and cracked it was soft and moist, and had disappeared on the soles, leaving ulcers on each foot its entire breadth. Otherwise than this disease of the hands and feet, he said his health was good. In cold damp weather he was troubled with a cough, but of this was always speedily relieved by homoeopathic medicine. The patient was intelligent, had received a common education, and up to the time of his father's death, in April last, the family were in such circumstances as to allow his residing at home. From him we learned the following facts:

W. T., aged 24, born in Demarara, of English parents, was one of twenty children. When a few months old was vaccinated, and at the time when the pustule should show itself small black sores were observed on the arm which discharged a thick black pus. It was sometime before these ulcers healed, after which there appeared small yellow spots on various parts of the body. For these the physician recommended vapor sulphur baths, which were continued a long time without any benefit. The child was sent to the Island of Barbadoes and finally to England, but no apparent benefit was derived from any treatment, and all further was discontinued.

One evening he was playing battle-door and shuttle-cock, and the following morning observed a swelling in the palm of his right hand. This was lanced by his physician and discharged freely. From this time he has had no use of his hand. The fingers became flexed, and he was unable to open them by any action of the extensor muscles. They were not anchylosed as he could readily open the fingers with the other hand. Shortly after this occurrence, which took place a few miles out of the city of Liverpool, he removed into the city and for some months was an inmate of the family and under the care of Dr. Imlach, an old school practitioner. He received here no benefit to his hand. He does not remember that it was ever put in splints or any mechanical means used to straighten the fingers.

In this condition he came to this country, and was placed under the care of Dr. J. R. Andrews, a homoeopathic practitioner. Previous to consulting Dr. Andrews, a fissure in the skin was observed on the distal end of the index finger of the right hand. The nail came out and the fissure spread, making, as he said, "four slits," antero-posteriorally and laterally, as far as the last joint. The phalanx became circumscribed with dry skin which was poulticed with bread and water, and peeled oft until the bone was denuded and was knocked or fell off.

In this way the third phalanges of all the fingers of the right hand were lost. The fifth finger of the left hand was next affected, the disease extending no further than the second joint. The disease returned to the right hand, this time extending only half the length of the second phalanges. Next the thumb of the left hand became affected and healed. The right foot was attacked next; what was supposed to be a corn appeared on the sole of the foot, between the first and second toe, a piece of bone came out and the foot healed. Again to the right hand the disease returned, and successively the fingers were lost in the same manner as described above. The left hand again became the seat of the disease, first the thumb was involved, then the second joint of the fifth finger, again the thumb, finally the second and third finger until the hands were left in the condition as at first described.

As soon as the left hand was involved there was felt a tingling sensation extending from the affected finger to the elbow, ceasing just as soon as the fissure appeared. There was no sensation in the hand or arm after the hand was first attacked. With the right hand it was somewhat different, there was no tingling and he does not remember having any sensation after the swelling in the palm. From the left hand the disease returned to the right foot, where the "corn" had previously been. Instead of commencing at the ends as was the case with the fingers, the joints of the toes first sloughed away leaving the ends hanging. The vessels were seen, he says, "like strings" which soon disappeared, when the hanging portions fell off. Ail sensation left the foot soon after the sore appeared.

In reply to enquiries made of Dr. Andrews, he says, after describing the swelling in the right hand, "the disease from that time increased rapidly, so much so that in a short time some of the phalanges of the upper and lower extremities sloughed away. He was in this condition when placed under my treatment, in this condition he remained sometime before I could see any improvement in his case, but under the use of Arsenic, Hepar, Conium, Silicea, Merc. iod., Rhus., Lachesis, Nitric acid, Sulphur and the preparations of Kali and other remedies, the parts assumed a more healthy appearance and gradually improved, and the parts entirely healed. During the treatment he was placed under strict regime. He continued convalescing for a time, occasionally taking medicine. His uncle then sent him to school and placed him to board with a friend who was very indulgent to him, allowing him to expose himself and indulge in all kinds of food that was injurious to his case, consequently after a time he returned to me again with his fingers and toes in a very bad condition. From that time until the present he was very irregular in taking medicine. The boy has been neglected by those having him in charge for the last few years, they taking but little interest in his case, the consequence was he became disheartened, and for the last three or four years I have prescribed for him occasionally. His mother informed me that she had seen the disease frequently in Demarara, but confined entirely to the black population, with the exception of his case. A suggestive circumstance she also mentioned to me was, that the disease became arrested after the phalanges were destroyed, and she was not aware of any case extending beyond the fingers and toes."

The patient was present at the October meetings of the Hahnemann Academy and New York County Homoeopathic Medical Society that the members might have an opportunity of examining the case, none of whom had heard of such an one before, and were unable to say what it was. When we thought of reporting the case, we intended quoting from the various authors the diseases nearly resembling it, but it being of no practical importance we concluded to give it, not as an instructive, but an interesting case.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 05, 1862, pages 227-231]

[Description: Report of An Anomalous Case]

[Author: Smith, H.M.]

[Year: 1862]

CASE OF TRISMUS.

BY D. SPRINGSTEED, M. D., ALBANY, N. Y.

Oct. 21st. '59. — Montgomery, aged 51 years, fell and hurt the great toe of his left foot and bruised his right side. When picked up he pointed to his mouth, and upon examination it was found he could not open it — I saw him about 11 A. M., a short time after the accident. Pulse 45, weak and tremulous. Body very cold, slight twitching of the whole system. I opened his lips and to my agreeable surprise found he had lost a front tooth which enabled me to give medicine without any difficulty.

TREATMENT. — I gave 5 drops 3 dil. of Arn. As there was no convenience for putting him in a warm bath, I had his foot immersed in water, as hot as he could bear, for a few minutes, then rubbed dry, and put him in bed, ordered hot dry applications to his extremities and had him well covered. Gave him another dose of Arn. and ordered two more to be given at intervals of ten minutes, and left him for half an hour. On my return found that he had not improved — the only visible change I discovered was that his face was somewhat flushed; had his side and foot washed with a weak tincture of Arn., and directed one drop doses (mother tincture) of Arn. and Bell, to be given in alternation every half hour, until I should see him again.

Three o'clock P. M. — He had been asleep for half an hour and perspired very freely. Pulse 60 and pretty full; face very much flushed — I enquired if he had any pain in his side or foot, he answered "No," by shaking his head. I then asked if he had pain any where and he pointed to his jaw. I ordered a portion of the clothing removed and the medicine alternated every hour, told the family I would see him in the evening and left. About 6 P. M., one of his attendants called at my office and said: "Doctor, I have good news for you, your patient can talk," He remarked further that a few minutes before he left, the patient raised up and said that there was a gurgling in his throat, that he slapped his hands very hard several times, and exclaimed "Thank God! Thank God!"

The disease having yielded I discontinued the medicine, and ordered him to have some light nourishment. I called next morning to ascertain what his sensations were during the attack, he informed me that he felt a very sharp pain in his toe for an instant, and knew but little more until I saw him at 3 o'clock, when he became conscious of his situation and feared he would starve to death.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 02, 1859, pages 86-87]

[Description: Case of trismus.]

[Remedies: Arnica montana, Belladonna]

[Author: Springsteed, D.]

[Year: 1859]

SOME REMARKS ON THE HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF INTERMITTENT FEVER.

BY Dr. L. Stern, in Miskolez Allg. Hom. Zeit., 67, 6

As an argument for the nullity of molecular doses, certain presumptuous opponents of Homoeopathy allege the inefficacy of such doses in the treatment of intermittent fever; affirming that the so-called homoeopathic doses do not avail for the rapid suppression of the paroxysms. This is a point on which they and the deluded public lay the greatest stress, although they are becoming every day more and more convinced that those cases of intermittent which are speedily suppressed by large doses of China are most subject to relapse and to be followed by enlargement of the spleen and liver, by dropsy, etc. – Very recently, however, the Bee has blunted and destroyed the poisonous sting of this hostile weapon and has re-enthroned the little doses; for numerous facts have shown that Apis. mel., even the one hundred potency, contests even with China its high rank as a febrifuge, in the matter of subduing the paroxysms and curing the intermittent fever.

Several years ago, when I first used it in the third potency on the recommendation of Dr. Wolfe, Apis approved itself as a very important antipyretic but for the last two years, during which I have used it in the one hundred potency against this disease, I have seen results, such as I had not for many years witnessed from any other homoeopathic remedy against intermittent fever – at least as regards the rapidity of the result.

I do not propose to give, at present, an exhaustive description of the groups of symptoms or of the cases for which Apis is indicated, for I hare, for two years past, for the sake of experiment, given Apis in almost every case of intermittent in which Ars., Ipec, China, or Natr. mur., was not clearly indicated. Thus much I may say, however, that in the majority of cases successfully treated with Apis, the sweating stage has either been absent or has been of a very light grade; further, that during the hot stage, during which the patient has complained of more or less violent headache, he has generally fallen into a continuous deep sleep.

Since the autumn of year before last, I have treated with Apis 100, sixty-five intermittent patients of various age and sex. Among these were nineteen persons who had suppressed the intermittent, several months previously, by means of large quantities of Quinine, alone or in combination with Iron, Piperine, etc., and who, in consequence, presented the ordinary symptoms of a China-cachexy.

In the majority of cases, the Apis alone sufficed for a radical cure. In some however, with predominating abdominal plethora, with constipation, gastric, and hepatic derangement, etc., and, especially, where the patients had previously made use of alcoholic liquors as a daily beverage or as medicine, with various ingredients as domestic remedies, I was obliged to interpose Nux vomica 100. For the most part, the mighty curative power of the highly potentised Apis was unmistakably evident in the very next paroxysm, which was diminished both in duration and in intensity, and – which often astonished me greatly – the succeeding paroxysm was hardly to be recognized as such. No relapse ever occurred. D.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 03, 1863, page 135-136]

[Description: Some Remarks on The Homoeopathic Treatment of Intermittent Fever]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: Stern, L.]

[Year: 1863]

FRAGMENTARY PROVINGS.

BY DR. STOKES.

(From the Monthly Homoeopathic Review, London, April 1859.)

CROTALUS HORRIDUS. – Jan. 22nd, 1852. S. E. S., a lady of bilious-sanguine temperament, unmarried, 35 years of age, subject to indigestion, took a drop of the 3rd dilution morning, midday, and evening. Fulness and pressure in the Stomach were relieved by the medicine. Appetite bad all day.

23rd. No medicine. Appetite bad.

24th. Weight on stomach and chest; breakfast lies heavy all day; standing up fatigues her much; tremulous weakness all over, as if some evil were apprehended; flatulence and eructation. Today took a dose of 4 drops, 3rd dilution.

25th.Stomach sore and tender on rising this morning; tongue red and sore; gums white; throat dry, with thirst.

26th. The above symptoms continue, but in a milder degree. They gradually ceased after the medicine was left off, and she got quite well.

31st. Took a pillule soaked in the 4th dilution in the evening. In the night she was wakened by a violent burning pain in the hypogastrium, going through to the sacrum; burning pain in epigastrium for half an hour, when it ceased after a stool.

Feb.1st. Stomach sore and tender; worse after food; urine scanty and red. After this felt very well for four days.

5th. The soreness returned in the epigastrium, extending upwards under sternum. Pains in stomach after breakfast and dinner.

8th. Headache, and cold feet The headache is in the vertex; pressive; comes on in the afternoon, and lasts till night, for three days. On the fourth day it changed to the forenoon, with heat and flushing of face. An attack of diarrhea now came on; after which the bowels were costive and evacuations hard, during a week. Anxious dreams; is drowsy and heavy in the evening; turns about very much in bed; is easily tired by slight exertion; the arms feel benumbed in the morning; the legs go to sleep, and tingle when sitting; lips and throat dry, without thirst.

25th. Menses a week too soon; free; preceded by weight in the head and ears; accompanied by pains in the abdomen and back, and cold feet. The period lasts some hours longer than is usual, and goes off on the 27th, with an intense frontal headache, which lasts from ten to one o'clock in the night. She had this night a cramp in the calf of one leg. In the evening, a sudden attack of sore-throat and bronchial catarrh, which went away on the morning of the 28th and returned at night. During several days there was some soreness of chest and cough in the evening.

Remarks. -The throat dryness, the catarrhal symptoms, the pain in the bowels, the premature and free menses in a person who had them scanty, and with a tendency to retardation, seemed to me to depend clearly on the action of the medicine. These were symptoms very unusual with the prover, who appears to. have been very susceptible to the action of crotalus.

NAJA TRIPUDIANS. – In 1854, while proving Naja tripudians for Dr. Russell, I asked Mr. MacSwinney, of Galway, to undertake a proving of it, which he kindly did. I give the record in his own words.

J. M'S., aet. 38, of nervous-lymphatic temperament, regular habits, commenced taking cobra (Naja tripudians) on the 4th of August. Dose, 3 drops of 2nd potency in one ounce of water. In the evening felt very tired and sleepy, and had to retire at nine o'clock; slept directly after going to bed.

5th. Thermometer at 62°. Awoke with a troublesome tickling in the larynx, attended with nausea, sneezing, and coughing. 2 p. m. Took 3 drops as before. Continuance of the tickling, with scanty viscid expectoration of tasteless mucus.

6th. Thermometer at 69°. Gasping for breath all this day, yesterday, and the day before; but particularly So today, with several deep-drawn inspirations. At 10 p. m. took 3 drops as before.

7th. Awoke early with hawking of viscid mucus. At 2 p. m. took 3 drops. Tickling continues, but less.

8th. At 1 p. m. took 4 drops, and felt immediately afterwards increasing tenderness over the trachea; gasping for breath both yesterday and today (thermometer 66°) for several hours; feeling as if there were a hair in the trachea.

9th. Thermometer at 66 °. At 2 p. m. took 5 drops, and soon afterwards felt increased tenderness of the throat and over sternum, lasting all day.

10th Thermometer at 66°. Today, an ulcer on the frenum of the tongue. This morning, on awaking, expectorated frequently a whitish viscid mucus. Soon after noon I took 12 drops. Almost while taking the medicine, felt all the above symptoms greatly increased, added to which I experienced a feeling of hollowness over the entire head, which continued for several days, and caused me to leave off further provings.

For other provings of the Naja, see the British Journal of Homoeopathy.

ERYTHROXYLON COCA. – Being anxious to ascertain on my own person the powers of this famed intoxicating drug, I procured some of the tincture made by Mr. Turner, from a sample of the leaf obtained in Covent Garden Market, and began by smelling, for the space of one minute, the mother tincture; observed no effects, but preserved the feeling of unruffled health I had previously enjoyed. On the 9th December, 1857, took, at 6 p. m., 10 drops of the strong tincture in a desert-spoonful of water. During the evening my hearing became painfully acute, and I felt something like expectation, the brain excited, and a rather painful pressure on the sides of the head. In bed, the pillows felt hard to the neck and head, hand although very sleepy, I turned and twisted about all night, and awoke tired and heavy next day, with aching shoulders. The dreams were of great activity. Last night and this morning the mouth and palate felt as if burnt with pepper.

10th. In the evening took 10 drops. Experienced the same painful constriction round the sides of head, and the same dreamy excited state in the night.

11th. At 9 a. m., took 10 drops, in water; repeated the dose at noon; and at 6.30 p.m. This evening felt very bouyant on walking out in a dense, chilling fog; felt very much elated; indisposed for food; ate very little dinner: and no tea or supper. Night again dreamy and restless.

12th. 10.30 a. m. Ten drops in water. Head very clear this morning. Daily evacuations delayed for three hours, and when passed, the rectum seemed dry; though the evacuation was soft enough and well formed, there was difficulty in voiding in. Appetite diminished; I could not take my usual moderate quantum of food. Night again dreamy; though this time I slept well and awoke fresh.

13th. Evacuation again delayed, like yesterday. Took 10 drops this morning.

After this my digestion became extraordinarily good, and continued so. The aptitude for work was increased, and the power of the muscles was notably augmented. I took no more at this time; but my sleep continued to be full of active, troubled dreams, notwithstanding which I awoke lively and vigorous every morning for about ten days afterwards, when the effects of my proving faded away.

Some months after this, Dr. Drysdale gave me a few leaves of Coca, and we each chewed a piece, both experiencing alight nausea and vertiginous feeling, incapacitating us for carrying on our literary labors for about an hour.

OSMIUM. – Being in excellent health, I took, on the 12th May, 1855, 2 grains of the 3rd trit. dry, at 8.30 a. m. On the 13th, same hour, same dose. All the afternoon had fulness and aching at the upper and back part of the head, in doors and out; worse by throwing back the head. 7 PM., repeated the dose. Next day, at 4 p. m., another dose. Had dull headache, like a band round the head above the ears. 10 p. m. repeated the dose. The dull headache extends from the base of brain into the jaws.

On the 15th, at noon, took 2 grains. At night, had dull aching at base of skull and in jaws. Irregular attacks of stabbing in the tips of the fingers, particularly those of the left hand.

16th. Arose very tired, with muddled head and aching limbs and body, and was thus all day. Evacuations delayed, small and constipated. At 10 a. m. took 2 grains. In the evening perceived the urine to be strongly scented, somewhat like violets; very highly colored, and apparently full of bile.

On the 17th, took no medicine, but still the urine was like that passed yesterday, and the occipital headache continued.

18th. At 11 a. m. took 2 grains, and again at night.

19th. Two grains at 11 a. m. All day yesterday and today there has been uneasiness in the stomach, increasing to anxiety and contraction; worse after food, and much aggravated by stimulants. I felt restless and fidgetty. The bowels are confined, but move daily. Feeling so poorly, I took no more medicine on the 20th and 21st.

On the 22nd, took 2 grains in the forenoon. Slight rawness in the larynx, which increased until the 24th, when it was very severe laryngeal catarrh, the voice hoarse, weak, and low, and almost extinct. Lay in bed all the morning, and took three doses of mere. sol. and two of bell., which carried off the attack in the afternoon. Felt very weak and easily tired.

25th. Yesterday and today felt a drawing aching in the left quadriceps tendon, each side of the top of patella, varied by occasional shoots below the external malleolus, and on the instep of left foot.

26th. Today felt aching pain in the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of left thumb. The aching of the left knee continues, but is less severe, and ceases at night.

I am not positive that the laryngeal affection was medicinal, but I very much incline to think it was.

I began a second proving with the 3rd trit. on the 28th of May, by taking 1 grain at 2.30 P M At six o'clock felt a weakness of stomach, almost amounting to nausea, and aversion to cocoa, usually bo well relished. This, by-the-bye, occurred during the digestion of meat pudding, and required a glass of brandy-and-water at half-past ten to set matters right.

26th. At noon, took 1 grain, dry. This morning I arose feeling jaded after a restless, tossing night. Pulse 80 before taking the powder.

30th. At noon. Pulse 78. Took 1 grain, dry.

31st. At 11 a. m., pulse 84. Took 1 grain dry. Last night slept badly; tossed about as before.

June 6th. Began a third trial of this medicine by taking 1 grain of the 3rd trit. at 3 P.M. All the evening had distension of stomach and abdomen, although the dinner was only plain roasted mutton and potatoes. Passed a restless night, and had a dull head all the day on the 7th; the bowels were not moved until 4 p. m., and the urine was brown and scanty all day. At 3 p. m. another dose. At night there was slight gripping in the bowels; the evacuation was passed hastily, with burning at the anus; it was bilious, and partly fluid.

8th. This morning the urine was scanty, and strongly scented, but not so dark as before. Took 1 grain at 11 a. m. In the evening had again distension of stomach and bowels, with difficult passage of flatus.

9th. Urine scanty and dark colored. Took 1 grain this morning. All the afternoon the abdomen was very sensitive, and distended. No evacuation today; only a small lump, like a marble, passed, after trying very hard to relieve myself.

10th. This forenoon took 1 grain, dry. Again troubled with distension all the afternoon and evening. Next day took 1 grain; found my pulse 90; when I am well it is 72. Before dinner (which I take at 12.30), felt contractive pain and weight in epigastrium. This is often attended by a feeling in the stomach as if I had swallowed a lot of stones from a newly laid road. No appetite for dinner; bowels distended in the afternoon; pressure on both inguinal rings. No evacuation today until 10 p.m. it was dry, and full of air.

12th. Sleep restless every night, with dreams of painful events; I rise jaded. In the forenoon, constrictive pain in the stomach. Pulse 80. Bowels relieved at 10 a.m.;evacuation small in volume and quantity. Took 2 grains at noon; urine scanty and dark.

16th. Took no more medicine. The bowels remain costive, and the urine scanty and dark, but now begins to be more free and less colored. Several times I have felt the stabbing pains above mentioned in the tips of the thumb and fingers of the left hand. Sleep is haunted by dreams of activity, and of events of a serious and important character, but they are not remembered on awaking.

From the effects I experienced from this medicine, I judge it may be found a valuable aphrodisiac.

In about a week from the time I left off this last trial, my health resumed its usual vigor and evenness, which had been rather unpleasantly ruffled by this powerful drug.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 08, 1859, pages 354-360]

[Description: Fragmentary provings – Crotallus horridus, Naja tripudians, Coca, Osmium metallicum.]

[Remedies: Crotallus horridus, Naja tripudians, Coca, Osmium metallicum]

[Author: Stokes]

[Year: 1859]

DISEASES OF CHILDREN. [A report read before Cayuga. County Medical Society. N. Y., June 23d, 1864.]

BY C. E. SWIFT, M. D., Auburn, N. Y

In reporting on diseases of children I present a few cases that I have treated, and which I deem of sufficient interest to present to the society.

Diphtheria which has caused so much anxiety and careful watchfulness among both parents and physicians, and which has proved so fatal in some parts of our State should be noticed. I need not take up time with a history or description of this disease, for we all understand what the disease is; although I fear that we do not all know how to cure it in all its forms. My object, at this time, is to make a statement of a few cases which have come under my care, and in which I have found the action of the medicine so prompt in each case, that I feel it a duty I owe to the profession to report them to this society. I would first call your attention to the successful treatment of diphtheria with Muriatic acid.

I was called, on Wednesday, September 16th, 1863, to see a child aged eight years, who was taken the day before with diphtheria. The symptoms were as follows; pulse accelerated; slight fever; both tonsils and uvula red, congested and swollen with patches of false membrane on both tonsils, of a cheese-like appearance; general prostration; tongue coated yellowish white; no appetite; slight thirst. I gave Belladonna [A report read Cayuga County Medical Society, N.Y., June 23d, 1864] and Mercurius protiod. [A report read Cayuga County Medical Society, N.Y., June 23d, 1864]", in alternation every two hours. Next day (17th), no change, treatment continued.

18th. Patient seemed somewhat better.

19th. Found the child worse and the disease tending toward the putrid type. Trembling of the hands; nose bleed, blood dark and putrid; great prostration; restless, with slight delirium; very little rash and the peculiar putrid smell which always attends this disease in its worst form. I prescribed Muriatic acid, in solution, five drops to a quarter of a tumbler of water, a teaspoonful every hour.

20th. Patient improved, treatment continued, dose every two hours. .

21st. Still improving, medicine continued.

22d. Improving finely, dose every three hours and I gave no other medicine but the acid, until the patient was dismissed. I never saw a more marked and prompt action of a remedy in this disease than was obtained from Muriatic acid in this case, and I have no doubt that it saved the life of the child.

February 1st, 1864, I was sent for to visit two patients in the same family, the father aged 45 years and the son 12 years of age. About a week previous a little daughter had been taken with diphtheria, was treated by an allopathic physician and had died that morning. She was then lying in the house. The father and son had been sick some two or three days. The father I found in the following condition: Slight fever; pulse slow and weak; little thirst; tongue coated, thick yellowish white; uvula and tonsils swollen, red and covered with a thick whitish false membrane; putrid smelling breath, with sordes on the teeth; a complete sore or scaby condition of the lips, enclosing the mouth; more or less rash on the body and limbs; nose bleed every few hours; blood dark and fetid. I gave Muriatic acid, in solution, a dose every- hour. Next day (April 2d), symptoms about the same, continued same treatment.

April 3d. Decided improvement, medicine continued, a dose every three hours.

4th. Doing well, same treatment.

5th. Improving fast; a dose every few hours, medicine the same.

6th. Patient convalescent and discharged next day cured.

The boy's symptoms were as follows; considerable fever; red and swelled uvula and tonsils, with slight membranous deposit; pulse weak and rather quick; bloated face; pain in the lower limbs; feet swelled and painful; no rash. Prescribed Belladonna and Mercurills protiod, in alternation, every two hours.

April 2d. Less pain in the limbs and feet, but restless; throat somewhat better; less redness; some appearance of rash. Gave Mercurius protiod. and Rhus tox., in alternation, every two hours.

3d. Found the patient as follows: breath putrid; nose Bleed; blood dark and fetid; dark crust upon the lips, and a light scarlet rash upon the whole person; great prostration and slight thirst. I prescribed Muriatic acid, in solution, a dose every hour.

4th. Patient much better, treatment continued.

5th. Boy doing well, medicine the same, dose every three hours.

6th. About well, same treatment, discharged on the seventh cured.

I have no doubt from the success that I have had with Muriatic acid in diphtheria, that it is one of the best remedies we have in the treatment of this disease, when its tendency is to run into the putrid form, and I feel safe in recommending it to the members of this society who have not already tried it.

Congestion of the Brain. – In the summer of 1860 I was called to see a child, aged about fifteen months, which had been treated by two allopathic physicians for acute inflammation of the brain. The child had been under their care for some ten days and they had given it up to die, and told the parents there was no help for it. I found the child lying upon its back, boring with the head into the pillow; the pupils dilated and insensible to the sight; head hot; much thirst; clawing of the head with the right hand and knitting of the brows, had laid in this condition for several days. I prescribed for the child with great reluctance, and told the parents that I did not think I could save it but would try. Gave Belladonna" and Helleborus^30, in alternation, ever three hours. Next day no change, continued same treatment, in forty-eight hours found a slight improvement; the third day, decided change for the better, child could see and all its symptoms better. Continued the Bell. and Hell., at lengthened intervals, until the child was dismissed cured.

Hydrothorax. – Three years ago I was sent for to visit a boy, about 12 years of age, and found him with the following symptoms: he was troubled with a dry cough; the lips bluish and bloated; could not lie down; difficulty of breathing, with effusion of water in the chest. I gave Arsenic, Helleborus and Digitalis without any marked effect. Then I prescribed Apis mel., in two drop doses, every two hours. In twenty-four hours some little improvement, in forty-eight decidedly better. Same medicine continued, and a dose every four hours, and in the course of two weeks I dismissed the patient cured.

Post Scarlatina Dropsy. – About the 10th of March, 1864, I treated a child, aged three years, for scarlet fever, and dismissed it the latter part of March. On the first of April was called again to see the same child, and found him with anasarca. I learned upon enquiry that, during the afternoon before, the child had been suffered to lie upon the floor with the door and window open, and, draft of air blowing upon him, he had taken cold. His condition was as follows: pulse quick and feeble: urine scanty; inability to lie down; dyspnea; abdomen distended; great prostration and general dropsy. Gave Ars. alb. and Helleborus, for twenty-four hours, without relief. Then prescribed Apis mel, in solution, every hour. Patient relieved after the second dose, which improvement continued under the use of Apis mel, at lengthened periods, until the child was cured.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 05 No. 03, 1864, pages 119-122]

[Description: Diseases of Children]

[Author: Swift, C.E.]

[Year: 1864]

CASE OF HYDATIDS.

BY JOHN T. TEMPLE, M.D., ST. LOUIS MO.

To the Physician, who has for thirty five years, listened to the teachings of Nature in her normal as well as morbid conditions, there are many lessons which at the same time make deep impressions, and excite an earnest desire to look into her secret and mysterious workings. Apparent deviations from her own laws, occasionally arrest our attention, and draw us from the contemplation of her generally uniform harmony of action, to the consideration of these deviations. And thus too often the mind is led from the martial into the fanciful and fascinating domain of Theory.

Even morbid action sometimes becomes erratic and inexplicable. To the speculative, the case which follows, may afford a theme for some interesting articles in this REVIEW.

On the first of April last I was summoned in great haste to Mrs. Herbert, who had been in labor two days, attended by a midwife. She was flooding fearfully. The midwife had become alarmed and fled. On examination I found a soft mass filling the uterus, but no fetus. I immediately extracted the mass which proved to be Hydatids, which filled a half gallon jar. The hemorrhage was soon arrested by the contraction of the uterus. The breasts were filled with milk which had been the case for one week previous to her confinement, and so abundant was the secretion, that the milk flowed from both breasts in such quantity as to make it necessary that cloths should be kept over them, to absorb the waste.

Mrs. H. gave the following history of her case. "I was married ten months ago; was unwell (menstruated) but once after my marriage; suffered for several months with nausea, every forenoon; was told by my mother and friends that I was in the family way; commenced growing larger until fifth month when I felt something moving in me, which I was told was the child. This motion continued at times up to last week when I felt pain in the back and slight bearing down pains, which gradually increased until two days ago, when mother sent me for the midwife-for these two days I have felt great pains and lost a great deal of blood," She was much disappointed, and seemed greatly mortified but very humorously remarked that she knew "the fault was her husband's and that if next time she had no better turn out she would dismiss him."

She is about twenty years old; fine figure; and a very "picture" of health. The secretion of milk continued unabated, until I gave her Bryonia for several days when it gradually subsided.

She is now enciente, and I shall watch her case with interest to its development.

The Hydatids hang from a substance slightly resembling a placenta, but much more solid, resembling liver, and this substance contains Hydatids imbedded all through it. The size of these sacks varies from a large grape to that of the smallest pea. I have the whole preserved in a glass jar, the Placenta above, and the large bunch of Hydatids hanging beautifully to the bottom.

Eighteen years ago I had a similar case, and they are the only cases I have ever seen.

Cannot some of our brethren who have leisure and intellect, investigate Dame Nature at to her lusus, and find out the secret of such a result.

I should have stated that the first case occurred in the mother of several children.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 12, 1859, pages 561-563]

[Description: Case of Hydatids.]

[Author: Temple, J.T.]

[Year: 1859]

CONGESTION.

BY F. VANDERBURGH, M. D.

We are daily employed in the cure of congestions, and what do we know of the cause from the name? It is true that first causes lie beyond the mighty magic of induction and the truth which we seek is its first relation.

If we expect to find it by itself, we have not yet learned to think.

Nothing can be known apart from its relations; and knowing a thing means recognizing the difference or agreement between it, and its adjacent relations.

Inflammation has its congestive stage, but congestion may prevail for years without inflammation. Both have the same sphere of action in the venous and lymphatic systems of circulation. The motive force of the arteries exempts them from congestive accumulation — it is only in their vasa vasorum that congestions take place.

The venous and lymphatic systems of circulation, are the returning forces of a motive power that is primarily centrifugal, both currents being impelled by one and the same force of differing intensities in different directions*[See Problem of Life and Motion. — BALLIERE, 440 Broadway.] with this difference that the returning force is the weaker power, and hence its proclivity to congestion.

Every disturbance of the vital force, begins in one or the other of these currents of the passive circulation. Dis-ease is an altered state of the vital force, wherever dis-ease is felt, and this may be said to be congestive.

Depletion from any cause whatever, either by artificial or natural means, weakens the motive power and is the introductory stage to congestion in the capillary circulation. The primary operation of a cathartic produces a transient congestion of the viscera. Every diarrhea is congestive, and if cured, is to be treated with congestive drugs: over-depletion by the lancet, produces congestion of the brain, and if reaction does not ensue, it spreads to other organs.

It is within the memory of most of our citizens that butchers were once in the habit of bleeding their cattle some days before killing them, to improve the color of the beef: but they were ultimately deterred from this practice by the discovery, that fever ensued and if the slaughter was deferred several days, some of the animals became delirious, and others run mad.

There are many medical observers whose science is yet unwritten, who do not believe the brain to be the only organ which suffers by over-depletion. They regard it as a general law, which governs alike every vital organ, when deprived of this fluid; and affirm that all who die by exhaustion, die with the signs of congestion, which accompany over-depletion in all the stages of its pilgrimage.

With these facts before us, it is apparent that congestion is not inflammation.

At the standard of health, the capillary vessels which circulate white blood are in full tone; in congestion they lose tone, and admit the red globules of blood that are ordinarily precluded by their size; and in proportion as any or all of these delicate vessels are emptied of their normal fluids, their fibres relax and their several diameters dilate, till they become loaded with the red globules which belong to the arterial system: and this is congestion.

In proof of this, the post-mortem appearances of men who die by starvation, present the different vital organs in different states of congestion.

The first sensations of starvation are those of over depletion. A sense of fullness and pressure in the brain is occasioned by the loss of tone in the capillary vessels admitting the globules of red blood. As these accumulate, confusion and derangement follow, while corresponding changes are passively taking place in other vital organs, till death closes the scene.

The remedies which restore the capillary vessels to their normal state, are not to be found in quinine and iron, but agents like Aconite, Arnica, Bell., Bryonia, &c, which act directly on the fibres of the capillary vessels by unloading their contents, and reduce the action of the heart and arteries, by giving a free passage to the blood in its remote circulation.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04, 1860, pages 145-147]

[Description: Congestion]

[Author: Vanderburgh, F.]

[Year: 1860]

RESPIRATION,

BY F. VANDERBURGH, M. D.

The popular theory of the Allopathic school of medicine, a theory on which all their calculations of life and health are founded, is, that animal heat is generated by introducing oxygen into the lungs by inspiration; that the process of breathing separates the oxygen of the air from its hydrogen, when the oxygen unites with the blood in the general circulation, and a chemical union of the carbon and oxygen is effected, by which the carbonic acid is expelled from the system through the lungs, and, by means of oxygen thus supplied, animal heat is generated.

This theory is the foundation of their superstructure of life and health. Now, though the teachings of positive truth is the grand means of expelling error, the process is sometimes quickened by the negative argument serving as its pioneer. The reader will be surprised to learn that no experiments have been spared to confirm this theory, and not one of them has pierced the darkness that mantles its birth.

Negatively considered, if the lungs generated heat by means of respiration, it would seem to imply the power to increase or diminish the standard of heat, by multiplying or withholding the number of respirations per minute. But this is not so-no variableness of breathing alters the temperature of the body, while, on the other hand, every man's experience assures him that he generates heat by motion, and that he is soon compelled to breathe fast to cool himself. But in proof of the position we now take, that breathing is a cooling process, we cite for examples the whole animal world, except the genus homo and the genus horse, and these are not exceptions to the law, only to the rule.

The genus homo and the genus horse have a double privilege of refrigeration, while all other animated beings have but one. Many may be surprised to learn that no other beings sweat except men and horses, and hence no other beings can cool themselves, when hot, by perspiration through the skin. The confirmation of this fact is found in the whole range of comparative anatomy, where nature has furnished examples on the most extended scale of magnitude, in the whole animal world, in the largest as well as the smallest of beings.

In all the pachydermata, or thick-skinned animals, except the horse, are found no pores in the skin that exhale heat by perspiration, the envelope on all these animals being only a secreting surface, like others of the internal surface of the body. All the cleft-feet species, including those presenting feet with toes rounded and unprovided with claws, the elephant, rhinoceros, bison, mammoth, mastodon, buffalo, ox, swine, deer, as well as the lion, tiger, bear, wolf, fox, birds, squirrels, dormouse, opossum, racoon, all alike offer the same examples as the dog, that they have no other means of cooling themselves when hot except through the medium of the lungs, by respiration.

The farmer drives his oxen, in the summer heat, with great care, and when they open their mouths and thrust out their tongues, and pant to exhale the heat generated by exercise, if he does not stop their motion, they die with the heat that accumulates within them. His hogs, too, must be driven with more care, and if they are allowed to grow fat in hot weather, they often die, panting, in a state of repose when in the shade.

All these animals, with the exception of the elephant and rhinoceros, are covered with hair and fur, or feathers and down, which vary with the climate.

The fur and down tribe throw off their rich covering at the approach of spring, and revel with their fellows in a summer's sun, and, as the autumn returns, they are refurnished with their furs and down, in anticipation of the winter's frost

In health, these animals have a large deposit of fat beneath the skin-fat is a mixture of two or more ingredients, which differ from each other in consistency – in most instances they are stearine and margarine, along with a liquid oleine; as the weather cools, these oils and fats condense, and as they solidify they become non-conductors of heat, and as the heat accumulates beneath the skin, it generates the delicate furs and down for winter's use; and in the spring, as the temperature rites, the oleine becomes volatile and sheds them again for summer's heat: so that this simple law for the generation of heat, in animal as in vegetable life, is graduated by the fluctuations of the season and the revolutions of time. The familiar example of the dog, who generates his heat at the expense of his substance, as he increases his speed, and, having no pores in his skin, he multiplies his respiration in the ratio of motion, as the only means of keeping himself cool, and having no perspiration to check, he plunges into water with impunity, and returns refreshed, when men and horses, submerged in a similar condition, would suddenly check perspiration, and if they survived the shock, it would be to die with acute or chronic inflammation.

When nature furnishes examples on such an extended scale of operation, for the escape of animal heat, it would seem to deprive the phenomenon of respiration of much of its fictitious value. There are some experiments that have been performed, by introducing foreign bodies into the venous circulation, that are very significant in their results.

When mercury is injected into any part of the general venous system, it is invariably found in the lungs, the lungs being the inevitable outlet for all foreign bodies introduced into the general venous circulation. In conclusion we state, that apart from these experiments and the examples of animal life, the only chemical action which animal life is known to possess, and the only one which is perfectly known and accurately measured, is the excretion of carbonic acid from the lungs, in the form of watery vapor, which carries off with it the surplus heat as the animal system generates it.

Having stated, as we trust, satisfactorily, .that breathing is a cooling process of life, we come next to the consideration of the true and only cause of the generation of heat is man. The analysis of the saliva, gastric juice, chyle and blood, has proved the first process of its formation to be effected by the agency of water; if we now show from whence the water is derived, the chain of testimony will be furnished. Liebig has established all the phenomena of the generation of heat acceptably, but overlooking one of its most important facts, (the proportion of water in the tissues,) he left the mystery as he found it, in its primitive darkness. He had a clear conception of its generation by the decomposition of the tissues of the body and in the same manner as fire is generated by the decomposition of the wood it burns up; and that both are governed by the same law; in short, that the body is consumed, wasted and transformed by the generation of heat, precisely as any other ignited substances, and parts with its heat to surrounding matter as that of any other heated mass; that oxygen in both cases combines with the carbon and hydrogen; in both cases the same product is given out, namely, heat, carbonic acid, and the vapor of water; that its generation is rapid in proportion to the loss of substance by exercise, creating a rapid transmutation of the tissues of the body. So that life is a fire, the body its furnace and the aliments its fuel.

After knowing and saying so much it would seem impossible that so distinguished an author should fall back and seize upon the same errors that were common to his predecessors. If his mind had not been so carefully instructed in the errors of respiration, he would have seen that more oxygen is introduced into the stomach in one minute by a tumbler of pure water, than could be introduced through the medium of the lungs by inspiration (if they could admit it) in several hours.

In ordinary health the average weight of water drunk by a healthy man is about thirty-two ounces per day, while a hard-laboring man will often drink from sixty to seventy ounces per day, the quantity being proportioned to the transmutation of the tissues, by the generation of heat and muscular motion.

In every thirty-two ounces of water, the average daily supply of a healthy man, are found twenty-eight ounces and four-ninths of oxygen. Eight ounces of bread is a low average of daily consumption, and this contains two ounces and a half of water, while four-fifths by weight of animal food is water, and if we calculate one pound of this to be the average weight daily consumed, it will yield fourteen ounces and two-ninths of oxygen, which foots up the account in round numbers to about forty-four ounces of oxygen daily introduced by degrees into the stomach of a healthy man, which is twelve ounces more than the advocates of pulmonary absorption claim to be sufficient to effect the gradual decomposition of all the hydro-carbons and nitrogenized substances that enter the system in the form of food.

Now here is a dilemma. If thirty-two ounces and a half of oxygen were daily introduced into the system through the medium of the lungs, and thirty-two ounces and a half be sufficient to generate animal heat for twenty hours, what conceivable force could restrain the spontaneous combustion of the body, if forty-four ounces should get into the system by some other channel, that had been overlooked. Apart from all these plain, simple, and obvious facts, the experiments by the thermometer repudiate this generation of heat in the lungs, as the standard of heat by this instrument ranges from one-half to three-fourths of a degree higher in the stomach than in the lungs. In this central organ combustion begins by the rapid mutation of water, vegetable and animal food, as they are converted into starch, alcohol, lactic acid and chyme into chyle, where every stage in the process from the development of one substance into the next in order, evolves an accumulating force of animal heat. The chyle is then conveyed into the receptaculum chyli, heated a little above the standard heat of the body and ascends through the thoracic duct, is conducted from thence into the subclavian vein, from thence into the heart, from whence it is driven into the lungs, (just as the sap is driven into the leaves of the tree,) not for the purpose of being heated, for it returns cooled, but for the purpose of excreting the effete matter immediately derived from crude materials, and is then prepared for the general circulation, when, as it returns, it parts with its infinitesimal deposits among the various solids of the body, evolving animal heat in the ratio of .the conversion of fluid into solid matter.

It is now, we trust, very obvious to our readers, how the human system generates its heat. No matter what the temperature of the food may be when taken into the stomach, it is immediately raised to that of the blood. A tumbler of iced water at the temperature of 32 is raised to that of 98 in one-twentieth part of the time that it could be heated to that degree in the blaze of the hottest fire. Now if there was no appointed outlet for this rapid generation of heat, what would become of the animal system? It is plain it could not maintain its standard at 98, but must run at once into fever and from thence into combustion. In order to maintain its average standard of heat at 98, there must be a provisionary arrangement for the escape of the accumulating caloric, and this has been proved to be through the channel of the lungs by expiration.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 06, 1859, pages 241-246]

[Description: Respiration]

[Author: Vanderburgh, F.]

[Year: 1859]

ANTHEMIS NOBILIS.

BY J. L. WADE, M.D., NEW YORK.

In looking over an old number of the "Chemist," a London Journal of Chemical and Physical Science, my attention was arrested by an article on the "efficacy of Roman Chamomile in serious suppurations," by M. Ozanum. The essay attracted my notice not so much on account of the cures he relates, as the acknowledgment of some principles proving the homoeopathic applications of the drug.

One word in regard to the Chamomile he employed: it differs slightly from the Matricaria of our Materia Medica: the Anthemis nobilis is the most important of this species, yet it is possible that we have in our fields in the common May-weed (Anthemis cotula) a plant deserving of more investigation and worthy of honest provings.

Anthemis nobilis is mentioned in the treatises on Materia Medica as fit for soothing stomach-aches and gastric difficulties, and for improving the appetite; fomentations of the flowers are employed in ill-conditioned ulcers. How it cured or changed to a healthy sore the pale and flabby surface, will be seen by the concessions M. Ozanum makes in reference to its external use.

Its flowers are said, by Lemery, a French chemist who lived in the first part of the seventeenth century, "to be emollient, digestive, carminative, resolutive, alleviating and strengthening." These properties are vague, and M. Ozanum says, "no one has discovered the great and precious virtues of Chamomile, viz.: that of preventing suppurations when the evil has not advanced too far, and of drying them up, when they have existed for a long time." He gave the drug in large doses, frequently too large to cure, as he acknowledges; he gave an infusion of 5, 10 or 30 grammes of the flowers, to one quart of water, to be drunk during the day: he kept this up until the cure was complete — a worthy example of perseverance in the use of one remedy, if positive in its homoeopathic indication, until the disease yields and health returns. M. Ozanum also in some cases applied the remedy locally by compresses soaked in the infusion, but he soon became convinced that the effect of the remedy was developed either with or without local application, proving to him, that this wonderful property of Chamomile must arise from a general action on the economy and not as a local action; this conclusion seems to be truly philosophic, as the unhealthy ulcer is kept unhealthy by the vitiated fountain within and not by the external surroundings.

M. Ozanum mentions four cases, and I will briefly record them, as they are worthy of attention and study.

1st case. Man. set. 33. Phlegmonous Erysipelas of the face and scalp, five abscesses formed, denuding the bones of the cranium and covering them with a cap of pus, then a sixth abscess was formed at the angle of the lower jaw, delirium, continuous and violent fever, pulse 140, complete prostration of strength; employed. Chamomile on the 28th day (30 grammes per day) suppuration increased for the first few days, (note this fact) I decreased the dose (he says) to 15 grammes per day, rapid diminution of suppuration; at the end of 20 days patient completely cured.

2nd case. Man. aet. 35. Phlegmonous Erysipelas of foot, leg and scalp, 14 successive abscesses formed, soon communicating together, for the length of 24 inches, enormous suppuration; at the end of three months the patient was in a completely cachectic state; amputation of the thigh was proposed, but the patient refused. I then commenced the use Chamomile, (30 grammes per day) return of strength, progressive diminution of suppuration, flesh was retained by systematic compresses; patient cured at the end of six weeks, without any other remedy.

3rd case. Man. aet. 26. Obstinate intermittent fever of 9 months standing, crisis, by an abscess forming on the right flank, as large as head of a child two years old; opened the abscess with bistoury, very abundant suppuration; gave Chamomile in large doses; after eight days, patient had two violent fits of intermittent fever, which had disappeared to give place to a continuous fever from the time of the appearance of the abscess; treatment interrupted for a few days, then renewed Chamomile, 15 grammes per day; cured at end of three weeks.

4th case. Man. aet. 22. An exceedingly interesting case, malignant typhoid fever, left pleuritis on the 21st day; right pulmonary congestion and hemoptysis the 25th day; suppuration on 32nd day, expectoration of pus, hectic fever with profuse perspiration; employment of Chamomile in moderate doses, owing to the great weakness of patient, (15 grammes per day) return of strength, a progressive diminution of suppuration; cured at end of 25 days.

Here are four cases, each of a serious character and each recovering under the one remedy, Chamomile. M. Ozanum says the power of this remedial agent is valuable, and will be indicated in Phlegmonous Erysipelas, in Puerperal Fever in the purulent diathesis of amputations, and in fact every case in which it is desired to prevent too abundant or too long continued suppurations. He acknowledges a transient aggravation of the evil, this aggravation preceding the cure, this he says is a medicinal effect, which should not discourage, but indicates that the dose should be diminished, so as to arrive at a more gentle cure; now, he is undoubtedly correct in his perseverance with the drug and wise when he lessens the dose.

Here we find that law of specific action, the drug in large doses increasing the diseased condition, aggravating the suppurative stage; yet when the dose was lessened, immediate improvement followed. Specific laws of effects, induced by drugs taken in the system, are the only guides to correct and positive medical science.

The eternal law of correspondence in all its sublimity and divine beauty, unfolds itself to our eyes, and boldly claims its truthful origin.

Man is the world, and written all over the pages of his life, in living characters, nature and her grand works of beauty and variety, stand forth in correspondential symbols.

A drug acts by a certain specific power on the human organization; on the delicate fibres and tissues it operates with the precision of a law, an organic law, fixed by some principle of specific power between the drug and the vital tissue. Malaria acts in the same manner, developing a train of effects similar to the drug. Here on this common field of action, our remedial agents battle with the enemy, and overcome the intruder; disease must be cured by some harmonious law, to be cured effectually, and no law is so full of order and harmony as the law of correspondence, this likeness between drug symptoms and disease symptoms. This remedy certainly invites special investigation, in cases of suppuration, without reference to the organ effected, it seems to act specifically on surfaces thus morbidly wasting, and in small doses rectifies the fountain within, restoring the healthy and vigorous tone without. Perhaps we too often select our remedies with reference to the organ effected, instead of being guided by the specific action of the drug — Anthemis. acting specifically on suppurating surfaces, if so, it would be useful in abscesses of all kinds, from the painful panaris to the serious psoas abscess, in puerperal peritonitis and anthrax.

If certain drugs effect only certain tissues of the body, they act only on those tissues in disease; the size of the dose best adapted to cure is not so positively fixed; Ozanum found he could give too large a dose, but perhaps 5 grammes per day would have been sufficient to cure, instead of 15, as he gave; however, I think that the nearer you approach the vital nerve force, when you wish to effect the delicate tissue of nerve fibre, then comes the power of high potencies, and I think that different conditions of even the same parts and organs require different potencies. Who can cure gonorrhea with the 30th of Cannabis or Mercurius; this is a low form of disease, gross and sensual, having relations to debased and vitiated passions, and requires corresponding treatment. I know it is recorded as being cured by high attenuations, but I have never succeeded.

M. Ozanum enters into no particulars of explanation. The nice and exact selection of a remedial agent, positively certain to effect a cure, belongs to our school, and to our school only.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 05, 1860, pages 228-232]

[Description: Anthemis Nobilis.]

[Remedies: Anthemis Nobilis.]

[Author: Wade, J.L.]

[Year: 1860]

REPORT OF A CASE OF YELLOW-FEVER.

BY J. L. WADE, M. D., NEW YORK.

Mr, S. W. H., aet 35, arrived in this city from Charleston, S. C, by Rail Road, at four o'clock on the morning of Tuesday the 14th of September. He left Charleston on Saturday morning for home-had felt rather indisposed for some days before leaving-during the journey his fever was very high -severe headache and a very intense thirst-he says, there seemed such a burning, scorching heat-his leaving as he did, undoubtedly modified the disease and rendered the attack more manageable-the atmosphere here was free from the poison, and instead of adding to the already kindled fire, it acted as a powerful disenfectant. However, the case is a plain one, and if he had remained in the infected region it might have been serious-the tendency to hemorrhage being very strong. I found him at nine o'clock A.M., with a high fever-pulse 125-complaining some of headache-great thirst-an inordinate desire for water, but owing to its producing nausea, restrained from its too free use,-tongue coated white-edges slightly rod-some pain and uneasiness in bowels-had suffered with pain in the back-all the general symptoms of a billions remittent fever,-his eyes were clear -had vomited some gruel which had been given him to drink soon after his arrival. I prescribed Acon.3 in solution, 1 teaspoonful every hour.

Sept. 14th, four o'clock in the afternoon-pulse 110-other symptoms about the same-has had two evacuations from his bowels of blood and slime; I did not see them, they having been thrown out-he complained of a general feeling of weakness; I left him Bell.3 to be used in alternation with the Acon.3 every 2 hours.

Sept. 15th, 9 A. M. – Has had during the night fifteen passages from the bowels, of blood non-coagulating: bright, but thin-very weak-pulse 85-no pain-not as much thirst -slept about two hours-there was some obscurity of intellect – a yellowish tinge of the conjunctiva-tongue white-gave Ipec. 3 and Hamamelis 3 every 2 hours in alternation.

2 o'clock P. M. – Pulse about same-five evacuations since last visit-other symptoms same-continued same remedies.

9 o'clock-Pulse 90-four evacuations since last visit (two o'clock), thin, not coagulating-urine scanty-great thirst – a feeling of uneasiness in stomach and bowels-tongue coated white; when rinsing the mouth with water, it became tinged with blood-conjunctiva yellow-skin assuming a bronze hue -breath very offensive-general restlessness and feeling of prostration-gave Ars.3 and Lach.6 every 2 hours.

Sept. 16th, 8 o'clock A. M-Bowels moved four times during the night-slept from two until seven-had two evacuations since daylight-not as much thirst-mouth dry with very offensive taste-coating on tongue white-thick in the centre-urine dark reddish yellow and scanty-some pain in bowels-pulse 80-same remedies.

1 o'clock P. M. – Pulse 80, short and quick-restless-no passage from bowels since last visit-urine dark and very scanty-thirst-expectorates by hawking from the throat, a bloody slime-gave Ars.30 and Lach.5 in alternation every 2 hours.

8 o'clock P. M. – Pulse 80-two passages since one o'clock, very offensive, dark color-restless-other symptoms same- gave 1 dose of Coff.3, and continued the Ars.30 and Lach.5

Sept. 17th, 8 o'clock A. M. – Two evacuations during the night, of blood-not as much thirst-urine more free-some nausea-had rather a restless night-pulse 85-mouth and breath very offensive, of a putrid odor-some oozing of blood from the gums-great debility-gave Rhus Tox.3 every 2 hours.

1 o'clock P. M. – No passage-slept 1 1/2 hours-less thirst- some bloody expectoration-same remedy.

6 o'clock P. M. – Had one passage at five o'clock-other symptoms same-gave one dose of Bell.30, and left solutions of Ars.30 and Lach.5, every three hours.

Sept. 18th, 8 o'clock A. M. – Slept well-one passage this morning, dark and bloody, not as offensive-mouth and tongue better-slight epistaxis-some slight oozing from gums-same remedies every four hours.

1 o'clock-Very comfortable-same treatment.

8 o'clock P. M. – One evacuation-no thirst-some pain in the epigastric region-left solution of Lach.30, a dose every 4 hours.

Sept. 19th, 10 o'clock A. M. – Slight epistaxis last evening -one passage from bowels, dark and offensive-slept well-same remedy.

6 o'clock P. M. – Found him improving-his tongue clean -eyes brighter-pulse natural but weak-has had no appetite until today-ordered him some beafsteak to chew-continued Lach.30, every 4 or 5 hours.

Sept. 20th. – Only one visit to day-very much improved-slept well-ordered nourishing food-left no medicine.

Sept. 21st. – Bowels regular-tongue clean-sleeps well, and appetite good.

On calling again two days after I found him firstrate, every function of the body acting in order-tongue clean and healthy, bowels regular-sleeping well and gaining strength rapidly. Many symptoms of this case were very unpleasant, and serious results were threatened, but homoeopathy shows itself equal to all emergencies and the law of similia is eternal as truth.

As this case yielded so readily to homoeopathic treatment, some might say it was not yellow fever, but Dr. Rockwell called to see the case and unhesitatingly said that if he had remained in Charleston, he would have died of yellow fever. He reported the case as a mild attack: if the patient had died then I suppose it would have been a genuine case-this is the testimony of Dr. Holcombe of La. Homoeopathic Physicians always have mild cases of disease to treat-how favored those families must be, who employ homoeopathic practitioners, not being liable to serious disease-an argument in favor of the system.

This case was well marked, and the beauty of the result is only one of the many glorious results of the Hahnemann law of cure, "similia similibus curantur."

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 02, 1858, pages 75-78]

[Description: A Report of a Case of Yellow Fever]

[Remedies: Aconitum napellus, Belladonna, Arsenicum album, Lachesis, Ipecacuanha, Hamamelis, Rhus toxicodendron, Coffea]

[Author: Wade, J.L.]

[Year: 1858]

PATHOGENETIC EFFECTS OF BELLADONNA.

BY N. H. WARNER, M.D., BUFFALO, N.Y.

The Pathogenetic Effects of Belladonna as seen in the healthy subject, are so fully set forth in the following case, from eating half of the contents of a half dram vial, filled with pellets of the 6th dilution of Belladonna, that I send it for publication.

Before giving the details of the case, I would premise, that the subject, a little girl of five years, had had some six months previous to her eating the Belladonna, scarlet fever with secondary symptoms followed with diphtheria, and but just escaped with her life.

Her recovery was slow; but at the time she eat the Belladonna pellets, her health seemed fully restored although she had not attained her full strength.

Mary B., aged about live years, of a nervo-sanguine temperament, took, unknown to any one from a domestic case, about half the contents of a half dram vial filled with pellets that had been saturated with Belladonna of the 6th dilution. As near as her mother could learn from her, she ate the pellets about noon on Friday. She went to sleep soon after, slept beyond the usual period and was unusually dull, so much so that she could hardly be aroused to take her afternoon's ride, for which she was usually eager. During the ride, she was attacked with a hacking cough which increased very rapidly, so that in half an hour from its commencement the hacks would occur at every third or fourth inspiration; the irritation continued to increase until the respirations were increased to 70 per minute; the action of the heart was furious, the palpitation being clearly visible to sight across the room; the heat of skin was variable, sometimes very hot, and in a few minutes unnaturally cool. In this condition, says my partner Dr. L. M. Kenyon, I found her about 9 o'clock, p.m., of Friday. Her parents had sent to the office at 6 o'clock, p.m., for medicine, and I sent Aconite and Belladonna. After taking the Belladonna she was seriously worse; constant snuffing came on, though the nose was dry, with extreme nervous irritability. We supposed she had taken a sudden cold, and as the Belladonna had made her worse, I gave her Lachesis 6th, which soon quieted her and she went to sleep. During the night she took two doses of Lachesis.

Saturday I was surprised to find her up and playing about the house, lively, and apparently quite well, except the snuffing which was constant, and an unusual flow of spirits, which drove her from one thing to another with great rapidity, with an incessant desire to talk of all manner of things mixed together. At 5 o'clock, p.m., all the symptoms that had been so prominent the day before came on, and as the symptoms were so strongly Belladonna, and that remedy having aggravated the symptoms the day before, I put a few pellets of Belladonna^200 into half a tumbler of water, and poured from one glass to another until the pellets were all dissolved, and then poured one spoonful into another half tumbler of water, and after pouring from tumbler to tumbler until it was thoroughly mixed, I further diluted it a third time, and gave her two tea-spoonfuls, and the increase or aggravation of symptoms was so rapid and marked, that I came to the conclusion that I could not use Belladonna at all.

I resorted to the Lachesis again and found on Sunday morning, that she had rested well and had taken Lachesis twice during the night; I found all the symptoms the same as the morning before. I gave one dose of Lachesis^200 and waited for evening, when about five o'clock the same symptoms occurred, and Lachesis was repeated and the same results were obtained.

On Monday we learned the fact of her eating the Belladonna and the symptoms that seemed to indicate Belladonna were in fact the effect of that drug, in the sixth potency. She was treated with Coffee, Hyoscyamus, Hepar. sulph., and Lachesis. The symptoms decreased daily and ceased entirely on the eighteenth day.

She had a small ulcer upon the back as a consequence of the scarlet fever, which healed very slowly, but had been healed some three months when she ate the Bell. pellets; and on the third day after they were eaten, this cicatrix inflamed and had the appearance of breaking out, but after giving Hepar. and other antidotes, the inflammation gradually subsided.

This case is interesting as it shows that attenuated medicines can produce the drug symptoms upon the healthy, in addition to the curative effect in disease.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 06, 1860, pages 271-273]

[Description: Pathogenetic Effects of Belladonna.]

[Remedies: Belladonna]

[Author: Warner, N.H.]

[Year: 1860]

CLINICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

BY D. F. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

Case I. A girl, 19 years old, had had constant pain in the loins, since she first menstruated, i. e., for about four years, as if the back were broken. The menstruation had always been retarded, often as much as seven days, but was not abnormal either in quantity or quality. The mother of this patient was similarly affected previous to her marriage, and not after. This case reminded the attendant of symptoms developed in a patient by massive doses of Camphor, which he had opportunity to observe while in attendance on the clinics of one of his professors. She had similar pains and similar delay of menstruation, after taking a series of such doses of the drug as the professor was accustomed to administer to his patients. A note was made of the fact at the time, and now no remedy seeming more like the symptoms of his case than this remembrance of the effects of Camphor, he gave six pellets of Camphor^20 in half a tumbler of water, a teaspoonful to be taken every six hours. The pains ceased in twenty-four hours. They returned after wetting the feet, and were again removed and permanently by a similar medication.

The pathogenesis of Camphor in our Materia Medica gives no such symptoms either of the back or of the menstruation. It is wanting entirely in symptoms of the female sexual functions, and also of symptoms affecting the back below the shoulder blades. The above noted observation, and its repeated clinical confirmation, is confidently given as a contribution to the confessedly imperfect proving of this drug.

Case II. A soldier of the 69th New York Volunteers, at the battle of Antietam, was struck by a musket ball just below and close to the os pubis, and close to and outside of the spot over the exit of the femoral artery from the abdomen. The exit of the ball was posteriorly on the same side, one and a half inches, from the mesial line, and two inches above the lower end of the coccyx. The external openings were healed at the expiration of six weeks. The wound was attended, in the first instance, by copious hemorrhage from the anterior orifice, and later by gatherings of blood as if in a pouch near this orifice, which were discharged when making efforts to remove a wounded comrade from the field. He was much exposed, after his wound, on the field, for two days and nights before he was removed, and from want of clothing, during his convalescence, and got, after the healing of the external openings, pains extending from cicatrix to cicatrix, through the thigh and pelvis, which were burning as if made by a hot iron; and sharp shootings from the anterior cicatrix to the knee. The pains were worse on change of weather and especially on the approach of a storm. He had nightly dreams of his companions lost in battle, and of being in battles, cheering those who were wounded; he stormed batteries with loud calling to those engaged. After he had so far recovered as to be able to walk, he would at times find the knee-joint of the affected side suddenly give way and let him down. This was of frequent occurrence, the loss of power being only for a few minutes each time. It was with the greatest difficulty that he could raise the limb of the wounded side so high as to step up an elevation of six inches.

After giving several remedies for the relief of these sufferings, and continuing their use for four weeks without success, the peculiarity of the pain, like the burning of an hot iron, suggested Urtica urens, of which he got six globules in half a tumbler of water, a teaspoonful every four hours. The relief of the pain was immediate, and he improved in his general condition for a week, when the approach of a storm renewed the pains. The Urtica was again repeated with similar relief. Two weeks after this, after long walking and getting wet, he had a second relapse, which the Urtica failed to relieve, and he got four globules of Sulph." The pains continued without abatement, for a week, when he got a third dose of Urtica, which was followed by complete and permanent relief of all his pains, and there only remained the sudden giving way of the knee-joint, and temporary loss of power in the limb. This was cured by two doses of Urtica given at intervals of four weeks. The cure is now complete, and he says he is ready to take the field again.

Case III. A woman, 54 years of age, tall, dark hair and. eyes, thin face, hollow eyes, anxious expression, movements sluggish, had been accustomed to take six and eight cups of strong coffee daily. She complains of pain as if a band were drawn around from above the eyes to the lower and back part of the head, worse in the middle of the day, with nausea and vomiting of her food immediately after eating; the nausea and vomiting were preceded by pressure in the stomach like a stone. Pain in the region of the spleen, which was dull, heavy and constant. Palpitation of the heart after exertion; cold perspiration, especially on the hands. Hunger accompanied by a sense of nausea before sitting down at the table, which hunger disappeared with the first mouthful of food taken. She got Nux vom.20 with partial and temporary relief of the nausea, and aggravation of the pain in the spleen. The whole picture of the case, on more careful consideration, appeared so like known effects of Tobacco, that there was no hesitation in giving this drug. She got six globules of Tobacco^200 in half a tumbler of water, a teaspoonful night and morning. She returned in one week free from all her symptoms. The case was of five years standing. The above symptoms were obtained from habitual consumers of Tobacco, and not from our Materia Medica, into which it is believed they may safely be incorporated.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 10, 1863, pages 462-464]

[Description: Clinical Contributions.]

[Author: Wells, D.F.]

[Year: 1863]

ALOES.

By P. P. Wells, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.

This drug has been found effectual repeatedly in removing a peculiar heavy, dull, pressing pain in the forehead, of no great severity, but which indisposes to, or even incapacitates for all exertion, especially for intellectual labor. This state of the head has appeared in the person of the writer, every year for the last ten or twelve, on the blossoming of the Ailanthus He found no remedy for it, till he received the proving of Aloes, in Hering's Americanische Arzneipruefungen. A single dose of this drug, in the 200th potency, has always been sufficient for its speedy removal. The symptoms which correspond to this troublesome visitor are, in the proving of Hering, 46, 49, 50, 52, 53, 81, 82, 85, 86, 87, 93, 99.

There is also a condition of the abdomen which is quite peculiar, of which most persons have been conscious who have passed through an epidemic of Asiatic cholera. A very similar group of sensations have annually afflicted most of us who are so unfortunate as to dwell in cities cursed by the presence of that most abominable of trees – the Ailanthus. It is oftener then otherwise described, by those who suffer it, as a feeling of "uncertainty" – meaning that they are not sure they shall not be attacked by diarrhea any minute — and that they feel just as though they would be. It is one of the constant elements of the precursory stage of cholera. The Ailanthus sensations are strikingly like this. When produced by this cause, the symptoms are promptly and completely removed by a single dose of Aloes^200. This has been several times repeated, in the experiment of the writer during the blossoming seasons of the Ailanthus. Whether it will be equally effectual in relieving the analogous group of symptoms produced by the cholera poison, he has had no opportunity to observe, there having been no epidemic of this disease, in this city, since the publication of the proving of Aloes. But the similarity of the groups of symptoms is so great as is also their resemblance to known symptoms of Aloes, that he has no doubt the drug will be found equally efficacious in both. There is in this condition of the abdomen not only this sense of insecurity, but a dull heaviness, and sense of moderate distinction, general debility, and especially a weakness of the abdominal organs. The symptoms of Aloes which are representative of this condition are, in the proving referred to 485, 486, 488, 494, 511, 576.

Symptoms 500, 501 and 502 may possibly mislead some in the clinical use of this drug, unless the symptoms are studied in their quality as well as in their verbal expression, a duty which we have endeavored elsewhere to urge on practitioners, as of high importance. The symptoms before us are a good illustration of the necessity, even, of this kind of study. Without this, Aloes may be supposed, by the above symptoms to be an appropriate remedy for peritoneal inflammation with plastic deposit, which it is not. Instead of this, the symptoms are rather allied to rheumatic or neuralgic tenderness of the abdomen or to that sensitiveness to pressure which is sometimes acute, which is found in some cases of flatulent pains, i. e., this sensitiveness is like to that which accompanies rheumatism and spasmodic conditions, and not to that inflammatory state which produces plastic deposits.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 07, 1866, pages 268-270]

[Description: Aloes.]

[Remedies: Aloe socotrina]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1866]

APIS MELLIFICA.

By P. P. Wells, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.

In 1857, Hering published in Leipsic and Heidelberg the first volume of his Americanische Arzneipruefungen, the third article of which presents, in the proving of Apis Mellifica, a model for all provers who shall hereafter attempt to gather and preserve the known effects of drugs on the living human organism. For thoroughness of treatment, and comprehensive appreciation of the problem of drug-proving, as well as for a happy solution of this problem, we do not know where in the labors of others to look for its parallel; and in no instance, in these respects, has this great master of provers excelled it. The proving of Apis also stands as a monument to the industry, faithfulness and learning of the master, which not even his great proving of Lachesis surpasses. It early attracted the attention of practitioners of our school in Germany, and its importance was fully perceived and acknowledged. The remedy was extensively used by them, and great successes were declared to have been the result.

This was especially true of Dr. C. W. Wolf, of Berlin, who in the first part of his Erfahrungen published his numerous extraordinary experiences of Apis, in 1859. His claims for curative relationships of the remedy, based on these experiences, were of so great extent, that to some, who had had less opportunity for observation, they seemed quite extravagant and unworthy of credit.

Unfortunately for the English-reading portion of the practitioners of our school, both the original proving and the Erfahrungen were in the German language, and to them, for this reason, wholly unavailable; and to the present time this embarrassment continues. Notwithstanding this, some of the general facts of the proving have become known, and clinical reports of successes with the remedy have induced its occasional empirical use, and not always without success. In compliance with a request of an esteemed friend, of this class of our school, who has realized many interesting results from the use of Apis, though given empirically, the following translation of the condensed resume of its pathogenesis by Hering, has been made. It is published, not as a substitute for the complete register of its symptoms, but in the hope that it may serve as a help to those who are unable to avail themselves of the original, till such time (it is to be hoped not distant), as the complete proving shall be given to the English reader. (See Appendix.)

The following recent clinical experience with Apis seemed of sufficient interest to warrant giving it to the readers of the Review. On the 25th of March, ult., the writer was called to a child nine years old, just attacked with the miliary form of scarlet fever, with prominent affection of the brain. On the 8th of April, the convalescence seemed established. The child was up, dressed, and engaged with her amusements as usual, there being only a diminished strength to be restored. On the 12th, there was paleness of the face and a very suspicious puffiness of the eyelids, which increased, with swelling of the face, limbs and abdomen. The external swelling was edematous, while the evidence of water in the abdomen was quite complete. The urine was scanty, very dark colored and frothy. There was less than a pint passed in the twenty-four hours. The pulse was but slightly affected, and the skin moderately harsh and dry. The child had an unquestioned syphilitic taint; both parents were known to have suffered from this plague previous to her birth. For a year before this attack of scarlet fever, she had been under allopathic treatment for a disease of the nose. It was swollen; sensitive to touch; respiration through it obstructed; copious, offensive, acrid and thin greyish discharge; ulcers were to be seen within the nostrils. Soon after the commencement of the treatment of the fever these symptoms were much abated.

While under the previous treatment the presence of a polypus in the left nostril was discovered, which much obstructed the passage.

The dropsical swellings were successfully treated by Apis^200. In the progress of the case, and when the abdominal and cutaneous deposits of serum had almost disappeared, she succeeded with some little difficulty in discharging from the left nostril a fleshy mass, more than an inch in length and half an inch in breath. It presented the characteristics of color, consistency and signs or organizations peculiar to nasal polypus. A week after the discharge of this mass, another and smaller was dislodged in the usual, somewhat violent efforts to clear the nose in the morning.

It has not fallen within the experience or reading of the writer to note that nasal polypus has been spontaneously separated and discharged. Has it been in the experience of others? Was this the result of the action of Apis? The case is given as an occasion for asking these two questions.

Under the observation of the friend at whose instance the above translation has been made, erysipelatous inflammation and swelling of the scrotum followed bee-stings on the face and neck, in the case of a lad five years old. This symptom does not appear in Hering's proving.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 01, 1865, pages 13-15]

[Description: Apis Mellifica.]

[Remedies: Apis mellifera]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1865]

CANNABIS INDICA.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

This drug has been extensively used by some Orientals for the purpose of producing intoxication, and, unfortunately this intoxication has had a poetical and romantic character given it by writers of brilliant imagination, who have observed or experienced it. The splendor of the visions it excites, the vivid and glowing fancies, the flowing and gushing delights, have been dwelt on in terms of the highest eloquence a poetic fancy could suggest, until indulgence in the vice has seemed a beautiful transcendence of ordinary human experience rather than the commission of a crime against physical and moral law. The whole has been so invested with the charm of romance, as to conceal the nature of the indulgence, and unfortunately, to commend it to the imagination and taste of the reckless young in our own land to an extent little dreamed of, till the drug has become an article of considerable importance in the retail drug trade, especially in the neighborhood of our colleges.*[The writer is informed of a druggist in the immediate vicinity of one of the largest Colleges, who says that were it not for the sale of Hasheesh to our students he might as well close his shop.] The young men there gathered for the purposes of education of their intellect and taste, have learned one of the uses of this singular drug, according to the law of similars, which they are said to practice to an alarming extent. It is much used by them to antidote the effects of debauch, and especially those resulting from alcoholic drinks, which it removes with wonderful rapidity and completeness. The symptoms recorded by some who have taken the drug, and observed by others would have led us to expect this a priori, and the testimony of multitudes who have experienced the relief, confirms the reasonableness of the expectation. The sense of exhaustion, feverish restlessness, headache, confusion of intellect, and attendant symptoms are all dissipated in a few minutes, and the young sinner feels as though nothing especial had happened; and too soon, if he can be rid the painful consequences so easy, that he would as soon get drunk as not, and he is quite likely to repeat the experiment to the loss of intellect, character, and even life.

This is represented, by those who have the opportunity of knowing, as largely prevailing in the different colleges in our country. If this be true, and it is believed to be so, it is time the warning was sounded in the ears of those who are more especially responsible for the conduct and safety of these young persons.

The resemblance of the effects of Cannabis indica to those of alcohol is not a little striking, and it would be strange if the law which we believe to be of universal application should fail to justify itself only here. It is true all the symptoms recorded of Cannabis do not find a counterpart in the intoxications of alcohol, but many of them do, and in this the relation is just that between other drugs and other diseases. No disease exhibits all the symptoms of any one drug, and yet the drug cures.

The following are some of the symptoms recorded as the effects of this remarkable drug, by the author of "The Hasheesh Eater.," and many of them have been confirmed by the experiments of persons known to the writer.

All agree that the first symptom is experienced after the lapse of some hours, and is uniformly a thrill through the whole frame to the finger ends and through the brain, followed by great terror.

A strange feeling of isolation from all around him, with great sense of loneliness, though surrounded by his friends.

His voice seems strange, as if it were not his own.

He seems as if he had lost his consciousness for a time which gradually returns.

All impressions on the senses are exceedingly exaggerated.

Illusions of the senses. He hears voices, and the most sublime music. He sees visions of beauty and glory that can only be equalled in paradise. Landscapes of sublimes t beauty, with profusion of flowers of most brilliant color, in contrast to afford the greatest delight. Architecture of magnificent grandeur and beauty, and all giving a consciousness of happiness for the time without mixture.

Extreme exaggerations of the duration of time and extent space — a few seconds seem ages — the utterance of a word seems as long as a whole drama — and a few rods are a distance which can never be passed, it is so great. The room expands and those around the centre table near, recede to vast distances, and the ceiling is raised, and he is in a vast hall.

He grows suddenly suspicious of all persons and things.

He seems possessed of a dual existence, one of which from a height watches the other while it passes through the various phases of the hasheesh delirium.

He seems to himself to be transformed into a vegetable existence, as a huge fern, and to be surrounded by clouds of music and perfume.

"When walking in the street he suddenly sees the muffled figure of a man start from the wall. His appearance is such as to excite the utmost horror. "Every lineament of his face was stamped with the records of a life black with damning crime. It glared on me with a ferocious wickedness and a stony despair. I seemed to grow blasphemous in looking at him, and in an agony of fear turned to run away."

The excitement seemed to increase all his powers. "I was bursting with an uncontrollable life; I strode with the thews of a giant."

All around and within seems to be a great mystery, and is terrifying.

"I could trace the circulation of the blood along each inch of its progress. I knew when every valve opened and shut. The beating of my heart was so clearly audible that I wondered it was not heard by others."

Dread of "congestion, apoplexy, hemorrhage and a multiplicity of deaths." Fear of death which is. thought near,

His own voice seems intensely loud. Believes he has been talking indecently loud when he has not spoken at all.

Vision of a silent army passed him in the street in the evening when walking.

He hears music of the sweetest and sublimest melody and harmony, and sees venerable bards with their harps who play as if it were the music of heaven.

Violent ecstasies of pleasure or agonies of terror and pain are constantly followed by more gentle and quiet forms of delirious excitement or hallucinations.

He has ludicrous visions of old and wrinkled females, who are found to be composed of knit yarn.

He seems to pass suddenly through vast regions of space. and to be filled with unspeakable peace and all desires are fully gratified.

He shouts, leaps into the air, and claps his hands for joy.

His familiar acquaintance is mistaken for a Chinese mandarin.

He thinks he can fly through the air like the birds.

He sings and extemporizes both words and music.

He laughs immoderately and involuntarily at the impression his leg was a tin case filled with stair rods, which he hears rattle as he walks. Then suddenly the other leg seems to extend its length till he is raised some hundreds of feet into the air, and on this he is compelled to hop as he is walking with his friend.

He has intense thirst, and yet he fears to drink, for he will be suffocated by the magnitude of the stream as it passes down his throat; and again it is not water but the most delicious Metheglin that he swallows, with super-human delight.

The soul seemed to be separated from the body, and to look down upon it, and view all the motions of the vital processes, and to be able to pass and repass through the solid walls of the room, and to view the landscape beyond.

The walls of the room are suddenly covered with dancing satyrs, and mandarins nod from all its corners.

When walking in the open air, the plain is suddenly expanded and covered with a band of Tartars, who rush along in mad haste, their caps streaming with plumes and horsehair.

Extreme intolerance of contradiction.

The most familiar objects appear strange and are not recognized.

He imagines while walking with his friend by a small stream that it is the Nile and he the traveller Bruce.

He imagines himself possessed of infinite knowledge and power of vision, and then that he is Christ come to restore the world to perfect peace.

He believes there is creative power in his own word, and that he has only to speak and it will be done.

He believes he is Daniel Webster, and is omnipotent in argumentative eloquence.

Then he possesses the wealth of the world, and with a benevolence equal to his wealth, showers riches on all the needy around him.

He seems to be the subject of the strangest transformations, now he is a huge saw, and darts up and down while planks fly off on either side of him in utter completeness; and then he is a bottle of soda water, running too and fro; then a huge hippopotamus; then a giraffe.

Thoughts rush so rapidly that it is impossible to write them.

"Intense fever boiled in my blood and every heart-beat was like the stroke of a colossal engine."

Involuntary weeping — the tears seem blood.

While walking in the street the houses suddenly become moveable and take to nodding, bowing and dancing in the most remarkable manner.

Sleep, which before the habit of taking "hasheesh," was always with dreams more or less vivid, was during the whole period of the indulgence entirely dreamless.

Prolonged and tranquil sleep.

Shaking of the hands so that he cannot write.

Taste of copper in the mouth.

Great acuteness of hearing.

The foregoing symptoms mostly affecting the perceptions and imagination, present the pleasurable phase of the delirium of Cannabis.

The similarity of these symptoms to those presented in the most common forms of insanity scarcely needs mention. The exaggerations of the perceptions, the excited imagination, the pride of personal power and importance, the happy existence in dream-land, the illusions of the senses, common to both, are too much alike in each to escape the observation of any reader. Its importance as a remedy in this class of most afflictive maladies, cannot be over-estimated, if the above symptoms are reliable, as they seem to be, unless here, the law of cure, elsewhere so sure in its operations, shall be found to utterly fail.

The other, the painful phase, it is our purpose to present in a future number of the Review, with some remarks on its clinical uses.

The counterpart of the picture of the "hasheesh" delirium or insanity, lately presented, was promised in a future number of the Review. We are about to redeem that promise, and begin by making, on the authority of the writer from whom the most of the symptoms lately published were derived, the important statement that at two different times, when the body and mind are apparently in precisely analogous states, and when all circumstances, exterior and interior, do not differ tangibly in the smallest respect, the same dose of the same preparation of "hasheesh" will frequently pro-produce diametrically opposite effects. This is important as indicative of a wide range of practical application, this peculiarity characterizing most of our polychrests. He further says that "at one time I have taken thirty grains, which hardly gave a perceptible phenomenon, and at another when a dose had been half that quantity, I have suffered the agonies of a martyr, or rejoiced in a perfect phrensy. So variable are its results that I took each successive bolus with the consciousness that I was daring an uncertainty as tremendous as the equipoise between hell and heaven." — Whether the same uncertainty in the effects of doses will be found to attach to the use of the drug in the dynamizations, as the above, the result of experience with massive doses, remains to be proved, and may at present well be doubted.

Another experience of this writer, confirmed by that of many others, is that "if during the ecstasy of 'hasheesh' delirium, another dose, however small, though it be no larger than half a pea, be employed to prolong the condition, such agony will inevitably ensue as will make the soul shudder at its own possibility of endurance without annihilation. By repeated experiments, which now occupy the most horrible place upon my catalogue of horrible remembrances, have I proved that among all the variable phenomena of 'hasheesh,' this alone stands unvarying. The use of it directly after any other stimulus will produce consequences as apalling." Whether this peculiarity will be found in the practical use of the drug to modify, in any degree, the repetition of doses is now a question of interest we are not in a condition to answer. If it should prove to be a drug intolerant of repetitions it will not stand alone in this respect, in our Materia Medica, but will by this peculiarity be placed by the masters of that science with a class known to them to be already somewhat numerous. This writer also found that the most delightful ecstasy was converted into deepest horrors, and horrors, when present, were greatly aggravated by darkness.

He suddenly awoke, after midnight, and found himself in a realm of the most perfect clarity of view, yet terrible with an infinitude of demoniac shadows. Beside the bed, in the centre of the room, stood a bier, from whose corners drooped the folds of a heavy pall, and on it a fearful corpse, whose livid face was distorted with the pangs of assassination. Every muscle was tense, the finger nails pierced the dead man's palms by the force of his dying clinch. Two tapers at the head and two at the feet made the ghastliness of the bier more luminiously unearthly, and a smothered laugh of derision from some invisible watcher mocked the corpse, as if triumphant demons were exalting over their prey.

"Then the walls of the room began slowly to glide together, the ceiling coming down, the floor ascending, like the captive's cell which was doomed to be his tomb. Nearer and nearer I was borne towards the corpse. I shrunk back. I tried to cry out, but speech was paralyzed. The walls came closer and closer. Presently my hand lay on the dead man's forehead. I was stifled in the breathless niche, which was all the space still left to me. The stony eyes stared up into mine, and again the maddening peal of fiendish laughter rang close beside my ear. Now I was touched on all sides by the walls of the terrible press; then came a heavy crush, and I felt all sense blotted out in darkness.*[* Nightmare.]

"I awakened; the corpse was gone, but I had taken its place on the bier. The room had now grown into a gigantic hall, whose roof was framed of iron arches. Pavement, walls, cornice were all iron, and a thrill from them seemed to say this iron is a tearless fiend. I suffered from the vision of that iron as from the presence of a giant assassin.

"Then there emerged from the sulphurous twilight the most horrible form — a fiend also of iron, white, hot and dazzling with the glory of the nether penetralia. A face that was the incarnation of all malice and irony looked on me with a glare, withering from its intense heat, but more from the wickedness it symbolized. Beside him another demon rocked a cradle framed of bars of iron, and condescent with a heat fierce as the fiends.

"And now a chant of blasphemy so fearful that no human thought has ever conceived of it, from the demons, till I grew intensely wicked by hearing it. The music accorded with the thought, and with its clangor mixed the maddening creak of the forever oscillating cradle until I felt driven to a ferocious despair. Suddenly the nearest fiend thrust a pitch-fork of white hot iron into my side and hurled me into the fiery cradle. I lay unconsumed, tossing from side to side by rocking of the fiery engine, and still the chant of blasphemy and the eyes of demoniac sarcasm smiled at me in mockery. 'Let us sing him,' said one of the fiends, 'the lullaby of hell.'

"Withered like a leaf in the breath of an oven after millions of years, I felt myself tossed on the iron floor. Presently I was in a colossal square, and surrounded by houses a hundred stories high. With bitter thirst I ran to a fountain carved in iron, every jet of which was sculptured in mockery of water, and yet as dry as the ashes of a furnace. I called for water, when every sash in all the hundred stories of that square flew up and a maniac stood at every window. They gnashed at me, glared, gibbered, howled, laughed, horribly hissed and cursed. Then I became insane at the sight, and leaping up and down mimicked them all."

The above symptoms were the result of one experiment, and are given in the order in which they stand in the record of the observer. In another experiment, by another person, there were

Stertorous breathing. Dilatation of the pupil. Drooping appearance of the eye-lids, followed at last by a comatose state, lasting for hours, out of which it was almost impossible fully to arouse the energies. Rigidity of the muscular system Inability to measure the compass and volume of the voice when speaking. In another the experimenter was thrown into "unbearable horror" by the falling upon him of a "shower of soot from heaven."

Despair, and fear of being eternally lost. On hearing the name of God he cried "stop! that name is terrible to me; I cannot bear it. I am dying." Now demoniac shapes clutched at him from the darkness, cloaked from head to foot in inky palls, glaring on him with fiery eyes from beneath their cowls. He seemed to be walking in a vast arena encircled by tremendous walls. The stars seemed to look on him with pitying human aspect and to bewail his condition.

All the events of his past life, even those long forgotten, and those the most trivial, were thrown in symbols from a rapidly revolving wheel, each of which was recognized as an act of his life, and each came in the order of sequence the act it indicated occupied in his history.

With another experimenter, on the wall of the room, at a great distance, a monstrous head was spiked up, which commenced a succession of grimaces, of the most startling, but ludicrous character. Its ferociously bearded under jaw extended indefinitely, and then the jaw shooting back, the mouth opened from ear to ear. The nose spun out into absurd enormity, and the eyes winked with the rapidity of lightening.

His lips failed of utterance, as if paralyzed.

It affects persons of the highest nervous and sanguine temperament with the strongest effect; the bilious nearly as much; the lymphatic but slightly, with such symptoms as vertigo nausea, coma, or muscular rigidity.

In a subsequent experiment the author of the book referred to, after such experience of ecstasy as has already been described, when just emerging from a dense wood, he heard a "hissing whisper, kill thyself! kill thyself!" "I turned to see who spoke. No one was visible. The whisper was repeated with intenser earnestness; and now unseen tongues repeated it on all sides and in the air above me. 'The Most High commands thee to kill thyself.' I drew forth my knife, opened it and placed it at my throat, when I felt the blow of some invisible hand strike my arm; my hand flew back at the force of the shock, and the knife went spinning into the bushes. The whispers ceased.

"From zenith to horizon an awful angel of midnight blackness floated. His face looked unutterable terrors into me, and his dreadful hand half clenched, above my head as if waiting to take me by the hair. Across the firmanent a chariot came like lightening, with wheels like rainbow suns. At its approach the sable angel turned and rushed down into the horizon, that seemed to smoke as he slid through it and I was saved."

The scene then became theatrical, and he an actor, who improvised his tragedy, and held his immense audience entranced. Suddenly a look of suspicion came over every face, "I sought relief by turning from the pit to the boxes. The same stony glance met me still. Oh! they know my secret! and at that instant one maddening chorus broke from the whole theatre,'hasheesh! Hasheesh! he has eaten hasheesh!' I crept from the stage in unutterable shame. I crouched in concealment. I looked at my garments, and beheld them foul and ragged as a beggar's. From head to foot I was the incarnation of squallidity. My asylum proved on the pavement of a great city's principal thoroughfare. Children pointed at me; loungers stood and searched me with inquisitive scorn. The multitude of man and beast all eyed me; the very stones of the street mocked me with a human raillery as I cowered against a side wall in my bemired rags."

The sun seemed reeling from his place, and the clouds danced around him like a chorus.

It may be objected to the above record that it was not the results of experiments such as produced our trusted Materia Medica, but rather of indulgence in a sinful love of excitement, with no reference to a scientific observation and record of all the phenomena resulting from the taking of the drug. This is no doubt true, but it does not therefore falsify the record. If it be incomplete, that which is given may nevertheless be true, and as has been said already, much of it, as to the general character of the facts, has been confirmed by the experiments of others.

It may be again objected that the language in which the record is given is extravagant, and that all is too highly colored to be depended on as the basis of practical proceedings with the sick. That it lacks the cool color which should characterize scientific observation. It may be said in answer to this, that the language in this respect accords with the subject — Delirium, insanity. The experiences with the drug are little but these. If the language had been less highly colored it would have been less a faithful picture of the realized effects of the drug.

In the previous number we remarked on the similarity of the symptoms there given to certain forms of insanity and delirium. Those here given are no less like to other forms; especially to violent mania, with frightful illusions of the senses, with disposition to suicide, with great suspicion, shame or fear. All the insane symptoms in this phase of the effects of the drug, it will be noticed, are characterized by violence. If these phenomena were met in any case, in a milder form, it may be a sufficient reason why this will not prove the curative of such a case.

Many of the symptoms in both pictures are very like those met in many cases of alcoholic intoxication — as the quiet dreamy delirium — the pride, exaggerations of self-importance and power, mobility of fixed objects, grotesque illusions of sight, illusions of hearing, and others.

But to no abnormal condition is there a greater resemblance than to the distressing manifestations of delirium tremens. This is so remarkable that it is believed if the pictures of affections of mind and sense here presented had been given as symptoms of a case or cases of this painful malady, they would probably have passed without challenge or suspicion as genuine. This remarkable resemblance was that which chiefly determined their publication at this time, and also the attempt to call the attention of the readers of the Review to the Cannabis as a curative of this frequently obstinate and too often fatal disease. It was not till some progress in their study, and transcription of the symptoms of Cannabis had been made, that the extent of its application as a curative in mental maladies in their more general manifestations was perceived. If the symptoms here presented are genuine, its importance in this class of cases is not likely to be overestimated. There may be the more confidence in their truthfulness, from the fact stated, that many of these symptoms have been confirmed by other experimenters; and more from this, that the drug has been found to be curative of cases with similar symptoms, which may properly be regarded as the highest possible confirmation of a proving. This has been experienced in many cases of drunkenness and its consequences, reported to the writer, and also in cases of delirium tremens, all of which were cured in a manner as prompt and complete as rather to astonish, though he has been accustomed to witness homoeopathic cures for twenty years. To illustrate this the two following cases of delirium tremens must suffice, and with them this paper, extended beyond proposed limits, is presented to the reader, with the request that he make the drug a subject of observation, and communicate to the Review any additional knowledge he may have of its use or symptoms.

W — , about 30 years of age, an habitual hard drinker, who had repeated attacks of delirium tremens. In May, 1862, had been drinking freely for about a week, when he became sleepless and had trembling to a degree that he could not carry a glass more than two-thirds full of water to his mouth without spilling; headache; wild look of the eyes; with great terror, especially if left alone (see hasheesh); constant fear of some great evil, and raising up in bed and looking about the room for the object of his terror; talked in hurried whispers; eyes injected. He got five grains of hasheesh one half at half-past seven o'clock, p.m., the other at half-past eleven. The next morning at ten, he was rational, sitting up and dressed. Trembling and all the other symptoms had disappeared, and what was not a little singular, he had lost the great thirst for alcoholic drinks which through the attack had been incessantly urgent. He had no return of the symptoms. — , an Englishman, about 40 years of age, a very hard drinker, had been drinking excessively for a month, and for a week had not been sober. When first seen he had not slept for three nights, was violently excited, requiring the strength of several persons to keep him on the bed; eyes red, wild and staring; face red; saw the room filled with faces, which were offensive; screamed; trembled violently; respiration loud, without mucus, but with blowing of the lips. — He got a dose of two-and-a-half grains of hasheesh at seven, p.m., when he soon fell asleep. He waked at eleven in violent excitement, when he got another similar dose, soon slept again, and quietly, till ten o'clock next morning, when he waked rational, free from all symptoms, except slight headache, and feeling as if he had been on a debauch. — These soon disappeared without any other remedy.

In the course of the evening before he became quiet, he was much annoyed by a cat which he said he heard in another room, pretense that the cat was not there, and that she had been removed, when she had not, did not satisfy him, but on her being expelled he became quiet. He said he heard the cat. A friend who took hasheesh is confident he heard the respirations of a horse in a stable fifty yards distant from the house in which he was. This excessive acuteness of hearing is a common symptom of hasheesh.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 03-04, 1862, pages 123-128, pages 174-182]

[Description: Cannabis Indica.]

[Remedies: Cannabis indica.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1862]

COLCHICUM.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

It is worthy of note that many drugs highly esteemed, and frequently used by the old school, and with their ordinary measure of success, have been but very imperfectly proved, and are consequently little known or used by our own. Among them is Colchicum. It is believed the following case of poisoning, add materially to the recorded pathogenesis of this drug. The first was the result of swallowing a quantity of the alcoholic tincture of the seeds — it being mistaken for tincture of orange peel. Quantity not given. About five hours after the swallowing, the patient, a man of 30 years, had squeezing and severe pressure in the epigastrium; sensation as if a ligature were drawn tight round the chest; difficult breathing; strong burning in the mouth; and difficult swallowing. Alternating chills and heat soon followed with anxiety, violent vomiting and diarrhea. Eighteen hours after taking the drug, he had pale and sunken face, eyes sunken, with dark rings about them, pupils contracted, anxious expression of countenance; difficult swallowing, with pain through the whole extent of the esophagus, tongue moist with thick yellow coating; the abdomen spasmodically drawn inward. Pressure on the bowels increased the anxiety and difficulty of breathing. A large quantity of yellowish green water was vomited, the stools were copious, orange yellow, slimy and liquid, with many large light colored flocks, exceedingly offensive, without pus and without tenesmus Unextinguishable thirst for cold drinks; skin cool; extremities cold; pulse small, contracted, and 80 in the minute.

Three hours later the patient had pain in the back, and tympanitic abdomen.

The third day he had cadaverous aspect, extreme prostration, pulse very small and frequent, face hippocratic, of an earthy color; hands and feet cold, voice weak, intelligence clear.

Autopsy. — The entire small intestines, especially the duodenum and jejunum exhibited on the peritoneal surface, brownish spots, of an inch and a half in diameter, with Strongly injected vessels. The mucous surface of these spots showed intense inflammation, the more marked the nearer the stomach; swelling of Peyer's and Brunner's glands, and softening of their mucous surface, but not so as to admit of separation from the muscular tissue. The whole mesentery was also inflamed, and its blood vessels strongly injected with black blood. The stomach distended to three times its ordinary size, was of deep red color on its peritoneal surface, and one spot quite dark. It contained an enormous quantity of offensive gas, and three tea-cupsfull of a yellow stinking fluid. The mucous surface was dark red, almost brown, much thickened, but not separable from its connections, with the scalpel.

Case II. — The patient in this case was a female 25 years of age, of a nervous temperament, in perfect health of body, who swallowed about 5 ounces of the vinous tincture of the bulb, 7 o'clock P. M. Immediately she had severe pains in the stomach; five hours after she was cold, pale, lying on the back; the epigastrium exceedingly sensitive to pressure, the surface of the abdomen hotter than the rest of the body; lips violet color, eyes closed, the pulse thready and very slow, breathing extremely difficult, consciousness clear, with desire for death; violent cramps in the soles of the feet; incessant vomiting of small quantities of a colorless fluid, without odor. The next morning, at 6 o'clock, the patient was greatly prostrated, heat of epigastrium lessened; eyes hollow; vomiting had ceased; pulse increased in frequency and strength; cramps less severe. At 3 o'clock P. M., pulse only to be found in the carotids; consciousness still clear. Death at 5 o'clock — 22 hours after the poisoning.

Section. — The liver, spleen, and heart, which was flabby, were tilled with black blood. Stomach and intestines not inspected but sent to the public authorities.

Case III. — A man, age not given, ate at 6 o'clock P. M., May 11th, 1838, about two ounces of the leaves of the Colchicum, mistaking them for the leaves of the white beet. Six hours after he had nausea, retching, vomiting, colic, urgency to tool and diarrhea. The vomiting and diarrhea were so severe at 7 A. M. of the 12th, that no remedies could be administered. The features were then distorted — the muscles supplied by the nervus facialis were affected by spasms, almost like as is found in Asiatic cholera, and inclined to semblance of Risus Sardonicus, — pupils much dilated, but very little sensitive to light — brain free — hearing good — tongue moist, blueish at the root — drawing, like rheumatic pain, in the nape of the neck — pressure in the esophagus — a sense of burning in the solar plexus — pressure upon stomach and abdomen does not increase pain — abdominal muscles spasmodically contracted — vomiting and diarrhea more watery but not very copious, alternating with tenesmus — skin very cool — pulse slow, hard, tense, somewhat thready, secretion of urine suppressed — fingers rigidly extended — cramps in the calves of the legs. On the 13th, between 3 and 4 A. M. delirium, cephalgia. At 7 staring, sunken, dull eyes.

Risus Sardonieus. — Tongue entirely blue — breath cold — loss of speech — intellect active — the extremities marked with purple streaks; pulseless; skin on extremities warm, on the abdomen cold; suddenly appearing spasmodic motions of the muscles of the neck and mouth; no post mortem examination.

Case IV. — A man 52 years old, of sanguine temperament, took by mistake about five ounces of a decoction of the seeds of Colchicum, and got griping in the bowels with diarrhea and vomiting. Abdomen not swollen; the region of the stomach spasmodically contracted; pulse small and somewhat accelerated; very offensive fluid stools with white flocks; the next morning at 9 o'clock, the patient was pale, respiration very rapid; gasping and sighing; voice hoarse; hollow eyes; pupils much dilated; pain in the forehead; tongue coated white and was protruded with difficulty; the region of the stomach painful to pressure; breath, face and extremities cold; pulse very quick and hardly perceptible; the stools last night and this morning contain a clear blue matter, sometimes in a larger and sometimes in a smaller quantity; the night was sleepless. His intellect sems beclouded, though he gives correct answers to questions; unless questioned he says nothing of his condition which does not appear to him dangerous.

Section. — Inflammation was found at the bifurcation of the trachea which did not extend into the lungs, the lungs were small, pale, with a doughy feel but of normal texture. The heart on its upper and lower surface had large black, violet and brown spots, circumscribed, cloudy, which could not be wiped away; the cavities filled with clotted blood; the esophagus at its junction with the stomach was red passing into brown; the inflammation of the cardiac extremity of the stomach was very marked, of a blackish violet passing into brown; externally the peritoneal coat of the stomach was of a clear violet color passing gradually into its normal hue; on the mucous surface the same color was found passing up into the esophagus when it lost itself in the natural color; the veins of the stomach distended with thick black blood, the concave surface of the liver near the stomach was of a violet color; gall bladder filled with green yellow bile and very large; the vessels of the messentery were distended with thick black blood; the large and small intestines externally scarcely at all inflamed, but on the mucous surface showed here and there traces of a red brown color.

Case V. — A boy 4 years old, ate a quantity of colchicum seeds, and was found some time after by his physician lying on his back in a comatose state, eyes half open, respiration audible and accelerated; face sunken and already hippocratic, expression dull, pupils immovable and but little dilated, tongue protruded with difficulty, bright red, with slimy coat on the root, abdomen distended, tense and hard; urine copious, pain in the calves of the legs and feet; vomiting of food and pale greenish slime; pulse small and contracted; skin dry; trunk hot, extremities cold, great prostration, inextinguishable thirst, vomiting passed into hiccough; forehead covered with cold sweat, stool involuntary, fainting, short groaning respiration, retching, great and burning thirst, impulse of the heart weak and hardly perceptible, death.

Section, — Redness of the peritoneum and external surface of the intestines, the mucous membrane on the great curvature of the stomach and near the cardia softened and here and there abraded spots from the size of a sixpence to that of a half dollar, redness extended from the margins of these spots over the inner surface of the stomach; the whole mucous membrane softened and easily removed from its connections, in the small intestine the mucous surface as far as the cecal valve, was red, soft and abraded; internal surface of kidneys, red.

Case VI — A girl twenty years old, swallowed between 4 and 5 ounces of the vinous tincture of the root. This girl was sister of the patient of the second case here reported. The symptoms developed are declared by the reporter to be indentical with those of that case. He gives only as peculiar to this, severe pain in the epigastrium; repeated vomiting without diarrhea, squeezing together of the chest, extreme dyspnea, violently painful cramps in both feet, especially in the left, with very severe and continued pain in the left knee; pulse small and contracted, intelligence clear till death.

Section. — The vessels of the pia mater and substance of the brain were much injected, especially in the posterior fourth, not in the anterior fourth. After the most careful inspection of the stomach neither red spots nor vascular injection were found. Its inner surface was covered with grey mucus; the mucous membrane was so softened that it was readily separated from the muscular coat, not in strips, but in the form of a pulp. In the duodenum the mucous glands were enlarged to the size of a mustard seed; in the lower part of the ilium the mucous follicles were enlarged and o a violet color.

Case VII. — A boy six years old, ate a considerable quantity of the root of Colchicum on the 26th of June, 1830. On returning to the house in the evening he complained of pain in the head and right wrist, with thirst. After drinking two cups of sweet milk, though restless, he fell asleep, the whole body was scarlet red, about 11 o'clock he was seized with a trembling of the limbs which passed into violent convulsive movements, with a flow of white froth from the mouth, in one quarter of an hour the movements ended in opisthotonos. After quiet sleep till 2 o'clock there was a second attack similar in kind and duration, after which he vomited twice from.3 to 4 ounces of the half masticated bulb and then of a grass green tenacious fluid.

On the 27th he was extremely restless, constant turning: of the head from right to left, complained constantly of pain in both forearms, which were extremely sensitive to the slightest touch, skin livid, dry and hot, eyelids in constant motion, pupils much dilated, unconscious and pulseless, lies constantly on the back, moves only the left foot and right arm, when covered, the skin is hot, except soles of the feet which with nose and cheeks are cold; uncovered, the skin takes on goose flesh immediately.

On the 28th and 20th, breathing irregular, grinding of the teeth, frequent carpologia, evacuations of feces and urine involuntary, urine profuse; the patient was able at times to sleep quietly, the hearing improved, skin more natural in temperature and color, pulse 185 to 190, pupils less dilated

Oh the 30th, a small white circumscribed spot on the left cornea, the sclerotica slightly reddened.

July 1st, eye ball swollen, cornea somewhat dull, a small quantity of pus in the anterior chamber, the lens and its capsule clouded, face and skin red.

On the 3d, after the application of six leeches these affections of the eye somewhat abated, elbow and knee of left side swollen, hot and painful to touch; right side paralyzed, hearing gone, frequent grinding of the teeth, gastricismus, lips, teeth and tongue covered with a thick brown coating, thirst increased, the paralyzed side is insensible except the toes which seem to be abnormally sensitive and are drawn toward the sole on the slightest touch, if the patient be raised up the head falls constantly backward, and the mouth opens to the widest extent; pulse 190 to 193, cornea very convex and pointed, the clouded lens presses toward the pupil, the eye appears as if pressed from its socket.

On the 5th, convulsions of the left side and face, especially of the mouth, which lasted twenty minutes, grinding of the teeth with little intermission the whole day, both eyes are constantly turned toward the sunlight.

The 7th, left thumb drawn down to the palm of the hand, quantity of urine enormous, on shutting and suddenly opening the eye there appears behind the slightly expanded pupil a yellowish looking membrane.

On the 8th, the brown coating of tongue and lips increased, sclerotica more red especially the inner angle, the membrane has pressed itself into the anterior chamber of the eye where it remains immovable, it is 2 lines long and 1 1-2 broad, the clouded lense is same in the posterior chamber, but much smaller than natural, iris dull, the pupil very sensitive to the least impression of light.

The 10th, pulse small and hard, 180 to 185, copious discharge of urine every 1-4 hour. His condition remained unchanged except that he emaciated rapidly and greatly till the 24th, frequent grinding of the teeth, with convulsions of the left side, and the balls of both eyes; tongue coated white, skin hot and dry, the right arm lay motionless on the breast, the thumb drawn down on the palm of the hand and the fingers spasmodically closed over it, perceptions entirely lost.

The 27th, the patient vomited all his ingesta, the extremities were all spasmodically contracted, the fingers and toes drawn into balls, the eyes roll convulsively, the left hand trembles, abdomen of doughy feel not swollen but sensitive to pressure, pupil of left eye more contracted, right dilated, pulse thready, hardly perceptible, 190, 195, strong beating of the heart, respiration for some days has been intermittent, convulsions extending over the muscles of the neck and face, the under jaw closed firmly on the upper, frothing at the mouth.

On the night between the 8th and 9th of August, these spasmodic symptoms disappeared, the right eye rolled constantly while the left turned toward the inner can thus and was slightly convulsed, right pupil moderately dilated, the left much contracted, nostrils dry and black, face and skin alternately livid and bright red, face covered with perspiration, the right arm cannot be extended, the left cannot be bent, the feet spasmodically drawn upward, the soles bent to a crescent and the toes pressed on the soles, extreme emaciation, the beating of pulse and heart hardly perceptible.

The 14th, the most violent convulsions, the distorted limbs are thrown in all directions, the left fore arm pressed close on the arm, the hand on the shoulder, the fingers clenched, the head was drawn backward, the abdominal muscles were swollen, the spine bent forward, and the abdominal parieties pressed back upon the lumbar vertibrae, the paralyzed right side was not involved in the spasm. Death at 3 o'clock.

A post mortem examination was not permitted.

Case VIII. — A lady 50 years old, of a nervous temperament, took 30 grammes of Tr. Colchici, by mistake, Sept. 16th 1845, at 7 A. M. In five minutes she had fearful pains in the stomach and bowels, with extreme anxiety, was much excited and restless, face pale, sunken eyes with dark circle, the intestines insupportably painful, sense of compression of the chest and suffocation, pulse 50 and weak, extremities cold, vomiting of a tenacious matter, numerous liquid, black, offensive stools with severe colic pains.

At 10 1-2 o'clock vomiting, with cramps in the cold extremities, hands violet color, prostration of strength.

At 8 o'clock vomiting, with diarrhea and cramps in the extremities, subsultus tendinium, extreme restlessness, pulse 65, has passed but a few drops of urine.

On the morning 17th, pulse 84, tongue dry, thirst great, secretion of urine entirely suppressed. The patient recovered under the use of iodine water, leeches, lavements, &c.

It will be noticed that the above eight cases present a great variety in the phenomena developed, and in the organs chiefly affected. It may be a question whether this difference was owing to individual idiosinerasy, or the different parts of the plant, or different preparations employed. In this respect there was considerable variety. In three cases the seeds were used, in three the root, in one the leaves. The seeds were used in alcoholic tincture, in decoction and were eaten raw; the bulb in alcoholic and vinous tinctures and was eaten raw.

The developments of abdominal inflammation incases 1.2.4.5. are worthy of note, and indicate valuable curative relations to peritonitis, inflammation of the mucous surfaces of both stomach and intestines and to that condition of the mucous follicles which Louis declares to be the esse of typhoid fever. In cases 1. 3. 4. and 8. groups of symptom resembling Asiatic cholera cannot fail to attract attention, while 1. 3. and 7. present symptoms no less like the most common phenomena of abdominal typhus. The symptoms of the eye and ear are striking and important, as are also those of the brain, spinal cord and kidneys.

It is worthy of remark how small a part in the history of these cases is occupied by symptoms similar to the diseases in which colchicum has been chiefly employed by cur school and the old. Rheumatic pains are mentioned, and so is tenesmus, but neither rheumatism nor dysentery are strongly suggested by any one of the cases, while resemblances are strongly pictured to diseases for which this drug has never been recognized as a curative agent, if we except the treatment of some few cases of remittent fever by Colchicum, the history of which is found in Franks Magazine vol, II in which the cures were effected in astonishingly short time, and with the happiest results in all respects, though the resort to this drug seems to have been, on the part of the practitioner, so far as appears on the record, nothing better than a bold blunder. He seems to have had no other or better reason for giving this remedy than he would have for giving any other agent capable of producing a powerful disturbance in the system. Indeed, it is highly probable that to produce just such a disturbance was the object had in administering the remedy, its specific curative relationship not being at all dreamed of or recognized by him, or by the school to which he belongs, and the cases are reported as rather remarkable curiosities.

It will be borne in mind that the groups of symptoms here appeared so like cholera, fever, etc. were the result of massive i. e, poisonous doses. So in the treatment of these cases of fever the doses were massive, varying from 10 to 60 drops — The question naturally rises here, whether groups of symptoms similar to the results of large doses of drugs require large doses for their cure? and symptoms like the results of minute doses arc best treated by infinitessimal doses! Is there any such practical requirement in the application of the law of our method to the cure of disease? This is a question of much importance, and may occupy the minds of all, but perhaps in the present state of our knowledge on the subject, can only be profitably discussed and satisfactorily answered by those who have had the longest experience, and have made the most extended observations.

Nothing is more certain than that large and minute doses of drugs affect the organism differently. Attomyr has illustrated this most clearly in a paper communicated to the Archiv fur Homoeopatisehe Heilkust, vol. 1, on the size of the dose and its repetition. That the administration of drugs for the cure of the sick according to the law of similarities should require a recognition of this difference, it is far from unphilosophical to suppose. Attomyr believes it does, and gives very plausible reasons for his belief, drawn from the Materia Medica and the nature of disease, i.e., from a supposed resemblance of the action of the disease to the action of the large or small dose of the drug which might be required for its cure. It must be added that however ingenious and plausible the basis of his theory for the size and repetition of doses, it does not seem to be fully supported by the latest and best observations.

Indeed it is only necessary to refer to a very limited clinical experience to show that drugs in infinitessimal doses cure diseases very like the symptoms of their poisonings, viz: — Arsenic in Asiatic cholera, Colocynth in colic and dysentery; Belladonna in spasms; Opium in apoplexy; Nux vomica in tetanus, and many others.

These drugs in highly potentized numbers, do cure these diseases, promptly and satisfactorily. That their administration in massive doses in these diseases is attended with better results, is not proved by any facts in our knowledge.

Another question has suggested itself in view of these cases. What is the value to be attached to the post mortem evidences of inflammation having existed in internal organs during life, and as the probable effect of this drug, which caused the death of the patient? Is this organic change one of the elements of similarity involved in the law of cure, and if so, to what extent? The drug having produced inflammation of certain organs, is it therefore a cure for inflammation of those organs? Is this the kind of similarity which the law requires? What is the similarity of the homoeopathic law?

If these physical phenomena are elements in the requirements of the law of cure, they are certainly not of themselves sufficient guides to the selection of the remedy, in a given case. It is not enough, and all sound observation proves it, that Colchicum has produced inflammation in certain organs, to predicate upon this fact, that it will therefore cure all inflammations of those organs. The law certainly does require similarity of time, circumstance and condition of functional symptoms as well as, if not to the exclusion of, the fact that similar physical phenomena have resulted from the administration of the drug. In the present state of our knowledge, we should be rather warranted in excluding organic changes of tissue from the sum of those phenomena which guide to the selection of the drug for specific cures. As in a case of enlargement of both ovaria, with ascites and anasarca, cough, difficult breathing and hectic; and of years standing, which had been subjected to the best Allopathic treatment in a neighboring city, till the case was declared incurable, and then had been treated homoeopathically for a twelvemonth and abandoned, but was then cured by that master of Materia Medica, Dr. A. F. Haynel of Baltimore, with a single dose of Lycopodium, which was selected with sole reference to the subjective and functional phenomena of the case. In the selection of this drug, the administration of which was followed by such brilliant results, the practitioner did not speculate on the supposed condition of the ovaries or of any other internal organs, but simply interrogated those symptoms of which he could have a positive knowledge, and among these discovered those which were characteristic of this case, and then, in the characteristics of the drug, found the simillimum required by the law of cure. This he deemed his whole duty, and if success is to determine the correctness of his judgment, he is abundantly justified. The organic lesions in the case all disappeared just as completely as if he had made them ever so prominent in his practical dealings with the case, and that too in an incredibly short time. He gave no second dose. Let the man condemn this method of practice, who can show his own different one to be better, by better results. When a case of epilepsy was cured by a single dose of Thuja, the master did not stop to inquire into the supposed condition of internal organic changes, but proceeded in a manner very like that of Dr. H. and with a similar result. When Hahnemann was to cure a case of venereal condylomata, the same method compelled him to employ Chammomilla, though in the pathogenesis of this drug it will be vain to look for the mention of venereal warts. Still, one dose effected a perfect cure. And it is worthy of remark that those who sat themselves to the work of perfecting the provings of Hahnemann, because he did not carry his experiments to the extent of producing organie lesions, and hence their imperfection, have added so very little to the practical value of our Materia Medica.

Again, as to the post mortem phenomena in these cases. In what particulars do they differ from those which result so constantly from all irritating poisons?

Is there anything revealed in the dissections of these cases which can be pointed to as characteristic of the drug Colchicum? If the dissections had been made without a knowledge of the drug taken, could any one have told, from the appearances found, what the fatal drug was? Is it not true that the results of the inflammation produced by any one of the class of irritant poisons are so like those produced by all the rest, that from mere post mortem examination no one can be justified in pronouncing the lesions he may discover the effects of any particular drug? If there be this uniform similarity after death, was the similarity of the condition of organs less during the life of the patients, and while they were the subjects of medical treatment? Is this similarity more uniform than the appearances resulting from inflammation in these organs from other causes? Are not these all so like each other that the most acute observer can only say there has been inflammation? How then can these phenomena, all so like each other, become guides to the selection of the specific drug, in an individual case of inflammation? In -the discharge of his practical duties as prescriber of drugs for the cure of the sick, would the physician be relieved of any burden of carefulness or labor, if he could by the acquisition of Some new power, be able to see the exact condition of the suffering internal organs during life, as completely as he can by the aid of the scalpel after death? If all inflammations appear so alike, what is there in an individual case to point to a particular drug as its specific cure?

Is not this objection applicable to the class of objective phenomena generally? As, for example, is not the crepitant rale in one case of inflammation of the lungs just like that of every other? The bellows sound of the heart, the metallic tinkle, and 50 of the whole class of stethoscopic phenomena? How then can these phenomena be a guide to the selection of the curative drug? For it is certain that whatever of similarity there may be in the physical phenomena above referred to, there is no corresponding uniformity in the action of curative agents. That which is a complete specific for one case of pneumonia, for example, is utterly powerless to cure another, though the physical signs may be the same in the two. Is it not clear, from these considerations, that whatever of value there may be in a knowledge of these phenomena, and it is not intended for a moment to lessen its consideration, it can never be, to any great extent, even an accessory in the selection of drug agents for the cure of disease!

The 7th case is remarkable for its duration, 49 days. If there be truth in the supposed increased value of symptoms, the more remote their manifestation from the taking of the drug, those of the last days in the life of this little boy must have a special significance, and are no doubt to be regarded as especially characteristic of the drug.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 02 No. 03, 1859, pages 124-137]

[Description: Medical Education.]

[Remedies: Colchicum autumnale]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1859]

CROUP.

BY P. P. WELLS, M.D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

Practically, Croup is attended with so much of suffering and danger to the patient and anxious solicitude on the part of friends and physicians, that no apology can be necessary for calling attention to a method of treatment which promises to diminish these in any degree. To the patient it is always painful, dangerous, and too often fatal, to be other than a cause of alarm to friends and dread to the intelligent and faithful practitioner. Every week it claims its victims among the young and helpless, and the skill of the best talent and learning of the profession has been wholly unavailing to avert the fatal result. Whatever then adds to our power over this destroyer, is worthy of the profoundest attention; and any method of treatment which, after fair trial, claims to have diminished its duration or mortality, cannot be passed by, as of little moment, by intelligent and conscientious practitioners. It is notorious that the current methods, both of the old school and new, are too often followed by misfortune, to be regarded with much complacency, if indeed it be not too great grace to the different, desultory, and often scarcely better than empirical practices in this disease, to call them methods.

The old school has relied, and still does, on blood letting, emetics, mercury, fomentations, nauseating doses of different emetic substances, vesications, &c.; the new, with better result, on Aconite, Hepar, Spongia, Bromine, Bi-chromate of Potash, Prot-iodide of Mercury, &c; and yet the weekly reports of mortality are constantly adding testimony to the want of success which the ordinary use of these means is wholly unequal to prevent.

Is the ordinary success of the ordinary use of these means the best which the nature of the case admits? If so we must be satisfied. But who dares be satisfied if a better can be obtained by other courses of practice? The profession in this country are indebted to our esteemed colleague, Dr. Carroll Dunham, of Newburgh, N. Y., for an introduction to a method, which after protracted trial, claims a far greater success than has heretofore followed any other, both in the matters of mortality and duration. In the Feb. No. of the 2d vol. of the American Homoeopathic Review, p. 212, in a foot-note appended to a translation of Boenninghausen's paper on the "Advantages of the High Potencies," by Dr. Dunham, he gives the method of treatment of Croup by this great master. In the body of the article, pp. 211, 212, the writer says: "Often cases of Membranous Croup in children, in at least nine, the first, or the first two powders of my high potencies, when promptly administered, suffice for the most complete cure. The necessity for three powders is very rare indeed, and among 300 cases, not 10 have occurred in which all the five powders, as I am accustomed to prescribe them, have had to be given." His five powders are, 1st Acon., 2d and 4th Hepar sulph., 3d and 5th Spongia, all of the 200th potence. These are given in the order of their numbers, every thirty minutes, and their administration suspended as soon as relief is manifest. So that, according to the statement above, more than 290 out of 300 cases of Croup which were of such a character that the writer is willing to designate them as "Membranous," were cured inside of two hours, and the whole 300 were cured. There was not a failure. This is certainly a remarkable success, very remarkable, in comparison with the results of any other known treatment.

It was the privilege of the writer of this paper to call the attention of the members of the American Institute of Homoeopathy to this success, at their meeting in Philadelphia, in June last, and to urge on them a trial of Dr. Boenninghausen's method by these, among other considerations.

1st — Its simplicity. Anybody can apply it. The most inexperienced can make no important mistake by its trial, provided he is sufficiently intelligent to suspend the administration of the powders as soon as improvement is realized. This rule cannot be neglected, if the best success is to be secured. The anxiety to do a little more, with the expectation of something a little better, should never be allowed to tempt to its violation. Confusion, vexation, and disappointment can only result from this folly.

2d — Its Safety. To carry out the entire plan requires, even in cases where it may result in failure, only about two hours of time, the loss of which cannot seriously prejudice a case in its prospects of benefit from other treatment, if such should be necessary after the trial of this. If it does this in some degree, the fact can hardly be urged against the greater success of this method. This remark is made with a full consciousness of the importance of early appropriate treatment in every case.

3rd. — The method of Dr. Boenninghausen, cannot be supposed to complicate a case by medicinal symptoms of the agents employed, if they are not effectual to a cure, which can hardly be said of most of the other methods employed.

4th — It is prompt in its efficacy, beyond any other method.

5th — If the rules given by the master are observed, the cure is more complete, as well as prompt.

In the twenty years experience of the writer in the treatment of croup by the ordinary homoeopathic method, it has been the common course of the disease to return on the second and third nights, with more or less severity, and till the lapse of the third night, and the then change of the cough to the catarrhal character, there was no relief to his anxiety. Exceptions to this return have been occasional, but rare. Since adopting the method of Dr. B., there has yet been no return on the second or third nights in a single case.

The force of these reasons was then felt by the writer to be great. Here was, undeniably, simplicity, safety, promptness and completeness of cure, with freedom from medicinal complications, to urge the claims of the method to attention, and better than all, these claims were backed by an alleged success altogether without a parallel. But the question has risen and been asked, "Will this method cure every case of croup?" I can only reply, very likely not. I don't know, but I do know it has cured every case of croup proper, in which I have employed it, in a time and manner that has given me one of ray sweetest delights. I have had no second or third night anxieties. But in this connection I may as well warn the practitioner who may be inclined to try the five powders as directed, that all loud, course cough, with or without wheezing and fever, are not croup, and that he may find many such which these powders will not cure, simply because they are not remedies appropriate to their treatment. These are cases much less important than true croup, and far easier of cure by Bell, Hepar sulph., Phos. &c, as ordinarily administered. "But will these powders really cure true membranous croup, after the membrane is formed?" was asked by one of my friends in Philadelphia. Then I could not answer from personal observation. Now I can. And I answer, Yes. The following cases will illustrate this.

Case I. — Sept. 1, 1860, 9¼ p.m. saw a child 4½ years old, of fair complexion, moderately fleshy, suffering with symptoms of Croup. Breathing difficult, with loud sawing wheeze, cough frequent and violent, with the characteristic sound of croup, great restlessness. Expression of face anxious. The whole surface covered with profuse hot perspiration, pulse 130 per minute, full and hard. Breath offensive. I prepared the five Boenninghausen powders, gave No. 1, and in half an hour No. 2, and then No. 3, when the child became more tranquil, the skin cooler, less perspiration, cough less frequent, the peculiar sound of the respiration gone, and the child was drowsy and wanted to go to bed. He had been in his mother's lap. I supposed the battle was won and left with directions if the breathing became embarrassed again to give the other powders at half hour intervals.

At 2 o'clock, a.m. I was called again, the child being reported much worse, and the parents thought him dying. I found him breathing with great difficulty — respiration loud, with the peculiar wheeze of croup — cough frequent, violent, and dry, with strong croup tone, perspiration profuse, and hot, great anxiety and restlessness. Inspection of the throat showed a patch of membranous deposit on the left tonsil, as large as my finger nail. The mother had given powders 4 and 5 with no relief. I gave Spongia 200, Lehrman's, with partial relief for a time, when the symptoms returned, and Spongia gave no relief. I then gave Bromine, from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. at half hour intervals, the only result of which was an increase in the frequency of the pulse and heat of skin. No relief of respiration or cough. I determined to repeat the "five powders" looking on the case as a second attack or relapse, the result of cold feet and legs, when he awoke at 2 o'clock, from exposure during sleep, a fact which I now learned for the first time. The three first were given and all symptoms of croup disappeared in less than two hours, and did not return. There was a slight catarrhal cough which yielded to Phos. 200. At 10, a.m. the membranous patch was evidently thinner than when examined in the night, and at 5 p.m. had disappeared entirely, leaving the surface of the tonsils and fauces generally deep red, and a good deal swollen. This inflammation soon disappeared under the influence of the remedies above named.

Was not here two attacks of croup? My first impression was that the powders had failed. When I learned of the cold feet and legs I took another view of the case and treated it as a new attack, with the above result. But suppose there was only one, and the symptoms at 2 o'clock a.m. were only a recurrence of those seemingly subdued at 11 p.m. what is the objection to a repetition of the series of powders if a case should occur where the first five should prove inadequate to the cure? I have not the slightest doubt I should have lost my case if I had adhered to my first impression of the failure of the treatment. The case grew worse rather than better under Bromine, and the cases this has not cured, after the failure of the ordinary remedies, nothing has in my practice. But on giving the five magical powders the second time, or rather three of them, the result was even more prompt and satisfactory than when given the first time. Would this have been the case if the second attack had been only a recurrence of partially subdued symptoms. Do not such recurrences come with increased inveteracy? as is so often seen in cases of Hydrocephalus.

In this case the membrane was perfectly apparent on the tonsils. Indeed the whole train of symptoms, without this, was indicative of this form of the disease, but the sight of the deposit places the matter beyond doubt.

It is worthy of remark that powders 4 and 5, Hepar and Spongia, given by the mother, after the relapse, previous to my seeing the little patient the second time, were followed by no mitigation of the symptoms; but that Aconite, Hepar and Spongia were afterwards promptly efficacious, even more so than at the first. From this it would appear that the order of sequence of the administration of the powders is not a matter of indifference. It may prove to be essential to success.

Case II. — The following case has been kindly furnished me by my esteemed friend, Dr. Carroll Dunham, of Newburgh, N. Y. It further and beautifully illustrates the affirmative answer given above in relation to the cure of membranous croup, and also answers the question as to a repetition of the series of powders in any case.

On the evening of January 24th, I received a message to the effect that a little boy, aged 18 months, fat and healthy, was slightly feverish, and somewhat hoarse. I was requested to send some medicine. I sent a powder of Acon.12 mentioning to the messenger that croup might perhaps be threatening and requesting to be sent for on the first indications of that disease. The next morning I was told that the child was not much better, and was requested to visit it in the course of the day. I went immediately. As soon as the hall door was opened, I heard the hoarse ringing respiration of the child which was in the second story, and which I found sitting up in its crib, with an expression of great anguish, breathing at the rate of 35 in the minute and with great labor. There was but little cough; occasionally, an effort which resulted in a hoarse dry bark, but which was immediately suppressed, apparently because it interfered with respiration. The face was turgid and of a purple hue. The hands were frequently applied convulsively to the larynx, but as a general thing the child was quiet, looking with pitiful appealing eyes to the bystander as if for aid. The skin was hot and dry except on the forehead; which was moist and cool, pulse hard, not full, 130. On saying to the mother, "the child is exceeding ill," I was told, "he has been as bad if not worse all night." He had vomited once, about an hour before my arrival, bringing up a small piece of tough membrane.

Here was a case of membranous croup, of great severity which had been in full blast at least 12 hours before I was called to it; in which the purple turgid face and the exhausted aspect of the child, showed that the powers of life had already begun to fail under the imperfect decarbonization of the blood. Considering the gravity of the case, and its long duration before treatment was begun, I hesitated to give the powders recommended by Boenninghausen, but gave at once Bromine,1 centesimal, in water, a tea spoonful of the solution every fifteen minutes.

At the end of two hours, the child was in no respect better — the pulse was weaker and more frequent, there had been no relief for an instant to the labored character of the respiration which numbered now 40 in the minute. I gave Hepar Sulph.2 trit., alternately with the Bromine. At the end of two hours there was still no change for the better; the disease was steadily advancing, as it seemed, to a fatal termination. Already it had reached a point at which I have seen both Guersant and Trousseau at the Enfans Malades refuse to perform tracheotomy on the ground that the disease had by its long duration, so prevented oxygenation of the blood and consequent renovation of tissues that a favorable issue could not be hoped for. I determined now to give the Boenninghausen powders; waiting therefore a half. hour from the time at which the last dose of the Hepar was given, I gave a powder of Acon.200, to be followed at intervals of a half hour by Hepar,200, Spongia,200, and this series repeated, (the method indicated in a foot-note to my translation of Boenninghausen's article, American Homoeopathic Review, Vol. 2, p. 212.) It was now 5 p.m., a time of day after which Croup generally begins to be aggravated. At 7 o'clock the child was greatly relieved, respiration 30 in the minute, much less labored, the sound softer, cough rather more frequent and somewhat loose in sound. I left a second series of the powders to be taken at intervals of one hour. The child slept at 11 p.m., and at intervals during the night, and the next morning was so much better that it seemed unnecessary to give more medicine, although I left a series of the powders to be given in case of a relapse. They were not given however. The child recovered rapidly without relapse or sequelae of any kind, and on the fifth day was as well as usual.

This was unqestionably the most severe case of croup that I have ever seen recover in this or any country. Judging from my experience with Bromine and Hepar in other cases I have no hesitation in saying that, not acting more evidently and more promptly than they appeared to do in this case, nothing whatever was to be hoped for from them. In croup, if they act beneficially at all, they do so promptly. It seems impossible therefore to ascribe the recovery of this child in any degree to these remedies or to deny the curative action of the Boenninghausen powders.

Case III. — May 7, 1860. At 10 o'clock, a.m., saw M. F., 21/2 years old, who had been suffering from severe catarrhal symptoms with sore throat the last four days. At 4 o'clock this morning she awoke her parents by her choking, strangling, and loud croup cough, for which she had had from them, Aconite and Spongia in alternation every half hour without relief. The skin was hot and rather moist, the face red, the eyes staring, expression anxious, breathing loud, wheezing and labored, cough frequent, and loud with the characteristic croup tone. Swallowing difficult and evidently painful, with great restlessness. I gave the five powders as directed by Boenninghausen, with instruction to suspend their administration on the appearance of relief of the symptoms. She took the first three, and the relief was so apparent that, in accordance with instructions, she was left to their action. I saw her again at 5 p.m. She was playing on the floor and apparently well of all her troubles except the difficulty of swallowing which was removed promptly by Bell. 200. The next morning she was dismissed cured.

It is hardly necessary to remark that the worst form of croup is very often preceded by a catarrhal stage like that by which this case was ushered in, is of the most obstinate nature, and not unfrequently fatal.

Case IV. — The following case, furnished by my friend and neighbor, Dr. R. C. Moffat, is given to illustrate the fact that this method is curative, and triumphantly so even in cases where massive doses of the same medicines have failed.

Called in the morning to attend a child attacked during the night with croupy cough and restlessness, which were represented as severe. The child was 9 months old, large, healthful and vigorous. The usual remission had occurred, and then presented nothing but the usual loose cough. I prescribed Aconite and Spongia, one drop each, in two-thirds of a tumbler of water, a teaspoonful alternately every hour and a half, the intervals to be shortened to half an hour if necessary during the night.

The next day, the report was a very bad night; the cough, fever and restlessness worse than the night before; and still the remission of the morning was very marked, only a loose cough with hardly any croupy tone to it. Thinking the family (a nervous one) had exaggerated their report, I gave directions — Hepar,2 ever hour and a half till the cough should lighten in the evening — and then, if the fever, & c., returned — as on the previous night, Acon. and Spongia, stronger than before, every half hour.

Making an early morning call, I found the night had been worse than either of the preceding; and the cough was distinctly croupy, though the respiration, &c, were easy.

I gave Sacch. Lact. for five hours, (from 10 a.m., till 3 p.m.,) and then set out Boenninghausen's prescription, Acon. Hep, Spong, Hep, Spong, each 200th, at half hourly intervals, with directions to call me in the night, if disturbed.

At my morning call, I found the child had slept well all night, and it required no treatment subsequently.

Case V. — The following case in the practice of my friend and neighbor, Dr. J. Barker, illustrates the efficacy of the method in a class of cases almost always fatal when treated by any of the ordinary courses of practice.

In the fall of 1859, W. L., a child six months of age, while suffering from a severe attack of Scarlet Fever, was seized with marked symptoms of croup. Regarding the complication as serious and not being satisfied with the usual remedies in similar cases I resorted, for the first time, to Boenninghausen's treatment for croup, viz: Aconite, Hepar and Spongia, each of the 200th potency. The powders were numbered in the following order: Aconite 1, Hepar 2 and 4, Spongia, 3 and 5 and directed to be given with an interval of thirty minutes in the order marked. After the expiration of three hours I again saw my patient, and found him almost wholly relieved from all croupy symptoms. The attendants expressed great surprise at the prompt action of the remedies, assuring me that after giving three powders the disease at once gave way. I have since used the same prescription with most marked success in other cases of croup, and am convinced that no other treatment in my hands has proved equally efficient.

This case occurred during a severe anginose affection of the throat, and interested me much when first related to me by my friend, as it was then the first case of recovery from a similar condition I had known. In my previous experience, all such cases had terminated fatally.

Case VI. — The following case in the practice of my friend Dr. Morrill, of this city, exhibits the efficacy of the Boenninghausen method after a continuance of the croup two days, without relief from massive doses of Ipecac and Squill, a common allopathic treatment of the disease, and also after a failure of lower attenuations of Aconite and Spongia.

Mary Kelly, aged 2½ years, took a severe cold a day or two before leaving Montreal, on her way to this city, the first night from home, had a slight attack of croup, which her mother treated with Syrup of Ipecac and Squills. She appeared better in the morning, but the cough continuing, the same medicine was repeated.

The next night she had a second attack, more severe than the first. The mother administered Ipecac and Squills, and these not helping the child I was sent for. The symptoms of croup were very decided. Gave Aconite 1, in alternation with Spongia 3, which soon gave relief, and the child slept quietly till morning.

The next night I was again sent for about 11 o'clock, and found the child in apparently the advanced stages of croup. There was the ringing, metallic cough — the stridulous breathing, and great difficulty of inspiration at all. The pulse was very quick, and the skin hot and very moist. Appearances were very unpromising; gave the 5 powders of 200th, Acon. then Hepar, then Spong, in alternation. In about an hour the child became easier, and soon after it took the 5th powder, dropped asleep. I called the next day and found the patient quite well. It has had no return of the disease since.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 11, 1860, pages 494-505]

[Description: Croup.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1860]

DIARRHEA.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

The affections which pass under the above denomination are exceedingly various in their causes, characteristics, importance, and curative relationships. The object of the present paper is not to present an exhaustive view of the subject in these particulars, but to give such an analysis of them as will facilitate their successful treatment, especially by those who are comparatively inexperienced in the practical duties of our profession. To such, in the beginning, one disease is very like every other which is called by the same name. It is only after many painful buffetings, and sore disappointments, that he comes to suspect that names are not things, and finally to see clearly that many conditions, called by the same name, are so different in their characters as to be essentially different affections.

In his elementary education he has been taught to treat names, or, as it has been expressed, with a seeming scientific wisdom, "diseases"And for such and such diseases, he is to do so and so, and he does it with conscientious carefulness, and confident expectations of the promised result, a cure. This does not always follow, and repeated disappointments, by and by, remove the delusion derived from his master. Then he has one of two courses before him, either to settle down into professional skepticism, or, if he be able and willing, to work out for himself a better faith which shall rest on ascertained truth, can bear him up in his toils, and justify his confidence by a reasonable success. The first expresses the history of many earnest and honest young physicians, who would have been lights in the world, if they had not, in the outset, adopted a false faith and attempted to practice upon a false principle. Upon a discovery of this error, they jump to the other and greater, that there are no true principles in medicine. To them, all are equally false. They become the Micawbers of the profession, the expectants. He who will honestly follow the second course, will soon discover that the great duty of his life has been much misrepresented and misconceived. He is not to treat diseases, names, things, imagined somethings, which have somehow found their way into live humanity and made it suffer and perhaps are bringing its existence into peril. He will realize after a while, though not perhaps immediately, that that with which he has to do is not an entity which somehow has effected bodily entrance into his poor patient, like demons into the possessed, though all surrounding and sympathizing friends regard the matter somewhat so, and fully expect him to exorcise the intruder.

He will find, that what he has to treat is the patient himself, and not an extraneous intruder within him. Till he is fully master of this fundamental principle, and in its light has abandoned all thought of treating disease, as something distinct from the patient, which produces suffering and danger, he is in no way qualified for the practical duties of the high calling to which he has devoted himself. He is to treat sick men, women, and children, — patients, and not diseases. It may be late in the history of practical medicine to inculcate this principle. No doubt it is. But its truth and importance will admit of no longer postponement. Delay has neither diminished its truth or value. Rightly appreciated, it at once disposes of that complacent piece of arrogance which has asserted a superior science in the old school of our profession, because that school treats diseases while ours treats only symptoms. This principle clearly asserts the fact, that true science treats patients, and not diseases. It may be, and probably is true, that the old school treat diseases, or attempt this, and think they succeed, but it is not true of ours, that when we rightly appreciate and practice its doctrines, we "treat only symptoms." If there be one more false than another among the slanders by which the homoeopathic school has been assailed, it is this. When rightly practiced Homoeopathy is cognisant of all those facts in relation to the patient, which constitute the difference between the man sick and the man in health.

What then is disease? It is only a condition, not a thing. It is the sum of whatever modified actions of the vital forces, by which that harmony is lost, which conserves the integrity of all parts of the living organism. A knowledge of the totality of these modifications constitutes the science of pathology. A knowledge of the results of these modifications, of their products and changed tissues, constitutes the anatomy of pathology. To call these the disease as many have done, is no less absurd than to call the residual contents of the intestines digestion. An analysis of these modifications, a resolution of them into their elements, is the first step in the process of all right prescribing. By this proceeding only can the elements of a given case be exposed, so that it can be seen what is individual in it, is characteristic of this member of a class, and these elements be separated from those which are generic, i. e., belonging equally to all members of that class; a distinction without which a life of prescribing for the sick is a life in the dark. I propose in a future paper to discuss this matter more fully.

If this be so, it may be asked, what is the value of a nomenclature of diseases? Why attempt to name them at all? The answer is, it is a convenience in the expression and interchange of ideas — indispensable, if you please. By the name is simply meant to announce a group of phenomena which are found in a given class of affections, and which belong equally to each member of the class, and which distinguish it from all other classes. Thus by the term at the head of this article is meant to express in one word the following group:

Frequent discharges from the intestines of feculent, secreted or undigested matter. It may be of either alone, or of either two, or all of them, mixed. "We propose in this paper a brief analysis of these affections, in order to their more ready homoeopathic treatment.

In order to this, we observe that these frequent discharges are farther diversified by the following peculiarities which are important to be noted, in the selection of a remedy for their cure. They are painful or painless The secreted discharges are mucous, serous or purulent. These and the feculent are further characterized by difference of color, as black, brown, grey, green, red, white and yellow; and by difference of odor, as of spoiled eggs, putrid, acid, &c.; and, also, by difference of time and circumstance by which the affection is either excited or aggravated.

The first element of the above analysis, the painful diarrheas, are related to curative drugs by this quality, in different degrees; i. e., some drugs produce diarrheas with intense pain, others with less severe, and others again with pains still more moderate. These distinctions are to be noted in selecting the curative drags. Thus, for those with severest pain we have Ars., Coloc, Jalap, Rheum, Rhus tox., Senna. For the second class Bryonia, Carbo veg., Caps.,. Cham., Dulc., Merc., Nux. vom., Petrol., Puls., Sulphur and Verat. For the less painful, Agar., Aur. mur., Anac., Asaf., Asar., Spig. The painless diarrheas are related to drugs also in different degrees, i. e., some medicines are more and some less characterized by them, and so are more or less frequently required for their cure. There cannot be, as in the previous class, degrees of this peculiarity, but only a difference in the degrees of tendency of the drugs to produce this kind of affection. In the first rank we may place Ars., Fer., Hyos., Lyc., Phos., Phos. acid., Stann. Second, Bell., Cham., Chel., Chin., Opium, Plat., Sulph. Third, Borax, Bov., Calc. c., Carb. an., Cocc., Dulc., Graph., Hell., Ign., Laur., Mag. c., Merc., Nit., Nit. acid, Puls., Rhod., Rhus tox., Sec. corn., Verat., Zinc.

In a given case to be prescribed for, it is ascertained to be painful or painless, and after reference to the list of drugs and to their classes, as above, how are we to determine the one required for the cure? By the continuance of the analysis to the other elements of the case. And, first, consider the character of the pain, and, second, the locality of it. Pains with the diarrhea may be burning, cutting, constricting, pressing, dull, excoriating, &c. It would exceed the limits proposed to go into a statement of all the medicines which produce these different pains, with their affections of the bowels. It may be sufficient for the present purpose to point to them generally. Thus, diarrheas with burning pains Ars. and its cognates. But Ars. will not cure all cases with such pains. Neither is it always the best remedy for some cases which perchance it may cure, ultimately. If, for example, the burning be confined to the lower part of the rectum, and is accompanied by throbbing and sense of excoriation, with pain in the back, continuing after the evacuation, Capsicum is the remedy, and Arsenic will probably fail to relieve. This very familiar example is given to show the necessity of carrying the analysis of the leading features of cases forward to all their relations if we would secure the best possible results of our prescriptions with certainty. We can never neglect this with safety to our patient, or with honesty of practice.

With cutting pains, Coloc. and its cognates. With Coloc. the pain is relieved by the evacuations, is very sharp, doubles the patient up, is accompanied with outcries, and often with slight nausea; the pains are more paroxysmal than with Ars., which in relation to cuttings in the intestines it much resembles, and are rather of a neuralgic than inflammatory character. With constricting pains, Plumb. and its cognates. With this remedy, and also with Podophyllum there is not only a sense of constriction, but a real retraction of the parieties of the abdomen. With pressing or squeezing pains, Nux vom. and its cognates. With this remedy the pressure is more in the upper part of the abdomen and sides. With pain like excoriation, Sulphur and its cognates, as Ars., Bell., Nux vom., &c.

The locality of the pain is not to be neglected in this investigation. Different drugs affect different portions of the alimentary track painfully. Some, as Senna and Jalap, attack the upper portion, or the small intestines chiefly. Others, as Aloes, Nux vom., Caps., Merc., the larger; while still others, as Ars., Colch., Verat, &c., affect the whole extent of the track. A careful attention to the pathogenesis of the drugs will enable the student to ascertain the peculiar local action of each, and to avail himself of this knowledge in his attempts at specific cures of diarrheas. This study he cannot omit, if he is ambitious of the best success in his practice. Whether the remedies named above or either of their cognates are to be selected in a given case, is to be decided after having reference to the above peculiarities of the pain, by consideration of the remaining elements of the analysis. And of these, the next to be considered is the characters of the expelled contents of the intestines. They may be feculent, mucous, serous, or purulent.

For feculent diarrheas we have Aloes, Pod. and Rheum.

Aloes has both yellow and brown color.

Pod. yellow and dark green. The diarrheas of this remedy are often accompanied by prolapsus ani, especially, in children, and for this complication it is one of our best remedies.

Rheum — Feces mixed with green slime.

Mucous diarrheas may be brown, green, red, white, or yellow.

For the brown we have Ars. and Nux v., the Ars. being characterized by a mixture of mucus and feces; that of Nux v. is brown, offensive and slimy.

Green mucus has Ars., Amm. mur., Canth., Cast., Laur., Mag. c., Merc., Nux v., Puls., Rheum and Tabac.

The practitioner will use great caution in prescribing for this class of diarrheas, in his search into the constitutional and related symptoms of his cases, if he would avoid disappointment and doing his work twice or thrice over. This is especially to be observed in the case of the two remedies in the class more frequently prescribed than any others, viz.: Ars. and Merc. The habit of hasty, and therefore careless, prescribing so easily contracted and so common, may be a sufficient apology for saying that cases requiring either of these drugs will certainly disclose other and characteristic symptoms of the one to be selected, if the examination be diligent, careful, and intelligent. This is not only true of Ars. and Merc., but of each of the other members of the class, and the observation may be extended to every other symptom of every other class of this disease. No case is made up of one symptom, however marked or important, and it is not unfrequent that the controlling characteristic of a case — that element more decisive than any one other, of the selection of of the curative drug, is just that which carelessness and haste are very likely to overlook. These observations are made in connection with the two named remedies, because failure with them, in this class of diarrheas, is too common. In relation to the latter this is true to the extent that some of our best practitioners have called in question the genuineness of this symptom of Merc., and with some, for this reason, the symptom is now under observation for its verification or rejection. If all those capable of helping in this examination will lend their aid, the matter can soon be settled. In the mean time by the course of examination and analysis here recommended, disappointments may be avoided to an extent that approximates certainty.

Diarrheas of red mucus are related to Merc., Rhus, Sil., Sulph. The distinction of these four remedies in their application to red mucus diarrheas is not difficult, Merc. has plain red mucus, with the characteristic pain and tenesmus of Mercurial diarrheas. Rhus has a mixture of blood and slime, with red and yellow mucus, and all rather thin; Sil. has red mucus with the stool of which it may or may not constitute the major part; Sulph. has red mucus with fever, loss of appetite and cutting pains in the bowels.

White mucus diarrhea has Cham., Dulc., Phos., Pod., Puls.

After a proper consideration of the general symptoms, if there be doubt as to which of these medicines is required for a given case, it may help to remember that this affection requiring Cham, is painful, and is more frequently in place in the affections of childhood than of adult life. That for Dulc. is attended with prostration of strength; with Puls. the mucus is acrid; with Pod. the diarrhea occurs for the most part mornings or forenoons, the pains in the abdomen and back are worse during the evacuation and continue after. The discharges are excited by eating and drinking. With Puls. the pain is before the evacuation, is likely to be attended with much rambling of the bowels, and the peculiar disposition of mind so characteristic of this drug.

Yellow mucus has Dulc., Pod., Rhus, Sulph. acid.

Dulcamara is especially indicated where the color of the slimy stools frequently alternates between green, white and yellow., and the desire to evacuate is attended with nausea, or where the attack is the result of chill. Podophyllum is called for when the yellow color is dark, and the evacuation has the odor of carion; with Rhus the stool is mixed sometimes with blood or red slime, or consists of bilious looking matter, and all very thin. In Sulph. acid the stools are like chopped mucus, saffron yellow and stringy. The above examples of the first step in the analysis of the evacuations in diarrhea are given not as instances of the completed process in this first step, but only as illustrative of the mode of procedure in relation to the two elements of nature and color. It is not enough that the discharge be mucus, nor that it be also green or yellow to decide the choice of the curative. We must know more, even all the peculiarities of the evacuations, and much more than this, as will be seen as we advance. For it is not to be forgotten that the object of this paper is not so much to put into the hands of the practitioners a "short and easy method" by which all cases can be cured with little or no labor on their part, as to point out the way in which they may obtain a success worthy of honest minds, and of the system of medical science we profess to practice. If our object were otherwise, its folly would be rebuked by the first glance at the nature of the case. The object of the practitioner is to find in the pathogenesis of a drug the simillimum of the sum of aberrations of the vital forces in a given case from that state of harmony we call health. These are so various in their nature, importance and combinations, and so numerous withal, that any attempt to make the labor of an exact practice "short and easy, "i. e., to find this simillimum, could hardly be otherwise than absurd in the extreme. The number of possible elements in any case is great, and may be very great, and the variety of combinations they are susceptible of is scarcely less than infinite. It is evident, hence, that there can be no such method of ascertaining from the scarcely less infinite record of facts of which our Materia Medica is composed, the parallel of a given case, except by the exercise of patience and diligence. How to direct these, by pointing the way through the medium of the more general and common elements of cases, is our present endeavor, and in its furtherance we proceed to consider:

Watery diarrheas, which are found to be black, green, grey, yellow; and nearly allied to these, are the brown fluid and black fluid. Black watery diarrheas have Ars. and China. At this point these remedies are in close resemblance; so near that from the black water alone, no man can tell whether the one or the other is required. But a careful consideration of the other elements will render the selection easy. As a general truth, the prominent effects produced by Ars. are characterized by violence, and, among them, this is eminent in its effects on the alimentary canal. Now the difference between these members of this class of diarrheas, which decides the choice of the remedy between Ars. and China is in the violence of the symptoms to be considered. The pain, burning, restlessness, prostration, cold sweating, &c, are all greater in cases requiring Ars.

Black fluid diarrheas have Stann. and Ars.; the latter burns like fire.

Brown fluid have Arn., Asaf., Graph., Magn. c., Nux., v., Psorin., Squill.

The discharge which in this class is peculiar to Arn. resembles yeast or lees of beer. In Asaf. the evacuation is extremely and nauseatingly offensive. In Graph. it is in part made up of half digested substances, and of insupportable fetor. Magn. c. has a liver-brown colored discharge, with tenesmus, followed by burning in the anus. It is characteristic of this, and all the varieties of diarrhea produced by Nux v. that the evacuations are small in quantity, they are more frequent in the morning and after eating, and are for the most part accompanied by tenesmus and pain in the back of a drawing character. In this variety there is also 'smarting and burning in the anus. In Psorin. it is dark brown, very thin, and offensive. In Squill. it is dark brown or even black, slimy, very offensive, and ejected in frothy bubbles, by flatulence, and sometimes with ascarides and whitish shreds.

Green watery diarrheas are met by Cham., Gratiola, Magn. c., and Sulph. acid. It may not be out of place to remark here, in relation to this class of the affections under consideration, that it is perhaps more frequently misunderstood, and, therefore, more frequently wrongly treated than any other. Much of the disappointment necessarily consequent on such a course, may be avoided by remembering, in the first place, the too often overlooked, but vastly important, necessity of making the first prescription a right one; and in the second, that Ars. does not cure this variety of diarrheas. If there be any exception to this, they are cases where the remedy accomplishes the result by virtue of its characteristic relationship to the constitutional symptoms of the case. Of this we may have more to say hereafter. It has not been an unfrequent experience of the writer, to see cases of this variety of diarrhea, in consultation, and among them, the most intractable to treatment have been those which had Ars. as their first medicament. That this has often proved a serious embarrassment to the subsequent successful management of these cases, he has no doubt. The frequency of this false prescription is, perhaps, explained by the force of habit. Ars. cures so many forms of diarrhea, that the frequent demand for its use, creates a kind of habit of prescribing it. Against this we protest.

The cases for Cham, are for the most part those of early childhood, during the process of teething and from taking cold. The green watery passages are often mixed with feces and mucus. The green and frothy evacuations of Grat. may be watery or thin fluid or slimy. It is a remedy worthy of more attention, in diarrheas, than it has generally received, especially with those of children, in the summer season. Those of Magn. c. are preceded by pinching pains in the bowels, especially in the right side, with distended abdomen, are mostly in the forenoon, and may be both sour smelling and frothy, Sulph. acid is frequently the right remedy in this variety of diarrhea. In the absence of the characteristic signs of the other medicines, it may be given in preference, and especially if there be great prostration of strength with irascibility of temper.

Yellow watery diarrheas are met by Ars., Chin., Grat., Hyos. They may be found in the pathogenesis of a few other drugs, but the four above-named are the principal remedies, and rightly used will succeed with most of these cases. Here, as in the brown variety, Ars. and Chin. are near together. Both have attacks more frequent at night and after eating and drinking, with great prostration. But Ars. has tenesmus, Chin. has not. Ars. has thirst with diarrheas, Chin. has not. Ars. has a painful constriction above the anus, extending to the loins. With Ars., in this variety, the discharges are small, while in many others they are copious. But if, as is not at all unlikely, the peculiar and distressing restlessness so characteristic of Ars. be present in any case, there need be no hesitation in the choice between the two drugs. The yellow watery diarrhea of Grat. is painful, copious and frequent, preceded by rumblings and cuttings in the abdomen, and nausea. The pain is not relieved by the evacuation, but is by the escape of flatulence. Opposed to this is Hyos., which has similar discharges, without pain, often involuntary, and unnoticed in the bed, and is wanting in the extreme offensiveness of those of Ars. and Chin. It is so like one form of diarrhea frequent in abdominal typhus that the most careless can hardly overlook it as a remedy of prime importance in this most dangerous malady. In such cases the choice will probably be between Ars., China, and Hyos. In Ars. the evacuations are small, and perhaps painful, burning and offensive. In Chin. they are more copious, and in the elements common to the two, less in degree, and Chin. lacks the restlessness already spoken of; while Hyos. is almost the opposite of both in all, except that the three have in common, the yellow, watery discharge. In this form of typhus, if the general symptoms, and especially those of the intelligence, delirium, &c., are like those of Hyos., this remedy should certainly be given, and not soon changed for any other, but for the strongest reasons. To the above may be added Thuja as worthy of attention in these diarrheas, especially when copious, with gurgling, like that when a full vessel discharges its contents from the bung-hole, great prostration, short and difficult breathing, anxiety, intermittent pulse, pressing pain in the back, opposite the epigastrium, and rapid emaciation.

Grey or whitish watery diarrheas have Cast., Merc., Phos. and Phos. acid.

Cast. preceded by rumblings, gurglings, croakings, with pinchings and cuttings in the bowels, for the most part in the evening and night; Merc. with cutting and tenesmus; Phos. with great exhaustion and Phos. acid with little or none.

Purulent diarrheas are met by Ars., Bell., Calc., Canth., Chin., Cocc., Kali c., Lach., Lyc., Merc., Puls., Sep., Sil., and Sulph. and some others. The most important of these, in this class, are Ars.. Canth., Lach., Lyc., Merc., Puls., Sulph. With Arn. there is a mixture of blood and pus. Lach. has also mixed pus and blood with gnawing, shooting, cutting pain in a hard swelling in the abdomen. Merc. chill between, and flashing heat during the stools. Tenesmus characterizes most diarrheas by this drug, and there is also great uneasiness before the stool, and with many cold perspiration on the face, anxiety and trembling before and heartburn and bitter eructations after the stool. The pains, especially those in the back, and tenesmus are continued after the stool. Sulph. has mixed blood, mucus and pus, and the blood is likely to be in streaks. The above brief analysis of the nature and color of the evacuations in these different examples of diarrhea, is given only as an illustration of the method of proceeding in the first step of an attempt at making a specific prescription.

In our last article we spoke of the nature and color of the evacuations, we now consider the odor.

This may be either simply offensive, or it may be characterized by a specific quality, capable of more specific designation. Of those diarrheas which are simply offensive, some are more, and others less so. Those in which this characteristic is most intense are met by Arsenicum, Asaf., Carbo v., Graph., Puls., Sec. corn., Sil. and Sulph. Ars. is characterized as like stinking ulcers and as putrid. Asaf. as brown and disgustingly offensive. Carbo veg. like putrid flesh. Graph. is light or brown colored, half digested, thin, and intensely stinking. Sec. com. has extremely offensive, colliquative diarrheas. Sil. small, liquid, putrid. Sulph. on the contrary is copious and putrid. All the secretions, under the action of Sulphur, are likely to become offensive in the odor. The same is true of the carbons. The class of diarrheas which are less offensive are met by Bry., Calc. c, Cham., Chin., Dulc., Nit. acid, Nux v., Pod., Squill., Staph., Stram. Bry., like spoiled cheese; Calc. carb. and Cham. like putrid eggs; that of Cham, being hot and excoriating. Nit. acid, putrid, with putrid flatulence. Nux v., putrid. Pod., putrid, dark yellow slime. Squill., brown slime expelled in bubbles

Acid smelling have Calc. c, Cham., Graph., Mag. c., Merc., Rheum, Sep., Sulph. Of these, Calc., and Cham. belong especially to the diarrheas of children. That of Graph, is accompanied by burning in the rectum. Mag. c, different varieties of diarrhea of children. Rheum has papescent, acid evacuations, with shuddering, and followed by renewed inclinations and gripings in the bowels. Sep., acid and green, with children.

Frothy diarrheas, have for their cure Calc. c, Canth., Coloc., Mag. C., Merc., or Pod., Rhus, Sulph. and Sulph. acid. With Calc. the evacuations are involuntary. Canth., liquid, feculent. Coloc., thin, yellow and mouldy smelling. Mag. c, green and frothy. Merc., dark green. Opium, has fluid, frothy evacuations, with itching burning of the anus and tenesmus. Pod., frothy and slimy. Rhus, thin, yellow, odorless, painless and involuntary. Sulph., nights, and with tenesmus. Sulph. acid, with burning in the rectum.

Involuntary diarrheas have Arn., Ars., Bell., Bry. Colch., Fer., Hell., Hyos., Lach., Laur., Mur. acid., Nat. mur., Nux v., Phos., Phos. acid, Rhus, Sec. cor., Staph., Sulph., Verat. Of these the most frequently called for are Ars; with this remedy the evacuation is both involuntary and unnoticed. Chin., it is thin, yellowish and slimy. Phos., Phos. acid, it is pappy, bright yellow, and is passed with a sensation as if wind were about to escape. Verat has also this last peculiarity of unnoticed evacuation with the escape of wind. Of the other remedies named above, Arn. has involuntary evacuations at night in sleep. Bell, and Hyos. both have this variety as if from paralysis of the sphincter ani. Colch. has watery diarrhea, the evacuations of which escape without sensation to the patient. Laur. has unnoticed and involuntary evacuations, and in this symptom is very like Bell, and Hyos. It has actual paralysis of the sphincter. Rhus has sudden, thin, yellow, frothy, odorless and painless, involuntary as from paralysis of the sphincter. Staph, has thin, unnoticed discharges, with sensation as if gas were to escape. Sulph., the stool escapes suddenly and without control, the patient has hardly time to leave the bed.

Undigested food, passed with alvine evacuations, is found for the most part in cases which come within our definition of diarrhea, and which are related to Ars., Bry., Chin., Fer., Merc., Oleand, Phos., Phos. acid, and Pod., and in a less degree to some others. There are cases in which undigested substances arc evacuated and which may be subjects for medical interference, which do not come within this scope. With these we are not at present concerned. But in cases which do, how are we to decide which is the right curative? By a reference to the Materia Medica the mention of this symptom is found to be so nearly in the same words, in the record of many of the above medicines, that if this alone be depended on, there can hardly fail to be not a little embarrassment and frequent disappointment. Take three of the principal of them, i. e., those more frequently prescribed and successful than many others, viz.: Ars., Chin, and Fer., the one word undigested is all, with the first and third, while with Chin, it is added especially at night and immediately after eating. Under Bry., Merc., Phos., Phos. ac, and Pod., the phraseology is the same as with Ars., and there is no additional help from the mention of any circumstance or condition which in any respect characterizes the symptom as manifested by either of these drugs. In the record of Oleander it is said that the food eaten the evening before is passed undigested while it seemed as though wind only was about to escape. If its administration be limited to cases thus characterized, its use can hardly be frequent.

How then are we to proceed? By a careful consideration of the other elements of the case, giving especial attention to those which are general or constitutional, i. e., the symptoms outside of the elements of the diarrhea. For it is never to be forgotten that we are prescribing for the man, not merely for that group of phenomena we have, for convenience, consented to call diarrhea. It is not uncommon that the fact which removes "all difficulty, and decides, beyond doubt, the selection of the right remedy, is found outside this group. In this statement is an important principle in practical medicine, which we hope to elucidate more fully on a future occasion. On this, it will be enough if we can establish the truth in the minds of all, that true prescribing can only rest on a thorough analysis of all the elements of a case, both general and special, no one excluding others, though, as above stated, one symptom may so far throw light on others as to remove doubt in the choice of a remedy. This is not to say that all symptoms are equally important in their bearing on the selection of a curative, but that none are to be over looked, for till considered carefully in itself and in its relations, we must be in ignorance of the true value of any, and perhaps of every, symptom. A careful consideration of the constitutional symptoms, and general conditions, is not limited to cases of undigested evacuations. It is a duty which-is integral in every true prescription.

Acrid diarrheas, those in which the evacuations irritate the external parts with which they are brought in contact — are a class too important to be passed without notice. They are related to many drugs, in the action of which this quality of the evacuations is evinced in different degrees. The most acrid are from Ars., Chin., Ign., Merc., and Puls. The next in severity are, Ant. crud., Cham., Dulc., Fer., Graph., Kali c., Nux vom., Phos., Staph., Sulph. and Verat. And in still less severe are Acon., Alum., Nat. mur., and Sabina. This difference in the intenseness of a symptom is often of great importance and never to be overlooked. "With some drugs intenseness seems to characterize most of their actions on the organism, and this goes far at times in individualizing those drugs. Ars. is an eminent instance of this; and no one need fail to distinguish between the painful rawness of the surface around the anus, characteristic of the drug, and the slighter and comparatively insignificant irritation of Acon. Rightly to appreciate this quality of symptoms, and always to give it its just place in a prescription, is an accomplishment of the master, and with him it is an element of great power. It can be cultivated by all, and be carried to a degree the tyro is not likely at first to suspect.

There are however other differences in connection with this symptom, expressed in the pathogenesis of some of the above drugs, which are so far our guides, though often we may be left to the significance of general or other special elements of the case. Thus Ars. has black, burning, excoriating evacuations, with restlessness. Merc., dark green with pressure in the abdomen. Puls., soft evacuations in the morning.

The above are the chief elements of analysis of the nature and character of the evacuations in the different forms of diarrhea. We have next to look at the time, the circumstances, &c., by which attacks are excited or aggravated. — And first as to the time. In the morning are Aloes, Ant. crud., Alum., Aur., Am. carb., Borax, Bov., Bry., Carb. an., Dig., Grat, Iod., Kali carb., Lyc., Mag. c., Mur. acid, Nux v., Phos., Puls., Sec. cor., Staph., Sulph., Thuja.

With Aloes the evacuations are copious and pappy. Alum., semi-fluid, preceded by colic. Am. carb., small, with excoriating and bruised pain in abdomen. Borax, painless, followed by slimy and bloody discharges. Bov., pain in the abdomen like that of ulceration. Carbo an., pinchings in the abdomen, before and after, burning in the anus like fire. Kali c, watery, preceded by colic. Lyc., three to four o'clock, with colic and tenesmus. Mag. c, followed by burning in the anus. Nux v., small, dark, excoriating. Phos., semi-fluid with rumbling. Puls., soft, excoriating, with smarting. Sec. corn., four o'clock. Staph., after cuttings and nausea. Sulph., at four and six o'clock, and also on rising from bed, the desire is sudden and urgent, and admits of no delay. This is characteristic. Thuja soft.

In the forenoon: Carbo an., Kali c, Kali nit, Mag. c., Mur. acid, Stann., Sulph. Carbo an., soft, green, with colic. Kali c., watery, preceded by rumbling. Mag. c, soft. Stann., soft. Sulph., thin, with pressure in the stomach.

At noon: Alum., Borax, Mag. mur. and Sulph. Alum., semi fluid with previous colic. Borax, thin, with rumbling and movements in the abdomen. Mag. mur., severe urgency to stool, which is fluid. Sulph., frothy, feculent, with much flatulence.

In the afternoon: Aloes, Am. c., Alum., Borax, Carbo an., Dulc., Hell., Kali c, Lyc., Mag. c, Mur. acid, Phos., Stann. Sulph. acid. Am. c, first part is hard, the latter soft, with shootings in the anus. Alum., soft and small. Borax, with much flatulence. Carbo an., soft, green, pain in the bowels before the evacuation. Dulc., with flatulence. Kali c, semifluid, scanty, with colic, and followed by tenesmus. Phos., semi-fluid, scanty, escaping with force.

Evening: Aloes, Alum., Bov., Carbo an., Dig., Dulc., Indigo, Kali a, Kali nit., Lach., Mang., Merc., Mur. acid, Ol. an, Phell., Stann., and Zinc. Aloes, very thin, deep yellow with undigested food. Alum., soft, flatulent, with burning in the anus, followed by tenesmus. Dig., with ascarides. Dulc., acid smelling, copious, thin, relieves the pain, while the patient feels weak. Lach., great urgency to stool, with throbbing in the anus after the evacuation. Mang., preceding shootings in the bowels. Mur. acid, severe burning in the anus after the evacuations. 01. an., soft feces, with cuttings in the bowels before, during and after the stool, followed by burning in the anus like fire. Stann., with sensation after the evacuation as if there were still more to pass. Zinc, first a little solid, then scanty, soft evacuations.

At night: Am., Ars., Aur., Bov., Bry., Cast., Caust., Cham., Chel, Chin., Graph., Grat., Kali c, Mag. c, Merc., Nat. carb., Puls,, Sil., Sulph., Tabac Aur., with much burning in the rectum. Bov., with tearing pains in the bowels and tenesmus. Bry., with burning in the anus. Cast., semifluid, feces extremely offensive with stinking flatus. Cham., with cuttings in the bowels which double up the patient. Mag. c, before midnight and painless., Puls., unnoticed, watery, in sleep. Sil., painless. Sulph., frequent, fluid, frothy, with tenesmus.

The next element to consider is the exciting cause of the attack. If it be from

ACIDS. — Ant. crud., thin with pain in the rectum. Ars., Lach, attacks are slight. Phos. acid.

TAKING COLD. — Bell., with vomiting. Bry., Caust., Cham., Dulc., watery, at night, with pains in the bowels, in summer, or with prolapsus ani. Nux mos., Nux v., watery. Phos., with cutting and drawing pains in bowels and loins, as far into the thighs. Sulph.

DRINKING. — Ars., Caps., of slime Rhod., painless.

EATING. — Ars., Borax, with rumblings or weakness in the joints and legs, relieved by walking. China, Coloc., with colic after the least nourishment. Fer. mag., Rhod., painless. Verat, after the least ingesta.

FRUIT — Ars., Chin., Cist., Rhod., with sensation of weakness in the stomach and nausea while walking.

MILK. — Lyc., Nux mos., Sep.

In prescribing for attacks from the above causes the applicability of those remedies here named, without symptoms, is determined by their general characteristics, or by the special analysis and ascertained resemblance of their symptom to those of the individual case. The same principle governs in treating the cases of

INFANTS. — For which Cham., Jalap., Rheum, Senn. and Sulph. acid are more frequently required than other remedies, although it may be remarked of Jalap that its passages are watery, and accompanied with intense cuttings in the bowels; of Rheum, there are mixed feces and slime; of Senn., dark colored water, with cutting pains also, but less severe than those of Jalap, and more or less flatulent. And also in those of infants while

TEETHING, for which we have Colch., Carbo., Cham., Graph.. Merc., sol., Nux mosch., Pod., Sulph. In "selecting a remedy from among these, it may help, to bear in mind the resemblances and differences of the symptoms of these medicines. Calc. and Graph, are alike in these particulars: both have very offensive discharges, but that of Calc. is yellow, Graph., dark, half digested. Both have acid discharges, that of Graph, is only soft; Calc., thin; Calc. has undigested, hard or thin; Graph, half digested. It is also quite characteristic of Graph, that the discharges are followed by great, but transient prostration. Calc. and Cham, have much similarity of some symptoms, but the differences of others make the distinction between the two not difficult. Both have the smell of bad eggs, those of Cham, with this property are also excoriating. With Cham, the passages are often green, with Calc. never. The diarrhea of teething infants, for which Nux mosch. is appropriate, is attended by an indomitable disposition to sleep. The little patient sleeps all the time. The discharges are likely to be very offensive and rather copious. It is a remedy of greater value in teething diarrheas than is generally supposed. Pod., painful, with grinding of teeth. This, of course, can only occur in cases of the last teeth in the series. Sulph., the discharges are slimy for the most part, brown, green or white, and often are marked with slight streaks of blood.

The above are only a few of the distinguishing symptoms of these drugs, not given as a complete analysis, but only as showing the mode in which distinctions are arrived at in classes of cases where one of a class of similar remedies is to be selected, by which that most unsatisfactory practice of giving one remedy of a class, and, if not successful, another, and so on through the series, may be avoided.

PREGNANCY is often attended with obstinate and sometimes fatal diarrheas. For these cases we may find a remedy in one of the following: Am. carb, Dulc., Hyos., Lyc., Petr., Phos., Sep., Sulph. In these cases, in addition to the careful observation of the elements of the diarrhea, the constitutional symptoms are to be most rigidly studied, for these, not unfrequently, are decisive of the choice of the remedy. Without a thorough knowledge of these, the prescriber must often be quite in the dark as to his curative, and his patient, consequently, in a very unsafe condition. These remarks are equally true of the diarrheas which arise at

LYING-IN. — For these we have Ant. crud., Dulc., Hyos, Rheum. There may be cases requiring other drugs, but these can hardly fail of being detected if the analysis and comparison insisted on be faithfully carried out. The above remedies are only named, because so frequently called for, that they may claim our first attention in cases where the characteristics of other drugs are not prominent. They are never to be given merely because named here, or else where, as possibly appropriate in this class of cases.

It may facilitate the treatment of diarrheas to study them in groups. Thus Ars., Chin. and Fer. have the closest relationship. In these Ars. occupies one extreme and Chin. the other, Fer. falling between. In the element of pain Ars. has extreme severity, Fer. less, and Chin., less still. In that of copiousness, with the exception of yellow watery, in which Ars. represents the scanty, the same relation obtains. It may be borne in mind that cases of an obstinate character sometimes occur where those remedies act beneficially in succession. Thus, in cases in which Fer. has followed Chin. with benefit, but has not proved sufficient for a complete cure, Ars., if at all appropriate, seldom fails to effect that result. Verat may be added to this group in the study of watery diarrheas, and in the elements of copiousness and pain takes place next to Ars.

Another most important group is represented by Are., Squill., Graph, and Nux vom., viz.: the dark, fluid, offensive and painful. In these elements the four remedies agree. They differ however in so many of their symptoms that there can be no serious difficulty in selecting the right for, a given one, if it be borne in mind that Ars. among these has the most copious evacuations; Nux v. the least, and always small. The pain of Ars. and Squill, is in the bowels, Ars. the most severe; those of Nux v. and Graph, in both the bowels and back, Nux the most severe, with this further difference that the pain of Nux is higher, in the loins. Graph in the sacral region. "With Nux the pain is drawing and is relieved by the evacuation. Graph, pressing and continued after. It may not be amiss before leaving this group to say that Nux vom. has been too much neglected in the treatment of diarrheas. The frequent successful use of the drug in constipation may have so occupied the minds of prescribers as to limit, in their apprehension, its usefulness to cases of this sort. This is a great mistake or misfortune. It is scarcely less important as a remedy for diarrhea. It has been the specific in many epidemics, and at other times, through whole seasons, it has been oftener called for and successful than any other drug.

Ars., Gamboge, Jalap, and Senna in extremely painful diarrheas. The characteristics of these remedies and their distinctions, except Gamb. have been already noticed, and it may be sufficient for this to say that it resembles Arsenic more than either of the others, but with the evacuations of Gamb. there is much disposition to tenesmus, while with Ars. there is less.

Arn., Lach., Merc., and Sulph. in purulent diarrheas. Arn. has bloody and purulent discharges. Lach. has similar evacuations, with gnawing, shooting, cutting pains, with hard swelling of the abdomen, or with discharge of mucus and scanty menses. Sulph. a mixture of blood, mucus and pus.

Nux mos., Sec. corn., Verat, in cases, with comatose sleep. These three remedies are each characterized by profound and constant sleep. The kind of sleep is very similar in the three, very quiet and undisturbed, but the conditions out of which it grows are very different and not difficult of distinction. With Nux mos. the symptom arises from exhaustion of the brain power especially. There is still sufficient to admit of the patient being aroused without great difficulty, but not to sustain a continued attention to external objects, the patient falls asleep again immediately, and continues to sleep till aroused by the attendants. The affection is less profound than that of the other two remedies, and generally less dangerous. Sec. corn, is opposed to Nux mos. in this, that its coma seems to rest on a general exhausted vital force, in which that of the brain participates, or of which its exhaustion is a part, all the organs being similarly affected, the tendency being to a rapid extinction of life, unless the downward progress be speedily arrested. The patient is roused with difficulty, and then immediately falls off again, being wholly unable to give attention to external objects for the shortest time. Verat is related to a condition quite different from both, viz.: that which just precedes the effusion of serum into the cavities of, the brain or. the early stage of effusion. In such cases Verat is often very efficacious. If the patient be aroused he shows that he is disturbed and complains. Any interference is painful to him, till he passes the point in insensibility at which he ceases to regard the presence or acts of his attendants, and beyond which all remedies are too likely to fail to relieve.

Aloes, Pod. and Rheum, as related to the class of feculent diarrheas, have been already sufficiently treated of, though it may be said of Aloes, in addition, that its evacuations are often preceded by much rumbling and movement of flatus in the bowels, flatulent distension and colic. Not unfrequently these rumblings and movements are, after a night's sleep, first manifested on the patients first stepping out of bed, in the morning. Or they are especially, at evening, and if the flatus escapes, it is of the most offensive odor.

It does not come within the plan of the present paper to consider the diarrheas which are at times concomitants of other more important affections, as of Typhus Fever, Phthisis, &c, further than to remark that an intelligent treatment of them involves, in addition to the analysis of their elements here inculcated, a careful study of the characteristics of the malady, in the elements of which, alone, it often happens, the clue can be found to the remedy for this as well as the other symptoms of the case. This should never be forgotten. It is a necessity in every case, perfectly apparent in the principle stated, that we treat patients, and not diseases. Least of all can we isolate an element of a case, and treat, that, and claim in such practice, the consideration of scientific and able physicians.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 01-02, 1862, pages 15-27, pages 72-82]

[Description: Diarrhea.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1862]

DRUG PROVING.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

The attempt to cure diseases by the use of drugs was first made many centuries ago, and from that time to the present these have been the favorite agents in the hands of men who have devoted their time and talents to curing the sick. In many generations they have constituted almost the entire arsenal from which this class of men have drawn the resources demanded by the duties of their special calling; and in all time, since they were first brought into use, they have been largely the majority of all the means employed in the art of healing. In their use, with patients and their friends, there has always been a kind of mystery, which carried with it a peculiar charm, which sanctified and made tolerable, the otherwise intolerable disgust inseparable from the common experience of their administration and effects. While on the other hand, with the profession, this mystery has been cherished and magnified as an object dear to the heart, and a means of exalting the estimation of the importance of the functions they were supposed to be executing. The association of mystery and ignorance is no new compact, neither has it been a novelty, for many centuries, when affectation of the one has been made to serve as a cover for the other.

This is as old, and has been as common, as the substitute of arrogant assumption for positive knowledge. But, has mystery in the use of the drugs been made a cover for ignorance of their nature and effects? Let the experience of any, man, well-informed in the premises, answer. Is not the continued experience of thirty centuries, of the use of drugs in the treatment of the sick, a sufficient answer to the charge, or suspicion, of ignorance of their nature and effects, on the part of those to whom they are still chief favorites, and a principal reliance in this treatment? Let the current treatises on Materia Medica, of the old school of medicine, stripped of their unacknowledged borrowings from that of the new, answer. It may be affirmed without fear of contradiction, that beyond a few of the most obvious generic effects of drugs, the ignorance of their actions on the living organism has been most complete, through the centuries in which they have been so liberally employed. And further, that the medical profession, while content with a hypothetical philosophy of diseases, was also so far satisfied with this ignorance of the nature and action of the agents it employed for their cure, as to have taken no measures, worthy of respect, for its removal. A few writers, in all this time, more enlightened than their fellows, were alone conscious of the disabilities arising from this state of things, and had slight and occasional glimpses of the measures to be taken for its removal; but not one of these even, put forth an earnest effort to realize his own conceptions of the needed reform. It was not until the discovery of the law by which diseases are cured by drugs, that there was any conception of the extent or importance of drug actions on the living organism; much less of the necessity of an exact knowledge of them, in order to an intelligent use of these agents for the cure of the sick. This discovery disclosed the necessity of an exact and exhaustive knowledge of drug action, and imposed the obligation of serious and continued efforts to attain it. This necessity was first observed, and this obligation first acknowledged and obeyed, by the discoverer of this law of cure; and the knowledge, when gained, he called the proving of the drug. They are both now fully recognized by the adherents of the school of practice he inaugurated, and with them the only question now is, how, and by what means, is this knowledge to be gained? or, in other words, what is necessary to obtain an answer to the two following questions:

What is a drug? and, what is it to prove that drug?

In order to a clear understanding of the true answer to the first question, we must go back of it and ask another – What is life? Answer: The continued action of those forces, through and upon the organs of the body, which preserve it from decay. This is life. And health is that balanced action of these forces which preserves the integrity of all its parts. In this balance is the conservatism of the whole, without this, destruction of parts more or less is the result, the value of which is determined by the importance and number of organs or functions involved.

A drug is any material agent the ingestion of which is capable of so disturbing this balanced action of the vital forces, that the functions of one or more of the organs of the body are no longer executed in the manner the best welfare of the whole requires; and all material agents capable of so acting on the living organism, are drugs. Hence drugs are destructive. The difference, and the only apparent difference between drugs and food, is that of destruction and conservation.

To prove a drug is simply to ascertain what disturbances of this balance it is capable of producing. What are the organs it invades, and what are the modifications of function it produces? Answers to these questions, when ascertained and recorded, are the proving of that drug.

How are these answers to be obtained? In the first place, they can only be gained satisfactorily, in circumstances I which make the problem a simple one. Any circumstance which complicates the inquiry diminishes or destroys the value of the answer. These are to be guarded against chiefly: First, in the quality of the drug. It must be pure, i. e., it must possess all its active properties, and be free from mixture with other drugs. Second, in the state of the prover. He must have in himself that balance of the action of the vital forces which we call health, and which we propose to disturb by the drug; and, third, in the circumstances which surround the prover. These must be such as are not liable of themselves to produce disturbances which may be put to the account of the drug.

Having, so far as possible, secured these necessary conditions, how shall we proceed to prove a drug? It is pure, the prover is healthy, and of such intellectual and moral character as to qualify him for the great work, and his circumstances such as to warrant a reasonable freedom from complicating disturbances, and now what shall the prover do?

In the first place, he shall not depart in any way from any of his ordinary habits of life, with a view to avoid modifying influences, because his life is based on those habits and conformed to them, and any important change in these, must result in changes more or less important, which may be put to the account of the drug. His food, drinks, sleep and exercise must be such as he has been accustomed to. His common pursuits should not be departed from, and every circumstance and act the nearest possible to those of his common daily experience. And, then, to be a prover of the drug, he must possess such susceptibilities to its action as will admit of developing in him the specific results of its use.

All men and women are not equally good provers, neither is any one equally a good prover of all drugs. Most persons have some peculiar susceptibilities to the action of some drugs, of which they are consequently good provers. And if others fail of realizing results which verify their experience, this is not therefore to be rejected. Peculiar susceptibilities make the knowledge of peculiar facts possible, and their possession of the greater value, because peculiar. He must not only have the requisite susceptibility, but also that intelligence of subjective phenomena which will enable him rightly to appreciate and record them intelligently. In this there is a wide difference in men and women, both in the perception and description of such phenomena.

Every practitioner of much experience has found difficulty in obtaining from some patients an intelligent account of their sufferings, not because they did not suffer, but because of this deficient power of perception and expression. Such persons can never be good provers. A good prover must also honestly record all experienced facts, after the commencement of his experiment, and be equally scrupulous in avoiding skepticism, imaginary phenomena, and undue coloring of those which are real. It has been too common with some excellent men to receive all facts, at first, with suspicion, and to regard this as a duty and function of superior wisdom, never realizing that a fact suspected is more than half rejected, and that whether suspected or rejected, it is a fact still, and its value in no wise affected by this absurd mistake. Such persons can never be good provers, if indeed, they can be provers at all. A prover, at the beginning of his experiment, must be in that degree of physiological equilibrium which is not subject daily and hourly to abnormal sensations and disturbance of functions, which would invalidate or complicate his observations.

These most requisite preliminaries being secured, and having determined to make the experiment of proving a drug, what is the object to be sought? We answer, principally to ascertain those facts which place the given drug in the series of curative agents; by which also it is related to diseased conditions, and by which those conditions may be cured. But are not all disturbances of the vital forces, such as have been stated in the outset of these observations, alike so related? Nothing is more certain, than that all symptoms of drug action have not an equal value in this respect. And while all are the proper subjects of record by the prover, all are not equally curative, and some probably not curative at all. The proper object of the prover is to ascertain those which cure. Or, in other words, those which are peculiar to the drug, and which distinguish its action from that of other drugs; the power to cure having been fixed in these, and not in those symptoms which are common to it and other drugs. If it had been otherwise ordered, the impossibility of finding a curative in a given case of disease, by any distinctive signs, would have necessitated the giving the series of drugs successively to which the symptoms in common belong, till the right was found, till which time the sufferings of the patient would remain unrelieved, and perhaps his safety be compromised. The proper object then of the prover of a drug is to ascertain its characteristic symptoms, and to distinguish them from those common to other drugs. This can only be done by recording all the facts observed, and then comparing this record with the records of the ascertained effects of other drugs, and noting the resemblances and differences, the proving of a drug, then, consists of two parts, the observation and record of its actions, and the analysis and comparison of them with the recorded observations of the actions of other drugs.

Having complied with all the requisites for a true proving and having a clear view of its proper object, what course shall be taken to secure it? This is made up of two parts. The dose – how much, and in what state; and the repetitions; how. often it shall be taken? First of the dose. It may be of the crude drug, or of a low or high potence of it. Which is preferable? In a given case, the answer to this will depend, first, on the nature of the drug; and, second, on the susceptibility of the prover. Those drugs which in their natural state affect the organism but slightly, as Carbo veg. and Silicea, require to be potentized in order to the development of their characteristic effects on the prover. While those which are prompt in their action, as Ipecac., may be proved in the crude state or in low potencies; but if the drug be actively poisonous, as Merc. cor., it can be proved only in the potencies.

The object of the proving is a knowledge of what is peculiar to the drug – its characteristics. In those drugs which. are comparatively inert in their natural state, these are rarely developed after crude doses. So that most of the so-called provings of such substances, in such doses, are comparatively valueless. The same is, to a great extent, true of such provings of active poisons. The one class is expelled from the system without ever coming into active relation to the forces of life, with a manifestation of few or no symptoms; the other, by the violence of its action, causes its speedy expulsion, with few symptoms, and these such as are common to the drugs of its class, and are therefore of little or no practical value. The disturbances of functions are such as might have been the result of almost any drug of its class and there-fore are generic and not characteristic; and for this reason, not curative; and so are no answer to the problem before the prover. This is probably the true explanation of the poverty of the provings of Tartar emet, Corrosive sublimate, and some others. The second element in determining the state of the drug to be taken, and its quantity, is the susceptibility of the prover. The greater this, the less the dose, as a general rule. If the organism be powerfully impressed suddenly, it may so revolt against the dose as to expel it at once, with only generic symptoms, and the prover fails of his object. If the prover be of only moderate impressibility, he may realize valuable results from larger doses. If very obtuse, he is but poorly fitted for his work. In a word, he is to take the drug in such doses as will admit of and secure the pervasion of his organism by it, so that its effects may be" developed in the functions of the various organs of his body. This can generally be better done by its gradual than sudden introduction; as in this way we avoid those violent functional alarms, which, when they occur in a proving, work our certain defeat. Hence, in those provings where a first dose is followed by no marked results, it is better to repeat it, and if necessary, many times, till symptoms arc developed, than to begin to increase the dose with each repetition, as the manner of many has been. This method usually results in a few generic symptoms, and these consequently are not worth the pains they cost By the gradual introduction of the drug, the organs become pervaded by it, tolerate it and respond to its specific impression, and its characteristics are secured. Hence the great error of those who have questioned the value of provings with high potencies. If the attempted proving with these, owing to the unimpressible nature of the prover, or from any other cause, produces no results, it can in no way invalidate the truth of those obtained from the provings of others better endowed for the work. From the very nature of the case, symptoms so obtained, which are genuine, must possess the highest value.

In regard to the repetition of doses by a prover, it is to be governed by the nature of the drug, and the results already obtained. Drugs of slow action, as Causticum, Lycopodium, etc., are to be taken at longer intervals than such as are quick, as Aconite, Arnica, Ipecac., etc. This is the general rule, which, if it be remembered, with this one other, to repeat no dose while symptoms are being realized from those already taken, the prover can hardly make a mistake. This last is equivalent to that rule in practice which forbids the repetition of doses while those previously taken are still active, and in all provings, is of imperative authority. The reason for this is that, from the nature of the case, the total symptoms of a drug are produced in sequences, some earlier and some later in the series, and while these are being developed, a repetition of the dose only sets the prover back to the beginning again, and by continued repetition of this process, he may never reach those later and more valuable symptoms which a better method might have secured.

The second and not the least important duty of the prover is, to record the symptoms of the proving as they occur – First, in the order of their appearance; and, second, with all their attending circumstances. It is important that the natural order to preserved, because all symptoms in the series are not of equal value, and one of the elements which enables us to determine the value of symptoms is the date of their occurrence after the taking of the dose producing them. The more remote from the taking of the dose, the greater the value of the symptom. The prover is to be explicit, in recording pains experienced, to state their exact locality and quality. It is not enough to know he had pain, he must state of what kind it was. If shooting, in what direction it passed. If it appeared first on one side and then on the other, to note carefully that first attacked, so that it may be known whether the symptoms passed from right to left, and the reverse; and if the course were from within outward, or the reverse, and also of any symptom whether its course of progress were from above downwards or the reverse. In these peculiarities are found the characteristics of many drugs. He will also note most carefully all the circumstances of the appearance of a symptom, and also all those which cause its aggravation or mitigation; such as time of day, morning, forenoon, afternoon, evening, night, before midnight, after midnight, or better still if possible, the exact hour, as many valuable symptoms of valuable drugs are characterized by this fact, as those of Lycopodium which appear at four, p.m., and of Kali carb. at three, a.m. He must note the position of the prover when the symptom appeared, and also those positions by which the symptom is aggravated or relieved. Was he standing, walking, sitting, lying; on the right or left side, or back; how it is affected by motion or repose; how by particular motion, if at all; how by eating, drinking and sleep, and how after these; how, if at all, by the presence and acts of others, and whatever other modifying acts of himself or others, or whatever other circumstances may have favored the appearance, or increased or diminished the intensity, of the symptom. This part of the duty of the prover should be insisted on the more earnestly, because many extensive records of the effects of drugs, when these have been omitted, have been made and published, which are by the omission rendered nearly useless in practical medicine. They are only records, they are very far from being provings, and provings only can have practical value. The extent to which our Materia Medica has suffered at the hands of ignorant translators and condensers by the omission of these facts of the original record, can only be understood after comparison of the original provings of the earlier Homoeopathists and their associates with the translations and abridgements of these gentlemen, which have appeared as "Manuals" and "Codices" These latter are only like an attempt to produce a living man without a soul. These elements are the very life of a proving.

Then, as has been already stated, he is faithfully to record all the facts. He is to judge no one too insignificant for note. How many sufferers have been relieved by Kali carb. by the intelligent student of the Materia Medica, who knew this peculiarity of its cough at three in the morning, who would have been unrelieved had this fact been omitted by the prover. And what fact in its record of symptoms appears more unimportant to him who is no student? If the prover is in doubt as to whether any fact be the result of the action of the drug, let it be recorded as a fact still in question, but on no account omit it. In deciding whether it be of the drug, he must refer to his ordinary past experience, when not subject to drug action, and also inquire whether it can more reasonably be referred to any other agent, and then, if possible, verify the fact by subsequent observation. In his record he is to remember that skepticism is a curse; and imagination a lie; and that the truth has no part with either.

Objective phenomena make but a small part of the record of past provings, and especially of those of the early provers. It can hardly be necessary to say that all such appearances should be carefully noted, though the value of many of them as indicia for the selection of a curative drug may be well called in question, and the exact importance which may belong to any of them, for this purpose, may not yet be well settled. Still if no greater good comes from their careful record and study than to establish this value, and to give them their proper place, whatever it may be, in the elements to be considered in prescribing for the sick, it will not prove a labor in vain. At first glance it would certainly seem that these phenomena should occupy the first place among those which decide a prescription, but a careful study of those great cures which have been recorded and published for our instruction, by the early masters of our art, will disclose the fact that they play but a small part in their prescriptive decisions. And, at the present time it may not, perhaps, be going too far to anticipate, that when the truth is finally and undoubtedly disclosed, which answers that most important query,"What is the 'like' which cures? objective phenomena will occupy quite a subordinate place in that curing similarity. In my own past experience it is not difficult to remember many disappointed expectations of success based on these great uncertainties, nor to recollect that in my observation of the practice of others, those who have most relied on these phenomena, and have sought to be mainly controlled by them, have not been the most successful physicians; and that some such, after years of struggling in their great endeavor to make this a basis of a successful practice, have finally, in their disappointment, seemed to apostatize from a faith they never either cherished or comprehended, and to have abandoned a practice they had never adopted. Such memories are instructive, if not decisive of the possibility of erecting a successful practice on this uncertain foundation.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 06, 1863, page 242-251]

[Description: Drug Proving.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1863]

DYSENTERY.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

It is scarcely too much to say, that through the centuries before the discovery of the homoeopathic law, that which passed for science, in the great business of curing the sick, was little better than the imaginings of prominent men, who by force of their genius or circumstances, succeeded in impressing their theories on the practice of their contemporaries, to a controlling extent. Each fancy in its turn, giving place to subsequent theories, after disappointment and scrutiny had established the fallacy of its predecessors.

This process was continued through many centuries, no one appearing ever to have suspected that imaginations, however brilliant, could never become the foundations of a true science. When Hahnemann suspected the existence of a law of cure, he made an immense advance from the standpoint of his scientific professional contemporaries, but when he proved its existence, and stated it in explicit terms, he was so tar beyond them on the pathway of scientific truth, that, though before honored for learning, honesty, intelligence and industry, he was to them henceforth only "as one who dreamed" That there should be such a law, was almost incredible; that it should be so simple, was incomprehensible; that such simplicity should, in so few words and at once, displace forever the long and labored series of ingenious theories, which habit had accustomed them to respect and trust, was impossible. Then there were a few, since increased to a multitude, who accepted the law with confidence, practiced successfully on the principle it declares, and by daily experiences demonstrated to themselves its truth over and over, till it remained with their most cherished convictions, and its discoverer was enshrined with those most honored. "Like cures like" became to them unquestioned law, has been so received by their successors, and as such is presented today by the whole homoeopathic school, to the confidence of the world, as the magic formula which has opened up the way to possible cure to a multitude of hitherto incurable chronic diseases, and deprived nearly the whole train of acute of their terrors. We accept this formula, and having accepted it, propose to enquire what are its precise teachings and requirements?

What does it teach? That that which in the effects of drugs on the living organism, is like to the phenomena of natural diseases, enables these drugs to cure these diseases by virtue of this similarity. This is the principle contained in the formula "like cures like."What does this mean? Twenty years ago, on the occasion of the first introduction of the writer to that friend who has done more by his teachings and writings to advance the science of Homoeopathy than any other man in this country, the master put the question, "What is like?"This was evidently to his mind, then, the strongest argument against the truth of Homoeopathy, or at least, a question the most difficult for its friends to answer, and he expressed the opinion that any successful opposition to the homoeopathic law must begin at this point. What is the like which cures? It was quite evident, at the time, that even Hering had no answer to his own question. It was not forgotten by the writer. At first it seemed easy of answer, but after years of unsuccessful puzzle, the difficulty was confessed, and it was not till a hint from the same master, in the introduction to his proving of Allium cepa threw light upon the difficulty, that an answer became possible. He there repeats his question, and replies "that which is characteristic? Here is the whole truth, plain enough. But it forces another question, the answer to which lies at the foundation of all intelligent success in practice. What is characteristic? This we propose now to attempt to answer and to show that it is this which cures.

Hahnemann, in his Organon, third American edition, § 18, says "the totality of the symptoms is the sole indication in the choice of the remedies" With this we have no difficulty, if by it be understood that the elements controlling the choice are found among these symptoms, and no where else. But this expression, "totality of the symptoms," has been, taken in connection with the direction to seek in the pathogenesis of drugs their simillimum, a great hindrance to many, and the cause of much useless labor on the part of those who would conscientiously follow the directions of the master. These they have understood to require in the ascertained effects of the drug, a simillimum to the totality of the symptoms of the disease. And in most cases, after long search, they find, that for this they have sought in vain. It was not to be found. If, perchance, they did succeed, the cure certainly followed because the whole must have contained those elements which effect that result. But this is not the direction of Hahnemann, as is evident after reading § 153, p. 173 of Organon, where he gives instruction as to those symptoms which are of controlling importance in the choice of a remedy, and those which may be safely passed with slight notice. We are not quite satisfied with the lines of discrimination he here lays down. Those to which we are to attend "particularly and almost exclusively" are the striking, extraordinary and peculiar? To these, except the last, we cannot but somewhat object, as will be seen as we proceed, and to illustrate these objections, we propose to avail ourselves of the subject of Dysentery,

In Dysentery, what is the "like" which cures, and how are we to find it? In other words, what are the characteristics, i. e., of the drug and the disease? It is obvious, at the first glance, that there are two classes of these. One, the generic, which determines the case you have to treat as belonging to the genus dysentery, belongs alike to all the members of the genus, and without which no case is dysentery. The other, the specific, that which distinguishes individual members of the genus from all other members. It is also obvious these two classes must play a very different part in the discovery of the remedy for the cure. Now in relation to dysentery, what are the generic characteristics? Frequent, for the most part small discharges from the rectum, of blood or mucus, or of both, with colic pains, tenesmus and fever. These belong to every case and are essential to it as dysentery. Is it for the simillimum of these we are to seek, to find the prompt and safe cure, a compliance with the law insures? If so, we are met at the outset with a singular difficulty in the wealth of material before us. There are in the Materia Medica a large number of remedies, which present equally these generic characteristics, and so like are they in each, that the prescriber, if limiting his search to these, will be left, of necessity, to the bungling method of giving one after another of these remedies, beginning with that which he thinks likeliest to be the right, and proceeding to follow it with others, if not, till the right is stumbled on, if the patient be not dead before he finds it. Is this a compliance with the requirements of the great law, and this the best result it has to promise, to challenge our confidence, and excite our hopes? If so, its importance is far less than some have supposed, and the results of its observance are no great advance on those realized before its discovery.

If the declaration that "like cures like" means to assure us that the drug which produces symptoms like these generic ones, will be found to cure the members of the class they define, then I do not hesitate to say that the experience of every homoeopathic practitioner is adequate to the conviction of the declaration of falsehood. It is a lie and not a law. I say the experience of every practitioner — for all have tried it, and have been disappointed, again and again, by the failure, which a right understanding of the law would have led them to expect. But are not these the "striking" symptoms of the case? Certainly they are the most striking. They stand on the very surface, and are the first to arrest the attention of the prescriber. They are plain, discovered without difficulty, unmistakable. And because they are so, are continually before his eyes, as the great facts with which he has to do, making it not a little difficult to get beyond them, to those which are the safer guides to successful practice. They have led, and do still lead, multitudes through the routine of remedies and disappointments which beginners never escape, and into which it is only too easy for those who are no longer beginners to fall. And hence the objection to the word "striking" in the direction of the Organon, as a distinctive feature of the symptoms to which we are to be "particularly and almost exclusively attentive." Can any man tell by the examination of the blood, mucus, pain, tenesmus and fever, resulting from the taking of a drug, whether that drug were Aloes, Arn., Caps., Nux vom. or Sulph.? If not, how can he tell, when these result from natural disease, whether they are more like the similar results of this or that drug, of which each is so like all the others that they fail of distinctions. All attempts to do this, if serious, can hardly be better than a serious absurdity. Is there then a law of cure in cases like these! If so whence did it originate, and for what purpose? If there be such a law, it must have been instituted by the Creator of our race, when he first called it into being, and the intention of it must have been that it should serve as an instrument for the relief of human suffering and danger. Would such a Being, in instituting such a law, have coupled with it the necessity of perpetual blundering, which dependence on these generic symptoms necessarily involves.

It is worthy of remark that there are in the pathogenesis of all drugs a class of symptoms which in their relation to the law of cure are very analogous to the generic symptoms of disease. The allusion is to that class which is common to all or a large class of drugs, and which rather indicate that the organism revolts against drug assault, than point out the particular active agent in the assault. For the same reason that generic symptoms of disease can rarely be availed of as guides to the selection of a curative, these are of comparatively little value to the prescriber, The vomiting produced by one irritant poison is so like that of every other, that from this alone it cannot be told what that irritant is. So of the diarrhea, nausea, thirst, loss of appetite, headache, etc. These of themselves can never be guides to a prescription, though the elements associated with them may be. It is not then to the generic symptoms of either drug or disease that we are to direct our attention chiefly, in our search for the "like" which cures. We have seen that their very nature excludes them from the circle of curative relationship.

Where then are we to look for this? Evidently in the list of those symptoms which individualize both the disease and the drug. That which distinguishes the individual case of disease to be treated, from other members of its class, is to find its resemblance among those effects of the drug which distinguish it from other drugs. This is what we mean when we talk of "characteristics" as the great reliance of intelligent practice, and assert that with these the law of cure has chiefly to do. It is precisely in this relationship that the law exists. When we say "like cures like" this is the "like" we mean. Thus understood, the phrase declares a law established at the creation of man, which will endure as long as his pains require relief.

To apply the homoeopathic law, as spoken of in our previous article, to the treatment of dysentery will be the object of the remainder of this paper.

With a case before us, declared by its generic symptoms to be dysentery, how shall we proceed to this application? After this ascertained fact, the uses of these symptoms to the prescriber are nearly fulfilled. He has now to pass beyond these, and carefully examine and bring clearly out those less obtrusive ones, which are often too likely to be more or less masked by the violence of the group which presents itself to the first view, and seems to insist on his undivided attention. He has to shut his ears and his eyes to the outcries of his patient, the agitation of friends, and the front rank facts which pronounce his case a dysentery, and pass to the discovery and consideration of those of the second rank, often neglected, or judged of as insignificant, which declare what kind of a dysentery it is with which he has to do. This is his all-important work, for which there is no substitute, the neglect of which can only plead as excuse, ignorance or indolence. If he will do his duty, he must do this. Having brought these facts clearly to light, and in them exposed the true character of his case, let him next seek their simillimum in the pathogenesis of whatever drug in which it may be found, whether it has ever been prescribed for dysentery before or not. This is not of the slightest consequence. If this simillimum be found, as very likely it will be, among those facts which individualize the drug, which are characteristic of it, he need not be over solicitous to find in the same drug, a repetition of the generic symptoms of his case, in all their severity, for this is comparatively of little importance to his cure.

If, with the generic symptoms of dysentery, there are aggravation of the symptoms by acids; shooting and boring pains in the region of the navel increased by pressure; the lower part of the abdomen swollen and sensitive to pressure, the distension and movements in the abdomen are more in the left side and along the track of the colon, increased after food; fainting whilst at stool; frequent stools of bloody water; the tenesmus very violent; great repugnance to free air, which notwithstanding ameliorates the sufferings; hunger during the stool; cutting and pinching pains in the rectum and loins; heaviness, weariness and numbness in the thighs, there need be no hesitation as to the remedy. It is Aloes.

With constant sense of fullness and satiety in the stomach, with nausea; hard swelling in the right side of the abdomen, with pain as if cutting into a wound, when touched, relieved by escape of flatus; putrid and slimy taste and eructations; taste and eructations as of spoiled eggs; bitter and sour eructations; loud rumbling in the bowels as if empty; stools of blood and feces; bruised pain in the back; painfully increased sensibility of the whole surface of the body; perspiration smells sour; offensive flatulence, like bad eggs; swallowing hindered by a sensation of nausea; repugnance to animal food and broths; wishes to drink constantly, but does not know what, all drinks are alike offensive; tenesmus of the neck of the bladder; fruitless urgency to urinate; putrid smell of the breath; chill of the back and front of thighs. It is Arnica.

If there be great thirst while the patient drinks but little rat a time; blueish tongue; stools smelling like old foul ulcers; greenish urine; perspiration sticky; great restlessness, and tossing about the bed; pains relieved by external heat; despair of life; sensation as if the abdomen would burst, before the stool; sensation of contraction just above the anus, at the stool; burning in the rectum and trembling in all the limbs after the stool; heart beating and distension of the abdomen, after the stool; tenesmus with burning in the rectum and anus; face sunken, pale, and features distorted; great exhaustion after each stool; petechial, milliary, and nettle rash eruptions; cold dry skin alternates with cold sweat; pain relieved after the evacuation, we can hardly fail to recognize in each symptom the elements of distinction for Arsenicum. These are some of its characteristics, which may be found in any case of dysentery, none of which are found so clear and strongly expressed in the pathogenesis of any other drug. Where these symptoms are present Ars. will rarely fail to cure.

Belladonna is appropriate, especially in the early stage, of those cases where the inflammation extends to the serous tissues of the intestines, which is known by sensibility of the abdomen to external pressure, the sense of soreness being deep in the abdomen, while with Hyos. (Hyos. has both the superficial and deep-seated soreness). Puls, and Sulph., it is superficial. Bell. in this accords with Nux vom. and Verat. It is the more certainly indicated where there is constant pressing to the anus and genitals; the pains are more in the left side, and are aggravated by bending the body to that side; violent delirium; pains of a constricting character, relieved by bending forward; painless inability to swallow; sensation of dryness of the mouth while the tongue is moist.

Burning like fire in the anus, after the stool; dryness of the lips and thirst during the pain; loss of epithelium on the lips, tongue and palate; vesicles and canker in mouth and throat, are significant of Cantharis.

Capsicum has thirst after every evacuation, and shuddering after drinking; stool after drinking; taste like putrid water; tenesmus of the bladder; pains aggravated by cur rents of air, though warm; coldness of the body without shuddering; drawing pains in the back which with the tenesmus are continued after the stool. It is a further indication for Caps., if there be thin adhesive slime, mixed with black blood, with twisting pains about the navel. It is one of the important remedies in dysentery, being in its relation to this disease nearly allied to Nux v. and Merc. The distinctions between them will appear when we come to treat of those remedies.

Colchicum has cramps in the calves of the legs; prolapsus ani; constriction of the (Esophagus; great swelling of lower part of the abdomen; frequent shudderings down. the back. It is said to be curative when the stools are more mucus than blood, and after sublimate has failed in such cases.

Colocynth may be examined where there are fruitless efforts to vomit; weakness, paleness, and prostration after the stool; burning pain along the sacral region; the pains are cutting and squeezing and extremely severe, often accompanied by retching, and bending the body forward, and are somewhat relieved by pressure; with the severe pain there are shudderings on the cheeks, which seem to come from the abdomen, with relief of the pain; the pains are such as characterize neuralgic rather than inflammatory affections, are relieved by Coffea, and the relief is followed by immediate disposition to stool; cramps and cramp-like contractions of the muscles of the body; cold hands with warm feet. It will be found oftener called for in the first stage of the attack.

Cuprum metallicum may be considered if there be severe retching with the stool; cramps in the fingers and toes; sweet, stringy saliva; paralytic sensation in arms and feet; slimy mouth; sweet taste in the mouth; all food tastes like clear water; hiccough; retching, with cramp-like pains in the abdomen; downward pressure in the hypogastrium, like a stone; distension of the lower part of the abdomen; hardness of the abdomen, with great sensibility to pressure; severe cramps in the abdomen, and upper and lower extremities; comatose sleep after vomiting.

Mercurius has the following symptoms, which are not unfrequently met in practical examinations of dysentery. Excoriating discharges; cuttings in the lower part of the abdomen, at night; the abdomen is externally cold to touch; cutting stitch in the lower abdomen, from right to left and aggravated by walking; fecal taste in the mouth; putrid taste in the throat; salt saliva; nausea, with vertigo, obscured vision, and flashes of heat; offensive perspiration; the pains are increased before the stool, and during the stool, with violent tenesmus; the pains are rather increased than diminished after the stool, and sometimes then extend to the back; during the stool hot sweat on the forehead, which soon becomes cold and sticky; dry cracked lips; drawing pains in the lower extremities which impel to frequent change of position.

Mercur. corr. — This very imperfectly proved remedy has been much used by Homoeopathists in the treatment of dysentery, and by many with a success which has been quite satisfactory. With others its use has been followed by frequent disappointment, and some have even failed of success in every case in which it has been given. This last has been the experience of the writer. He has in no instance seen relief to the pain, frequent discharges, or tenesmus, from its administration, though he has given preparations of the drug from different specimens and sources, in high, medium, and low potencies, and in all stages of the disease. This is stated, not to discredit the testimony of those whose experience is different, but as showing that its true use is not known, and that something more than a similarity to the generic symptoms of the disease, which only are given in the pathogenesis of the drug, is necessary to point this out. In this pathogenesis, as found in our Materia Medica, specific symptoms are almost entirely wanting; and wanting a knowledge of these, its use must be uncertain. The following symptoms derived from reported cases of poisoning by the drug (Frank's Magazine, Vols. I, II, III) are given to supply this deficiency, as far as they go.

Cold face and hands, with small and feeble pulse; lips dark red, and swollen; all the pains, but especially those of the rectum, are aggravated by motion; pulse small, hard and frequent; coma; cramps in arms, hands and fingers, legs, feet and toes; faintings; weakness and shuddering in the limbs; the limbs as if bruised and trembling; great anxiety and palpitation of the heart; wandering shiverings; sensation of coldness, pale face and slight nausea; coldness of lower part of the abdomen; abdomen tense, hard, and sensitive to pressure, especially about the navel; obstinate sleeplessness; dysphagia; astringent, metallic taste in the mouth; great prostration; great prostration after the vomiting of food; hiccough; frequent eructations; painful pinchings in the stomach; spasmodic, watery vomiting, without previous nausea; severe shooting pains in the stomach and liver, with vomiting of bile; drinks are immediately vomited, with great effort, mixed with tenacious, stringy mucus; severe pains in the rectum, which continue alter the discharges; the fruitless urgency to stool increases the pains; pain extends from the navel to the back; distension of the abdomen with borborygmus; evacuations very offensive; suppression of the secretion of urine; retention of urine.

The following from the practice of my friend and colleague, Dr. Carroll Dunham, is valuable as illustrative of the importance of Merc. corr. in cases with urinary complication, and seems to throw light on the question of the class of cases to which it specifically belongs.

"During a practice of several years in which dysentery was not unfrequently met with, and often in severe forms, I never prescribed Mercurius corr. in a single ease, nor do I recollect a single case in which I think it could have been given with advantage or with the result of expediting the cure at all. With Merc. sol., Nux vom., Colocynth, Capsicum, Sulphur, and Lachesis I have always succeeded, as it appeared to me, in curing as rapidly as was possible. And observations of cases under the treatment of my colleagues, some of whom gave Merc. corr. and, Coloc. as a standard prescription for Dysentery, satisfied me that the rapidity and ratio of my cures were at the very least as satisfactory as theirs."During the summer of 1861, however, two [cases came under my treatment which presented certain features heretofore unobserved by me, and in which none of the remedies above named was clearly indicated and none did any good, but which both yielded most promptly to Merc. corr.

"The first was a widow of 25 years, who had just lost her only child of Typhoid fever. When I was called to her, she lay in bed, with constant heat of skin, quick, rather small pulse, tongue dry with a yellow coat, thirst not excessive, abdomen sore on pressure, somewhat distended; constant uninterrupted pressure to stool felt in the sacral and the hypogastric regions. This pressure though very distressing to the patient seemed utterly ineffectual, so far as the evacuations of the bowels was concerned it was not worse before a stool and no better after a stool — the stool consisted of bloody slime in small masses. There was great tenesmus vesicae, and the urine was scanty, hot and bloody. The disposition was quiet, slightly desponding — little disposition to sleep — on the whole the suffering which was evidently severe was endured with much patience, and this was a decided contra indication for Arsenic, between which and Merc. sol. my choice was at first divided. The general symptoms certainly did not correspond with the characteristics of Arsenicum. The character of the thirst, the absence of great restlessness, of nocturnal aggravation, of a paroxysmal character, of prostration greatly out of proportion to the severity of the symptoms, all contra-indicated Arsenicum. Mercurius sol. has pains of a paroxysmal character. It lacks the constant tenesmus and the tenesmus vesicae. I gave it however and in various potencies, but it exercised no influence on the disease. Belladonna, Colocynth, and finally Arsenic, were of no avail. Indeed I had given them without confidence of a favorable result, for it was evident they were not indicated.

"Remembering now Hahnemann's remarks in the introduction to the proving of Merc. sol.:*[* Materia Medica Pura, Vol. I., p. 855, German edition.] "I have found a very small part of a drop of the quintillionth, or still better of the decillionth potency of Merc. corr. given alone in a single dose, almost a specific cure in the ordinary Autumnal Dysentery." I turned to the few symptoms of Mercurius corrosive, which Hahnemann gives in the same volume of the Materia Medica Pura, and found among others which corresponded to the case in hand, the following symptoms:

"24. With almost constant cutting pains in the abdomen and intolerable, painful, almost ineffectual, pressing, straining and tenesmus, frequent scanty discharge of bloody slime, day and night.

" 17. Immediately after stool, pressing downwards in the front of the abdomen, below the umbilicus.

"28. Tenesmus vesicae.

"I concluded to give Merc. corr. and remembering Hahnemann's injunction that those who follow his directions in the hope of gaining results like his, should follow them accurately ("Machen sie nach, machen sie aber, richtig nach" — I gave one single dose, namely, two small globules,) of the thirtieth potency of Merc. corr. at eight, p.m., and awaited the result. This was in every way so satisfactory that I gave the patient no more medicine at all. She was clearly convalescent on the following day having no more of the characteristic pains and stools of dysentery, no more fever and being able to begin to take nourishing food. After two days of pure expectant observation I was able to dismiss her cured.

"The second case which presented itself to me within the same month was similar in all respects, though much less severe as regards intensity. I gave Merc. corr.30 as before in a single dose, and the patient was convalescent the next day.

"Since this period I have treated about twenty-eight cases of well marked Dysentery, but have had no difficulty in curing them with Nux vom., Merc sol. or Coloc, and have seen no similarity in them to those in which Merc. corr. had been So very successful."

Since the above was written an exception to the stated want of success with this remedy in the treatment of Dysentery has occurred in the practice of the writer, in which suppression of urine with tenesmus of the bladder were prominent symptoms. The case was promptly relieved."

Nux vom., evacuations small, frequent, with violent tenesmus; pressing pains in the loins and upper part of the sacral region, with sensation as if broken; great heat and thirst, with redness of the face. The importance of this remedy in the treatment of dysentery is hardly second to that of any other. In this latitude the proportion of occurring cases to which it is appropriate is very great, and in these it is all but absolutely specific, though utterly powerless for good in others. It is not because it is dysentery, let it never be forgotten, that it cures, but because of that "like" to the individualizing symptoms of the case, by virtue of which it and all other drugs cure. The great resemblance of some of the most prominent of these to those of one or two other of the most important remedies in the treatment of this disease, may render a word or two on the distinctions of them not altogether useless. The allusion is especially to the symptoms of Caps. and Merc. These with Nux vom. constitute a group of the first importance, but the symptoms of each are very like to those of the others; so like that without careful attention there will always be a liability to the mistake which results in giving the members of a group successively, the hope being that the right will be hit upon at last. If care on the part of the practitioner can avoid this, he should be held responsible for its exercise, by the protracted torture of the patient which is necessarily its attendant, and by his increased danger, consequent on the administration of wrong drugs in the early stage of the case, which must always embarrass the subsequent treatment, and render a cure more difficult even by the administration of those which are right.

These drugs are alike in the character of their discharges, the quantity being small at each evacuation. Merc., at times, making the only exception. The discharges of each are preceded by similar severe pains, which are continued through the period of the evacuation. In all they are attended by severe tenesmus. In all they recur at short intervals, with pains extending to the back. The distinctions are these: with Nux vom. the pains and tenesmus cease with the evacuation; while those of Caps. and Merc. are continued after. The pains of Nux vom. in the lack are pressing, as if broken, and like a bruise; of Caps., drawing; Merc., like a bruise. With a recollection of these facts, and careful attention to the symptoms given under the separate heads of each of these remedies, there need be no confusion or mistake in prescribing them, on account of their resemblances.

Plumbum has great violence of tenesmus; frequent and almost fruitless efforts to stool; cutting pains, with violent outcries; retraction of the abdomen; constriction and retraction of the anus.

Phosphorus may be appropriate if there be paralytic relaxation of sphincter ani; and relief of pain from taking food.

Pulsatilla belongs rather to dysenteric diarrheas than to real dysentery but may be appropriate with slimy evacuations, slight tenesmus, and nocturnal aggravations.

Rhus tox. This remedy is rarely called for in the early stage of the disease, but is often valuable in the later, especially when there are nocturnal exacerbations; and also in the diarrheas which sometimes follow dysentery. The case is marked for Rhus if there be constant tenesmus and urging to stool, with nausea, and the passing of but little bloody water. It is appropriate also in the last stage of dysentery with nocturnal exacerbation.

Sulphur. — Spasmodic, constricting pains, extending to the chest, groins and genitals; cutting pains while urging at stool, from pressure on the abdomen, or bending the body backwards; prolapsus ani at stool; cuttings in the abdomen, lower part of the loins and upper part of the sacrum, after midnight; pains relieved by the application of dry heat to the abdomen; the blood in the stool is in streaks. Sulph is especially appropriate in attacks attended with difficult breathing at the outset, and also in those of hemorrhoidal subjects. It is seldom in place at the commencement of an attack, but in the later stages is often of great value, and some times indispensable; especially in such cases as are threatening ulceration of the mucous membrane of the intestines. Where this great evil has actually occurred, Sulph. is still one of our chief reliances for a cure, and in this is related to Arn., Ars., Lach. and Merc. A right selection from these for a given case is only certain after a careful consideration of their individualizing symptoms, and a like careful comparison of them with those of the case.

We have endeavored to present in the foregoing groups of symptoms, those in connection with each medicine, which individualize that medicine in its relation to our subject, and are, consequently, those which decide the choice of the remedy in the treatment of cases which present similar symptoms. We have presented this group of medicines not as the entire series of those from which the prescriber may have to seek the required simillimum, but as a group by which the proper method of proceeding in this search might be the most readily illustrated. We state this method to require, first, a proper distinction between those symptoms of the disease which are generic, and those which are specific; and also to make the same distinction in the recorded symptoms of the drug; and, second, to find in the specific symptoms of each, that similarity on which the law of cure is based; and we add to this, that till these distinctions and this comparison are made, no man can tell what his remedy is to be in any case, and further, that these distinctions and this comparison are a necessary part of every intelligent homoeopathic prescription, whether for dysentery, or for whatever other disease. They underlie the whole of Homoeopathy as a system of practical medicine. That knowledge of diseases and of the Materia Medica which enables the physician to make these clearly, is indispensable to his best success, and is just that acquisition which raises the physician above the level of the blunderer.

If this exposition of the law of cure be a truth, it lays bare the whole doctrine of specifics, and exposes clearly the absurdity of the idea of a specific remedy for a generic disease. It demonstrates the fact that specifics can only exist for individual cases, and that the true object of each intelligent prescription is to find the specific for the individual case, according to this law. That Quinine can never be a specific for ague, or sublimate for dysentery, but are only specifics for those cases, in each class, to which their similar specific symptoms render them appropriate remedies.

It may not be amiss to note the complete individuality of the groups of symptoms, here presented, in connection with the different drugs. There is, with many of them, no resemblance to the others, and where there is an apparent similarity, it is immediately resolved into distinctive elements by the searching analysis a true prescription requires.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 03-04, 1862, pages 97-102, pages 163-174]

[Description: Dysentery.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1862]

GELSEMINUM.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN.

This drug has lately received much attention from the profession, and as a knowledge of its powers has been increased, it has gained the confidence of prescribers, and excited expectations of its ultimately occupying a wide field of clinical influence. Enough is already known to warrant the belief that these expectations are quite likely to be realized. Just now, however, there is that amount of interest in, and knowledge of the drug, which leads to its use for almost every- thing, by a class of practitioners who are grown into the habit of giving almost anything and all very loosely, so far as a compliance with the requirements of the law of similars is concerned. Indeed it is in danger of falling into this position and kind of a homoeopathic hydriodate of potash, or some new fangled salt of iron.

It is not difficult to see that the end of this, if continued, is likely to be the ultimate neglect of a really valuable addition to our means of cure. This, if realized, will be but a repetition of the early history of some of our most highly prized polychrests, e. g., Pulsatilla. In the present stage of the proving of Gelseminum, and with only the imperfectly digested facts which have been recorded, observations which throw light on the clinical relations of the drug cannot but be of service, and may in part prevent its blind administration at hazard, and the necessary consequent disappointments and neglect which all must be interested to avoid. Good provings of this drug are yet a desideratum. There may have been a few such, but not many. Still the sleepless zeal and never tiring industry of a Hering has gathered from a large mass of rubbish a series of facts, which are a foundation to a complete proving which the profession should secure to Gelseminum. It is not too much to say that the zeal, industry, and knowledge of no other man within the circle of the acquaintance of the writer would have been found both able and willing to undertake and accomplish such a task. If it be a comfort he may know that some of his colleagues have groaned for him while he has toiled and sweat under the load.

Gelseminum has been thought by some to be a valuable substitute for Aconite, and as such they have employed it. This, of course, was the result of a want of comprehension of the nature of the action of the two drugs. The one fact is, no drug ever is, or ever can be, a substitute for any other. The other fact is, that Gelseminum instead of a substitute for, is very likely to prove a complement of Aconite, i. e., to be found appropriate to the treatment of a class of cases which Aconite is not. On a former occasion we endeavored to show the relation of Aconite to the treatment of fevers based on fibrinous inflammation, i. e., inflammation with deposition of plasma. On the contrary, and just opposed to this, we feel warranted in predicting that the class of fevers to which Gelseminum will be found related is that based on blood dyscrasia with a tendency to decomposition of its hematine and globules, or to fevers of a miasmatic origin, which Aconite seldom or never is.

In confirmation of this is the following: The writer, in collecting specimens of infusiora for microscopic examination found himself in an atmosphere filled with the foulest stench. It was at the head of a canal into which the drainage of a very considerable part of the city was discharged. The effluvia from the putrid animal matters here deposited and lying on the mud at low tide produced immediate nausea and disgust, which time did not relieve. There were soon added confusion of the head with dull pain; drowsiness; indisposition, and almost inability, to perform any labor of body or mind; sense of debility; pains in the region of both kidneys as if produced by pressure of a blunt instrument of the size of the end of the thumb; pains in the bones of the limbs, both upper and lower, dull, heavy, pressing, which ultimately became cramp-like in the muscles. These pains were quite troublesome in the shin bones of both legs. A general feeling of malaise. These symptoms were worse evening and morning, especially the pain and confusion of the head. The appetite continued good, and there was no thirst, nor bad taste in the mouth. Two doses of half a grain of sugar of milk, each moistened with the twelfth dilution of Gelseminum taken one at four o'clock and the other at eight, p.m. July 8th inst., removed these symptoms completely, so that the next morning there was the usual feeling of health, except that there was a peculiar irregular action of the heart, which had never been experienced before. This was a sensible motion of the heart as though it had attempted its beat which it failed fully to accomplish, and the pulse then each time intermitted. This occurred at irregular intervals and more frequently when in repose than when in motion, the worst and most frequent attacks being in the evening, and worst of all on lying down in bed when retiring for the night, and these attacks aggravated by lying on the left side. They have at this date, July 17th, nearly ceased though not entirely when lying down at night. These attacks are wholly unlike anything ever experienced before, and I have no doubt were the result of the two doses of Gelseminum taken as mentioned. Previous to taking the doses, the pulse was 96 per minute and weaker than its ordinary force of beat. The usual rate in health is 72.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 02, 1863, pages 84-86]

[Description: Gelseminum.]

[Remedies: Gelsemium sempervirens]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1863]

LACHESIS.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

Of all the drugs of the Materia Medica no one has been at same time so highly prized, and so thoroughly neglected and despised, as Lachesis. The explanation of this is not difficult.

It is not necessary to challenge the truth or honesty of either party in order to a satisfactory disclosure of the true cause of this wide difference of opinion, on a question so purely practical, that at first glance it would seem that all that could be required for its perfect solution would be an appeal to practical experience. But each party makes this appeal with equal confidence, and the result is, on the one side, the drug stands in the list of those most valued and trusted, and to it are attributed the most brilliant successes; while on the other, men of undisputed honesty declare, that after repeated trials, they have never seen any good result from its use, in any case. Are those whose experience with the remedy is different, justified in denying the truth of this testimony? By no means. Neither are these witnesses to challenge the veracity or experience of those who claim to have achieved great successes with the remedy. They have but one duty in the premises, and that is to find the true answer to this question. From whence is it that these differences of results arise in the practice of men who are equally interested in obtaining practical successes, and discovering: and witnessing to practical truth? On the one side there is practical success, on the other there is none, with the same means. Why?

It is well that at just this time there should be a gathering up of the evidence, that the facts on both sides should be collected and compared, and after an intelligent examination of the facts it may appear that the processes of practice of the two classes of witnesses have not been the same. And it is barely possible that this difference of process may be equal to the explanation of the difference of results. If this be so, all are equally interested in knowing the fact. By all means let the facts on both sides come forward. We say facts, because it is evidently of very little importance to any body, except the doctor and his patient, that the one gave and the other took Lachesis, with the results of failure or cure. This is of no consequence to any other man. Let us by all means have all the facts in the case to which the drug was given, as well as the result. All are competent then to compare the facts of the case with the recorded pathogenesis of the drug, and to judge whether the success or failure in the two classes of cases have any relation to the success or failure of the different witnesses in apprehending the characteristics of the drug and the disease, and administering the drug in accordance with that law of cure which demands that these shall be similar, where the one is to perform the office of a curative of the other. It is confidently believed that failures to cure will not be limited to those cases treated with Lachesis, if the discovery of this resemblance be neglected, or if drugs are carelessly prescribed, regardless of the requirements of that law of cure, which we all profess to have faith in. It is a good time now to settle the matter for all reasonable men, since the process of gathering the facts has commenced, whether this drug be a valuable member of the Materia Medica, or only a vagary by which well meaning, but simple, men have been amused and deceived.

As a contribution to the sum of accumulating evidence of the value of Lachesis, as a curative, the following case, recently treated by the writer, may serve:

H., a boy, nine years old, of fair skin, dark eyes, stature rather short, though the body is well developed, health generally has been good, till attacked early in October, 1863, by Scarlet Fever. He was treated through its course allopathically, and survived. The first assault was followed by a swelling on the left side of the neck, extending from the angle of the jaw downward to near the clavicle. This swelling suppurated and the abscess was discharged with the lancet. After this the boy rather declined than gained in flesh, strength and appetite, till the writer was requested to see him on the 5th of November, instant. He was now much exhausted in strength; the face pale, of a dirty dingy hue; with a puffy aspect; appetite nil; restlessness day and night; constant hot, dry skin; temper extremely peevish and whining; the abscess was discharging a foul and copious pus; it was extremely sensitive to all motions of the head; there was now a large cavity from which there can be no doubt there had been a sloughing of the cellular tissue; in this there was no appearance of healthy granulations; the pulse was 140 in the minute and small; the soreness of the neck was such that the motions of the jaw in any attempt to masticate solid food could not be borne. He first got Ars.200 which was followed by a diminution of the fever and restlessness, and also of the foul smell of the discharge. But there was not the rallying of the general forces which was hoped for, nor was there any process of granulation set up in the filthy hole, which burrowed far under the angle of the jaw. He got Hepar 200 with little or no improvement, unless perhaps the sore became something less sensitive. But the second day after this prescription he had hemorrhage from the sore; his friends thought the loss of blood was at least half a pint. He was now quite blanched out, very much prostrated, refused food, and the abscess became more foul, and the pulse very rapid and feeble. He got Millefolium^30 with no other apparent effect than perhaps to arrest future copious hemorrhages. He had however repeated small ones, and the sore was disposed to constant leakage of dark colored blood which came away with the foul discharge. He now got Lachesis^200 with the following results: there was no more loss of blood after the first dose, the discharge lost its offensiveness; he became quiet and slept naturally; his appetite returned; his strength improved; the pulse fell to 108 per minute and was fuller and stronger; the extreme sensitiveness of the sore disappeared; in short he convalesced from that time. It is submitted that these changes were of a character not likely, in the circumstances, to have occurred just then, spontaneously. Nor is it likely there could have been any mistake as to their having actually occurred. Nor is there any need of error as to whether these symptoms of the child were like to some of the recorded effects of Lachesis. If it be asked why this remedy was not given at first, instead of the Ars. there can, it is believed, be no doubt that the failure to do this was an error. It may well be doubted whether, if this mistake had not been made, the hemorrhage would have occurred.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 08, 1863, page 360-363]

[Description: Lachesis.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1864]

PNEUMONIA.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

This disease is reported, in the bill of mortality for the city of New York for the week ending March 21st, 1863, to have caused about ten percent of the deaths from all diseases in that city during that week. The prevalence of pneumonia and the consequent mortality, at this season of the year, are considerably above the annual average. The mortality from the same cause, during the same week, in the city of Brooklyn, was but a fraction of one percent less. It is probable that the loss of life from this disease, in the other large cities of our country does not vary much from that in the cities named. Hence the importance of a knowledge of the best method of its treatment is not a matter admitting of question. Any method for which, after a proper trial, it is claimed that it has reduced this mortality, is worthy of respectful attention from all right minded persons; and that method which comes to us fortifying its claim with unchallenged tables of statistics, which show that it has reduced this mortality more than one-half, is certainly worthy of something more. Such a claim was asserted on behalf of Homoeopathy many years since, and sustained by tables of statistics, showing the results of this treatment of pneumonia in a number of hospitals devoted exclusively to its practice, and at the same time, giving from the published reports of the principal European hospitals for exclusive allopathic practice, the results of the current methods of treatment in those establishments, each for a series of ten years or more. The contrast of these results was not a little extraordinary. They were gathered, on both sides, from official reports, published by the authorities of the respective institutions, without reference to such a comparison by either, and so far as is now known, the accuracy of these reports, on either side, has never been questioned. The one showed a loss of about five percent. of the cases treated, the other a considerable difference in the different hospitals, varying from fifteen to about forty-eight percent., this last and prodigious mortality being the result of the treatment of pneumonia in 1837, and for several subsequent years, at the "Charite" of Berlin.*[Dr. Genzke, Hygea, Vol. XVI, p. 200.] Exclusive of the reports of this hospital the average loss, under allopathic treatment, was about twenty percent.

If any rule of practice could be said to have been "settled" in the old school of medicine, twenty-five years ago, by its observations and works, it was certainly that which required the loss of the patient's blood as a curative resort, in the treatment of acute inflammations of important organs, and more than others, in acute inflammations of the lungs. Whatever else was true or false, the value of this means, in such cases, was not to be questioned by a sane man, so at least spoke a late President of the New York Academy of Medicine. It was in the exercise of a full reliance on and practice of this rule in the Berlin Charite, that about forty-eight percent of the patients treated according to its requirements died. This had been a fact for a number of years when the President of the Academy pronounced the insanity of the man who should question the indispensable necessity of this long unchallenged and trusted resort. That it should have been confided in and practiced for near three thousand years with almost entire unanimity by the medical profession, and that then, after this long confidence in its value, it should at last have been discovered, in the second quarter of the nineteenth century, by members of that school who had bled so undoubtingly, that to bleed in such inflammations was not only useless, but positively mischievous,*[In the Bezirkskrankenhaus the mortality from pneumonia from 1842 to 1846 inclusive, was, of the cases treated by blood-letting, 20.4 per cent; by Tart. Ant. and Potassa 20.7 percent; by diet only, i.e., the expectant method, 7.4 percent; Dietl, s. 105.106.] is one of the facts adapted to temper down somewhat the enthusiasm with which the young and inexperienced are prone to receive the dicta of the schools; and also to abate our accustomed reverence for that which presents itself to our confidence on a chief claim of antique acceptance and usage. If there be a greater marvel in human experience than this long confidence in this long practiced and trusted mischief, believed, in not only as a good, but an indispensable good, where shall it be found? So great was still the remaining confidence in blood-letting as a curative of acute inflammations, with those who were already converted to the doctrines of Hahnemann, even so late as the early experience of the writer in the practice of his school, that when they had often seen these affections promptly removed by the internal use of Aconite, according to his teachings, they at once and with general accord christened that drug the "homoeopathic lancet."This, of course, could only have sprung from a misconception of the nature of the effects of loss of blood and of the drug, which regarded the one as a good for which the other was somehow a substitute. There can be no greater illustration of that facility with which acts are repeated which have become habits, and of that easy compliance with the demands of habit and authority, which never examines the right of the one or the proper foundation of the other, than is afforded by this prolonged practice of blood-letting now so generally acknowledged to be unnecessary, and more than this, now fully proved to be hurtful by the experiments of Dietl and his compeers. There is a better method of dealing with this enemy, and to this we propose to give our attention in the remainder of this paper.

The homoeopathic treatment of pneumonia does not consist in giving a few of the remedies oftenest called for, in succession, through the progress of the disease, to its termination. So far from this is it, that it can only be initiated after a careful individualization of each case, and adaptation of the remedy to its demands, according to the law of similars. This is no less true of this disease than of all others. This remark is made with the more earnestness, because it is believed that the practice of routine prescriptions is more common in this than in most other diseases, Acon., Bry. and Phos. being the first and most common resorts. To give either of these drugs in a case of pneumonia, without such a comparison of the symptoms of the case with the known effects of the drug on the healthy organism, and before the required similarity of these symptoms and effects is ascertained, is as far from Homoeopathy as the use of the lancet, blister, or massive doses of Ant. tart., be the drug given in minutest pellets or in drops of strong tinctures. The public believe, too generally, that Homoeopathy is a question of quantity; the profession should know it is only one of principle. To give Aconite in small doses to the sick because he has pneumonia, and because some of the symptoms of this disease, in some of its forms and stages, are known to be like some of the effects of this drug on the healthy, without reference to this similarity, in this particular case, is no more within the scope of homoeopathic practice than is the giving of massive doses of Tart, ant., Ipecac. or Squilla with a similar disregard of the law. To give this or any other drug because it is known to have cured ten thousand cases called by the same name (no matter in what doses), is so far from Homoeopathy, that it is merely falling back on the only pretended foundation of the practice of the old school, and to abandon utterly that of the new. It is to substitute empiricism for law which the old school ever does, and the new ever condemn. The progress of the treatment is only a repetition of analysis and comparison, each prescription requiring the same care as the first, nothing being left to routine, or taken for granted. The remedy first chosen is to be continued in use so long as the case improves under its action, and no longer. So of the second, third, fourth, etc., if the case require so many. It is not often, when the process of inflammation of the lungs is once set up, that it is removed in the shortest time, with the best results, with one remedy. It is sometimes. The more common experience is, that under the action of a right remedy the case improves for a time and to a certain degree, when it ceases to progress favorably, and another remedy is required, the first not being similar to all the elements of the case. As a rule, this occurs oftener in the treatment of pneumonia than in most other acute diseases. But this is never to encourage or excuse that frequent and hasty changing from one medicine to another, to which an honest desire to do better sometimes impels the practitioner, but which always ends in doing worse. This may be safely avoided by constant reference to the above rule. Is the patient improving? Have new symptoms appeared since the selection of the remedy now in use, and which call for a new one? These are the first two questions at every visit of the patient. If the first be answered in the affirmative and the second in the negative, this is all we need to know to decide a continuance of present treatment.

The choice of a first remedy is materially affected by the question — What is the present stage of the inflammation we are to deal with? Is it the initiatory, that of the simple congestion which immediately precedes the deposit of the inflammatory product, or has the process of deposition already begun? Is this deposit partial or complete? The differences of condition implied in these questions are easy of comprehension, and it would be quite natural to suppose that these would require a corresponding difference in the remedies by which they are to be met and cured, and this supposition simply anticipates the fact. There is nothing more certain than this, that the remedies which remove promptly the initiatory congestion, or arrest the progress of deposition, are no longer of the least value when this process is once completed, and so of those which procure the absorption of the deposited product; they are not of the slightest value in the stage of congestion or partial deposition. A recognition of this fact is indispensable to that success which is unmixed with disappointment.

Though it is easy to comprehend the differences of condition and the consequent difference of remedies here referred to, it is not always easy to determine in practice the exact state of the inflamed organs at any given point of a given case. For a correct judgment of this fact we have to rely on time, the symptoms, and the physical exploration of the condition of the thoracic organs. It is hardly necessary to say of time that alone, it must ever be a most uncertain foundation for a judgment as to the present actual state of the lung, the progress of cases from the point of attack, in a given period, being very different. Some are rapid in their course, passing in a few hours from congestion into deposit of inflammatory product, while in other cases this is more tardily accomplished, and even days pass, and this is not farther advanced, than in the other class of cases it is found after hours. Between these extremes there are all degrees of difference. Hence the necessity of recourse to other helps to our judgment, the first and most obvious of which are the symptoms of the case with which we are dealing, including its history, i. e., an account of the symptoms from the beginning to the time of the examination. If these have been violent from the start, and the febrile reaction excessive, the inference is a correspondingly rapid progress in the development of the subsequent stages of the disease, and of course the reverse of this, where the symptoms and fever have been more moderate in severity. It is not overlooked that this rule is one of comparison only, and that all such rules of practice involve in their nature uncertainties growing out of the different powers of perception of practitioners, the different standards of average violence and progress each may set up for himself, and the difference in the soundness of the judgments by which conclusions are reached. This is all true, and yet the rule has its value and should be received at its true worth, subject of course to whatever deductions these considerations impose. The nature of the symptoms, if carefully studied, will lead to definite conclusions, and this study is a first great duty.

The value of the results obtained by auscultation and percussion have by some been much overestimated and by others as much undervalued. This has in part grown out of the difference in the skill and tact of different practitioners in the use of these means, and in part from a misunderstanding of the nature and relations of the knowledge obtained by these resorts to the practice of our art. The most that can be gained by them, by those who are most practiced and skilful, is a knowledge of condition, while those who are less expert may fail of this entirely or partially, and hence their low estimate of the value of these helps in practice. Those who have erred by placing their value too high, have made them decisive as to the choice of remedial means, while those of the opposite opinion have given them little or no weight in this most important decision, an error certainly of less practical importance than the other, though still an error. They may be made helps, to some extent, in the choice of a remedy, but can never be an authority. This is the extent of their value, to the prescriber, if he be expert in their practice, and the degree of help to be derived from them is somewhat in the ratio of the skill employed in their use. In these remarks it has not been forgotten that the great value of these modern additions to practice is in other spheres of practical duty than that which finds and applies the remedy for the state discovered by their use, viz.: diagnosis and prognosis. Still, a knowledge of the condition of organs has something to do with the selection of the best remedy for the cure of their diseases, if we can get at it, and in none is this more important than in that under consideration. By auscultation and percussion, skillfully practiced (no easy matter), the state of the lung may be ascertained with a tolerable degree of certainty, and this is of value, because on this turns the question as to the class of remedies from which we are to draw the chosen one, and this is about all these means can do for the prescriber. In the individualization of the remedy they have no place. This can only result from the analysis and comparison of the symptoms of the disease and the drug. If the practitioner be not skilled in the practice of these helps to diagnosis, etc., let him study to become so, and by a proper diligence he will soon acquire so much as will enable him to use them to the extent above stated, and beyond this, any attempt to give them place or authority in the process of prescribing, is, in the opinion of the writer, to mistake their nature and uses.

It is the misfortune of physicians and patients that the initiatory stage of pneumonia is too frequently allowed to pass before the case is subjected to treatment. When first called to the patient, the disease has reached or completed the stage of deposit, when it is no longer possible to cut it short at a stroke, as might have been done at an earlier period. Wurmb, for the more convenient consideration and treatment of his subject, divides pneumonia into two stages, characterizing the first by the deposit, and the second the absorption of the inflammatory product. Practically, we believe his first stage is susceptible of a further division into two, with advantage to the treatment; the first consisting of that period of initiation between the first impression of the morbid cause and the beginning of the process of deposit; the second of that in which the process of deposit of the inflammatory product is accomplished. It is not a sufficient argument against the first stage as thus divided, that it is of brief duration or of difficult diagnosis. The question is only whether there be an initiatory stage of such fixed characteristics as to be entitled to distinct consideration in the selection of a remedy for the cure. That it may be brief is true. That, in this respect, cases differ, is not doubtful. The difficulty of diagnosis is believed not to be insuperable.

What are the characteristics of the initiation of the inflammatory process in the lungs? With the first signs are chill of more or less severity; general feeling of malaise; sense of oppression of the chest; more or less difficulty of breathing which is shortened and accelerated; fine sticking pains in the chest; sense of fullness in the chest.; short, dry cough; soreness in the chest, like excoriation; heat in the chest; cutaneous congestion; heat of skin either dry or moist; hot perspiration; pulse full, hard and quick. The resonance on percussion is not so clear as in the healthy lung, nor has it the dullness of the hepatized. The crepitant rale is slight or even not present at all. The patient is weak and must constantly lie down, he is disinclined to all movements. The morale is disturbed — he is impatient of all interferences and annoyance, and wishes to be left in quiet. These are some of the most common symptoms of the attacking stage of this disease. They are seldom absent. With the exception of those disclosed by auscultation and percussion the whole group is found in the pathogenesis of Aconite, most clearly expressed, [See Noack and Trinks Arzneimittellehre, Bd. II, s. 1287] and not with the same completeness in that of any other drug. Each of the individual symptoms may be met in the records of one or several other drugs, but not the entire group, and hence we should be warranted in the conclusion, a priori, that this is the curative, par excellence, in this stage of pneumonia, and this conclusion is fully confirmed by practical experience. The writer has no hesitation in the belief that if rightly used in this early stage of attack, there will be very little left for any other drug to do for the entire restoration of the patient; and none in saying that while Aconite is merely less than supreme in this stage, its sphere of beneficial action is strictly limited to this and the next, the two answering to the first stage of Wurmb, that of deposit. While its great strength is in the initiatory of the attack, it still has a place in the stage of deposit, though it is much less frequently beneficial here. In very many cases, indeed, during the deposit, it is not in place, and if given merely because the lungs are inflamed, it will be followed by no good result. After the stage of deposit is completed no drug is less called for than Aconite, and if given during the stage of absorption, it must be from a misapprehension of the nature of its action, and of the conditions to which this has made it a curative.

In the second stage, in which the process of infiltration and deposit is completed, the above group of symptoms is continued and aggravated unless arrested by the administration of the appropriate curative, and to these may be added the following symptoms which when present are valid reasons for the continued use of Aconite. (See Noack and Trinks, 1oc. cit.)

Cough after drinking; cough excites pain in the larynx; the cough is relieved by lying on the back, and aggravated by lying on either side; cough with stitching pains in the chest; with thin frothy expectoration; expectoration streaked with blood, (see Bryonia and Phosphorus); the oppression and acceleration of the respiration are increased; with these there is pressure under the sternum, with flashing heat and hot perspiration on the forehead; the pressure on the chest is like that of a great weight; frequent deep inspiration; sense of weariness and exhaustion in the chest; even speaking in low tones requires great effort; hoarseness and fullness in the chest; the chest feels as if it would not be expanded; the chest affections are accompanied by internal restlessness, anxiety and heart beating; painful pressure from the sternum to the spine; the seat of the pressing pains in the chest is painful to external pressure; the pains, in the chest, are burning shooting, or burning pressing. It will be noticed that these are symptoms which belong to the early stage of the disease, so that we are directed to the use of Aconite in this stage as well as the demands of the great law of similars, as by the lessons of enlightened experience. If these symptoms are continued to a later stage when Aconite is no longer in place, they are accompanied by others, which are characteristic of other remedies, and which clearly point to their use.

The study of the character of the expectorations is worthy of the careful attention of those who would avoid the misuse of Aconite in this class of pulmonary affections. The first fact which impresses itself on the mind of the student in this investigation is, that the various coughs which it excites are, for the most part, without expectoration. They are irritative, dry, hard, and painful. To this general feature of absence of expectoration there are five exceptions; two of which are quite characteristic of the earliest stage of inflammatory invasion, viz.: gelatinous mucous, and thin frothy, both of which are scanty and difficulty, two of which may find their counterpart in this and the next later stage, viz.: bloody streaked, and dear bright blood; the first is scanty like the other varieties,

while the second may be scanty or profuse, and may also be met where the lungs are not inflamed and yet Aconite be a remedy; the other, the rust colored, is characteristic of this stage of deposit. The second fact, the complement of the first, is, that Aconite has no place in the treatment of pulmonary affections with a free loose expectoration; and to these may be added a third, that it is seldom useful where the morale of the patient is tranquil, passive and uncomplaining.

These remarks on the use of this drug are made because of the conviction that it is very frequently used with no definite view of its exact relationship to the disease, and consequently, often without benefit, with loss of most important time and even with worse results, all of which an understanding of the true sphere of its application would so easily avoid. It will also be seen at once, that if a compliance with the law of cure is a sufficient treatment of disease, the exact similarity of the action of Aconite on the healthy to the symptoms of the disease, in this early stage must make that too frequent resort of giving it in alternation with some other drug, entirely superfluous if not worse. Indeed, the probability is rather, where the similarity is so great, that the action of this second drug will become an element of complication in the case, resulting in embarrassment and mischief. Its use is a violation of the law of cure equally with the administration of drugs without reference to a knowledge of their specific actions on the living organism, or the relations of these to the symptoms of the disease treated. It is also a violation of the law which ought to control the alternation of drugs in the treatment of the sick, and to which the practice should be strictly limited, viz.: to cases where the characteristic symptoms can be found in the pathogenesis of two drugs and cannot be in that of any one. The fact that the characteristics of the early stage of pneumonia are found in the pathogenesis of Aconite has been shown and this of itself is sufficient to exclude the use of all other drugs in this stage, unless there may be exceptional cases, with other symptoms, which for these reasons call for other drugs, and this state of things it will be seen, at once, excludes Aconite.

From these observations the following practical rules may be drawn:

1st. The value of Aconite in the treatment of pneumonia diminishes in the direct ratio of the lapse of time from the first impression of the morbid cause.

2d. That it ceases when the process of depositing the inflammatory product is completed.

3d. In the first stage of the disease it is superfluous to alternate another drug with Aconite, and is very likely to be mischievous.

Bryonia resembles Aconite much in many of the symptoms by which both are related to the disease under consideration. If we were to decide its applicability to a case by sequence of remedies scarcely, its place would be next to Aconite in the series. But this rule is too uncertain to admit of its reception as a general authority. To nothing but the similarity of symptoms to the pathogenesis of the drug can be conceded the control of practice. Still it is true Bryonia is frequently required, by the demands of the law, next after Aconite in the treatment, and the question will have to be met and answered, — how, between two remedies so similar in their symptoms, are we to decide where Aconite ceases to be, and Bryonia becomes, the best of all remedies? The difficulty to the young practitioner, there is none to the mature, will be much diminished by the recollection of the general principle that it is the differences which decide between the choice of two similar remedies, and that the prescribe has, in the selection of the right, nothing to do with the similar symptoms, except to get as entirely rid of them as possible, it being evident, that being equivalents, they mutually neutralize each other, and are thus extinguished as grounds of this decision. On the other hand, the difficulty of avoiding mistakes will be increased by the fact, that many of the differences on which the decision depends are quantitative, and the line is not yet drawn that it can be said of it, all above this is decisive for Aconite and below for Bryonia, and the reverse. And yet these differences are appreciable, and not to be discarded because they require study and careful observation for their ready recognition; for if difficult they are still a very important part of the foundation of all exact prescribing.

In passing from the domain of Aconite to that of Bryonia, the case will have lost some of its symptoms. The perspiration is no longer hot; the morale is no longer restless and complaining but passive; the cetaceous congestion, if it have not disappeared, has been much diminished; the chills have ceased; anxiety, if present, is based on oppressed respiration and not on restlessness of both body and mind. Other symptoms have changed. The difficulty of breathing is referred to pressure on the middle or lower part of the sternum, like a weight; the soreness of excoriation has become that of a bruise; the fine stickings may have disappeared or become broader stabbings; the fullness of the chest has become a sense of pressure from without; the short dry cough is something looser; the expectoration is more copious though not free; it is now yellow and thick, or of copious mucus, or mixed with blood, or (continued from the Aconite state) streaked, or rust colored, and all somewhat difficult, though less so than the expectorations of Aconite. The patient desires constant and, as near as possible, absolute repose, all the sufferings being increased by motion. The nervous system is now more invaded and symptoms of its disturbed functions begin to prevail and perhaps to predominate the vascular symptoms, the reverse of which was true in the earlier stage; at least the case presents more of a mixture of these than before.

If the case be complicated with inflammation of the pleura, as most oases are to a greater or less extent, there will be a point in its progress where Bryonia will be called for, and will not be likely to disappoint our hopes, especially if the attack be of the left side. Wurmb, in his "Studien," gives to Bryonia a high place in the treatment of pneumonia with this complication, and also of cases with marked affection of the bronchial mucus surfaces, while, he says, its power to arrest the inflammatory deposit in the parenchyma of the lungs has not been determined by such observations, by auscultation and percussion, as to establish the fact on unquestionable grounds. It may be added to this, that its efficacy in procuring the absorption of this deposit, after the process of hepatization is complete, may well be questioned, while its power to arrest the progress of the earlier stage, of serous infiltration, and remove its product, if given at the right time, and with symptoms appropriate to its use, does not admit of a doubt. The strong ground of Bryonia then is just that which follows the condition in which Aconite has shown its great power. This may not be true of every case and is not. Oases are frequent in practice which do not call for this remedy at all, and it is to be borne in mind, that it is only to be given in cases with symptoms similar to its pathogenesis. Why then these remarks on stages and conditions. Because symptoms are met in later stages which to the inexperienced observer or hasty practitioner seem like those which require this drug, but which a more careful and intelligent examination will show to be a mere seeming, and that other remedies are indicated more or less clearly, by other symptoms associated with these. To give Bryonia in such cases is only to insure the disappointment of the physician and patient. To the truth of this we have all been too often witnesses, and to avoid this mistake and disappointment, by fixing as definitely as possible its true sphere of application, is the object of the above remarks. The idea of this sphere is presented as a help to the prescriber only, not as a sufficient, independent rule of practice. With this explanatory remark we shall proceed somewhat in the same manner to consider Phosphorus.

There are few cases of pneumonia treated by practitioners of Homoeopathy, in which this remedy is not introduced at some period of its progress. With the Homoeopathists of this country its use is very common, and yet it is believed its employment is oftener suggested by a general impression of its usefulness than by a discovery of its Homoeopathicity in individual cases, after a careful comparison of its pathogenesis with the symptoms of the case under treatment Indeed it may be safely received, that few drugs are oftener misapplied, and none in this disease, so generally treated by the suggestions of routine and habit. In this respect, in the new school, Phosphorus stands somewhat as blood-letting has in the old, the unquestioned instrument of an unquestioning confidence. But for the history of blood-letting in this inflammation, and its now acknowledged mischievous results, it might be but reasonable to suppose that the very general use of, and confidence in, Phosphorus, could only have resulted from an experience of its benefits, confirmed by repeated observations. But after the practice of a now known mischievous error, for three thousand years, with a similar universal confidence in its value, the argument from this general use and belief will hardly pass without a challenge. And it ought not. For besides the general duty of careful examination and analysis of cases on which alone a prescription can rightly rest, and never on the common reputation of a drug for power as a curative in a given disease, it is true of the drug under consideration that its success is as certain in pneumonia as its use is universal. We have all had disappointments from its use when our expectations have been confident, and then, perhaps, have consoled ourselves with the hope that it has in some way contributed something towards the general result of a cure, though we could not exactly see at the time how it did it, because a remedy of such universal reputation must have done something. Indeed these disappointments have been far from infrequent, and the continued, unvarying prescription of the drug is only another illustration of the force of habit in the direction and control of professional duties.

If the use of Phosphorus and the practice of blood-letting stand together as illustrating this principle, they are wide apart in the ascertained results of their employment. This is shown by the fact that in the Hospital of the "Barmherzigen Schwestern," Vienna, under the administration of Dr. Fleischmann, from January, 1835, to December, 1843, the percentage of loss from pneumonia was 6 1/3 per cent., while the average loss from cases treated by blood-letting in different institutions, for a series of years, was over twenty per cent. Fleischmann, at this time, regarded Phosphorus as "the specific "for this inflammation.* [In the Oestreiche Zeitschrift fur Homoeopathic, Band I, Heft. 1, s. 198, after having detailed the treatment of half a dozen cases of pneumonia by Phos. alone, Dr. F. says, "It is not to be doubted that inflammation of the lungs can be cured by different homoeopathic medicines, still the experience of many years has given me the strongest conviction that it can be cured by no other so safely and speedily as by Phosphorus, without the help of any other remedy. And I firmly believe the pneumonia which Phosphorus will not cure, is incurable by the homoeopathic method." In reading the contrary opinion of Dr. Franz Wurmb, about to be given, it will be recollected that Dr. F. examined his cases and watched the progress of their cure by the helps of auscultation and percussion, in the practice of which he has the reputation of being skilful.] Subsequently from 1844 to 1848 he reduced his loss to 3 5/7 7/1 percent In his earlier cases his faith in his "specific "led him to give it from the beginning of the attack and through the whole course of the disease, and his result was, as compared with that of the expectant method, which Dietl declares the homoeopathic simply to be, 6 1/3 to 7 4/10 The difference is certainly not great, but is in favor of Phosphorus. It is barely possible that this comparison led Dr. Fleischmann to modify his views and practice, and to the realization of a better result. As compared with the success of Reiss, at Liuz, that with Phosphorus as the "specific "is not flattering, and the conclusion is inevitable, whatever our views of "specifics," that the sole use of this drug in inflammation of the lungs is not the best which the resources of Homoeopathy presents to our confidence.

It is worthy of remark that while this was the opinion and practice of Dr. Fleischmann, Dr. Wurmb, a man certainly of not less practical acumen, in the administration of his hospital in the Leopoldstadt, a suburb in the same city, came to a very different conclusion as to the value of this drug in the treatment of pneumonia. Ho says, "If when speaking of the remedies indicated in fibrinous inflammation of the lungs, we bring Phos. within the circle of our discussion, it is not because we regard it as a homoion against this disease, but rather to apologize for having brought it into use, as its selection, according to the requirements of Homoeopathy, cannot be approved." That Phosphorus acts upon the lungs he regards as certain; that it produces deposits in these organs, he says, is proved by the experiments of Orfila, Majendie, Bibra and Geist, but these are not similar to the deposit of this form of inflammation; that the similarity of the symptoms and groups of symptoms of the disease to the effects of the drug are only apparent and not real. The proof of this he finds in the fact that "the Phosphorus pneumonia produces no plastic deposit, but rather a decomposition of the lung tissue, or a deposit which favors this destruction; and as shown by Liedbek and Arnold it renders the blood fluid dark, and mottle colored (missfarbig); it diminishes or destroys its coagulability; dissolves or reduces the size and consistency of the blood globules; these assume the most varied forms and lose all traces of their investing membrane. It produces a direct change in the blood and can therefore never be a homoeopathic remedy for fibrinous inflammation of the lungs." It is quite clear in this statement of Wurmb's that in rejecting Phosphorus in the treatment of pneumonia he is governed wholly by one class of facts, and farther that it is more than possible that that class is only partially presented in the results of the experiments by Liedbek and Arnold. It is well known that most of our polychrests produce effects the opposites of each other, in different individuals and circumstances. The instances of this are too numerous and well known to make the giving of examples at all necessary, yet, as illustrations, it will be permitted to refer to the coma vigil and somnolentum of Opium; constipation and diarrhea of Nux vomica; the excessive and anticipating menstruation of Sulphur, and its entire suppression of that function. Wurmb has given no one reason for denying to Phosphorus, this power of doable action, so common with other drugs, in the class of facts he presents, and we are left to the conviction that he has only given us one side of the picture, the other of which is proved to exist by the clinical success of the drug in the class of cases from which it has been excluded by this partial view. For these reasons it is often the simillimum in pneumonia from change in the blood crasis, or from the tubercular or typhoid state." He further says, "while we deny to Phosphorus all power over fibrinous pneumonia, other Homoeopathists not only employ it in this, but in all other varieties of the disease, as a polychrest, indeed some of our colleagues see in it the universal specific."*[Studien, pp. 65, 76.]

Among those who have expressed a different judgment of Phosphorus from the above, is Hartmann. He gives the following as indications for its use: "If all the symptoms of the pneumonia are very severe; if the stabbing pains in the chest, excited or increased by the cough, are extended over a large space (Squilla); if a large portion of the lung is inflamed, and the respiration is consequently much embarrassed (dyspnea); if the cough be very dry, and the expectoration is rust colored †[Where does Hartmann find this symptom accredited to Phosphorus?] (a characteristic symptom), we shall often find Phosphorus the only curative medicine." The following symptoms are also regarded by this writer as indications for the use of this drug: "Depressed mental activity; slight, bland delirium, with carphalogia and subsultus; rapid sinking of the forces; cold sticky sweat; small, weak, frequent pulse; dull eyes; sunken face; dry lips and tongue; short and difficult respiration; oppression and anxiety; heavy cough; with difficult expectoration."

In regard to reasons given by Wurmb why Phosphorus cannot be a remedy for true pneumonia, it may be remarked that he has not shown that the law of cure requires similarity in the elements he adduces in his argument. That the similarity which cures is to be sought and found in the similarity of the product of the inflammation and the pathogenesis of the drag, rather than in those subjective symptoms belonging to the case, which have principally heretofore controlled prescriptions in other diseases, is what should have been shown before he claimed authority for his argument. This he has failed to do. That the curing similarity resides in this element may well be doubted. Indeed the analogy, and experience of the treatment of other diseases, are believed to be decidedly against this. The most that can be safely claimed for a knowledge of the character of the product is, that like the condition disclosed by physical exploration, it may be a help, but never a sufficient rule for the choice or rejection of a remedy.

What, then, is the true position of Phosphorus in the treatment of the disease before us? The experience of many practitioners, if not of all who have had much to do with its treatment, will be quite sufficient to show the error of those who would exalt the drug into a general specific; and we hardly need go beyond this for evidence that its entire exclusion from the treatment, on the grounds given by Wurmb, or on any other, is equally a mistake. It is easy to remember cases promptly relieved by its use, and others which have resisted its action and passed on unbenefited. How is this to be accounted for? By the fact that diseases which we call by one name are not indentities to the degree required to bring them into the same relations to curative agents. They may be the same as to identity of morbid products, as these appear to ordinary inspection, or as to the disclosures of physical exploration, and yet be far from that physiological identity which is even similarly impressed by the same agent, and it is this alone which demands the same remedy or the want of this a change. This identity is disclosed by the character of the subjective symptoms of the case, mainly, and that in these is the true home of "the like which cures," is the experience of those who have trusted these phenomena most, and have submitted their practice chiefly to their control. After a careful study of this class of symptoms in the provings of Phosphorus, it will be very difficult to admit that it is to be discarded from the list of successful remedies in the treatment of pneumonia.

In Hahnemann's Chronische Krankheiten, B. v., we have, in the register of the symptoms of Phosphorus, sensation of dryness in the chest (bronchial?); cough with sticking pains in the hypochondria; cough with shooting pains in the epigastrium, so that she must hold on to the chest; with each concussion of the cough, a sharp pressure in the epigastrium; cough on taking warm or cold drinks; dry and violent cough which excites pain in the front of the chest, which wakes from sleep; cough which excites pain in the abdomen, and compels the holding on to this part because of the pain; loose cough, without expectoration, with pain and sensation of rawness in the chest, so that she fears to cough; cough with white expectoration, difficult to detach; frequent cough with copious expectoration, also at night; continued mucous cough, with painful tightness of the chest (spann-schmerz); cough day and night, with copious mucous expectoration, and after some days severe stitch in the chest while coughing; fine bloody streaks (Blut-Aederchen) in the mucus expectoration; expectoration of blood and mucus, with short, slight cough; the breath is very short after each cough; the breathing is only with a lond rattling; great tightness of the chest and breath very short; short breath with vertigo; anxiety and heaviness on the chest, as if it were pressed together, with obstructed respiration; tightness of the lower part of the chest as if a weight were laid on it; the chest is tight, as if a hand were drawn around it; tension and dryness in the chest; sense of contraction in the whole lung; stitch in the left side of the chest, while breathing; severe stitches in the right and left sides of the chest, in movement and repose; stitches in the left side, under the ribs; pains in the chest, especially while breathing; pressure on the lower part of the chest; bruised pain in the upper part of the chest: when stooping, moving, or while pressed on; weakness in the chest; pain as of excoriation about the clavicles, also to the touch. Any of these symptoms may be met in any case of inflammation of the lungs. All of them have been. And yet there is no one of them that may not be present in cases of less importance.

Wurmb, in his exclusion of Phosphorus from the treatment of pneumonia, lays stress on the inflammation being of the lung parenchyma. He might therefore object to these symptoms as a whole, or individually, that they do not of necessity represent that condition. This is true, and yet they often do belong to it. If he means to limit the term to cases of inflammation of the parenchyma only, he reduces the discussion to narrow limits. The cases, at least in this country, uncomplicated with pleuritis or bronchial affection are quite rare, and there is no doubt, in the present state of our knowledge of the relations of subjective symptoms to pathological conditions, this very uncommon pathological phenomenon cannot be decided to be the exact condition of any case, by the help of these alone. The parenchyma of the lungs is not of the most sensitive nature, even when inflamed, and consequently it manifests in this state but few symptoms, and these not of the most positive character. It is quite different in cases which involve the investing membranes of the serous and mucous surfaces of these organs, and it is with cases involving these that practically we have chiefly to do. If, for science's sake, the disease is to be classified in divisions according as either or neither of these surfaces are involved along with the substance of the lung, practically the classification can only take its place with the helps, which designate the class of remedies from which we are to draw our curative in a given case.

This prepares the way for the answer to the question just put — What is the true position of Phosphorus in the treatment of the disease before us? the answer to this being the object of these remarks. It would seem that there need be no great difficulty in the reply if the symptoms here given are carefully studied, and all the better if the tracheal and bronchial symptoms, which are numerous, be added. The dryness of the air passages, the sense of excoriation in the upper part of the chest, the dry hard cough, cough after drinks, and sense of pressure like a weight on the upper part of the chest, point to bronchial irritation; while the sticking pains when coughing, moving, and breathing; the bruised soreness, especially to the touch, are sufficiently significant of pleuritic affection to make a mistake altogether unlikely. The short, rapid, oppressed respiration, weight in the chest, pressure like a weight on the chest, painful respiration, anxiety, and the characters of some of the varieties of the expectoration are symptoms of the invasion of the lung tissue itself, not easily overlooked. Taking these as our guide, and we can receive no others, we are led naturally and obviously to the judgment that Phosphorus belongs to the treatment of cases of pneumonia when the lung tissue proper only is involved, as well as to those where the membranous surfaces are included. The symptoms compel the conviction that in these cases it must be one of our very best remedies, and we have no hesitation in saying, that this conviction is justified by practice. In the treatment of cases with pre- dominant bronchial symptoms the part which properly be- longs to this remedy can be given to no other without loss. If the pleuritic element be very prominent it will most likely be preceded by other remedies, and only be found most appropriate in the later stage of the case, when the question is the absorption of the inflammatory product. In the treatment of these two varieties the place of Phosphorus as to the period of the attack, is in nearly the opposite extremes. The stronger the prevalence of the bronchial element, the earlier its administration may be called for, while just the reverse is true in the pleuritic variety. In the cases where the hepatization of the affected lung is extensive, which, for convenience, may be called the pulmonary variety, it must be a remedy of the first importance, if the similarity of pathological and pathogenetic symptoms is to be trusted as the exponent of curative relationship. In these cases, being governed by this rule, and also by a somewhat extended experience, we shall put the drug into the treatment after the sharpness of the incipient attack has been somewhat moderated by Aconite and, perhaps, Bryonia, which would bring it into the latter part of the period of the deposit, and the early part of that of absorption. And this is confidently believed to be the true place of this drug, in the treatment of pneumonia, except in the bronchial variety, as already stated. To give Phosphorus in the early stage of the other varieties is to insure ourselves a disappointment. It may be well and interesting to note, that in the published history of Fleischmann's cases, treated exclusively with Phos. (Est. Zeit., Bd. I, Heft. 1, s. 7, 5, 193, et seq.), the improvement was not realized in any of them till after the lapse of some days, though the cases were all recoveries. The persistence and severity of the early symptoms of these cases can hardly fail to suggest that the relief might have been more speedy by the more timely use of some other drug before the Phos. When so given it has been common to alternate it with another drug, for what good reason it is not easy to say. If the other drug were appropriate in this stage, what is to be gained to it or the case by adding Phosphorus, which is not? If Phosphorus be the right remedy it needs no helps from other drugs. The assignment of this drug to the treatment of pneumonia of the typhoid and tubercular states, by Wurmb, is no doubt eminently just, and the results of its judicious use in these cases will hardly fail to be satisfactory.

In the more common progress of the attack, in those cases where Phos. has not proved sufficient to procure the entire absorption of the inflammatory product, the drug next most frequently required is

Sulphur. There is reason for believing that the value of this remedy in the treatment of acute inflammations is far from being duly appreciated. This may have been in part the result of the habit of its use in diseases of chronic inveteracy, and the impression that it may somehow benefit cases of this description which nothing else can; and in part from the classification of remedies which seemed to appropriate an important division, at the head of which is Sulphur, exclusively to the treatment of psoric, or chronic, diseases. The effect of this last consideration has been very considerable in turning away attention from the relations of this class of remedies to important acute diseases, which are not less real than those which are recognized as belonging to the chronic. If the classification of drugs which assigns a division to psoric diseases be understood as limiting the relationship of the class to these affections only, or if it lead to the overlooking or neglect of the other and no less important relations of the class to acute attacks, then, to say the least, the classification is unfortunate. It was the remark of one of our ablest colleagues, to the writer, "you do not know what you have to give to a case till you have studied it; it may be Silicea to the most acute attack." The experience of years has abundantly proved the truth of this remark, and its value is in no danger of being over-estimated. The similarity of the symptoms, the great law, in all its simplicity, is the controller of the ultimate appeal, in all cases, both acute and chronic.

As in typhoid fever, so here, Sulphur sustains a two-fold relation. First to a class of latent chronic miasms which may become active during the attack, and with which the acute attack is liable to become complicated, and by this association to be rendered less amenable to curative impressions; and second to certain conditions of the acute attack itself. The complication of the attack with the chronic element, (psora,) is to be recognized where, after the proper administration of the true homoeopathic remedy, the symptoms of the case remain unabated, and the disease progresses, without interruption, to an increased extent of inflammation and deposit. In such cases a single dose of Sulphur will often of itself work a great change for the better; or it may be followed, after a suitable time, by the true homoeopathic remedy with success. In these cases the suitable time is not a matter of indifference. What that will be, in a given case, cannot be told beforehand. In this respect cases differ greatly. The safe rule for the inexperienced, is, not to be in a hurry, after giving the Sulphur, to repeat the dose or to follow it with any other remedy. Haste in these cases may do great harm, and is rarely called for. A delay of six, twelve, twenty-four hours, or even longer, may be required to realize the best results. In all cases, and at all times, it is to be borne in mind that that fundamental rule of successful practice, to repeat no dose, and give no additional remedy, while improvement is progressing from that already given, is, if possible, more imperative here than any where else. It is on no account, nor for any reason, to be disregarded. It is also to be remembered, if the object of giving Sulphur be to clear the case of its psoric embarrassment, and so to open the way to the free action of the remedy homoeopathic to the acute attack, no repetition of the dose of the drug, will be called for and that such repetitions will only of themselves become causes of embarrassment which will greatly retard the best progress of the case.

The relation of Sulphur to uncomplicated pneumonia, is to the stage of absorption of the inflammatory product, in which it occupies a place of the first importance. In this stage, when Phosphorus has done good, but has not been equal to the perfect cure, or when the case, at this stage, has failed to respond to Phosphorus, Sulphur is often sufficient to complete the convalescence. This relation is indicated by the symptoms of the drug, and confirmed by practice. In the Chronische Krankheiten, Bd. v. s. 570, et seq., we have — sudden dry cough, as if the lung would be torn out, with increased pain in the head; loose cough with sensation of excoriation or pressure on the chest, and thick mucous expectoration, also with rattling in the trachea and hoarseness; dry, short, severe cough, with pain in the sternum or shootings in the chest; expectoration of greenish masses of sweet taste. With the cough there are — pain in the head as if bruised or torn; from short cough, shaking pain in the top of the head, and pain in the right ribs; painful shock in the head; the throat and chest as if cut; shootings in the region of ensiform cartilage; offensive breath; shooting in the right side; pain in the right side, the spot is painful to pressure; pain in the shoulder-blades: with dry cough, sensation of emptiness in the chest. The greatest dyspnea; shortness of breath from much speaking; obstructed breathing from pressure on the chest; rattling and slight snoring sound ( schnarcheln) in the chest, relieved by expectoration; oppressed breathing when speaking; obstructed breathing in sleep, The must be waked to prevent suffocation; when attempting a deep inspiration, the chest is as if contracted; tightness of the chest as if from adhesions; the breathing is accelerated by rising up in bed; weakness of the chest, she can scarcely breathe; weakness of the chest while speaking; anxiety in the chest; the whole chest as if bound (gespannt); tightness in the right breast and shoulder; pressure upon the chest with anxiety; sensation of heaviness on the chest many days with dry cough; contracting pain in the chest; shootings in the chest as far as to the back; shooting in the left breast while breathing, for some days; shootings in the region of the heart, or in the right side of the chest, nights, when lying on the back, or on the slightest motion; severe shooting from the right side of the chest through the epigastrium and stomach; shooting from the right side of the chest to the shoulder-blade; frightfully painful shooting into the right side of the chest; terrific (erschreckendes) cuttings in the middle of the chest, downwards as far as the epigastrium. Burning in the chest with great heat of the face; burning in the right side of the chest, which comes and goes suddenly. Copious sweating from the least exertion; disposition to sweat from the slightest movement; drops of sweat on the face from the least movement.

It will not be difficult to recognize in this group of symptoms resemblance to those of the last stage of the inflammation before us. Those of the cough, pains, respiration and fever are such as are quite characteristic of it; and when such are met in practice, there needs but a single caution before proceeding to its use, and that is found in the fact that there is a class of cases in which, if carelessly given, it may do great harm, viz.: cases in constitutions with tubercular taint. In such patients, in the stage of hepatization, with symptoms at all threatening suppuration, the inadvertent use of a single dose of this potent drug may precipitate the development of this process, and ensure the destruction of the patient. But these are just the cases where other remedies are in place and Sulphur is not. The relation of Phosphorus to these cases has already been shown, and an equal or greater value is believed to belong to Lachesis in the same state of things. In patients free from this taint, the above-named condition is just that where Sulphur is likely to work the greatest good. "In cases free from complications with other diseases, the violence of the fever, pains and difficult breathing usually subsides, as soon as the infiltration is wholly or mostly accomplished. Art has no other indication before it than to aid nature in its endeavors to remove the exudation, by increasing the activity of the process of absorption; or to oppose it when this product is threatening to pass into purulent degeneration. These indications, according to my experience, are fulfilled by no proved remedy so exactly as by Sulphur" (Wurmb, Studien, 3, 66). This experience of this acute observer and excellent physician, is confirmed „ by the practical observations of many witnesses, whose testimony sufficiently confirms the accuracy of the recorded provings of the drug, and establishes its claim to attention and confidence in the treatment of this stage of the inflammation. But this confidence, if blind and universal, is sure to meet disappointments. Cases are not unfrequently met where Sulphur fails to procure the absorption of the inflammatory product, even where there is no tubercular taint. How can this be true, if the above judgment of Wurmb is well founded? It is in just the way that this class of generalizations are constantly meeting exceptions in practice. The generalization is a truth because the proportion of cases, in which the class of symptoms by which the law of cure brings cases into curative relation to drugs, is greater where these symptoms are more like those of Sulphur than of any other drug. The generalization is true for this reason and no other; and to just this extent and no further. The cases where Sulphur fails are those where this relationship of similarity does not exist. And all attempts at similar practical generalizations, made regardless of this relationship of law, will be very likely to meet quite as many failures as successes. The endeavor to save the necessity for hard study and accurate observation by this practical short cut, can only be at the expense of safety to the patient, and ultimately of the reputation of the prescriber. The appeal, then, in all cases of doubt as to which of the individuals of the class of remedies appropriate to this stage of pneumonia is the remedy for the given case, is to be decided by the greater resemblance of the pathogenesis of any one of them to the symptoms of the case.

The three individuals of this class, oftenest called for, and which in past experience have been followed by the best results, are Phosphorus, Sulphur and Lachesis. Of the two first we have already spoken. Lachesis, in these cases, has received less attention than its merits deserve. One object of bringing it before the reader here is to enter a protest against the unwarranted prejudice, so often met in intercourse with physicians, against this remedy. We feel fully justified, after an experience of its use, extending over a period of more than twenty years, in pronouncing this prejudice without foundation. Its existence is, to the writer, wholly unaccountable. Where the prejudice has been found the strongest it has not been uncommon to hear the objector acknowledge, after declaring he had "not the slightest confidence in Lach.," that he had never used it; and a very short conversation has been quite sufficient to show that such persons were wholly ignorant of the drug, as represented in its record on the pages of our Materia Medica. How, in the name of all that is rational, could such persons have "confidence" in the drug? Certainly there could be no value in any measure of confidence they might have given it, in these circumstances, and that the converse of this is equally true, is self-evident. It has seemed, on the part of some who have been free to express this reserve of their trust, that they somehow felt the scepticism to reflect upon themselves an honor. In the circumstances stated, it is certain it can only reflect a disgrace. We have not the slightest hesitation in saying, that the record of the pathogenesis of no remedy in the Materia Medica has been more completely vindicated by clinical success; and further, that few drugs have a wider range of application in the treatment of severe diseases. It has been, in the hands of the writer, more than once or twice, the happy means of saving the lives of his best friends, and he is free to confess that this has been repeated so many times, that it is barely possible a portion of the love he bears his friends may have passed to the agent to which they owe it that they still live. And further, we may say, if these happy results have enhanced admiration for the great zeal and industry of that untiring worker to whom we are indebted for this priceless drug, and if they have inspired a high sense of obligation to him for this great gift, it is not strange. We protest, therefore, most earnestly, against this prejudice, and commend the drug to the careful study and confidence of all such as are desirous of discharging their whole duty to the sick who put their trust in them.

In relation to special signs which might enable us to discriminate, in this stage of absorption, the remedy most certain to be followed by success in a given case, we are not yet in possession of observations which have disclosed them, if indeed such signs exist, other than those found in the differential elements of those symptoms of each drug which are similar to symptoms of the others, and to those of the disease. Neither has it been yet established by observation what are the special physical conditions of cases, or what their special complications, or causations which give to either of these remedies a preference over the others in a given case. We have endeavored to point out, in relation to Phosphorus and Sulphur, some of the conditions in which they are found to be especially efficacious; and some in which their use should be avoided, while by giving their symptoms we have endeavored further to elucidate their clinical relations. By the same course as to Lachesis, we may remark that it has been found especially successful in removing deposits resulting from inflammations in lungs already invaded by tubercles, and also from those inflammations of low grade which are not unfrequently developed in the progress of other diseases, for example, in whooping cough. The following case illustrates this:

J. N., aged 7 years, was attacked by whooping cough in the summer of 1858. In infancy, and up to the age of four years, he had been subject to frequent attacks of croup, for which he had had repeated large doses of Ant. tart. This practice had been so frequent and heroic that the child's constitution was much, affected by the drug. He became thin and puny, had deficient appetite, diminished power of digestion, he took cold on the slightest exposures, and then was likely to get symptoms of croup, and always got cough. It was for one of these attacks of croup the writer first saw him. The attack was successfully relieved, and he afterwards had a few doses of Phosphorus^200, at seven and fourteen days intervals, and he has since had no more croup. For a long time, however, he gave signs of the injury ho had sustained in the lungs from the druggings he had endured. There was constantly to be heard over a greater or less extent of the lungs a catarrhal rattle, and this was always increased when he took cold. It was in this weakened condition of the lungs that, during the temporary absence of the writer from the country, he contracted his whooping cough. The treatment he received was not successful in abridging the duration of the specific disease, and after he ceased to be subject to the spasmodic symptoms peculiar to whooping cough, he suffered from a teasing dry cough, which was much worse on waking from sleep and during the morning hours. He was a good deal emaciated, appetite and digestion poor, fever every afternoon. There was an absence of respiratory murmur in the upper posterior portion of the right lung, and this region gave a dull resonance on percussion. The other portions of the lungs yielded a clear resonance on percussion, and a dry wheezing murmur throughout their whole extent. It was in this state that the writer found the patient on his return. Lachesis^200, two globules in six table-spoonfulls of water, a tea-spoonful night and morning, removed the entire symptoms, including the dullness on percussion, absence of respiratory murmur, and the wheeze, in the short space of fourteen days.

The symptoms of Lachesis similar to those met in this stage of pneumonia, are a tickling cough,*[Noack and Trinks, Arzneim, Band II, s, 1547, et seq.] the tickling being in the larynx, chest, or epigastrium; the expectorated mucus is round and grey, or sticky and yellow, or watery, almost never at night, and is accompanied by coryza. The open air excites severe tickling cough with mucous expectoration, which lasts from five minutes to one honr. The cough seemed to be caused by increased secretion of fluid in the larynx. During the severe cough water runs from the mouth. Cough after every sleep. Cough during sleep of which the patient is unconscious. Short cough. Dry, hacking cough. Suffocation and shortness of breath from the cough. Expectoration frothy, mixed with blood. Pressing pain in the sternum. Difficult breathing the whole day. Breathing impeded by stickings in the chest. Pressure in the chest as if full of wind. Short breath with depression of spirits. Pain in the left side under the breast. The pains in the chest are so severe he does not dare to touch it. Heavy dull pressure in the whole chest. Pressing pain in the chest and between the shoulder blades in the bones of the chest — Throbbing in the chest. Burning in the chest at night, with pain in the sternum. Burning deep in the left side of the chest, much increased by breathing. Shooting in the left side. Shooting in the fore-part of the chest from without inwards. Copious perspiration easily excited. Perspiration during the heat (fever). Cold perspiration with tightness of the chest. Sweating, which relieves. Unpleasant dryness of the hands. Pulse small and rapid with hot skin. Frequent pulse with pains in the chest.

Cannabis. This remedy is in curative relation to the third stage of pneumonia, that of absorption, in that class of cases where the deposit is limited to the lower portion of either or both lungs. It is not to be replaced by any other drug in cases of this kind, especially if there be a difficult, greenish expectoration, with delirium during the fever, and vomiting of greenish bilious matter. In the experience of the writer, in this last stage of the inflammation, the cough, (which in cases appropriate to Cannabis is always frequent, teasing, hard, sometimes dry, sometimes even incessant), oppressed breathing, fever, and dullness on percussion, have all disappeared, in many instances in a short time after its administration, a few hours only sufficing for the relief of the trouble-some cough and oppressed respiration. Its true place in the treatment is late in the third stage.

It would extend this paper beyond the proposed limits to give in detail the special signs which indicate the use of those remedies which are occasionally of value in the treatment of this inflammation. It may, however, be confidently expected, if the disease has been subjected to accurate homoeopathic treatment in its early stage, and its progress carefully watched and met by appropriate remedies according to the suggestions we have endeavored to present to the reader, the number of remedies required for its satisfactory cure, beyond those already considered, will not often be much increased. At the same time it is not forgotten that other remedies may be required in some circumstances or complications. That Tart, ant., Ipec, Nux v., and Senega frequently do great good in the class of cases with marked bronchial character; and Bell., Nit., Sabad. and Squilla with some others, in the variety with pleuritic complication. For the proper selection of either of these, in cases to which they belong, we can here only refer the prescriber to their pathogenesis, In doing this, however, we feel that we cannot too earnestly warn against the desire to give numbers of drugs to a case, in the hope of thereby multiplying curative impressions, and securing a greater good to the patient. If the prescriptions are accurate numerous drugs are not needed; if otherwise, then we only experience drug complications which are often troublesome, or protract the sufferings and danger of the case by refusing to a remedy the time required for the development of its curative action, or this is neutralized or destroyed by the active presence of some other drug, which in its turn is no better managed, and consequently not more efficacious than its predecessor. This series of desultory attempts may be, and often is, continued through a considerable number of drags, till the patient finally recovers by the action of his own inherent powers, or succumbs because these have not been sustained and supplemented by a judicious use of the proper means. In either case, by whatever name his attendant has been called, significant of the school of medicine to which he professes to belong, it is certain the patient has not been treated homoeopathically.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 01-03, 1863, pages 01-08, pages 55-70, pages 100-110]

[Description: Pneumonia.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1863]

MISCELLANEOUS.

The Study of the Materia Medica. — The thorough study of this science is second in importance to that of no other in the circle necessary to the complete furnishing of the physician for the duties of his responsible calling. His knowledge of Materia Medica cannot be too perfect — cannot embrace too much of detail. Indeed it is the knowledge of this detail, the gaining of which is such an unparalleled drudgery, the possession of which is just the power that distinguishes the master from the tyro. It is indispensable to practical success. By it all that has been achieved in the sick-room, which has given Homoeopathy a name among the nations, and made it a power, in spite of opposition from prejudice, ignorance and falsehood. Homoeopathy is detail. It is in the likeness of the details of the elements of disease and drug-action that its law of cure has its existence. He who despises or neglects these, despises or neglects the substance which gives vitality to the system of our school. Different methods of obtaining mastery of these hare been resorted to by students, according, to their mental habits, or their perception of the importance of the study and of the elements to be acquired, with success varied by difference of method and diligence. The course suggested below is from a valued correspondent in a neighboring city. It is given to our readers, as it was written, with the intent to urge upon all a more earnest devotion to this study, and also to make it the occasion of some remarks we have intended to make on the proper record of symptoms.

"Ill health and other causes have led me to seek expedients to stimulate study and aid the memory. One of these methods I wish to suggest to the Editors of the American Homoeopathic Review. I desire to interest them in it and wish they would adopt it as one of the features of their journal.

The suggestions are designed for those only who find the Homoeopathic Materia Medica a difficult and perplexing study. Those who do not need crutches should not despise them or those who use them.

Let the student keep a numbered list of oases with the principal and characteristic symptoms of each. Let this list include cases treated by himself and also cases which he meets with in his reading. Let no case be admitted which does not point clearly to a single remedy. If there would be serious doubt between two medicines, the case should not be admitted until further light renders its relations to a single remedy unmistakable. To the list may be added groups of symptoms and imaginary cases such as occur to the mind in the course of study.

In insisting that each group or case shall apply to but one medicine, it is of course understood that absolute precision is not attainable. All that is expected is, that when the study of a case is completed, the mind shall rest satisfied that no more appropriate remedy can be found than that which has been fixed upon. In this way may speedily be formed a record containing many real and supposed cases.

In another place should be kept a list of the remedies which are supposed to fit these groups with numbers corresponding to those of the oases. Be sure, however, that the recorded cases shall in no way suggest the remedies except through the symptoms, as they would do when presented to the mind in the course of your daily practice.

To use this record in studying, the eye may run over the cases beginning at any point you may choose to start from. On reading a case if it suggests the proper remedy, the next one in order may be taken. But if the recorded symptoms are not recognized as characteristic of a single remedy, the case should be made the subject of careful study with the books. On no account is the key to be resorted to, except in cases of extreme doubt which cannot be resolved by faithful study. The object in view is not to obtain the solution of the problem but to gain strength and skill by working it out.

Such a method of study will repay the labor. A distinguished opponent of our system characterizes our Materia Medica as "an endless farrago of ridiculous trivialities" He blasts his own fame who leaves on record such slurs at what is approaching the place of a science. A pleasure not surpassed by that of the naturalist or mathematician is in store for him who shall faithfully compare the symptoms of natural disease with the pathogenetic effects of medicines. The first steps in the study of any science are painfully laborious. When the first difficulties are overcome the reward begins and every subsequent step rapidly increases it.

I append a few cases copied from such a record as is above described. They are given as they were noted down at the time of prescribing. I use partly the language of the patient and partly such terms as occurred to me at the time. In each case the remedial effect appeared to be prompt and all that could be desired.

If the Editors of the Review will open such a list, taking cases from their own practice and from other sources, I for one shall be most thankful. It will soon be found that among the cases which occur in practice there is much choice in this adaptedness for the purpose in view, a wide variety is of course desirable. The names of the appropriate remedies can be given in subsequent numbers if that is thought best.

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Case I. Miss M. N., has usually good health, except that menstruation is profuse and debilitating. Several days since was taken with chills and headache; since then, every second day, she has had a chill with shivering all over her, at the same time or very soon the face is hot and the head aches; her hands are cold; there is no thirst; the pulse is weak; the headache is stupefying. This is the fourth such chill she has had. They are followed by fever, with some thirst, lasting several hours. She continues to have stupid headache; feeling of faintness; dullness; she lies dull; takes no notice; inclines to sleep; perspiration ensues, which smells sour. The face is cold and pale; the lips are dry; the tongue is clean, but except on the edges is parched as if burnt. She complains of some colic pains and the abdomen is sore and tender on pressure; the bowels are torpid; the urinary secretion is slight.

___________

Case II. Mrs. D. C. Dyspepsia of three or four weeks duration. After eating has pain and distress near the cardiac orifice of the stomach. She has nausea; sour risings at times; there is pain in the throat, but no soreness or pain in swallowing; has at times pain in drawing a long breath; a week ago had heavy cold in the head, which is better now; has pain in the back as if overtired; frequently she feels sore all around the waist; "feels so weak;" sleeps well, but don't get rested; wakes tired out; has headache a great deal; attributes her present symptoms to excessively eating fruit; has long suffered slightly from leucorrhea; menstruation is scanty, but regular.

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Case III. Mrs. H. S. M. Diarrhea for three days. She has been subject to irregularly recurring attacks of severe illness. She is taken with severe distress in the right hypochondrial region; the aching pain comes and goes like cramps; they usually result in vomiting which brings relief. In this instance diarrhea takes the place of vomiting; the pain is passing off; there is some soreness in the region of the liver; the discharges are watery and dark yellow; odor very bad. There is some tenesmus, but she can't bear to strain because there is so much soreness at the extremity of the rectum. She has had partial prolapsus uteri. The abdominal walls are drawn in; her feet are icy cold.

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Case IV. Mr. M. P., is subject to attacks of weakness, like faintness, coming over him of a sudden, without obvious cause. Has much headache, chiefly the back of the head and nape of the neck; painfulness of the scalp when touching the hair; throbbing in the back-side of the head; eyelids turn in, with smarting, soreness and itching. Has much pain and soreness in the left hypochondriac region; frequent hoarseness, almost entire loss of voice at times; has much tightness of the chest and short breathing; tired and weak in the chest; face pale, grayish yellow."

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The proper record of a case presents it to the reader in all its entireness, so that he has before him all the necessary elements for a specific prescription. It gives all the symptoms, and each in its completeness, so that these can be judged of and prescribed for as if the living sufferer were present for examination. This is no easy duty, nor is it always well performed. One difficulty in the case has seemed to be a partial misconception of what a symptom really is. The result is only a partial record, which not only leaves out facts, but omits parts of facts, either because they were not enquired into, or were not deemed of importance. The omission of these often leaves the case where no master can find the curative, however extended the record, and numerous the statements given. Indeed the statement given are often not symptoms, because of these omissions. What is a symptom?

A symptom of either drug action or disease is a fact, and something more. It is a fact with distinct qualities; with attendant circumstances of time, place, position, motion, repose, and whatever else by which it is caused, aggravated or mitigated; it has antecedents and subsequents by which it is characterized; it has definite location, if the fact affects the physical man; all these, and all else belonging to the fact, are to be stated, or it is only a partial statement of a fact and not a symptom. Incompleteness in these particulars makes exact prescribing impossible. Thus in the first case of the above series, the antecedents of the chills, if any, are omitted, and also the time of day of the attack, a most important and often indispensable element to the prescriber. The peat of the pain in the head is not given nor its aggravating or mitigating circumstances. The seat of the colic pains and of the sensibility of the abdomen are not given. In the second case the kind of "pain or distress" which followed eating, the time which elapsed after eating, before the appearance of the pain, the time and circumstances of the appearance of the "nausea and sour risings," the kind of "pain in the throat," the kind of "pain in drawing a long breath," and at what "times" it occurred, are all omitted. Similar defects are found in the third and fourth cases. Now the study of model cases cannot but be useful, and one of the first and most important lessons to be learned from these by the student is to make a perfect record of cases himself. This is not the least difficult of his duties, and till he is master of this he cannot become a perfect prescribe. In many of our so-called drug provings, these imperfections of the record render them of little or no practical value. But neither "reports of cases" of disease, nor of drug action called provings, can be given as models for study, and instruction which are wanting in these elements. Hence from the multitude of cases reported and published there is so little to be gleaned to add to our positive knowledge or power to cure the sick. The elements by which these cases might have been brought into relation with our positive knowledge, and made to increase its sum, are just those which have too often been left out, and with too many of them it is true that the most they teach is, an individual sickened; a few facts (too often not symptoms) of the case are given; he got medicines so and so; and recovered or died as the case may be; and why he did either, the record too often fails to furnish the reasons for a judgment, and no man can tell. Why? Because the writers have failed to perceive the important difference between mere facts and pure and complete symptoms. A fact is simple. A symptom, as we use the term in our school, is complex — is often made up of many facts. Facts are but poor helps to the prescriber till he has combined them into symptoms, by adding to each all its related facts. We propose a further consideration of this subject in a future paper on the subject of "Drug Proving.'" W.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 08, 1863, pages 374-377]

[Description: The Study of the Materia Medica; Practice cases.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1863]

RHEUMATISM.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

By this term we indicate an extended class of affections by no means easily brought within the brief and explicit terms of scientific definition. The difficulty is not so much in the vagueness of the subject, as in its extent, and the varied character of cases brought within the domain ascribed to it. When we suffer the pains of rheumatism we find them neither shadowy nor uncertain, but when we attempt to define what we mean by the word, to present the elements belonging to the genus, found in all its examples and found no where else, we fail, even after much labor, to produce any thing satisfactory, and may be compelled to sit down, as the writer now is to the employment of the word, trusting to its general use by readers, for a recognition of the fact that we refer to that numerous class of painful affections which are gathered under this denomination, for the good reason that it has not been so convenient to place them under any other. When he says Rheumatism, the reader thinks he means a definite thing enough, and if perchance he has felt its grip he is quite sure of it Will he be so good as to tell us what he means, and in terms which shall equally describe the tortures of his ten dear neighbors and friends who also had suffered, and who certainly came to sympathize with him, and each to bring the knowledge of a "certain cure." If he will do this, he will have made an addition to the literature of this subject which will deserve to be remembered. If this definition were essential to that understanding of cases as they occur in practice, requisite to their intelligent treatment and speedy cure, it would be a matter for the deepest regret. But as the relationship of curatives to diseases has not been made to depend on strictly scientific definitions, however valuable these may be, and as the chief duty of the physician, in these, as in all other cases, is to find the curative, and as definition, if given, cannot materially aid him in the discharge of this duty, its consideration may for the present be safely waived. The improvements in nomenclature may hereafter make definitions more possible, the signification of terms used more explicit, and thereby enhance convenience in the interchange of ideas, but whether increased certainty of cure, or an abridged duration of the disease, would necessarily result may well be doubted.

In order to a certain and speedy cure of rheumatism, it is essential to begin with that first of all requisites to intelligent and successful treatment of diseases, a strict individualization of the case. It will be a help towards this, if at the outset the case can be referred to either of the following classes: With fever; without fever; swelling with redness and heat; without swelling; swelling with edema; pains aggravated by motion; pains relieved by motion; pains suddenly shifting from place to place; pains aggravated by change of weather, especially on the approach of a storm. The exciting cause, if known, should be carefully considered, as this is often an important element in the individualization, and also the quality of the pain. The time and circumstances of aggravation are also matters for the strictest inquiry. The character of the tissue invaded — is it muscular, tendonous, ligamentous, membranous, or a mixture of these?

The necessity of this individualization is apparent from the nature of disease of whatever kind, and if there be any variety where this is more imperative than with others, perhaps this variety is rheumatism. If disease be a modification of those actions of the vital forces, the just balance of which conserves the whole and each part of the individual, so that these forces, instead of conservative become destructive of the whole or of parts — and we assert of disease that it is nothing else — then it is evident that a proper knowledge of their modifications can only be reached after a thorough examination of all the elements of a case, which alone can disclose the nature of the modifications with which we have to deal. This is what we mean by individualization, and this the result we propose to attain by it.

It is only by this process that we gain possession of the elements of these modified vital actions, the finding of the similimum of which, is the great duty of the physician, and the cure. Different exciting causes of these disturbances must produce different modifications of vital action; and the same cause, under different circumstances, may be so affected by these as to produce results quite different in their nature, and consequently in their curative relations, though for convenience we give the same name to them all. A man becomes severely chilled by exposure to low temperature, the atmosphere at the same time being dry, and there follows after the reaction from this state, swelling of the joints, which is red and painful, intolerant of touch and motion, with fever more or less violent. Another is chilled by becoming wet in a rain storm, and results follow so similar that no eyes can perceive a difference. But that sensibility, keener than all human sense, the sensibility of diseased condition to the presence and action of its curative, will, and most certainly the remedy which promptly and completely cures the one will be found powerless for good with the other. Another is chilled by falling into water, or by long working in it, and suffers in like manner, but though we call his pains, swelling and fever rheumatism, his cure requires a different remedy from each of the others, though the sufferings of all result from chill, and we are compelled to call all by the same name. And this requirement of different curatives in these cases is determined by the one circumstance of dry or wet, in the two first cases, and by the manner of becoming wet in the two last. An interesting instance of rheumatism from the last cause came under the notice of the writer about a year and a half since. It was of two years standing, had resisted all remedies, and seemed to have fastened on the poor man a torture for life. He was given a single powder of Calc. carb.200 which he took, and in a week was perfectly well. He has ever since done duty as a good soldier of the United States. Even the exposures of camp life, for more than a year, have been borne with impunity. Another has suffered from the poison of Gonorrhea, and has similar sufferings, but the drugs which cured the other cases are powerless with him, and yet we call his case rheumatism also. These examples sufficiently illustrate the necessity of careful attention to the nature of the exciting cause in all cases where it can be ascertained.

The quality of the pain in different cases is exceedingly various, being determined either by the nature of the exciting cause, the vital condition or susceptibilities of the individual, or the circumstances of the attack. There is often a difficulty in the way of investigating this element, arising from the peculiarity of our national mind. It has been trained to the consideration, and has had to do almost exclusively with objective life and phenomena. The life within is to our nation almost an unobserved domain. This fact has stamped itself on our language, and left it poor in the terms necessary to the description of its phenomena, and hence great difficulty is often met in attempts to individualize this element of cases, the patients having no words to express what they feel. A pain is to them only a pain — and every one has been thought of as like every other. The word to most, certainly to many, patients has never had an adjective prefixed to it in their minds. And there is still another difficulty in the way of obtaining exact information, in the liability of persons to attach different meanings to the same word; or what is nearly equivalent to this, of using different terms to describe the same sensation. To avoid errors from these causes, will require the utmost caution. But it is believed the importance of the subject warrants and demands that patient care and perseverance which can and will overcome these and all other difficulties in the way of that knowledge necessary to success.

It is not necessary to say to the experienced observer that almost all diseases have their periods of exacerbation; and when the time arrives in successive days of their progress, it brings with it the aggravation of some or all their elements. Each case has its own periodicity. It is as little necessary to say to the experienced Homoeopathist that this periodicity is of immense importance in directing to the choice of curative remedies. But all have not had the experience which has shown to this class of physicians the extent of this importance, and it may not be amiss to urge upon such the careful observation of this element, and to assure them that often it alone brings the light which can rightly decide the choice between two remedies, so equal else may the claims of each be, till the case is so decided. The same remark is equally applicable to whatever circumstance aggravates or relieves the sufferings of the ease.

The disposition of the patient is also often very significant of the relationship of the proper curative to the case. It is often decisive between Aconite and Bryonia; Pulsatilla and Sulphur, etc. This should never be overlooked.

Having made all the necessary preliminary examinations and drawn out all the essential elements of a case of rheumatism, how shall the curative be found? To show the manner of this will be one object of the remainder of this paper.

When about to attempt a prescription, after the individualization which has been insisted on, and after noting that the ease has attacked one or more of the joints with swelling, which is red, hot, painful; the skin is burning and dry or moist, it may be either; the patient has great thirst; the affected parts are intolerant of touch and motion; the pulse has increased frequency, fullness, and hardness; the urine is scanty and high colored. These are the symptoms ordinarily met at first visits to acute, or, as it is often called, and well enough, inflammatory, rheumatism. It is a tolerably complete picture of such a case, for all purposes except prescribing; and yet for this, it is all but valueless. With only these elements, a Hering is as powerless for a specific prescription as the veriest tyro, and even more so. He would clearly perceive the necessity of a knowledge of other elements, before such a prescription could be made, and consequently would do nothing till this should be gained, while the tyro would guess, move, and probably blunder and fail. The case so presented has nearly equal claims on Acon., Arn., Bell., Bry., Dulc., Nux v., Puls., Rhus tox., so nearly equal that no man can say that one should be preferred to the others, and yet the physician must select. There are two courses open to him, and whether he takes the one or the other depends much on the knowledge he has of the Materia Medica, and his personal habits of practice. A very moderate share of this knowledge will probably suggest the above named remedies, and perhaps some others, and if his habits of prescribing are loose he will begin by giving two or more of them in alternation, at short intervals, and substituting others for those first selected, if these fail, as most likely they will, till the series has been run through, if the right remedy have not been stumbled on before, and then if the poor patient is not relieved, the prescriber is at the end of his tether. It is certain that this course sooner exhausts the number of supposed available remedies than a more simple and exact one, but it as certainly fails to show any other very obvious recommendation for its adoption, while to it there are two very strong objections. The first is it begets and perpetuates a loose practice, with no definite aims, and can rarely be followed by definite results, other than decided failures. It must be regarded, if rightly, at the best, as only a convenience of either indolence or ignorance, in the first instance, and perhaps of habit afterwards. The second objection is, we have no certainty in this course of practice, that the second remedy given will not injure or destroy the specific curative action of the first, if it be perchance specific, or the first that of the second. "We have no right to infer from them conjointly the sum of their actions when employed singly. That they do continually modify the action of each other when so employed there can be no doubt. How, no man can tell. This objection must be fatal to whatever of claim may be set up for this course as an example of specific practice. There may be added a third objection. When the practice is not successful, it leaves the case in increased, and often inextricable, confusion. A further discussion of the practice of alternating remedies is deferred to a future occasion, when we propose to show the class of cases where it may be admissible, and the principles by which it should be governed.

The second course is to proceed to the discovery and analysis of the other symptoms of the case which alone can show its true nature and the remedy required for the cure. The general symptoms of the case supposed are strongly suggestive of Aconite, at the first glance, but a second look, and the query arises, may not Bryonia be better, or Arnica, or Belladonna, or Rhus tox.? The group of symptoms here given is well represented in the pathogenesis of Aconite and Bryonia, but there are differences in the other symptoms of these drugs. The disposition under the sufferings of these two remedies is not the same, nor is there much need of confounding the two. Aconite is characterized by loud complaints and outcries, with weeping, tears and despairing anxiety. Any attempted playfulness, on the part of attendants, for the encouragement of the patient is very offensive to him. He is timid, and intolerant of noise, even musical sounds offend. Bryonia has not the characteristic outcries and complaints of Aconite. Its general tone of disposition is more subdued, or easily excited to anger. It has weeping and despairing with Aconite. Thirst with the two is somewhat different. With Aconite the thirst is incessant, while with Bryonia the calls are occasional for large draughts of cold drinks. In the general symptoms given above there is much resemblance to those of Bryonia and Nux vom., but these drugs differ in the disposition they excite, and also in the time of their aggravation. Nux is after midnight and morning. Bryonia, evening and before midnight Aconite, evening and night. The disposition of Nux is sad, depressed, silent or angry, despairing of health and recovery. Excessive sensibility to all external impressions. The slightest jarring or concussion is insupportable. The patient complains much of his sufferings but is not so loud, as are the outcries of Aconite. He is impatient of the least opposition. Arnica, in disposition resembles both Nux and Pulsatilla; Nux, in its angry irritability, Pulsatilla, in its despairing hopelessness. The great irritability of Arnica is of the mind; of Nux, of the senses. In periodicity Arn. ranks with Puls., evening and night. In disposition Rhus resembles Puls, but in periodicity Nux. The patient is depressed, sad, without courage, despairing, tearful, with exacerbations chiefly after midnight and morning. Belladonna, in disposition, ranks with Nux, but the manifestations are more violent; its period is rather with Puls., afternoon, evening, and before midnight. The disposition of Dulc. is angry, impatient, morose; which rather affiliates it with Nux, but its period is that of Pub., evening and night. The quality of the pains is an element of importance. With the above named remedies we have with Acon, pressure like a weight, shooting, as if bruised, tearing (drawing). With Arn. pains as if bruised, broken, dislocated, burning, cutting. Bell., shooting or tearing pressure, and cramp like. Bry. has painful tension, like bruise, shooting, as if the flesh were loose on the bones. Dulc., dull shootings, shooting drawings. Nux v., like bruise (in the joints), painful tension, drawing. Puls., drawing, fine shootings, drawing especially in the joints, like the pains of abscess, on touching the affected part. Rhus, tension, drawing, tearing with sense of dull numbness after motion, shooting (in the joints), like a bruise, like a sprain, as if the flesh were loosened on the bones, paralytic pains (in the joints).

It will be seen that while some of the pains are repeated by the different medicines, there is on the whole a marked individuality in the others, not easily overlooked. In the case of the repetitions, other symptoms must decide the choice of the remedy. The aggravation or relief of pains by motion is an element of the first importance to a specific prescription. In those cases, with the symptoms given, where the pains are increased by motion, if the exacerbation occurs evening and night, Bry. is appropriate; if after midnight and morning, Nux v. When the pains are relieved by motion, and the exacerbation is after midnight and morning, Rhus tox. is called for; if in the evening and before midnight Puls, or Dulc. In relation to the relief of pain by motion, it should be remembered that in many cases of this kind, the pains are much increased by the beginning of motion, though relieved by its continuance. This is true of many of the pains of Rhus.

In the matter of the swelling, it is intense with Acon., Bry., Puls, and Rhus. It is bright red with Acon. Bright and shining with Bry.; with Puls, and Rhus the color is more dull; with Arn., bluish. Bell, is likely to show an erysipelatous hue, while the swelling in cases characteristic for Dulc. and Nux v. is likely to be less intense. With Nux the color is dull; Dulc. brighter. If the swelling be edematous, especially of the feet or ankles, Merc. sol. is the remedy.

As to the exciting cause of the variety of rheumatism presented in the group of symptoms given above, it may be stated that most of these cases are the result of atmospheric impressions. Sudden change of temperature from a higher to a lower degree. Continued cold and damp, or cold and dry weather; small jets or currents of air falling upon an individual for a length of time, are all sufficient to produce rheumatism in persons predisposed by their vital condition to this form of disease; and the variety most likely to result is that which we have been considering. In its relationship to remedies it will be found that those cases caused by cold dry air will most frequently call for Acon, and Bry.; cold damp air, Dulc. and Rhus; from currents and jets, Nux and Puls. Rhus has this specialty that it is almost a specific for those cases contracted by exposure to chill and rain. Puls. shares with Rhus a relationship to cases contracted by exposure to rain, while it is especially appropriate to cases caused by protracted wet weather.

We have attempted by the analysis of the above group of symptoms which generally represents rheumatism accompanied by fever to point out its relationships to remedies, and also to show the method by which those relationships are ascertained. For this purpose we have taken a group most commonly met in acute cases, and have purposely avoided in its consideration the many modifying symptoms and circumstances which are sometimes associated with this group, and which indicate or establish relationships to other remedies. This has been avoided because it has been thought a view of the simple case better adapted to the object in view — to show the homoeopathic method of dealing with this sometimes obstinate enemy. This being clearly understood, it is easy to extend its application to other cases composed of more numerous elements, it being only an extension of the same process.

Thus, if with the symptoms considered, the swelling and pain suddenly leave the joint affected and appear with the same attending phenomena in another, how are we to decide on the remedy. Arn. and Puls., among the remedies cited above, have this peculiarity of sudden transition from joint to joint. It will not be difficult to decide which is the right, if we note the character of the swelling and the disposition of the patient. In both these elements the remedies differ, as has been already noted. But there is another variety of rheumatism with erratic pains, which has neither heat, redness nor swelling, which is relieved by other remedies. Sulph., if the pains are increased at night and by the heat of the bed; Nux mos., if it has been the result of protracted cold, wet weather; Asaf., if the seat of the pain is in the periosteum.

The difficulty of bringing the different forms of rheumatism into classes, the better to show their relation to remedies, is scarcely less than that of giving a definition of the genus. This grows very much out of the fact that the same remedy, on examination, will be found required in individual cases of several, and perhaps many classes. That most common division into acute and chronic is of very little avail in practice, many remedies being almost equally called for in both. Nux vom., Puls., Rhus, and Sulph. are examples of this. Besides, the curative power of a drug in a given case depends on the similarity of its pathogenesis to the symptoms to be cured, and not much, generally, on the duration of the case. In view of this difficulty it has been decided in what we have to say on the relation of rheumatism to remedies, to take these up and point out some of the more common and prominent symptoms of each, by which they may be related to cases in practice.

Ant. crud., if there be drawings, shootings, and tensive pains; shortening of the muscles or tendons, with bending of the limbs; the pains are aggravated by warm air and heat of the sun. It is chiefly appropriate in rheumatic inflammation of muscular tissue; especially of the biceps flexor cubiti. It is oftener appropriate in chronic than acute cases.

Arsenicum — Drawing tearings, especially in the limbs, with inability to lie on the affected side, and which are relieved by motion of the affected part. Pains which are felt during sleep. It is especially appropriate in protracted cases, with nocturnal aggravation of the pains, great emaciation, and profuse sweatings from exhausted vital force.

Calc. carb., is almost specific for cases contracted by working in the water, or a long continuance in it.

Causticum affects the fibrous tissues in the neighborhood of joints, as ligaments and tendons, and also the periosteum, i.e., the white rather than red fibrous tissues, and produces little or no discoloration, and if there be swelling it is pale. It causes shooting pains, especially in the joints, after taking cold. Tearings in the joints and bones, relieved by warmth and in bed. Shortening of tendons and rigidity and flexion of joints. Great sensibility to cold, open air, and currents of wind, which aggravate the pain. The patient is averse to lying uncovered. Its period of aggravation is evening. It is often appropriate in both acute and chronic cases with and without fever.

Chamomilla, is oftener applicable to acute and inflammatory cases with fever, than to chronic, apyretic cases. The pains are drawing in character, worse at night, and in bed; relieved by external warmth. The patient is disposed to constant movement of the affected part, which is numb, and partially paralytic. Tearings in the limbs, especially in the evening, and only relieved by constantly turning in bed. Drawing jerks in the bones and tendons. Pains in the periosteum, with paralytic weakness. Sensation of paralysis in parts, after the cessation of the pains. Rigid sensation and as if bruised in the joints, with cracking when moving. Its period of exacerbation is evening and before midnight. It will be perceived by the above, that the notable points in this drug are, it attacks chiefly the parts about the joints and periosteum (see Caustic), paralytic sensation and partial paralysis of affected parts, pains aggravated evening and before midnight, and in bed; relief by external warmth and by moving the part affected. There can be no mistake in its use, if these points are remembered, and also that the disposition it excites is angry, petulant and depressed. (See Nux vom.)

Chin. is valuable in many cases resulting from the abuse of Mercury, especially in weak and emaciated subjects, with inclination to excessive perspiration. (See Ars.) It affects the tissues around the joints, periosteum, lumbar muscles, and those of the face, chiefly. The parts about the joints are swollen, and excessively sensitive to touch. The pains are worse at night, and while lying and sitting are tensive, drawing, as if bruised, and are accompanied by a sensation of weakness in the affected part, which is also restless and disposed to constant movement, which relieves. Great excitability of the whole nervous system, especially the nerves of sense (see Nux v.), all impressions on these are too strong.

Hepar sulph is also related to cases of Mercurial rheumatism, especially in scrofulous subjects. There are tearings and shootings in the limbs and joints, with aggravation at night, especially during a nocturnal chill. Excessive nervous excitability, so that all impressions on body or mind cause internal trembling.

Ignatia. Pains in the joints as if sprained or dislocated. In the periosteum and long bones, pressing bruised pain especially at night and in bed; and the pains which appear while lying on the side, disappear when lying on the back. Belief by change of position. Great sensibility to currents of air. Alternations of disposition, showing opposite states, at short intervals. The general condition apathetic and depressed. Period of exacerbation, afternoon, evening and after midnight.

Ledum. This remedy is allied to both gout and rheumatism, and to acute and chronic cases, with and without swelling. It affects the joints, muscles, tendons, and periosteum. In the joints it produces jerking and shooting tearings; throbbing which hinders motion; paralytic pains, in all the joints, at night in bed, while moving the body; painful nodules in the joints. In the limbs, pains as if bruised; flying rheumatic tearings, from motion; tearing in the back and knees; pressing, and tearing pressing pains in the limbs, worse evenings and in the warmth of the bed; drawings in all the long bones, during motion. The warmth of the bed and the bed covering are insupportable. This intolerance of covering is quite characteristic of Ledum. Pains aggravated by motion. Period of aggravation evening and before midnight.

Lycopodium. In rheumatism of the finger-joints, and especially in chronic cases. In the practice of the writer it has been used with the best results in a case of rheumatic gout affecting these joints, of fifteen years standing. The joints were much distorted and filled with the characteristic chalk deposits. A perfect cure of the case, with absorption of the calcareous deposits, was effected by Lyc.2000 followed by Graph.2000, in about six months. The case was characterized by a profuse, icy cold perspiration of the affected hands and fingers, to the extent that several drops a minute would fall from the fingers' ends if these were permitted to hang downwards, and this in the hottest day of July. This remedy may also be of use in affections of the larger joints (mostly in chronic cases), if the general symptoms of the case are like the characteristics of this drug.

Mercurius sol. This drag is especially related to cases of syphilitic origin or complication, affecting the joints, bones, or periosteum. The swelling of the joints is likely to be large, pale, or slightly red, and puffy in appearance, or edematous. The pains are tearing, drawing, shooting, pressing; in the bones as if broken; in the joints as if sprained; worse evenings and night, and insupportable in the heat of the bed; accompanied by profuse perspiration (often sour or offensive smelling), which gives no relief to the pains.

Nux mos. In cases chiefly of the muscles, the result of chill, or of protracted exposure to cold and dampness. The pains are of a drawing character, worse during repose; relieved by warmth, and aggravated by cold open air.

Nux vom, (see ante). This remedy is especially appropriate to attacks of the large muscles of the loins, and the large joints.

Rhododendron. In cases caused by storms, and a raw chilly atmosphere. The pains are worse during repose (see Rhus tox. and Dulc), and nights in the warmth of the bed (see Merc., Puls., Rhus. tox., and Sulphur). The pains are tearing, drawing and shooting, worse on change of weather. The pains are frequently without redness or swelling. After abuse of Merc., in single joints, with redness and swelling, aggravation of the pains at night and towards morning, which causes tension and stiffness of the joints. There is great sensibility to cold windy weather.

Rhus tox. (see ante) is one of the principal remedies for that class of rheumatic cases which has the pains relieved by motion, and worse during repose, numbness of the affected, part after motion. It is appropriate to attacks of whatever tissue, if the characteristic symptoms of the case are like those of the drug.

Ruta graveolens. Pains as from a blow, fall, or as if crushed; aggravated by touch, bending the body or the affected joints. The pains in the limbs and loins are relieved by continued motion. Ruta affects chiefly the bones and joints. There is with the pains of the affected joints a sense of want of power, or partial paralysis. The wrist and first joint of the thumb are not unfrequently the seat of these pains, the patient being unable to grasp or hold objects with the affected hand. The pains of Ruta are aggravated by cold damp weather, and by repose. The disposition is sad, depressed, anxious, or angry.

Sabina, has drawing pains in the long bones of the upper and lower extremities, extending to the joints, where they are most severe, worse in a room and better in the open air. Paralytic pains in the joints after exertion. Tearing shooting in all the joints, with sensation as, if swollen, with shooting drawings through the long bones. Cracking of the joints. This remedy has been repeatedly curative of rheumatism of the metatarso-phalangeal joint of the great toe, characterized by great swelling, bright shining red, intense sensibility to touch and motion, worse at night. Fever high,

Sepia. In chronic cases, or in the obstinate remains of acute, which have resisted other remedies (see Sulphur). It has tension in different limbs, as if the tendons were too short; drawings in all the limbs, especially in the knees and fingers; drawing tearings, from below upwards, in the arms and legs, only in repose, with great weakness. Tearings in the knees and elbows. Sensation in the joints as if they would be easily sprained or dislocated. Cessation of the pains during powerful movement and walking in the open air. They appear most frequently and severely while sitting in repose and forenoons and evenings. Aggravations evenings and nights. Local warmth relieves the pains (see Ars. and Cham.). The pains are often accompanied by shuddering. Great sensibility to cold air, especially to the North wind.

Sepia was successful in removing the remainder of an acute attack located in the right knee, after Sulph., which at first gave great relief, had failed to effect a complete cure. The knee was semi-flexed, stiff, swollen, red, painful, worse at night, with a great sense of weakness in the joint. The pain and sensitiveness to touch were chiefly in the external lateral ligament. Sepia^200, one dose, removed the whole pain, stiffness, swelling, and weakness as well as an extreme sensibility to cold air, and to every change of weather, which had been of some standing. There seems to have been a complete extinction of the rheumatic constitution in this case by the one dose, though it had been active at times for years. There has been no return of pains, or sensibility to change of weather.

Sulphur is appropriate to both acute and chronic cases, though seldom to the early stages of acute; to the results of taking cold, especially from cold dampness, or from working in water; (see Calc. carb.) to cases with or without swelling. Pains with loss of power and numbness in the part affected; shootings in the joints, with stiffness, or at night; pains like a sprain; tension as if from shortening of the tendons, or especially in the tendons of the feet after a short walk; drawings and tearings in the knee and shin-bone, evenings; cracking of the joints, especially of the knee and elbow. Warmth relieves and cold aggravates the pains (see Ars., Cham., Sep., etc.). The pains appear and are aggravated at night. Great disposition to take cold. Great sensibility to wind and open air. Pains on a change of weather. Dread of washing.

Thuja. If the latest observations on this drug should be sustained by practical experience, it will be found scarcely less than a specific in rheumatism, from gonorrheal poisoning. Respect for recent writers who have associated this drug with this poison as its great antidote, will secure to Thuja a careful attention in all cases of this kind. The symptoms which ally it to rheumatism are in the neck, tearing, which prevents turning the head; burning cutting, extending between the shoulder blades. In the back, pressing sensation of heaviness extending to the ankles, hindering walking; as if bruised, with great weakness; the whole back is painful, with stiffness of the neck; like a painful saddle over the nape of the neck, shoulders and spine. In the loins a boring tearing pain, extending to the left hip causing limping. In the shoulders, tearing in the right, preventing lying on it and turning the head; tearing in both, or alternating from one to the other; severe stitch in the left; pain which prevents raising the arm over the head. In the arm, continued pain in the left, from the shoulder to the wrist and fingers, preventing grasping with the hand; in the middle of both, pain as if bruised. In the hands, drawings and tearings; pains in the fingers of the left, preventing grasping; in the thumb and finger joints, stiff, shooting, drawing, jerking and tearing pains, then swelling, when the pains gradually decline. In the hips, pain in the right, worse while sitting; drawings in the right, extending to the sole of foot; pain from the hip to the spine; sudden pain in the left, while stooping, So he can hardly step, with the sensation as if the leg were too long; the whole leg to the foot pains as if crushed. In the shin, shooting in the left, with swelling and redness of a spot, from which the pain extends to the ankle, and does not endure the least touch. In the knees, shooting in both so they cannot be bent, tension in the left; tearings; like excoriation, shooting, tightening, worse on sitting and rising from the seat, and at night preventing sleep. In the ankle, shooting and tearing with swelling, and also of the sole, worse in the morning. Aggravations for the most part afternoon, evening and night. Warmth relieves and cold increases the pains.

Veratrum. One of the characteristics of this drug is that the violence of its pains produce delirium. In cases of rheumatism where delirium attends its exacerbations, Veratrum can hardly fail to be of Service. It produces pains in the limbs like bruise and pressure. Its pains are intolerant of the heat of the bed, but are relieved by rising and walking about. They are renewed by damp cold weather. Renewal of the pains on rising which cease on lying down again. Stiffness of the limbs, especially forenoon and while standing.

A remedy of the first importance in the treatment of rheumatism is Lachesis. It is appropriate in both acute and chronic cases, and should always be in mind when treating cases from mercurial or syphilitic poisoning. The pains are increased evening and night; by touch and motion, and after sleeping, either day or night. It is more appropriate to the cases of spare or emaciated subjects (see Ars.), and also to cases with free perspiration, without attendant relief of the pains. (See Merc. sol.)

But the great province of this remedy is that class of cases threatening the heart or its appendages, or where these are actually invaded. In this class, so dangerous, and sooner or later, 60 fatal, if not met at the outset promptly by appropriate remedies, Lachesis is second in importance to no other medicine. The frequency and serious character of these attacks, will perhaps warrant a few remarks devoted to them in this connection, in which we hope to show the relation of this and some other remedies to rheumatism of the heart and its appendages, and to point oat the proper place of each in the treatment, so far as we may be able in the brief space at our command for this purpose.

The first remark we have to make is, that in the treatment of every case of acute rheumatism, attacks of the heart should be suspected and watched for constantly, no visit being passed without positive knowledge of the state of the heart derived from actual careful examination of its condition. It is not enough that the patient complains of no pain, or is silent as to unusual sensations in the cardiac region, for many cases make destructive progress without these, and without exhibiting the symptoms presently to be named, and which usually characterize such attacks. Nothing but a careful examination of the sounds of the heart's action can be perfectly relied on as evidence of its safety or danger in cases of acute rheumatism. No matter what the other symptoms, while these reveal only the dull, soft and smooth sounds, with the regularity of rhythm, and no more nor less than the active impulse of health, we need entertain no fear. It is all right. But any departure from these is a warning, and woe to both physician and patient if it be not heeded and met by proper means. Is there a greater impulse to the beat than accords with the general signs of fever, it is significant of threatened trouble, and this is much enhanced, if at the same time the action of the heart is more rapid than would have been anticipated from the grade of violence of the fever, and still more if this action is tumultuous, or irregular in its rhythm. If with or without these signs there is heard with the usual sound of the beat, one as if from the friction of two rough surfaces — a rubbing — or with each beat, a blowing like that from the action of a small hand bellows, we have no occasion longer for suspicion, for trouble is already upon us. The careful examination of the state of the heart is the more earnestly insisted on, because without this the evil may reach a development necessarily destructive before it is in the least perceptible in the general symptoms of the case.

A sad instance of the oversight we here would guard against, came under the observation of the writer some years ago, in the case of a lad 19 years old who had been ill about three months, the latter part of which time he had complained of no pain, but laid constantly in one position, on his right side, much bent forward, and well over on the face; he was desponding, said he could not get up nor move, though his physician insisted he could, and that "there was nothing the matter with him." On compelling him to get up and stand on his feet, the poor lad fainted, and the doctor was only puzzled. He was not instructed. It was now the writer was requested to see him, and to say what was "the matter."

A single glance at the outlook and position of the patient instantly excited a suspicion which was fully confirmed by placing the ear over the region of the heart. Its action was so rapid and irregular as not to admit of counting, and more tumultuous than had been previously met by the writer. — The first question, whether he had had rheumatism was answered, that he had three months before, but that his pains suddenly left him six or eight weeks ago, since which he had had no return of them, and had been as I saw him, making no complaints, but insisting constantly, in reply to his physician, who told him there was nothing the matter with him 'and that he should get up and dress himself, that he could not. He was for a long time told this daily, and it was only after the attempt and result above stated, that his physician desisted, but was not satisfied. When told his patient had rheumatism of the heart, he became angry, rude and violent in his denials of the fact, which dissection, two weeks afterwards, established.

In cases of rheumatism attacking young subjects, it should be remembered that the danger of this metastasis is in the inverse ratio of the age. It is rare that children who have suffered from this disease wholly escape deposits on the valves or membranous tissues about the heart. After thirty years the danger of this is comparatively less, though cases do occur much later in life than this. The danger is much greater in thin, nervous, and feeble patients, and in those who have been poorly nourished. Such patients should be watched with double care, and if possible, the evil arrested at the outset. It frequently happens that in such subjects, there is a strong tendency of the disease to return to the heart, after having been once or twice removed to its original point of attack. They call for the utmost vigilance, the heart once invaded acquires peculiar susceptibility to subsequent attacks.

In all cases of acute rheumatism, where the pains of the affected parts suddenly disappear, without corresponding amendment in the general conditions and symptoms, the state of the heart should at once be suspected and examined. If the modifications of its healthy sounds above named are found, there is certainly a transference of the diseased activity to this organ or some of its appendages. There will most likely be with these some of the following symptoms, though the absence of any, or all of them, should not be taken as certain evidence of the integrity of the heart. They differ also much in their intensity in different cases, from extreme severity, to so light a degree as to attract little or no attention. Their lighter manifestation, or even the absence of any of them, however, is not to be taken as a measure of the danger of the patient, as the case just given shows.

The pain in the region of the heart is often intense, shooting, stabbing, boring, burning, pressing, or like a bruise. — Anxiety, restlessness, oppressed respiration, which is short, hurried, often irregular, and always with the short, abrupt expiration compelled by the intolerance of the pressure of the inflated lungs; short, dry, abrupt, loud, and, for the most part, single cough. This cough is peculiar, and once heard is not easily forgotten. It belongs to affections of the heart in general, and is seldom wanting in cases of the kind under consideration. Pressure, like a weight, on the middle or the lower part of the sternum is often present, very troublesome, and embarrassing to the respiration and sleep, sleeplessness at night, or if the patient sleeps, he is often suddenly waked by a sense of suffocation, or fright, which soon partially passes away after waking — anxious and frightful dreams from which the patient wakes fatigued, and to which fatigue there is no rest. Pale and anxious countenance, indeed there is a peculiar physiognomy to these cases, which, however indescribable, when once seen, is not difficult to recognize. Great prostration of strength, and utter intolerance of exertion. Profuse perspiration is a frequent concomitant, but it gives no relief to the patient.. He lies, for the most part, on the right side, with the trunk bent forwards, or he is semi-recumbent, inclining to the right side. — The manner of the patient is anxious and agitated. His speech is difficult, abrupt, short, and almost always painful. He is for the most part taciturn, desponding, and sometimes exceedingly petulant. His sufferings are likely to be much aggravated at night.

The above symptoms and remarks are given especially for those who are still inexperienced in the observation and treatment of these cases, and to such (the remark is not necessary to the mature practitioner), we say further, spare no pains in your first prescription. Be sure that it is strictly accurate before you proceed, whatever time it may require, and whatever may be the state of the patient, or the agitation and anxiety of his friends. We say be sure, because doing nothing for a short time, in such cases, is far better than doing wrong, which is often an irreparable mischief. It begets complications or excites inveteracies which sometimes are difficult or impossible to overcome. Avoid the loose practice of giving two or more medicines at the same time, for here it will prove not only useless, but most likely mischievous. The frequency of the repetition of the doses must depend on the severity of the attack and the rapidity with which it seems to be running its course. The more violent and rapid require doses at shorter intervals. In prescribing we must have reference as well to the general symptoms as to those more immediately about the heart, and of these last we have the two classes of subjective and objective, both important, in their control of the choice of the remedy.

Aconite may be in place at the very outset of the attack, as it is in the beginning of most inflammations with fibrinous deposit, if there be full, hard, quick pulse, great heat of the skin, thirst and anxiety, with restlessness and loud complainings under the sufferings; sharp shootings in the region of the heart, etc. It is seldom of service later in the attack, and in this it only obeys the law which limits its usefulness in this class of inflammations to the stage of deposit, which is often quite brief. It may be well to caution the class of practitioners for whom these remarks are especially designed not to lose too much time in fruitless waiting for relief from Aconite which it cannot bring, but rather, if it has seemed appropriate in the beginning, and has brought partial relief to the pain, anxiety, difficult respiration and cough, and the amendment has ceased to progress favorably, to proceed at once to the selection of a remedy more appropriate to the case. It is to be remembered that however valuable this remedy may be in the beginning, for a first curative impression, it seldom is sufficient for the complete cure of these cases, and never in constitutions invaded by psoric taint. We use this expression in the general sense which signifies the presence of a miasm which when developed becomes a chronic disease, with no tendency in itself to a limited existence, or to a spontaneous cure, but the course of which, when unimpeded by appropriate remedies, is towards dissolution. "We prefer this general expression to "scrofula" and the many other indefinite terms which have been employed to designate the class of cases referred to. These remarks are, to a considerable extent, applicable to

Bryonia as a remedy for rheumatism of the heart. It is often valuable in the first stage, as a relief to present suffering, but rarely suffices for a cure, and never of severe cases. It is especially appropriate in this stage, when the fever is acute, with great thirst for cold drinks, pulse hard and quick, the shootings in the heart greatly aggravated by the least motion, and the respiration much embarrassed by a sense of pressing weight in the middle of the sternum. It is more applicable to cases where the membranes and muscular tissue are chiefly attacked.

Arsenicum is a remedy for a later stage of these cases, where there is great prostration of strength, cold, damp surface, or cold and sticky perspiration; great restlessness; rapid emaciation; great oppression of the respiration; burning pains in the region of the heart; pulse small, rapid and feeble; worse when lying on the back; and also at night, and especially after midnight.

Pulsatilla, if with the well-known disposition characteristic of this medicine, and the common symptoms of this metastasis, there be shootings in the region of the heart, or heavy pressure and burning; palpitation much increased by slight mental emotions, or by speaking, with anxiety, intolerance of the pressure of the clothes, which the patient constantly endeavors to remove, and also with darkening of the vision, and aggravation by lying on the left side. This remedy may be of service in the late stage of the attack, and aid the absorption of the deposited fibrin. The patient is worse evening and night, before midnight.

Lachesis. This is one of the most important remedies in rheumatism of the heart, and in cases of deposited fibrin into the cavity and upon the surface of the pericardium, or upon the surface of the valves, it is one of our chief reliances for its removal. In the last named variety, valvular deposit, it divides the field with Spongia and perhaps Iodine. In rheumatism of the pericardium or endocardium it has no rival, and for it there is at present no known substitute. It has been the pleasant experience of the writer, many times repeated, to watch the daily subsidence of the physical signs of the presence of this most important affection, till the last trace of the fearful friction sound disappeared, and with this, the gradual return of the patient's accustomed health. The subjective symptoms which indicate Lachesis in this affection are weight in the chest with anxiety; spasmodic pain (cramp like) in the heart, which causes palpitation; the heart feels as if constricted; a sensation as if the heart intermitted a single beat, which produces a slight cough, which seems to re-establish the circulation. Shortness of breath after every motion, especially of the hands, with great weariness. Inability to lie down on account of a suffocating sense of fullness in the chest, with the necessity if removing all pressure from the neck and chest, and gasping for breath, and when relieved of this, the patient lies on the left side with the head raised high. The anxiety, paleness of face, restlessness, perspiration, often excessive, are symptoms which nearly ally this remedy to Ars. They should be regarded as allies, not substitutes for each other. Both are exceedingly valuable, each being in its place, but a careful examination of the symptoms will show that their place is not identical. If called on to state the physical condition to which each is most appropriate, in, these affections of the heart, it might be said Ars. is more related to cases with deposit of water in the cavity of the pericardium, and Lach. of fibrin upon the surfaces of the affected organ, of its valves, or of its investing membrane.

Spongia has been mentioned as related to cases with fibrinous deposit upon the valves. If the success which has followed its use by the writer shall continue to attend its prescription in such cases, it will prove a remedy of the highest value. Repeatedly he has had opportunity to observe the speedy, gradual disappearance of the valvular murmur, after giving this remedy, and corresponding relief of the subjective symptoms of the case, quite as satisfactory and remarkable as are often the results of the same remedy in croup. It seems to stand in much the same relation to rheumatic affections of the valves as Lach. does to that of the external and internal membranes of the heart. It was first suggested to the writer as a remedy in diseases of the heart by that eminent Master of the Materia Medica, Dr. A. F. Haynel, of Baltimore. This mention brought to his recollection the effects of Spong. upon a colored servant of the writer, who had suffered many years from an organic affection of the heart — of which she died a year or two after. She stealthily seized and speedily ate and swallowed a piece of sponge, just roasted, which lay in her way, while my back was momentarily turned towards her. The effect was sudden and alarming. It produced a terrible beating of the heart, a suffocation which threatened to be fatal, the lips became livid, respiration violently gasping, great pain in the heart, terror and fear of approaching death. After ten or fifteen minutes these symptoms began gradually to subside, and the dose, though rather large, was followed by a very remarkable relief of her old heart symptoms, which lasted several weeks. The terror of the experiment was sufficient to cure her of all inclination to steal medicines in large doses.

It was not till some ten years after this rather unexpected and startling experiment that a night call, in great excitement and alarm, brought the writer, at about two o'clock, a.m., to the bedside of a patient whose rheumatism had left the lumbar muscles and seized the heart, and this was the second similar metastasis in this case. The patient was awakened between one and two, a.m., by a sense of suffocation, accompanied by violent, loud cough, great alarm, agitation, anxiety, and difficult respiration. The action of the heart was violent and rapid, and each beat was accompanied by a loud blowing, as of a bellows. This symptom might have been and probably was the result of the deposit by the previous attack. There could hardly have been time in this recent one for an accumulation of fibrin equal to its production. The whole appearance of the case brought up the recollection of the experiment of my servant. The phenomena of the two cases were quite similar, indeed strikingly so. I immediately gave two pellets of the 200th of Spongia tost., Jenichen's preparation. The relief to the distressing symptoms of the patient was prompt, remarkable, and permanent. The bellows sound, which was loud, gradually disappeared, and in a day or two ceased to be heard. This was the result of my first trial of Spongia in heart disease. I have since, from successes, come to have great confidence in it, where the valves are chiefly the seat of attack, and where the patient is suddenly awakened at night, and shows a train of symptoms like those given above.

Spigelia. This remedy is adapted to cases where the irritability of the heart is excessive, the beating violent or undulatory, or not synchronous with the beat of the pulse, the pains shooting and sharp, respiration short and oppressed, with great anxiety. The cases to which it is best adapted are those where the neuralgic element predominates, or, if inflammatory, where the deposit is small or before the stage of deposit is reached. In cases marked by distinct rubbing or bellows sounds, it may relieve pains and oppressed respiration, anxiety and restlessness, and the violence of the heart's action, but probably will exercise little influence over the absorption of inflammatory products.

Phosphorus. It is possible this remedy deserves more attention in the treatment of these cases than it has received. In the only case where it has been used by the writer, the result was striking and remarkable. It is given here because it illustrates a principle of the first importance in homoeopathic practice. There was nothing in the symptoms immediately referable to the heart, which was strikingly suggestive of Phos. rather than any other remedy. But the general symptoms were strongly characteristic of the drug, as were also the circumstances by which the symptoms were aggravated and relieved. Among the symptoms which found their resemblance in the pathogenesis of Phos. were pressure as if a great weight were lying on the middle of the sternum. Great pressure in the upper part of the chest; cough excited by drinking. Excoriation of the chest when coughing; cough wakes him constantly at night, and excites great pain in the breast. It was impossible to lie on the back.

This patient was now in his third attack of cardiac rheumatism. The first was some three years before this and the second five months. Since the first he had always had short breath and cough, inability to exert himself, palpitation of the heart, and depression of spirits from the belief that he had an incurable disease of the heart, which drove him to reckless courses of life. He became irregular and careless in his habits, drank very freely of intoxicating drinks, being willing by these or almost any means to end his wretched existence. In this third attack he had loud friction and bellows sounds. He was extremely petulant. The least trifle drove him to the greatest anger. He scolded violently if in the least opposed, or at any suggestion not perfectly agreeable. On getting Phos.200, Lehrman's, he was soon relieved of his most troublesome symptoms, and under the use of the remedy, six globules in half a tumbler of water, a tea-spoonful every six hours, his convalescence was complete in about two weeks. He also lost the evidences of the old deposits upon the valves and on the pericardium, and when last seen by the writer, some months after, he was in apparent health, and in constant attendance upon business. The absorption of these deposits, it is believed, must be attributed to the effect of the drug, an effect certainly as unexpected as agreeable. The object of giving this case to the reader, is, to call his attention to the drug, if he should have similar symptoms to treat, or cases with other characteristics of Phos. believing it to be worthy of more attention than it has received in the treatment of the class of cases under consideration. At the same time we cannot but protest against giving this or any other drug, because a patient has cardiac rheumatism, without first making a careful comparison of the symptoms of the case with those of the drug, and then it is only to be given because of the resemblance required by homoeopathic law of cure.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 05-07, 1862-1863, pages 193-202, pages 254-261, pages 294-304]

[Description: Rheumatism.]

[Remedies: Lachesis, Spongia tosta, Spigelia, Phosphorus]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1862]

SCARLET FEVER.

By P. P. Wells, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.

In the numbers for January, February and March, of Vol. iv. of the Review, were given some observations on the treatment of this fever, with the object, if possible, to develop a better method than the habitual or empirical employment of certain remedies, supposed to stand in specific relation to it, irrespective of the resemblance of the characteristic symptoms of the case under treatment to those of the supposed specific drug, which the law of cure requires. A protest was then entered against this practice of habit, which so signally disregards the demands of the law, the truth and importance of which is freely admitted by those, even, who thus in their practical duties disregard its claims. Instead of this practice, one founded on a strict individualization of the case, after which only can a specific remedy be found, was urged, and then the subject was farther considered, especially in the variety so rapidly fatal, characterized in all its elements by extreme torpor, destroying life by a speedy paralysis of all its forces, and generally so little amenable to remedies. New remedies for this variety were suggested; and then the consideration of the variety more particularly characterized by violent inflammatory action, especially of the brain, was entered on. This was continued so far as the examination of Aconite and Bryonia, with a view to develop their exact relation to this variety, when the discussion was suspended by other duties, though the intention to examine other remedies, in relation to this and other varieties of this disease, was not abandoned. It is now proposed to resume the subject, and as far as possible, to endeavor to give signs by which these relationships may be recognized. In entering on the subject anew, we shall, in the first place, according to our purpose already declared, examine, so far as related to our subject, the elements of that drug, more often misused, and from which, notwithstanding many failures, more is still expected, than from the use of any other. Of course we refer to

Belladonna. – In the numbers of the Review above mentioned, while protesting against the indiscriminate use of this drug, we have endeavored to call attention to a class of cases in which it can seldom if ever be found otherwise than hurtful, and to show that this must ever be true from the nature of the case, the class being characterized by torpor, or depressed action of the vital forces, while the effect of this drug, on these forces, is to produce the exact opposite, viz.: an exaltation of their action. Consequently the relation of the remedy to this class is never homoeopathic, but always antipathic, and hence the result of its use must be, by the law of drug relationship, in its secondary, or reactive effects, to intensify the morbid state which was to have been moderated and controlled by its use. But in that, variety characterized by excessive action of these forces, especially as affecting the brain, the case is different. In this variety the drug under consideration is often of the greatest value, it maybe even indispensable. For some of the symptoms of a representative case of this class the reader is referred to page 387 in vol. iv. of this Review, and he is requested to compare these with the following symptoms of Belladonna, and also these last with those of cases which he may be called to treat practically, and, where similarity of these groups do not obtain, to avoid carefully the use of this drug, if he is desirous of making a homoeopathic prescription and cure. The following is a translation of the symptoms which are likely to meet their counterpart in cases of the fever under consideration. That many of them are strikingly like those often met in practice is obvious. That they sustain the assertion of the active, demonstrative character of the action of this drug, as found in the records of its effects on the healthy, which we have here and elsewhere insisted on as characteristic, cannot admit of a doubt.

Convulsions – with outcries and loss of consciousness — with delirium – with distortion of the eyes – especially affecting the flexor muscles – with jerkings, especially of the hands and feet, loss of the sense of touch, and loose rattling of mucus in the bronchi. Rigidity with bending of the body and head backwards, or to the left side. Attacks of rigidity or immobility of all, or of a single limb, sometimes with loss of sensation, distended superficial veins, red and turgid face, full, quick pulse and copious sweating.

Trembling of the limbs, also with convulsive shakings; with weariness; in the heart, forenoons.

Restlessness. – Great restlessness of the limbs, especially of the hands and feet, and also of the head, compelling a constant moving and change of their position.

Skin. – Scarlet spots and scarlet redness, especially on the face, throat, chest, abdomen and hands, with acute swelling of the parts; sometimes with rapid small pulse, tightness of the chest, violent cough, delirium, increased activity of the memory, rubbing of the nose, and distended pupils. Erysipelatous inflammations, also with swelling, or even with gangrene of the parts. Redness, inflammation and swelling of the entire skin of the body.

Glands. – Swelling of the glands, painful or suppurating. Sleep. – Coma. Stupefying coma, like lethargy, with deep sleep and moaning respiration, lying motionless, occasionally opening the eyes with wild look, or jerking of the tendons; pale, cold face, cold hands, and hard small pulse, wakes with a start and fright especially on going to sleep, sometimes with sweat on the forehead and epigastrium, and fear as if something under the bed made a noise. Restlessness and tossing.

During Sleep. – Outcries. Sighings. Jerkings, which wake the child up, also on falling asleep. Singing and loud talking. Suffocating snoring during inspiration. In the evening when falling asleep, he feels as if swimming in the bed. On closing the eyes to sleep, immediately there are frightful visions and jerkings. Anxious and frightful dreams. Dreams of falling.

Fever. – Dry burning heat. Internal or external heat, or both at the same time.

During the Heat. – Delirium and redness of the face. Throbbing of the carotid and temporal arteries. Redness and swelling of the face. Pulse strong and rapid, or small and quick. .

Disposition. – Unwillingness to speak. Indifference. Apathy on which nothing makes an impression. Answers only with anger and outcries. Increased susceptibility of all the senses; all impressions on these are too strong. Howling and outcries for the merest trifles, increased by being spoken to.

Intelligence. – Insensibility, with convulsions, especially of the arms. Loss of consciousness. Stupidity. Insensibility, as if in a dream, also in the evening in bed. He neither sees nor hears. He recognizes no one, even his relations, especially by the sense of hearing. He does not know whether he sleeps or wakes. Illusions of the senses, and imagination. Delirium, especially at night, with a staring look. Murmuring delirium. Vertigo with trembling of the hands; with dullness of the senses; with nausea.

Head. – Heaviness of the head. In the forehead, especially over the eyes, with pain in them when touched, and difficulty of opening them especially in the morning, on waking. Pressing heaviness in the occiput, or towards the temples, with diminished hearing. Heaviness in the head like drunkenness, with vertigo. Outward pressure in the head, with sensation of bursting, especially in the forehead, as it all would come out forwards. Tearing in the head, especially in the forehead over the eyes, in the vertex (Scheitel). Shootings to the temples outwards, or in the temples. Pressing shootings in the temples, or to all sides of the brain. Cutting shooting, as if with knives, especially evenings, in the whole head, or only in the occiput. Shootings from one temple to the other. Throbbing in the whole head, after pressing cutting. Pressing throbbing in the occiput. Strong pulsation of the arteries of the head, especially of the forehead and temples, or with sensation in the bones of the forehead as it they were raised up; or in the morning after walking, with pulsations in the whole body. Heat in the head. Painful sensibility of the hairy scalp to the slightest touch, even of the hair. Convulsive shaking and bending backwards of the head.

Eyes. – Red. injected conjunctiva, also with shootings and tears. Spasms of the eyelids. Eyes opened wide. Eyes prominent. Immovable. Sparkling, brilliant, distorted, or in convulsive motion. Glassy. Red. Great sensibility to light, with spasmodic turning of the eyes from the light.

Ears. Deafness, as if a membrane (Felle) were drawn over the ears. Increased sensibility and repugnance to sounds.

Face. – Burning heat and redness, especially of the cheeks, as if after drinking wine, with congestion of blood to the head, or with violent headache and ice cold extremities. Red, scarlet spots on the face, also with strong pulse. Convulsions of the lips. Distortion of the mouth. Lips dark red and dry.

Mouth. – Great dryness of the mouth, extending to the throat; the larynx as if constricted, hindering swallowing, also with or without thirst. Bloody froth at the mouth, with grinding of the teeth and shaking of the head. Mouths of the salivary ducts excoriated, as if corroded. Sticky slime in the mouth for the most part with sensation of dryness. Foul smell from the mouth, as if from disordered stomach. Tongue cracked, red, hot and dry. Papillae bright red, inflamed and swollen. Trembling of the tongue. Heaviness of the tongue. Paralytic weakness of the organs of the voice. Difficult and stammering speech, also like that of drunkenness, with full consciousness and dilated pupils. Nasal speech. Loss of speech.

Throat. – As if raw and excoriated, especially when swallowing, touched with the tongue, or chewing. Burning in the tongue and fauces, especially when swallowing food or drink. Shootings and pain as if swollen, only when swallowing, turning the neck or feeling of the throat. Inflammation, swelling and redness of the throat and fauces, palate, uvula and tonsils. Swallowing painful, difficult, or entirely prevented, even of fluids, which often return through the nose. Impossibility of swallowing, with aversion to all liquids, even to madness. Dryness of the throat and mouth prevents swallowing.

The above are literal translations of symptoms of Belladonna, as found in the first volume of Jahr's Codex. The translation has been made from this, rather than from the Materia Medica Pura, or other volumes of provings, because of its character, being a compilation from the various proving in existence when it was prepared, as presenting a wider range of symptoms than is found in other works. For this reason this has been selected, though the writer was fully aware of the rather frequent witch-work this compiler is in the habit of making with symptoms of original provers, by reducing two or more of them to one, or dividing one into two or more, or of omitting parts of symptoms, altogether, to bring the whole into a state and dimensions better suited to his notions of what symptoms ought to be. For the purposes of the present paper, notwithstanding this unpardonable defect of the work, the wider range of the Codex presented advantages which have been availed of to gather in one view the symptoms which are scattered through other works, and by which the drug is related to the disease under consideration. There may be other symptoms under other rubrics in the pathogenesis of the .drug, which may find their counterpart in cases of the fever, but the object was to present those which are oftenest repeated in cases affecting severely the brain and throat, through one or other of which attacks are oftener fatal than through destructive processes in other parts of the body. And first let us examine those indicative of brain affection, and see if their character sustains the judgment expressed, that the action of this drug on the brain is characterized by excess of action as opposed to torpor.

In the first rubric, convulsions, every fact sustains this view, if we except the paralysis of sensation and mucous rattle, which are not incompatible with it, being both often met in the last stage of what has been unquestioned inflammatory condition of the brain, though both symptoms are also met in cases of torpor or paralysis of this organ.

In the second the relation may be to the first stage of the inflammatory state or the torpid, the symptom being of that general character which may be found in a great variety of affections, and hence as indicative of specific character of either drug or disease is not of the first importance.

In the third there is certainly less of specific likeness to the peculiar eruption of the fever than might have been expected from the almost universal use of the drug, based largely on the scarlet quality of the eruptions it has produced. There is none whatever to the eruption of the fever, as oftenest met at the present day, in its severest manifestations, except in the one item of color. There are here three forms of scarlet eruption, all of them attended by swelling, which the eruption of the fever is not; one of them by gangrene, which the scarlet rash is not likely to be, though a peculiar affection of the throat, to be noticed by-and-bye, may be thought by some to negative this. The first is certainly attended by many phenomena often met in the fever which characterize it as well as the drug, and which it is likely have much to do with the curative relation of the drug to the disease, notwithstanding the swelling, which the fever rarely shows, except of the glands and the cellular tissue about the throat. After a careful attention to the skin affections of Belladonna, these three are all by which it can be said to be related to the fever by the law of similars, it can hardly be supposed that these alone were the reasons for elevating this drug to the dignity of a supposed general specific for scarlatina. There must have been other and stronger resemblances. in other elements of drug and diseased action.

Of the sleep there is nothing very peculiar. The coma is not so characterized as to declare it more like that of scarlatina than of anyone of the numerous affections of which it may be found a symptom. So of waking. These symptoms are met in scarlet fever as well as in other affections, and are indicative of active rather than torpid state of the vital forces of the brain, though coma belongs to both. The same observation it will be noticed is equally applicable to the symptoms during sleep, and to those of the fever, and disposition, if, in relation to this last, it be remarked, that apathy may belong to the early stage of either torpor or inflammation.

The developments of the effects of the drug in the modifications it produces of intellect, are of the highest interest and are without exception similar to those which often result from inflammation, though insensibility and loss of consciousness may be met in states of torpor.

Of the symptoms of the head, all belong to the inflammatory condition, while only vertigo and heaviness are common to this and torpor; while those of the eyes, ears and face are all strictly inflammatory in their character, those of the mouth are mixed. All may be attendant on some stage of inflammation, while some of them are often met in states of torpor. The symptoms of the throat, it will be observed, are all subjective, except the redness and swelling, and all such as characterize common phlegmonous inflammation of the parts, of an acute character. The absence of those symptoms which characterize the class of cases so often fatal through destruction of the tissues about the throat, internal or external, is note-worthy. There is nothing of the foul smell, and tenacious, offensive, and often, excoriating secretions which are constant concomitants of the internal sloughing of the throat, or of the hard and immense swelling of the exterior cellular tissue which so soon sloughs and discharges externally, if its progress be not checked.; after which, how generally fatal these attacks are, we all know too well. The pathogenesis of Belladonna will be searched, in vain for good and sufficient reasons for its use in these sad cases. There are no such reasons, and yet it has been given again and again, and though it has often failed of giving the least aid to a cure, it has still been the one great resort, as though, the case being scarlet fever, it must somehow benefit. Such prescription must have resulted from some such reason (or unreason) as this, for in the pathogenesis of the drug, the only true foundation for specific prescribing, it has no support. Its administration in such cases, where it must almost always be out of place, is not merely attended by a loss of time, where the loss can be so ill afforded, and where there is always so little to lose, but the drug, by its antipathic relation, must often inflict great and positive mischief on the poor patient, which he has little power to resist. We have protested against this course of prescribing, and again, with this protest, we declare that it cannot, be too carefully avoided. In any case where the practitioner is tempted to give this drug, let him look carefully to its pathogenesis, and if in this he finds the resemblance to the characteristics of his case which the law of cure requires, the result will not disappoint him. But if this resemblance be wanting let him avoid its use as he would a certain evil. If he can do no better than this, by all means let him leave his patient to his God and the powers of recuperation. He has given, for, in these circumstances, this is his highest duty, humiliating as the declaration may be.

There is another condition in which Belladonna has often been given without the benefit following which was expected, and which a hasty examination of its pathogenesis might declare was reasonably anticipated. We refer to the stupid, comatose state which is sometimes developed even early in the history of the case, at other times only later. Belladonna seldom relieves this, though we have both coma and stupidity in its pathogenesis. And so clear and positive is the expression, that the seeming is still after frequent disappointments, that it must relieve, at least this next case, notwithstanding the previous failures. The explanation of these disappointments is not difficult. It is found in the fact, already sufficiently insisted on, in this and the paper on Typhoid Fever, that Belladonna is not homoeopathic to a condition of torpor. And the coma and stupid dullness which belong to scarlatina, to which we here refer, are of this condition. Its action, if it act at all in cases of this description, must he antipathic, and therefore not curative. If given in larger doses, there may possibly follow a palliation which can only be of brief continuance. Opium or Stramonium will more likely be in place in cases of this kind, the preference being for Opium in those where these symptoms are simple and strongly expressed, and for Stramonium where there is mixed, so to say, somewhat of activity with the torpor:

In the series of remedies from which we may be called to select in the treatment of a case of scarlet fever, characterized by the phenomena of acute inflammatory action within the head, if viewed as standing in the order of the degree of violence which marks this variety of their action on the brain and its membranes, the first place will undoubtedly be given to Belladonna. This appears conclusively if we compare the elements of its pathogenesis given above with those of the other members of the series. By this standard, (and it is in the order of the violence of their action we propose to consider them) the third place is as certainly to be given to Hyoscyamus. The value of this drug in the treatment of inflammatory affections of the brain, resulting from the action of general causes, has been fully recognized. Where the symptoms of a case are similar to those produced by the drug on the healthy, it is no bar to its use that the disease is the result of a specific poison. It would have been but natural to anticipate its efficacy in this class of affections from the success which has followed its use in the non-specific inflammations. That which would have been anticipated of its value in these cases, has been often fully confirmed by practical results. It hence becomes of. the highest importance here, as with Stram., to fix the exact place of the drug in the series of those from which we are to choose in our prescription, and to establish as clearly as possible the signs which decide for its selection. Before proceeding to this, the general remark may be permitted, that the sphere of Hyoscyamus in the treatment of scarlet fever is a limited, though not an unimportant one. It is rare that it is more than a temporary resort for the relief of some sudden attack of the brain, which, if not controlled, threatens destructive consequences. In such cases it may be of the highest value, though never a curative for the entire disease. Its sphere seems to be limited to cases with acute inflammatory affection of the brain, or to that state between erethism and toror, which places it in relation to

Bell. and Stram., as in typhoid fever, below Stram. This will appear plain on a careful comparison of the symptoms of the three related drugs, which are liable to be repeated in those of the fever. The symptoms of Hyoscyamus related to scarlet fever are fewer in number, and those which are most prominent are accompanied by fewer concomitants, showing that it strikes less deeply into the vital forces than either of its allies, and that the disturbances of the vital balance which it produces, are fewer in number a well more superficial than those of either Bell. or Stram. If we begin the series of its symptoms as in the preceding, we shall find its

Convulsions sustaining this view. Spasmodic bending of the limbs, while the curved body is thrown upward in the air. Spasmodic tetanic stiffness of the whole body. Jerking of the limbs. Subsultus. Convulsive motions of the limbs with frothing at the mouth; great throwing about of the body; with a renewal on the slightest attempt to swallow liquids; with thumbs drawn inward on the palms.

General prostration of strength, with trembling of the whole body and coldness of the extremities. Burning of the skin when laying the hand on any part of the body. Inflammation of the skin of the whole body with cinnabar redness.

Irresistible inclination to sleep, (op.) continued profound slumber or sleep. Excessive (unmassiger) sleep. Quiet sleep. (Op.) Coma vigil. (Op.) In Sleep, perspiration, laughing

expression of countenance, suffocating snoring during inspiration [The distinction between this symptom and that so characteristic of Opium is not difficult; with Opium, the respiration is slow, deep, loud, and snoring, but there is no suffocation.] Whimpering, with throwing lip of the arms, tossing about of the head, throwing about and jerking of the feet, (Stram. more of the hands) and opening and spreading, and then closing of the fingers.

Sleeplessness from nervous excitability, with convulsions and shuddering as if from fright. Sleepless the whole night. Sleepless with anxiety. The child passes the whole night in tossings and cries, wakes with screams. Wakes and starts up in a fright. The sleep is interrupted by grinding the teeth. Frightful dreams.

Restlessness the greatest, he moves constantly from place to place. Terrible anxiety. Shudderings alternating with trembling and convulsions. Uses violence, and strikes his attendants. Insensibility to nipping and pinching. Entire loss of perception and understanding. Complete stupidity and loss of consciousness. He neither sees nor hears. Does not recognize his relations. Sits in bed like a statue, immovable, and bereft of his senses. Delirium even when awake, as if he had seen a man who was not present. Absurd talking and muttering. Grasps at the nearest object and cries that he shall fall. Lies naked in bed, talking. Violent moving of the hands with constant burning heat, outcries and difficult breathing. Remembers occurrences long past. Great weakness of memory. Inability to think. Dullness and sinking into continued sleep. Confusion of the head as if absent-minded. Vertigo with clouded sight. Violent vertigo. Vertigo as if from drunkenness.

Continued violent pains in the head, with preternatural heat, alternating with pain in the nape of the neck. Dull pains in the base of the brain; in the forehead, especially in the membranes of the brain. Heaviness of the head with severe pain.

Eyes, sparkling and red, distorted and open, prominent and convulsed; sunken, sparkling and staring; staring and distorted; gazes on those present with a staring look. Strabismus. Inability to open the eye-lids. Pupils much dilated or contracted. Objects appear enlarged and brighter colored.

Tongue red, dry and parched, while it is clean or brown coated. Burning dryness of the tongue and lips which look like burnt leather. Sensation of fullness of the tongue, as if burnt, much increased by speaking and inspiration. In ability to speak distinctly. Loss of speech with loss of the senses.

Great dryness of the throat (also shootings) and almost constantly with thirst. The throat is so dry and constricted that a single swallow (of tea) will suffocate him. Pressure of the throat, as if swollen, when, and when not, swallowing. Points to the throat with the finger as if something stuck there. The throat as if constricted, preventing swallowing. Inability to swallow. He spits out the liquids which have been put in his mouth. It requires only a cursory comparison of the above symptoms with the two series which have preceded it, to discover the differences which control the selection of either of these drugs in cases when one of them is called for by the law of similars. The convulsions of Hyoscyamus are quite peculiar. In one of its forms, affecting chiefly the flexor muscles of the limbs and trunk. In another the tonic character of the spasms is quite marked, more so than in either of the others. Jerkings in the symptoms of Hyos. are replaced by trembling shaking in those of Stram. The jactitation is peculiar to the convulsions of Hyos. or at least this feature is more prominently expressed here, than with either of the others. The trembling is here accompanied by general prostration, while it is not so in the case of the others. Burning of the skin is peculiar and different from the skin affections of either of the others. It will be well to note carefully the symptoms of sleep, and to compare them with the effects of Opium, as well as with those of Bell. and Stram. The similarity of the symptoms of Hyos. and Opium in this rubrick are quite marked, and it is often in this rubrick that the symptoms are found which decide the choice of the remedy. In treating the coma of scarlet fever, so often significant of grave cerebral condition, and often developed even early in the case, the experience of years has taught that little is to be expected of good from either Bell. or Stram., while prompt relief will follow the use of Opium or Hyos. if these be selected with careful reference to their differences and to the similarity of these to the symptoms of the case. If, in this class of cases, time be lost in proving, by actual trial, the worthlessness of Bell., the case will probably pass on to a hopeless state, the condition having been either aggravated by the action of an inappropriate drug, or allowed to progress uninterruptedly towards a fatal termination, during the whole time in which the action of a rightly selected drug could have been curative. It is in just this class of cases that the utmost care should he used in the first prescription, for the enemy is likely to allow little chance of good from any subsequent one if this proves to be wrong. The symptoms developed during sleep, are also worthy of careful attention. The symptoms of the intellect, head and eyes, though like to those at times developed in an inflammatory attack within the head, are many of them of a less distinctive or demonstrative character than are those of its two related remedies, and this is one of the chief differences by which its true character and place in practice are indicated. Where the symptoms are more demonstrative in their character they have also more numerous concomitants.

Sulphur. – Before presenting the elements of the pathogenesis of this drug, we wish to make a few general observations on its use, especially in the treatment of acute diseases. There is a notion prevailing with many practitioners that this remedy, though of great value, is more especially appropriate to the treatment of chronic than acute affections. That if in place at all, !n dealing with the latter, it is only after the first stage of the attack has passed, or there have been deposits in cavities, in parenchyma, or upon surfaces, which are to be removed; or the acute attack has roused to activity some old cachexy or chronic miasm, giving to the case much of the character of that class of affections for which Sulphur is supposed to have special appropriateness. This, though an error, is not without excuse. It has in part, at least, grown out of the division of diseases by the great Master into the two classes of psoric and apsoric, and giving to Sulphur the place of first importance in the treatment of cases of the first division. To the efficacy of the drug in this class of affections the experience of intelligent Homoeopathicians of all countries bears ample testimony. The error of those who have failed to recognize its importance in the treatment of the second class, is in this restricted view of its relations to one class, and to an altogether too limited view of the prevalence and importance of the miasms which are the producing essence of those affections which all term chronic. (Psoric.) There is not attack of acute or a psoric disease, where these miasms may not be brought into action from their previous latent state and in which then they are not a cause of increased embarrassment to the practitioner, and danger to the patient. It is just the causes of the apsoric class which are likely to excite the activity of the psoric poison. How often is this the case in measles, typhoid fever, pneumonia, influenza, etc., and when this occurs, in these or other affections, who shall draw the line where the case ceases to be acute and becomes chronic? We make this statement of the general liability of diseases, commonly called acute, to become complicated in their progress by the roused activity of psoric miasm, thus broad, in the full view and belief of the almost universal prevalence of this poison in each individual of our race. Where is there one, who can be said to be entirely free from it? And wherever it exists, there it may and does become active whenever subjected to the action of causes which in their nature tend to rouse it from its latent to an active existence. Of such causes, all experience proves, that those which originate common acute diseases are the most important. Therefore, even on the view of the relationship of this drug which would limit it to the treatment of affections commonly received as chronic, or psoric, it may be called for in the treatment of any one member of the other class by reason of this complication of the chronic element, so likely to occur, and so important when met. [See paper on the "Use of High Potencies in the Treatment of the Sick," by Carroll Dunham, M.D., p. 297 et seq. Vol. II of this review, where this subject has been more fully discussed.

But this is not all the truth. There is in the relationship of Sulphur to diseased conditions, as their curative, no law which separates it from the law which declares and constitutes this relationship for all other drugs. There is no exceptional element by which it is removed from the domain of the common law, which requires similarity of the characteristics of the drug and the disease for the constitution of this relationship. Neither is there anything in the division of diseases into the two classes named which removes either of them from the authority of this common law" in the discovery and establishment of their curative relations. This division evolves no new relations and imposes no new conditions. It is the similarity of the required elements and this alone which declares that this or any other drug will cure a given case. If this similarity be ascertained, it does not matter whether the case may have been classified as acute or chronic or whether the drug has its place with the psoric or apsoric; the one will be cured by the other in all cases and conditions where cure is yet possible.

If these views are correct, it follows that Sulphur may be in place in the treatment of any, the most acute, diseases, inflammatory or otherwise; that it is sure to be the best remedy in any or all these, whenever its characteristics are more like the characteristics of the disease, than are those of any other drug. And this is just what enlightened experience and observation has proved to be the fact. Under the guidance of this law of similars it has been selected for the cure of the most violent and dangerous inflammations, and they have yielded to its power. Indeed, broad as is its clinical application by this law, it may be doubted whether in any class of diseases it has greater value, or will oftener be followed by success, when rightly selected, than in that of the most important inflammations, in which, hitherto, it has been unwarrantably neglected. This certainly has not happened from a failure after a careful study of its pathogenesis, to find a resemblance to the phenomena of acute inflammation of important organs. How beautifully and how often has the use of this drug in Peritonitis, Pneumonia, Pleuritis, Meningitis, etc., been followed by the prompt and complete disappearance of these grave affections, showing conclusively, not that its psoric relationships are less general or important than has been supposed, but that like all other drugs, it has other relations, scarcely less important, growing out of the general law of similars, by which it stands allied to a large class of important affections, which may or may not be complicated with the psoric poison, but which have their origin from causes entirely independent of this. An example illustrative of this is often met in the progress of cases of scarlet fever, especially in those which are characterized by prominent brain affection. The following symptoms from its pathogenesis are the grounds of this relationship:

Miliary rash (Friesel) on the whole body, sticking itching, or itching followed by exfoliation of the skin. [A tolerable picture of the cutaneous phenomena of scarlet fever, as now oftenest met, from the beginning to the end.] A fiery red or scatlet (Scharlachartiger) eruption over the whole body. After a slight rubbing, the skin is for a long time very painful, as if it were raw. Swelling, suppurations and indurations of the glands. [Not necessarily belonging to this fever with the affection of the brain we are considering, though in the progress of these cases the glands of the throat often become involved.]

Difficulty of falling asleep, with frequent waking, at night. In the evening, in bed, he cannot fall asleep for an hour. Cannot sleep before twelve o'clock, and then there is frequent waking and tossing about in the bed. On account of great restlessness, he cannot sleep after midnight. Wakes each time with fright, as if from a terrifying dream, and after waking is filled with anxious phantasies, from which he cannot free himself. Restless tossing here and there without waking. Severe pains in the head which hinder sleep, and allow of rest in no position. Frequent waking on account of beating of the arteries in the head. Waking, especially in the evening, on falling asleep, with frightened start. Calls out as if unconscious (in sleep). Delirium, in a restless sleep, filled with dreams, before midnight, like anxious delirium. Eyes half open in sleep. Indistinct muttering in sleep. Snoring. Lies with the arms over the head. Frightful and anxious dreams, in which he gets out of bed, unconscious, followed by violent headache. Immediately on closing the eyes, visions of strange and frightful apish faces, which he can not keep away. The child is angry and passionate. Excited temper, easily excited. Seizes on things with great haste.

Headache with nausea, also with heat and rushing sound (sausen) in the head. Heaviness of the head, which makes every motion unpleasant; in the vertex; like a weight pressing from above downwards upon the brain, as if a band were drawn around the head. Pressure, mostly on the vertex, as if the eyes would be forced out, or as if the brain were pressed from above. Tension in the forehead. Drawings in the forehead and temples and in the occiput, so sensitive while chewing that he must stop eating. Jerking pains in the head, especially over the right eye. Shootings in the temples; in the vertex. Throbbing in the head morning and evening; in the temples; hammering throbbing, during earnest speaking, or very painful. Single blows through the head. Congestion of blood to the head, and often with flushing heat. Heat in the head, mornings and evenings, with cold feet; great and dry, with glowing redness of the face, mornings, on waking. Humming in the head, especially in the vertex. Ringing rushing towards, and out of, the ears. Striking of the brain upon the skull when moving the head, with pressing pain. With every nod of the head pain as if the brain were struck.

Redness of the eyes the whole day, with great itching in them in the evening. The pupils are greatly contracted. Intolerance of light especially of sun-light. The symptoms connected with sleep have been given somewhat fully, from a conviction that it is often in connection with these that the indications for the use of Sulphur in this fever are found. It is no objection to this view that these symptoms are often met in other and less grave affections. It does not follow from this admitted fact that they may not be also indices of curative relationship in graver affections, when similarity to them obtains in the phenomena of the disease. It will be noted also that there are few moral or intellectual symptoms in those translated above. It is true also that in the class of cases for which Sulphur will be found of the greatest importance, this class of symptoms have few representatives, or are, in some cases, almost in abeyance. The head symptoms are important and quite suggestive of acute inflammation. It is true in many cases of the brain affection we are here considering, the subjective symptoms are more or less completely masked by the paralyzed perceptions of the patient, and that we are deprived to that extent of their aid in our study for the selection of a curative, but where this paralysis is found in connection with other phenomena of cerebral inflammation, these symptoms may be assumed to be more or less present, for the purposes of the prescription, and acted on as if really detected.

As illustrative of the view here given of the importance of the sleep symptoms, and also of the variety of the fever to which Sulphur is appropriate, we give the following case:

A little girl of five years was attacked with the ordinary symptoms of scarlet fever, in the latter part of Nov., 1844. The initiation of the attack was with chills, vomiting, violent headache, prostration, peevishness, flushed face, injected eyes, etc. Then in a few hours came the eruption in the military form, patchy, and evanescent. At times it was bright and full, then it faded and partially disappeared. The mind soon became wandering, and then delirious, the character of the delirium being active rather than muttering. The heat of the skin was great, while the skin was at the same time dry, hard, and somewhat roughened. The throat was moderately swollen, internally and externally, impeding somewhat both speech and deglutition. The patient was treated chiefly with Bell., till the evening of the fourth day, growing rather worse than better, at which time, in addition to her previous symptoms, she was, apparently, wide awake but positively asleep so far as perception or recognition of her surrounding relations were concerned. She no longer knew her attendants or heeded whatever was said to her. She was in great agitation and anxiety, with loud outcries, not screams, calling out that she wished to "go to bed," though she was upon the bed at the time. Immediately on being laid on her pillow she would spring up and call out that she wanted "to go to bed;" and this was repeated as often as she was replaced, with the assurance that she was already on the bed. She seemed to have no apprehension of what was said to her. The eyes were injected and staring. The aspect dull and heavy, though very anxious, and apparently apprehensive. At six o'clock in the evening she got a dose of Sulphur. She now became more quiet, then fell asleep, had a good night, and in the morning appeared convalescent. She recovered from this time without accident.

It will be noticed there was a marked peculiarity in this case. The patients eyes were wide open, even staring, and yet she seemed to see nothing. She seemed wide awake and yet to hear nothing. She paid no attention to anything said to quiet or comfort her. No one of her senses seemed to recognize objects or relations around her. She did not know she was on the bed all the time she was so anxious to go to it. The whole state was so like that of sleep-waking, or somnambulism, that the resemblance could not fail of being recognized. The relation of Sulphur to this state is disclosed by the followed symptoms: "The night walker gets out of his bed, as if unconscious, saying, 'my head, my head, I am insane;' and seizing upon the forehead. Rises from the bed as if somnambulic, thinks there is a fire, dresses herself, speaks out at the window in alarm, when she hears nothing, but is much debilitated and as if bruised for three days." The state of waking unconsciousness is here clearly disclosed, and though the expressions or hallucinations are not the same as those manifested by the patient, the general state of the two, it will be seen at once, as to essential particulars, was the same. The truth of this view is confirmed by the prompt recovery of the patient after taking the drug. Other similar cases have been relieved with the same promptness and completeness by the use of Sulphur.

This case, in connection with the above symptoms, gives opportunity for the remark that it is not the literal similarity of the pathogenetic record and the expressions of patients which the law of cure contemplates or requires, but a likeness of the essential nature of the symptoms as disclosed to the perception of the provers and patients, and the observations of others who may be capable of judging the objective phenomena presented.

Stramonium. In many of its pathogenetic elements this drug stands in relation to Belladonna, much as China does to Arsenicum. The similarity of their symptoms, though great: often finds the difference which negatives identity in the degree of their intensity, Stramonium, in this comparison, representing the minor quantity. Each of these remedies of course, presents numerous other elements distinctly characteristic of each, concerning which no question will arise as to the selection of either, when their counterparts are met in examinations of the sick; while, in relation to those which are similar, the practitioner will often find himself thrown upon this quantitative difference, as his chief guide in, exact prescribing. In the group of these similar elements where we meet the greatest resemblance, and where we are oftenest compelled to rely on this difference of degree of intensity, we find many of the symptoms by which these drugs are relate to scarlet fever. This will fully appear when we come to present the symptoms of Stramonium. Before proceeding to this, we wish to call especial attention to this remedy in its relation to this fever. Its importance here has not always been fully appreciated. It is not too much to say that as the disease is met at this day, and in this locality, it is as often called for by the law of similars as Belladonna, perhaps oftener. And further, as to these two relatives, it is not enough for good practice, to follow the one with the other, if that first given fails to produce the desired result. This will too often end in fatal consequences, for one of two reasons. If the one be appropriate the other is not, for though similar they are not identical. Nor, indeed, are they similar, but often quite different, in those elements which decide the choice of a remedy according to the law of cure. If, then, by mistake or neglect, that is given which is not similar in these elements, and therefore not appropriate to the case, it is not a mere negative proceeding, leaving the case after the action of the drug, (which cannot be curative for lack of the requisite similarity,) where it was when this wrong selection was made.

The action of drugs on the living organism is a positive action, never a mere negative one. If not in the curative direction, and it can never be if the similarity of its characteristic effects to the characteristic phenomena of the disease be wanting, it must be in some other, and that of necessity more or less an opposite one, and therefore hurtful. The extent of this pernicious action will be conditioned by the susceptibility of the patient, and the quantity and repetition of the doses of the drug. The first clement of this condition will vary much in different diseases and in different examples of the same diseases. This difference is determined by, and is the result of, that newly created susceptibility to drug action which ever arises with the first results of the action of the morbid cause. It is this susceptibility which has necessitated the reduction of doses of drugs adapted to the removal of these results, till that which the most enlightened experience has discovered to be productive of the maximum of good, is found to be so small that the faith of many is still unable to receive the truth. If the action of the drug selected happens to be in the opposite direction of that which is curative (i. e. antipathic), as is not unfrequently the case in the selection of Belladonna in scarlet fever, where this increased susceptibility is great, the morbid action cannot fail of being intensified, and the result will be, as it has often been, fatal.

It can hardly be necessary to say that the second condition - the magnitude and repetition of doses of inappropriate drugs – is mischievous in the direct ratio of these elements. And yet it is first in the memory of all who have had much experience in treating grave affections like the fever under consideration, especially of those who have been much sought as counseling advisers in such cases, that too often there has been sad evidence of the hope, that it might be possible, if large enough quantities of even a wrongly selected drug could be given, and often enough repeated, this would at last, in some unknown way, work out the results which can only follow the use of that which is strictly similar. And that not unfrequently, this use of that which is similar, being resorted to in doubt of its true character, as in ignorance of the importance of this fact, has been followed by consequences scarcely less sad. .

The other reason of fatal consequences, from the error we have discussed, is the loss of time given to the development of the disappointment which must result from the use of wrong remedies. In diseases of slower progress in destructive processes, this loss may sometimes be repaired, or even be of no very great detriment, but the case is quite different where the advance, from initiation of morbid action to complete destruction of life, is so rapid as is often witnessed in this fever. Here, if there is to be any success of treatment, it must come from first efforts, for there is often no time allowed in which to remedy the mischiefs of a first mistake. Even if there be no added intensity to the diseased activities from the effects of wrong remedies, or, which is nearly as bad, from the wrong use of those which are right, the rapid exhaustion of the vital forces by the morbid poison is so great, that the whole sum of them are soon brought below that point below which curative responses to the action of any remedy are impossible. There cannot therefore be too great caution in deciding between the claims of two remedies where the similarities are so great as in the case of Bell. and Stram., in cases where a mistake may be followed by so sad results, and which there can be so little opportunity to repair.

The following symptoms are translated from Vol. II, of Jahr's Symptomen Codex:

Violent convulsions of the limbs; convulsions in bed, of the severest kind, so violent that he must be restrained; frightful convulsions at the sight or bright, shining things, as light, a mirror, or the surface of water; convulsions with delirium, especially excited by being touched; convulsions first of the left arm, then of the right leg, then very quick of the head; violent, of the muscles of the lower jaw, lips, of the left arm and right leg; shock-like jerkings, of the left leg especially, which is drawn up towards the body; spasmodic jerkings of the limbs; slow contractions and extensions of the limbs in paroxysms.

[Paralytic trembling of the arms and hands, especially of the right, with which he constantly reaches into the air, and attempts to grasp some imaginary object; at the same time the power to direct the hand to the desired point, at will, was sensibly Impaired.]

Restlessness, [with itching of the skin; great restlessness with moaning; throwing up the arms and legs, but most with the arms, with opening and shutting of the hands and many motions of the fingers; tossing about in the bed; in spells of restlessness he would drink, when it was offered him but he did not ask for it.]-Williamson.

Red miliary rash on the chest and back, paler in the morning, in the evening more abundant and deeper red, made more apparent by warmth, followed by exfoliation of the skin. Many small, shining, star shaped petechiae on the face, neck and chest.

[Face and breast of a coppery red color, somewhat mottled, similar to the color of a North American Indian, the sclerotic coat of the eye of a pink color. Eruption visible on the left knee, not on the right. An old cicatrix on the forehead was very red. The alae nasi and space round the mouth and a spot on each temple were white. Restlessness with itching of the skin (case of poisoning by W. Williamson, M.D.) Face covered with patches of an irregular shape, not elevated above the rest of the skin, of a fiery red color ("Case of Poisoning," by Carroll Dunham, M.D.) Face became of a deeper scarlet than is ever seen in scarlet fever, and the neck and throat, as well as the face, were covered with a multitude of small spots of a brilliant red color, many of which were star shaped (Dr. Meigs). The skin of the body except the bead was reddened dry and hot. Frank's Magazine.] — American Homoeopathic Review, Vol. IV, p. 556, et seq.

The skin of the whole body covered with a smooth, red eruption, which was dry and burning hot, so like the characteristic eruption of scarlet fever, that no difference could be perceived. It was in broad patches, with small interspaces, accompanied by much itching. [ Case of poisoning observed by myself.]

Quiet sleep, especially after the convulsions; constant, deep sleep, also with snoring and occasional drawing up of the legs, or with very deep inspirations, drawn with great effort. Coma, with rattling respiration, bloody froth at the mouth, and dark -brown face. Restless sleep at night. Wakes. with screaming and howling. In sleep, lies on the back, with open, staring eyes.

Great heat of the skin, towards noon, with redness of the face, vertigo, and lachrymation; with small, quick pulse, and cinnabar redness of the face; with talking in sleep. Pulse small, quick, rapid and irregular, or finally, hardly perceptible; strong and full; hard and full. Perspiration with great thirst; cold over the whole body.

Great angry irritability; strikes those around him, with tearful outcries; great desire to bite, and to tear everything, even his own limbs with his teeth; rapid alternations of laughing, crying and singing.

Stupidity; sees nothing, does not know his own relatives, grasps about with the hand, and stamps with the foot; he recognizes nothing about him, takes his book to go to school, but thoughtlessly takes the wrong door, hears speaking in his stupefying slumber but understands nothing; surrounding objects appear very small to him, whilst he himself seems, large and noble; he believes he sees many persons, and, grasps at them; frightful illusions, with shrinking or expression of terror in his countenance; thinks he sees spirits; imagines a dog is about to attack him; screams because of dogs, cats and rabbits which approach him from all sides; many terrifying phantasms which appear more to one side than directly in front of him; loquacious delirium; mild delirium; timid or terrified delirium; muttering; screaming; till he is hoarse and loses his voice; terrified raving; very loquacious raving; springs out of the bed at night and, screams that the disease will burst out at his head; starts up in great anguish and with violence, screams that she, shall fall, clings to her mother despairingly, then whistles, points to flying gnats which she endeavors to seize; laughs, and whimpers; loss of recollection, with internal restlessness.

Dullness of the head; difficulty of thinking; sensation of weakness and unpleasant lightness in the head; [quite characteristic] deafening (betaubung) of the head with clouded sight beclouding of all the senses; insensibility to external impressions; loss of the sense of feeling; after beclouding of all the senses, an eruption of a red rash on the back, with perspiration; vertigo, with redness of the face; vertigo with constant drawing backwards of the head and great drowsiness. Heaviness of the head. Pains in the head of the severest kind; with pains in the eyes; dizzy headache with fainting and thirst; squeezing headache; throbbing headache, also especially in the vertex, with attacks of fainting, or in the night coupled with diarrhea; congestion of blood to the head; heat in the head with sparkling eyes; convulsions of the head, (and of the arms,) also with hiccough, especially in the morning; spasmodic drawing of the head, also with snoring and grinding of the teeth, and convulsed eyes, or with screams and throwing the arms over the head; frequent raising of the head from the bed.

Swelling of the eyes, also distortion of the eyeballs and dilated pupils; lachrymation of only the left or right eye, or of both with cloudy sight, great sensibility· to light which causes tears to flow; eyes are closed, only opened when spoken to; sparkling eyes; staring eyes, also with aspect as if drowsy; eyes dull and cloudy; paralysis of the upper eyelid; pupils dilated; also from the outset, or with cloudy sight; pupils dilated and immovable; pupils contracted, even in the dark they are hardly at all dilated; entire loss of sight and hearing, or sees and hears very badly.

Redness of the face, also purple colored, with staring of the eyes; with very red cheeks and lips; trembling of the lips as well as of the hands and feet; dryness of the lips as well as of the tongue.

The mouth as if raw over the whole inner surface; great dryness or the mouth, which does not allow the swallowing of a bit of bread, it tastes also like straw; the dryness extends to the throat, and compels frequent drinking and moistening of the mouth; tongue very dry; dry and rough, as is also the palate; hot and dry as also the throat; swelling of the tongue so that it hangs from the mouth; paralysis of the tongue with trembling while protruding it; organs of speech as if paralyzed; stutters without being able to utter a single word; constant mutterings.

Swallowing is difficult, with shooting pain in the throat, or with pressure in the submaxillary glands; complete inability to swallow, on account of dryness of the throat.

As in the case of the symptoms of Belladonna, many of these of Stramonium, so far as they disclose affection of the brain, are indicative of inflammation or of its results. Mixed with these are others of a different nature, and this mixed character of the symptoms of Stramonium, is one of the first and important facts, which arrests the attention of the student of its action on the living economy. There is in this, with the inflammatory phenomena, another class which indicates that the drug has seized on the nerve fibre itself, modifying its functions in a very remarkable manner. There is a peculiar excitability and mobility of the nerve system disclosed, by the character of the convulsions, trembling, restlessness, etc., which is worthy of careful study, the like of which is found in no other drug. It is to a great extent in these extra inflammatory symptoms that the distinguishing differences between this drug and Bell. are to be learned. We have said they are peculiar, we know no better word by which to characterize them. They are evidently not inflammatory, they are very distinct from torpor, they are not paralytic, though they partake more of this character, and tend more to this state than do the corresponding symptoms of Bell. They seem to consist essentially in an erethism of the nerve fibre itself, which rapidly exhausts its functional susceptibility, and soon ends in its entire suspension, if the dose be large, or its action be not soon interrupted by the use of appropriate means. The symptoms of the skin, sleep and fever are such as are commonly met in scarlet fever; those of the skin, especially, are a more complete picture of the eruptive feature of the disease than is found in the pathogenesis of any other drug; while those of the disposition, intelligence, head, etc., disclose distinctly an inflammatory state of the brain analogous to important elements in the pathology of the fever we have so often to combat. The inflammatory symptoms of the head affections, are less marked and demonstrative than the corresponding symptoms of Bell. Though similar in kind they are less in degree. This, with the mixed symptoms of erethism already mentioned, will be quite sufficient guides to a right selection of Stram. in the treatment of this formidable malady. The importance of being able to decide at once and with certainty on that one of these which is especially appropriate to a given case, can hardly be over-estimated. The difficulty lies in the similarity of the general affections they produce. This is removed by a knowledge of the specific symptoms which accompany these, and which differ very greatly. To exhibit as plainly as possible this similarity and this difference, and thus to secure our practice as far as possible, from the frequent error of giving the one where the other is required by the law of similars, has been judged of sufficient importance to warrant a repetition of the symptoms of these drugs in parallel opposed columns. It is believed a study of them in this relation will fully justify the view taken of the nature of the symptoms of each, and make the discrimination of their differences comparatively easy, and that there are sufficient considerations to warrant the appropriation of the space on our pages which the repetition of symptoms will require. In making this comparative study, let it be remembered here as ever, that while it is the similarity of the symptoms of the drug to those of the disease which constitutes the one as curative of the other, it is just the opposite of this, as between the choice of two similar drugs for the cure of a given case. It depends wholly on the greater similarity of those elements in which they differ, to the symptoms of the disease, to decide which is the true curative.

Belladonna.

Convulsions with outcries and loss of consciousness; with delirium; with distortion of the eyes, and contraction especially of the flexor muscles; with jerkings, especially of the hands and feet, loss of touch, and loose rattling of mucus in the bronchi. Rigidity, with bending of the body and head backwards or to the left side; rigidity or immobility of all, or of only a single limb, sometimes with loss of sensation, distended superficial veins, red and turgid face, full, quick pulse and copious sweating.

Trembling: of the limbs, also with Convulsive shakings; with weariness; in the heart, forenoons.

Great restlessness of the limbs, especially of the hands and feet, and also of the of the head, compelling a constant moving and change of their position.

Skin. Scarlet spots and scarlet redness especially on the face, throat, chest abdomen and hands, with acute swelling of the parts; sometimes with rapid, small pulse, tightness of the chest, violent cough, delirium, increased activity of memory, rubbing of the nose and distended pupils. Erysipelatous inflammations, also with swelling, or even with gangrene of the parts. Redness, inflammation and swelling of the entire skin of the body.

Sleep Coma. Stupefying coma, like lethargy, with deep sleep and snoring respiration, lying motionless, occasionally opening the eyes with wild look, or jerking of the tendons, pale, cold face, cold hands, and hard, small pulse. Wakes with a start and fright, especially on going to sleep, sometimes with sweat on the forehead and epigastrium, and fear as if something under the bed made a noise. Restless and tossing.

Fever. Dry, burning heat; internal or external heat or both at the same time. During the heat, delirium and redness of the face. Pulse strong and rapid; or small and quick. Perspiration, cold on the forehead; bursting out suddenly; in bed, of the whole body, from the slightest covering, also only on the parts covered, evening and morning; stains the linen dark color; during the sleep, also in the day time.

Disposition. Unwillingness to speak. Indifference. Apathy, on which nothing makes an impression. Answers only with anger and outcries. Increased susceptibility of all the senses; all impressions on these are too strong. Howling and outcries for the merest trifles, increased by being spoken to.

Intelligence. Intelligence, with convulsions, especially of the arms. Loss of consciousness. Stupidity. Insensibility, as if in a dream, also in the evening in bed. He neither sees nor hears. He recognizes no one, even his relatives, especially by the sense of hearing. He does not know whether he sleeps or wakes. Illusions of the senses and imaginations. Delirium, especially at night; with a staring look; murmuring delirium. Vertigo, with trembling of the hands; with dullness of the senses; with nausea.

Head. Heaviness of the head; in the forehead, especially over the eyes, with pain in them when touched, and difficulty of opening, especially in the morning on waking; pressing heaviness in the occiput, or towards the temples, with diminished hearing; heaviness like drunkenness, with vertigo. Outward pressure in the head, with sensation of bursting, especially in the forehead, as if all would come out forwards. Tearing in the head, especially in the forehead over the eyes; on the vertex, worse on motion and while pressing on the head, with sensation of thinness of the skull. Shootings to the temples outwards, or in the temples. Pressing shootings in the temples, or to all sides of the brain. Cutting shootings, as it with knives, especially in the evenings, in the whole head or only in the occiput. Shootings from one temple to the other. Throbbing in the whole head, after pressing cutting. Pressing throbbing in the occiput. Strong pulsation of the arteries of the head, especially of the forehead and temples, or with sensation in the bones of the forehead as it they were raised up, or in the morning after waking, with pulsation in the whole body. Heat in the head. Painful sensibility of the hairy scalp to the slightest touch, even of the hair. Convulsive shaking and bending backwards of the head.

Eyes. Red, injected conjunctiva, also with shootings and tears. Spasms of the eyelids. Eyes open wide. Eyes prominent. Immovable, sparkling, brilliant. Distorted or in convulsive motion. Glassy. Red. Great sensibility to light, with spasmodic turning of the eyes from the light. Pupils contracted, or much dilated and immovable.

Ears. Deafness, as if a membrane were drawn over the ears. Increased sensibility and repugnance to sounds.

Face. Burning heat and redness, especially of the cheeks, as if after drinking wine, with congestion of blood to the head, or with violent headache and ice cold extremities. Red, scarlet spots on the face, also with strong pulse. Convulsions of the lips. Distortion of the mouth. Lips dark red and dry.

Mouth. Great dryness of the mouth, extending to the throat and nose, the larynx as if constricted, hindering swallowing, also with or without thirst. Bloody froth at the mouth, with grinding of the teeth and shaking of the head. Mouths of the salivary ducts excoriated, as if it corroded. Sticky slime in the mouth, for the most part with sensation of dryness. Foul smell from the mouth, as it from disordered stomach. Tongue cracked, red, hot and dry. Papillae bright red, inflamed and swollen. Trembling of the tongue. Heaviness of the tongue. Paralytic weakness of the organs of the voice. Difficult and stammering speech, also like that of drunkenness with full consciousness and dilated pupils. Nasal speech. Loss of speech.

Throat. As if raw and excoriated especially when swallowing, touched with the tongue, or chewing. Burning in the throat and fauces, especially when swallowing food or drink. Shootings and pain as if swollen, only when swallowing, turning the neck or feeling of the throat. Inflammation, swelling and redness of the throat and fauces, palate, uvula and tonsils. — Swallowing painful, difficult or entirely prevented, even of fluids, which return through the nose. Impossibility of swallowing, with aversion to swallowing liquids, even to madness.

Stramonium

Violent convulsions of the limbs, – in bed, of the severest kind, so violent that he must be restrained; frightful convulsions at the sight of bright shining things, as light, a mirror, or the surface of water; with delirium, especially excited by being touched; first of the left arm, then of the right leg, then very quick of the head; violent, of the muscles of the lower jaw, lips, of the left arm and right leg; shock-like jerkings, especially of the left leg, which is drawn up towards the body; spasmodic jerkings of the limbs, slow flexion and extension of the limbs, in paroxysms.

Paralytic trembling of the arms and hands, especially of the right, with which he constantly reaches into the air, and attempts to grasp some imaginary object, at the same time the power to direct the hand to the desired point was sensibly impaired.

Restlessness [with itching of the skin; with moaning; throwing of the arms and legs, but most of the arms, with opening and shutting of the hands, and many motions of the fingers; tossing about in bed in spells of restlessness; he would drink, when it was offered him, but he did not ask for it.] Williamson.

Skin. Red, miliary rash, on the chest and back, paler in the morning, in the evening more abundant and deeper red, made more apparent by warmth, followed by exfoliation of the skin. Many small star shaped petechiae on the face, neck and chest.

[Face and breast of a coppery red color, somewhat mottled, the sclerotic coat of the eye of a pink color. Eruption visible on the left knee, not on the right. An old cicatrix on the forehead was very red. The alae nasi and space round the mouth and a spot on each temple were white. Face became of a deeper scarlet than is ever seen in scarlet fever, and the neck and throat as well as the face were covered with a multitude of small spots of a brilliant red color, many of which were star shaped. The skin of the body except the head was reddened, hot, and dry. The skin of the whole body covered with a smooth red eruption, which was dry and burning hot, in broad patches, with small interspaces and much itching.]

Sleep. Quiet sleep, especially after the convulsions; constant, deep sleep, also with snoring and unusual drawing up of the legs or with very deep inspirations, drawn with deep effort. - Coma, with rattling respiration, bloody froth at the mouth, and dark brown face. Restless sleep at night. Wakes with snoring and howling. In sleep, lies on the back, with open staring eyes.

Fever. Great heat of the skin towards noon, with redness of the face, vertigo, and lachrymation; with small quick pulse and cinnabar redness of the face; with talking in sleep Pulse small, quick, rapid and irregular, or finally, hardly perceptible; strong and full; hard and full. Perspiration with great thirst; cold, over the whole body.

Disposition. Great anger and irritability; strikes around him, with fearful outcries; great desire to bite and tear everything, even his own limbs, with his teeth; rapid alternations of laughing, crying and singing.

Intelligence. Stupidity; sees nothing, does not know his relations, grasps about with his hand and stamps with the foot; he recognizes nothing about him; hears speaking in his stupefying slumber but understands nothing; surrounding objects appear very small to him, while he himself seems large and noble; he believes he sees many persons and grasps at them; frightful illusions, with shrinking or expression of terror in his countenance; thinks he sees spirits; imagines a dog is about to attack him; screams because of dogs, cats and rabbits which approach him from all sides. Many terrifying phantoms, which appear more to one side than directly in front of him; loquacious delirium; wild delirium; timid or terrified delirium; muttering; screaming till he is hoarse and loses his voice; terrified ravings; springs out of bed at night, and screams that his disease will burst out at his head; starts up in great anguish, and with violence screams that she shall fall, clings to her mother despairingly, then whistles points to flying gnats; which she endeavors to seize; laughs loud and whimpers; loss of recollection with internal restlessness

Head. Dullness of the head; difficulty of thinking, sensation of weakness and unpleasant lightness in the head. Deafening of the head with clouded light; beclouding of all the senses; insensibility to external impressions; loss of the sense of feeling; after beclouding of all the senses, an eruption of red rash on the back, with perspiration. Vertigo with redness of the face; vertigo with constant drawing backwards of the head and great drowsiness. Heaviness of the head. Pains in the head of the Severest kind; with pains in the eyes; dizzy headache with fainting and thirst; squeezing headache; throbbing headache, also especially in the vertex, with attacks of fainting, or in the right temple and with diarrhea. Congestion of blood to the head; heat in the head with sparkling of the eyes. Convulsions of the head (and of the arms), also with hiccough, especially in the morning. Spasmodic drawing of the head, also with snoring and grinding of the teeth, and convulsed eyes, or with screams and throwing of the arms over the head. Frequent raising of the head from the bed.

Eyes. Swelling of the eyes, also distortion of the eyeballs and dilated pupils. Lachrymation of only the left or right eye, or of both with cloudy sight. Great sensibility to light which causes tears to flow. The eyes are closed only opened when spoken to. Sparkling eyes. Staring eyes, also with aspect as it drowsy. Eyes dull and cloudy. Paralysis of the upper eyelids. Pupils dilated, also from the outset or with cloudy light. Pupils dilated and immovable. Pupils contracted, even in the dark they are hardly at all dilated. Entire loss of eight and hearing or sees and hears very badly.

Ears. Hearing entirely gone. Deafness. illusions of the hearing.

Face. Redness of the face, also purple colored, with staring of the eyes; with very red cheeks and lips. Trembling of the lips as well as of the hands and feet. Dryness of the lips as well as of the tongue.

Mouth. The mouth as it raw over the whole inner surface. Great dryness of the mouth, which does not allow the swallowing of a bit of bread, it tastes like straw. The dryness extends to the throat, and compels frequent drinking and moistening of the mouth. Tongue very dry. It is dry and rough as is also the throat. Swelling of the tongue so that it hangs from the mouth. Paralysis of the tongue with trembling while protruding it. The organs of speech as it paralyzed, he stutters without being able to utter a single word. Constant muttering.

Throat. Swallowing is difficult, with shooting pain in the throat, or with pressure in the submaxillary glands, complete inability to swallow, on account of great dryness of the throat.

Lachesis

We have already called attention to this remedy in speaking of the treatment of the torpid variety of the disease before us. In recurring to it here, our object is to point out more particularly the indications for its use. It is worthy of remark, that though in general, Lachesis has so many resemblances to Belladonna as to be rightly regarded as one of its nearest relatives, in scarlet fever they are oftenest in relation to conditions the exact opposites of each other. The symptoms indicative of Bell. being sharp and demonstrative, while those of Lachesis declare threatening gangrene, or destructive decomposition of both fluids and solids. Instead of active, strong pulse, hot, dry, skin; glowing redness of the face and injected eyes; throbbing pains in the head, etc., we have a cool surface, perhaps covered with cold perspiration; torpid, peripheral circulation; passive hemorrhages of dark, fluid blood; sloughing ulceration of surfaces where the specific effects of the poison are more especially localized; acrid or foul secretions, etc. The swellings to which the two are related are also quite unlike. Bell. belongs to those of the glands, with the phenomena of acute or of the acutest inflammation; while that of Lachesis is of the cellular tissue, threatening suppuration or gangrene, the whole tone of the general phenomena being of a lower grade than that which is so characteristic of its relative. This is notably true of those about the throat. It is of the utmost importance to distinguish these differences in practice, and to select the remedy appropriate to the given case in the first instance, for if we fail to do so then, it is more than likely we shall have little opportunity to amend this mistake. If the process of destruction now set up, of which we are so plainly warned by these accidents, be not met and conquered at the outset by the administration of the appropriate remedy, the case will soon pass beyond the reach of help from any, however judicious may be the selection, later in the history of the case. Of the variety of the fever characterized by these swellings

We shall speak more particularly hereafter. It is only alluded to here for the purpose of illustrating the contrast between the action of these drugs, which we wish to present in a manner to elucidate, as far as possible, the place of each in the treatment of this formidable disease. It will be seen at once, we think on only a cursory glance at their pathogenesis, that they here belong to opposite conditions, and can never be substitutes for, nor alternates of, each other. The nearest to this which can occur is, that Lachesis may rightly follow Bell. if from the use of this we have failed of curative action, where it seemed appropriate, and the case has progressed, notwithstanding its use, to that lower plain of action which we have pointed out as indicative of the condition which calls for the use of Lachesis.

In the treatment of that variety of the fever characterized by acute inflammatory action in the brain, it must be apparent from what has been said, that Lachesis is not likely to find an extended use. It will not be difficult, however, to place its proper sphere in that class of cases where the symptoms indicate a low grade of inflammatory action, and where fatal issue is not so much to be feared from inflammation and its consequences, as from exhaustion of the vital forces from the direct action of the morbid poison upon them. In its relation to the inflammatory cerebral variety its place seems to be below that of Stram., Hyos., Sulph., and Rhus. The moral symptoms are scarcely at all like those of acute cerebral inflammation, and the intellectual, but slightly so. Inability to think acutely and continuously. Great weakness of the memory, listening is very difficult, the words spoken seem immediately to be wiped away. Entirely without memory, he neither hears nor understands what others say, though he can still think correctly. These are all. The symptoms of the head are something more positive. The pains of the head are deep within, and are aggravated by external pressure. Or they are dull in the forehead, or whole head, with nausea, in the afternoon. Heaviness of the head in the occiput, forehead, or deep in the centre of the head, with vertigo, mornings, on waking. Pressing pain in the head, with nausea or with drowsiness; or under the whole skull, as if from taking cold, or with nausea alternating with heat, and much increased by stooping. It is great in the morning with strong congestion to the head. Constriction of the head over the ears, with pressure to these, under both temples. The tensive pains in the head are relieved by external pressure, and are sometimes accompanied by whizzings and rushings (sausen) and sensation of heat in the head. Shootings in the vertex (scheitel), also from the eyes to the vertex, or in the temples, or in the whole head, as if from knives, with, stiffness of the neck. Throbbing pain, with beating from every motion, causing nausea, and efforts to vomit, with painful boring in the vertex. Great congestion of the head. Heat of the head.

These are symptoms which may be met in cases of cerebral inflammation, and these will most certainly find their curative in Lachesis. It sometimes happens however, in these cases, that the head symptoms are not very definitely expressed, or are masked by the general condition of the patient, as of insensibility, or by the violence of other symptoms, as convulsions. This is not an uncommon experience in the cerebral inflammations of scarlet fever. The remedy is then to be found from a study of other and more general symptoms, less obscured by these accidents; being controlled in all cases by the resemblance of characteristic symptoms, and never by the fact that this or that remedy has cured other cases, which we believed to have been like that under treatment. It will be seen, most likely, on a careful study of the case of the variety of the fever under consideration, that where Lachesis is in place, the inflammatory state is one approaching, by its low grade, to a condition of torpor, if it does not really present positive symptoms of this state.

(To be continued.)

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 07, 1864, pages 289-298, pages 348-359, pages 398-410, pages 443-446]

[Description: Scarlet Fever.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1864]

SCARLET FEVER.

By P. P. Wells, M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y.

(Continued from Vol. V, page 446.)

On page 349, Vol. IV, of the Review, it was proposed to discuss Scarlet Fever, as fatal through local action of its morbid cause on the brain and throat. The class of cases affecting the brain has been considered. It remains, therefore, now only to dispose of that affecting more especially and dangerously the throat. This, for practical convenience, may be divided into four varieties, according as different tissues are the seat of this localization, or as different phenomena are developed in them, in the progress of the case, viz.: simple inflammation of the mucous membrane; inflammation and ulceration of that membrane; inflammation of the submucous tissue, and inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue.

These affections are as different in their curative relationships as they are in their location and visible appearances. They characterise an important class of cases of the fever we are considering, to which they impart no small degree of suffering and danger, and hence a careful study of their peculiarities, in order to discover, if possible, a more perfect treatment of them, can hardly be other than useful.

That affections so differing in location and phenomena should be best met by anyone supposed specific; that this should be blindly selected and given without regard to the individual characteristics of the case under treatment or to the general differences which mark the varieties as we have stated them, is both absurd and criminal. This must be as obvious to the most inexperienced as to the most wise; and as apparent to the slightest attention as to the most extended observation. And yet this whole class of cases, in all its variety, has oftener been treated in the past, it is safe to say, with the one drug, Belladonna, than with all others, so great is the power of practical habit. Especially is this true of the beginning of the treatment. This is explained by the force with which the idea of a specific for classes of diseases has grasped the minds of practitioners, and it well illustrates the tenacity with which we are all disposed to cling to an idea which promises to save us labor. This practice has been persisted in these many years, with ready confidence, in each successive new case, though it is certain it never yet cured or even benefited some of the forms of these throat affections. It also illustrates the power of that habitual deference to authority which has ever characterised the medical profession, and which in the old school compelled the continued drawing of blood for the cure of inflammations, for 3000 years, treating him as a heretic and an outlaw, who should dare to call in question the necessity of this resort, though it has recently been established, beyond question, that all this while bleeding was only injurious, in these cases, increasing the rate of mortality and protracting the period of convalescence. What bleeding was to the mind of the old school, in the treatment of inflammations, Belladonna has been, and is, in the new, in the treatment of scarlet fever. Both have been used without question and without thought, because of the words of authority. The difference is, however, that in the new, Belladonna once was a cure for this disease, as it was then met; while from recent enlightened observations there is reason to believe that bleeding never was the great remedy for the class of diseases in which it was most practiced and trusted, that past generations confidently believed it to be. There is no such evidence of change in the nature of inflammations, in modern time, calling for change of remedies, as we have already seen in the early part of our discussion, of scarlet fever. In following the teachings and practice of antecedents, the old school was consistent with itself. It was never, in all its changes of opinion, other than a school of authorities. In successive generations the multitude followed the then dominant leader, never looking beyond his dictum. Hahnemann's appeal was from this to living facts – from theoretic dogmatism to the results of positive experience – to an experience the result of enlightened, careful and protracted observation. By this he claimed to have discovered and established the great law of cure. The homoeopathic school acknowledged the justice of this claim, and the importance of the methods by which he sustained it. And yet, by force of the habit which in all the past has been the great bar to therapeutic progress, many of those who acknowledge the truth and value of Hahnemann's discovery, are prone to forget the first cardinal principle which resulted, as the foundation of all practical duty – the necessity of strict individualization in every case of disease to be treated. — Habit has suggested and still suggests, did not the master say Bellad. was the great specific for scarlatina? while Reason forgets to reply, that if the appeal be to the master, the whole current of his teaching declares that this can only continue true while the individualities of the disease and the drug continue to be like each other. If this similarity, by virtue of which alone the drug ever was a cure of the disease, ceases to be, then the drug becomes only a neutral in the treatment, whatever may have been its importance in other circumstances. It has no power imparted by the dictum of the master, and we are to have no confidence in it, except as we see the required similarity. It may be convenient to entertain faith in general specifics. It makes duty easy, but it is not safe.

The duty of individualization is nowhere more imperative than in the treatment of scarlatina with important affections of the throat. This extends as much, if not even more, to the general as to the local symptoms, In relation to the first, the general, there can be no better method by which to carry out this duty than that given in the Organon. To take all the phenomena of a case into consideration, and give to each the attention its importance demands. Till this is done it can never be known what are the elements which individualize the case. There is nothing in the mind of the prescriber, pertaining to the disease for which he is to find, in the known pathogenesis of drugs, a simillimum. He is ignorant of the first elements of the problem he is about to attempt to solve. The more earnest care should be given to these general symptoms, because in them are often found the individualities of the case, and these are the elements which dominate all intelligent prescribing. In comparison with these, the redness of the skin and throat, which are so apparent and intrusive on the attention of the physician, are often of little importance. These general symptoms cannot be discussed in a general consideration of the subject, so great is the variety of form and combination in which they present themselves, even in successive cases of the same epidemic. In different epidemics, of course, the variety, (and consequently the variety of any attempt at a succinct analysis of them,) is increasingly apparent.

In regard to local symptoms, these are less numerous, and easier brought within the grasp of the prescriber. First, he ascertains what of local changes from healthy appearances he can see, and then what of change in the sensations, from the natural state, does the patient feel. In finding the curative, these last are far more important than the first. Unfortunately, in too many cases, these are excluded by the age or condition of the patient. Still, wherever they can be availed of, they greatly facilitate the selection of the true remedy. In applying these remarks to the treatment of the first form of throat affection, in the division we have suggested, that of inflammation of the mucous membrane, the appearances as to color, dryness, and the degree of swelling, are to be noted, and then, if possible, the attending abnormal sensations, and conditions in which these are either excited or aggravated. If the inflammation be limited to the membrane, the swelling will be but slight, and the impediment to swallowing less than when the deeper tissues are involved. If, in these cases, there be also great dryness in the throat, with sense of constrictive suffocation, disposition to constant swallowing, and feeling as if of impending suffocation if the patient does not swallow, heat and smarting as if the throat were raw (Nux vom.), sensation of swelling in the throat as if there were a lump (Lachesis), especial difficulty in swallowing liquids, there need be no hesitation in giving Belladonna. It will probably afford prompt relief. There need be no nervous excitement here to give much of the drug, or to give it very often, for fear a worse state will ensue if this is neglected. These symptoms are so characteristic of the drug that it will not fail if it has a fair chance, i. e., if it be not given in too great quantity or too often, and if it be not interfered with by the presence of other drugs, as sometimes will happen from the nervousness and apprehension excited by the bad reputation of the disease, because of its known fatal tendency to assume sudden and unfavorable appearances and conditions. The thought is, perhaps, that this may be forestalled by the interposition of one or more drugs the action of which it is hoped will anticipate and prevent this lapse, if only the patient receives enough of them. This is a great mistake. Like as in many other instances, nervous apprehension here, by this resort, insures the realization of its fears, by the very means it adopts to prevent it. It arrests, embarrasses, or destroys the action of the true remedy, if this indeed has been found; or it adds to the confusion produced by the action of the wrong, by increasing impressions, which are not curatives, from other wrongly selected drugs, till to the dismay of the prescriber he may find, when he least suspects it; the same of these confusions to constitute the very evil he dreaded, and to avoid which he has resorted to the very means which has produced it. To avoid all this let the prescriber be sure of his remedy first, before giving it, and then trust it for the desired result. If the remedy be the right one, it needs no supplementary aid; if not, then the patient needs something else, but not this. There can be not the slightest doubt in the mind of any enlightened and reflecting practitioner, that very many of these sudden and unfavorable changes in the progress of cases not yet disclosing malignant character, are the result of wrong and excessive medication.

It can hardly be necessary to say that the mere condition of the throat with the sensations, etc., attending, is never to be isolated from the other elements of the case, and made the basis of a prescription. The present intention is only to present it as one of the localizations of the disease which is a source of danger to life, and to endeavor to simplify its successful treatment by a clearer view of its relation to remedies by the law of cure. The variety we have just considered is generally the least dangerous of them all, and usually easy of control. It is met in the milder forms of the fever, and often disappears, with the other elements of the case, giving little trouble beyond the increased difficulty of swallowing and the comparatively slight addition to the sufferings of the patient it may have caused. If the inflammation does not proceed to attack other tissues, it rarely requires for its removal more than a dose or two of Belladonna. But it may require Nux vom. if there be rawness, burning and smarting with loss of dryness, and the absence of the constrictive and suffocating sensations; if the dryness be rather of the front part of the mouth, than of the back and throat, and if there be at the same time shootings in the uvula and maxillary glands. Or Baryta carb. may be preferable if there be great difficulty in opening the mouth, of speaking and swallowing.

(To be continued.)

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 03, 1865, pages 104-109]

[Description: Scarlet Fever.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1865]

SCARLET FEVER.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

If names are not things, their protracted use, in some instances, comes ultimately to the imparting to them the importance and consideration which belong only to the things they are supposed to represent This, unfortunately, is only too true of the use of the names we have, for the convenient interchange of ideas, been compelled to apply to diseases, in the discharge of our practical duties in relation to them. To certain generic characteristics a name is given, and, by use, this comes to represent these in whatever combinations they may be met. They are accepted as expressing identity of condition, and therefore, of uniformity of curative relation to remedies, whatever other attendant phenomena may be present, and however these may really, on a thorough investigation, be found to disclose new characteristics and establish new relations. The misfortune is that the name, in so many cases, is taken as sufficient, and this investigation is neglected. The name is assumed to represent, what, when the generic elements of the case are thus complicated, it really does not. And proceeding, on this false assumption, in administering for the cure, of necessity, in many cases, wrong means are selected, and the result is only a partial success or utter failure.

If this be true of individual cases of disease, it is still worse of groups called by the same name, or of epidemics. It may be sufficient for the ordinary purposes of life to call a member of such a group "whooping cough," the object being to convey to some friend of the patient an idea of the nature of his malady. Both he and the patient think they understand this, and they are satisfied. And so far the name is well enough. It is to this extent and for this purpose useful. But if to this name be attached the idea that that which it expresses is an identity, in all cases, which is to be met by a given curative, Drosera, for example, it is not only not useful, but positively mischievous. Such an idea in relation to this affection was once quite prevalent. It was believed by Hahnemann himself and many of the earliest and best Homoeopathists. But it was not true, notwithstanding. So far from it, that it is confidently believed that Drosera has cured but few cases of whooping cough in the practice of Homoeopathy in this country. In the practice of the writer, extended over more than twenty years, it has in a very few cases mitigated the severity or frequency of the paroxysms, but in no one, that he now recollects, has it effected a complete cure. It has not been for want of a trial. The great confidence in the drug expressed by Hahnemann and his early followers, and their great success with it in the treatment of this troublesome malady, led, in his early practice, to its frequent use, till frequent disappointments caused him first to question the genuineness of the specimen of the drug employed, and to resort to the use of different specimens; then, the result being still unsatisfactory, to its use in different potencies, from the lowest to the highest, and still the cures were not realized. The question was unavoidable, Why are not the same successes realized from the use of the drug here as are claimed for it in Germany? The fact had been abundantly proved that Drosera was not a specific for whooping cough in Brooklyn. It was declared to be so in Germany. Whence the difference? The honesty and capacity of the German witnesses were of the highest character. These could not be questioned. The drug used was obtained from the same source and therefore was presumed to be the same. There must then be a difference in the disease, arising from the difference of climate, or the modifying influences of different social and domestic life, in the two countries; or the morbid cause producing the different epidemics was not an identity. It was different in its nature in these different visitations, and therefore though it still produced the generic phenomena we are accustomed to recognize as whooping cough, these came in different epidemics, accompanied by other phenomena, by which each was characterized, and in which it differed from the other. Was not here the reason why Drosera cured in some instances and failed in others? A careful and prolonged observation has convinced him that this is not only true of whooping cough but of all epidemics. That in them all, that which we call by the same name when met in groups, in successive years, though exhibiting the same generic phenomena, are not the same in their intimate nature, and therefore not in their curative relations. This is shown in the case which we have used for our illustration. Why would not Drosera cure for us as well as others? A careful examination of the symptoms of the drug and the disease showed clearly enough the reason why. Though there was a marked similarity in the generic phenomena of the disease and some of the symptoms of the drug, there was none whatever between the accompanying symptoms of these generics, and the symptoms of the drug, and hence the failure.

This is the truth in relation to all epidemics. Though called by the same name, they are not, as met in successive visitations, identical. Indeed, in those elements by which they are related to curative agents, they are quite different in different years, and no fact is now better known than this, that the remedy which has been almost uniformly successful in a previous epidemic is without value in that which next follows it. This was not at first understood, and hence the hasty generalizations of the earlier Homoeopathists, one instance of which, we have found, led to a conclusion not sustained by subsequent experience. This is equally the case with other diseases for which they supposed they had found specifics for all time. They had not yet appreciated the extent of that strict individualization which constitutes the very soul of the homoeopathic system, and which is no less a necessity to success in the treatment of epidemic than in spasmodic diseases — in those from specific no less than in those from general causes.

More than this is true. Diseases which appear for the most part as epidemics, and proceed from specific causes, though retaining so much resemblance, of their generic phenomena, in their successive visitations, as to be still called by the same name, are nevertheless subjects of changes in these from epidemic to epidemic, till there is finally but small propriety in calling the recent disease by the same name as the ancient. It has ceased to be the same even in the general manifestations which were the foundations of its classification, and a fortiori has no longer the resemblance in its specific elements to those characteristic symptoms of drugs which once gave to these the relation of curatives to the disease, and which they sustained so long as this resemblance continued and no longer. Hence the necessity of carefully studying each epidemic in its elementary characters, just as we would if we were investigating a new disease, never before seen, named or prescribed for, if we would secure for our practice the best possible results. It is only after such a study that we can know what is the remedy for this individual case. For it is well to know that epidemics have their characteristics, by which they are related to their curatives, as individual cases of disease have. When these are discovered and understood, the key to the control of the epidemic is in our possession, and the cure of the members of the family group is almost a matter of no difficulty It is only to find the drug, the characteristics of which are like these of the epidemic, and the cases successively treated by it yield to its power with almost uniform certainty. This has been taught by some of our colleagues, and especially by Hering, and its truth demonstrated, in their practical successes, for many years. It is not stated here as a thing which is new, but as a truth, the practical knowledge of which is not so general as its importance merits.

We have made these observations on the nature, study, and treatment of epidemics generally, to prepare the way for the question which we now put — Why is the supposed homoeopathic treatment of what is called "Scarlet Fever" less successful now than it was in the early history of our school? That it is far less satisfactory now than it was even twenty years ago, needs no argument to prove. An appeal to the memory and candor of physicians who have an experience of so many years of practice is all that is necessary to establish this truth. Twenty years ago a fatal case of Scarlet Fever, that had been intelligently treated in accordance with the instructions of the early Homoeopathists, was a rarity. Now such cases are believed to be far more common, though the treatment has been but little varied. Why is this?

An intelligent answer to this question involves a consideration of the two powers which enter into and compose the elements of all practical attempts to cure the sick by drug agency, viz.: the disease, the facts which compose it, and the circumstances and conditions in which these are developed; and the drug, the powers by which it affects the actions of the living organism, and the resemblance of its effects on these actions to the phenomena of natural disease. Of these elements it will be seen at a glance, that one class is, in its nature, subject to modifications, and in practice is found to present constant changes, more or less important, resulting from impressions of circumstance or condition, either on the nature of the morbid cause, or on the vital forces and susceptibilities of the patient, while the other remains a fixed quantity, or is only subject to such differences of power as result from different degrees of excellence or purity in the samples of a given drug employed. If this be so, that while the disease is, in its nature, subject to constant change, and the drug at the same time remains ever the same, it is evident that to continue to treat a disease, because called by the same name, by the administration of the same drug, for a series of years, must of necessity often result in such violations of law as can only be followed by want of success. It does not avail that the drug was once homoeopathic to this disease, for this has so changed, in the elements by which it is related to curatives, that this relation no longer exists.

In the introduction to Belladonna (Reine Arzneimittellehre, b. 1, s.15), Hahnemann has clearly stated what he understood by the term Scharlachfieber (Scarlet Fever), for which he claimed to have found not only a specific curative, but a prophylactic as well. He says this is the "true erysipelatous, smooth (glatte) Scarlet Fever, as described by Sydenham, Plencitz, and others," and remonstrates against the objections to the claims of his prophylactic, that it did not protect against attacks of Rothe Friesel (miliary rash), which appeared in Belgium in 1801, and which he says is quite a different affair, and requires to be treated with very different remedies. He complains that the distinction was not made by those who ridiculed and rejected his curative and protector. If it be now objected to the so-called homoeopathic treatment of what is now called Scarlet Fever, that it is sometimes unsuccessful, and this more frequent than formerly, the reply is not difficult. Indeed there are several, either of which is sufficient to meet this objection fully. It is quite enough to state the fact that there has been no method of treatment found which does not sometimes fail of curing this truly formidable malady, and that this, which is called homoeopathic (we shall by and bye try to show that, sometimes it is not), is as often or oftener successful than other methods.

But there is another. That this which is now often and generally called scarlet fever is not the disease which Sydenham described and Hahnemann cured and prevented. That which is now generally met in practice, and which passes under this name, is quite different in its nature, elements and curative relationships, from the smooth scarlatina of Sydenham. This difference has been increasing from year to year, till now it is one of the rare occurrences, that one meets a case of what Hahnemann calls "true Scarlet Fever"The disease has been assuming more and more each year the character of "Purpurfriesel" (miliary rash), which he says Scarlet Fever is not, and that the remedies required by the one do not cure the other. Now while this is true in relation to the disease, what are the facts in relation to the treatment? Has this been changed to meet the changing requirements of the case? If not then however frequently this may have failed of success, Homoeopathy has not each time, then and there, failed in it. Homoeopathy is, in its treatment of this as of all other diseases, the applying of a remedy to a given case, the known pathogenesis of which is like the elements of this case, and never for a given name the administration of a supposed specific. Now the changes in the disease we are considering have been so gradual that the same name has been continued, and is still in use, which years ago was given to a group of phenomena now rarely met, at least, in this neighborhood. While this change has been progressing, the treatment has been dominated by the name, and has remained substantially the same in too many instances, and if, in these circumstances there have been failures to cure, they have been only what should have been expected from this, as well as from any other violation of the law of cure, which this treatment certainly is, whenever the remedies employed have not in their pathogenesis the likeness of the characteristics of the case treated. Whatever the treatment of such cases may have been called, certainly, homoeopathic it was not.

It is very common to hear from practitioners of both the old school and the new the declaration — "We do not treat names" — "we treat" — what? The old school claims to treat "diseases," the new, sick men and women; guided in this by the elements of diseases — their symptoms. In too many instances the claims of both are equally false. The truth is, in the great majority of cases, both have been concerned, chiefly if not entirely, with the name, notwithstanding this disclaimer. The case is "Scarlet Fever," has been the thought and this requires so and so, and in this way it is that names came to take the place of things. It may even be said with truth in our school, so gradual has been the change that has crept over this, which we still call "Scarlet Fever'' that it now presents no longer the simple elements of true scarlet fever, but a mixture of these with the "Purpurfriesel" or miliary rash. The case has been recognized as Scarlet Fever at the outset, and this has saved all trouble of observation and investigation. These were both troublesome, and useless, because from the beginning it has been known that this malady required for its treatment and cure Belladonna and little else; and Belladonna has not been wanting, whatever has been the success.

Now against all this style of practice we enter our solemn protest. It is wholly unwarranted by any authority, or by any success. It is unscientific, puerile, and hazardous. It can only proceed from carelessness, indolence, ignorance on general incompetency. That, in the case of the disease before us, it has become common, is explained, perhaps, by the impression, too general, though false, that such a thing as a general specific for a group of generic symptoms is possible, and that such a specific for the group called Scarlet fever has been found in Bellad. Or if this were not strictly true, it was so nearly true, that at any rate the best thing to do in the beginning was, to give it, and continue to give it, till it should cure or fail. And if it did fail, then there was the comforting assumption of the specific idea, and the easy conclusion, if the specific failed, then, of course, all else would have failed. Would it not have been as well instead of this to have investigated the case, and to have ascertained before giving the drug, whether it was appropriate to the treatment — whether it was required by the law of cure? If not, then it could not be specific for this case, though it had cured every other called by the same name, in all past time.

What has been, and is still, the most common prescription at the beginning of the treatment of Scarlet Fever? We hazard nothing in saying that in a great majority of cases treated by the practitioners of our school, if not in nearly all of them, the same prescription is repeated, and this with very little reference to the facts disclosed by a critical examination of the case and a reference of these to the requirements of the law of cure. The current method is to give at once, the once supposed specific, Belladonna. Or, if there be exceptions to this, oftener than otherwise, it will be found that Aconite has been given, either a few doses as a preliminary compliment to the high febrile reaction of the initiatory stage, or, more commonly, this is alternated with the specific. This is almost invariable in all cases where treatment has preceded the localization of the attack on either the throat or brain. And now who, in all the cases treated in the last twenty years, has, when so prescribing, given himself the trouble to inquire why Bellad. or Acon. was given rather than Amnion. carb., Stram., Rhus tox., or any other drug which may or may not have shown in its pathogenesis some form of efflorescence of the skin, or a red rash? Who of all these has given to himself a better reason for what he was doing than this — others have done it before? And how shall such a practice be defended from the charge of the grossest empiricism? In what, in those cases where the likeness of the symptoms of the disease and drug were wanting, is such a practice better than the grossest quackery?

Extreme cases are better illustrations of a truth than those composed of less striking elements. Let us take such a case. Suppose a child, while at its play, is suddenly seized with vomiting, and this is immediately followed by violent pains in the head, intolerance of light, desire to lie down, sudden and great prostration of strength, vertigo, comatose sleep, insensibility, convulsions, here and there on the skin may be found patches of redness with raised points, more or less prominent, while the intermediate spaces are of a dull opaque appearance, the whole having a marbled look; the redness is evanescent, it goes and comes again, or this may, from the outset, assume a purplish hue, and when the blood is forced from the skin, by the pressure of the finger, the color is slow in returning; and after an interval of from ten to thirty hours death closes the scene. The case has been treated by a Homoeopathist, and what have been the remedies he prescribed? Has not Belladonna been his chief reliance? If he has given any one medicine in such cases, before and oftener than any other, has not this been it? Why? Let him bring this question home to his conscience, and answer it, in the light of the law of cure, before he ever, in a case like this, pursues a similar practice again. We repeat — why did he give this drug? If he be a practitioner who, before prescribing for his patient, is accustomed to have some reference to the symptoms of his case, he has seen headache, intolerance of light, vertigo, sleep, insensibility, convulsions, redness of the skin — and has not Belladonna all these? To the careless observer, yes. To the careful student of the Materia Medica, no.

The whole condition of the patient, in the case imagined, and that of the brain in particular, through which the attack from the outset threatens life and so rapidly destroys it, is altogether unlike that produced by this drug. The pain, intolerance of light, vertigo, insensibility, sleep, convulsions, etc., which characterize the action of Belladonna on the cerebral apparatus find their counterpart in the symptoms of acute inflammations, for the most part of the membranes of the brain or, it may be, of its substance, though this is more rare. In the case before us the brain is not suffering, as is often thoughtlessly supposed, from inflammation, but from toxication. Not from excessive but deficient action. Indeed, in all its characteristics it discloses a state as nearly the opposite of that produced by the action of this drug as can well be imagined. It is not inflammation but paralysis. These symptoms, to be sure, are nearly all named in the pathogenesis of Belladonna, in nearly the same words we have used to state them. But when produced by the drug they are of a different quality. And they have been selected, in part, in addition to the illustration they afford of our present subject, to give opportunity for insisting on the duty of studying symptoms in their quality, because in this is often found the distinction between the symptoms of different drugs, which are recorded in nearly the same language. We insist on this because it is essential to an accurate and successful practice. This duty, if faithfully discharged, would have saved the long succession of false prescriptions in this class of cases, which have been so uniformly followed by fatal results. For, we believe we may safely affirm that this drug has never yet cured one of the hundreds of such cases in which it has been employed. And these symptoms have been given, in order further to say that the similarity in the symptoms of the drug and disease to be sought and found in the process of prescribing for the cure of the sick, is not a similarity of verbal expressions used by the patient and the drug provers, but of a physiological or pathological state to be discovered only in the resemblance of the characteristic symptoms of the drug and the disease. This verbal similarity has often imposed on the inexperienced, though it is really of little or no value as a guide to the selection of curatives, and we have no doubt that the success in practice, of any prescriber, will be found to have been in the inverse ratio of his reliance on it. For the cure of a case with symptoms like those we have given, it is not enough that a drug be found which has produced symptoms which have been recorded in words which may be used also to describe those of the case. This must be true in addition — it must have added to its record that these symptoms were characterized by torpor. In this class of cases, met too often in practice, a representative of which we have endeavored to present in its symptoms, this is the dominating feature, which, in the selection of a curative, if one can indeed be found for it, can in no wise be ignored. We say if a curative can be found, for it is but too notorious that these cases generally die. Are we therefore justified in the conclusion that this is a necessity inherent in such cases; and that we may therefore be satisfied in sitting down to a routine of practice which has little to present us but an almost unbroken list of failures? Certainly, till after our utmost endeavor, we have no right to be content with such successes, or rather want of successes, as our past history and treatment of such cases has put on the record.

Scarlet Fever, as it is still called, and as it is now met, stands in the list of those acute diseases most to be dreaded in practice, as well for the fatality which follows it, as for the power it possesses of bringing into activity whatever of latent miasms may exist in the patient attacked, the workings of which when so aroused we are called to meet under the garb and name of "Sequelae of Scarlet Fever" a proper treatise on which is still a desideratum in our literature. At present, however, we have to do with the fatality wrought more directly by the action of the scarlet fever poison itself. If observed with only a little care, it will be seen to be destructive of life, so far as its effects are localized, chiefly through the brain and throat. It may be doubted, indeed, whether those cases which fall so suddenly before the attack, that dissection reveals no changes in the appearance of these or other organs from the state regarded as healthy, are exceptions to this rule. In our attempt at a further consideration of the subject we propose to treat it with this view, and to consider those cases which prove fatal through assaults on the brain as presenting two classes: First, those which are characterized by symptoms of toxication of the brain; and, second, those which present more distinctly signs of inflammation of the brain or its membranes; third, those which are marked by the localization of the disease more especially upon the throat and parts adjacent.

This division is made solely with reference to convenience in treating of the disease in its relation to remedies. For though the problem before the prescriber is always one and the same thing — to find the curative for the given case — and though this problem is, on the one side, primarily composed of two elements only — the patient and the action of the morbid poison — the first of these elements is so subject to change from hereditary miasms or accidental causes, that the results of the action of the second, though it may or may not be an identity, are ever varying. Though in this, as in every other case of disease, we have to do with the sick man in our endeavors to cure, and not with a thing, the result of the action of this morbid poison on him, which we call Scarlet Fever, still the sick man, by his hereditary or accidental constitution, is liable to show almost an infinitude of variety of results from the action of this poison upon him. And hence, in this, as in all other diseases, the necessity still exists for that strict individualization which we ever insist on in the discharge of the duty of prescribing for the sick. It is in the peculiarity of these results, in an individual case, that we are to look for the phenomena, the counterpart of which is to be found in the pathogenesis of some drug, before the practical problem of a curative cap be solved. So that when, for convenience, we divide the consideration of our subject into classes according to the characters or the seat of the localization of the more important phenomena of the case, we are not to be understood as regarding these local phenomena as the disease, or in any way giving countenance to the silly idea that "the disease has gone to the brain," as is often said, or "to the throat;" but, as cases modified by these changing elements, demand different remedies, it facilitates the finding of the true one in a given case, if we can properly narrow down the limits of the inquiry among drugs, by such a classification as is founded on the more important phenomena of cases to be prescribed for.

To this extent generalization is legitimate. But if the process of examination stops here, if it do not pass to the individualization of each member of the class to be prescribed for, then, for all the purposes of finding the true curative, the classification is not only useless but mischievous.

It must then be apparent we believe, if these views of the disease and its relations to remedies are correct, that the whole idea of finding a specific for the whole family of Scarlet Fever is a sheer absurdity, and the practice, so general, of treating almost all cases, at least in the outset, regardless of their individualities, with one drug, is wholly unworthy of a school of medicine, which claims to be a school of individualization, and that its practice is one of specifics based on this in each individual case. And more than this must be clear, that this practice, if persisted in by the members of our school, must be a fraud on the public and a crime of no less gravity than the persistence of practising on false pretences — a crime, in comparison with which, false pretences in trade are less reprehensible, in the ratio that property is less valuable than life.

In the first class, in the division we have made of our subject, we include those cases which suddenly sicken, and, generally, suddenly die, with marked symptoms of suspending, and at last, suspended, cerebral functions, early in the history of the case. We allude to these cases as a class, partly to bespeak for them a careful study by the members of our school, that if possible, a method of treatment, may be found which may diminish its present almost certain fatality. We have already shown the worthlessness of the current routine method. What we have said of this, if it has any truth, applies with especial force to the treatment of this class of cases. In making these remarks we have had this class especially in our mind. The following case is no fancy sketch, but a sad fact:

A child of seven years in school, in perfect health, was seized with a pain in the head so sudden and so violent that she gave a sharp outcry, soon vomited violently, which only increased the intenseness of the pain in the head; she was immediately removed to her home, in a few moments became drowsy, this soon passed into a deep sleep, and this deepened into a coma from which there was no rousing, and then came convulsions, paralysis, loud, difficult respiration with hissing-blowing. The skin suddenly became hot, with red patches here and there, and in these were slightly raised red points, so that these patches had a marked roughness to the feel; the intermediate spaces had an opaque, dull aspect, giving to the whole a mottled or marbled appearance. As the case progressed the red spots became dark, approaching to purple, and then livid; the extremities became cold; and the restlessness which had been extreme was only quieted by the profound coma and death, which followed in sixteen hours after the first attack.

This case is a tolerably fair picture of its class. It was treated allopathically. Similar cases treated according to routine Homoeopathy scarcely succeed better. Cases like this, subject to modifications of some of their symptoms, are met in all epidemics. One of these, not infrequent, is: the eruption in its early appearance is dark colored, and soon becomes livid, slowly regaining its color when this is expelled by the pressure of the end of the finger. This is quite significant, in any stage of the disease, and, if occurring early, with rapid and feeble pulse, threatens the worst results. Now what similarity have the recorded symptoms of Belladonna to this whole picture. None. Or if in some of the symptoms there be an apparent resemblance, this is certainly only apparent, and not in the least real. For example the pain in the head. This, with Belladonna, if it be violent, to the degree witnessed in this little patient, is accompanied by excess of activity in the arterial circulation, especially in that of the head; the pulse is not only quick and sharp in its beat, but is hard under the finger; the accompanying nervous phenomena are those significant of activity — the exact opposite of those in this case, where all were indicative of torpor. The drowsiness and coma of Bellad. are accompanied by, if not the result of, active cerebral congestion, and the same is true of the convulsions it produces. The opposite is true of such cases as this which we have given above — the congestions of such cases are passive — the result of a sluggish and not of an active circulation. Paralysis from the action of Belladonna is the result of pressure on the brain, either from the accumulation of a continuously increasing congestion of this organ or of its membranes, or of accumulated serum in its ventricles and between its membranes, in the effusion of which a previous congestion has terminated. Paralysis, in this class of cases of Scarlet Fever, is only one of the manifestations of that loss of brain power in general, the sum of which are at once expressed by the term "Paralysis of the Brain." The loss of power in distant parts is the result of loss of power in the brain itself. Its functions are paralyzed, each perhaps in a different degree, and the loss in different functions appearing successively, partially, and progressively, till in the final sum are swallowed up the whole of the forces of life.

Now when called to treat a case like this of which we have presented the outlines from life, the first enquiry to be answered is, what remedy, now known, in the Materia Medica presents, in its recorded pathogenesis, symptoms most like to the group before the prescriber? What one of them all strikes at the central forces of life, paralyzing them, and extinguishing their functions progressively one after another, till all are lost, not by that great terror of the old school, inflammation, but by a palsy which knows no relenting, and yields to no check, till all living functions have ceased, as they do in the all but uniform history of these cases? If there be one remedy which has been found to act in this manner more than another, this is the one most likely to prove a curative in these cases. If there be a class, then from its members is the curative to be selected. With this view of the case it is quite natural the attention should be first directed to Hydrocyanic acid. This remedy attacks the living forces at their centre, and suddenly extinguishes their sum. In this respect there is a marked similarity between the action of the two poisons. There is a farther resemblance. The acid destroys life by paralyzing the nervous centres. It is true, so far as we know of the effects of the drug, that with this the process is sudden, and with the whole, simultaneous, while with the morbid poison the process is more gradual, and is accomplished by successive steps. In this the two poisons are dissimilar in their action. But it is to be remembered the sudden fatal effects of the drug, now known, are from massive doses. That it is but partially proved. That when this process has been carried farther, with potentized doses, there may be such results developed as will establish new curative relations. And where the general resemblance of the mode of attack of the two poisons is so striking, it may not be unreasonable to suppose that there may be in the undiscovered symptoms of this partially proved remedy, resemblances to the special symptoms of the disease which will bring it into a proved curative relationship to this most formidable malady. If it be objected that this is altogether hypothetical, and therefore unsafe as a practiced suggestion, the objection will be at once admitted as valid. The basis of our practice is to be law, at all times, and never hypothesis, however plausible. The suggestion of the drug, in relation to this variety of Scarlet Fever, and of the similarity of the general modes of attack and action of the two poisons is made rather to call attention to the drug, and to bespeak for it a farther proving, in the hope that that which can only be named now as hypothesis, may be proved to be fact. The apology for this reference to what is now only hypothetical, in this connection, if further apology be necessary, is in the fact that, in the class of cases under consideration the remedies hereto fore employed have been little better than useless. If we are to have any success in combating this constant companion of death, we have certainly to meet it with other remedies than those used in our past practice. This being so, let Hydrocyanic acid be studied, by all means. There seems to be a promise of good in it.

Tobacco, also, in massive doses, attacks and destroys life in a manner very similar to that of Hydrocyanic acid. The remarks as to its partial proving, and the possible development of farther, and at present unknown curative relationships when further investigations, which have been made of the acid are equally applicable to Tobacco. It is here named for the same reasons which have been given for the suggestion of the acid. Where we have almost no remedies on which we can rely, in dealing with a malady so formidable, even a suggestion of a possibility may perhaps be excused, if not received with respect.

There is another class of remedies which merit far more attention in the treatment of this variety of cases than they have hitherto received. The allusion is to the serpent poisons. Of these that of the Crotalus horridus is deserving of especial attention. Those who have read descriptions of the progress of cases to a fatal termination, after the bite of this serpent, will be struck with the similarity of the phenomena of those cases to those of the variety of the disease we are now considering. This poison, also, goes direct to the central forces of life, in its initial attack, and proceeds to gradually paralyze and extinguish the living functions, till all are lost, in a manner so like the action of the scarlet fever poison, that even the most unskilled observer cannot fail to perceive the resemblance. But unlike what is now known of the remedies already named, this shows a wonderful resemblance, in the details of its action, to the details of the symptoms of the disease. So great is this that there can hardly be a doubt of its value in such cases as are not struck so low, by the first impression of the morbid poison, as to preclude any vital response to curative impressions, from whatever agent, in accordance with the known law of cure.

A careful study of the symptomatology of this remedy is earnestly recommended, in reference to these resemblances and relationships, as a duty which can hardly fail to bring a reward for its proper discharge. In these cases remembrance should always be had of that most interesting and reliable cognate of the Crotalus — Lachesis. The whole picture of cases, in their progress to a fatal termination, after the bites of these serpents, is so strikingly like the fatal progress of this variety of Scarlet Fever, after the attack of the morbid cause, that the resemblance cannot but inspire, in those who have proved the verity that the law of cure is no other than the law of similars, a confident hope that in this class of poisons, and especially in the two members of the class above named, may be found the means of successfully overcoming these rapid cases of Scarlet Fever, heretofore so generally fatal. But if this, or any other class, of remedies are to be employed successfully, they must be given early and with no previous paltering with useless Aconite and Belladonna. This only wastes time and the vital forces where there are none of either to spare.

There is another agent which there is some reason for believing may be found valuable in the treatment of this variety of Scarlet Fever — the poison of the Ailanthus. The following case came under the observation of the writer:

A girl, fifteen years of age, rose in the morning, feeling slightly ill, dressed and went immediately to the breakfast table. She could take no food; the sight of it made her reel so much worse she immediately left the table, and went to her room. She was seized suddenly with violent vomiting; severe headache; intolerance of light; dizziness; hot, red face; inability to sit up; rapid small pulse; drowsy, at the same time very restless; great anxiety; two hours after. the first attack, the drowsiness had become insensibility, with. constant muttering delirium; did not recognize the members. of her family; she was now covered, in patches, with an eruption of miliary rash, with efflorescence between the points of the rash, all of a dark, almost a livid, color; the patches between the points of the eruption were of a dingy, dull opaque appearance; the eruption was more profuse on the fore-head and face than elsewhere, and especially on the fore-head The whole aspect of the eruption, and the whole condition of the patient, were so just like those so many times seen in cases of this variety of Scarlet Fever, that the case was unhesitatingly recognized as an example of it, and in its most violent and hopeless form. The pulse was now small, and so rapid as hardly to be counted; the surface had become cold and dry; the livid color of the skin, when pressed out by the finger, returned very slowly; the whole was a most complete picture of torpor, and seemingly a perfect instance of that manifestation of it which immediately precedes dissolution in these rapidly fatal cases of Scarlet Fever. There was apparently no prospect of the patient's living more than a few hours. Such cases in the practice of the writer had always gone to a fatal termination, and this had been more rapid in its progress than any he had seen. The patient being his own child, he had opportunity for most carefully watching the case. In about three hours from the first appearance of the eruption the livid color began to lose something of its dark hue; the restlessness and anxiety diminished; the pulse became more distinct and less frequent; consciousness partially returned; the eruption became a brighter red; and the whole train of symptoms so similar to this pernicious form of the fever gradually gave place to a train of phenomena scarcely less remarkable, but not at all like those of any variety of Scarlet Fever.

Of course this was not a case of Scarlet Fever at all; but for a short time it was a very great puzzle. What could it be? what could have produced it? were questions not to be put aside, and when consciousness had so far returned that questions could be intelligently answered, the nature and cause of the case were no longer a matter of doubt. As the eruption began to lose its dark hue and take on a brighter red, there was a repetition of a series of symptoms, then recently treated, in the case of a small lad who had been poisoned by eating the seeds of the Ailanthus. This resemblance was a surprise, and at once excited suspicion that this was also a case of similar poisoning. And so it proved to be. It was produced in this manner. This patient and one of her young associates had been amusing themselves, the evening before the attack, by stripping the outside bark from the young and tender shoots of the Ailanthus, and then, after writing letters on the stalks with the point of a pin, these were moistened with saliva which was rubbed on them by the end of the finger. This was many times repeated, and in this process the juice of the stalk was conveyed to the mouth in considerable quantities. Its taste was an intense bitter. Both the experimenters were made ill, with similar symptoms, but the symptoms were much less violent in the patient's friend. It is a singular fact that this patient has been attacked by a similar miliary rash each year since this poisoning, at the season of the blossoming of the Ailanthus, and is always now more or less ill each year from this cause. This case is here in part presented to the reader for what it is worth. That it was the result of the Ailanthus poison is sustained by the fact that the juice of the green stalks was introduced into the mouths of the two girls, that they both, soon after, sickened, suffering from similar symptoms, differing chiefly in degree of severity rather than in kind; and in the case of my patient showing subsequently a train of symptoms precisely like those witnessed in the case of a lad who was poisoned by eating the seeds of this tree. The case is also given here with the object of urging on the profession the importance of a thorough proving of this powerful poison. If the subsequent history of my patient can be received, as showing in her sufferings the continued workings of this poison, and if drug agents are indeed related to diseases as curatives by the law which we receive as the universal law of cure, then the relation of the Ailanthus to many important diseased conditions is clearly established, and the importance of a knowledge of this relationship, in its details, to both practitioner and patient, needs no argument to show. Let the Ailanthus be proved.

The second class of cases which we propose to treat of, that in which the attack of the poison is followed by symptoms resembling those of acute cerebral inflammation, is more commonly met in practice than that which has just been considered. It is less rapid in its progress and not so uniformly fatal in its results. The initiation is less sudden and violent. The patient, very likely, has slight chills (rarely severe), followed by a disproportionate severity of heat of the skin and frequency of the pulse; the pain in the head is violent, often accompanied by vomiting; intolerance of light and sounds; great redness, heat, and turgid appearance of the face; the eyes are injected, and perhaps suffused; the patient soon becomes drowsy; is very restless; intolerant of all disturbances; the skin is generally covered with the characteristic eruption, or this is in patches, as has been already described; the color is of a brighter red than is found in the torpid variety, and the eruption is less evanescent; if the eruption be in patches, the interspaces arc less of the opaque and dull, pearly aspect than in the torpid variety; delirium is early developed and becomes increasingly violent; or, if at the outset, only occasional, in the progress of the case it becomes more constant; it is. oftener demonstrative in its character than mild and muttering; amounting, in its later stage, to terrors and screamings; and these may be finally followed by coma, convulsions and death.

It requires no extraordinary powers or knowledge on the part of the practitioner to perceive at once, that a case showing symptoms like the group here presented is in a very different pathological condition from that of the class already considered. We may continue to call both by the same name, as long as it may please an ignorant clientage to demand names for their ailments, or as long as a profession affecting a knowledge which it does not possess may be disposed to gather under one denomination diseased states dissimilar or even antagonistic, as in the case before us; still they can never be the same thing, and can never stand in the same curative relationships to remedies, except in the case of those drugs of great value, which, in their provings, have been found capable of producing opposite morbid conditions on the healthy prover.

This class of cases is, in the general, characterized by excess of action, the other by torpor, deficient, or lost action. Hence it is most obvious that remedies which may be equal to the prompt and certain cure of the one class may have no relation whatever to the other, and it employed in the treatment of it, can give to either patient or physician no better result than disappointment, with increase of suffering and danger. As in the first class the curative was to be sought in that class of drugs-which produce torpor and paralysis, in the second it is to be found among those which exalt the action of the vital forces, and by increased violence exhaust the more rapidly their power to execute the functions on which life depends. Among this class of drugs we are now to look for individual members which, while they have the generic quality of the class, have also the specific characteristics of the disease before us. And in the outset we are met by the difficulty that diseases are not gotten up, as they occur in practice, in exact patterns to suit the pathogenesis of individual drugs or classes of drugs. This is true of all diseases in relation to drug symptoms. And hence, of necessity, what may be written as hints for their treatment can only be of the most general character. There can be no such thing as laying down an arbitrary treatment, for all cases, which could possess the least value. General principles which may stand as hints or guides are the most that can be given with any profit.

The first remedy of this class to be considered is Aconite. Its relation to the disease, judging from its recorded pathogenesis, and we can properly judge from nothing else, must be restricted to narrow limits. It has but few symptoms which resemble those of the disease, in any of its stages or phases, and of these the greater part are such as are found almost solely in the early, or earliest, stage of the strictly inflammatory varieties; and of these, it may find an important place in the treatment of such as chiefly localize these attacks on the brain. And it would seem, from the pathogenesis, that its usefulness must be realized almost entirely in the very beginning: of the attack. Of special symptoms resembling the generics of Scarlet Fever there are almost none. Of general symptoms, analogues of those which characterize the fevers accompanying acute inflammation, there is no lack. There are heat and sanguinary congestion of the surface of the body; thirst; rapid and hard pulse; general restlessness; pains in the head; peevish disposition, which revolts against all interference; perspiration, if present, is hot; heat and shootings in the throat, etc. But there is not in the pathogenesis of Aconite, in any of the provings at hand, the record of any eruption in the least resembling that of either the true scarlet rash, or of the miliary variety like that with which we have oftenest to deal at the present day. Aconite does not attack the living organism in the modes so characteristic of the scarlet fever poison. The effects of the two poisons on the brain are only similar in the beginning of some of the cases of our inflammatory type of the fever. Their effects, as developed in the throat symptoms, show little similarity, those of Aconite being but little like those of the cases of the fever which prove fatal through local destructions in the throat. If these views, then, are correct, Aconite can only be of use, in the treatment of this fever, as a general palliative of the violence of the inflammatory febrile action, and never as a curative of the local affections through which the disease is chiefly fatal. And for its right use we must depend on general principles and on the similarity of general symptoms of the drug and the disease.

Bryonia may have an important place in the treatment of this variety of fever. It will be well in deciding the selection of this remedy to bear in mind the analysis given in this REVIEW, Vol. IV, No. 2, p. 52, et seq., of its characteristics and the comparison of them with the effects of some other drugs, especially of Aconite. One fact, at least, should not be forgotten, viz.: that cases calling for Bryonia are likely to present nervous symptoms dominating the vascular, while with Aconite the reverse is the case. Bryonia has also in its pathogenesis repeated records of miliary rash. It shows itself especially on the arms, the front of the chest and knees; it becomes red and itches in the evening. This, to be sure, is only a repetition of one of the generic elements of the fever and its occurrence in the pathogenesis of the drug may give more importance to the remedy in the treatment of the fever than is warranted by the law of cure, properly understood. Still in the present state of our knowledge of the value of this class of phenomena to the prescriber it cannot well be overlooked.

Bryonia is often of great value in cases where the eruption has suddenly disappeared, and this disappearance has been followed by symptoms threatening great danger to the patient. The power of the drug to reproduce the eruption, in these circumstances, has been long recognized, but whether in a given case it is to be preferred to Ars., Bell., Caust, Hepar, Ipecac., Lyc., Rhus, Sepia, Stram. or Sulph., is to be decided by the greater resemblance of the general and characteristic symptoms of the given case to the similar symptoms of this or either of these drugs. The decision always depends on this resemblance and never on the fact that the eruption has disappeared, and hence the necessity of the most careful study of these symptoms before selecting the remedy on which we shall depend. Care here — before the first prescription — is in the highest degree important, for the case is likely to be rapidly fatal if not speedily relieved. There will probably be small opportunity for giving these drugs in succession if the selection of either has been hasty and wrong.

[With very sincere sorrow we are compelled to announce the suspension of this series of practical papers from the pen of our dear colleague Dr. Wells, which have given so great value to the pages of the REVIEW.

Being suddenly called away to a distant part of the country, he retires for a period of time, which we trust may be brief, from participation in the active management of the REVIEW, and leaves us to express to our readers his regrets at the temporary severance of a connection which, he assures us, has been to him a source of pleasurable toil, and to feel very keenly the loss we suffer by his absence.

We entertain the hope that before many months shall have elapsed, Dr. Wells will have resumed his active editorial labors, and will have given us the conclusion of his paper on "Scarlatina" Meanwhile, he requests us to sketch, in a few words, the plan on which the continuation and conclusion were to have been written.

Following Bryonia as discussed in the preceding pages, he proposed to treat of Belladonna much in the way in which that remedy was studied by him under the head of "Typhoid Fever," in earlier numbers of the REVIEW; then, in the same way, of Lachesis, Rhus, Stramonium, Hyoscyamus, Ammonium carb. and Sulphur.

In connection with Sulphur, he proposed to call especial attention to the applicability of this remedy in cases of Scarlet Fever, of the variety treated in the present number of the REVIEW, when the delirium takes the form of screaming wildness, in which the child knows not where he is, and seeks to flee he knows not whither.

Passing from this form of Scarlet Fever to the other grand division, that in which a fatal issue is threatened or is brought about by destruction of tissues in the throat Dr. Wells proposed to show that, in these cases, Aconite, Belladonna and Mercurius have no application whatever, but produce only mischief. The remedies for this form of the disease are chiefly Rhus and Lachesis; Rhus for those milder cases in which the mucous membranes and the submucous cellular tissues are involved, and Lach. for those very serious cases in which the whole areolar tissue of the throat and neck seems to be infiltrated and hardened, and in which unless, by this remedy, the morbid process is arrested, suppuration and sloughing surely ensue and carry off the patient. In this connection the history of a case recorded in the February number of the REVIEW, by Dr. Wells, is pertinent.

This imperfect outline of the scope of the proposed papers will only quicken the regrets of our readers at Dr. Wells' absence, and will enlist their good wishes along with our own earnest longings for his health and prosperity, and for his speedy return to us. — Eds.]

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 07-09, 1863, pages 289-296, pages 346-356, pages 385-393]

[Description: Scarlet Fever.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1864]

THE DOSE.

BY P. P. Wells, M.D., Brooklyn, N.Y.

Correspondence. – Dear Sir: Your articles in some back volumes of the Review, upon diarrhea, dysentery, rheumatism, pneumonia and typhoid fever, have claimed my careful and repeated study, and have given me a great deal of satisfaction. Will you do me the great favor of supplying what seems to me to be the only omission by informing me what potencies you have fixed upon as the best in each of these diseases? Every man must indeed decide this question for himself but it is a graver matter than any merely scientific question, for it has to do with human life, and what others have thought and done, is a great element in the decision. Every physician should settle the matter as soon as possible for himself, that he may feel that he is doing the best that can be done for his patient, particularly in those diseases, as typhoid fever, diphtheria etc. where death must be met and conquered. By the way will you not do the profession the favor of adding to those articles soon, one upon diphtheria.

Respectfully yours

October 12, 1864

The "omission" was not an accident. In writing practically on the disease named above, the object was to deal with general principles and their practical application to the treatment of the skin rather than to exhibit the writer's method for imitation. The dose was left in silence, not because unimportant, nor from a want of opinion on the part of the writer as to the principles involved. One reason for this, omission was his conviction of the little value, which can attach to the example of any man in this matter of the dose, both as to quantity (or potence) and repetition, aside from the principles which underlie and dominate the whole subject Aside from these it was of little consequence what he had done. He did not forget that in all the public discussions of this subject which he had witnessed, the burden of them had been, that the speaker had in given circumstances done so or so, and that such had been the result, and that this had been repeated by the different speakers to the end, and nothing was nearer settled, as to principles, when they were through than when they began. The interest of the whole from the beginning to the end was in the knowledge that these gentlemen had done what they said they had, and for the doing of which they had given no reason founded on any principle in nature, and that the doing was followed by the declared result. It is possible that some master mind might from a sufficient number of such loosely observed and related facts, deduce some general principles by and bye. It is certain they have very little practical value except as materials for such a generalization. The controversial writings on the subject have not a much better, or a very different, result to show. It can hardly be said of them that they have settled any one principle which all are ready to receive, and from which all may the better advance to the discovery and establishment of others, till the vexed question shall be decided. The statement of the practice and experience of the writer of these papers, as to the dose, would only add another example of this almost worthless testimony. Another reason for the omission was the known fact of the wide difference of opinion, on this matter of the dose, entertained by members of the profession, and each claiming to be earnest and honest in his own, each relying on his own experience to sustain the preference which he declares. And farther, that this difference is not infrequently accompanied by so much prejudice in favor of such opinion, that other opinions can hardly be fairly examined or judged. That there is a peculiar sensitiveness with many on this matter of the dose, which will hardly tolerate good-naturedly even the mention of opinions, or listen complacently to the statements of experience, which differs from their own. There is certainly no reason why this should be the case, but so it is. The explanation of the singular fact is not difficult. It is sufficient to say, that similar irritability is not found in relation to different opinions and experiences on other subjects, when these are founded on known facts and principles. In view of this state of things, it was thought as well to leave the dose to a future occasion, as to state facts to which prejudice would not listen, or to add to the sum of individual experiences, which have hitherto settled so little.

Another reason for this omission was the desire of the writer to gain, as far as possible, the attention of the profession to the principles he advanced, and to the practical application of them he recommended. He was unwilling to risk aught of success in this by mixing with them, in any degree, a matter on which he knew there existed far more of prejudice than knowledge, and on which he oftener met earnest effort to sustain or defend prejudice than to add to knowledge. This he felt to be, to too great an extent, true of all parties. For however much good men and true may regret the fact, it is true that parties do exist on this subject, and that there is met in its discussions, quite too often, more of the spirit of party than of true philosophy. It is not a little strange that this should he so. For what has party to do with a matter like this, which, if it have any foundation whatever, it must be of ascertained truth? This truth most exist, if at all,

in the very nature of things, and not in the mere opinions or prejudices of any individual or party. And we may add, if we are in any degree desirous of its discovery, and willing to engage in honest efforts to this end, we shall have laid aside one of the greatest impediments to success when we have wholly discarded the spirit and feeling of party. It can never be a help, but only a hindrance, in the pursuit of any truth, and that which will ultimately be found to decide this whole matter of the dose is no exception. The reason of this is obvious. The very centre and soul of party spirit is prejudice, and the first effort of prejudice, in the investigation of any party question, is to extinguish both light and eyes, and failing in this, to admit light only through its own spectacles.

Another reason for the omission was a purpose of the writer to discuss this subject of the dose in a paper devoted exclusively to its consideration. The request contained in the communication at the head of this paper has decided him to enter on that duty now. And the first remark he has to make is, that the whole matter must be one of law and not at, all of mere opinion, of law constituted of definite principles, fixed in their character and in no way subject to change, that they may meet the varying intelligence, opinions or prejudices of men. Like other laws of divine enactment, this will stand a fixed truth, whether it be brought to light and made an instrument of practical good, or left in darkness with the unknown; whether it be received or rejected. In this, as with other divine laws, rejection is no repeal. As with other divine laws, rejection may be followed by consequences, the responsibility of which we may well dread. If this be true, then the whole duty of practical men is to ascertain the nature of this law and comply with its requirements. Criticism of the law of God in the place of obedience is no more becoming, in the material than in the moral world.

We have said this matter of the dose in the treatment of the sick, is one of law. It can hardly require argument to prove this. It follows almost of necessity from that law of cure which we all recognize. It can hardly be otherwise than plain that that power which established the curative relationship between drug agencies and diseases, and regulated this by law, should at the same time, and in the same manner determine the quantities and methods of their administration. If this be so, then the idea of our correspondent, that this matter of the dose is one which "every man must decide for himself," is strictly negative, it by this is meant more than that each must be his own interpreter of the law, which is certainly true. But before he can interpret the law he must acquaint himself with its principles and relations. To endeavor to elucidate some of these will be the object of the remainder of this paper.

In attempting a discovery of the principles which constitute the law under consideration, we are first to get a clear view of the elements of the problem. These are of two classes. Those which belong to the sick man, and those of the drug. In considering the first or these, the first important fact, which we meet at the threshold of inquiry, is that we are to deal with a state of things wholly, or in part, preternatural. The natural relationship between the organs of the body and their accustomed and appropriate stimuli is perverted. The susceptibility of these organs to impressions from these stimuli is exalted, depressed, or extinguished. It may be exalted in relation to some, even to the extent of intolerance, while depression as to others permits only the feeblest response to their impressions, others seem incapable of exciting any living perception of their presence. In addition to these there are new susceptibilities to impressions from the external agencies not found at all, or not existing to the same degree, in the healthy. The sum of these changes constitutes a class of facts the most important in our investigation, and also to a proper understanding of the condition of the sick. For our present purpose it will only be necessary to consider such of these changes as have reference to impressions from drug agents. In a given case of disease the patient is often found to be preternaturally sensitive to the smallest quantities of some drugs, while there is an equal insensibility even to large quantities of others. This is a common experience. Why is it so? If we are not mistaken, a satisfactory answer to this question will be little less than an exposition of the law of the dose. These changes of susceptibility then, constitute the first class of the general elements of our problem. Those of the second belong to the drug.

These consist, in general, of that power which belongs to drugs to produce disturbances in the actions of the living forces so that these no longer move in that harmony which preserves the comfort and safety of the individual. It is this power, so to act that constitutes any substance a drug. And it is with this power so to affect living organs, in special conditions of susceptibility, that we have to do in determining the dose in a given case of disease, and also the law which dominates the dose in all cases. That is to say after having settled the first question, in all cases of prescribing, what is the remedy? this degree of special susceptibility in the organs, in the given case, is just that which decides the (next question, how much of this remedy is required to restore the lost balance of the vital forces in that case, which constitutes the whole problem of cure. How can the degree of this special susceptibility to the action of the selected drug be ascertained before its administration? Simply by an extension of the same process of inquiry that resulted in the discovery of the true remedy. The result of that inquiry answered the question, what is like ? That is, what is the drug, the action of which on the healthy living organism is most like the phenomena of this lost balance, the disease. An extension of the inquiry, how much is it like? when answered, determines the quantity of the drug required, this being in the inverse ratio of the similarity. And this we unhesitatingly declare to be the law of the dose as to quantity or potence.

If this be admitted, as it may be for the sake of examination, the questions which naturally follow are, what is the definite meaning of degree of similarity in this connection, or of the question how much is it like? and how can this degree of similarity be determined? and these questions ought to be answered. In order to a clear understanding, of the proposition, we must go back of its announcement, and examine the meaning of its terms. Like – Similarity. What do we mean by these terms, when we refer to the remedy and the dose? Evidently that similarity which is the essence of the law of cure which we all recognize. And what is this? We have endeavored to point this out in a previous paper, very briefly. But, in order to a clear statement of the view we wish to present, of the law of the dose, we shall be compelled to, repeat a part of what was there stated, that we may show its connection with our present subject. In brief terms then, the like which cures is the resemblance of the characteristic symptoms of the drug to those of the disease. By characteristic symptoms of the drug and the disease is meant those symptoms which belong to each as individuals, and impart to them their individual character, not at all those which belong to these in common with the other members of their class. In the examination of a case of disease with the object of discovering its curative, we shall find presented a class of symptoms which we have met often before, and to the group they compose we have, for convenience, given a name, and this name we use whenever we meet the group, and by this the group is understood to be represented. These are the generic symptoms. A careful examination will discover other symptoms which are not met in all the members of the class; they make no part of the defining group, and perhaps, indeed very likely, some of them have been found only in the case under examination. These are the specific, or characteristic symptoms. In a case of dysentery, for example, the frequent, painful discharges of blood or of bloody slime, with tenesmus and fever, are symptoms common to the members of the class we call by that name, while pains extending to the back, pain and tenesmus ceasing, for the time, with the discharge, the pain in the back more particularly in the lower lumbar vertebrae, are symptoms which do not belong to the class but to individuals, and when met are characteristic of those individuals. So in examining the pathogenesis of drugs there are found symptoms which are common to many, and some to most drugs. These of course cannot be characteristic of any individual. How many drugs will cause pain in the head, loss of appetite, thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. These, with drugs are the equivalents of the generic symptoms of the disease. Of the many drugs which cause pain in the head, but one, so far as I know, causes a violent, throbbing pain, with sense of fullness and distension as if the head would burst, turgid redness of the face, and all aggravated intensely by the slightest motion. The loss of appetite is only in some cases accompanied by loathing, or by nausea, or it may disappear on tasting food, or it may be only in relation to particular kinds of food. The thirst may be for cold drink or warm; for large or small quantities at a time; for drink at long or short intervals; or it may be for only particular kinds of drink; or be limited to some particular hours of the day or night. The diarrhea may be watery, slimy, feculent, or mixed; the discharges excited by various causes, and accompanied by very different phenomena, and occur most frequently at, or be limited to, certain hours in the twenty four. The vomiting may be of substances of very different character, accompanied by different phenomena; aggravated or relieved by different circumstances. These are the equivalents of the specific or characteristic symptoms of disease. These are the elements which characterize the action of different drugs, and so enable us to select that which is the most certain cure in a given case. It is the likeness of these specific symptoms of the drug to the specific symptoms of the disease which the law of cure demands, while resemblance in those symptoms which are common to the class is of very little worth as indicative of the specific remedy.

With this view of the law of cure, and this explaining of the term characteristic or specific (we use the terms interchangeably) we are prepared to answer, first, the question, what is the like which cures? The similarity of the characteristic symptoms of the drug to those of the disease, and not at all of those which are generic. And second, what we mean by the question, how much is it like? How, great is the number of the characteristic symptoms of the disease which find their counterpart in those of the drug selected as the curative, and how exact is the resemblance of those of the one to those of the other. By a comparison of the two classes, in these two particulars, we learn the degree of resemblance which is undoubtedly the exponent of the law of the dose, which we have declared to be, as to the quantity of the drug, or potence, inversely as the similarity of these two classes of characteristics. That is, the greater the number of the characteristic symptoms of the disease found represented by similars in those of the drug, the less quantity (higher potence) of that drug is required for the cure. The degree of the exactness of similarity of these symptoms of course. enters into the account in determining the question of compliance with the law of the dose as here declared.

The whole relationship of drugs, as curatives, to the diseases which afflict our race, exists in the one fact of susceptibility. If the drug be without power to affect the disturbed actions of the vital forces of the patient, it can have no power to cure. If in the patient there be wanting a susceptibility to its impressions this relationship, as to this drug, does not exist. On what then does this susceptibility depend? On this very similarity of those elements of the disease, which declare its specific nature, to those which are distinctive of the drug. And the degree of susceptibility must, it seems self-evident, be in the direct ratio of the degree of this similarity. In perfect health a man may swallow one or more grains of Ipecac without danger, or discomfort, possibly. But if the same man be suffering from violent dyspnea with sense of constriction of the throat; tickling which extends from the bifurcation of the bronchi to their extremities, exciting violent spasmodic cough, cold dampness of the skin, cold sweat on the forehead, and restlessness which compels to violent tossing from place to place, and finds rest or relief in none; he will realize such effects from a much smaller dose as will be quite conclusive of a difference of susceptibility to the action of this drug, when he is, from other causes, experiencing sufferings so characteristic of its action. A quantity much smaller than might be swallowed with impunity in health, in these circumstances might be speedily fatal, certainly would, leave in the patient slight disposition to repeat the experiment. The difference is merely one of susceptibility, and this is but the necessary result of the similarity we are discussing. In case of a patient presenting this group of symptoms, the merest tyro in prescribing could not hesitate as to the remedy. There is but one. And now, what shall be the dose? Let him apply the law we have declared and he will have no reason for dissatisfaction. The resemblance of the group to the characteristics of the drug is great, and therefore by the law, if he prescribes best, he will give a small quantity, i. e. a high potence rather than a low, and the result will justify the practice. Indeed, in such a case we have no doubt the cure would be prompt, even from the highest of those which have been employed, nor that the cure would be more speedy and complete from this than from a lower number.

But instead of this group, suppose we find great dyspnea with, hot, dry, turgid skin; restless agitation and loud complaining; a sense of fullness and pressure in the chest, which seems to prevent the air from entering the lungs; a tensive pain across the forehead just above the eyebrows; we have a group differing in its characteristics from the first supposed, though it would be called by the same name. In this Ipecac would not be so dangerous in moderate quantities nor curative in any quantity. The whole group would be called asthma in both cases, and yet in their curative relationship they have nothing in common. This difference it is which constitutes our guide in the selection of our curatives; while the degree of resemblance of the characteristics as explained above decides as to the dose. But why would not Ipecac be hurtful or curative in this group? Because of the absence of that similarity which is the essence of curative susceptibility to the action of drug agents upon the sick.

If it be objected to this exposition of the law of the dose, that the difficulty of its practical application is great, because of the required intimate knowledge of the Materia Medica, and therefore its truth is improbable, or its practical value of little worth, the difficulty is admitted, while the conclusion drawn from it is denied. We can see no good reason why this should not be met like other difficulties, to be overcome. The difficult application of a law can neither disprove its existence, nor effect its repeal.

If we have been successful in so stating the principles of the law of the dose as to make them and their application understood, we believe it will be plain at once why it is that cases are occasionally met in which high potencies cure where low have failed and the reverse. The explanation is found in the degree of susceptibility of the patient to the action of the drug, and this is in the direct ratio of the similarity of the characteristics of the drug and the disease. Where the susceptibility is great and the quantity of the drug relatively great, it is not difficult to see how its direct action, being so like to the action of the disease it is intended to relieve, may so, by this action, oppress the vital forces as to render them incapable of a curative response; or so intensify the diseased action, as to increase pain and danger, without any corresponding curative effort on, the part of these oppressed forces; while, on the other hand, where the quantity (we use the word here as equivalent to potence,) is adapted to the susceptibility of the patient, this evil and disappointment are avoided, and the best result secured.

In conclusion we earnestly urge the attention of practitioners to that study of the Materia Medica which will make them familiar with the science in its characteristics. If this be difficult, this is no reason, it is submitted, why the difficulty should not be manfully met and overcome. We also urge the importance of the law which we have attempted to discuss as a means of extinguishing the party strifes which prevail too much on this subject of the dose, and which now are only a source of evil to our school of medicine. If the dose be a matter of law, let this be known and strife on its account must cease. Put the matter to practical test and see if great similarity of characteristics does not prove great susceptibility to drug action, and great susceptibility is not best met and cured by high numbers or small quantities, as it should be by this law.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1864, pages 241-252]

[Description: The Dose.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1864]

THE MICROSCOPE.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

The duty of the physician to avail himself of all possible helps to success in his practical duties, attaches no less to Homoeopathists than to the members of other schools of practice. Whatever can add to his knowledge of diseased conditions, or of the means by which these can be successfully removed, is to be the object of his diligent endeavors to obtain. He can neglect nothing as insignificant, nor reject ought because of its difficulty, if it can in any way be made to assist in crowning these endeavors with success. Among the helps to successful practice, the microscope should have a prominent place in the estimate of the practitioner who would be thoroughly furnished for the discharge of all his duties, and for the following reasons:

1. It furnishes certain knowledge in many cases, not to be obtained by other means, and on this we are able to found positive judgments, in cases where, but for this help, there would of necessity be more or less uncertainty. And who is not constantly meeting cases where uncertainty as to the condition of his patient is a pain to himself and all concerned. In many of these, the disclosures of the microscope enable the physician to say, I know, and the uncertainty is at an end. Among all the helps to our judgments there is none so sure. In cases of suspected tubercular affection of the lungs, auscultation and percussion are helps to a right understanding of the case which no one may despise and yet how many, even the most skilful in their practice, have they deceived. A proximate certainty is the utmost they can furnish to the physician or patient. It is quite different when the microscope has presented to our view the particles of broken tubercle in the expectoration. We have seen them and we know it. There is no longer any possible uncertainty in the matter. If, after such a disclosure, the patient recovers, the physician knows what has been cured. In the absence of this knowledge, those cases of recovery from conditions which, from their symptoms, have been supposed to have a basis of tubercle, must be open to the suspicion that they were something less important, from the fact that the patients recovered, which tubercular cases so seldom do, And yet even these do sometimes. And how our courage for the future dealing with this fearful enemy would be increased if we could say of any given case or cases, it was tubercle, I saw it!

So of another class of cases no. less to be dreaded. If, in the reported cures of cancer, it could be stated that the microscope had revealed the fearful cancer cell in the secretions, or in the removed mass, where this has been excised, with what difference of confidence these could be received. In the absence of this knowledge such cases must always be the subjects of more or less doubt.

It happened to the writer, a few years ago, before he was owner of this instrument, to be applied to by a gentleman of wealth from a neighboring State, for the treatment of an open sore on his under lip of more than a year standing. It had all the appearances of a cancerous ulceration, and such it had been declared to be by the best surgeons of our large cities. He came to New York for the purpose of having that part of his lip removed by the knife. He met a friend who suggested that perhaps it might be cured without cutting, and by the advice of his friend he called to enquire if it could be done. The case looked unpromising. But the thought that if the treatment failed it could be cut as well afterwards, decided the patient to make the trial. It was perfectly successful, and this success will always suggest a doubt of the malignant nature of the sore. If the microscope had been used, an accurate report of the case might have been made an increase of our positive knowledge of the curability of cancer. As it is, all we know is a sore on the lip of this man, called a cancer by men of eminence and skill, was cured in a few weeks, by a few powders, and that to this time, now more than six years, there has been no return of the sore. This is all we ever can know.

2. The instrument is of the greatest service in another class of cases. In illustration take the following: A clergyman who had been for some months performing exhausting labors, while at the same time, from circumstances he could not control, he had been subject to great anxieties, till he was at last compelled to retire from his pulpit, in great depression of body and mind. A violent pain in the loins had convinced him that his kidneys were seriously if not fatally diseased. To be sure, the ordinary inspection of the urine found no evidence to confirm this impression, but this did not relieve the apprehensions of the good man, and his depression of spirits, and of the vital forces, were much increased by them. An inspection by the microscope demonstrated the falsehood of his impression, and this serious obstacle to his recovery was at once taken out of the way. It was thus made possible to say to this man, we know positively that your kidneys are not diseased, and these are the reasons for this assurance. These he could be made to comprehend, and his convalescence was no longer a difficulty. Every physician will at once appreciate the comfort and advantage of this assurance to both the patient and prescriber.

The microscope sometimes reveals a danger before it can be perceived by ordinary methods of investigation, and its removal is possible, or even easy, when, if not so early recognized and met with proper remedies, this might have been more difficult or impossible. In illustration: The writer was called on to prescribe for a little girl who had, as represented by the mother, the same symptoms as her brother who died of hydrocephalus. There was vomiting, pain in the head, intolerance of light, constant sleeping when not disturbed, peevish temper, slight fever, etc. The patient was prescribed for, and seen next morning, when she was found with the skin of a bright orange color, slight fever, loss of appetite, listlessness, wants to lie down, urine of dark brown color when undisturbed, when shaken the color on the sides of the vessel was a bright yellow, the feces were scanty and clay colored, in short, the little patient showed the ordinary symptoms of acute jaundice. It was a good opportunity for the young gentlemen in my office to study the microscopic appearances of bile in the urine. With this in view a specimen was taken to them and examined. The results were surprising. In addition to the bile found in the urine of jaundiced patients, there was abundant evidence of serious affection of the kidneys, which had not been at all suspected, no symptom of the case having in the least suggested these organs as suffering in the slightest degree. There were tube casts, epithelial scales and blood discs in abundance. Here was positive evidence of a serious lesion, which had been entirely masked, and wholly unsuspected. By this timely revelation of the evil it was possible to effect its entire and speedy removal. It might have been quite otherwise, and certainly more difficult, if the renal affection had been unrecognized till the more complete development of the malady which these microscopic appearances disclosed.

These instances may suffice to indicate the kind of help the microscope can bring to our practice, and to indicate the class of cases in which its employment is more useful and necessary. The number might easily be increased, to an almost unlimited extent, and the field of its usefulness be shown to be even far greater than these few instances may indicate, but the object of the present paper is rather to suggest the importance of this help to the physician, than to attempt an elaborate exposition of the sphere of its usefulness. If this suggestion be so impressed on our readers as to call their attention to the advantages they may gain from the use of the microscope, the end for which these observations are made is secured.

"But," it has often been asked, "can the microscope be made to point out the true remedy in a given case of disease?" After reading the above remarks it can hardly be necessary to reply, of course not. In this it stands on the same ground as the other helps — auscultation, percussion, etc. In this connection, however, it may not be wholly unprofitable to remember that the "finding of the right remedy," however important this may be, and it is not in any wise to be lightly estimated, does not include the whole duty of the physician. He has other and most important functions to discharge as well, and without which, sometimes, there is no "right remedy to be found." In the case of the clergyman it will be doubted whether any drug could have effected a curative impression, however carefully selected, till his unfounded and withering apprehension could be removed, and for this no mere didactic expressions of judgment could suffice. The demonstration was required, and to this he yielded. It is submitted that the satisfaction derived from the results of even a few such cases will amply repay any physician for the outlay of the cost of his microscope, and of the labor and trouble of acquiring the skill requisite to its ready use.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05, 1863, page 193-197]

[Description: The Microscope.]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1863]

TYPHOID FEVER.

BY P. P. WELLS, M. D., BROOKLYN, N. Y.

The modern literature of Typhoid Fever is not scanty; the sum of patient observation devoted to the disease by modern physicians has been somewhat commensurate with the importance of the subject; the results gathered have settled much that but recently was requisite to an intelligent understanding of the subject. Its history, etiology, pathology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and prognosis, have been ably treated, and the works of Louis, Bretoneau, Andral, Chomel, Cloquet, Cruveilhier, and others, among the French; and Schoenlein, Rokitansky, Skoda, Virchow, Canstatt, Griesinger and many others, among the Germans; Graves, of Ireland; Smith, of England; and Bartlett of our own country, have left but little to be desired in these elements of a complete knowledge of the disease. So much of intelligent thought and labor could not but yield its fruits, and if these have not been all that a benevolent hope might have expected, they have at least been such as all can rejoice in, so far as they have contributed to establish the truth of this most important subject. They should not be undervalued by any student, however plainly he may see, after passing over their careful handling of these elements, that these laborers and writers have seemed to stop just where he could have wished them to have gone on, i. e., to the discovery and establishment of a system of cure, equally worthy of their genius and his respect and confidence. As to the elements named, they have left little to the domain of doubt; as to a system of cure they have left little else. In the present paper therefore we propose to accept these elements as they have been presented by received authorities, only protesting against what is believed to be a great error, in the department of pathology, which stands directly in the way of all improvement in the therapeutics of the disease. We refer to that teaching which puts effects in the place of causes; which regards the products of morbid action as the disease itself; and views local deposits and changes of tissue as the sum of the evil with which we have to do, instead of considering them, as it should, only as the partial results of that sum of the modified action of the vital forces which alone constitute the disease. To regard the peculiar state of Peyer's patches, so generally found in dissections after death from typhoid fever, as the disease itself, is scarcely more wise or philosophic than to exalt the sordes on the teeth or the cracks on the tongue or lips to this dignity. All are alike merely results of the state which for convenience we have so named. If the science of Pathology is to either aid or control our Therapeutics (it has been declared its province to do both by some), then a view so restricted and erroneous; as that here alluded to, must be followed by disaster to the progress of Therapeutics towards the perfection hoped for, and for which all profess to strive. A partial pathology cannot be followed by perfection in Therapeutics — nor a false pathology by safety in practice. Hence the fact, otherwise surprising though true, that the mortality of this fever has been scarcely if at all diminished by the combined labors of all these great lights in medical science. They have given much labor, observation and thought to the subject, and the result of all has been the fact that certain changes are usually wrought in Peyer's patches, during the progress of the fever, and this has been abundantly proved, by autopsies enough to prove anything they are capable of proving, and the other fact that a peculiar eruption appears on the skin of patients, supposed to be significant of this fever, and peculiar to its second stage. Beyond these two facts it is not certain that any addition has been made to the knowledge of its pathology possessed by their predecessors, and these are not material helps to the discovery of a system of successful Therapeutics. It is not quite easy to perceive how such a system could be discovered without previous reference to the law of cure, and the existence of such a law they all ignored. The only possible result followed. Their patients and the patients of their followers continued to die.

Homoeopathy claims to have discovered a better system — a system founded on law — on law which the Almighty made a part of man's being when he created the first of the race, and made him subject to disease. It claims for this system a better success than can come from any other not founded on law — it promises to all who apply it in practice a success just equal to the precision of the compliance with the requirements of this law, and promises success to no others. To the "doers of the law" only is it pledged; not to those who only swear by its name. The application of this law to the treatment of typhoid fever is the object of the present paper.

The first duty of the physician in attempting this treatment, is a thorough examination of all the elements of his case. This cannot be too strongly insisted on, or too carefully performed. In no other disease is this so important, though it is indifferent in none. Having honestly discharged this duty, and ascertained not only that he has the fever to combat, but all the elements it now reveals, let him consider them well and carefully before he decides on his first prescription, and be positively sure that it is right, before he ventures on the first dose, for no subsequent effort in the case is of equal importance. If the first prescription be wrong, no subsequent pains may be sufficient to remedy the consequences of the blunder. A confusion of the case from this source has often been realized which no skill could remove. If the first prescription be right all the subsequent course is comparatively easy. If wrong, there is only vexation, difficulty and anxiety before the physician; and to the patient and his friends, it is too likely, there is only a certain fearful looking for of pain, danger and death. Let it never be forgotten, that time here is of no account, if the question be of time or a wrong prescription. Let whatever of time the case may require for accuracy be given to it, no matter to what extent, for it is infinitely better for the patient that we do nothing than that we do wrong. When the younger Boenninghausen won his great, and perhaps unparalleled, success in the treatment of this fever with a single remedy, he recognized and practised this principle. He made sure of the accuracy of his first prescription, and then he fully recognized and obeyed the second essential rule of successful practice, viz.:

Having found the right remedy, keep to it — change it for no other — but for the strongest reason. Let no impatience for more speedy results, nor that honest and honorable desire to do better, which all right-minded practitioners must feel, and which is likely to be especially active with the young, tempt to do wrong by an unwise change of remedy. If the first be right, to change it for another will most likely be to give one less appropriate, and the result will too often cause bitter regret. The writer was years in learning the importance of this rule of practice, and the memory of the experiences from which it was derived is mixed with much that is painful, which he has now no doubt a better practice might have avoided.

In treating typhoid fever it should be constantly borne in mind that it is not often that the disease can be crushed at the first blow. It may require patient and protracted watching and care before the looked for amendment appears, but however long these may have been, the time furnishes no reason for substituting another remedy for that in use, this having been selected because its pathogenesis was most similar to the characteristic elements of the case. And now, whatever the time of its administration may have been, it is only to give place to a successor for a similar reason, greater resemblance to the elements of the case. Examples of both acute and chronic diseases are constantly met in practice which require medication for a longer or shorter period, according to the nature of the given case, before amendment becomes apparent, though the prescription may have been most accurate. Such cases are more frequent among typhoid fevers than other acute diseases. They call for the most careful revision of prescriptions, but never for a change of remedy except for the reason given above. Success in such cases only follows a steady adherence to that which has thus been ascertained to be the right. When, as sometimes happens in this fever, this period of what may be called latent medication is protracted days or even weeks, the course recommended requires more than common firmness, and the exhibition of much of that, quality called nerve, there can be no doubt, but he who has not these qualities, or is unwilling to use them, is not fit for the responsible duty of treating such cases.

And further, if tremulous of the best success, having selected the best remedy, we are not to be tempted into giving another, less appropriate, with it, expecting thereby to add anything to the curative effect of the principal remedy, or by this resort to excite a second and independent curative process by the power of the supplemental remedy, and so by this to add to the sum of the curative effects which can be realized in a given time. This too common resort of alternating remedies, as it is called, is rarely admissible in the treatment of this fever, though it is feared it is not seldom practiced. So far is it from being necessary or in any way beneficial, as a rule, the writer has no hesitation in declaring it positively mischievous. The practice has with many become a habit, with so many indeed that it may be regarded as a fashion, entered upon in the first instance with no very definite idea of principle involved in it, and repeated without reflection, till repetitions come almost as a matter of course in every prescription, for whatever disease. Against this as a general mode of practice we protest, it being without the support of any principle, uncalled for by any necessity of an intelligent practice, and, as often witnessed, is nothing else than a violation of that most necessary and wholesome law of our school which limits prescriptions to a single drug at a time. The giving of two in succession at the short intervals which are too common, is in nothing better, so far as a compliance with this law is concerned, than giving both from the same glass at the same time. Against this as a practice in the fever under consideration we protest, as against a method almost always extremely pernicious, and not unfrequently fatal. The exceptions are so few that it certainly can and ought to be entirely discarded. It is certain that this view is not in accordance with the current practice, and therefore not with the current judgment of the day. But it is confidently believed to be true notwithstanding. That its truth is not more generally perceived, is explained by the power of habit, and perhaps in some cases of prejudice. Let us look at the matter a moment.

What is the reason for giving any remedy in any disease? What but the resemblance of its pathogenesis to the elements of the case under treatment. This resemblance is found and the remedy is given, and is it not equal to the demands of the case? The promulgation of the homoeopathic law was accompanied by the declaration of its sufficiency; has intelligent experience falsified that declaration? If so the whole of Homoeopathy falls to the ground, and its advocates are no better than self deceivers, or the deceivers of others; and its practitioners are under a delusion more dark and dangerous than that which gives confidence to the advocates of the school they oppose. If the one drug, so selected, be sufficient, then the second is in no way called for. If it be not equal to the cure, then it is submitted, that this fact is a call rather for a revision of the prescription than for the administration of a second drug, in connection with it, probably no better chosen. But it may be said, and often has been, that cases occur where there is great difficulty in finding the required resemblance between the drug and the disease. This is true, but what then? The practice of Homoeopathy is not easy. It never has been. It was never adapted to the demands of the lovers of ease. Such persons have nothing to do with it. If they honestly attempt to have, it will be only a trouble to them. But do persons who plead the above difficulty as an excuse for the practice under consideration pretend that the difficulty is lessened by the duty of finding two similars instead of one. Or is it that before the difficulty, it being so great, they feel justified in abandoning allegiance to the homoeopathic law, and in attempting to accomplish by two remedies which are dissimilar to the disease, what the law declares can only be accomplished by one which is similar? Can two remedies which are not in curative relation to the disease, i. e., are dissimilar, do more good than one which is similar. Is there in all that is known of disease and drug action, and of the law of curing, any reason for believing that such a practice can be in the slightest degree beneficial? It is confidently believed that it is generally entered upon without thought, and that it is wholly unprofitable.

But is it never allowable to give two remedies in alternation? No doubt it is, but almost, if not quite, never in the treatment of this fever. If in any case, what kind, and by what law? The kind of case is that where the characteristics of the disease do not find their simillimum in those of any one known drug, but in those of two cognate drugs they are found. So that there is law for the government of alternating drugs, and that is nothing but the same old law of similars which rightly controls all drug selection. This observance of the law is quite different from its infraction against which we have been protesting. It is not a common but a rare necessity that requires a resort to this mode, so much more difficult than the simple one. If rightly practised its difficulty will effectually prevent its becoming either a habit or a fashion.

There is another habit of practice, too freely indulged, against which in this connection it is our duty also to protest because in the treatment of this fever it has been often followed, and ever will be, by the gravest mischief. The allusion is to giving Aconite without discrimination, to all cases of acute attack, where there is a hot skin, thirst, restlessness and a quick pulse: To give Aconite, as a matter of course, where there are only these elements of fever, is no better than sheer empiricism, and has for its defense no better reason than the current popular notion that Aconite is good for fever, which, if by it be meant that it is good for all cases of fever, is only like many other popular notions, merely a popular falsehood. It is only "good" for fevers which present symptoms like its pathogenesis which typhoid does not. In the early stage of typhoid, it is just the remedy to do more mischief, when oat of place, than any other. This follows from the inevitable law of drug action. The state of the patient is, with the rarest exceptions, just the opposite of that to which Aconite, is appropriate, and therefore the drug is antipathic, and consequently intensifies the evil it was given to control. This objection to Aconite applies with most force to its use in cases which occur in dense and crowded populations, or which have resulted from whatever protracted exposure to influences and circumstances that depress the vital forces. The fever to which Aconite is related is one of exalted action, never of depressed. Indeed it is nearly limited to cases based on local irritations or inflammations, with tendency to fibrinous deposit. In these cases even, its usefulness is confined to the stage of deposit, or that of irritation which immediately precedes it. For example, in Pneumonia, after the deposit of fibrin, Aconite is no longer of the least service. It has been given in such cases a thousand times, because there was still high fever, and Aconite is par excellence the remedy for this, but a thousand times it has here disappointed us all, because of our failure to appreciate the relationship here asserted.

It is our duty also to protest against giving Bryonia or Rhus tox. in the early stage, or in any stage of this fever, merely because it is typhoid, and because these remedies chanced to be once in the curative relation to an epidemic of historic celebrity. This of course can be no reason for continuing their use in epidemics to which they sustain no such relation, or in sporadic cases for any other reason than that their pathogenesis is more like the symptoms of the case to be treated than the pathogenesis of any other drugs. Above all we protest against their ever being given, as they have been, too often, in alternation, for this, in addition to the reasons given above, that the conditions to which the one is appropriate, is just the opposite to that of the other, and never the same.

The foregoing practical rules, it will be observed, are part positive — care in the first examination and analysis of a case, precision in the first prescription, and adherence to this when once decided on — and part negative. We are not to alternate remedies, and we are to avoid Acon. in the first stage, with very rare exceptions (no one but a madman would think of giving it in a subsequent stage), and are neither to give nor alternate Bry. and Rhus because it is typhoid fever. "With these rules before us, having complied with the first requirement, how shall we proceed to attain the exactitude required by the second? In the first place we are to discriminate between symptoms which are of controlling importance in the decision of the question of remedy, and those which are not. How? By taking chiefly into consideration those symptoms which are indicative of a peculiar condition, and giving to those which are of less significance a secondary place in the account. Thus, the peculiar character of the patient's mind and disposition, as to delirium, stupidity, irascibility, etc., are far more significant of the condition of the brain than mere pain in the head however severe; and the characteristics of the intestinal evacuations, than pains in those organs. The pains are common to all cases — are generic — the peculiarities above specified are those which individualize the case, and therefore are its characteristics; it is not to be forgotten that these are here and always the decisive symptoms in the selection of remedies.

We will suppose the case to be in the first stage of the attack, what symptoms shall we be likely to meet? We will present, presently, the group given by Prof. Griesinger, of Tubingen, in Virchow's Handbuch der Speciellen Pathologie und Therapie, 2te Band, 2te Abtheil., s. 130, as one of the latest and best pictures, from the writers of the old school of the phenomena of this stage. We do this, not because it is, perfect for the purpose of a homoeopathic prescription, but as, when taken in connection with translated symptoms of our Materia Medica, furnishing a convenient opportunity to answer, in part, the often repeated declaration of opponents of our school, that the phenomena of diseased action do not find a parallel in those of drug action. In this statement of the symptoms of the first stage of typhoid fever the author had no reference to any record of our Materia Medica, he simply intended to give a representative picture of the disease; the parallel symptoms of the Materia Medica were on the record long before Griesinger wrote. There was therefore no collusion. It is given also because of its representative character, i. e., it presents the symptoms the most important, as the author understands them; and the most frequently met in his practice, i. e., belonging to the greatest number of cases, thus furnishing a convenient opportunity, not only to present an answer to an oft repeated and groundless objection, but also the proper method of dealing with a record of symptoms where a prescription is to be made. It also demonstrates the truth of the principle, already stated, when having to speak of Acon., that remedies related to depressed vital force are those from which we shall find our curative, even in this first stage. Of these Ars. is certainly one of the chief. It is rare that a record of symptoms in practice can afford an opportunity for a more perfect compliance with the demands of the law of cure than these of Griesinger, when met by Ars.* [For the parallel of Griesinger and Ars., see the symptoms of An. in a future number of the Review.]

But cases in practice are not constituted according to the models of the text books. The symptoms of each case, while presenting generalities sufficiently like these, show also special symptoms or combinations, by which it is characterized, and which constitute it an individuality. And in this individuality the case must be studied, and to this the remedy adapted by the law of similars. Typhoid fever, in its earliest existence, chiefly attacks and modifies the functions of the brain, and of the organs of the digestive apparatus. In its early stage these modifications are the proper objects of most careful study. It is in the functions of these organs that the fever, for the most part, makes its existence known, and in these it is to be combated. In the study of cases at the bed side, it will be found, that early in the history of the attack, a preponderance of important symptoms has shown itself in one or the other of these spheres, which marks the first step in the analysis of the case,, and that which decides whether the remedy is to be found in the class of drags which attack the brain by preference, of which Belladonna may, for convenience, be received as the representative; or in the class which by similar preference attacks the digestive apparatus, represented by Arsenicum; or if the case be mixed, i. e., the two systems about equally affected, in the class of drags equally related to both, of which Bryonia may stand as a type. Where cases are marked with strong cerebral or abdominal preponderance, this classification may help some-what to find the right remedy. But as cases in practice will not make themselves up in models for our convenience, it is to be understood that in this analysis we only contemplate preponderance, all cases being more or less mixed, in their cerebral and abdominal manifestations.

In this paper, we propose to examine the relations of Bell., Hyos., Lach., Opium and Stram. to typhoid fevers with predominant cerebral symptoms. After the symptoms have been presented in groups, it will be easy for the student to perceive the resemblances and differences of the different groups, and from these differences to decide on the selection of either which may be appropriate to his case.

Belladonna. Trembling with sense of weariness in the limbs (in the early stage). Heaviness and weariness in the limbs; great debility, and general weakness with sleepiness in the afternoon; exalted irritability of all the organs; congestive tendency of the blood to the head; red spots like flea bites, or like blood stains, or petechiae, on the chest, abdomen, face and neck.* [If this reminds the Homoeopathist of the "lenticular rose spots" of Louis, he is not therefore to exalt the importance of this symptom into decisive authority in the selection of this drug, because this writer made it a pathognomonic of this fever.] Great drowsiness; profound comatose sleep with snoring (see Opium); sometimes opening the eyes, without moving, with wild look. Jerking of the tendons, with pale face and cold hands, and small, hard, rapid pulse. Sleeplessness with strong desire to sleep; sudden waking from sleep with start and fright; sighing and jerks in sleep which wake the patient; frightful visions on closing the eyes to sleep; anxious and frightful dreams; shudderings from the slightest current of air; face red, swollen with injected conjunctiva. Furious delirium with violent pain in the forehead. The patient suddenly springs from the bed, or attempts to. He is timid and fearful and suspicious, and desires to run away (in a later stage); reluctant to answer questions or to speak; increased sensibility of all the senses; is quarrelsome and strikes, bites and spits on his attendants. The patient sings, laughs, and talks loud in his delirium. He is completely insensible as if in a dream, he neither sees nor hears. Illusions of the senses and imagination; he has visions of beauty or terror; the delirium is violent with staring of the eyes; it is also loquacious, or perhaps muttering. (The violent and loud is more frequent with this drug.) He talks of dogs, wolves, cattle, soldiers, battles and of going home. Vertigo with anxiety, and glimmering before the eyes; throbbing of the carotid and temporal arteries, and also in the forehead. The pains in the head are increased by the movement of the eyes; the eyes are prominent, red, staring, sparkling, brilliant, distorted or affected by spasmodic motions. The pupils are either contracted or greatly dilated and immovable, or the eyes may be dull and without expression. Deafness; burning heat and redness of the face; distortion of the mouth; dry and cracked lips, or they are dark red and dry; dryness of the mouth and throat extending from the fauces into the nose. Tongue red, hot, dry and cracked; it is red on the margin and white in the centre; trembling of the tongue; paralytic weakness of the organs of speech (see Lach.); heaviness of the tongue; difficult stammering speech, as if drunk; difficult speech from difficulty of respiration, and great debility. The above are the symptoms of Belladonna which bring it into relation to typhoid fever. It will be at once seen that for the most part they are referable to a modified state of the brain, and that the drug is by them related to both the early and later stage of the disease.

Hyoscyamus. Jerkings of the limbs and tendons; debility and weariness of the whole body; uncommon sinking of strength; universal debility with trembling of the whole body and coldness of the extremities; burning of the skin while laying the hand on any part of the body. Uncontrollable disposition to sleep; continued profound sleep; gentle sleep; quiet sleep with profuse perspiration; coma vigil; sleeplessness from nervous excitability; perspiration in sleep; suffocating snoring with the inspiration; carphologia; waking with outcries; anxious dreams; burning heat, both external and internal. Pulse small and weak; small and thready; rapid and intermittent; very small, hardly perceptible; weak and irregular; Sweating with great weakness and stupidity; insensible stupidity, which is conscious of no want except thirst. Entire loss of consciousness, and of the functions of the organs of the senses; does not recognize relatives or friends; illusions of the imagination and senses. Delirium with the fever which is continued while awake, and which sees persons who are not, and have not been present. Indistinct and muttering loquacity; muttering with picking of the bed clothes; inability to think, the thoughts cannot be directed or controlled; vacant staring at surrounding objects, with apparent entire self-forgetfulness. Vertigo, like drunkenness. Dull pain at the base of the brain, in the forehead and especially in the membranes of the brain. Heaviness of the head, with sense of empty confusion, and severe pain. Stupefying pressure in the forehead, which passes into shootings or tearings (on the left side). Eyes sparkling and red; prominent and convulsed; distorted and staring; staring at surrounding objects; weak, dull, without lustre; squinting; pupils either much contracted or dilated; deafness; offensive smell from the mouth; tongue red, hard, dry, and clean or coated brown. Burning dryness of the tongue and lips, which look like burnt leather. Paralysis of the tongue. — — Embarrassed, indistinct speech; answers no questions; loss of speech and all sensibility; distension of the abdomen with pain on pressure; tympanitic distension; watery diarrhea; involuntary and unnoticed stools in bed. Paralysis of the sphincter ani; suppressed secretion of urine; retention of urine; involuntary urination; paralysis of the bladder.

Lachesis. Painful weariness of the limbs, extending from the elbows and knees; relaxation of the muscles, with exhaustion from the slightest exertion. Weakness with inclination to sleep; dullness and bruised pains in the limbs; trembling of the limbs, and internal trembling, with fever and faintness, evenings. Sleepiness with weakness in all the limbs; great dullness of mind with bodily weakness; complete insensibility; delirium at night; much muttering during the evening fever; heaviness of the head, with dullness, like lead in the occiput, with vertigo. Throbbing in the head from every movement; congestion to the head; heat in the head. Eyes weak and dull or distorted; sensibility to light; deafness; very sensitive to sound; rushing and thunderings in the ears; bleeding from the nose; hanging of the lower jaw during the coma; dryness of the mouth, with thirst or constant desire to drink. Dryness of the tongue; black; as if stiff, with difficult motion while swallowing; paralysis with difficult protrusion of the tongue; difficult speech with heaviness of the tongue; nasal indistinct speech; pain in the epigastrium on pressure; distension of the abdomen, also hard, with gurgling and rumbling in the bowels before the diarrhea.

Opium. Unconquerable weariness, or weariness like intoxication; uneasiness with sense of illness of both body and mind; heaviness of the limbs; weakness, with aversion to all external objects, persons and things, with drowsiness, silly stupidity, sadness and weakened memory. Great prostration and depression of spirits; weakness, with inability for any work; marked sinking of strength, with inability to move himself, with want of tone in the solids of the body. Fainting and vertigo with every attempt to leave the bed; emaciation of the body; small, red, itching spots, here and there on the body; coma vigil, with indistinct muttering. Stupefying slumber also at night, with increased thirst; tongue almost clean, with hard, bright red edges, and cracked lips. Irresistible sleep and complete coma, with insensibility, heat, pulse and respiration natural. Constant slumber with carphologia, and touching surrounding objects, with half opened eyes. Profound sleep with loose rattling respiration. Stupid sleep with unconsciousness; stupid comatose sleep, with stertorous breathing; half open mouth; distorted, open eyes; red puffy face; hanging of the lower jaw; respiration slow, heavy, or even intermittent; pulse slow or suppressed; jerkings of the limbs and muscles of the face and corners of the mouth; sleeplessness with restlessness and delirium, or with incomplete visions and phantasies. Impossibility to sleep though feeling very sleepy; nocturnal alternation of coma vigil and coma somnolentum, with delirium, hot skin, and stupidity; stupid sleeplessness with phantasies of dragons, skeletons, horrible spirits, ghosts, in a state of half sleeping and waking. After morbid sleep, stammering; difficulty of moving the tongue; nausea; anxious and frightful dreams.

In stupefying sleep, stertor, especially during expiration; whimpering, sighing and moaning; suffocating nightmare; pulse first rapid and strong, then weak and intermitting; rapid and weak, with rapid, oppressed and anxious respiration; copious perspiration, with itching miliary eruption, with insensibility of the organs of touch, sight and smell. He sits in silence, absorbed in himself; loss of consciousness; dullness of the senses, with heavy eyes and extreme weakness; perfect loss of consciousness and insensibility with relaxation of the muscles. He neither knows his relatives nor the most familiar objects; dullness and stupidity of the intellect and all the senses; stupid insensibility to both pain and pleasure; imbecility; stupidity of the senses, with watery eyes; anxious respiration, with strong heaving of the chest; slow comprehension of ideas; internal dullness as if sleepy and drunk; sensibility entirely benumbed. Delirium; visions; frightful phantasies of mice, scorpions, etc., with desire to run away. Delirious talk of ghosts, devils, spirits, which he says surround his bed and afflict him. Delirious muttering of old occurrences, with open eyes, and recognizes what is said to him only as if after a dream; furious delirium. In his delirious fancies the patient does not believe he is in his own house. Heaviness of the head; great heaviness of the occiput, like lead, so that the head constantly falls backwards. Inability to hold up the head; throbbing of the arteries of the brain; congestion of the head; eyes open and turned upwards; staring and unusually bright; glassy, prominent, immovable, expressionless, like one dying. Stares on surrounding objects, with watery eyes, without comprehending what occurs, or recognizing his relatives; pupils contracted dilated or immovable; insensibility of the iris to light; ringing and rushing sounds in the ears; stupid aspect, with relaxed and hanging facial muscles and lower lip; distended nostrils, and difficult raising of the upper eyelids; distortion of the mouth; convulsive trembling of the facial muscles, lips and tongue. Tongue dry without thirst, especially in the morning; black tongue; paralysis of the tongue; difficult speech, can only speak loud with great effort. Stammering; distension of the abdomen; hard, with tension and pain from pressure. Tympanitis; diarrhea, extremely offensive or watery; involuntary stools; retention of urine, as if from a closing of the bladder, or a loss of its power. Respiration slow, deep drawn and sighing; stertorous, deep drawn, with loose rattling or loud and difficult; interrupted intermittent, with moaning.

Stramonium. Trembling of the whole body, or one of or more of the limbs; weariness of the limbs, great weakness, prostration, strong inclination to lie down; can only walk a few steps without support; red miliary spots on the chest and back; small shining star-shaped petechiae, on the face, throat and chest Profound sleep with stertorous breathing, or with very deep drawn respiration with great effort; coma with loose rattling respiration, with dark brown face; waking with loud outcries; pulse weak, irregular, often intermittent, small, rapid, or hardly perceptible, very small, rapid and intermittent, imperceptible. He is fearful and excited; desires to run away; believes he is always alone and is terrified; strikes his attendants, with fearful outcries; great disposition to bite and tear everything with his teeth, even his own limbs; sudden alternations of laughing, singing and weeping. Loss of consciousness; imbecility; stupefaction of the senses; he takes no notice of what occurs; neither sees nor hears, nor recognizes his relatives; insensible to external impressions; speaks to the absent as if they were present, and calls inanimate objects by the name of persons, while he takes no notice of his attendants. Illusions, as if his body were cut into in the middle; as if all surrounding objects were very very small, while he himself is very large, and elevated on high; believes he sees a great company of people about him, and grasps at them. Frightful objects are constantly before the imagination while his expression is that of fear or terror; believes he sees dogs, cats, rabbits, approaching him from all around; and that he sees ghosts. Delirium; loquacious; mild; terrified; many wonderful phantasies; muttering cries, even to hoarseness and complete loss of voice and speech. Dullness in the head; it is difficult to think; sensation of weakness and lightness in the head; stupefaction of the head with dullness of vision; beclouding of all the senses, after which a red rash (rothe friesels) on the back, with sweating. Staring of the eyes with sleepy aspect, eyes dull and weak; pupil dilated and immovable; with contraction of the pupil, all things appear much smaller and farther removed than they really are. Deafness; illusions of hearing; distortion of the face as if from pain; lips trembling; dryness of the lips. The whole inner mouth as if raw; great dryness of the mouth, so that food tastes like straw; dryness of the tongue and mouth, or only of the palate; tongue dry and rough; paralysis of the tongue, or trembling when protruding it; the organs of speech as if paralyzed, with lisping and stammering; constant mutterings; cries till the speech is lost or he becomes hoarse; complete inability to swallow because of dryness of the throat; sensibility of the abdomen to pressure; blackish diarrhea every hour; stools smell like carrion; suppressed secretion of urine; retention of urine; copious, involuntary discharge of urine.

The above are the symptoms by which these powerful drugs are related to typhoid fever as curatives. In each are symptoms often met in all stages of the disease. Consequently they may be given with confidence whenever their administration is a compliance with the demands of the law of cure. A careless reading of this record may leave the impression that the symptoms of each are little more than a repetition of those of the other. A careful study will show that each has its distinctive character, and it should be well understood that their successful application in practice depends on the recognition and appreciation of this. It is not the plan of this paper to go into a comparison of resemblances and differences of the symptoms of these drugs in detail, though it is earnestly recommended to each student to do this for himself, and to master the subject thoroughly, for by doing this he will have gone far towards making himself master of one of the most dangerous forms of this most dangerous disease. Let him compare the debility, trembling, exhaustion, weariness and their associated concomitants, of each, so like to these elements of the first stage of the fever, and see wherein each differs from the rest, and he has found the index to its right selection in practice in this stage. So of the symptoms of sleep; intellect; fever, as pulse, sweating, etc.; head; mouth, tongue and speech; abdomen, stool, urine and respiration.

We only propose now an allusion to a few of the relationships of these remedies to the fever and to each other, of a general kind, with the hope of facilitating the selection of the right at the bedside of the sick. The first remark we have to make on the class of cases under consideration, is, that they present two forms for practical observation and treatment — one of excitement, the other of depression. The first characterized by more or less of violence of delirium, varying in degree from raging madness to quiet visions and mutterings, which just remove cases from the second class, the characteristic of which is stupidity. It will be at once seen, if the symptoms of the medicines given above are studied with a little attention, that they vary also in their effects on the organism, as cases of fever do in practice, in the elements of violence and depression; and by a comparison of the symptoms of the remedies given, it will be found that in the manifestation of violence, they stand in the following order; Bell., Stram., Hyos., Op., Lach.; Bell. being more strongly marked than any other drug; Stram. less, but more than Hyos., while with Op. and Lach. this manifestation is but slight. From Bell. the delirium is loud, talkative, positive; the anger is demonstrative, and strikes, bites and tears; Stram. is similar but less in degree; Hyos. is still more mild, while Op., if it rises above the stupid, is still more gentle.

In the second class of cases, marked by stupidity, the order in which these remedies stand related is reversed, except as to Lach., which is still in the last place. They stand Op., Hyos., Stram., Bell., Lach. The stupor of Op. is complete. The patient is not to be roused, or only with great difficulty, and to his great annoyance, and then even he comprehends nothing, and immediately falls again into the same unconscious state as before, while at the same time he shows symptoms like the other characteristics of this drug, in the respiration, diarrhea (watery and offensive), etc. That of Hyos., while it involves loss of consciousness, from which he can be roused with something less of difficulty than from that of Op., does not recognize his relatives or attendants, but soon falls into a gentle though deep sleep, which is likely to be attended with more or less spasmodic symptoms, as jerkings of the limbs, etc., and also with a diarrhea quite different from that of Op., i. e., yellow, watery, copious, painless, and but slightly if at all offensive. That from Stram. differs from both. The lost consciousness and stupefaction are in large part from the entire occupation of the patient with the visions and images of his delirium, which for the time seem to entirely divert attention from impressions on the senses. The difference between this drug and Bell. is one of degree, in part; the visions of Bell. being more vivid, with less of spasmodic action than Hyos., and the absence of the characteristic diarrhea, while it may be attended by its own, which is watery, somewhat profuse, and preceded by a copious sweating. The diarrhea of Stram. is blackish and watery.

Typhoid fever, characterized by predominant abdominal affection, is met by Ars., Carbo veg., Chin., Colch., Merc., Nux mos., Secale and Sulph. As in the cerebral variety, we propose to group the symptoms of these remedies, and then to ascertain, as far as we may be able, the points which enable us in practice to put each in its place. In the case of Ars. the desire to give the parallel of the group of Griesinger's symptoms with those of the Materia Medica, and also the group by which this drug is related to the fever, entire, will compel a few repetitions. It is hoped the interest of the parallel, and the desirableness of the group entire, will be sufficient to excuse this. The comparison of the symptoms from these two sources is as follows:

SYMPTOMS FROM GRIESINGER.

ARSENICUM.

The febrile symptoms of the patient are aggravated in the evening.

Appearance of the symptoms evenings after lying down.

Weakness and prostration are earlier developed and greater than in most other attacks of acute diseases. Very many patients, from the outset, can hardly keep upon their feet.

Universal and sudden sinking of the forces. Great weakness, especially in the legs, knees and feet, on the least attempt at walking, with inability to walk even a few steps, without sinking down, or with inability to leave the bed.

Dull pain in the forehead, occiput in the whole head; confusion in the head, vertigo, humming in the ears, intolerance of light.

Great heaviness in the head, with humming in the ears; stupefying pain in the forehead. Great intolerance of light; vertigo with headache.

Sleeplessness, or sleep disturbed by heavy dreams.

Sleeplessness with restlessness and tossing. Many heavy dreams; frightful and anxious dreams.

Complete loss of appetite, with thirst and bad taste in the month, pappy and bitter; the tongue is coated and red at the point and edges.

Complete loss of appetite with severe thirst; bitter, salt, sour, and putrid taste in the mouth; tongue coated white, or red and dry, brown or blackish. (A later stage) Constipation with pain in the abdomen. Watery and slimy diarrhea, with great weakness.

In the first days there is for the most part constipation, though cases occur where there are fluid stools from the beginning.

Pains of the severest kind in the epigastrium, with great sensibility to pressure.

Pains in the abdomen are, in this stage for the most part in the epigastrium

Pulse quick, frequent, weak, and intermitting.

Pulse frequent, full and soft, and sometimes undulating.

Heat of skin for the most part dry and burning. Anxious, nocturnal heat, also dry and without thirst.

The skin hot and dry, sweating is the exception in this stage.

Urine diminished, with burning.

Urine scanty, dark.

Copious bleedings from the nose.

Single or repeated bleedings from the nose.

Spleen swollen and painful (also in fever). Dryness and burning in the larynx; cough short, dry, deep, fatiguing, with dry excoriation in chest. and expectoration scanty, frothy and difficult. [A tolerable picture of acute bronchial catarrh."]

An increased volume of the spleen is easily detected. Cough and symptoms of bronchial catarrh in many cases.

Loss of sensation, consciousness and speech. He lies senseless, voice stammering and inarticulate. Dullness and weakness of the understanding and senses..

[The above are Griesinger's symptoms of the first week, in the order in which they occur on his page. He proceeds to say that the fever increases in intensity, the second week, and the above symptoms are mostly aggravated.]

Speech hesitating and slow.

The confusion of the head (eingenommenheit) is increased till it becomes now a peculiar stupidity.

Difficult hearing as if the ears were stopped.

Speech hesitating and difficult.

Night in bed, restless and tossing, with heat, and extravagant, delirious imaginations.

Hearing somewhat weakened.

Great dryness and dry sensation of the mouth and also of the tongue. Tongue brown or blackish

The evening exacerbation brings great restlessness; the night, a moderate delirium.

Milliary rash. Red scorbutic spots.

The mouth and tongue become dry, the latter brown coated.

Rose red spots, towards the close of the second week, on the chest and abdomen.

From the above symptoms and their counterpart it will be seen that Ars. has no second place of importance in the list of the curatives of this fever, especially in its first stage. This will be still more apparent after a careful study of the following:

Anxious weakness, absent-mindedness, staggering gait, with difficulty in walking direct to a given point General and rapid sinking of the forces. The greatest weakness, especially in the legs, knees, feet and hands, which tremble, with inability to walk more than a few steps without sinking down. Prostration, with inability to leave the bed; with falling of the lower jaws and eyelids. Emaciation. Petechiae. Dullness and aversion to all movement; after each disturbance he sleeps again immediately. Sleeplessness with great restlessness and tossing about the bed; sleep is restless and disturbed. Anxious heat and restlessness, with burning, as if hot water were flowing through the veins, or with throbbing in the head, and desire to throw off the covering of the bed. Carphologia; anxious and frightful dreams; cold, sticky perspiration; or sour and offensive. Pulse excited, frequent, empty; or quick, weak and intermitting; small, weak and rapid; small and irregular. Pulseless with excited beating of the heart; anxiety with tossing in the bed; speaks but little, only complains of anxiety; says nothing, from weakness of body and mind; excess of sensibility to sounds, to talking and light; great indifference to all things, even to life; dull and weak in the head. Delirium. Loss of sensibility — of consciousness — of speech. Delirium, with open eyes; raving, with pain in the head, anxiety, noises before the ears, great restlessness, loss of speech, trembling and anxious sweating. Stupefying pain in the head, mostly pressing in the forehead; great heaviness in the head mostly in the forehead; with rushing sounds in the ears. Eyes dull, lustreless, prominent, staring, and turned upwards; staring wild expression; contracted pupils. Deafness; ringing in the ears and also in the head. Lips dry and cracked; lips and tongue dry and blackish. Tongue red and dry; cracked and trembling; as if burnt; tastes nothing; great dryness and great sensation of dryness of the tongue, with excessive thirst, though he drinks but little at a time. Thirst for acids or brandy, or cold water. Great sensibility of the stomach to external pressure; swelling of the spleen, which is painful to pressure; swelling of the abdomen, also excessive. Rolling, and gurgling in the abdomen as if from much flatulence. Putrid, offensive flatus; involuntary and unnoticed stool. Diarrhea with colic pains; with great weakness; yellow watery and small; greenish, dark brown, with the offensiveness of foul ulcers; putrid; black, burning, excoriating stools with restlessness and colic. Involuntary urination; diminished urine, which is burning; very turbid; greenish, dark brown, turbid when passed, and does not become clear on standing. Oppressed respiration with extreme prostration.

Carbo vegetabilis. Weakness, especially of the legs, in the evening; or in the morning, with sluggishness, and disposition to perspiration and trembling of the limbs. Trembling of the body with prostration. Debility as if after severe sickness; the joints seem too weak to carry the body; pulse weak; entirely pulseless; disposition to great perspiration. The mind is sluggish with inability to think; ideas move slowly and constantly around one object, with confusion of the head, (eingenommenheit), as if bound fast. Vertigo the whole day; whirling, while moving, especially the head; heaviness of the head, like lead; in the forehead with dull pain. Heaviness and immobility of the tongue, with difficult speech; heat and dryness of the tip of the tongue; great sensibility of the region of the stomach to pressure; distention of the abdomen, as if from flatulence, especially in the afternoon; constant distention with copious escape of flatus; rumbling and gurgling in the abdomen; fermentation in the bowels with subsequent stool like diarrhea and discharge of putrid flatus; involuntary stools which are offensive like carrion; urine turbid and reddish; dark colored; strong smelling.

China. Sense of internal illness as of impending disease; painful weariness in the limbs, as if after a long walk, or exhaustion from loss of fluids, with constant inclination to stretch them or change their position. Heaviness in all the limbs, especially of the thighs; aversion to all efforts of body or mind; weakness, with relaxation of body and mind; with insensibility; he can hardly hold the head erect, and falls asleep; weariness; aversion to movement. Great weakness with strong disposition to perspiration during movements and in sleep; great sinking of the forces; unconquerable disposition to sleep, with weakness; frightful phantasies, in the evening in bed, with frightened starts on closing the eyes to sleep; anxiety on waking, from frightful dreams; insensibility on waking, or vertigo which is increased by raising the head; indifference and apathy; taciturnity; obstinate silence, will answer nothing; angry, quarrelsome disposition; nervous irritability with depression of spirits, and intolerance of all impressions on the senses, especially of noises; slow movement of ideas, and also of the power of comprehension. Vertigo with nausea and subsequent heat; heaviness of the head, with increasing vertigo; mornings, on waking, with weakness of the limbs; pupils much contracted or dilated and insensible to light; countenance pale and sunken; hippocratic; with sharp nose, and hollow eyes with dark circles around them, with insensibility and indifference. Lips dry, hard, and cracked; blackish lips. Blackish tongue; cracked; as if raw, or burnt. Swelling and hardness of the spleen; pains in the abdomen as if there would be diarrhea; distension of the abdomen, with pain and diarrhea; with hardness and pain; with constant tension; in the morning, tympanitis. Rumbling in the bowels, especially in the upper part of the abdomen; thin stools like diarrhea; yellow, watery; slimy, involuntary, thin and yellow; blackish. With the respiration, rattling and moaning sounds in the chest, and loud sounds through the nose.

Colchicum. Great weakness and sensibility of the surface; weakness as if after exertion. If the patient be raised up the head falls constantly backwards, and the mouth opens to the widest extent. Sudden sinking of the forces, so that in ten hours he can hardly speak or walk; cadaverous aspect and extreme prostration; emaciation; lying on the back, comatose; eyes half open; respiration audible and accelerated; hands and feet cold; trunk hot and extremities cold; skin dry; sweating; suppressed cutaneous transpiration; forehead covered with cold sweat. Pulse small and contracted; quick and hardly perceptible; small and frequent; quick and thready; pulseless. Delirium with cephalalgia; intellect beclouded though he gives correct answers to questions; unless questioned he says nothing of his condition, which does not seem to him dangerous. Perceptions entirely lost; he is unconscious; carphologia; eyes hollow, staring, and sunken; pupils much dilated and little sensitive to light; immovable and but slightly dilated; left pupil contracted while the right is dilated. Nostrils dry and black. Face sunken and hippocratic; risus sardonicus; lips, teeth, and tongue covered with a thick brown coating; lips cracked; face covered with perspiration; grinding of the teeth; tongue protruded with difficulty; tongue bright red; tongue heavy, stiff and numb; loss of speech; inextinguishable thirst; epigastrium and stomach extremely sensitive to pressure; abdomen distended, tense and hard; surface of the abdomen hotter than the rest of the body; tympanites with pain in the back. Watery diarrhea, the stools are passed insensibly; stools fluid, offensive, with white flakes; involuntary stools; numerous, liquid, black, offensive stools, with severe pain; secretion of urine suppressed; urine copious; involuntary urination; respiration irregular and intermittent.

Mercurius. Great weariness in all the limbs; weakness, in the evening, with depression of spirits; great weakness on the slightest movement; in the morning, with nauseating sinking, heaviness of the legs and drowsiness; intolerable weakness with giving way of the knees; with sensation as of lead in the veins, worse when sitting; attacks as if body and mind were unstrung (entschlaffung). Aversion to speaking, with confusion (wuestheit) of the head, so that he can neither read nor perform the least labor, but falls asleep while sitting; weakness and exhaustion, with heat, rush of blood and trembling, from the least labor; much exhausted after a stool, with griping in the abdomen; weakness so that he is ready to fall, with inexpressible sense of illness in body and mind, which compels him to lie down. General exhaustion of forces with emaciation; small transparent vesicles filled with watery fluid, appearing in the morning on various parts of the body (Sudamina). Too great disposition to sleep, which is too profound; he slept twelve hours and would longer if not waked; with extreme prostration and sleepiness, he is unable to sleep; frequent waking as if from fright, or from wakefulness, with much tossing; intolerable restlessness, anxiety and discomfort at night in bed, with sleeplessness; on waking, whirling in the head, by which sleep is made more distressing than pleasant; frightful dreams, as if he fell from a height, or as if he were not in his own home, and talking of distant villages; of shootings; of street robbers; frightful imaginations prevent his sleeping, in the evening. Great perspiration at night, also it is greasy, stiffens the linen, stains it yellow, or is offensive. Great indifference so that he takes no notice of anything; has no desire to live, wishes rather to die, with indifference to the most loved objects. Loss of thought for the moment; insensibility, so that he knows not where he is; loss of consciousness and speech, with pulselessness, with cadaverous aspect, while the natural heat of the body is retained, and he is in a sleep-like state, from which he emerges with consciousness and speech. Vertigo while lying on the back, like whirling and weakness (weichlich), better when lying on the side. As if the head were bound with a band, with pressure. Pressing headache, in the occiput, or outward pressure in the forehead, with pain in the bone over the eyebrows, especially when touched. Dullness of the eyes; pupils dilated; deafness. The ears as if stopped, with rushing sounds. Bleeding from the nose, in sleep. Pains in the corners of the mouth as if cut; excoriation and cracks in the corners of the mouth; ulceration of the corners of the mouth, with pains as of excoriation. Spongy gums, separating and easy bleeding; bleeding of the gums on the slightest touch. Tongue very rough; brown or blackish; painful, as if chapped and burning; dry and hard. Great thirst day and night, for cold drinks, especially for water. Great sensibility of the stomach and epigastrium to touch; fullness of the epigastrium with tension, and embarrassed respiration. Distention of the abdomen with hardness or with painful sensibility to touch; rumbling in the bowels after every drinking, or before every stool; stools dark green and frothy; brownish, soft, floating on the water; pitch like, sticky; urine offensive, first clear, then white as if mixed with chalk.

Nux moschata. General restlessness in the muscles, with vertigo; anxiety in the body with disposition to trembling. Pain in the neck, bones, and generally as if after taking cold in copious perspiration, with pressing to the forehead. Loins and legs as if bruised and weak; after the slightest exertion weakness with inclination to lie down. Bluish spots on the skin. Great sleepiness with giddiness, as if drunk, so that she does not know where she is, and walks with the eyes shut. The profoundest coma, lying silent, immovable, insensible; a dreamy state, with drowsiness, and falling of the eyelids; restless sleep at night. Absent minded and insensible as if intoxicated; insensibility and giddy vanishing of thought; slow movement of ideas, he dwells long on is answer before giving it, and often he answers not at all. Delirium and stupidity; frantic drunkenness; drunkenness, also with staggering, or indolence, or heaviness in the head, and pain first in the forehead then in the occiput. Dryness of the mouth, tongue and throat, with fullness of the stomach and loss of appetite; in the evening, so great that the tongue sticks to roof of the mouth, yet without thirst. Distention of the abdomen as if from flatulence; tension of the abdomen, with restless sleep, or heaviness in the upper part of the abdomen. Rumbling, rolling, and gurgling in the bowels; discharge of fetid flatus; watery stool instead of flatus, after a previous constipation and hard stool; colliquative, putrid diarrhea. Urine scanty, very high colored and clear.

Secale corn. Great general weakness, or sometimes more in the upper and sometimes in the lower extremities. Heaviness of the limbs with numbness; weakness of the limbs; rapid sinking of the forces; fainting; great trembling of the part moved in every effort, even of the protruded tongue.

Rapid emaciation; petechiae; great inclination to sleep, like coma; deep sleep and long continued; stupefying slumber, the whole day; sleep at night is restless with heavy dreams; after sleep is much exhausted. Pulse small and contracted (zusammengezogen), slow, small and intermitting. Sweating from the head to the epigastrium; profuse and general; cold and also sticky. Depression of spirits constant, with timidity; great indifference to every thing. Delirium bland or violent, like mental aberration, followed by vomiting and this by deep sleep; after the delirium still greater vertigo, like intoxication, with sense of lassitude and weakness; the boy understands nothing, and answers no questions; continued stupidity with dilated pupils; difficulty of thought and speech; diminished sight and hearing, or entire loss of these senses; confusion (wuestheit) and stupefaction of the mind; drunken vertigo, staggering and inability to stand erect. Distortion of the eyes, with pupils nearly closed; rolling of the eyes; eyes wild and wandering; staring of the eyes; squinting; pupils either much contracted or dilated. Deafness with humming and rushing sounds in the ears. Bleeding from the nose. Face sunken, hippocratic, pale, and expression dull. Dryness of the mouth with thirst; tongue discolored, brown or comparatively black; speech difficult, weak, indistinct, or stammering; slow and weak as if the organs had an impediment to overcome. Dryness of the throat. Painful sensibility of the stomach and epigastrium; abdomen distended, tense, hard and painful if pressed; painful diarrhea with great sinking of the forces; putrid extremely offensive, colliquative diarrhea; involuntary diarrhea. Suppression of the urinary secretion; difficult urination, with constant desire. Voice hoarse and hollow; anxious and difficult respiration, also with sighing and hiccough; loss of speech and subsultus.

Sulphur. Very heavy and weak in the limbs from morning to evening; lassitude the whole day; vanishing of the power of the arms and legs like fainting, he was near losing his consciousness. Always fatigued and weak; weary as if after sickness; much prostrated, weak and averse to effort, even to speaking; weakness of the limbs with trembling after every effort Very weak and sleepy the whole day; unconquerable sleepiness, in the day time, even when seated at work he cannot prevent sleep. Restless tossing at night in bed; restless at night, he wakes from each sleep with fright as if from a terrifying dream, and after waking anxious phantasies, as from ghosts, or his employments, from which he cannot at once free himself. Restless sleep; fall of dreams; before midnight, irrational talk in his sleep like delirious dreams. That which he has dreamed seems to him a reality. Snoring in his sleep; sleep with half open eyes; unintelligible muttering in sleep; frightful and anxious dreams every night. She has no rest day or night. Great absence of mind, he cannot fix his attention on present objects or manage his affairs. Indolence of body and mind, and through the day is averse to employment or movement; in the evening he is averse to work, pleasure, speech and movement; he is extremely uncomfortable and knows not what is the matter with him; he is dull in his senses, stupid and embarrassed, and avoids moving about When spoken to, he is as if wakened from a dream, he appears silly, and can only comprehend and answer after great effort; he cannot bring two ideas into connection, and is as if weak in his intellect; great dullness and vacuity; sensation of fullness and heaviness in the head; heaviness in the vertex; pupils contracted; increased sensibility of hearing; every sound annoys him. Dryness of both ears which rapidly disappears; bleeding from the nose, for seven days. He can endure no odors; pale sickly aspect, as if after long illness, with great uneasiness; sunken eyes with blue circles around them; dryness of the lips; cracked lips; trembling of the lips; brown mucus is deposited on the teeth; bleeding from the teeth and gums. Offensive smell from the mouth morning and evening; tongue very dry in the morning. The stomach is very sensitive to touch, even the bed covering causes pain. The region of the liver is sensitive to touch; distention of the abdomen; swelling and hardness of the abdomen in the evening; tension of the abdomen as if from pent up flatus; rumbling, rolling, gurgling, grumbling in the bowels; much flatus; offensive flatus; diarrhea like water every half hour, each after grumbling in the bowels, without pain. He has six discharges like diarrhea, then he faints, first he had heat and warm sweat, then cold on the face and feet, with white tongue; frequent and frothy diarrhea, with tenesmus, even at night. After the stool great prostration; urine scanty; dark brown urine; the urine becomes turbid after standing an hour; very offensive urine.

These are the principle symptoms by which the above medicines are related to typhoid fever. As to Nux mos. and Secale, the brain symptoms are so considerable as to make it perhaps a little doubtful whether they would not be more properly considered in connection with the mixed group. They have been presented here because of the importance of the character of their abdominal symptoms, rather than of their great number, and because the fevers to which they are appropriate are dangerous chiefly through the progress of these symptoms. The distinctions of the coma of these two drugs have been briefly given in the article in this Review, on Diarrhea, to which the reader is referred.

Ars. is second in importance to no drug in the treatment of this fever. This is true if we have reference to the proportion of cases calling for its administration, or the grave character of those in which it is often found curative. It is not, however, to be given without due discrimination, if we would avoid evil from its use. In the first place, from the symptoms above given, it is quite apparent the cases requiring Ars. are characterized by anxiety and not by coma. Though the patient may "fall asleep again immediately after being roused," his sleep is not comatose.

Restlessness and nervous erethism are also marked features of these symptoms of Ars., and consequently of the fevers to which it is applicable, especially in the first stage. In these elements it stands alone among the group of drugs related to the typhoid state. It is rare that Ars. is appropriate to' the treatment of any acute disease where the prevailing disposition is to a quiet repose, and never in the early stage of this fever. In a later stage, the patient may be quiet, and yet be a proper subject for Ars., but the quiet is that of exhausted vital force, which is rather tending to dissolution, than healthy repose. He may in this stage be insensible, but this is from exhausted brain power, coincident with the loss of power and function in all the other organs of the body, and not from congestive coma. And even here, if roused, there is so much of the characteristic anxiety and restlessness as the patient has power to show. In relation to the diarrhea of the cases which call for Ars. in addition to the analysis given in a paper on that subject in a previous number of the Review, it may be remarked that this element is likely to be developed early in the history of the case, and each discharge to be followed by marked increase of the exhaustion. The discharges are decidedly offensive. The swollen abdomen has not the tense, tympanitic character of that produced by China. It is softer, though full, and gives out more frequent and marked sounds of moving flatus and liquid in the intestines. The flatus with China is pent up, and the noises from its transit are less. In a late stage of the fever, if sinking, threatening dissolution occurs, Are. is one of our chief reliances. In cases showing the characteristic anxiety and restlessness, with cold, sticky perspiration; rapid, small, and weak pulse; or large, soft and slow. Ars. will often succeed in arresting the downward progress of the case, and in raising it to convalescence. It is not to be used in cases of sinking indiscriminately. It is not often indicated in cases where body and mind are quiet. When the exhaustion has been preceded by hemorrhage, or great loss of fluids, as by serous diarrhea, China will be preferable but then the characteristic restlessness and anxiety of Are. will be wanting. If, in the absence of these, and after protracted illness, the sinking be sudden and characterized by coldness or cold perspiration over the whole body, or only on the trunk, with slow, small and soft pulse, Verat. is indicated.

If the exhaustion be very great, with coma and loose rattling respiration, cold perspiration on the extremities and face, pulse small and weak, or the patient is even pulseless, Carbo veg., is better. These cases require the most careful individualization, and comparison of their symptoms with those of the drug, before selecting the remedy, for there is not likely to be time for the correction of a mistake if this be made at the first effort. Where the exhaustion is from progressing decomposition of the blood, this process is more likely to be arrested by Lachesis.

Colchicum, if rightly applied, will be found a remedy of. considerable value. A cursory glance at the symptoms given above is all that is required to see its true position in the group in which we have placed it. Its almost entire want of brain symptoms, places it next to Ars. if it be not even less characterized by these than that remedy; while in its abdominal symptoms it much resembles China. It may be regarded as occupying ground between these two. If we meet with the tympanitic distension of the abdomen so characteristic of China, with watery diarrhea and exhausted forces, with even a greater freedom of intellect than with Ars, with the absence of the anxiety and restlessness so characteristic of this last, we have a case that just calls for Colch. and for no other drug;. and if not given too freely, it will not disappoint our hopes of success.

The symptoms of Sulphur here given are worthy of study. In the general symptoms there is little disclosed, except debility, to connect the drag with the typhoid state. This is certainly very like what is often met in the early stage of this fever. So of the sleep and dreams. The mental symptoms are rather such as. are likely to result from a certain degree of general loss of vital force, in which the brain as a part of a whole participates, than such as indicate any special invasion of this organ. With this the head symptoms are in full accordance. The organs of sense appear in a state of erethism from participation in the same general condition. But a cursory glance at the symptoms of the alimentary tract and its associate organs is sufficient to disclose that here is a strong resemblance to the phenomena developed by the grave forms of the fever in the same sphere. Those of the lips, mouth, teeth, stomach, abdomen, and stool are quite worthy of notice.

But Sulphur has a wider range of relationship to the treatment of this fever than, that of simple resemblance to its symptoms found in the above record. This exists in its antagonism to chronic miasms called by Hahnemann, in one word, psora, (and which the reader may call by a better name if he has one) so likely to become active during the invasion of any severe attack of acute disease, and in this fever more than in any other, increasing greatly the difficulty of the cure, and often rendering this impossible, till after the use of remedies specifically antagonistic to these miasms. Among the remedies so related, Sulph. stands pre-eminent. In such cases as resist the action of the drug whose symptoms on the healthy are most like those of the fever, after a proper trial (and many such cases there are), there need be no hesitation in giving a single dose of this remedy, which will often be followed by a remarkable change in the state of the patient for the better. This use of the anti-psoric, to meet the demand of the complex nature of the case, is not to be confounded with, nor raised as an excuse for, that "alternation of remedies" against which we have protested in this paper. In this permitted and beneficial use of an anti-psoric supplementary to the leading curative of the case, and that "alternation," there is nothing in common except both involve the use of two drugs. These two courses are entirely different both in principle and result. This complex condition of the fever has also often been successfully met by a remedy but little known to many practitioners, it is believed, but which nevertheless has great value in just this class of cases. The reference is to Psorinum.

In illustration of the action of these two remedies, the following case, which occurred in the practice of the writer some years since, may serve. The patient was a girl, ten years of age, light complexion, Slender form, temperament mixed nervous and lymphatic, the mother of whom had suffered from often repeated attacks of facial erysipelas, While the father would be at once classed with the scrofulous, by those who use the term. There was in the early stage no notable characteristic, except the great rapidity with which the case reached the state usually met in the last stage of the severer forms of the fever. On the sixth day, through an uninterrupted downward coarse, the patient had come to utter insensibility; constant profound coma, or lying with staring eyes; involuntary and unnoticed evacuations into the bed, of both urine and feces; subsultus; when the eyes were open, reaching after objects in the air and picking at the bed clothes; entire loss of hearing, and apparently of sight; intestinal evacuations liquid, brownish, and extremely offensive; pulse small, weak, quick and 130 per minute. In this alarming state of things, in accordance with the advice of my friend, Dr. A, F. Haynel, the patient got four globules of Psorin^30. In twelve hours, having had no other dose, and no other medicine, she answered questions loudly put, the diarrhea was less frequent, pulse 120 per minute. The dose was permitted to act and the improvement to progress till the end of forty-eight hours, when she fell again into insensibility and involuntary evacuations, with an increase of the other remaining symptoms though they were slighter than before the dose of Psor. was taken. She now got Sulphur, third trituration, half grain. The amendment which followed was prompt, the convalescence rapid and complete. The patient required and got no other dose and no other medicine. There can hardly be a doubt that in this case, if there had been a continued reliance on and use of what seemed to be the appropriate remedy in this case, regardless of the psoric complication, it would have speedily reached a fatal termination. Whether the cure is to be referred to the action of these two drugs solely, or whether by extinguishing the psoric element, the case became amenable to, and came under the power of, the remedies previously employed, is a question on which opinions may differ. The recovery was rapid, complete and unexpected.

The third variety of typhoid fever, that in which neither the cerebral nor abdominal symptoms can be said to preponderate much, and of which we have presented Bryonia as the drug representative, may require Arn., Bry., Calc., Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus tox.; or Verat. The following are symptoms of these drags, the likeness of which may be met in our practical dealing with this class of cases:

Arnica. Great heaviness of the limbs as if from extreme fatigue; weakness, weariness, and bruised soreness which compels to lie down; lassitude and sluggishness in the whole body; general sinking of the forces. Sleep unrefreshing and full of dreams. In sleep, whimpering, loud talking, loud blowing (schniebendes) in-and expirations; involuntary evacuations of feces and urine; anxious and heavy dreams from the evening into the night, which much affect the body; frightful dreams. Sits as if in thought, yet thinks of nothing, like a waking dream; forgets the word while speaking; loss of consciousness; delirium; stupefying confusion of the head, like a heaviness in the forehead; vertigo while raising or moving the head. Pupils contracted, with beclouding of the head. Bleeding from the nose. Lips dry as if parched by thirst. Dryness of the mouth, with great thirst. Putrid smell from the mouth. Distention and hardness of the abdomen. Brown or white diarrhea; diarrhea at night, with pressure in the abdomen as if from gas; with distension of the abdomen before the stool; with rumbling in the abdomen during the stool.

Bryonia. Great and general weakness, on waking from sleep; with sluggishness, lassitude and drowsiness; he feels better when lying down. Loss of strength on the least exertion, especially after rising from sitting, and at the beginning of walking, and with want of firmness in all the joints.

Weariness and heaviness in all the limbs, especially the legs, and on rising from sitting. Great sleepiness through the whole day; he must sleep all the time; comatose sleep with anxious delirium, or with dry heat, jerkings of the face, and involuntary stools. At night, in bed, he lies without consciousness, with groans, cold sweat on the forehead, followed by weakness; thirst with frequent drinking; delirium on waking from sleep. In sleep, whimpering, at three o'clock, a.m.; distortion of the mouth, or movements like chewing; involuntary stools; anxious dreams, with waking with fright and outcries; frightful, delirious dreams, as if cut and hacked by soldiers, with desire to escape. Wakes weary and unrefreshed; anxious perspiration which prevents sleep, with sighing, short cough and pressure on the chest. Acid sweating at night, preceded by thirst, with pressing drawing in the head towards the end of the sweating, followed by confusion of the head. Inclination to escape from the bed; disposed to be timid and fearful; dejected, debilitated, with aversion to thought; irritable, peevish, and easily offended. Debility of the mind, with vanishing of the thought, like fainting; dullness of the head, with difficulty of thinking, and great forgetfulness; delirium, especially at night; or in the morning, upon business affairs, with disposition to run away; in the evening, with hasty speech, imagining he is under control of strangers, and desires to go home. Stupefaction of the head; feeling of drunkenness, with desire to lie down, or with rush of blood to the head; great heaviness of the head, also with pressure in the brain, and desire to lie down; fullness of the head with vertigo; throbbing in the head, in the forehead and occiput, worse when moving. The pains in the head are increased by moving or opening the eyes. Bleeding of the nose, especially at three o'clock, a.m., or after rising; daily, for many days; in sleep. Face pale; yellow; heat of the face, especially in the evening, also with burning and redness, especially of the cheeks. Dryness of the mouth with great thirst, or also without thirst. Tongue dry, rough or dark colored. Indistinct speech from dryness in the throat. Violent thirst day and night, does not drink often, but much at a time; thirst for cold drinks; for wine, coffee, or acids. The least pressure on the stomach is insupportable; excoriating pain in the epigastrium, from touch and cough. Pain in the abdomen as if there would be diarrhea; distension of the abdomen; rumbling sounds in the abdomen, especially in the evening in bed, or at night. Diarrhea every three hours with sudden and almost involuntary discharge; with weakness, which compels to lie down, especially in the morning, or at night, with burning in the anus; offensive like putrid cheese; pain in the abdomen before the diarrhea. Dry, short, hacking cough, evening in bed, as if from roughness or dryness in the larynx.

Cocculus. Attacks of jerkings of the muscles, especially of the lower limbs. Trembling of all the limbs. He can hardly stand erect on account of great weakness, great weariness at nine o'clock, a.m., with heaviness in all the limbs and almost an unconquerable inclination to sleep. Indolence (traegheit), and he sits in silence. Wants to lie down. Faintings, also especially from bodily movement, with spasmodic distortion of the facial muscles. The greatest weakness. After the slightest exertion he must sit down. The least effort, or interruption of sleep, is followed by great loss of strength. Unconquerable coma vigil. Coma. The greatest irritability; can endure neither noise nor contradiction: Dullness in the head, also with cold sweat on the forehead and hands. Vertigo like drunkenness, with dullness in the forehead, as if a board were before the head; whirling vertigo when rising up in the bed, with nausea, compelling to lie down again. Pupils contracted or greatly dilated. Dryness of the mouth at night. Tongue rough, and also dry with whitish yellow coating. Great distension of the abdomen. Rumbling in the intestines. Frequent urination in small quantities.

Nux vomica. Great weariness also immediately upon the slightest movement. Great inclination to lie down or to sit. Sudden sinking of the forces. Sudden, paralytic loss of strength, even in sitting, but most when moving. Immoderate sensibility to the open air. Uncommon sleepiness as if from stupefaction of the head. The night seems long and tedious, with comatose slumbering, and dreams full of bustle and hurry. In sleep: wakes in fright from the least noise; moaning and whimpering; blowing (schniebendes), whistling expiration through the nose; snoring inspiration as if the posterior nares were contracted, before midnight; delirious phantasies, on lying down; half waking, sad phantasies of the headless bodies of dead acquaintances; in an evening slumber he springs delirious out of bed; dreams full of frightful images; delirious and extravagant dreams; wakes as weary as when he slept. Chill on the slightest movement. Restlessness, with dilated pupils. Increased sensibility to all impressions. Sounds, talking, odors and light are insupportable. Silence as if averse to every thing. Stupefaction of the head; drunkenness and beclouding of the head; vertigo with obscured vision and ringing in the ears; vertigo as if in the brain there were a whirling in a circle with momentary loss of consciousness; vertigo on rising from lying on the back, with obscured vision. Heaviness in the head in the morning with drunken vertigo. Bruised pain in the head as if compressed. Throbbing in the vertex on endeavoring to fix the attention on an object. Contraction of the pupils; dilated pupils with slow respiration. Continued bleeding from the nose. Dryness of the nose. Offensive smell from the mouth, putrid, like carrion; dryness of the mouth, also, only of the forepart, and especially of the tip of the tongue, or in the morning, as if from the use of spirituous drinks the evening before. Tongue black and cracked with deep red edges; brownish tongue. Inability to speak loud; while speaking, sensation as if the tongue were too thick. Food is without taste. Thirst especially in the evening with disgust for water. Great sensibility of the stomach and epigastrium to pressure. Distention of the epigastrium with painful sensitiveness to touch. Pain in the abdomen as if all were raw; distention of the abdomen immediately after drinking. Frequent, small, diarrhea like stools, which are excoriating to the external parts; diarrhea putrid, watery, with cutting and drawing pains, in the abdomen and loins, extending to the thighs.

Phosphorus. Sluggishness of the limbs, more in the forenoon, with heaviness; heaviness and dullness of body and mind; loathsome (widriges) sensation of the whole body, with weakness of the joints, especially of the knees, while sitting and in quick motion. Sense of illness and discomfort in the whole body, especially in the stomach, even in the open air; general relaxation with great nervous weakness; weariness in the whole body especially in thighs; frequent sudden attacks of great weakness; walking affects him much, even the least walk produces great fatigue and headache; loss of all strength; trembling in the morning with jerking of the limbs. Great sleepiness like coma; stupefied, as if drunk, dizzy, staggering, on waking from sleep; frequent waking from sensation of heat; dry heat with pain in the part on which he has lain, as if the place had been too hard; great heat with dryness of the mouth, which impels him to drink; constant dreaming with great restlessness at night; dreams of animals biting, with outcries, and waking with anxiety. Pulse accelerated, full, weak and small; throbbing in the arteries of the throat. Increased sensibility of the senses, especially of hearing and smell. Indifference to every thing, even the most loved child. Slow movement of ideas; absence of ideas; delirious phantasies, in slumber and waking, as if she were on a distant island, had great occupation, was a lady of rank, etc.; as if stupid and disconcerted (verduezt) for many days; he cannot comprehend any idea, with headache; painful stupidity on waking in the morning; vertigo with confusion (eingenommenheit) and stupidity of the head as if he would lose his senses. Throbbing in the top, left side, or back of the head; in the temples often for a half hour; humming and buzzing in the head almost the whole day. Frequent and copious bleedings from the nose; copious bleeding in the evening. Sick, pale aspect, especially in the evening; hollow, sunken eyes, with blue circles, and pale or earth colored, sunken countenance, dingy colored hippocratic face. Dry lips with dryness of the palate. Bleeding of the gums, from the slightest touch. Intolerable dryness of the mouth, sticky, with great thirst, which is not relieved by drinking. Tongue as if coated with a skin; as if burnt and rough at the tip; dryness of the tongue. Dryness of the throat which hardly permits swallowing. Constant thirst for water. Pain as from excoriation, or as if inflamed in the hypogastrium, especially when touched, with weakness; sensibility of the abdomen below the navel when pressed on; distention of the abdomen, with pain as if bruised, in this part and in the loins, when touched; extreme sensibility of the abdomen; tension of the abdomen from accumulated gas, though much is discharged; hardness of the abdomen with much flatulence; very full, tense and hard abdomen. Rumbling in the bowels, also painful, as if there would be diarrhea; very offensive flatus. Diarrhea; black; grey; involuntary. Urine of strong ammoniacal odor, turbid, which deposits a white sediment; sharp, disgusting smelling urine, like the smell of violet roots. Dry cough, with pain in the head as if it would burst; severe cough with pressing headache, the whole day; troublesome cough which causes pain in the forepart of the chest and wakes from sleep; loose cough without expectoration, with pain and sense of excoriation in the chest, so that he fears to cough. Shortness of the breath, also with vertigo, or with great anxiety (beklemmung), or also after each cough; anguish in the chest, as if pressed together, with want of breath; pressure on the lower part of the chest.

Pulsatilla. Sluggishness (traegheit) with constant desire to sit or lie down. Heaviness of the whole body, sometimes great, especially of the arms and legs, with chilliness. Inordinate weariness from a short walk. Weariness of the legs even while rising from long continued sitting. Weakness of the whole body which compels lying down; can walk but a few minutes on account of weakness, and is often through the day compelled to Bleep whole hours. Trembling weakness. The weakness and weariness of Puls, develop themselves mostly as heaviness. Light sleep with the feeling on waking that he has not slept at all; restless, stupefying, dull sleep, with constant tossing about; slumbering long continued, full of phantasies and dreams; great restlessness and tossing in the bed, as if from great heat, or throwing off of the bed covering because of heat, with heat of the palms of the hands; he casts off the clothes because they are too tight, or too warm, yet he shivers as soon as he is uncovered. — External warmth is unsupportable; warm sensation as if in an overheated room, or as if hot air were blowing on one, which excites headache. Heat of one hand with coldness of the other; heat of the hand and foot of one side, with coldness and redness of the other, evening and night. Pulse quick and small; weak and almost suppressed. Great disposition to perspiration during the day; on the right side of the face; on one side of the body, either the right or left, cold perspiration with trembling of the whole body. He falters and hesitates in his speech, and only answers with indignation. Unconsciousness, he knows neither where he is nor what he does; dullness, like a want of memory; great difficulty, in speaking, to use right expressions; fixed ideas; when he has once grasped a thought, it cleaves to him, and will not vanish; great crowd of changing ideas; nocturnal delirium; violent delirium with loss of consciousness; terrific visions, with fear and desire to hide or run away; dullness of the head with heaviness; confusion of the head with vertigo when moving; dullness of the head with bruised pain in the forehead; vertigo like drunkenness; vertigo so that he cannot rightly comprehend an idea; heaviness of the head so that he has difficulty in raising it; heaviness of the head with intolerance of light. Pain in the head as if the brain were torn, in the morning on waking and after. Pupils first contracted then dilated. Deafness, as if the ears were stopped; with rushing sound, like the wind. Cracked lips. Putrid smell from the mouth, morning and night; foul smelling slime covers the mouth, in the morning, on waking, with dryness of the mouth and throat; tongue as if burnt and insensible; cracked with gray coating. Throbbing in epigastrium and stomach. Rumbling (knurren) in the bowels also with diarrhea stools and pinching and grasping pains in bowels. Watery diarrhea, especially at night; unconscious stools at night, in sleep. Red urine; dark red, without sediment, brown, also with burning; brownish red.

Rhus toxicodendron. Great weakness in the whole body; with sensation as if bruised, lasting the whole night; with constant desire to sit or lie down, with soreness in all the bones; will lie down, sitting does not suffice; on sitting up he has nausea. Petechiae, with great weakness, even to the loss of all strength; lenticular red spots with small vesicles in the centre. Sleepiness the whole day, with anxiety, restlessness, sadness, dry lips, and a constant desire to lie down; sudden sleepiness in the evening, so that she cannot rouse herself from it; paralytic sensation (lahmigheit) in all the limbs; constant comatose slumbering, (schlummersucht) full of troubled and intermittent dreaming; snoring, murmuring, and picking at the bed clothes; restless, disturbed sleep, with frequent turning, and throwing off the bed covering; great restlessness, at night in bed; great anxiety and fearfulness, which drives one from the bed, he must spring out and call for help, on account of indescribable feeling of distress; in sleep, open mouth; very short breath. Violent delirium with severe pains in the limbs, great weakness, dry tongue, (red or black); dry, brown or black lips; heat and redness of the cheeks, carphologia, pulse quick and small, lethargic slumbering, with murmurs and snoring. [The above group is clinical, not pathogenetic] Sweating over the whole body, or only on the face, which is hot; in bed, in the morning, over the whole body except the head; gentle sweating, during which he wishes to be covered. Great anxiety with pressure in the heart and tearing pains in the loins; with sinking of all the forces, more after than before midnight. Absent minded, as if absorbed in thought, and yet a want of ideas; illusions of the phantasy and visions; delirium, also loquacious; prostration of the mind, he cannot bring two thoughts together, as if quite stupid; thought is difficult, and he is averse to speaking; slow movement of ideas; cannot remember the most recent occurrence; weakness in the head, if he turns it he loses his consciousness for the moment, and after stooping he cannot rise; while sitting, stupid, as if drunk, on rising dizzy as if he would fall forwards or backwards; head is stupid and dull; confusion of the head; stupid weakness of the head; vertigo, as if drunk, and as if he would fall, after rising from the bed. Headache when opening the eyes, when waking from sleep, as if the brain were torn, as if after a brandy debauch, worse when moving the eyes, then in the occiput as if the cerebellum were bruised, and outward pressure in the temples; as if the two sides of the head were pressed together. Great sensibility of the scalp to touch, like a boil. Bleeding of the nose at night, in the morning, sense of dryness or actual dryness in the mouth, with severe thirst not relieved by drinking, afternoons and after midnight. Tongue not coated but very dry, with desire for drink; dry and hard, red, or brown tongue. Repugnance to all ingesta, he tastes neither food nor drink. Distention of the abdomen, in the region of the navel, with severe pinchings; painful, with pain as if from pent up gas; very offensive flatus. Diarrhea, sudden, thin, yellow, frothy, almost without fetor, or preceding colic, but the discharge is involuntary, as if from paralysis of the sphincter; nocturnal, with severe colic, which disappears after the discharge, or with headache and pain in all the limbs; involuntary stools, especially at night in sleep.

Veratrum. Weakness in all the limbs; inclination to lie down; weariness as if after long walking; weakness as if from overheated air; he sinks down exhausted; universal weakness, in the morning, as if after too little sleep; sudden sinking of the forces with disposition to sleep; he cannot stand up but only lie or sit, if he stands he has the greatest anxiety with nausea and cold sweat on the forehead. He sleeps on his chair, in a half conscious state; stupefying sleep, like comatose vigil (wache schlummersucht), with frequent starts as if from fright, and one eye open and the other closed or half open; uninterrupted sleep for three days; sleep too profound; frightful dreams with subsequent vomiting of green, tenacious slime; angry dreams; anxious; as if bitten by a dog and he cannot escape; as if he were hunted; of robbers, with frightened waking, and a fixed idea that the dream is true. General heat with sweating, especially in the evening, in bed, or during the day, with pale face. Great thirst for cold drinks; afternoon and evening, cold sweat on the whole body, or only on the head and trunk, or only on the forehead; cold and sticky; nocturnal also continued, and especially in a long sleep. Great indifference with a kind of insensibility which impels to rubbing the forehead. Silence. He is averse to speaking, and his voice is light and weak; he permits no one to speak to him. He remembers events only as dreams; almost entire loss of mind; delirium, also violent; mild, with entire coldness of the body, open eyes, laughing expression, with talking of religious things, of fulfilling vows, prayers, and the impression that he is elsewhere than at home. Heaviness of the head, during which all things seem to whirl in a circle. Pupils either contracted or dilated. Deafness in one or both ears as if stopped. Bleeding from the nose, or only from the right side, or at night in sleep. Face pale, cold, cadaverous, with sharpened nose and sunken cheeks; blue circles round the eyes; dark red face, also with heat; redness of one cheek and paleness of the other; they are alternately red and pale. Lips dry, black, and cracked. Dryness of the mouth also with thirst. — Tongue red and swollen; dry, blackish and cracked. Loss of speech, stuttering, Black vomiting, also of black bile and blood, after previous bile and mucus. Great sensitiveness of the abdomen to touch; distention with hardness; rumbling as if there would be diarrhea. Nocturnal diarrhea; copious; with pain during and after the stool; with chill; with tense abdomen; greenish watery, with mixed flocks; brown, blackish; unnoticed thin stools when flatus escapes; sense of weakness in the abdomen, like fainting, before the stools; during the stool great weakness, paleness of the face, and cold sweat on the forehead. Involuntary discharge of urine

The above are the groups of symptoms which the respective drugs produce on the healthy, analogues of which may be met in cases of this fever; It will, of course be seen at a glance that many of them, perhaps a majority, are like to symptoms only found in the early stage of attacks, when unfortunately, the patient and his friends still hope for recovery without recourse to professional aid. The abundance of resources here evinced with which to meet the beginnings of the invasion, cannot but cause regret that they should be so often suffered to pass into the stage of full development, before they become subjects of professional treatment; and the more because, if, as is too likely to be the case, the patient has been exposed to domestic medication, he has most certainly been damaged. The weariness, debility, dullness of mind, restlessness, want of repose, disturbed sleep, had dreams, vertigo, headache, pains in the limbs, chilliness, etc., are often not suspected as indicative of any important ailment, till the case has passed to other and graver symptoms, which declare the establishment of a process which is only too likely now to progress against whatever medication, through the other stages of the disease, to recovery or a fatal termination, determined by the intensity of the action of the morbid poison, the constitution of the individual attacked, or the right or wrong employment of remedial agents. That this early stage of the fever is so often allowed to pass without proper attention, unquestionably accounts for much of the mortality which results from its unchecked progress. The complete picture of this stage in the symptoms of many of the medicines here given, is an assurance to the careful practitioner, that by the timely use of that drug the action of which is most like the symptoms of his case, he may often be able to cut the disease short and secure a convalescence without the suffering or danger which are necessarily met in the course of its full development. Some of the medicines, symptoms of which we have here given, can but rarely be called for in any other stage. This is true of Arnica, and to a considerable extent of Bryonia, Nux vomica, and Pulsatilla. Arnica has but few symptoms like those met in the later stages of the fever, such as loss of consciousness, delirium, bleeding from the nose, distention of the abdomen and diarrhea, while there are very many quite common in the initiatory stage. The range of Bryonia is much wider. While it has many symptoms of the early attack, it has also very many common to all stages of the fever. As in other diseases which call for this drug, so in this, the patient seeks entire repose, for all his sufferings are increased by motion. It is never to be overlooked in cases where the lungs are invaded in progress of the fever, especially where there are, with the cough, stitching pains in the chest, and pressure on the middle of the sternum, like a weight, with oppressed and anxious respiration. Its place is probably in the early stage of this invasion, before the long is fully hepatized after which there is no doubt Phos., Sulph. or Lach. will be found better remedies. Which of these is to be determined by the general symptoms of the case. It may be doubted whether Bryonia is ever called for in the last stage of these cases where stupidity has passed into unconsciousness, the evacuations are unnoticed, and there is carphologia, extreme prostration, etc.

Cocculus is also especially related to the early stage of the fever, and likewise to that of convalescence. For the relief of the great debility which is often so oppressive, and sometimes protracted, in the convalescent stage, this is often one of the very best remedies. The class of cases to which it is appropriate in either stage is sufficiently obvious after only a cursory attention to the symptoms here given.

Nux vomica has many symptoms of the early stage of the fever, and also of the second. Its use must be nearly if not entirely limited to these stages. In the early stage, if there be chilliness on the slightest movement, dryness of the front of the mouth and tip of the tongue, intolerance of impressions on the external senses, all of which seem much exaggerated, great sensitiveness to the open air, thirst with aversion to water, there need be no doubt as to the propriety of giving this remedy, or of its beneficial action. It is also characterized by a strong want to lie down and a considerable relief to the suffering on doing so. In the second stage, it is in place, if with these symptoms there be the condition of the mouth and abdomen given above, with the characteristic diarrhea.

Phosphorus has symptoms of the first stage — that of attack — but its great importance is in the second and later stages, in the treatment of which it often happens there can be found no proper substitute for it. This is especially likely to be the case in the fevers which attack violently both the intestines and the lungs. (See the symptoms of the abdomen, cough and respiration.) It is invaluable in those cases of congestion of the lungs where the organs are already to a greater or less extent hepatized, and are on the eve of degenerating into abscess. In such cases it can give place to no remedy whatever — Lach. or Sulphur may be rather called for, if there be in the solidified lung tissue no disposition to deposit pus. "We expect, on a future occasion to call attention again to Lachesis as an agent for procuring the absorption of deposits by inflammation into the pulmonary tissue. Its efficacy in such cases is not surpassed even by Sulphur itself.

Pulsatilla. This is appropriate to the stage of attack. It will be noticed the symptoms are marked by intolerance of external heat, by sensation of heat which distresses and causes the rejection of covering, the removal of which is followed by chill; heat of one side, or heat of one side with coldness of the other; perspiration on one side of the face or body; heaviness of the head with intolerance of light. It has also important relations to the later stages and to the severer forms of the fever. This is obvious from the fixed ideas, violent delirium, frightful visions, desire to escape, and from the symptoms of the abdomen and diarrhea. It has succeeded in rescuing patients from the utmost danger, in these stages, in the experience of the writer, and he feels to recommend it to the careful consideration of his readers, in the treatment of cases characterized by the above symptoms.

Rhus toxicodendron has been much used in the treatment of this fever, and not always with success, because there has not always been a clear perception of the elements by which it is related to the fever as a curative. "When they are wanting, its use must be either nugatory or mischievous, and most likely the latter, whatever its success may have been in other cases. There can be no greater folly than giving this or any other drug, in this or any other disease, merely because it is recommended in some of the repertories, or because it has been found specific in some epidemics called, for convenience sake, by the same name. It cannot be too often or too strongly impressed on the mind of the prescriber, that the only true basis of a prescription is the similarity of the elements of the individual case to the characteristics of the drug. Where this similarity exists there need be no hesitation in the use of the drug in whatever stage of the disease. — These remarks are made because it is believed Rhus has been prescribed in the treatment of this fever, out of its place, oftener than any other drug, except perhaps Bryonia.

The case of typhoid fever which calls for Rhus is characterized by desire for frequent or constant movement, which seems to give a temporary relief to the patient. The anxiety of Rhus is of the body, and not of body and mind, and is in some degree mitigated by the movements. The delirium is likely to be demonstrative, and loquacious, but it lacks the extent of violence which belongs to Belladonna, and also the characteristics of delirium of that drug. Mental operations are difficult and slow, he is stupid. The sleep is restless, disturbed, anxious, with frightful dreams, with frequent waking, and never that of quiet profound coma. The nearest approach to this is a comatose slumbering, with snoring, murmuring, picking at the bed clothes, and dreams. The patient desires to be covered while sweating; want of memory. Headache when opening the eyes. Bleeding of the nose, especially after midnight. The state of the abdomen and diarrhea are peculiar, and need not be confounded with that which belongs to any other drug. It is not to be forgotten that this remedy is not called for in any case when the patient is comforted by complete and continued repose — in this, as has been remarked, it being the exact opposite of Bryonia.

Veratrum is rarely called for in the attacking stage of the fever. It belongs rather to that of great prostration, cold sweating, coma, with a diarrhea which is quite characteristic. There can hardly be a mistake in its use, if the above symptoms are carefully attended to.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 03 No. 08-11, 1863, pages 343-350, pages 390-402, pages 439-453, pages 489-503]

[Description: Typhoid Fever.]

[Remedies: Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Opium, Stramonium]

[Author: Wells, P.P.]

[Year: 1863]

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS ON LACHESIS.

BY C. WESSELHOEFT., M. D., DORCHESTER, MASS.

The articles on Lachesis in the June and July number of this REVIEW, by Drs. Lippe and Dunham, should not fail to call forth the dormant interest of Homoeopathists regarding the important questions involved in the "to be or not to be" of Lachesis as a remedy in disease. There are numerous points of controversy yet earnestly engaging the argumentative faculties of the adherents of Homoeopathy. The study of the relation of curative agents to disease, the endeavors to discover the true nature of curative actions, and the contest existing between the advocates of low, high and highest potencies, continue with unabated zeal as of old.

In bringing up Lachesis for discussion, some new questions arise as yet but little commented upon. We have not yet decided where low potencies end and where high ones begin; we have not yet determined at which point and in which scale of potentization, medicines are most efficacious or absolutely preferable, and now in the midst of these gigantic problems comes another; can a poison obtained and offered for use as a medicine thirty years ago, and not since renewed, still retain its full efficacy? An animal poison, which if introduced into the skin produces immediate fatal results, but which, taken into the stomach, has been and still is believed by many to be Harmless.

It appears that the difficulty of solving this question theoretically has led many practitioners to reject Lachesis as a remedy altogether, while, on the other hand, numerous drugs, scarcely proved and known only in connection with certain names of diseases, are daily pressed into service.

For my part I have used Lach. like any other well-proved remedy, whenever it appeared to possess a homoeopathic relation to the disease. I naturally shared with others the doubts arid misgivings so often expressed regarding Lachesis, but since its name was intimately associated with my earliest knowledge of Homoeopathy, I continue to use it in order that it should speak for itself. The following cases treated with Lachesis, considered alone and unsupported by the experience of others, may prove nothing to those who reject every thing as impossible to which they can not apply a theory. But I have no doubt that if the beginning is once made, others may add new experiences and finally counteract theoretical opposition.

The Lachesis used by me was obtained from the original solution of a portion of the third trituration of Lachesis poison, given by Dr. C. Hering to my uncle, the late Dr. William Wesselhoeft, of Boston. From a drop of this solution I prepared the thirtieth dilution, which I have now used exclusively for six years. I am far from recommending the Lachesis on account of its age, for L should infinitely have preferred a fresh preparation.

CASE I. January 19th, 1859, I was called to visit Carrie P., a child 5 years old, dark straight hair and blue eyes, who was afflicted in her second year with caries of the dorsal vertebrae, resulting in great distortion of the spinal column and thorax, in a manner rendering the development of the respiratory organs very imperfect, leaving the patient feeble though of bright intellect. She had been much petted and indulged in every respect, but enjoyed tolerable health for a year past. Since two weeks previous to above date, she had paralysis of both legs, losing entire control of them, being unable to stand or move the legs with the exception of an occasional involuntary drawing up of the toes. I could not account for this condition satisfactorily, since it did not appear dependent on a further vertebral distortion, but attributed it to the effect of exposure during the very inclement weather. Her parents were in the habit of taking her to ride in all weathers, on one of which occasions she became chilled. The patient coughed during the day, but particularly at night on going to bed; but sleeps well otherwise; appetite good; much thirst, during meals, and drinks much at a time. Complains of pain in the spine, and lies only on her back at night.

Up to February 2d I bad made use of Rhus, Cocculus, Sulphur and Bryonia, giving one remedy at a time in one or two doses at long intervals, but without any decided benefit; all the symptoms remaining the same up to the above-named date, when I was summoned to prescribe for the following conditions:

The cough, hitherto slight, had become severe, and was accompanied by much wheezing and rattling of mucus in the air passages. This had begun in the night accompanied by febrile excitement and thirst. Respiration was feeble and difficult, with blueness of the face; each coughing turn produced perspiration; expectoration was impossible and sleep at night much interrupted.

Up to the 6th of February I made use of Ipecac., Ars., Merc. viv. without any perceptible benefit to the child. The parents were discouraged and I saw little prospect of success before me, when I considered the deplorable physical conformation of the patient. Having been driven to resort to remedies in rapid succession, and cramped in time, I hastily reviewed the leading symptoms, such as the cyanotic appearance of the face with difficult respiration and inability to expectorate; the thirst and the paralysis of the legs which continued as before. Imperfect as the indications were for Lachesis, I prescribed that remedy in two doses of the thirtieth dilution, one to be given in the morning and the other at night.

February 8th. I found a marked improvement; cough sill continued but almost without dyspnea. The thirst for cold water I found to my surprise almost abated; sleep at night was little disturbed; at the same time the girl was able to move her legs quite freely and complained of pain in the feet, which I hailed as a rather favorable sign. I gave no more medicine but visited her on the 10th of February, when I was assured that she was as well now as usual, with the exception of muscular weakness. The parents of the patient proposed to start at once on a journey South, against which I protested without effect, but which subsequently proved to have been of much benefit.

CASE II. Mr. W., a wealthy farmer of this neighborhood, came to me on the 23d of April, 1860, saying that he had been told that my medicine "was good for bilious headache," having relieved a friend of his, on the strength of which fact, he wanted "some of the same stuff to cure his bilious headache." For sometime I nearly gave up the hope of eliciting any proper information from the man, who persisted in the assertion that he was bilious, and did not see why I wanted to know more, supposing it the simplest thing under the sun for me to hand him a "a parcel of stuff good for biliousness." At length I gained the following history from this indurated specimen of allopathic conservatism, on whom old school physicians had repeatedly tried their skill without success.

The patient was at that time 60 years old, measuring six feet in height, of straight athletic frame, with blue eyes, a broad full chest and stentorian voice. He labored on his farm from morning till night, and could endure more fatigue than many a younger man, except when his headache came on, besides which he never had any sickness. This headache had troubled him ever since he was six years old, appearing every eight or ten days. The pain habitually began toward evening in the back of his head, at first dull and gradually concentrating with an acute boring sensation behind the left ear, apparently at the juncture of the temporal, parietal and occipital bones. When the boring pain reached its height, generally toward morning, vomiting of food and slime supervened, accompanied by stitches in the chest, which, lasting for some hours, generally ended the attack, whereupon ho felt sleepy and exhausted. Sound sleep and quiet through the rest of the day restored him to his normal condition. In all other respects the man was perfectly well. His diet was nutritious and his habits regular. As far as I could ascertain he used no liquor, but indulged in, a number of poor cigars daily, took coffee in the morning and tea at night.

I could give my friend but little encouragement in a complaint of such long duration; but finding him in earnest, I concluded to satisfy him by prescribing something. I gave Lachesis^30, four doses in globules, one dose to be taken every other day, followed by Sacch. lact. to last him some time. I purposely made no change in his diet.

May 6th. The patient came to report that he had had no headache at all since beginning with the medicine, of which he wanted an unlimited supply. I gave him a number of Sacch lact powders.

17th. Patient reported that he had a short attack of headache, but without any nausea or vomiting, and that he had been able to work during the attack.

July 30th. Up to this date the patient had not reported to me. I was much pleased and astonished to find him quite enthusiastic on account of the improvement in his health. Since taking the first set of powders he had no vomiting at all, and feels that his headache has changed its character entirely, coming in the morning instead of the evening at intervals of two or three weeks, and lasting only through the forenoon without interfering with his work, the exercise of which makes him feel better; while formerly he was obliged to keep in bed and rest for nearly twenty-four hours before he could attend to his business again.

October 6th, December 29th, 1860, and March 31st, 1861. I repeated Lachesis, the patient having experienced a slight aggravation of his complaint at each of these dates.

September 11th, 1861. I made the following memorandum: Patient had no headache nor vomiting all summer, until yesterday (September 10th), when he was obliged to Stand in the water up to his knees for three hours while getting in his salt hay from the marsh, exerting himself in an unusual degree for a man of his age; whereupon he had an attack of the old pain and vomiting during the night. Though Rhus and Calcarea were strongly indicated, I gave one dose of Lachesis.

November 2d. Patient reports that since the day he last called, he had suffered repeatedly from headache coming on at night and lasting till morning; but vomiting occurred only two or three times for the last two months. Prescribed Lachesis^200 (Lehrmann's preparation) one dose.

March 11th, 1862. The patient came to say that he felt considerably better; that he still had occasional returns of pain of a dull rheumatic kind, but that the real sick headache had not returned since taking the last medicine. The result of the treatment was quite satisfactory, since he had not expected so much benefit. In his own words he considered himself "two-thirds cured." The attacks of pain now occurred only at long intervals, sometimes not for several months, when he would be troubled for a few days with slight occipital pain in the morning, lasting until after breakfast, when it left him well all the rest of the day. Prescribed Nux vom^200 in two doses, to be taken for two successive nights, which was the last medicine I gave him.

September 9th, 1863. I called on Mr. L. to enquire it any change had taken place. He says he had no sick headache at all since he took the last medicine. As he grows older, he cannot endure the exposure of his occupation as well as formerly. Making hay on the salt marshes late in the season, and driving an open wagon in all weathers, produces occasional rheumatic pains in his joints, particularly the elbows after pitching off heavy loads of hay. Sometimes these pains extend to the back of his head, where he feels them mostly in the morning, but leaving him entirely after break-fast, when he begins active work.

CASE III. May 17th, 1861, I was called to attend David E., a boy 16 years old, son of parents in affluent circumstances, naturally strong and active, red hair, dark eyes, freckled complexion. I found him in bed, complaining since the day previous of acute cutting, stinging pains, radiating from the navel over the upper portion of the abdomen, rendered excruciating by the slightest touch, as well as by motion, with tympanitic distension of abdomen. There was headache, particularly on moving the head; much thirst, dry heat of the skin, constipation, pulse hard, though not remarkably frequent; the entire symptoms indicating a marked case of peritonitis. I prescribed Aconite'30 in water, a teaspoonful to be given every three hours.

At my visit that evening, I found the patient in much the same condition as the morning and complaining of pain on deep inspiration. I left Bryonia 30 to be used instead of Aconite, in case there should be no improvement during the night.

May 18th. Febrile excitement very much diminished, pain some what less severe; abdomen still excruciatingly sensitive to the touch, less on motion. Continued Bryonia in water, every three hours

May 19th. Abdominal pain more severe than yesterday; the patient lies on his back only, and describes it as cutting and knawing, but has some appetite and much thirst. Tongue is dry with brown coating in the centre; constipation continues; the aggravation of the pain and general discomfort takes place in the afternoon and evening. The pain is increased by every motion of the body. Lachesis^30 in water, a teaspoonful every three hours.

May 20th. Patient says that his pain lessened in the night, allowing: tranquil sleep, followed by decided improvement in the morning; he feels no pain when keeping quiet, neither does motion cause its return; still there is considerable sensitiveness on being touched. Continued Lachesis every four hours.

May 21st Pain still less than on the previous day, and now very slight; patient can bear considerable pressure upon abdomen by the hand, and can change his position and move in bed without any pain, while just previous to the exhibition of Lachesis the mere approach of the hand toward his abdomen caused him to shrink. Nevertheless there was rather more hardness and tympanitic distention (Lachesis aggravation across the epigastrium). I hesitated to prescribe another remedy, since the patient was evidently out of danger and quite cheerful; but finally decided to give Belladonna in water, every four hours.

May 22d. I found the tympanitic distention reduced to a slight degree and, what remained of slight pain, limited to a small spot near the navel. The costiveness, indicating a participation of the intestines in the inflammation, still remained. For this I prescribed two doses of Nux vom.30, after which no more medicine was needed, the bowels moving soon afterwards, and on the 28th the boy was well enough to go about out of the doors.

CASE IV. On the 20th of August, 1862, I was called to attend Mrs. P., a lady about 30 years of age, who after three abortions had now reached the eighth month of pregnancy, during which time he had enjoyed much better health than for years before. She is of stature rather below medium height, of dark complexion, straight black hair, and, like other members of the family, subject to swelling of the glands and inclined to morbid discharges from the mucous membranes. I found her suffering from a pustular eruption of the back, legs and particularly about the ankles, consisting of isolated pustules, rapidly filled with sero-purulent matter and surrounded by an inflamed halo. The pustules varied from the size of a pea to that of a five cent piece; these soon dried into dark hard scabs, which were easily knocked off by accidental friction or scratching, leaving red moist surfaces extremely sensitive to contact with the atmosphere or bed-clothes. The itching was intense, almost driving the patient to distraction, mostly during the night and also by paroxysms in the day time; often changing into a severe burning stinging sensation, so that she could not refrain from tearing her skin with the finger nails. Aside from these symptoms the legs and feet were so painful that standing or walking was out of the question; at the same time she found it impossible to keep the limbs quiet in the warmth of the bed. The pustules continued to come in small crops, so the skin was dotted at the same time with incipient pustules, numerous old scabs and denuded ulcerating spots. Many of the scabs were encircled by a rim of detached cuticle, enclosing a quantity of purulent serum.

I was at first undecided whether to class this affection as Rupia (or Rhypia) or Ecthyma, to which latter form, however, I thought it to have most resemblance, since I could not distinguish any bullae, said to characterize the former species. The pustules, in this case, were rather conical in shape, and difficult to observe owing to their rapid degeneration into scabs and ulcers. Little importance, however, should be attached to names of these diseases, since they do hardly more than to point to large classes of remedies, which, after all, can only be selected according to the most prominent subjective and objective symptoms.

From the 20th of August to the 30th of September, I used Lachesis, Rhus, Thuja and Arsen., without permanent benefit. Rhus, administered on the 27th of August, was followed by a perceptible improvement, lasting only about two days. Arsen.30 failed to have any effect, while the tenth dilution of the same remedy produced so much improvement that the patient was able to stand, walk without pain and to take a drive. For nearly a week I considered the case as cured, but my hopes proved to be unfounded, the eruption having gradually increased again up to the 20th of September, when I found it present in full force in spite of a repetition of Arsen.10 I found the patient complaining much; some new pustules had appeared; at the same time many of the older ulcers and scabs were surrounded by a blue halo. The veins of the legs, much enlarged in consequence of the existing pregnancy, appeared usually blue and knotty, giving to numerous sore places almost the appearance of incipient gangrene. Itching, burning and stinging pains had also set in again with their former severity. Lachesis^30, in three doses, to be taken morning and night.

September 24th. There is a decided improvement, exceeding that of any previous occasion. During the past four days the eruption was almost entirely dried up, and was now leaving the skin to assume a healthy appearance. The patient now enjoyed her nights' rest, could move her limbs and bear her weight upon her feet without any suffering, though subjected to the severest test, occasioned by the illness of one of the children at this time with inflammatory rheumatism, requiring constant watching and physical exertion on the part of the mother, who continued quite well and equal to her task. On the 15th of October, she gave birth to a healthy well developed child.

Though the description of this case might properly be concluded at this point as tar as Lachesis is concerned, there is still a sequel worthy of a few remarks. Visiting the patient on the 31st of October, I learned that she had suffered repeated attacks of a popular, itching eruption, which was now so troublesome that it became necessary to rid her of it by medicine, since it evinced no disposition to depart of its own accord. Examining the humour carefully, I found it to consist of numerous elevated nodules of a whitish appearance, surrounded by a red halo; these were scattered over the whole body and itched intolerably, subsiding somewhat in the day time but reappearing at night, disturbing sleep. These symptoms I found corresponding to Antim. crud., of which I gave three doses of the thirtieth dilution, a dose to be taken every night and morning. The result was an almost immediate relief; the eruption disappeared after taking the second dose, and did not appear again, the patient enjoying comfortable sleep every subsequent night.

The variety of forms assumed by the disease, led me to consider it worthy of a minute description. I claim for Lachesis the cure of the ecthyma with as much justice as relief can be attributed to the use of any remedy ever applied in disease. The subsequent appearance of the popular eruption, popularly known as nettle-rash, proves the protean character of skin diseases. It appears that a severe variety of skin diseases may pass into a milder form before finally leaving the organism in a healthy condition; but the transition was in this instance undoubtedly achieved by the specific influence of Lachesis.

CASE V. On the 27th of October, 1862, Mr. Alfred T. came to consult me on account of chronic irritability of the faces. The patient is of medium height, 25 years of age, of a healthy family; of fair complexion, muscular and accustomed to out-door exercise and horse-back riding; hair dark, eyes blue. This young man had been afflicted for nearly a year with an irritable condition of the faces of which he took but little notice for several months, but the disease gradually increased to such a state that its effects became very apparent to his friends, who advised him to consult a physician. Upon examination I found the uvula elongated to such an extent that in its most contracted state it would touch the tongue. The mucous membrane covering the uvula, appeared hypertrophied into an elongation, extending about a quarter of an inch beyond the muscular structure, creating a constant inclination to hawk and scrape the throat, thereby exciting the mucous Secretion, which in its turn increased the efforts to clear the throat. The faces appeared redder than in health, or rather of a purplish hue; the tonsils were but slightly enlarged. The patient, whom I had known well for several years, had become visibly emaciated, his countenance was pale and wore an anxious haggard expression; night sleeps was interrupted, appetite and strength were impaired, all of which he attributed to the constant hacking and coughing produced by the irritability of the faces, now extending to the larynx and trachea. Besides this I could not discover any disease of the respiratory organs. In addition to the above symptoms there was a feeling as if the parts were swollen, some soreness on swallowing, and a frequent sensation as if a small crumb had got lodged in the throat, which it was impossible to remove by coughing. Prescribed Lachesis^20 three doses of a few pellets each, one to be taken every night and moraine.

I saw the patient again ten days after he had taken the medicine. Upon examination I found the throat almost well; the purple hue had nearly disappeared; the uvula no longer touched the tongue, nor adhered to the sides of the tonsils as before; the hacking cough had subsided. I prescribed two more doses of Lach., soon after which the patient recovered completely and has continued so up to the present time.

CASE VI. Mr. C. H. consulted me on the 20th of May, 1863. The patient is 22 years old, married, of very fair complexion, with light hair, blue eyes and excellent teeth. He had served as adjutant during fourteen months in one of the volunteer regiments sent from this State, but was obliged to leave the service on account of ill health. At the time of his first interview with me, he complained of certain throat and chest symptoms, such as hoarseness and soreness of the chest, which he had contracted while camping in the open air during wet and cold nights. I prescribed Carbo veg. and subsequently Phos., after which he improved somewhat; but on the 17th of June, certain aggravations occurred leading to the following disclosures: In the autumn of last year, this patient had contracted a chancre on the penis, which was promptly suppressed by repeated doses of calomel. Though his health was not good after this scientific treatment, he continued in the military service for some time longer before given up fairly; but the secondary symptoms of the suppressed venereal disease soon began to appear. For months previous to seeing me, he had observed upon his fore-arms a brownish red exanthematous eruption, consisting of numerous nodules and blotches, slightly itching and rather painful to the touch. More recently his legs, from the knees downward, began to be covered with purpleish and blueish-black circular spots, varying from the size of a pea to that of a five cent piece; very painful to the touch, at the same time the entire lower portion of the legs pained him as if they were severely bruised.

Up to the above date he had been able to attend to his business in the city, riding there and back in the horse-cars; but soon the increased severity of his disease obliged him to stay at home. He feels pretty well until ten, a.m., then his head becomes hot, and perspiration breaks out after the least exertion; there is but little thirst; after a short paroxysm of chills the pulse rises to 112 beats per minute; appetite ceases after the first mouthful of food; complains of febrile heat, with restlessness all night, abating about three o'clock in the morning. Dull rheumatic pains in the right knee and the calves of the legs, rendering standing and walking very difficult; the pain ceases for a time while sitting but soon returns. Since the eruption appeared, he suffers less with headache than formerly. There is considerable pain in the faces during deglutition; talking causes his throat to ache; the left parotid gland is enlarged. Ocular inspection of the throat reveals only slight vascular redness of the faces and some enlargement of the tonsils; there is expectoration of yellow mucus without cough, particularly in the morning, accompanied by dyspnea. The patient is so feeble that the least exercise produces complete exhaustion, causing him to lie down most of the time. Prescribed Bryonia^30 in a glass of water, to be taken four times a day.

On the 21st of June, the patient reports relief. The chills and heat do not set in until four o'clock, p.m., lasting until seven, after which he sleeps comfortably; the pain in the knees is gone, but continues unabated in the calves of the legs. For two days he has been troubled with frequent micturition, urine limped and pale. The head is hot, while the hands and feet are cold; little thirst. Prescribed China^20 in water, every three hours for two days.

June 23d. The fever which Bryonia had moderated, was completely subdued by the China, the frequency of pulse and temperature of the skin were normal, but the red nodular eruption on the arms, and the blue spots on the legs were more apparent than ever. The pain was excruciating in the knees and calves, the latter feeling quite hard to the touch; an attempt to bend one of the knees caused the patient to cry out; by a great effort he could just hobble over the floor with the aid of a cane. His perspiration emitted an odor like that of putrescent urine, his breath was likewise very offensive; sleeps all night but is restless; prostration after slight exertion and desire to lie down are prominent symptoms.

There is no doubt in my mind that this was a syphilitic exanthema. The fact that the eruption on the arms differed in appearance from that on the legs, rather corroborates the supposition. I have every reason to believe that the patient during his illness while in the army had been treated liberally to Quinine, besides the Mercury, which produced this peculiar variety of syphilitic affection. The febrile symptoms undoubtedly were connected with the skin disease, but hardly constituted an eruptive fever, since the nodules and spots had been present for months without any febrile aggravation to my knowledge. I prescribed Lachesis in three doses, one to be taken every night and morning.

It was during the warm fine weather, with an unusual degree of moisture in the atmosphere; the previous abuse of Mercury, the peculiarity of the rheumatic pains, with prostration and easy perspiration, and the nodules on the forearms all pointed to Lachesis, as well as the peculiar or blueish black color of the spots on the legs, which had served as a chief indication in the case of ecthyma above narrated.

June 26th. I find only this brief notice in my memorandum book; The patient is much better in every respect; has very little pain in the legs, walks briskly across the room without lameness; erythematous spots on arms and legs are vanishing; appetite much improved; his countenance looks fresh and animated. No medicine.

July 1st. Patient has no more pain; spots have entirely vanished: feels very well indeed, and is anxious to go about his business as a clerk in a Government office. Almost three months have elapsed since that time, and the patient has been perfectly well ever since and is anxious to join the army again.

CASE VII. Mrs. P., the same patient whom I had treated for ecthyma, as described in case four, was delivered on the 15th of October, 1862, of a healthy female child, after a natural labor of short duration. She had borne four children previously at the full period of gestation, but had suffered three miscarriages at about the third month of pregnancy, previous to her last confinement. She had scarcely been able to nurse any of her children owing to the want of milk, the secretion of which generally subsided completely after the second or third week; whereupon she was obliged to resort to the nursing bottle. Attributing this deficiency of milk to the habit of her former Allopathic physician and nurses of deluging her for weeks with odious concoctions, very properly known as slops, of which, she was urged to imbibe huge bowl-fulls, including quantities of tea, for the purpose of "making milk." I substituted a more nutritious diet at the end of ten days or so after her confinement, passing gradually from light gruel to bread and butter and light cocoa, good beef and mutton broth, and eventually tender roasted meats with vegetables, allowing cold well water, and only two or three cups daily of warm infusion of the roasted and cracked cocoa beans. By these means and the occasional use of Puls. or Calcarea carb. the patient was enabled to nurse her child for six months, after which time the milk, though still secreted in moderate quantity, became thin and did not afford sufficient nourishment for the vigorous child, which was then weaned and accustomed to pure cow's milk.

On the 17th of June, 1863, the mother consulted me on account of the following symptoms: The menses had not returned although the child had been weaned for nearly three months; severe aching in the small of the back; every two or three days she had acute colicky pains low in the abdomen, resembling labor pains, attacking her unexpectedly at various times of the day. These had been her chief complaints from the time of her confinement, and were apt to be produced by eating; (nearly five months ago these pains were relieved completely by Phos.200 and did not return until she weaned her child). Besides these cramp-like-cutting pains in the bowels, there was a hard aching pain, distinctly referable to the uterus, which was not the case with the other distress. Appetite very variable, either strong or wanting; frequent sinking, fluttering feeling in the epigastrium. The bowels were moved every day, but the stools were quite loose. For a number of weeks she complained of great sleepiness, the ordinary amount of sleep did not satisfy her, so that she felt a constant inclination to lie down. Sleep in the day time aggravated the abdominal pains. I gave Lachesis, a few pellets to be taken for two successive nights.

June 24th. Since taking Lachesis she had no more abdominal pains, and now feels bright and happy on account of the relief from her distress, yet the other symptoms remained I, therefore, prescribed two more doses of Lachesis to be taken as above,

June 26th. The menses appeared without any inconvenience, but rather profusely; the back ache and sleepiness subsided, and the appetite became quite normal, the regular meals being much enjoyed by the patient.

The rather unusually protracted absence of the menses regarded in connection with the unnutritious milk, the colicky pains with loose discharges, sleepiness, aggravation by sleep, etc., certainly pointed out Lachesis as a remedy, and I was quite satisfied with the result.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 05-06, 1863, pages 205-210, pages 269-279]

[Description: Clinical Observations on Lachesis.]

[Remedies: Lachesis]

[Author: Wesselhoeft, C.]

[Year: 1863]

DISEASES DURING LACTATION.

By C. Wesselhoeft, M. D., Dorchester, Mass.

Among the numerous anomalies and digressions which nature often produces in the female organism, subsequent to parturition, those of the mammary gland are most conspicuous. To call them simply troublesome, would not sufficiently express their effect upon mother and child. The former suffers more pain and heartfelt disappointment, while the latter must, in many instances bear for life, the consequences of imperfect or arrested lactation on the part of the mother. This perhaps applies more widely to female infants. The first deplorable experiences of a physician, however brief his term of professional activity may have been, relate to the question of nursing, and his attempts at curing or palliating the distress of the manifold irregularities and frightful disturbances of this function often lead him nearly to despair in regard to medical aid.

I will here touch upon a few of the most common among the disorders of lactation, as they have presented themselves in my practice.

SORE NIPPLES. – This is perhaps the most common of nursing complaints, and, though apparently a simple disease, it is often the forerunner of more serious disorders. Considered by itself it is an excoriation of the skin covering the nipple; this partakes of the general character of the skin covering or surrounding the lips, anus, vulva, etc., approaching apparently the character of mucous membranes, into which it gradually merges down the mammillary ducts, as does the skin of the other organs just named. The epithelium is looser than that of the white skin more remote from the nipple; the underlying cutis is thick but more spongy than the cutis vera of other parts, and is closely interwoven with or supported by erectile tissue and pierced by the mammillary tubes. Now, a new excoriation of the surface cannot take place without affecting the underlying structures more or less.

The progress of the disease so well known to all, varies from simple soreness and slight fissures to deep cracks and suppurative destruction of the nipple. Before alluding to therapeutic measures, the causes of the complaint claim attention.

In the great majority of cases, the fault is supposed to rest with the infant, which by mother and nurse is accused of sucking too hard. Very likely it does; but if a mother's breast is constituted as it ought to be, that accusation could hardly be justified. With some women the milk undoubtedly flows more readily than with others. Everyone who has ever practised milking cows will have observed the difference in the degree of ease with which this operation is performed. Some cows are said to "hold back" the milk, while others "let it down." I do not believe that the will of the cow (or in the above instance that of the woman) has so much influence as the state of the mind, such as fear of the milker, or other emotions. The nursing infant may be obliged to make efforts with such prolonged vigor as to cause soreness of its mother's breast, especially if she be a primipara. In good health this soreness will soon pass off.

Another condition for sore nipples is undoubtedly created by the habit of women to supply an imaginary, and still oftener a real natural deficiency, with pads of cotton and other more ingenious contrivances. It is astonishing to what an amount of physical torment many women will subject themselves for the sake of approaching the standard of an ideal of human development. What that is, may be readily seen at every shop window; a hideous distortion, a caricature resembling the perfect human figure no more than the peculiar little jointed dolls of wood and which are well adapted to fit clothes upon; an operation more difficult upon the natural curves and sections of the living body.

Many observations have established the fact sufficiently, as I believe, that sore nipples, leading to very serious destruction of the breast, are very rare among the poor Irish women wearing no pads, and very common, indeed almost unexceptional, among the more "stylish" residents of this part of the country. The shabby loose garments of a certain class of poor, together with their habits of endurance and consequent physical development, preclude diseases of the breasts to a great extent; while warm clothing, overtaxed nerves, and more delicate development are to be reckoned at least as one cause of sore nipples, as well as of many other complaints.

Besides pads and too vigorous nursing, there is undoubtedly another predisposing cause of sore nipples and other breast complaints but which does not become apparent quite so distinctly in sore nipples as in graver affections of the breasts. We all believe, or to speak more to the point, we know that there are certain constitutional taints, dyscrasies, or whatever we may choose to call them. A certain form or perhaps a complication of these dyscrasies, imparts to a patient a visible degree of unhealthiness, such as impure and rough appearance of the skin, pallor or redness of the face, tendency to skin diseases, leucorrhea, etc.

Concerning the treatment of this disease, I cannot boast of particular success; nevertheless, I am satisfied there are effective hygienic as well as therapeutic measures.

In what may be called simple sore nipples of primiparous women, but few remedial agents are required. Sponging in cool water, and the application of a light cold compress after nursing, has, in many instances, done all that could possibly be desired.

But in severe cases where years of vanity, neglect, or constitutional predisposition are the causes of trouble, more specific therapeutic agents are necessary. It would seem as hopeless to endeavor to counteract by moral suasion the pernicious effects of fashion, as to recommend, in the hackneyed language of our old-school text-books, to an invalid pauper, "a journey on the continent and a liberal diet with wine." There are few diseases where local applications are so useful as in sore nipples. Next to cold compresses, where there is heat and dryness after nursing, Arnica, in the proportion of ten or fifteen drops of the tincture to a teacupful of water, has brought relief in cases marked by soreness and tenderness beneath the surface of the breast. It should never be used undiluted as is often the case, because the alcohol alone may make matters much worse. Besides this, Arnica tincture often produces a papular smarting eruption if applied to sound skin; this decidedly contra-indicates the use of undiluted, but shows the homoeopathic connection with sore nipples.

Calendula evidently vies with Arnica and may be used in the same way. Tannin, Tannin ointment, Glycerin and in fact many simple ointments may often be employed with benefit.

Among the numerous internal remedies often enumerated for this complaint, I have every reason to believe that Lycopodium and Silicea are highly important. The former where the fissures are deep and painful; the latter in subjects whom I had previously known to be predisposed to rapid or excessive suppurations and where the nipple was being destroyed by ulcerative process.

BROKEN BREAST FROM MALFORMATION OF THE NIPPLE. — The next affliction of nursing women, the dread of the patient and doctor, is the broken breast. While speaking of sore nipples, a picture of this terrible malady forcibly presented itself to my mind; and when treating a patient for the less severe disease, apprehension of the more severe form is invariably justifiable, though in many cases inflammation and suppuration originate without apparent external irritation. A description of this well known complaint would be out of place here; but regarding its predisposing causes, I hold certain views which, though neither new nor original, may elicit valuable observations on the part of my colleagues.

I doubt very much if inflammation and suppuration of the breast would attack a healthy woman without direct and violent external causes, such as foolhardy exposure to cold, or mechanical injury, etc. Next to these, the remarks concerning pads, etc., under the head of "sore nipples" may be applied to inflammation of the breast with the same amount of truth.

Aside from all other causes, and without regard to the constitutional predisposition of women, there is, in my estimation, one cause of broken breast to which, I believe, allusion is seldom made. I mean squeezing the infant's breasts soon after birth. I have frequently been asked by nurses "shall I squeeze the baby's breasts when they swell? A nurse who does not hesitate to ask this question, should not be tolerated; for as surely as she thinks it, she will squeeze the child's breasts, let the doctor allow it or not; I know that it has happened, and am morally certain that it will happen again, as long as nurses are represented by the uneducated classes so commonly seen. Nurses are the same all over the world; as a proof see Dr. Hartmann's book on Diseases of Children, where he alludes to the practice of squeezing the child's breasts. Though Dr. Hartmann at once exhibits the primary danger of this operation, the remote and more serious consequences did not become apparent to me until I had some experience of my own. Some old nurses have told me that, some time ago, the practice alluded to was very common; sensible nurses of the better and rarer class nowadays do not adopt it, but among the common kind, attending the less enlightened portion of our population, I am sure that it is as much in vogue as it ever could have been, and, unless a sharp look out is kept, it will be as sure to follow as the administration of "saffron tea to bring out the red gum" (Strophulus).

The object of this despicable meddlesome procedure is ostensibly to reduce the swelling of the infant's breast, observable soon after birth. This swelling may be caused partly by mechanical pressure during parturition, but it seems to coincide more particularly with the development of independent circulation in the child's body, when respiration becomes full and vigorous sanguification takes place. At this period the glandular structures take a new start as it were; a greater influx of blood may be assumed and, at any rate, this process becoming visible in the infantile breasts indicates the future importance of these organs. It is alike in both sexes. In the fetus and up to a certain age in either sex, there is no perceptible difference in the structure of the mammary gland, which may be recognized early in the fetal life, and, according, to Carpenter, may be easily recognized by its redness and high vascularity. I am not acquainted with any description of the progressive development of the mammary gland, exhibiting the degree of resemblance between its fetal and mature condition; though its progress is well observed from the commencement of puberty upwards. At its period of perfection the gland is seen to consist of lobes and lobules, or glands and glandules, connected by lactiferous tubes which intermingle and ramify with each other; terminating in reservoirs and mammillary tubes, composed of a fibrous coat, lined with mucous membrane, which appears to have been traced into the ultimate clusters of follicles composing the glandules; the whole being held together by fibro-cellular tissue.

This is the condition of the gland in its perfection. In examining a premature fetus, born even several months before its full term, we find all the organs of the body already formed, and anatomically definable, eyes, hair, sexual organs and all, even to the minutest detail. Knowing this to be the case, we may safely assume great, if not perfect analogy between the early and mature structure of the mammary gland.

What happens now, if violence is used in emptying an infant's breast of the muco-serous fluid it contains after birth? The fluid is partially pressed out; the extremely delicate rudimentary follicles may be contused or lacerated in their state of distention, and the walls of the tubules and ducts brought together more or less throughout the organ. The healing process next sets in, cementing and gluing together by new cell growth, the lacerated follicles and ducts. But what of that, the child does well, especially if a boy, but if it happens to be a girl, what then? In a certain number of years she will be a mother, vainly trying to nurse her child. The doctor will find nurses, aunts and grandmothers rubbing and oiling away at a sore breast in which "the milk has caked," and which is very tender and red, with a deep depression where there ought to be a protruding nipple; and notwithstanding the vigorous efforts of the child, nurse or breast-pump, these will never draw it out again.

Such a case may or may not terminate in suppuration. I have seen cases where the activity of the gland would gradually subside without that painful termination, but probably most cases would end so.

I do not intend the inference that all cases of deformed nipples, or inability to nurse are caused by the practice of squeezing the female infant's breasts, but I believe that many of them are. I have suspected it in many, and know it to be a fact in several; in these instances the nipple was drawn in, or rather it was not protruded as it should have been when the breast began to enlarge, previous to the formation of milk, held back, as it were, by the contracted mammillary tubes or cicatrized cellular structure at the base of the nipple. Milk may be abundantly secreted in the sound portion of the organ, but cannot easily be drawn out.

Are there any remedies for such a case? I doubt that such a condition can be cured. But efforts should always be made for the purpose of restoring the normal shape of the nipple, and for this end there is no better instrument than the mouth of some kind person who may be found willing to draw the patient's breasts; and I am bound to say in justice to nurses, that I do not remember one who shrank from this task of pure and disinterested philanthropy. But as far as my experience goes, only partial relief is obtained; both mother and nurse are too often compelled to give up in despair after days or perhaps weeks of patient endurance.

There are, however, many other cases of malformed nipples perhaps by far the most numerous, which do not depend on the causes above described, and which will often readily yield to careful and patient management.

BROKEN BREAST AND SCROFULA WITH A GLANCE AT PSORA. - While speaking of sore nipples, I counted a certain constitutional taint among the predisposing causes of that complaint, and this applies with full force to the topic of inflamed and "broken breast." It is common to meet with cases in which, after a natural term of gestation and subsequent delivery, the patient's breast becomes hard, painful and is accompanied by marked febrile excitement of some duration, followed by copious suppuration, running the usual course of phlegmonous inflammation. Such a condition is apt to set in mostly two or three weeks after confinement, and is certainly most common during the first three mouths. Some are attacked after every confinement. Sometimes the gland itself is affected, at others probably only the interglandular tissue, or the fascia and skin covering the gland.

But what shall we call this predisposition, how can it be defined, or among which types of morbid conditions can it be classed? Authors in the old school of medicine, including Virchow, mention several pre-eminent types of constitutional predisposition, among which the scrofulous and carcinomatous dyscrasies are, perhaps, the most prominent ones. Hahnemann assumes three grand types from which all conceivable chronic diseases arise.

Without entering into the details of this classification here, I will only state that I cannot accept them as absolute truths, but find in them much that is relatively true and eminently calculated to lead to practical results.

While the classification of dyscrasies, adopted by the prevailing authorities, of the old school e. g. Canstatt, may be considered as a scientific attempt without the least importance as to curative results, Hahnemann's arrangement of chronic diseases, in three grand types is, to say the least, of great practical value, since it has led directly to certain corresponding typical classes of remedies. According to Hahnemann all chronic diseases not dependent on syphilis or sycosis are derived from itch miasm. May this be true or not, the whole question turns on the word psora or itch. We may alter that word as we will, we may use in its stead the entire list of (non-syphilitic) contagious and non-contagious skin diseases, the fact remains indisputable that many of them, including itch, may change from a peripheric to an internal morbid condition; and, as Hahnemann admits, the types may be complicated with each other. On this account the importance attached by the great master to this pathological speculation, is everywhere secondary to the great general rule, always and distinctly repeated by him to select the remedy according to the maxim, similia similibus curentur.

The New Zeitschrift fur Homoeopathische Klinik, Vol. VIII, No. 17, contains a copy of an article bearing Hahnemann's signature, published in one of the popular newspapers of his day, thirty-six years before the publication of the Chronic Diseases, in which article the author clearly sets forth that the true source of itch is the presence of little animals, often observed by himself and others. Sulphur, in the form of ointment or liver of Sulphur are set forth as safe and certain remedies. Dr. Langheinz, of Darmstadt, who discovered this important and lost fragment, naturally draws conclusions in opposition to the psora theory in its connection with The Chronic Diseases, where, curiously enough, the little animal is not alluded to.

The same periodical, Vol. IX, No.2, contains an article by Dr. Roth, of Paris, detailing the discovery of Dr. Rayer, that a certain epizootic disease of sheep and cattle (sang de rate, apoplexie charboneuse de la rate; German, milzbrand,) was dependent entirely on the presence of certain animalcules (Bacterien), invariably discovered with the microscope in the blood of animals having died of that disease. From these discoveries the inference is drawn of the entire futility of the psora theory. (See Vol. IX, No. 12, Feuilleton, where strong arguments are brought forward against the animal nature of these infusoria.)

Since we possess a homoeopathic law and a Materia Medica which has already cured as many diseases as it contains "pure" symptoms, it need not disturb the tranquility of Homoeopathicians what becomes of the psora theory. There is no doubt that the Sarcoptes hominis, and chiefly the female of the species, is the cause of many forms of itch, as many other vegetable or animal parasites are the cause of as many different forms of disease. But why should this animal produce only such a specific form of disease? There is no doubt that this is owing to a specific poison of the animal and not alone to the kind of mechanical irritation produced by the motions of the bristly, lively little parasite. A sting inflicted by a needle is as different from that of insects as their stings vary in effect from each other. It is an easy matter to distinguish the sting of a mosquito, gnat, bee, wasp, bed-bug, etc. By all these, a poison, as specific as that of any known miasm, is imparted to the body, why not by the Sarcoptes? An interesting series of experiments might be instituted in order to determine how much itch is dependent on mechanical irritation; numerous analogies drawn from common experience may, for the present, suffice to show that simple, non-poisonous foreign bodies, however complex in structure, seldom if ever produce sensations resembling the voluptuous itching, smarting or stinging of specific poisons brought in contact with the skin, or introduced beneath it. Of all such poisons, that of the Sarcoptes is in many respects the most tenacious, scarcely healing without curative interference, and often lasting long after the disappearance of all visible traces of the diseases. (See Constatt Pathology and Therapeutics, Vol. IV, p. 1135.)

In short, the contagion is there, whether Hahnemann knew its true nature or not. The fact that suppression of chronic itch, or of any other severe cutaneous disease, is followed by various other disorders is undisputable.

There is no doubt, on the other hand, that many forms of chronic diseases originate from numerous other sources besides suppressed or inherited skin diseases and psora. But these views do not necessarily contradict each other, but it is justly claimed by many authors, among them von Grauvogl, that it serves to enlarge and complete the pathological system, whose grand logical end is to point out classes of remedies, corresponding to classes of diseases. Hahnemann is the first who ever attempted such a gigantic task with success, and pathological science is barren and to no purpose (if cure is the object of medical science), so long as diseases are classified without regard to classes of curative agents, with which they stand in correlation. Homoeopathy and its maxims furnish the only means and method to the end of developing the Materia Medica, parallel with Pathology. The latter science, before the days of Homoeopathy, had gone one way, while Therapeutics and Materia Medica went another, or oftener still came to a dead halt, or, like the great rivers of Australia, ran away from the ocean to dwindle in the sands of the interior desert.

The words scrofula and psora are often confounded in common parlance. But since the former is used to designate a dyscrasy, clearly definable and often well described, it may be permitted, as applicable to the pathological condition to be described.

Scrofula ordinarily denotes a tendency of glandular structures to swell, and the occurrence of deposits of certain morbid (tubercular) matter in their substance, ending in suppuration. But the word has been made to apply to many other conditions. Ulcers of the skin and the vast array of suppurative diseases come within its scope. It may become manifest in the most various modes, from Tuberculosis, with which it is always considered identical, down to Acne. But whenever seen there is the tendency to suppuration, so apt to follow with extreme rapidity in "scrofulous" organizations; while a healthy body will endure an inflammatory process without final suppuration, or even escape inflammation altogether, where it might reasonably be feared. A scrofulous subject will show an extensive inflammation and a huge quantity of pus in a very short time, caused perhaps by slight mechanical injury or a draught of air.

This is the case with a great proportion of women suffering with broken breast. Though we may not have noticed any signs of approaching trouble in our previous acquaintance with such a patient, her first confinement will reveal her constitutional condition. Lactation and suckling may go on without complaint for awhile; but not many days will elapse before the first well known signs of inflammation set in.

The actual condition of the glandular structures and those of the breast in particular, tending to suppuration is very difficult to conceive. The morbid anatomy of such a case must of necessity be practically undemonstrable, though more or less readily inferred from analogy. But one circumstance seems appreciable, that, in a case of broken breast, occurring in a scrofulous patient, the affected organs are not in a state of development, enabling them to withstand the activity of lactation going on within them. [Canstatt defines scrofula and tuberculosis as "a standing still at a low degree of organization."]

When the secretion of milk fairly begins in a healthy breast a certain degree of turgescence takes place, as a reflex action, in response to a nervous stimulus, resulting in the production of secreting cells in the ultimate subdivisions of the glandules. In a morbidly predisposed gland, however, the nervous centres do not take the hint correctly from the stimulus applied; they actually misinterpret it; the process of healthy turgescence, instead of terminating in relief by the flow of milk, is perverted into an angry inflammation, dragging into its sphere all subordinate structures, such as cell walls and cellular tissue. The process, like an impatient artizan, wears out and destroys its tools before accomplishing the object perfectly, and the product at the termination is pus where it should have been milk.

The views of Prof. Virchow as defined in his Cellular Pathology have some relation of interest to our subject. After discussing (chap. ix) the formation of tubercular matter, a product of inflammation left as a residue in glandular interstices, after the absorption of watery fluid parts, etc., he comes to a second form of reabsorption of pus (p.171), where pus really vanishes without residue; "but here too," the author continues, "pus is not reabsorbed as such, but undergoes a fatty metamorphosis; each individual cell liberates fatty particles within itself; breaks up and finally nothing remains but fat granules and intercellular fluid. Thus neither cells nor pus remain; their place being taken by a kind of milk, [The Italics are not in the German original composed of water, some albuminous substances and fat, and often found to contain sugar, increasing the analogy with real milk. This pathological milk afterwards undergoes reabsorption, not as pus but as fat, water and salts."

Further on (chap. xv, on fatty degeneration) Virchow continues: "proceeding to the third series of fatty conditions coinciding with the resolution of elements, we find their proper physiological illustration, already alluded to, in the secretion of milk as well as in that of sebaceous matter of the skin. That these two secretions are analogous is explained by the circumstance that the milk gland is nothing more than an enormously developed and peculiarly formed accumulation of cutaneous glands (sebaceous follicles). In the order of their development both series are parallel; both proceeding from progressive growth of the exterior layers of epidermis." After describing the nature of sabaceous follicles and the process of the formation of their contents, the author continues, "this process furnishes us with an exact plan of the formation of the milk. It is only necessary to imagine the ducts more elongated and the terminal acini more developed; the process remains essentially the same. The cells thrive and then pass into fatty metamorphosis, break up and at last nothing more substantial is left of them but fat drops. Coinciding more particularly with the common mode or sebaceous secretion is the early period of lactation furnishing the so-called colostrum."

Now in applying the above to a case of phlegmonous inflammation of the breast, the normal secretion of which bears analogy to pus, the inference is at hand, that the change of milk into pus may actually occur; at all events the abundant secretion of pus from the cellular elements originally destined to become milk is illustrated by Virchow's views, with that difference, that, according to the latter, pus changes into" a kind of milk."

When such an inflammation attacks a healthy women, caused by exposure or violence, it will often readily get well under the use of cold compresses. Arnica certainly is beneficial, administered internally and externally; likewise Ruta and Calendula. In diffused, pale redness, tenderness on slight pressure, where there is febrile excitement, when the disease is caused by cold air, with stiffness of the joints and back, Bryonia is the right remedy, by the use of which I have seen such symptoms vanish sufficiently often to assure me of its efficacy.

When the disease is attributable to malformed nipples owing to causes above mentioned or any others, the result depends on the constitutional condition of the patient; if she is free from dyscratic taint, the chances are that the ensuing inflammation may subside without abscess, or that the remedies above mentioned may assist much in allaying the storm excited by prevented suckling.

But let inflammation set in where there is constitutional predisposition to this process and easy suppuration, the state of things will be deplorable in the extreme. We may be fortunate enough to bring about a speedy termination of the process by skilful management therapeutically or simple external applications, but it has often appeared to me that treating a patient for an individual case of broken breast, has many features in common with the treatment of a patient suffering from periodical convulsions; the least benefit can be afforded during the attack; more might perhaps be done previously or subsequently by proper homoeopathic remedies; and to arrive at a fair estimate of the powers of remedies in this complaint has been a serious desire in my practice.

The remedies which have been followed by satisfactory results in scrofulous patients, with inflamed and suppurating breasts, were Aconite, Bryonia, Silicea and Sulphur. The indications for Aconite and Bryonia are stated as clearly in Hahnemann's provings as in any subsequent ones. The distinctive features of the two, relating to inflamed breasts, are high and full pulse; heat, with or without thirst; rigors and marked febrile heat, and where the local symptoms are not yet very prominent, though the contrary is by no means an objection. Where a similar condition exists, Aconite has many times reduced it within eight or nine hours, leaving only the local inflammation to follow its course. Bryonia may often be our first choice; or, when the first of the storm is over or less apparent than it is where Aconite would meet the case; when there are many aching pains in the joints inward chills and marked distress on moving; when the breast is tense, pale red or shiny red, and extremely sensitive to the touch, which is not so marked in the first onset, where Aconite may do well. I believe that we have a right to expect a decisive result from a remedy within twenty-four hours in such cases. I can recall instances when, in less time, the diffused inflammation was reduced to half its extent, accompanied by relaxation of the breast, after Bryonia. I am equally confident that several aggravated cases have got well entirely under the use of that remedy. Undeniably the majority of cases, particularly in scrofulous patients, have terminated in suppuration, many without indicating any effect from the remedies.

In scrofulous patients, where the inflammatory process is slow and suppuration tedious, without marked fever or tenderness, Sulphur has been most useful. In one case of suppurating breast and two analogous cases of parotitis, one following scarlet fever and the other from ordinary causes, the abscess distinctly wilted down and got well, without breaking or puncture, where fluctuation was unmistakable, the abscess already "pointing." Where opportunity is afforded of becoming acquainted with the constitutional habit of a patient, months before her expected confinement, and especially when there is a scrofulous taint to be discerned, Sulphur repeated at long intervals has appeared serviceable, though much experience is yet necessary to establish decided views concerning this procedure.

Silicea is another of the old remedies which has repeatedly satisfied my expectations. It has not stopped or prevented abscess of the breast; but in profuse suppuration, when pus is discharged by the teacupful throughout the day, especially if the matter is inclined to become thin, or profuse and creamy; also in protracted suppuration Silicea has promptly arrested excessive flow of pus often in less than twelve hours, where it had existed for several days or a week previously. Like Sulphur I have habitually used Silicea in the thirtieth dilution.

Far from supposing the list of remedies to end here, I have simply mentioned those that have been of actual service in my hands. In order to avoid the appearance of having made unfounded assertions, it will be necessary to confirm them as soon as time and opportunity will permit.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 06 No. 01, 1865, pages 15-22, pages 54-62]

[Description: Diseases During Lactation.]

[Author: Wesselhoeft, C.]

[Year: 1865]

POPULAR LITERATURE ON HOMOEOPATHY. *[Read before the Boston Academy of Homoeopathic Medicine, Dec. 12, 1859.]

BY C. WESSELHOEFT, M.D., DORCHESTER, MASS.

Homoeopathic Literature is rapidly increasing, and in amount probably equals that of any other science originated since the homoeopathic law became known. The object of this paper is to review, to some extent, a certain branch of our literature, viz: the writings intended for the use of the public, and this important subject, strange to say, appears to have attracted but very little attention hitherto.

This paper will be confined only to the discussion of the most popular works, written in the English language, most of which appear to have been published in this country. Before proceeding to the separate books, a few general observations may be admissible.

First, as to the propriety and practicability of much homoeopathic literature, intended for the perusal of the lay public: Homoeopathy had scarcely passed its years of infancy, when here and there specimens of literature of a popular character began to make their appearance, and, notwithstanding the high reputation of their authors, professional opinion was not in favor of such writings, however great their merits might have been, and but trifling notice was taken of them. Thus in vol. VIII of the "Archives for the Homoeopathic Healing Art," published since 1822, Dr. M. Muller, in speaking of Caspari's "Domestic Physician," edited by Dr. F. Hartman, says: "We observed then, (Archive vol. V, No. 3, p. 223) that this little volume deserved recommendation as a popular work; we neither intended then nor now to speak in favor of popular medical works." In these remarks popular homoeopathic books are of course included. The reviewer then proceeds to vindicate the "Homoeopathic Domestic Physician," only on the ground of its preference to the numerous allopathic writings of a similar tendency, the injurious doctrines and advice of which, popular Homoeopathy might help to abolish. Certain fears then entertained, seem now to become verified, for the object of popular Homoeopathy at the present time seems to be, the rendering unnecessary of all professional aid; threatening to put thousands of volumes in the place of physicians, which, instead of containing only such matter as could be conveniently understood, and practically applied by laymen, merely contain the scum of what a physician ought to know.

The public should be prepared to receive the truths of Homoeopathy, but this object cannot be attained by forcing upon them pseudo-compends of medicine, compiled from all sorts of medical school-books, and from many doubtful sources of Homoeopathy.

There is scarcely a science, or a branch of science, so utterly unadapted to the penetration of the lay public, as that of medicine. This fact is best illustrated by the enormous impositions practised daily on the inexperienced masses, whose thorough, and almost irreparable confusion of ideas, regarding medical topics, can only be led into the channel of common sense by very careful schooling, an exhibition of true, heartfelt sympathy on the part of homoeopathic practitioners, and a simple intelligible literature, leaving no trace of doubt as to its sincerity, instead of bearing on its outward form all the marks of avarice, while its contents present a rare compound of scantiness and bulk. That there are exceptions to this rule must be admitted at the same time.

The fact that a great many books are sold in a very short time, as is stated exultingly in many of the prefaces of popular homoeopathic books, is seldom a sign that the book is really good, but, according to the present state of public medical knowledge, the rapid sale of such literature not unfrequently indicates unmitigated flattery of some popular prejudice regarding Homoeopathy. The twenty-seven thousand copies of Dr. Pulte's "Book," form a striking example of what is here meant.

We will now proceed to examine in detail a number of the books before us; in doing which the argument shall not be. restricted to criticism, strictly speaking, of their practical and literary value, because they have, ere this, passed review in the different periodicals; but we will take the liberty of making such remarks in the course of examining each book, as may happen to be suggested by the subject in hand.

In pursuing our subject in a certain chronological manner, taking up the latest editions of homoeopathic works, we first of all come to:

Dr. Caspari's Homoeopathic Domestic Physician which is repeatedly mentioned in the course of these remarks. It was probably the first publication of this kind ever issued; originally of a very small size, it was at a later period enlarged and revised, with numerous improvements by Dr. Hartmann of Leipsic. Following a sketch of Hahnemann's life, comes a treatise on the nature and meaning of Homoeopathy, that might be called a popular extract from the Organon. Something of this kind should be contained in every truly popular work on Homoeopathy, in place of many faults, and in a more extensive and detailed manner than is usually the case. Then succeeding the usual chapter of regimen for the sick, comes a chapter on the administration of medicine, which is simple and practical, and probably preferable to the mode of placing dose and mode of administration of medicines after the description of a disease, just as if Homoeopathy had not long since become emancipated from precautions adopted by the old school. Admitting that it has the appearance of greater convenience, it also bears strong symptoms of make-believe-accuracy to oblige lazy and prejudiced people. The alphabetical arrangement of the index is preferred in this book, which, however, is not the best method, as seems to be a pretty well acknowledged fact, even by compilers of our voluminous repertories, though in the latter case it is most difficult to devise a better method.

The book closes with a "treatise" on anatomy and physiology by W. P. Esrey, M.D. Besides questioning the right of this appendage to assume the title of "treatise" it may be said that it is attached only to give size to the work; furthermore it is useless, otherwise the authors of the book would undoubtedly have added it before it was transplanted to a foreign soil.

Without doubting the general advantages of a more widely diffused knowledge of anatomy and physiology among the public, it certainly becomes evident, that a sprinkling of these two sciences can be of no use in a popular work on Homoeopathy. It must have occurred to every homoeopathic physician, that those patients who flatter themselves with having studied anatomy and physiology, offer very severe obstacles to the anxiously inquiring practitioner, who, instead of arriving at a definite conclusion as to the case before him, is obliged to concentrate all his ingenuity in penetrating the depths of the mysterious arguments propounded to him, in place of a simple and truthful picture of subjective symptoms. In fact, medical science must be acquired by the student in its whole circumference, or, if this cannot be done, it must of necessity be left alone. On that account an apology for the insertion of a few scraps of the collateral sciences, and for the imperfections of the information derived therefrom, is a direct contradiction to the reason given for their introduction into a popular book on Homoeopathy.

Laurie's Parents Guide, to which we come next, contains only diseases of infancy and childhood, with much useful advice to mothers. Most of the subjects of this book are such as should be contained in a popular book: such as treatment at birth; nursing, rest, cleanliness, air and exercise, diet, etc. The author goes into these very minutely, for he even touches rather elaborately on the six social duties — love, duties of consanguinity, duties of wealth towards poverty, etc.; with these subjects the usefulness of the book is at an end, as also is its popularity.

The therapeutical part is arranged according to the anatomical divisions of the body, and therefore more logically than if the order of the alphabet had been employed. In trying to make a book too easy, its value is sacrificed. A good popular book on Homoeopathy must be logical; if so, it must be difficult, and study becomes unavoidable. Physicians, therefore, who recommend these books, should ardently urge the necessity of studying them thoroughly. If this were the case, people would soon learn to judge of the value of this kind of literature, on the one hand, while on the other, heads of families and patients would not be so entirely at a loss as to the course to be pursued in administering remedies.

Epps' Domestic Homoeopathy. — One of the main features of a good popular book on Homoeopathy, is, and ought to be, the introduction, which should, besides regimen, etc., for the sick, point out to the reader the innumerable prejudices so frequently brought to bear upon the sick by their officious lay friends. Nothing weighs heavier on the minds of those around the sick bed than their own anxiety; a natural, though unwise, impetuosity drives them first to get rid of their own fear, while the suffering of the patient becomes a secondary matter. Though they frequently do not know what to do, something must be done, right or wrong matters not, and hence innumerable remedies are applied in quick succession; hot and cold drinks and ablutions, nostrums and even allopathic compounds left on some former occasion, all of which are more efficient in relieving the minds of anxious friends, than in alleviating the sufferings of the patient. Much perhaps has been done already, by rapidly spreading Homoeopathy, in counteracting the injurious haste and unprincipled confusion following closely upon the tracks of allopathic practice; yet vastly more remains to be altered; and since our whole energy is directed toward removing prejudices, at least as frequently as to prescribe, a larger share of space should be devoted to this purpose in popular books of the homoeopathic school.

The author of the American edition of Epp's Domestic Homoeopathy, makes a good attempt in this direction, but confines his introductory remarks only to children and obstetrics, whence he launches off into descriptions of temperaments, gives very definite illustrations of the four "recognized" temperaments, the rationale of which is that "it is rare that we meet pure specimens of them." It is recommended by Epps and others, simply to choose the remedy according to the most prominent symptoms of the disease. An inexperienced person will always find this to be his stumbling block, lying in the way of all his endeavors to help himself or others, particularly so long as most extant popular books continue to give indications for remedies, just as they may be picked from any repertory; while a book on domestic Homoeopathy should contain the very quintessence of indications, to find which, but few authors have the talent, and to use which but few laymen will learn, as long as they consult their books, only when agitated and frightened.

Another feature to which allusion may be made here, and which should be abolished in popular books, is the introduction of a profusion of pathological terms, and particularly the introduction of diseases classwise, rendering diagnosis of the species necessary. This arrangement however laudable in a text book of pathology designed for advanced students, is not in the least profitable, when made use of in a book intended for non-medical persons. Suppose, for instance, a lay practitioner called upon to prescribe for an attack of "cramp of the stomach;" the anxious reader will be much puzzled when the necessity of making a nice distinction between "dyspepsia," "vomiting," "inflammation of the stomach," and the above named complaint flashes upon his mind. Even general distinctions, such as "diseases of the muscular system," and "diseases of the digestive organs," are scarcely admissible in a book for laymen. Instead of introducing all diseases possible under these heads, which an unprofessional person cannot distinguish from one another, and can much less prescribe for, it would be of more practical use to mention only those forms of disease, actually falling under the observation of people; such as rheumatism, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Neither authors, nor physicians in general, ought to expect their patients or readers to make nicer distinctions.

Guernsey's Homoeopathic Domestic Practice, to which we come next, presents itself as a voluminous book intended for family use. The intention expressed in the introduction, to avoid technicalities, has not been carried out to the extent promised. This becomes most apparent in the pathological part of the book, where we find exclusively scientific terms, pathologically distinct diseases, and detached symptoms peculiar to distinct diseases intermingled, all under one head. The attention is particularly drawn to that fact in examining the chapter on affections of the stomach and bowels. This, like several other works of this kind, is intended, not only for the use of families, but also for students of medicine, and it appears that these two objects are very difficult to obtain in combination, when certain principles are not strictly adhered to: supposing a medical student, or a novice in the practice of Homoeopathy availing himself of a work intended for family use, he must be contented with the simplest hints, given in the most popular terms, and make up his mind to dispense with the scientific pomp of the lecture-room. He must consider the author of the family guide before him, in the light of an experienced practitioner, standing by the bedside of a patient, there administering plain, straight-forward advice, intended for one unskilled in medical topics and medical language. Those who consider a book of that kind as unworthy their notice, are on the wrong road. An advanced student may, therefore, be well contented with a popular book to guide him in his practice; a non-medical person, on the other hand, can derive nothing but confusion from literature claiming popularity, without daring to lay aside professional air and language, for fear of degradation.

The importance of the chapters on anatomy and physiology that follow, has already been discussed.

In remarking that scientific terms should be avoided, the inference was not intended, that all pathological and strictly scientific names must be omitted, necessarily coming in here and there to fill the place of one or another of the many medical slang phrases, without any meaning, to which most people attach great importance. Still observation teaches that the popular medical vocabulary, in the English as well as most other languages, is rich enough to furnish a domestic book on Homoeopathy.

In connection with the above named book, it will be proper also to mention a smaller one by the same author, viz:

The Gentleman's Hand-book. — As we go along, we find the subjects for popular books increase, and, we are almost tempted to say, the excuse for book making. The matter generally collected and embraced as a whole by the larger books, after reaching a certain point of massiveness, again begins to be separated, and used as a speciality, purporting to meet the possible demands of different kinds and classes of people.

After offering to the eagerly inquiring gentleman, much good advice on diet, etc., under the usual promising head of physiology and hygiene, the author suddenly assumes the shape of spiritual adviser, and proceeds to enlarge upon the propriety of marriage, "suitableness of age," and "harmony of feeling considered in marriage," in a manner undoubtedly calculated to light up the fading hope of some neglected swain or maiden, but much better suited to the pulpit, than to a medical guide-book. Leave moral culture to teachers and parents.

Freligh's Homoeopathic Practice of Medicine, next claims our attention, by proposing in its preface "to serve, as far as possible the three-fold purpose of a text book for the student, a ready volume of reference for the physician, and a comprehensive and simplified guide for domestic use." How far it is possible to combine these objects, as well as the advantage derived from such a combination of heterogeneous purposes, has already been spoken of, but we must allude to the theme once more. As a domestic work, by the multifariousness of its subjects, it defies a non-medical person at the outset, to find a complaint he is in search of, and after that should have been accomplished, the remedy will be equally hard to discover; it is particularly careless to expect a layman to use tinctures, and to give several, often more than two, remedies in alternation, as is frequently the case throughout the book. In the first place, applicants to this or similar guide-books will be sure to select the wrong remedies, and then to give them in short intervals, according to advice, until the patient actually becomes sick of the repeated doses, as all practitioners must have observed in families, where similar books are used. Secondly, advice of so superficial a kind, though it occupies much space, is worse than no advice at all, as far as laymen are concerned; physicians having more practical sources of information at their command. The want of accuracy on the part of the author, in distinguishing remedies, tends to confuse and blur Homoeopathy, which claims its superiority over the old school, on account of the completeness of its materia medica, as well as its principles of applying remedies in disease.

A book of this kind can be of little use to a student, because the descriptions of diseases are much too superficially executed, to meet the claims of pathology at the present time. As to the authorities mentioned in the preface, from whom particularly the indications for the remedies are derived, we can say little more of them now than that they have got big books into the market. The manner in which medical agents are pointed out to the reader, is no better in Freligh's book, than in the sources he derives his information from; and when we compare them, a dark shadow of doubt comes over us, as to the originality of the work; neither can we avoid the suspicion that one publication of this kind grew out of a proceeding one, with but immaterial alterations, and a proportionate amount of practical value.

Small's Manual of Homoeopathic Practice. — Though this book offers no peculiarities essentially different from the preceding ones, it has been here and there spoken of favorably and though it may possibly be read by practitioners in preference to other books of a similar tendency, its size has become an obstacle to its use in lay practice. Its arrangement, aside from its scientific merits, does not strike us as practical. For example, under the strange title of "Women and their diseases, or diseases of women," we find vertigo and headache, subjects already dealt with at length under the head of diseases of the nervous system, etc. Headache is treated differently in the two chapters, while they might as well have been combined for the sake of method and science, or else in order to be consistent, the subject of headache should have been discussed separately in many of the other chapters treating of diseases, all of which can be complicated with headache.

The same applies to the chapter on diarrhea and constipation. These two subjects recur under the head of digestive organs; then among diseases of women, etc., (p. 667) but at this place they are to be presumed as pertaining to pregnancy; once more diarrhea and constipation, are discussed in the same chapter, in a distinct sub-division of the same (p. 693); and lastly the two inevitable topics reappear in the chapter on new-born infants and young children.

It is without doubt necessary repeatedly to allude to these and similar topics in a popular book, but there is not the slightest difficulty in making one thorough chapter of them, to which the reader may be referred, instead of scattering the same subject in so many different places over a large book, and always bearing the appearance of distinct chapters. Hereby sacrificing scientific arrangement and practical method to the mere bulk of the book.

Hempel & Beakley's Manual of Homoeopathic Theory and Practice. — The pathological arrangement of this book, bears more of scientific character than some of its contemporaries, and might thus far serve as a guide book for students of medicine, which purpose the authors intend it to serve, beside rendering aid to laymen. Regarding therapeutics, the work attracts attention in a greater degree than any of the others. The majority of books of this class strive to adhere to certain rules regarding the form and administration of homoeopathic medicines; endeavoring to keep within certain limits, beyond which Homoeopathy loses its honest name; in this book, on the contrary, a system is adopted and principles forced upon the reader with an air of supreme superiority, that might make us shudder with apprehension, were it not for the ludicrous pomp displayed in discussing them. The following quotation may stand as illustration of these remarks: "In many sections of this country, fever and ague is a prevailing disease. Some attacks will yield perfectly to a few globules of the thirtieth potency of Ipecacuanha; others have to be treated with quinine in substance; others again are readily controlled by a few globules of the thirtieth potency of Cinchona; whereas, in thousands of cases Arsenic has to be given in doses of one-fifth of a grain. " Supposing for a moment we had been lulled into the belief that the former portion of this quotation were founded on the author's carefully gained experience and truthful investigation; the dose of Arsenic he recommends, certainly justifies doubt and distrust on the part of the reader. This arbitrary manner of administering remedies, is strikingly illustrated in many chapters throughout the book; e. g., in the chapter on hip disease. After recommending Acon., Bell, and Rhus in the third dilution, the 30th potency of Sulphur is mentioned, with the strictest injunctions not to go below it. Advice of the latter kind can certainly do less harm than to vindicate the use of tinctures, or still worse, powerful corrosive poisons, even to "an intelligent public." On the other hand, it is much more consistent with the object and dignity of a popular book, to adopt a more logical course of reasoning, and likewise to execute the same practically, by avoiding a species of extremes, evidently intended to suit different individuals.

The salutary effects of the 30th potency of Sulphur is established without a doubt, especially in chronic complaints, such as hip disease is apt to be; why then is it necessary to use other drugs in a potency so much below the thirtieth as the third is, while Bell. and Rhus for example, every-day experience has proved to be as powerful as Sulphur? The greatest variety characterizes this book; sometimes a high dilution is recommended, soon after a low trituration of the same drug, without any apparent reason. The third dilution, and the thirtieth are used, while the reasons for jumping about in these extremes must be regarded as mysteries hidden from the gaze of the over-inquisitive. These remarks do not imply the impropriety of using high and low attenuations, but rather demand that there should be more reason for a practice so arbitrarily forced upon the public, than is accounted for in the chapter discussing potencies or attenuations to be used.

In teaching a student of medicine, or, what is still more difficult, a layman, the art of administering homoeopathic remedies, the best plan is to adopt a few safe rules regarding attenuations, repetition of dose, etc., and apply them throughout the book, instead of worrying and blinding student or patient with a sham accuracy.

The idea of adding a treatise on surgical diseases and their homoeopathic treatment, might be commendable, provided a selection be made of diseases liable to occur in lay practice, and where such manual aid is required as a layman can render. Homoeopathy can recognize only such as surgical diseases,. in which mechanical aid can, and must, be resorted to All other diseases ought to be considered with a view to their relation to the homoeopathic materia medica, whence alone relief can be expected.

Inflammation, the different kinds of ulcers, spasms, articular dropsy, white swelling, rickets and a host of others can scarcely be enumerated as strictly surgical diseases, the amount of surgical aid required with these being very insignificant. At least it is not worth while to mention these as surgical diseases, merely for the sake of making use of a few old school applications, and as an excuse for repeating the groundless remark, that medicines are of little use, on the ground that certain morbid conditions, e. g., sinuous ulcers, cannot be treated homoeopathically on account of the multiplicity of their symptoms (p. 955). The same objection is raised in the chapter on scrofulous ulcers, where "our school" is accused of "dabbling with mere symptoms, instead of looking at the true pathology of the disease and the constitutional peculiarity of the invalid." If Homoeopathy is meant by "our school," the author of the surgical treatise knows less about it, than many a beginner, and it actually appears as if the two authors of the book either indulged in reciprocal liberality, or one was unaware of what the other had written; else, it is to be hoped, this insult to the scientific spirit of Homoeopathy would have been avoided.

The observation is again applicable here, that a book of this kind can be of little use in lay practice on account of its size, while a student of medicine would prefer to study the different branches of medical science, separately and more in detail, or if compends are required, the originals are easily obtained.

Dr. J. H. Pulte's Homoeopathic Domestic Physician. — This book, like several of the others, contains besides pathology and treatment of diseases, anatomy, physiology, and Hydropathy, also hygiene and a treatise on domestic surgery. The merits and disadvantages of introducing these subjects in a book destined for domestic practice, have already been discussed, making a repetition unnecessary. The manner in which the pathological and therapeutical part of this book is composed, does not vary in the least from any of the others, making conjecture impossible as to the respect in which this book should excel, to an extent rendering it worthy of so unheard of a demand as its title page proclaims.

In order to ascertain the relative value of each work, especially with regard to the pathological and therapeutical arrangement, we might compare the same chapter in each book, placing them side by side, if it were not more simple to allow every one to try that interesting experiment by himself. When reading, for instance, in each book, the chapter on acute rheumatism, we are puzzled to find who was the original author of that chapter, and we are forcibly reminded of the criticism on Dr. Pulte's book, contained in vol. II, of the North American Homoeopathic Journal. Of course it is proper that descriptions of disease and indications for its remedies, should be given with as much accuracy in one book as in another, but the fact that the wording and language, used in one book, is exactly like that in another, occurs by far too frequently to raise the value of these productions in the estimation of the profession, who will ere long deserve being divided into two grand classes, one consisting of book makers, the other of book readers. It is hard to say which of the two derives the most benefit, one contending with competition in the book trade, the other with excessively stale reading.

In preparing a book, the author is supposed to be most scrupulously jealous of the language he uses, and the manner in which he conveys his thoughts. In relying on other sources for information, beside his own knowledge, he will at least strive to clothe it in a new garment, and set it forth in a new light for the benefit of the world. But strange to say, we dare not look for merits of that kind among the popular literature of Homoeopathy. Why is it so? Is not the science, whose ideal aim is to reform the whole system of medicine, worthy of an original literature? Can not the writers in its ranks go to the fountain head for information, instead of copying paltry, commonplace phrases from one another, while their works invariably claim to fill a vacancy in this kind of literature, hitherto left unnoticed?

The greater the number of books of this description disseminated among the public, the greater will be the imperfection, diversity and want of harmony in opinions regarding Homoeopathy. Though our science advances rapidly, where the work is carried on by industrious men, though we stand on a firm basis, and enjoy a harmony of thought, contrasting nobly with the strife and empty pomp of the old school, yet many questions are with us unsettled, and many years of hard labor and keen research must pass, before the initiated may dare the attempt of making Homoeopathists of laymen, by teaching them with that air of assurance so frequently made use of in the literature we have been discussing. Readers even of limited education, frequently detect differences of opinion laid down in these books; that discovery leads to want of confidence, which in its turn induces weak-minded practitioners to adapt themselves to the notions and prejudices of the public, and gain for themselves the name of "liberal Homoeopathists," while nothing is more strange to the spirit of Homoeopathy than conservative eclecticism.

Before leaving this subject we will briefly allude to the lesser productions of this kind of literature, such as Malan's Family Guide, Tarbell's Pocket Homoeopathist, Small's Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Practice, Oehme's Homoeopathic Domestic Physician, etc. Insignificant as these little volumes may appear, they are more practically adapted to the necessities of the lay-public, than those large compilations crammed with a diversity of subjects. In these smaller books the authors must condense and abridge their ideas, otherwise so prone to expansion, and the public has only the information it needs, and which it is able to apply; while the reader is not troubled with treatises, too long and profound to be understood by laymen, and too short and stale for one who really needs the information.

After having discussed the characteristics of the existing popular books on Homoeopathy, hoping to have enumerated and considered their merits as well as their faults, we ought in justice to say what the main features of a book on true domestic Homoeopathy should be. In doing this it will perhaps be quite to the purpose, to mention that book which can justly claim the highest merit in the field of literature here considered, viz:

Dr. C. Hering's Domestic Physician. — Although this work was not the first of its kind ever published, it soon gained a reputation surpassing its contemporaries. As early as 1829, Dr. F. Hartmann published the second edition of Caspari's Domestic and Traveller's Physician. A few years later Dr. Hering published the first edition of his Domestic Physician, of which a second was issued as early as 1838. The book rapidly found its way from America into the heart of Europe, having been translated into the Bohemian language, while several editions were speedily disposed of in England and America. It was not only eagerly sought by the people; but also patronized by the highest authorities of the homoeopathic school, such as Stapf, Goullon, Gross, and others, whose recommendation alone is sufficient guaranty for the value of the book. Adding to these testimonials the fact that it has braved the trials of criticisms for more than twenty years, we may certainly be justified in setting it down as the best book of the kind ever published; besides this, there is hardly a doubt, that many of the authors we have mentioned above, consider Dr. Hering's book in the same light. Its pathological arrangement differs from that of its competitors, by its simplicity; though the chapters are numerous, the variety of their sub-divisions exists with scarcely a shadow of that kind of scientific display, so unintelligible to the general public. The entire contents of the book are selected with that remarkable tact, that can only be attributed to an instinctive knowledge of, and true sympathy for the wants of that portion of the public, falling under the observation of a physician.

The practical order, in which the subjects are arranged, is strictly logical, being preferable to any mechanical one, such as the alphabetical method, always confusing these subjects.

There is scarcely a subject in the book that is not given with its true popular name, while all inconvenience is avoided that would naturally occur to a layman in making his diagnosis, in the manner so frequently imposed on him by the authors of the books at first spoken of.

Instead of puzzling the patient as to the "dose," with an air of assumed importance, discussing whether to use 3 globules of one medicine or 6 of another, whether to dissolve them in three teaspoonsful or half a tumbler of water — Dr. Hering, like Dr. Caspari, simplifies the whole matter in one chapter of sufficient length, with which he very reasonably expects the owner of the book to make himself familiar, before he is so unfortunate as to need medical advice. The therapeutical merits of this book become apparent on comparing the distinctions between the different remedies mentioned. On taking up a homoeopathic materia medica, who is not at a loss to find the characteristics and distinguishing marks of the many different medicines contained therein? The multitude and bulk of symptoms confuse and also discourage; and in fact a degree of discerning power is required to draw out the important distinguishing marks, the quintessence as it were, from the provings of each remedy that can scarcely be acquired by protracted study. Dr. Hering's book contains these important distinctions, but in so simple a form that they are often overlooked, and undervalued by the inexperienced, while the more experienced do not hesitate to consult them. Besides their usefulness and reliability, all of Dr. Hering's therapeutical indications are remarkable for their originality.

Perhaps the great popularity which this book has gained, was the chief agency in stimulating others to make similar attempts, which, had they all been undertaken for the sake of promulgating Homoeopathy, would certainly deserve the highest praise; however the utter want of diversity in the manifold popular works on Homoeopathy is a nearly direct proof of an equal want in the diversity of motives.

Though the publication and promulgation of domestic Homoeopathy is perhaps one of the means to strengthen the foothold of our great principle; yet there are many other modes of making the public familiar with its philosophy and practical value, of which Dr. B, F. Joslin has given us so great and so good an example; and it is much to be regretted that so little attention is directed toward literature of that kind.

It cannot be denied that an elementary knowledge of the homoeopathic materia medica among the public, materially enhances its growth, by convincing many of its great efficacy, who, while they would from fear or prejudice avoid the advice of a homoeopathic physician, are easily persuaded by their lay friends just for once to try a few drops or pellets; still there is another kind of knowledge regarding Homoeopathy, which if cast abroad will in the end do more lasting good in the cause of our great truths, than the dissemination of a few scraps of homoeopathic materia medica.

The knowledge referred to consists in understanding the fundamental principles of Homoeopathy, regarding which the public are just as much in the dark now as ever. Although thousands administer medicines, and some, according to the homoeopathic law, they are still as ignorant of this law as they were many years ago. Few know how homoeopathic medicines are prepared, why they are diluted, triturated or potentized, and how it is possible for such preparations to have an effect. The only prevailing opinion among the public is, with very rare exceptions, that Homoeopathists differ from Allopathists in giving smaller doses. If nothing is done on our part to spread more rational and perfect ideas regarding Homoeopathy, it can not fail ere long to become the source of endless superstition, therein sharing the fate of the old school, beside adding profusely to medical slang and meaningless commonplaces so usual among the uninitiated.

We have an Organon of Homoeopathy for physicians, we should also have one for the public. Homoeopathists at home and abroad should determine upon certain principles for promulgation; these laid down in a strictly popular manner, and in a neat volume, by a man inspired by sympathy for his fellow men, and a mind well versed in expounding hard-gained knowledge to the non-professional public, should be strewed broadcast over the land, and homoeopathic physicians should never cease to refer their friends to this book. The advantage gained, would be that the public mind becomes prepared and educated to receive, and to understand a truth, in comprehending which we have all had much to contend with. Facts are sufficient in most cases to lead to conviction, especially if rendered intelligible by sound popular philosophy.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 02 No. 04-05, 1860, pages 167-176, pages 232-240]

[Description: Popular Literature on Homoeopathy; Dr. Caspari''s Homoeopathic Domestic Physician; Laurie's Parents Guide; Epps' Domestic Homoeopathy; Guernsey's Homoeopathic Domestic Practice; The Gentleman 's Hand-book; Freligh's Homoeopathic Practice of Medicine; Small's Manual of Homoeopathic Practice; Hempel & Beakley's Manual of Homoeopathic Theory and Practice; Pulte; Homoeopathic Domestic Physician; Hering's Domestic Physician]

[Author: Wesselhoeft, C.]

[Year: 1860]

MINUTE DOSES.

BY DR. NEVILLE WOOD.*[Monthly Homeopathic Review. London,. 12, 6, 728.]

An American lady, of middle age and of a sensitive temperament, was seized with dysentery. She had suffered several times with the same disorder in New York and had always been under homoeopathic treatment in cases of illness. Merc. corr. was now prescribed, in solution, a teaspoonful immediately after each movement of the bowels. At the end of five days the complaint was cured. The same remedy was now given twice a day, for two days longer; but no sooner had the bowels resumed their natural action, than a strong ptyalism set in and lasted several hours. No antidote was required, as the symptom had ceased before I was informed of its existence. It was now elicited that the New York physician used low attenuations of tinctures and triturations, and that various homoeopathic preparations of Mercury had before induced a much more marked and obstinate salivation.

It is remarkable that in this, as in the previous case, the ill effects of the remedy arose only when the curative action had ceased. Indeed had it been otherwise, the excessive flow of saliva and the concomitant symptoms, might fairly have been considered as symptoms of the disorder. Had the Mercurius been discontinued immediately on the cessation of the disorder, the inconvenience might have been averted.

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

[Source: The American Homoeopathic Review Vol. 04 No. 01, 1863, page 37]

[Description: Minute Doses.]

[Author: Wood, N.]

[Year: 1863]

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION by the Editor

Aegidi; a Case of Diabetes Mellitus

Aegidi; High Potencies

AHomeo01; Another Cure for Consumption

AHomeo01; Book Notice; Hirschel; Study of Pharmacodynamics

AHomeo01; Book-Notices 03

AHomeo01; Book-Notices 06

AHomeo01; Book-Notices 12

AHomeo01; Book-Notices

AHomeo01; Communication from C. von Boenninghausen (1858)

AHomeo01; Coxitis

AHomeo01; Dispensary and Hospital reports

AHomeo01; Dr. Trinks on high dilutions

AHomeo01; Epilepsy

AHomeo01; Fragmenta by Analectes

AHomeo01; Fragmenta II by Analectes

AHomeo01; Geography, Chorography and Periodicity

AHomeo01; Gonorrhea

AHomeo01; Introductory

AHomeo01; Letter from Dr Bacmeister

AHomeo01; Lunacy

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 01

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 02

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 03

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 04

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 05

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 06

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 07

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 08

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 09

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 10

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 11

AHomeo01; Miscellaneous 12

AHomeo01; Paralysis

AHomeo01; Present Position of Medical Science (1858)

AHomeo01; Symptoms

AHomeo01; Tinea Capitis

AHomeo02; Book Notices 12

AHomeo02; Books Received 08

AHomeo02; Establishment of Hahnemann Medical College Chicago

AHomeo02; Homoeopathic Medical College of The State of New York

AHomeo02; Miscellaneous 01

AHomeo02; Miscellaneous 02

AHomeo02; Miscellaneous 04

AHomeo02; Miscellaneous 09

AHomeo02; on Reporting Cases

AHomeo03; Book Notices 07

AHomeo03; Book Notices 08

AHomeo03; Book Notices 10

AHomeo03; Central Union of The Homoeopathic Physicians of Germany

AHomeo03; Drosera in Tuberculosis

AHomeo03; Hahnemann Academy of Medicine

AHomeo03; Homeopathy in Michigan State Prison

AHomeo03; Homoeopathic Physicians of The Rhine and Westphalia

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 01

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 03

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 04

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 05

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 10

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous 11

AHomeo03; Miscellaneous

AHomeo04; Book Notices 09

AHomeo04; Book Notices

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 01

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 03

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 04

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 05

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 06

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 07

AHomeo04; Miscellaneous 11

AHomeo04; Provings of Kali Cyanuretum

AHomeo04; Rheumatism Cured by a Bee-sting

AHomeo05; Book Notice 03

AHomeo05; Clinical Remarks on Cancer

AHomeo05; Hahnemann's Organon

AHomeo05; Hahnemann's Will

AHomeo05; Miscellaneous 01

AHomeo06; American Homoeopathic Periodicals

AHomeo06; Book Notices 06

AHomeo06; Homoeopathy and the Board of Health

AHomeo06; Miscellaneous 03

AHomeo06; Valedictory

AInstHom; The Fifteenth Annual Session (1858)

Ainsthom; The Seventeenth Annual Session (1860-06-06)

AInstHom; The Sixteenth Annual Session (1859)

Allen TF; Allium Cepa

Allen TF; Cases of Epilepsy

Allen TF; Clinical Observations on Lachesis

Allen TF; Gelsemium Sempervirens vs Gelseminum Nitidum

Allen TF; Provings of Aloes

Allen TF; The Physiology and Pathology of The Nasal Passages

Alley JT; Clinical notes on Amenorrhea

Alley JT; Teachings of Pathology in relation to Homeopathy

Alley JT; Teachings of Physiology in relation to Homeopathy

Aprovunion; Transactions 1859-12-08

Aprovunion; Transactions 1860-01-12 1860-02-09

Bahm; Transactions 1859-11-28

Baird WP; Drug Provings

Battman; Clinical Remarks on High Potencies

Bayard E; Inflammation of the Caput Coli

Bayard E; The Remedial and Pathogenetic effect of Dulcamara on the Horse

Bayard; Bowers; Paine; Provings of Rumex Crispus

Bayes W; Question on Doses Reply to Dr Lippe

Bayes; Cholera As Treated by Dr Rubini

Bell JB; Clinical Cases

Bell JB; Scabies

Boenninghausen C; Anamnesis of Sycosis

Boenninghausen C; Hahnemann's Three Precautions

Boenninghausen C; Hooping Cough

Boenninghausen C; Jenichen's High Potencies

Boenninghausen C; Kreasotum

Boenninghausen C; Motion and Rest

Boenninghausen C; on The Relative Worth of Symptoms; With Some Remarks on Borax

Boenninghausen C; Tabes Dorsalis and Aluminium metallicum

Boenninghausen C; The Advantages of The High Potencies

Boenninghausen C; The Choice of the Remedy

Boenninghausen C; Thuja As An Intercurrent Remedy

Boenninghausen C; Toothache

Bojanus; Warts

BostonAHM; Transactions 01

Bowers BF; Life and Character of Dr Joslin

Boyce CW; Arsenicum and Dysentery

Boyce CW; Catarrh

Boyce CW; Lachesis in Bronchial Catarrh

Boyce CW; Observations on Spigelia

Boyce CW; Poisoning by a Wasp

Boyce CW; Purpura Haemorrhagica

Boyce CW; Uterine Catarrh

Brewster AJ; Clinical Cases

Buckland; Poisoning by Cobra

Burritt F; Hamamelis Virginiana

Capper; Case of Severe and Complicated Pneumonia

Cate HJ; a Case of Acute Albuminuria

Clary L; Proving of Rhus Vernix

Coe MD; Alternation

Colby I; Bigelow, Exposition of Rational Medicine

Collum MMc; Chronic Gastritis

Comstock TG; Good Samaritan Hospital Saint Louis 1859 Report

Coxe JR; Alternation of Remedies

Coxe JR; Book Review; Hempel J; Manual

Cushing AM; Whooping Cough

Cushing MD; Case of Convulsions

Dake M; Medical Education

Davison JM; Clinical Observations on Hamamelis

Dunham C; Administration of High Potencies

Dunham C; Aloes in Dysentery

Dunham C; Alternation of Remedies 02

Dunham C; Alternation of Remedies

Dunham C; Climate

Dunham C; Clinical Contribution

Dunham C; Datura Stramonium

Dunham C; Deafness cured by Mezereum

Dunham C; Deodorizing agents

Dunham C; Dr C von Boenninghausen

Dunham C; Fungi and Measles

Dunham C; Homoeopathy in Cuba

Dunham C; Homoeopathy The Science of Therapeutics

Dunham C; Chlorine and Spasmus Glottidis

Dunham C; Chlorine in Spasm of The Glottis

Dunham C; Chronic Diarrhea Cured by a Single Dose of a High Potency

Dunham C; Mend Or End

Dunham C; Mezereum

Dunham C; Murex Purpurea

Dunham C; Observations on Aconite

Dunham C; Observations on Bryonia

Dunham C; Observations on Colchicum

Dunham C; Observations on Eupatorium

Dunham C; Observations on Lachesis

Dunham C; Observations on Materia Medica

Dunham C; Observations on Opium

Dunham C; Observations on Rhus

Dunham C; on The Elimination Theory

Dunham C; Pterygium Crassum Cured by a Single Remedy in a High Potency

Dunham C; Relation of Pathology to Therapeutics

Dunham C; Remarks on Aloes

Dunham C; Remarks on Scabies

Dunham C; Retrospect 02

Dunham C; Retrospect

Dunham C; Rhees MJ; Joslin BF; Wells PP; Observations on Rumex Crispus

Dunham C; Specific Results

Dunham C; The Appeal to The People 01

Dunham C; The Appeal to The People 02

Dunham C; The Appeal to The People 03

Dunham C; The Basis of Treatment

Dunham C; The Dose in Drug-proving

Dunham C; The Question of The Dose

Dunham C; The Use of High Potencies in The Treatment of The Sick

Dunham C; Value of Unproved Remedies

Dunham C;; Mutato Nomine

Eidherr M; Cyclamen Europaeum

Epps J; Constipation

Fanning TC; Case of Dysmenorrhea

Fanning TC; Coffea in Toothache

Fanning TC; Lithium Carbonicum

Feller M; Apis in Bright's Disease Following Scarlatina

Fellger Ad; Clinical Case

Fellows HB; Enlargement of The Materia Medica

Fellows HB; Lachesis

Fincke B; Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 01

Fincke B; Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 02

Fincke B; Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 03

Fincke B; Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 04

Fincke B; Clinical Cases and Observations on High Potencies 05

Fincke B; Homoeopathic Tocology

Fincke B; Hydrocele

Fincke B; New Proving of Spongia Tosta

Fincke B; New Provings of Galvanismus

Fowler EP; Letter from Dr Fowler

Frost JHP; Notes on Lachesis

Frost JHP; Post Scarlatina Dropsy

Frost JHP; The Sympathetic and Spinal Systems in Relation to Psora

Gabalda F; Metrorrhaghia

Gallupe W; Clinical Contributions

Gallupe Wm; Clinical Contributions

Gardiner R; Cannabis Indica

Gardiner R; Dignity of The Medical Character

Goallon H; Are Homoeopathic Doses Nothing Or Something

Gonzalez Dr; Case of Cinchona-poisoning

Gonzalez PA; Case of Lead Colic

Gorton DA; Clinical Contribution

Gorton DA; Tabes Mesenterica

Goullon H; How Do Homoeopathic Medicines Act

Goullon H; Medicinal Matter and Force

Gregg RR; Clinical Contributions

Guenther SG; Cure and conversion of an allopath

Hale EM; Clinical Observations on Terebinth

Hale EM; Coffea in Toothache

Hale EM; Copavia Balsamum in Blenorrhagia

Hale EM; Glycerine for external applications

Hallock L; Lactation

Hawley WA; Alternation of Remedies

Hawley WA; Alternation

Hawley WA; Case of Phthisis Pulmonalis

Heath ER; Poisoning by Phosphorus

Helmuth WmT; Apis in Surgical Diseases

Helmuth WmT; Homoeopathic Medicine in Surgery

Helmuth WmT; Stomatitis

Hencke; Nux Vomica

Hering C; Apis Mellifica

Hering C; Cases of Diphtheria

Hering C; Digitalis According to The Monographs of Baehr and Black

Hering C; Introductory Lecture

Hering C; Our Materia Medica

Hering C; Proposal to Publish a Standard Work on Materia Medica

Hering C; Proving of Lithium Carbonicum

Hering C; Sifting The Drug Symptoms

Hering C; Tellurium

Hering C; The British Repertory

Hering C; The Morbid Fear of Hydrophobia

Hermel; Teucrium Marum Verum

Holcombe WmH; Acalipha Indica in Pulmonary Haemorrhage

Hoppe J; Characteristic Symptoms

Hoppe J; Intercostal Neuralgia With Spasms

Houghton MG; Diphtheria

Hunt FV; Causes of Malarious Fever

Hunt FV; Follicular Enteritis

Hunt FV; Physical properties and Character of Malaria

Hunt FW; Practical Uses and Abuses of Stimulants

Chase HL; Belladonna as a Prophylactic in Scarlatina

ChicagoHMS; Transactions (1858) 02

ChicagoHMS; Transactions (1858) 03

ChicagoHMS; Transactions (1858)

ChicagoHMS; Transactions (1859) 03

ChicagoHMS; Transactions (1859)

Jackson MB; Broken Breast

Jackson MB; Mechanical Means in Misplacements of The Uterus

Jackson MB; Pulsatilla in Malpresentation

Jahr GHG; Collection of Clinical Observations and Studies of the MM

Jenner AJB; Kerosene a Homoeopathic Remedy For Burns

Joslin BF Jr; Clinical Contributions

Joslin BF Jr; Dropsy After Scarlet Fever

Joslin BF Jr; Chlorine in Spasmus Glottidis

Joslin BF Jr; Insanity Treate at Home of the Patient

Joslin BF Jr; Intermittent fever

Joslin BF Jr; Report of a Case of Abscess of The Liver

Joslin BF Jr; Singular Case of Spasmodic Stricture of The Oesophagus

Joslin BF Jr; Vaccination and Revaccination

Joslin BF; Apis in Cases of Albuminuria

Joslin BF; Five Points House of Industry Report

Joslin BF; Homeopathic practice and provings

Joslin BF; Impurities of an attenuating liquid

Joslin BF; Nature of Ozone

Joslin BF; On the Advancement of Medical Science

Joslin BF; Polygonum Hydropiper - fragmentary provings

Joslin BF; Potencies in Connection with Crudities

Joslin BF; Rhus radicans - first proving

Joslin BF; Rumex crispus - verified symptoms

Joslin BF; Second Proving of Rhus Radicans

Kellogg EM; Palpebral Neuralgia

Kenton LM; Clinical Observation of Kalmia Latifolia

Kenyon LM; Case Fragment

Kenyon LM; Croup

Kenyon LM; Curative Effect of Hamamelis

Kenyon LM; Lachesis

King OR; Hooping Cough

King OR; Poisoning by Cyanide of Potassium

Lazarus ME; Purulent Ophthalmia

Lippe Ad; a Letter to the Editor 01

Lippe Ad; a Letter to the Editor 02

Lippe Ad; a Question on Characteristic Indications Addressed to Dr Bayes

Lippe Ad; Arum Triphyllum in Scarlet Fever

Lippe Ad; Clinical Observations 05

Lippe Ad; Clinical Observations 06

Lippe Ad; Clinical Observations 08

Lippe Ad; Doses

Lippe Ad; Dr Von Boenninghausen

Lippe Ad; Dysentery

Lippe Ad; Importance of a Single Symptom

Lippe Ad; Intermittent Fever

Lippe Ad; Lachesis

Lippe Ad; Lachnanthes Tinctoria

Lippe Ad; Pathological Conditions No Indication of Treatment

Lippe Ad; Reply to Dr Bayes' Answer

Lippe Ad; The Allopathic Practice Not Progressive in 1862

Lippe Ad; The Alternation of Aconite and Belladonna

Lippe Ad; The Diseases of The Prostate Gland and Their Treatment

Lippe Ad; The Homoeopathician

Lippe Ad; The Materia Medica

Lippe Ad; The Question of The Dose

Lippe Ad; Who Is a Homoeopathician (reply to Mr Pope)

Lippe Ad; Who Is a Homoeopathician 02 (final reply to Mr Pope)

Lippe Ad; Who Is a Homoeopathist

Lippe C; Clinical Contribution

Lmonhomeo; Importance of Symptomatology

Lmonhomeo; London Life Assurance Office Converted to Homoeopathy by The Evidence of Statistics

Lmonhomeo; Medical fees

Lmonhomeo; The Formula of Homoeopathy

Lmonhomeo; What Allopathic Practitioners Think of Homoeopathy

Ludlam R; Review; Apis mellifica; Wolf CW

Ludlam R; Stomatitis Materna

Macy BC; Kalmia Latifolia in Brights Disease

Mason CH; Trismus

Maumene ME; Action of fluorides on animal

Meyer V; The Action of Glonoine

Minnichreiter F; Rheumatism of The Arm and Rheumatic Coccygodynia Cured by Apis

Morgan AR; Case of Malformation of The Heart

Morgan AR; Fidelity

Morgan AR; Lachesis

Morgan AR; Medical Report of The Onondaga County Orphan Asylum

Morgan AR; Professional Trials and Dangers

Mouremans J; Case of Double Cataract

Nankivell H; Glonoine in Nervous Affections

Nankivell JH; Apis Mellifica in Scarlatina Maligna

Navarro JJ; Notes on Guao

Oehme FG; Dysentery

Paine HD; Diphtheria

Paine HM; Aesculus Hippocastanum

Paine HM; State Homoeopathic Medical Society

Payne JH; Chronic Tetanus of Seven Years Standing

Payne JH; Syphilis

Payne NM; Toxicological effects of Rhus Toxicodendron

Payne WME; Proving of Gelseminum Sempervirus

Pearson C; Lachesis As a Remedy

Perkins RG; Remedies

Perkins RG; Theory of Cure

Perkins RG; Theory of Disease

Perkins RG; Theory of Life

Peters JC; Yellow Fever at Staten Island (1858)

Plundell; The Australian Red Gum Or Kino

Pomeroy TF; Clinical Contribution

Pomeroy TF; Eruption Upon The Scalp Cured by a Single Remedy

Pope AC; The Cattle Plague

Pope AC; Who Is a Homoeopathician 02 (reply to Dr Lippe)

Pope AC; Who Is a Homoeopathician

Pretsch C; American Remedies

Pretsch C; Potencies or Dilutions; Second Article

Pretsch C; Potencies or Dilutions

Raue CG; Diagnostic Indications of The Face

Raue CG; Diagnostic Indications of The Tongue

Ray W; Case of Scarlet Fever

Raymond JC; Diphtheria

Rhees MJ; Asclepias Tuberosa

Rhees MJ; Cases of Mineral Poisoning

Rhees MJ; Provings of Rumex Crispus

Rhees MJ; Value of Clinical Reports

Robinson H; a Case of Phlebitis

Robinson H; Case of Ascites

Rowley WM; Specifics

Rubini R; Proving of Cactus Grandiflorus

Ruhfus; Chronic Cerebro-spinal Disease

Shipman E; Are we inclining to Allopathy

Schaefer C; Clinical Contribution

Schaefer C; Dysentery

Smith HM; Report of An Anomalous Case

Springsteed D; Case of Trismus

Stern L; Some Remarks on The Homoeopathic Treatment of Intermittent Fever

Stokes; Fragmentary provings

Swift CE; Diseases of Children

Temple JT; Case of Hydatids

Vanderburgh F; Congestion

Vanderburgh F; Respiration

Wade JL; Anthemis Nobilis

Wade JL; Case of Yellow Fever

Warner NH; Pathogenetic Effects of Belladonna

Wells DF; Clinical Contributions

Wells PP; Aloes

Wells PP; Apis Mellifica

Wells PP; Cannabis Indica

Wells PP; Colchicum

Wells PP; Croup

Wells PP; Diarrhea

Wells PP; Drug Proving

Wells PP; Dysentery

Wells PP; Gelseminum

Wells PP; Lachesis

Wells PP; Pneumonia

Wells PP; Practice cases

Wells PP; Rheumatism

Wells PP; Scarlet Fever 02

Wells PP; Scarlet Fever 03

Wells PP; Scarlet Fever

Wells PP; The Dose

Wells PP; The Microscope

Wells PP; Typhoid Fever

Wesselhoeft C; Clinical Observations on Lachesis

Wesselhoeft C; Diseases During Lactation

Wesselhoeft C; Popular Literature on Homoeopathy

Wood N; Minute Doses